Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! We are happy to welcome new patients to our office whether you need a routine cleaning or have a toothache. Contact our office today and we will get you scheduled as soon as possible. We look forward to meeting you!

Absolutely! We want to be your family dentist and see children of all ages. We know that some children can be anxious visiting the dentist, so we do everything in our power to make sure your child is comfortable and relaxed.

Most people who grind their teeth do so while sleeping. The best treatment to stop grinding is to have a custom-made night guard. This device can save you thousands of dollars worth of damage if grinding is not properly treated.

We understand that sometimes dental bills come during difficult seasons in our patients' lives. We offer payment plans to qualified individuals who need assistance paying their bills in full. Contact our office today to learn more about your options.

Facing the loss of a tooth can be devastating. However, sometimes removing a tooth is the best way to protect your oral health and your remaining teeth, like in the case of an infection or damage to your tooth beyond what root canal therapy can repair. However, it is also a good idea to replace your tooth as soon as possible to protect your health and well being.

A tooth that is not replaced can lead to a host of issues such as:

• Loss of confidence and depression
• Poor diet and nutrition
• Loss of bone mass in your jawbone
• Contributing to systemic issues such as heart disease and diabetes
• Shifting of your healthy teeth resulting in bite misalignment

There Are Options For Missing Teeth

The good news is that modern dentistry offers excellent replacement options such as dental implants that will restore both your tooth and your oral health. If you are facing a tooth extraction in Webster Groves, MO, Dr. Matthew Wenzel can guide you through the process from start to finish, and discuss your best options for replacing your tooth with you.

Don't let a missing or failing tooth compromise your health! Contact Webster Groves Dental to learn more about your options.

No, Webster Groves Dental is a private practice and Dr. Matthew Wenzel is the sole owner. Often a corporate dental practice's executive office pressure dentists to push for unnecessary treatment. As a private practice, we can offer treatment that is in the interest of our patients. Before making any recommendations, Dr. Wenzel will ask what your goals are so that you can work together to achieve them. Every treatment plan is customized for each person's individual desires and goals.

You are likely grinding your teeth. Most people aren’t even aware they do so until their teeth shows wear from grinding. It’s important to schedule an appointment or mention this at your next checkup so we can advise you on the proper treatment to prevent further damage. In severe cases, we will recommend a customized night guard.  

It is important to stop grinding before it becomes problematic. Teeth grinding can result in expensive dental work if not properly taken care of early. Wearing a night guard while you sleep prevents further damage to your teeth.

Time is precious and so are your teeth!

We understand how the business of life can make it hard to schedule bi-annual cleanings, but making it a priority to care for your teeth will ultimately save you time and money. Developing good habits consisting of brushing, flossing, and cleaning appointments will ensure the longevity of your natural smile. Give our office a call to schedule your twice yearly cleaning.

We recommend brushing your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed as well as flossing at least once a day. Good oral hygiene will keep your teeth looking and feeling great for years to come. We are happy to discuss your home care techniques if you have any questions.

Preventative Care Is An Important Aspect of Dental Care

Many people think they only need to go to a dentist if they are in pain or have some sort of problem. Unfortunately waiting until you are in pain might mean fixing the problem is more complicated and more expensive. Many times cavities and other dental problems are not painful until they have progressed causing additional issues. It is best to come in for bi-annual exams and cleanings to address and treat any problems early before they become worse and more expensive. 
 

We accept several major insurance plans, PPO, and fee-for-service plans. We also offer payment plans. Contact us at Webster Groves Dental and we will gladly discuss your options. We do not accept Medicaid or any HMO plan.

We Work With You to Provide Quality Treatment

Even if our office is out-of-network, your insurance will still cover some of our fees. Regardless if you are in-network or out-of-network, most insurance companies do not cover 100% of the cost of procedures. Even though out-of-network fees may be only minimally higher than in-network, the most important consideration is choosing a dentist you trust and are confident will provide quality work that will ultimately cost you less over time. 

Every insurance plan is different. The best way to make sure your specific plan is accepted, talk to a specialist at our dental office!

We know that sometimes things happen to teeth outside of normal business hours. If you broke a tooth or are in a lot of pain, you can call our office to be directed to our after hours phone line. We will try to do everything in our power to assist you and make you the most comfortable until you are seen.  Call us for more information!

Chipping a tooth or having tooth pain can ruin your day! We do our best to see you as soon as possible to help alleviate any pain and often can schedule to have you seen by our team that day. If you are in any pain, do not hesitate to contact our office. 

At Webster Groves Dental, we understand how stressful it can be for our patients to undergo a dental procedure. In addition to using the most modern techniques to help you be at ease, do not hesitate to tell us your concerns and we will do everything within our power to keep you as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

​Your Safety is Our Primary Concern

In recent years, there have been concerns over the safety of the material used for silver (amalgam) fillings. Amalgam contains many metals including mercury which has caused some controversy. Several studies have been conducted to conclude that there should be no cause for concern with a silver filling. The FDA has stated amalgam fillings are safe for adults and children over six years old. Every day we are exposed to mercy in our environment from the air to water we drink. Any exposure to mercury from silver fillings is very small and less than what we are exposed to on a daily basis. There is no reason to have your silver fillings removed unless they are wearing out or unless you would like them removed for cosmetic reasons.

