Blog

The products that we carry are specifically designed to help you with your home care needs and are compatible with our message of prevention. CariFree is company which produces high-quality, preventive products. At this time, we carry their CTx3 rinse and CTx2 spray. The rinse has a prescription level of fluoride, xylitol (anti-cavity) and an […]

People often ask if or why their wisdom teeth need to be removed, and even why they have wisdom teeth in the first place. Without going into the theories about why our jaws often don’t have the room required to accommodate wisdom teeth, the problem is generally that there is often insufficient space on the […]

Dental insurance does not typically function in the same way as health insurance. A more appropriate term for the product is a “dental benefit plan.” Often times, after a required deductible is met for that year, the plan will cover a certain percentage of allowed procedures up to a yearly maximum. The rate at which […]

Cracked teeth can be a painful problem with an unpredictable future. Cracks can be very superficial and cause no symptoms or can be so extensive that removal of the tooth is required. Generally speaking, cracks always progress and worsen, but the rate of progression varies. We tend to see cracks associated with large fillings, but […]

As a Kois Center Graduate (www.koiscenter.com), Dr. Foote recently attended the Center’s annual symposium in Seattle. This was an incredible event and a great time to catch up with over 400 graduates from thirteen countries. Located on the shore of Lake Union, the Kois Center is a didactic and clinical program made up of nine […]

As discussed in a previous entry on this page, implants are used to replace teeth. These can be individual or multiple teeth, including an entire mouth. A very common utilization for even as few as two implants is to secure a complete denture. Because removable dentures move, people often complain about them coming out, rubbing […]

We are happy to file any forms which are needed by your insurance company. There are two companies with which we have preferred provider status, and they are Blue Cross/Blue Shield (300 level) and Delta Dental (Premier level). If you are on a preferred provider list of another company, you will still likely receive benefits […]

The fourth Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) was a great success, thanks to a tremendous level of organization, donation, and volunteerism. We are fortunate to live in such a great community where this could take place. Here are a few points about this year’s MOMOM event, courtesy of the Missouri Dental Association: 2 Day Free […]

The term “bonding” is commonly used within the context of dentistry but is sometimes misunderstood or misused. Dental bonding is the process used to adhere a material such as porcelain or resin to tooth structure. Through the proper preparation of the surface of a tooth, we are able to make extremely strong, conservative and long-lasting […]

Regular visits to the dentist help to ensure a healthy mouth and minimize the extent of treatment should you develop a problem. Many people falsely assume that they have no problems because they are not experiencing pain. Early decay typically causes no symptoms and periodontal disease eventually causes tooth loss while causing little or no […]

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors. Tooth decay, too much plaque on the teeth, root exposure/recession and wear can all cause sensitivity, as can clenching your teeth. Tooth lightening and certain toothpastes can also make your teeth sensitive. Consuming acidic drinks or food can cause sensitivity and also erode tooth structure. […]

We place a heavy emphasis on continuing our education, and go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the state. Recently, Dr. Foote and the rest of team attended the Midwest Dental Conference in Kansas City. Spanning four days, topics included dental hygiene, wellness, practice management, oral surgery, oral medicine, pathology, endodontics, interpersonal communication, and […]

Porcelain veneers are thin laminates of porcelain which are applied to the surfaces of the teeth in order to change the shape, shade and/or alignment of teeth, and can also be used to improve function. Little or no tooth structure may need to be prepared in order to achieve the desired result. They are a […]

Invisalign is a unique way to move teeth without having to wear braces. Once it’s determined that you’re a candidate, we gather some information about your condition and decide how you want your teeth to look. At the Invisalign laboratory, your treatment is done virtually and three-dimensionally on a computer. If you are happy with […]

Dental implants are an excellent option to replace missing teeth. Unlike other options which can be bulky or that move, or others which require removal of healthy tooth structure to stabilize a replacement tooth, implants are placed in the bone like a natural tooth root. They can then be used to support individual teeth, a […]

You might notice some new forms which are present on this site. Specifically, the dental history is designed to more thoroughly address patient concerns and assess risk factors to one’s oral health. By doing so, we can treat people in a more thorough manner and help them maintain health throughout life. The “TMD” questionnaire is […]

Cosmetic dentistry is an interest area within the profession. While this means that it is not a recognized specialty, it does require specialized training to be skilled at these procedures. Whether it be tooth lightening, veneers, orthodontics or orthognathic surgery, there are many things which can be done to enhance one’s appearance and improve function. […]

Jaw popping is caused by changes inside the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space. This usually is due to a change in form or position of a cartilaginous disc that should normally move in harmony within your joint. When this movement becomes disrupted, it can cause sounds (clicking, popping, grinding), altered function (limited range, uneven opening) and/or […]

Invisalign is an excellent way to conservatively and effectively enhance your smile. After a complete analysis of your needs and desires regarding your smile and bite, Dr. Foote can evaluate the type of treatment which is best suited for you. Depending on the amount of tooth movement and number of teeth being moved, Invisalign typically […]

MOMOM, or Missouri Mission of Mercy, is a two-day event of charitable dentistry. This event’s first appearance in Missouri was in Springfield in 2011 and has since been held in Cape Girardeau and St. Louis. The next one will be in Columbia on July 31st and August 1st, 2015, at Hearnes Center on the University […]

I’m pleased to report that I’ll be finishing an extensive continuing education continuum at the Kois Center (www.koiscenter.com) in Seattle later this month. The center is dedicated to science-based didactic and clinical education, including esthetic, implant and restorative dentistry and occlusion, with a continuous emphasis on a systematic approach to the most challenging cases. This […]