PATIENT INFORMATION
Dr. Mandefro and his staff are dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and smile results that you’re proud to show off. Our team is available to help with scheduling, financial policy, and insurance questions.
Read on for more information about our dental practice.
Discover our new patient specials, discounts, and the exceptional dental care we provide!
At Meramec Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services in Arnold, MO. Our compassionate, professional dentist treats patients of all ages.
We want your first office visit to be comfortable as we work to meet your personal dental needs.
We will take the time to properly diagnose your dental concerns, review your past medical and dental histories, and create a customized treatment plan that provides for your optimal oral health. We will complete a comprehensive dental examination and assessment.
Why? Because we want to establish a trusting long-term relationship with high-quality dental care.
Contact Us Today
Schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a beautiful, healthy smile by scheduling an appointment. Please contact us or complete the appointment request form below. We will contact you within 24 hours weekdays (M-F) and 48 hours on weekends Sat-Sun to schedule you an appointment. Existing patients should not use this form to communicate private health information.
Even with a tight budget, you can still get an amazing smile!
This page lists our current specials for affordable dental services in Arnold, MO. Since we can’t offer them all the time, they do have an expiration date.
Remove all your bad teeth and get your smile on! That’s all your bad teeth, a few or all, and a set of immediate healing dentures or partials.
NOW $2,995.00
download our new patient paperwork
Your first appointment includes an exam and a discussion about your dental service options. Treatment can often be started the day of your consultation. However, patients with complex conditions or histories may require an evaluation first and a second appointment to begin the treatment.
Please provide the following information during your consultation:
- Any previous x-rays, if applicable
- A list of your current medications
- Dental insurance information and the necessary forms, if applicable
IMPORTANT: Patients under 18 years old must have a parent or guardian with them.
Prior to dental treatment, please let the office know if you have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc. or if you are currently taking medications such as heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.
X-RAYS
If your previous dentist has taken x-rays, please have them forwarded to our office or bring them with you to your appointment. If additional x-rays are needed, we can take them in our office.
HOW IMPORTANT IS ORAL HYGIENE?
Good oral health habits are necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. If bacteria build up on the teeth, tartar develops and hardens. This can lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, if it is not removed. Regular teeth cleanings and exams with a dentist and a good oral care routine keeps your mouth healthy and prevents problems such as inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.
WHY GET A DENTAL EXAM?
Dental exams with your family dentist in Arnold, MO are a time to review your oral health, assess and determine your treatment needs, and to protect your mouth from problems such as cavities and gum disease. The earlier problems are detected, the easier they can be corrected.
Scheduling
For routine dental care and needs, we strive to schedule your appointments as promptly as possible. For emergency dentistry in Arnold, MO, contact us immediately so we may see you as quickly as possible.
We try to maintain our schedules and minimize wait times. Due to the fact that Dr. Mandefro provides many types of dental services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also cause delays.
We appreciate your understanding and patience.
FINANCIAL POLICY/PATIENT BILLING
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We deliver the finest care at an affordable cost. Payment is due the day of your service unless advance arrangements have been made. Please contact us at Arnold Office Phone Number(636) 333-3304. Many times, a phone call will clear up miscommunication or misunderstandings.
Please remember, regardless of your insurance coverage, all fees due are your responsibility.
You will receive a monthly statement. Insurance companies generally respond within four to six weeks. Please call us if your statement does not show a recent insurance payment.
If a balance remains after your insurance payment, the amount due is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated. Monthly payment plans are accepted but must be arranged prior to your procedure.
Insurance
At Meramec Family Dentistry, we make every effort to provide you with the best dental care in Arnold and the most convenient financial options. We will work with you and your insurance company to maximize your insurance reimbursement for procedures. Contact us for assistance.
We Take Most Insurances!
Just give us a call to find out.
Taking precautions to prevent and control infections protect clients and staff. The patient, dentist, and dental team benefit from rigorous infection control. Feel free to discuss this topic and our protocols with Dr. Mandefro.
We follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment including dental handpieces using an autoclave. This device kills bacteria and viruses using steam, heat, and pressure.