At Webster Groves Dental we only use a tooth-colored (composite) filling material to blend in with your natural teeth. The composite material does not contain mercury.

Quality Over Quantity

We keep up to date on our materials and equipment at Webster Groves Dental. While some dental practices may try to cut overhead cost by using materials and equipment that is either outdated or lesser quality, we are of the mindset of "quality over quantity." We choose to offer what we believe is some of the best materials out there for procedures such as fillings and crowns. We have new and advanced equipment for root canals and extractions to enable us to provide the best treatment possible.

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If you have any more questions regarding the practice or our technology, call us today.

Dental schools provide either a DMD or DDS degree, but there is no difference between the two beyond the title. Both degrees are the same and every dentist undergoes the same education. DMD is Latin for doctor of dental medicine and DDS stands for doctor of dental surgery. Learn more about our staff's credentials on our team page.

Unfortunately no. If you are interested in whitening your smile it is best to do so before anything artificial is placed. We will then select a shade that will match your current natural teeth. Fillings will often stain around the edges and may need to periodically be smoothed or replaced, depending on the situation.

The materials we use for crowns and veneers are very resistant to stains from common food and beverages. Over time, you may need to whiten your teeth again to keep a consistent shade throughout your mouth.

Custom Whitening Treatment For You

We know everyone wants to have whiter teeth. Customized trays do not always fit in everyone's budget, so we offer two types of whitening services. We offer a product that is similar to the whitening strips you find in retail stores. Instead of strips, it is a mold-able tray that you place in your mouth. It is much more user-friendly and more comfortable than the strips and is similarly priced.

Customized Whitening Trays

We also offer customized trays which requires taking an impression of your teeth and having a lab hand create your trays. Customized trays are an initial investment upfront, but last a life time. You can purchase tubes of whitening for about ten dollars whenever you want to whiten your teeth - for the rest of your life!  Call us today if you have any more questions!

It is crucial to replace missing teeth to maintain your natural smile as well as to talk and chew. Without replacing missing teeth, existing teeth will shift and possibly cause other issues to your mouth. There are many options to replace teeth. Call us today to discuss your options. 

It is crucial to replace missing teeth to maintain your natural smile as well as to talk and chew. Without replacing missing teeth, existing teeth will shift and possibly cause other issues to your mouth. There are many options to replace teeth. Call us today to discuss your options. 

Typically yes, crowns protect your natural teeth and will help the lifespan of your tooth after a root canal.

It may be time to replace it. Crowns generally last between five to fifteen years though it is not uncommon for them to last a lot longer if properly cared for. For many patients this can mean they will need more the one crown for the same tooth, this is why Dr. Wenzel is very conservative in recommending a crown. We want you to have your natural pearly whites for as long as possible! 

It is crucial to replace missing teeth to maintain your natural smile as well as to talk and chew. Without replacing missing teeth, existing teeth will shift and possibly cause other issues to your mouth. There are many options to replace teeth. Call us today to discuss your options. 

Our Concern is High-Quality Care

At Webster Groves Dental we do not offer same day crowns. Dr. Wenzel has worked with the equipment that produces same day crowns and feels the technology is not advanced enough to produce the type of high-quality customized crown that a specialized lab can make. Although using a lab takes more time and an additional appointment, the result is a crown that fits, feels, and looks much better than a crown that was made at a dental office. We are meticulous in choosing a lab that will make you a perfect crown for your mouth. We know time is valuable, but don’t compromise your smile: let a lab make your crown!

You are able to maintain an implant just like you maintain your natural teeth without requiring any additional care. Implants can be flossed and brushed as normal. 

Dental implants are most like your natural teeth compared to dentures and bridges. They are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth and help keep your smile as healthy as possible. Because implants are anchored into your jaw bone, they help you talk and chew better than a denture would. Dental implants also help prevent bone loss in your jaw, which is the only tooth replacement option that is able to do so.

It is crucial to replace missing teeth to maintain your natural smile as well as to talk and chew. Without replacing missing teeth, existing teeth will shift and possibly cause other issues to your mouth. There are many options to replace teeth. Call us today to discuss your options. 

Coverage varies among insurance plans, but most patients do have to pay a portion out of pocket. Contact your insurance carrier to find out what they would cover or give us a call today and we will be happy to assist. 

Getting An Implant Takes Time

The entire process of getting an implant can take over half a year but is well worth the time it takes since many people are unable to feel a difference between their natural teeth and an implant. Once you decide you would like to have the procedure, an oral surgeon will place the implant and you will be sent home with a temporary crown or denture.

Heal Before The Implant Is Completed

It will take several months for your gums and bone to fully heal before we can place the crown on top of the implant. Once the implant process is complete you will not have to deal with special maintenance to keep the implant healthy and clean. You treat an implant just like you treat your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing and bi-annual cleanings.  Please call us if you have any more questions.

