(217) 546-3333Preventative Dentistry: Keeping up with Your Check-ups
October 30, 2012
Why adults should keep up with their dental checkups
Many of us might think that once we have grown all our teeth and our oral health has been monitored as they grow, that there is no need to make regular visits to the dentist. We may be over confident about our oral health if all we do is clean and floss our teeth daily. Most recent surveys show that periodontal disease is on the increase amongst the young adult population, and this can be halted quite easily by a regular visit to the dentist when preventative dentistry measures can be undertaken.
The majority of adults will not make an appointment to see a dentist until there is a noticeable problem, which could be an unbearable pain. Normally, by this time it is far too late.
How often should I visit a dentist?
Adults should be in the dentist’s chair for a check-up just as often as any age group, so that a possible problem can be detected before it becomes serious. General dentistry check-ups can save the patient an enormous amount of time, pain and money in restorative care in the long run. The normal time frame between each visit is 6 months, but there are situations that require check-ups more frequently.
Those most at risk are persons who are:
Suffering from gum disease, recommended once every 3-4 months in order to restore the gums.
Suffering from diabetes, who often experience dry mouths and a weakened immune system. They need to visit their dentist often in order to maintain strong, functioning teeth and reduce the chances of gum disease.
Regular smokers, who should make an appointment for a check-up with a dentist at least twice yearly for possible signs of oral cancer.
Dr. VanderMolen provides the dental services you need in the Springfield, IL area. Come see us for a consultation and preventative cleaning. Contact Advanced Dental Care, at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the options available to you.
Are Dental Implants Better than Dentures?
October 9, 2012
Are multiple teeth replacements better than dentures?
Multiple tooth replacement implants are synthetic substitutes for natural teeth that are life changing for thousands of people who have had to suffer problems associated with missing teeth or full or partial dentures that do not fit well. For years, people have put up with the inconvenience of using dentures to provide them with some sort of normalcy when it comes to simply eating and smiling. These days, regular dentures are almost becoming a thing of the past for those who want fixed replacement t
eeth in the form of dental implants. However, for those that dentures offers the best solution, Custom Dentures offer a much more comfortable and aesthetic solution.
The advantages of dental implants
Dental implants that are fixed in the place of lost teeth serve:
- To restore the look, feel, and functioning of natural teeth
- To make you look better
- To make you feel better
- To increase your ability to chew, enjoy, and finally digest your food.
Your speech and ability to chew can be made difficult when several, or all your teeth, are absent. Replacing multiple teeth using a series of dental implants, attached by a bridge, offers a far more permanent alternative than the use of removable dentures.
The new bridge can take all the normal pressure that strong natural teeth do naturally. This will allow you to have along term solution that lets you eat what you wish.
Benefits of multiple teeth replacement versus removable dentures
- It preserves the jawbone and general facial appearance.
- Only normal cleaning and flossing need to be used.
- Replacement will last decades if looked after with care.
- It is a stable, secure solution that gives you a normal look and function.
Custom Dentures by Dr. VanderMolen
Custom dentu
res can be made to suit the patient’s mouth but they still need to be removed and do not offer the strength and stability of multiple teeth replacement using the dental implants and bridge procedure. Dr. VanderMolen takes great care to create the best-fitting, best-looking custom dentures for each individual. Custom Dentures offer a much more natural look than standard dentures, giving you a great result for a price that works for your budget.
For more information on Custom Dentures, Dental Implants and all your options to replace missing teeth, call Advanced Dental Care (217) 546-3333 for a consultation with Dr. VanderMolen. We would love to hear from you!
What is the Recovery Process Like for Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
October 2, 2012
Recovery process for popular cosmetic dental procedures
There is a recovery time for all dental procedures, but as time goes by and new methods are developed, the recovery period often shortens. This means sleepless nights and time off work are reduced to an absolute minimum.
Dental Veneers
Today, dental veneers are an amazingly different experience from earlier versions of this popular cosmetic dental procedure. The porcelain used is much thinner and much less conductive, which means an increase in dental sensitivity. The complete procedure now even takes less than 3 hours, and the recovery time is far shorter than in the past as the process needs far less anesthetic used to alleviate pain.
Dental Implants
With dental implants, as with any sort of surgery, the recovery period can vary depending on the type of procedure and the needs of the individual patient. Generally, the following are commonly experiences for patients after the procedure has been completed:
- Prescription pain medication is normally a necessity for 2-3 days.
- Swelling that may be a result of the procedure usually reaches a peak within a 24-36 hour period, then reduces at a steady pace and returns to normal within 3-5 days
- Patients can normally return to work 2-3 days after the surgery, if swelling in the face area is not a concern.
