(217) 546-3333Cosmetic Fillings and their Benefits
June 23, 2014
Cosmetic fillings are a more natural-looking alternative to the silver amalgam filling. They not only perform the basic function of filling a tooth, but also restore a person's teeth back to their natural look. Cosmetic fillings will have you teeth looking and feeling great.
Composite White
Composite white filling is made of a synthetic combination resin, which has a natural color to match your teeth. They are considered to be direct fillings, meaning they are done in one dental visit. This type of treatment is suitable for people whose teeth have very little decay and a small to medium cavity.
Cosmetics fillings are beneficial in that they are much more natural looking and can give you the confidence of a great smile. Using these types in place of silver amalgam also removes any possibility of mercury exposure that many believe to be harmful.
Dr. VanderMolen is your source for beautiful cosmetic fillings. For more information, contact Advanced Dental Care of Springfield at (217) 717-4551 to schedule a consultation.
Does Age Make a Difference in Receiving Dental Implant Therapy?
June 16, 2014
Losing your teeth is unfortunate enough, but then only finding a temporary solution to replace them, such as dentures can be disheartening. Fortunately, there are other techniquesavailable. Since the 1980’s dental implants have provided a more permanent replacement solution.
Dental implants are synthetic substitutes for tooth roots. Their role is to act as anchors for the replacements used to fill the gaps of missing teeth. Any dental implant can be used as a root for a single tooth or for many missing teeth. Replacing a tooth with a dental implantis the closest one can get to a natural tooth.
Age Doesn’t Matter
The great thing about dental implants is that age does not matter. Anyone can have a dental implant fitted, from a teenager to an octogenarian and beyond. As long as the recipient has the required health status to undergo the minor treatment involved, then age is not a handicap.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants for people of all ages?
Dental Implants can:
• Reactivate your life, produce new confidence, and improved self-esteem.
• Offer a solid base for teeth that will look, feel, and act like natural teeth.
• Act as a support for a bridge, therefore taking away the need for a partial denture.
• Offer support for a denture that is usually removable therefore ensuring it is more comfortable and secure.
• Remove pain while in the process of chewing food with teeth that aren’t permanently fixed.
• Assist in the maintenance of bone structure and improve facial features.
• Permit you to eat what you really like as well as harder health giving foods such as fruit and vegetables.
Even a single tooth, missing over a period of time, can allow the rest of your teeth to become misaligned and take away your beautiful smile. Replacing one individual tooth with a single dental implant and its associated crown is a long-lasting solution. If a dental implant is not used, the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth must be adapted to anchor a bridge. Dental implants are a great development, as they take away the necessity to make any changes to natural, healthy teeth.
When many teeth are missing, a problem of support takes place as your jaw starts to weaken. Implants help to slow down that deterioration, as well as providing natural function and bite.
If you are worried about having dental implant therapy because of your age, call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 717-4551 today, to make an appointment to discuss the procedure and its effect on your health and well-being.
Click here for more information on Implants and our other available services at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield.You can also attend one of our Free Dental Implant Seminars!
Cosmetic Dentistry: Recovery and After-Care
June 9, 2014
Recovery Process for Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Prior to beginning your cosmetic dentistry procedure, you may have some concerns regarding what the recovery process will be like for you. Deciding to have cosmetic procedures such as dental implants or dental veneers is an important decision to make, so it's imperative to have all the helpful information you need.
There is always some recovery process involved when it comes to making major adjustments to the mouth. Some cosmetic procedures will have little to no recovery time at all; porcelain dental veneers fall into this category. The only real concerns that you may face after having your veneers placed is those teeth may be a bit sensitive and you may have some gum tenderness.
More complex restorative dentistry procedures, like dental implants, require a bit of recovery time and aftercare to ensure your oral health stays optimum. You may have some soreness and swelling in the surrounding gums, as well as some additional tenderness at the implant site. Your dentist may prescribe medication for the pain, but more often than not, over-the-counter pain relievers are advised. Complete healing for dental implants can take up to six months.
No matter what cosmetic dentistry procedure, the most central part of the recovery process will always be good oral hygiene. Without proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing of teeth in the post-op period you'll be putting yourself at risk for procedure failure. Taking care of your oral health is taking care of your whole body. Remember to follow all after-care instructions given to your by your dentist, and call the office if you have any questions or concerns.