If you suffer from full or partial tooth loss, dentures and partial dentures are a crucial part of your smile restoration, your facial appearance, your speaking voice, and your ability to chew food safely and properly.

At Webster Groves Dental, Dr. Matthew Wenzel creates quality dentures that meet your budget. He relies on quality materials and meticulous preparation to craft a natural-looking and functional denture or partial denture to restore your smile, facial appearance, speaking voice, and your bite.

When your teeth are missing, your lower face takes on a sunken and aged appearance. You may also find yourself over-pronouncing the s-sound when you speak. And without dentures or restoration teeth, you cannot safely chew food or chew it in a way that promotes healthy digestion.

At Webster Groves Dental, we want to restore your confidence and help you live your best life.

We offer full dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, and dentures made of various quality materials to fit your unique needs. These include flexible models and dentures that have a more traditional feel.

If you’re considering dentures in Webster Groves, MO, contact our dental office today to schedule an exam with our compassionate dentist. Also, get in touch if you have any questions.

It is crucial to replace missing teeth to maintain your natural smile as well as to talk and chew. Without replacing missing teeth, existing teeth will shift and possibly cause other issues to your mouth. There are many options to replace teeth. Call us today to discuss your options. 

Aftercare For An Extraction is Simple

A tooth extraction isn't nearly as complicated as you might think. Following a few simple tips will help your recovery process go smoothy and easily and have you back on your feet in no time.

After your extraction, initially you will have a blood clot in the socket, and sometimes some stitches will be placed to help the healing process. Dr. Wenzel may have you bite down on some gauze to help stop the bleeding.

Use Ice To Reduce Swelling

You can apply ice to the area initially after your extraction to help reduce swelling and take prescribed painkillers as needed. You'll also need to plan on resting and reducing your activities the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery. Eating soft foods, and avoiding smoking or drinking through a straw the first 24 hours are also important. You will need to continue to brush and floss your teeth but should avoid the extraction site for the first few days. This will help prevent an infection.

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Some pain or tenderness is normal for the first few days after an extraction. However, if you experience excessive bleeding, fever, nausea, vomiting, or discharge from the area you should contact our office right away. Your team at Webster Groves Dental is here for you, and you can always feel free to contact us with questions about your tooth extraction in Webster Groves before or after your procedure.

We Create The Best Treatment Plan For Your Need

Having a tooth extracted can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure of what to expect. If an extraction has been diagnosed, Dr. Wenzel has taken x-rays of your teeth and mouth and determined that this is the best course of action in order to help you maintain and protect your oral health. He will only diagnose an extraction as a last resort, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the best treatment for your needs.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

On the day of your procedure, Dr. Wenzel will use a localized anesthetic to numb the area and ensure that you don't feel anything during your procedure. Your comfort is a top priority at Webster Groves Dental, and we do everything we can to help you feel at ease during your procedure. Most patients are surprised at how smooth dental extraction can be.

Easy Recovery From Extraction in Webster Groves

The next step is your recovery, and we're here to support you. You'll be prescribed pain pills to be taken as needed, and it is normal to experience discomfort, tenderness, and even swelling for the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery. If you find these symptoms persisting, we encourage you to contact our office for further instructions.

If you have a tooth that needs to be removed, please don't delay your treatment. Contact Webster Groves Dental today to learn more about how we can make the process comfortable and efficient for you.

If you want to make dramatic improvements to your smile in a short amount of time, veneers at our Webster Groves, MO dental practice might be your best option. Many of the Hollywood celebrity smiles you admire so much are picture perfect because of veneers treatment.

Veneers can cover up many flaws with your smile:

• Teeth that appear to be too short
• Gaps and spaces between your teeth
• Misaligned or crooked teeth
• Teeth that are stained or otherwise discolored

The veneers process is easy and generally takes place over two dental appointments. In the first appointment, we will prepare your teeth for the veneers. This involves removing a small portion of your tooth enamel. This ensures the veneers will look natural and not appear “thick.” Because of this, veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic dentistry treatment.

We will also take an impression of your teeth to send to the lab. This will be used to fabricate the veneers.

In the second appointment, we will place the veneers, bonding them into place once they look and feel just right. In a matter of a couple of weeks, your smile can go from dull to dazzling with veneers at our Webster Groves, MO dental office.

Call us today to find out more!

Modern Technology Makes Root Canals Painless

Root canals are often the most dreaded procedure for patients. Unlike decades ago, modern day technology has advanced to the point where the process is practically painless. In fact, root canals typically provide instant relief for people in a lot of pain. Taking an antibiotic for one week before the appointment can go a long way towards managing your infection before your appointment even begins. 

Pain Relief is the Goal of Root Canals

During your root canal, you probably won't experience anything that different than you would during a filling appointment. You may be a little sore for a few days after your appointment but your symptoms will be nothing compared to how they were when you came in.

After the root canal is complete, the hollowed-out tooth tends to become brittle and prone to breakage. For this reason, we often recommend a dental crown to strengthen the tooth and protect it for as long as possible. If you have any questions about your upcoming root canal never hesitate to ask us! We want you to be as informed and comfortable with the whole process.