(217) 546-3333Implant Dentistry for the Preservation of Teeth
August 19, 2013
Improving a Smile with Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry is commonly referred to as restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry. One of the most common procedures is dental implants. Dental Implants restore teeth that are missing or have been damaged beyond repair. The implants operate as replacement teeth and are usually made out of ceramic material with a titanium root to ensure strength and durability for the patient. Dental implants are designed to match perfect and with natural teeth and they are also personalized for each patient so that they fit comfortably.
Tooth restoration is performed by Dr. VanderMolen for patients who have damaged and broken teeth. Dental implants help improve the condition of the teeth and gums because if teeth are missing, the gums are exposed, thus resulting in a greater chance of infection and gum disease. After the implants are placed, both bone and gum are preserved. Patients can be proud of their new smile.
Dr. VanderMolen will consult with each patient who is interested in implant dentistry. He will examine the teeth and the jawbone to get an idea of what is exactly going on inside the mouth of the patient and to create a customized treatment plan. Dental implants are an improvement when compared to dentures, which are often considered uncomfortable and may even slip out of the mouth. The dental implants feel completely natural and they are a permanent solution, which means that they likely will not need to be replaced.
If you are considering implant dentistry, call (217) 546-3333 for an appointment or attend one of our No Cost/No Obligation Dental Implant Seminars. The staff at Advanced Dental Care will have you loving your new smile in no time!
Click here for more information on the services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Dental Crowns Provide a Quick and Durable Fix to Unsightly Teeth
August 12, 2013
Improving Your Smile Has Never Been Easier
Whether or not you've been contemplating dental crowns for some time now or if you've just been informed that this is an option to beautify your smile, the reality is that dental crowns may just be the fast and durable fix that you are looking for.
While dental veneers provide a wonderful looking exterior, dental crowns go a step further offering both great aesthetics and increased durability. Crowns look nearly identical to and function in the same way that natural teeth do. The main difference is that dental crowns must be adhered to a tooth that has been sanded down, but the end result is incredibly natural in both look and feel.
Having dental crowns placed will require that you visit a cosmetic dentistry practice that is knowledgeable in making and placing quality dental crowns. Dr. VanderMolen has the expertise in cosmetic dentistry you need to get the best results. The amount of time needed to complete a dental crown procedure will depend on how many crowns are to be made and placed, plus it will also depend on the state of your oral health. If you are dealing with problems such as gum disease, Dr. VanderMolen will likely want to address your gums issues prior to fitting crowns. This is because certain diseases, both oral and otherwise, can cause complications. But, if you are in reasonably good health your dental crown could be completed in as little as a day.
Advanced Dental Care provides state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry techniques and services in the Springfield area, including quick and durable dental crowns. Dr. VanderMolen, along with the staff at Advanced Dental Care, are ready to help you renew your smile through a little cosmetic dentistry that will have you leaving with a vibrant new smile, call (217) 546-3333 for an appointment
Good Oral Health – Important to a Healthy Body
August 5, 2013
The Human body is a combination of healthy and functional organs and systems. The Oral cavity plays the role of an entry gate for the body. Everything we eat or drink goes right through the mouth and affects all other organs and systems. Maintenance of the oral environment is essential for overall health of an individual.
Good, meticulous oral hygiene is necessary for maintaining your overall health. Neglected oral hygiene can lead to many systemic diseases. Poor oral health has been linked to heart, lung and stomach diseases, diabetes, stroke and premature birth. You should consult your dentist for ways to improve your oral health and in-turn your overall health and well-being.
Preventive dentistry focuses on solving minor oral health problems before they become issues. This approach saves a lot of time and money but requires compliance on behalf of the patient. Your early visit to Dr. VanderMolen can prevent you from undergoing major treatment procedures in the future. For maintaining a good oral hygiene, we advise you to do the following regularly.
- Brush your teeth regularly 2-3 times a day
- Use a fluoride tooth paste
- Floss daily, or even better, after every meal
- Avoid intake of too much synthetic sugars
- Consume foods high in calcium and vitamins
- Eat a balanced healthy diet including Milk
- Avoid smoking and tobacco chewing
- Make regular appointments for routine oral check-ups
By exercising these suggestions, you can easily maintain good oral hygiene and prevent you and your family from a large number of oral as well as systemic diseases. Routine dental checkups can unveil many minor problems which can be treated easily in early stages and major diseases can be prevented. When you visit Dr. VanderMolen for a routine dental checkup, he will thoroughly examine and clean your mouth. Small dental problems will be taken care of for your overall well-being. Future preventive strategy can also discussed regarding your oral health.