Advanced Dental Care of Springfield supports patients in their pursuit of a beautiful smile through cosmetic dentistry.Dr. VanderMolen is knowledgeable in a multitude of cosmetic procedures and is available for consultations. Call (217) 717-4551 and let Advanced Dental Care of Springfield help you develop the new smile you are looking for
Dental Implants: Frequently Asked Questions
May 26, 2014
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a synthetic tooth root, which is anchored into the jaw. The implant holds a replacement tooth for one that has been lost. Generally, implants are placed “in the bone”, or endosteal, and consist of a screw or bolt implanted into the jawbone.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you need a tooth replacement due to an injury or periodontal disease, or have unattractive teeth that need replaced, you are a potential candidate for dental implants. They can make eating easier, improve the look of your smile, and aid in proper oral care.
Dental implants require healthy gums to fuse properlyto your jawbone. There are a few health conditions, which can decrease the success rate of your dental implant. Talk to Dr. VanderMolen if you are a smoker, have gum disease, diabetes, exposure to radiation or other health issues, to determine if dental implants are a good choice for you.
How long will my implants last?
The length of time your dental implants last will depend highly on your oral health practice, but they can last for decades with proper care. They have a very high success rate fusing to the bone. Dr. VanderMolenwill monitor your recovery after the implant to ensure proper placement and healing for long-term results. To increase longevity of your implants, maintain thorough oral hygiene, refrain from smoking, and keep regularly scheduled visits to your dentist.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of implants varies depending on the type of procedure you require and the number of teeth that need replaced. Dr. VanderMolenwill determine if you need extractions, abutments, crowns, grafts, bridges, or dentures, to accompany your implants, all of which can alter the price of your implant.
Dr. Matt VanderMolenat Advanced Dental Care of Springfield can help you determine if dental implants are the right choice for you, provide you with an estimate of costs and answer any other questions you have. Call (217) 717-4551 today and schedule your appointment.
Bad Breath: Health Problems & Prevention
May 12, 2014
What are the health problems associated with bad breath and how can it be prevented?
If you have bad breath (known as halitosis), you may not even know it. It’s true, bad breath is an oral problem that often cannot be noticed by patients themselves. All too often, you learn of your bad breath when you have a close friend or family member that makes a comment about it. Bad breath can be caused by a number of issues and it can also act as an indicator of other medical conditions. Just by seeing your dentist for regular dental check-ups, you can avoid health problems associated with bad breath.
Health issues that are often linked with bad breath:
- Gum disease– Gum disease most often develops from improper brushing. Food particles left between the teeth allow plaque build-up on the surface of the teeth and along the gum line. Over time, this can cause gum irritation and inflammation. The bacteria and food particles can lead to bad breath and change how one tastes other foods.
- Decayed teeth- Once teeth have become decayed; they can serve as a storehouse for food remnants. These areas become difficult to access with a toothbrush and eventually the food particles cause bacteria build-up and bad breath.
- Dry mouth- Dry mouth is also known as Xerostomia. Naturally, saliva flushes out the dead cells in our mouth. If saliva production is decreased, the natural flushing process is also decreased. Remaining dead cells undergo disintegration which can generate bad breath. Dry mouth can also be a sign of more serious health problems such as like salivary gland disorders. Certain medications or people who “mouth-breath” regularly can also experience dry mouth and bad breath.
- Respiratory tract infections– Individuals withinfections like sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or post-nasal drip can experience bad breath.
- Metabolic disorders- There are few metabolic disorders like gastro esophageal reflux (GER) that cause bad breath due to stomach regurgitation. Problems related to kidney and liver may also be the cause of foul odor.
If you have bad breath, you should not take the matter lightly. For treatment of halitosis, the underlying cause will first have to be determined. If a non-oral health problem is causing the issue, you can be referred to a general physician for treatment. If it is related to your oral health, your dentist can help you take steps to fresher breath and a healthy smile. Here are a few Preventative Care tips to keep in mind to help keep dental-related bad breath at bay.
- Brushing – It is essential to brush your teeth twice daily, preferably with fluorinated toothpaste. Scrape your tongue with a scraper to remove all the food particles trapped on the surface. Be thorough.
- Flossing- Flossing is just as important as brushing. Daily flossing removes food debris stuck in between the teeth and areas that are inaccessible for the bristles of the toothbrush.
- Mouthwash- Use of chlorhexidine mouthwash can be of great help for those with bad breath as the antibacterial action washes off the bacteria and there is a feeling of freshness in your breath.
- Diet control- The types of food you eat can affect how your breath smells and the health of your teeth. A healthy diet is key to a healthy mouth.
To learn more about what is causing your bad breath, call (217) 717-4551 for an appointment with Dr. VanderMolen. The team at Advanced Dental Care will guide you to get the healthy mouth and gums you have been waiting for!
Click Here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield.