Blog Archive

Have you mentioned a dentist visit to your little one, only to be met with groans, eye rolls, or even tears? It's no secret that many kids are intimidated by a trip to the dentist’s office, and it makes sense given the unfamiliar noises, objects, and procedures.  But with some...

Having a routine dental cleaning can follow a pattern: You go in, sit down, get your cleaning, and unless there's a problem, you leave with an appointment scheduled for six months. But what if you could make that visit work harder for your dental health? At the private dental practice...

If you just found out you need a filling, you might be wondering how this restoration helps your dental health — other than the obvious. Dentists often use fillings to treat cavities, or areas in your teeth are damaged due to decay. While fillings are used to treat cavities, they...

When you need a permanent dental crown, part of the process is the placement of a temporary prosthetic. This temporary crown is usually made from acrylic material and helps restore your tooth while the permanent, custom-fit crown is created.  A temporary crown only stays in place for a short while,...

December is here, and our team at the private practice of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte, Montana, wishes you a wonderful holiday season. We also know that prepping for the holidays takes a lot of time and effort.  Wouldn’t it be amazing to give yourself the gift of a...

Did you know more than half of children ages 6-8 get cavities in their baby teeth? Or that 57% of adolescents have a cavity in their permanent teeth? These cavities are a chronic childhood disease and are called early childhood caries (ECC).  ECC is the most common chronic pediatric disease...

Even though modern procedures are sterile and safe, dental work can be nerve-wracking to think about. In fact, up to 20% of Americans experience dental anxiety. Fortunately, oral sedation can often soothe this anxiety. If you’re worried about the safety of oral sedation, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, and our team...

Having dental issues related to significant dental decay or trauma can be an eye-opening experience. Treatment isn’t just about fixing the problem. It's about doing everything you can to prevent additional cavities and keep your smile bright and healthy.  At the dental office of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte, Montana, our restorative dental...

If you have a damaged tooth, you may think having it extracted is the best solution. But there are compelling reasons to save and preserve your natural tooth.  Our endodontic team at the private practice of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte, Montana, specializes in helping patients with damaged teeth maintain a healthy...

When it comes to dental implants, bigger doesn't always mean better. In fact, mini dental implants, despite their small size, can provide some big advantages to help improve your oral health.  At the private practice of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, our entire oral surgery team is committed to providing top-notch...

Did you know dental veneers, which cover the front surface of your teeth, can correct many different dental issues? These thin shells are custom fit and bonded to each tooth individually, so you get a perfect fit and a great smile.  As part of his comprehensive restorative dentistry line of...

When your child learns the importance of good dental hygiene at an early age, they have a strong foundation for excellent lifelong dental health.  By making sure your child gets regular dental care and learns good oral health habits, you help ensure your child has healthier teeth and gums for...

Root canals address dental infections that take hold in the space where your dental pulp and tooth’s nerves reside. This endodontic procedure excises the infection and decay before it can spread, saving your natural tooth. Millions of American adults require a root canal every year, with 25 million procedures performed annually. If you’re among...

Though teeth are naturally durable and can last a lifetime, there are many reasons why you may experience tooth decay. With so many sugary treats and processed foods at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to damage your teeth.  It’s so easy in fact, that 120 million Americans are missing...

If you’re worried about the health of your child’s teeth, you’re right to be concerned. Studies show that having good oral health from childhood is linked to helping children stay healthier overall throughout their lives.  As general and cosmetic dental providers, we understand that ongoing oral health begins with excellent dental care in...

If you’ve just found out you have a cavity, you’re not alone. About 90% of Americans over age 20 have at least one of these dental caries. And more than half of all children and teens have at least one cavity.  Brushing and flossing every day and having regular dental...

From a blow to the mouth to poor dental hygiene to drug use, there are many reasons for missing teeth. If you’re among the 120 million Americans with at least one missing tooth, you know that the impact to your smile is usually top of mind. But missing teeth are more than...

As a parent, nothing is more important to you than the health of your child. And if you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, you have good reason. Every year, more than 300,000 kids are diagnosed with early childhood cavities. Unfortunately, early childhood cavities and other oral health issues can...

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to skip brushing and flossing every now and then. It’s no surprise that missing this regular dental care element can spell problems for your oral health.  But even if you clean your teeth regularly, you can miss cavity-causing plaque and bacteria that lead to...

If your child’s feeling nervous or scared about their upcoming dental appointment, they’re in good company. Researchers estimate at least 20% of school-age children experience dental anxiety, which can range from slight nervousness to a strong phobia.  Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, and our entire care team at his private practice in Butte,...

More than half of all American adults are missing at least one tooth, and many of them have lost even more. The good news is that dental crowns offer a way to maintain your oral health, restoring normal size, shape, strength, function, and appearance to a weak, worn, or damaged tooth. In fact,...

