(217) 546-3333Implants Can Be a Solution for Difficult Dentures
May 23, 2012
Dr. VanderMolen was recently quoted in article printed in The State Journal-Register talking about dental implants and how they’re a great solution for problem dentures.
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Dental Anxiety – Springfield IL – What can I do about it?
May 22, 2012
Dental anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist is quite natural. In fact, about 15% of Americans are fearful about going to the dentist & tend to avoid dental check-ups. Most people are not able to understand why they feel so anxious about going to the dentist. According to experts, needle phobia, & previous memories of bad dental experiences are among the reasons behind dental anxiety. The dental procedure that patients seem to be most fearful about is none other than root canals. Thus, for those suffering from extreme dental anxiety, the best option for them is to go for sedation dentistry.
Dentistry in which sedatives are used before a dental procedure is performed so that the patient remains calm & relaxed during the procedure is known as sedation dentistry. Anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide & tranquilizers are some of the typical sedatives that are used. In the past, sedatives were administered intravenously, where the dentist would inject the sedatives into the blood vessels of the patient’s arm or hand. However, as mentioned, needle phobia is one of the reasons behind dental anxiety & the use of needles only made patients even more anxious.
Fortunately, many alternatives have now emerged due to the advancements in dental technology, & dentists no longer need to use injections to administer sedatives. These days, dentists are able to administer sedatives orally or in the form of anti-anxiety medication. Patients no longer have to worry or be anxious about being poked with sharp needles. As for the dental procedure, the sedatives leave patients really relaxed & allow them to experience no pain throughout the procedure.
There are several ways in which sedation dentistry is not only beneficial for an anxious patient but also for the dentist as well.
At times, dental procedures, such as a root canal, can indeed be really painful & as a result of this, patients only tend to feel more anxious. Anxious patients can even prove to be a distraction for the dentist as well. The sedatives administered cause patients to feel numb & relaxed. Thus, dentists are able to concentrate better on the dental procedure they are performing & the patients feel no pain.
Dentists usually find it hard to carry out treatments if their patients are really anxious & stressful. This can wear out the dentist, causing them to take a lot more time to complete the dental procedure. Thus, when the sedatives are administered, the dentists are able to perform the dental procedure more effectively & can save time too, while the patients remain unaware of the treatment.
While dental anxiety is quite natural, the best thing that patients can do about their anxiety is find a sedation dentist they trust. Dr. VanderMolen has the experience & knowledge you need. For more information on Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com.
Custom Dentures Springfield IL – What are the benefits?
May 15, 2012
Custom dentures are prosthetic teeth that are custom made according to comfortably and flawlessly fit inside a patient’s mouth, while having a realistic appearance. Custom dentures do not only serve a cosmetic purpose but are also functional too. The color, shape and size of the prosthetic teeth can be easily changed. Even the bite of custom dentures can be adjusted to ensure that patients are able to chew properly using these prosthetic teeth.
When dentists design the preliminary denture, they adjust it until it fits comfortably in the patient’s mouth while testing other concerns. Dentists continue making adjustments to the custom dentures until the patients are completely satisfied with the denture in their mouth. As patients continue providing feedback, dentists are able to adjust the custom dentures accurately according to specifications of each patient. Once both the dentist and the patient are satisfied with the preliminary denture, the final denture is fabricated.
Custom Dentures are Comfortable and Functional
Dentists use special materials to fabricate custom dentures so that they comfortably fit and easily adjust inside the patient’s mouth once the patient begins using the dentures. It is the material these dentures are made of that makes them custom, allowing dentists to continue making adjustments until the patient is satisfied with the results. Dentists do their best to ensure that patients ultimately feel happy with the look and feel of the custom dentures placed in their mouth. Dentists are even able to ensure that their patients feel comfortable even when using their dentures to bite hard by using a permanent soft-liner. The retention of the lower denture when the jaw is gripped by it is also increased by this feature.
Chewing is an important normal function and dentist custom grinds the prosthetic porcelain teeth that used to optimize the patient’s chewing ability. The angle cusp of the upper denture is kept at 33-degree and the dentist custom grinds the lower jaw to fit the upper teeth accurately. Thus, the bite and the chewing efficiency of the denture is stabilized by the custom grinding.
Custom Dentures Feel and Look like Real Teeth
A lovely smile is something that everyone wants and with custom dentures, dentists are able to satisfy their patients and achieve the desired look they want. It is much easier to please patients with custom dentures since they can be easily customized, and patients are able to have prosthetic teeth in their mouth, which are simply perfect for them.
Dentists use a particular material to fabricate custom dentures so that the enamel of natural teeth is ideally simulated. This is why the prosthetic porcelain teeth in custom dentures look so realistic and reflect light in the same unique fashion as real teeth. Thus, for all those who unfortunately lost all their teeth, but still dream of having a beautiful smile, custom dentures can prove to be quite a beneficial solution.
Dr. VanderMolen has the expertise to give you the best results. For more information on Custom Dentures or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com.
Custom Dentures in Springfield IL – What are they?
May 8, 2012
Custom Dentures are prosthetic teeth replacements, not unlike the dentures you have always heard of, but SO MUCH BETTER! Custom Dentures are made just for you with the look and feel you deserve.
Custom dentures look and feel more natural because they are made with you in mind. Factors such as age, color of natural teeth, size of mouth, gender and physical appearance help the dentist to determine the combination of teeth that would look best in your mouth.
Look at the teeth of others and you will notice that the most natural and beautiful smiles are made up of teeth that vary slightly in length and width, alignment and spacing. “Perfect” or “Chiklet” teeth are not the most natural! With Custom Dentures your smile will not give you away; no one will know that you have false teeth.
See Dr. VanderMolen today for more information on Custom Dentures and get the look that is right for you. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Why is my dental health so important and how can sedation dentistry help?
May 1, 2012
Many patients have anxiety about going to the dentist related to perceived notions of pain and discomfort that they expect. Sedation Dentistry can help people relax and have the dental procedures they need without the pain and anxiety.
Why is my dental health so important and how can sedation dentistry help?
With sedation dentistry, the patient is sedated through the entire procedure so that he will not feel any pain. The sedation type and level varies with the needs of the patient and the procedure being performed and the dentist’s recommendation. The possible sedation methods include, nitrous oxide, anti anxiety medication, depressant and tranquilizers.
Why sedation dentistry?
This type of dentistry addresses issues with patients who have had bad experiences in the past, offering them the relaxation they need so they can successfully maintain their oral health. Even though dentists will always use anesthesia during various dental procedures, sedation goes further, helping reduce the patient’s anxiety levels.
What is involved?
The decision for being sedated can only be the result of a patient communicating with his dentist. There are other aspects involved, not only the patient’s anxiety, but also health factors which will eventually determine the type of sedation used. During a procedure that involves sedation, the patient will, in many cases, not be aware of what’s happening and after the procedure, he may not remember it. It’s important to go with the services of a dentist who is experienced with this type of sedation.
For More information on Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com