Information is the best way to fight disease. When you have access to quality information, you can make good decisions about your health care. By informing you of our procedures and policies, we hope to increase your trust and comfort levels.
Want to know more?
PRECISION DENTISTRY
Dr. Mandefro and his staff utilize the latest dental technology to enhance the quality of your dental care.
Using high-powered microscopes such as those used by an ophthalmologist allows us to enhance patient care.
Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using a high-powered microscope allows us to perform precise, detailed tasks and to create precisely fitting and finished dental restorations.
In addition, the microscope directs light directly on the teeth which minimizes the glare for you.
In many dental offices, dentists use air-driven hand-pieces or “drills.” These tools are acceptable for many procedures, but they have a degree of non-concentricity meaning they do not move or rotate in a perfectly smooth fashion.
In contrast, we use electric hand-pieces for more precise needs in restorative dental procedures. The relationship between your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling) and your natural tooth is extraordinarily smooth and precise.
As an added bonus, the electric tool creates less vibration and noise which many patients find more comforting.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Advantages to patients include:
- Creates a more relaxed mood
- Easier to sit through a lengthy procedure
- Possible to complete multiple dental procedures or treatments during the same appointment
- Less discomfort following the treatment
ANTI-ANXIETY PILLS
Dental-related anxiety medications generally belong to the “benzodiazepine” family and include Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These medications bind and tone down the “fear receptors” of the brain and decrease the patient’s anxiety level.
Meramec Family Dentistry can help you get the care you need!
DON’T FEAR THE SHOT!
We have invested in a new technology that will lessen and in many cases eliminate the PAIN from getting a shot. That’s right, no more fearing the needle.
Decreased pain from injections can reduce dental anxieties, improve comfort, and improve your view of the dentist.
INTRAVENOUS SEDATION (“TWILIGHT SEDATION”)
We offer the option of Intravenous Sedation, also known as “Twilight Sedation.” This is what sets our office apart from other dental practices; it is our niche, if you will.
Intravenous Sedation helps patients feel comfortable and calm during dental procedures. If you choose, your treatment can be performed under intravenous sedation.
Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) allows you to undergo dental procedures while you are very relaxed. It makes procedures more tolerable as you may not remember the treatment or any discomfort it caused. IV sedation essentially alleviates the anxiety associated with your treatment. During the procedure, you will feel comfortable, calm, and relaxed. Patients often drift in and out of sleep.
If you choose IV sedation, the anesthesia is administered and monitored by Dr. Mandefro, which eliminates the added cost of an operating room or outpatient surgical facility.
AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION
After a tooth extraction, a blood clot must form to stop bleeding and start the healing process. You will be asked to bite down on gauze for 30-45 minutes after your procedure. If bleeding or oozing continues, replace the gauze with a clean pad and bite down firmly for an additional 30 minutes.
This process may continue several times. Although we provide you with extra gauze, you may want to buy some at the local pharmacy before your tooth extraction procedure.
After the blood clot forms, you must avoid disturbing or dislodge the clot. It is necessary for the healing process. Do not rinse or spit vigorously, use straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush the teeth adjacent to the extraction site for 72 hours. These actions will dislodge or dissolve the clot slowing healing and recovery. Disturbing the clot can also cause a dry socket to form. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours. Exercise increases blood pressure and may cause increased bleeding at the treatment site.
Following your tooth extraction, you may experience pain and swelling. An ice pack or bag of frozen peas or frozen corn can be placed on the site to reduce swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed. Swelling generally subsides after 48 hours.
If prescribed, use any antibiotics or pain medication as directed. Call the office at Arnold Office Phone Number(636) 333-3304
if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. Take any antibiotics for the indicated time, even if signs of infection are gone. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Eat nutritious soft foods on the day of your procedure and add in normal foods as you feel comfortable. Again, avoid using a straw for 72 hours.
Resume normal oral hygiene habits after 24 hours. This includes brushing twice and flossing once a day. This improves healing and keeps your mouth clean. Do not brush or touch the extraction site until healing is complete, usually within 14 days of the procedure.
After a few days, you can resume your normal activities.
If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to your medication, contact our office immediately at Arnold Office Phone Number(636) 333-3304 or contact and visit the local emergency room.
