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Eureka Smile Center
Jack Griffin, Jr., D.M.D.
18 Hilltop Village Center Dr
Eureka, MO 63025
Phone: (636) 938-6241
Fax: (636) 938-7941
Eureka Smile Center: Dental Solutions for the Whole Family
At Eureka Smile Center, we are proud to provide superior dental attention for patients of all ages. Whether you are visiting our office for a routine cleaning, cosmetic dental work, or you are bringing a child in for their first dental experience, you can be assured of receiving the pinnacle of dental care and personal attention. We have satisfied patients of all ages from Eureka, Kirkwood, Fenton, Chesterfield, and throughout St. Louis County.
Routine Cleanings and Exams
We all know how important it is to see your dentist for regular oral exams and cleanings, and at Eureka Smile Center, this no longer feels like a chore. With our beautiful and calming office and treatment rooms, and our friendly chair side manner, our patients often comment on how pleasant they find their visits. Our dental hygienists are known for their thorough yet gentle cleanings, and Dr. Griffin takes special care to ensure that all of his patients are well educated on the proper way to care for their teeth and gums at home.
In addition to cleaning our patients' teeth, another essential aspect to biannual check-ups is the oral examination. During exams, Dr. Griffin is able to diagnose any dental problems patients may have, from broken or decayed teeth to the precursors of periodontal disease. At Eureka Smile Center, we are proud to employ the latest in diagnostic dental technology. Tools like intraoral cameras and all-digital x-rays allow us to conduct painless oral examinations for our patients, and to diagnose any problems they may have safely and accurately.
Periodontal Care
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the care and maintenance of the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth. Proper gum care is essential to the overall health of your teeth and mouth. It is especially important to establish good gum care routines early in life, because gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. With patients from Eureka, Kirkwood, Fenton, Chesterfield, and throughout St. Louis County visiting Eureka Smile Center, Dr. Griffin and his team always pay special attention to the gums of their patients to ensure that they are healthy, and we are vigilant in educating our valued patients on the proper ways to care for their gums.
Laser Gum Therapy
A very important part of our overall gum therapy and smile improvement is the use of a laser to shape tissues, kill bacteria, and promote a long-term environment for improved cosmetics and health. A laser can often replace other surgical techniques to enhance these tissues. Recovery is usually very fast and pain-free, without the need for surgery, incisions, or sutures. The laser is an integral part of our long-term, overall cosmetic excellence.
Children's Dentistry
Has your child ever begged you not to leave the dentist? Impossible? Not at our office! It could be our gentle touch and special way with kids, or it could be our "very cool" children's reception room. Our staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth; but just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun.
With laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and a caring, gentle staff, we are able to make a child into a terrific life-long patient by eliminating the dental fear many adults knew as children. Nitrous oxide is great for children, and some adults, because of its long-term and ultra-safe record, its calming effect, and its replacement for anesthetics in many cases.
Nitrous oxide is a clear gas that is breathed through the nose and makes the patient very relaxed. Most routine dental work can then be done without numbing injections, which decreases the apprehension greatly. We ask that the patient have nothing but small quantities of liquids within three hours of the appointment, as laughing gas can cause the stomach to become a bit "un-easy" if full of food. Within minutes after the gas is stopped, the child usually feels "normal" and is able to resume daily activities almost immediately.
What dental problems could my child have?
Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is baby bottle tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child staying on the bottle (or breast) too long. Another problem is gum disease. About 40 percent of children 2-3 years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits (such as thumb-sucking) should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth will help your child chew food easily, speak clearly, and feel good about his or her appearance.
Why are baby teeth so important?
Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile with confidence is a happy child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, and infections; and these problems can spread to the permanent teeth. Furthermore, your child's general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren't treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for years.
What should I tell my child about their first dental visit?
This is a very common question from our St. Louis County patients. At Eureka Smile Center, we suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child (they have radar for these things). Your child's reaction to his or her first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
What about preventative care?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care, and this is especially important when dealing with children. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child's teeth. Sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay prone back teeth. While sealants are an important way to protect your child's teeth, educating him or her on the necessity of vigilant oral healthcare is absolutely crucial. This is why, at Eureka Smile Center, we always take the extra time to make sure our younger patients understand how to properly brush and floss their teeth. It is our sincere wish to promote a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums for all of our patients.
Serving the Dental Needs of Eureka, Kirkwood, Fenton, Chesterfield, and all of St. Louis County
If you live in Kirkwood, Fenton, Chesterfield, or anywhere in St. Louis County, contact our Eureka family dentistry office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Griffin and his friendly staff want to help you and your family with their dental health.