SIU Community Dental

06/17/2026

Notice: Our office has reached maximum capacity for new Medicaid patients due to overwhelming demand and scheduling limitations. Thanks for your patience and support.

06/09/2026

Important Update for Prospective Medicaid Patients: Due to high demand, our new patient spots are being filled quickly. We encourage interested individuals to schedule an appointment promptly to avoid missing this opportunity! We only accept these Medicaid plans! Meridian, Molina, BC/BS, Aetna,and youth care.

06/09/2026

A missing tooth may seem like a small problem at first. But inside the mouth, it can set off a chain reaction that affects far more than the empty space itself.

Without a tooth to support chewing forces, the jawbone in that area can gradually shrink. Meanwhile, neighboring teeth often begin to drift toward the gap.

As teeth move, the bite can become less stable and certain areas may become harder to clean. This creates ideal conditions for plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

That is why replacing a missing tooth is about more than appearance. It helps preserve jawbone, maintain proper tooth alignment, and protect the long-term health of your smile.

06/08/2026

Important Notice: School Exams Are Approaching. For a limited time, our office is accepting new Medicaid patients with Meridian, Molina, Youthcare, BC/BS, and Aetna. Please note that we do not accept Medicare. We also welcome private pay patients. To schedule an appointment, please call (618-453-2353).

05/20/2026

We love our work and our patients have a lot to smile about when they are happy with the result! Thank you for trusting us to create a beautiful 3 unit bridge!

05/18/2026

Flossing may do more than protect your teeth and gums — new research suggests it could also be linked to a lower risk of certain types of stroke and an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Researchers followed more than 6,000 adults for 25 years and found that people who flossed at least once a week had a lower risk of ischemic stroke, especially cardioembolic stroke — a type caused by blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain.

The study also found a lower risk of AFib among regular flossers. AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase stroke risk.

Scientists believe one possible reason is inflammation. Poor oral health and gum disease can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which may affect blood vessels and heart health over time.

Compared to non-flossers, regular flossers showed:
• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke
• 12% lower risk of AFib

Researchers also noted that flossing alone is not enough to prevent stroke, but it may be one small part of an overall healthy lifestyle alongside proper diet, exercise, blood pressure control, sleep, and good oral hygiene.

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body more than many people realize.

📄 Source: American Heart Association News. Research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.

04/21/2026

Ancient Maya dental work wasn’t just decorative—it may have helped protect teeth from decay.

Over 1,000 years ago, during the Classic Maya period (250–900 AD), skilled practitioners were placing gemstones like jade into carefully prepared cavities in front teeth. Using early rotary techniques—likely copper tubes with abrasive minerals—they achieved precise drilling while often avoiding the pulp.

But the real sophistication wasn’t just in the technique—it was in the seal.

Studies of these inlays show that the adhesive was a complex natural mixture, likely made from plant resins and mineral components. More importantly, this material appears to have had antibacterial properties.

Instead of creating a weak point, the sealed interface may have reduced bacterial growth around the cavity—potentially limiting the risk of decay.

While these modifications carried cultural and symbolic significance, they also reveal something unexpected: an early understanding of how materials can interact with the biological environment of the tooth.

Some of these restorations have remained intact for more than a millennium.

Not just ornamentation—early functional dentistry.

📄 Source: Kemeny R. et al. Ancient Maya dental sealants and antibacterial properties. Science

03/26/2026