(217) 546-3333Caring for Your Dental Implants
March 31, 2014
Dental implants are one of the most common types of tooth replacement used in dentistry today. After receiving dental implants to replace broken or missing teeth, there are a few guidelines you should follow to ensure a speedy and comfortable healing process. Creating a proper aftercare routine will help you maintain your implants for years to come.
It is incredibly important to maintain proper oral hygiene following dental implant surgery. Your dentist may give you a special mouthwash to use a few times each day. Salt water washes can speed the recovery in the healing area and may be recommended a few times each day. Regular brushing and flossing is encouraged for the entire mouth, including the healing areas. Start very gently in tender areas and increase pressure gradually. Daily oral maintenance will keep surgical areas from becoming infected and painful.
Immediately after surgery, you can expect light bleeding and swelling to occur. Apply ice packs around the neck and face to reduce swelling and blood flow to the area following the general rule of 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Biting down on gauze can also help to stop bleeding near the surgical site. If blood flow cannot be stopped, or lasts for a few days, contact your dentist immediately.
Your dentist will send you home with pain management instructions. Often all that is needed is over-the-counter pain medication. Most dental implant surgeries cause minimal pain and tenderness for a few days. Depending on the specifics of your surgery, you may be given prescription pain meds or antibiotics.
Avoid disturbing the surgical site as much as possible during healing. Spitting, rinsing and using a straw should also be avoided to ensure that clots remain in place. Physical exercise can increase blood flow, and is not recommended for the first few days after surgery.
Dr. Matt VanderMolen will give you detailed instructions for proper after-care following your dental implant surgery. Contact the friendly staff at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, 217-717-4991, to learn more today.
Replace Missing Teeth & Support Bone Structure with Dental Implants
March 3, 2014
How can dental implants support facial bone structure?
Tooth loss is a common occurrence as age increases. Many people do not know that losing teeth can affect your facial bone structure, as bone around a missing tooth tends to deteriorate. Preventative maintenance and regular dental visits can help to prevent tooth loss, but many still find themselves with missing teeth. Dental implants can replace your missing teeth and restore your natural smile.
A Missing Tooth Affects the Facial Bone
When teeth fall out naturally, become damaged from trauma, or are removed for health reasons the jawbone is affected. Pressure on our natural teeth during eating and chewing provide healthy stimulation to the underlying bone which helps keep it strong and healthy. When teeth are missing, this pressure is not maintained and the bone can start to deteriorate. With dental implants, the jawbone will maintain the stimulation it needs and maintain its natural strength.
A Dental Implant Mimics a Real Tooth
A dental implant acts just as a real tooth does in function and design. Since each tooth has a specific role for eating, the loss of even a single one can affect your ability to chew. Replacing a missing tooth helps maintain the dental arch structure of your mouth and your chewing ability.
Not only do teeth function in eating, but they maintain the placement of your facial features as well. When teeth are lost, movement takes place beneath the skin that can alter the look of your mouth and face. Dental implants can prevent this movement while maintaining your outer appearance.
Dental implants, though not true teeth, provide the most natural alternative in both form and function.
Dr. Matt VanderMolen is the dental implant specialist you can trust for all your replacement needs. For more information about how dental implants, contact Advanced Dental Care of Springfield at 217-717-4551. We look forward to working for you!
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Sedation Dentistry for Multiple Dental Treatments
February 24, 2014
When you are considering dental treatments, you want your dentist to not only offer you experience and quality but also the maximum level of comfort with as little pain as possible. Often people avoid dental treatments all together because they are worried about the amount of pain involved. Some avoid procedures that will require multiple visits because they do not have the time or money. Sedation dentistry can eliminate pain during procedures, decrease office visits and allow your dentist to work quickly and efficiently.
Sedation keeps a person in a state of relaxation. If you opt for sedation during your dental procedure you will remain conscious throughout the process; you will be able to answer basic questions about your level of comfort. The sedation medication will reduce your anxiety, uplift your mood, and block pain receptors. You will feel light pressure in place of discomfort. You will be totally relaxed and calm during the entire procedure.
Many dental procedures are time-consuming and can require several appointments. If you have a complicated restoration, you may be weary of the long procedures and return visits. It can be difficult to schedule multiple appointments. Sedation dentistry allows many off these multi-visit procedures to be completed in a single visit. This can save time and money for the patient by reducing the number of clinic visits, time off of work and recovery time.
Many dentists find sedation dentistry beneficial as it raises their level of productivity and reduces the stresses that come with many dental procedures. Because you will be more relaxed during sedation, it is easier for the dentist to complete their work accurately and at a faster pace.
To learn more about sedation dentistry, call our friendly staff at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield at 217-717-4551 for an appointment with Dr. Matt VanderMolen. Our expert team will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Dental Implants: A Natural Alternative to Dentures
February 17, 2014
Are you one of the thousands of people wearing dentures which do not fit correctly? Dentures which have not been fit properly can cause discomfort. While many are happy with the look and feel of their dentures, there is a long-lasting, more natural looking alternative. If you are wearing dentures at the moment and would like a change, dental implants may be right for you.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is fixed into the jaw bone and acts as a foundation to support dental prosthetics. When implants are installed, your dentist will drill small holes into the jawbone, and position small, threaded rods made from titanium. When the process has been completed, the dental implants will be tightened and fixed into place so that they will not move. Dental implants are positioned where teeth are missing so that they can act as a foundation for a dental crown or bridge which can be attached to the threaded rod.
There are many benefits of using dental implants. Most importantly, they form a firm foundation for affixing permanent replacement teeth. Because the teeth are permanent, eating and speaking become easier. Dental implants firmly rooted in the jaw, look, and act just as your natural teeth. Titanium rods do not cause allergic reactions and are therefore a great option to those who have sensitivity to those materials. While implants can cost more then dentures, the long-lasting, durable and natural look of them makes them worth the investment. You will smile, eat, and speak as naturally just as if you had all of your original teeth.
If you have poorly fitted dentures, lost or damaged teeth and would like to know more about how dental implants can benefit you, make an appointment by calling Dr. Matt VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today at 217-717-4551.
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Porcelain Veneers: Four Things to Know
February 10, 2014
4 Things You Should Know About Porcelain Veneers
If you have tooth discoloration, crooked, or poorly spaced teeth, porcelain veneers can provide an effective solution. Veneers are thin layers of ceramic that are glued to the tooth surface and can change the size, shape, and color of your tooth.
A few things to know about porcelain veneers:
1. Porcelain veneers can create an entire smile makeover.
Because veneers are glued to your tooth surface, they can completely refurbish imperfect teeth and make your teeth look naturally beautiful. Chips and gaps can be corrected with the help of veneers. Veneer placement is easy and does not require surgery, so it is easy to get your dream smile.
2. Porcelain veneers can usually be placed within a week.
The installation of porcelain veneers is simple. The first step is preparing the natural teeth which are going to be capped. The tooth material is reduced to make space to accommodate the veneer. An impression is created from a mold and sent to a lab for a custom set of veneers. Your dentist will match the shade of your porcelain veneers to that of your existing teeth. Once fabricated, your dentist can attach them to your teeth in just one visit.
3. Porcelain veneers can whiten and straighten the appearance of your teeth.
Veneers can be used to cover teeth that have become dark or that have been stained by food, smoking or improper care. Because the veneers are porcelain, they will not stain, creating a lasting smile that will stay sparkling white. Minor alignment issues can also be corrected with the assistance of veneers, creating that perfect smile without using braces.
4. Porcelain veneers must be maintained.
While veneers are strong enough to endure regular eating activities, you should still avoid chewing on ice, nail biting, and grinding of teeth. Hard surfaces can cause veneers to get chipped or cracked. Broken veneers need to be removed and replaced.
To learn more about how veneers can leave you with a natural looking, beautiful smile, call the friendly staff at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, 217-717-4551. Make an appointment with Dr. Matt VanderMolen today.