If it is time for a dental checkup for you and your family, make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen and Advanced Dental Care today at (217) 546-3333. Click here for more information on the general dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Bad Breath: Health Problems and Prevention
July 29, 2013
What are the health problems associated with bad breath and how can it be prevented?
Bad breath is an oral problem that often cannot be noticed by the patient himself. The patient comes to realize about his bad breath when his family members or friends comment about it. Bad breath can be due to many causes and it can also act as an indicator or symptom of other medical conditions. Regular dental checkups can help you avoid the associated oral health problems.
Some health problems associated with bad breath:
- Gum disease- Improper brushing leads inadequate elimination of food particles from between the teeth. These food particles allow the build-up of plaque on the tooth surface and the gum lining. Persistent neglect in maintenance of oral hygiene causes irritation of gums and subsequent inflammation. This can be perceived as bad breath and bad taste.
- Decayed teeth- Decayed teeth with cavities serve as a storehouse for food remnants and are not accessible by bristles of the toothbrush for removal. The food particles undergo putrefaction within the cavity and become the source of bad breath.
- Fungal infections- There are chances of fungal infection in the mouth if there is persistent bad breath.
- Dry mouth- also called xerostomia. Our saliva flushes out the dead cells in our mouth. If the saliva produced is decreased, the flushing action gets lowered. Hence, the dead cells undergo disintegration generating bad breath. Dry mouth is a sign for a number of health problems like salivary gland disorders. It can be found in people with habit of mouth-breathing and is a common side effect of certain medications.
- Respiratory tract infections– Individuals with infections like sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia or post-nasal drip often have bad breath.
- Metabolic disorders- There are few metabolic disorders like gastro esophageal reflux (GER) that cause bad breath due to regurgitation (reverse flow of acid within the stomach). Problems related to kidney and liver may also be the cause of foul odor.
Ways of prevention of bad breath
Bad breath should not be taken lightly as it is associated with so many health problems. For preventive measures or treatment of halitosis (bad breath), the underlying cause has to be determined. If any health problem is the causative factor, you should be referred to a general physician for the rest of the treatment plan. If it is related to your oral health, your dentist will be the best person to deal with it.
Whatever may the case be, you can follow some simple rules for good Oral Hygiene to keep bad breath at bay.
- Brushing – For good oral hygiene it is essential to brush your teeth twice daily, preferably with fluoridated toothpaste. Scrape your tongue with a scraper to remove all the food particles trapped on the surface of the tongue.
- Flossing- Floss daily to remove the food debris stuck in between the teeth and also 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- Paying attention to small details of your diet will help you in the long run. Avoid onion and garlic. Try chewing peppermint for fresh breath.
If you are upset with your bad breath, call (217) 546-3333for a free consultation with Dr. VanderMolen. His team at Advanced Dental Care will guide you to get the healthy mouth and gums you have been waiting for!
Does age make a difference in receiving dental implant therapy?
July 22, 2013
Losing your teeth is unfortunate enough, but then only finding a temporary solution to replace them, such as dentures can be disheartening. Fortunately, dentures are not the only technique in use these days. Modern dentistry has gone a long way in finding answers for replacing missing teeth. 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 that are used to fill the gaps of missing teeth. Any dental implant can be used as a root for a single tooth that has been removed or for many missing teeth. Replacing a single tooth with a dental implant or many teeth is 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 that is involved, then age is not a handicap.
What are the benefits of dental implants for people of all ages?
They are such a useful invention, for both young and old. Dental Implants can:
• Reactivate your life and 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.
• Keep you looking young.
• 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 can, over a period of time, allow the rest of your teeth to become misaligned and take away that much loved smile. One individual tooth that is replaced 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 so as to anchor a bridge. Dental implants are a great development, as they take away the necessity to make any changes to natural teeth.
When many teeth are missing, a problem of support takes place as your jaw starts to weaken. Implants do a good job slowing down that deterioration, as well as offering you the opportunity to be able to use teeth for the original purpose they are best designed for.
If you are worried about having dental implant therapy because of your age, call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 today, to make an appointment to discuss the procedure and its effect on your health and well-being. Click here for more information on our FREE Dental Implant seminars.