- A normal amount of physical activity and exercise can also re-start after the 2-3 day recuperation time.
For a single implant situation, there is normally only minor swelling and very little pain that requires medication. A patient is able to go back to their usual routine the next day. In both situations, the area might still be tender for 1-2 weeks afterwards as the tissues go about the full healing process.
The healing time may be greater if any molar extractions have taken place. It is impossible to reduce the healing time, but it can be delayed if you are a smoker, fail to eat a proper diet, fail to clean your teeth sufficiently, or if you have a medical condition, like diabetes.
If you or a member of your family is looking for more information on dental implants, veneers or other cosmetic denistry procedures, do not hesitate to contact Dr. VanderMolen, at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the options available to you. Click here for more information on the services available from Advanced Dental Care.
Are Dental Implants Replaceable?
September 25, 2012
If My Dental Implants Failed, Are they Replaceable?
Dental Implants are highly recommended by many dentists as a great solution for missing teeth. Even with a 90- 95% success rate, there are still instances where implants must be removed and possibly replaced, during the lifetime of the patient.
Dental implant failure, though rare, is most often associated with the inability of the implant and bone to attach to each other, or osseointegrate. This concern can be evident when the implant is mobile or lost. If the attachment between the bone and the implant is lost or not achieved, the dental implant will not be successful.
There can be impending problem too if the dental implant is placed on a bone with inadequate thickness and mass. Thin bones may not support dental implants adequately. Poor bone quality may also be unfavorable as this may delay osseointegration. All these should be seen in the diagnosis and treatment planning. A reliable dentist experienced in Dental Implants, would most-likely notice these possible bone issues prior to dental implant treatment and address them.
Inflammation of oral structures around the dental implant, called periimplantitis, can signify the possibility of failure as well. When the bone and mucosa around the implant becomes inflamed, bone loss may follow. In addition, when bone loss occurs, a vital purpose of dental implants is neglected. Patients who are heavy smokers, with diabetes, and with poor oral hygiene may experience periimplantitis.
Dental implants may fail because of wear and tear. Although this is not at all common, but can happen in situations such as when a substituted tooth receives too much force during function like biting and chewing. This is preventable by regular consultation and check-ups with your dentist
.
If any of these happen, dental implants can be removed but if left unreplaced, bone resorption follows. Thus, considering new dental implants is appropriate. Dental implants may sometimes be replaced if necessary depending on different factors: status and amount of remaining bone, current medical condition of the patient, level of oral hygiene measures and existing habits like smoking. Your dentist can assess a failed dental implant if a new one is still manageable to embed.
If the problem is only with the crown attached to the implant, in most cases that can simply be removed and replaced without addressing the implant itself.
If your dental implant has failed and you want it replaced, come see Dr Matt VanderMolen. The team at Advanced Dental Care will assist you in re-achieving the beautiful smile you deserve. In their hands, dental implant failure can turn into a success. Call us at 217-546-3333 and see how Dr VanderMolen can help you.
Dental Implants for the Whole Mouth
September 18, 2012
Are Dental Implants Appropriate for all areas in the mouth?
In considering replacement of missing teeth, we tend to question if a certain dental prosthetic will be fitting for us. Different treatments apply or appeal to different patients and situations. Thus, it is most important to get as much information as possible and consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment for your mouth. Dental Implants are a highly recommended solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants are a naturally looking and feeling replacement option. When successfully fused with the jaw and well maintained, these can be very efficient and long-lasting replacements. But do dental implants work as replacements in all areas of the mouth, from the biting incisors to the chewing molars?
There are different designs of dental implants, each with its own condition of use. A trustworthy dentist knows which to place on a certain jaw site. Endosteal implants act like a root, embedded inside the bone. Normally, these require a wide and deep base of bone. This is the most famous design of implant today. Dental Implants are cost effective, generally staying inline with the cost of other tooth replacement treatments, but lasting longer and feeling more natural.
The jawbone height and width are very important in deciding if what kind of dental implant is to be
used. Subperiosteal implants are for patients with bone height and width unsatisfactory to be considered for endosteal implants. Custom made subperiosteal dental implants tend to be more expensive than endosteal implants. Unlike endosteal implants that are embedded into the bones, subperiosteal implants sit on top of the bone. Patients who have difficulty in wearing dentures before because of too much bone resorption can be good candidates for this kind of implants.
Good prognosis comes from a patient with adequate bone support, good oral health and hygiene, acceptable systemic condition and absence of vices like smoking.
If you have interest in dental implants, visit Dr Matt VanderMolen and his staff in Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, IL. Call us for an appointment at 217-546-3333. We will help you determine if dental implants are right for you.