If you have missing teeth, you’re among the 120 million Americans who’ve lost at least one tooth. Missing teeth don’t only make you self-conscious when you smile or laugh, but they also make eating normally a challenge.  And over time, missing teeth lead to an increased risk of significant complications, including: A compromised bite...

Your teeth may have started bright and white, but over time, teeth lose their whiteness because of stains and discoloration. While less-than-pearly-white teeth may not be dangerous to your health, they can affect your self-esteem and make you self-conscious about your smile.  In Butte, Montana, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, and our...

If you want to improve your smile, dental bonding offers a safe and effective way to repair damaged or discolored teeth, improve misshapen teeth, and even close gaps between teeth. This simple treatment can give you a better smile after just one office visit. Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte,...

Did you know that about 42% of children under age 11 develop cavities in their baby teeth? Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and prevent cavities from developing, especially in the hard-to-reach back molars. At the private practice of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in...

You know you need to make regular trips to the dentist to avoid tooth problems and keep your mouth healthy. But the idea of sitting in the dentist’s chair makes you anxious, and maybe even terrified.  If this describes you, you may have a condition called dentophobia, or dental anxiety....

If you feel anxious before visiting the dentist for dental work, you’re not alone. Recent studies show at least three-quarters of American adults experience fear or anxiety before seeing the dentist at least sometimes.  And for about 10% of these people, the feelings are so strong, it creates a condition...

Your smile is one of the most memorable things about you, but you want people to remember it for the right reasons — not your toothy troubles. If you’re ready to face the new year with a flawless smile, a simple dental solution could improve your grin for decades to...

The holiday season is officially here, and that means parties with friends and family, dinner celebrations, and lots and lots of smiles. But if you have stained, dull, or discolored teeth, you may worry about showing off your grin.  The good news is that with professional teeth whitening, you don’t...

At the private dental practice of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte, Montana, we understand that nothing is more important to you than the health and well-being of your child. To help you achieve those goals, we offer the best in pediatric and general dental services. As a board-certified dentist...

Fall is in full swing, and for most children, the autumn season means the arrival of one of their favorite holidays — Halloween. But with more than 43% of children ages 2-19 having cavities, October is a perfect time to think about dental hygiene.    Fortunately, October is also National Dental...

Millions of Americans struggle with dental anxiety, or dental fear, including about 30% of dental students. In fact, so many people suffer from dental anxiety that psychologists have dedicated an entire field of study to it.   It may be somewhat comforting to know you’re not alone, but it probably doesn’t...

Oral surgery might sound intimidating, but in truth, it describes many common surgical dental procedures, from root canals to dental implants to removal of wisdom teeth. Although each procedure is different and comes with its own set of guidelines about what to expect during your surgery, they all share the...

Did you know your oral health plays a key role in your overall health and well-being? Research demonstrates a strong link between good dental health and a lower risk of many types of illness, including cardiovascular diseases and infections.    But if you’re one of the 20% of Americans who struggles...

Nothing is more important to you than your child’s health and well-being, including the health of their teeth. Yet over 42% of children ages 2-11 get cavities in their baby teeth, and nearly a quarter of children those ages get cavities in their permanent teeth.   At the private practice of...

Did you know that nearly half of all children in the United States have cavities? Unfortunately, the number of Americans struggling with this type of dental decay only rises with age. Over 92% of adults age 20 and older report having cavities.  Cavities, or dental caries, develop when bacteria begin...

If you’re facing a root canal, you’re not alone. Over 15 million Americans undergo root canals every year.  At the private practice of endodontic specialist Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte, Montana, we regularly perform root canals for patients in the Butte, Montana, area, helping them preserve their natural teeth...

If the idea of dental work makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Up to 20% of Americans experience dental anxiety, which can lead to skipping dental work and making your dental troubles worse.  At the private practice of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, in Butte, Montana, we want all of our...

Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells made to conceal the front surface of your teeth. To ensure a flawless fit, each veneer is custom-fit and bound to each individual tooth. Getting veneers is a quick, painless process, and the results can last decades.     That’s why we at the private dental...

If discolored, stained, or dull teeth take the confidence out of your smile, you may have thought about whitening to tackle your less-than-pearly whites.  But with many teeth whitening choices, from over-the-counter products — like whitening toothpaste, charcoal treatments, and whitening strips — to in-office professional systems, it’s hard to...

At his private practice, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, and our team strive to put every patient at ease — before, during, and after dental work. But for some of our patients, even the most compassionate care isn’t enough.  That’s where oral sedation comes in.  With oral sedation, we use medication...

When you have tooth pain of any kind, it can be difficult to carry out the normal tasks of your day. Eating, talking, concentrating — even falling asleep — can become a challenge. But how can you tell if your tooth is diseased? Getting to the root cause of tooth...

Are you embarrassed by the sight of unattractive teeth when you smile? Maybe you’ve thought about a smile makeover, but don’t want to undergo major treatments. Fortunately, you may only need a simple fix to give you a beautiful new smile: dental bonding.  As part of our comprehensive line of...

Are you one of the 100 million Americans who has skipped a dental cleaning this year? It’s understandable. Pushing a routine cleaning to the bottom of your to-do list is easy — especially during the COVID-19 global pandemic.  But at Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, in Butte, Montana, our professional...

They may be small, but that doesn’t mean mini dental implants can’t have a big impact on your oral health. At Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, our team is dedicated to providing the best dental care to patients in Butte, Montana.  As part of our comprehensive line of dental services,...

Although about 10-20% of people don’t get wisdom teeth, for the majority of Americans, having their wisdom teeth removed has become a rite of passage. But is this oral surgery to remove the teeth that rupture between ages 18 and 24 always necessary?   At Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, in...

You probably already know that your teeth naturally yellow as you age. But with Zoom!® professional teeth whitening and our dental professionals at Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, in Butte, Montana, you don’t have to live with dull, stained teeth any longer.  Dr. Robert “Bob” Wilcox and our dental care...

It’s normal to feel self-conscious about a missing tooth, but if one of your pearly whites is gone, you’re not alone. While your teeth are meant to last, at least 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.  Many different factors can lead to a missing tooth, from a...

At Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, in Butte, Montana, we love to see our patients. But we know the feeling isn’t always mutual. If you’re among the 30-40 million people who would rather not be in a dentist’s chair, our oral sedation services could help you get the dental care...

Did you know that at least 18 million American adults are affected by sleep apnea? This troublesome condition can be dangerous if left untreated because of the effect it has on your breathing.    Fortunately, in today’s modern world, there are solutions to help keep sleep apnea at bay. Continuous...

Everyone has a few bad habits, but did you know that some of yours could be ruining your teeth? And you’re not alone — over 90% of American adults have at least one cavity, and millions of Americans are missing some or all of their teeth. Bad habits are contributing...

Regular dental check-ups play an essential role in maintaining your dental and whole-body health. They also provide an important opportunity to check in with a professional about any orthodontic or cosmetic treatments you may be interested in exploring further.  To support your family’s health and well-being as we move into...

Like most of us, you want to look your best during the holiday season. You buy new outfits to wear to parties and for family portrait sessions. You schedule hair appointments and facials.  But, what about your smile? Professional teeth whitening can boost the color of your teeth from dull...

When the nerves or pulp in the inner part of your tooth gets decayed or diseased, you need a treatment option that can help save your natural smile. Even without the pulp or nerve, your tooth still functions to help give structure to your mouth, chew your food, and speak....

Dr. Robert Wilcox, located in Butte, MT, is an expert in maintaining and improving smiles. Even more importantly, he wants you to have the healthiest teeth possible. Having your teeth straightened can do both.  Benefits of straight teeth Along with the cosmetic appeal, significant benefits of straight teeth include.  Healthy...

Many only think of veneers as a solution for Hollywood stars in search of the perfect smile. And it’s true, many celebrities have cosmetically enhanced their smiles with veneers. But if you think dental veneers serve only cosmetic purposes, think again. In addition to cosmetic concerns, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD,...

Dental anxiety is actually a common problem that prevents more than 20 million adults in the United States from receiving routine dental care every year. Some of these otherwise health-conscious men and women developed their fear of the dentist after an unpleasant experience, while others have felt worried and unwilling...

Teeth whitening allows you to achieve a whiter, brighter smile in a simple in-office treatment that doesn’t include removing stained tooth enamel or investing in applied porcelain veneers. At his comfortable dental clinic in Butte, Montana, Dr. Robert F. Wilcox delivers safe, convenient, and fast tooth whitening. He then encourages...

Even if you take good care of your teeth with regular visits to the dentist and daily brushing and flossing, you can still be unsatisfied with the look of your smile. Tooth discoloration, misalignment, and chips in your teeth may make you so self-conscious that you do everything you can...

The impact of a missing tooth goes far beyond a goofy grin. When you lose a tooth, you jeopardize the health of your existing teeth and you also compromise your ability to speak and chew as you normally do. To restore your smile, and your dental health, we offer dental...

As many as 6 in 10 Americans experience anxiety at the thought of visiting the dentist, so if you’ve ever put off a checkup because of feelings of dread, you’re far from alone. As many as 10% of people have full-on dental phobia, a condition prevalent enough to be listed...

The outer layer of your teeth — the sturdy, white enamel — protects the inner pulp from bacteria and injury. But sometimes the enamel itself can get damaged. If your tooth gets chipped, your tooth will be more susceptible to infection. That’s why Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, a leading...

You may be surprised to learn that dental caries is the leading chronic disease among children and teens. The good news is caries, or cavities, caused by a film of bacteria that collects on teeth, are almost entirely preventable. To ensure that your kids enjoy excellent dental health from their...

Nothing makes such an immediate and dramatic change in your appearance as teeth whitening. But you won’t transform dull, yellow teeth into a brilliant, white smile when you use the products available in your local pharmacy. Here at Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, we take great pleasure in helping you get...