(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
Repairing a Chipped Tooth with Dental Bonding
January 6, 2014
If you have chipped or cracked teeth, you will be happy to know there is a safe and easy solution. You no longer have to live with unsightly, damaged teeth. Dr. Matt VanderMolen provides dental bonding and other cosmetic dentistry services at Advanced Dental Care in Springfield IL to help make your smile something you can’t wait to share.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding involves the placement of a plastic-based adhesive which cosmetically fixes flaws in the teeth. The adhesive is colored, shaped, and polished to match the contour of your natural teeth. The entire procedure is quick, easy, and painless. Anesthetics are rarely needed for dental bonding procedures. If you have several teeth that require dental bonding it may be necessary to schedule multiple visits to the dentist; the process requires approximately 30 minutes per tooth.
The Dental Bonding Process
Dr. VanderMolen will perform a general cleaning of your teeth and gums before proceeding with the dental bonding process. A special tool is used to roughen the outer surface of any teeth requiring bonding. A conditioning solution will then be spread to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The bonding material, which has been shaped prior to the procedure, is applied on top of the conditioning solution. For long-lasting effects, the bond is then hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser.
Precautions
If you practice good oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing and flossing twice a day and regularly visiting your dentist for check-ups, your dental bond will remain in good condition for many years. However, there are a couple of precautions to take after the procedure.
The material used for dental bonding is not quite as strong as tooth enamel; you should try to avoid biting on hard objects such as the tops of pens, ice cubes or your own fingernails as this can result in a chipped or lost dental bond. For the first 48 hours following the procedure, the resin used in the tooth bonding is particularly susceptible to discoloration. In order to prevent staining your new smile, avoid drinking liquids such as wine, coffee, and tea. Smoking can also discolor dental bonds and should be avoided.
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth and are interested in learning more about how dental bonding can give you back your natural smile, call Dr. VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, 217-717-4551 to schedule an appointment today.
Preventative Dentistry: What can I do Between Visits?
December 30, 2013
5 Tips for Good, Preventative Dentistry at Home
Between regular dental visits, it is essential to maintain your oral health. Preventative oral care does not only happen at your dentist’s office. In fact, the majority of your dental care will occur at home, between visits.
Here are a few things to know about preventative dentistry at home:
Brushing and Flossing is Key. It seems basic enough, but maintaining a daily brushing and flossing routine at home is the best way to prevent further dental problems from developing. If you need help with your technique, talk to your dentist to see how you can better care for your teeth on a daily basis.
Maintaining a healthy diet is important for overall dental health. Eating nutrient-rich foods can help build strong bones and tissues while preventing dental problems from occurring down the road. It is also important avoid foods high in sugars, which can encourage tooth decay and gum disease.
Start at-home preventative care early on. Brushing and flossing should be taught to infants as soon as they develop teeth. By ingraining this daily routine into young minds, it helps set them up for a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth. This will also make their first dental visits easier and help reduce any anxiety that may develop over visiting the dentist in the future.
Ensuring that older children and teens have good brushing habits is essential. Remind them that spending 2 minutes brushing twice a day increases their dental health exponentially.
Stopping smoking can greatly improve your oral health. Not only does smoking cause teeth to turn yellow, but it can lead to gum and periodontal diseases. Gum disease causes the weakening of gums and can eventually lead to the loss of teeth in affected areas.
Overall health and dental health are related. There are many ways in which health problems can cause and be caused by poor dental health. By maintaining a regular exercise routine, minimizing drinking and keeping any other health problems at bay; you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
If you need help establishing your at-home oral care routine, or have questions about preventative dentistry, call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 and schedule a visit. The friendly staff at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield – Your preventative dental care specialists!
Sedation Dentistry: Saving Your Precious Time
December 23, 2013
Many dental patients are afraid of going to the dentist because of they’re scared of possible injections, pain, anxiety, or long, tiring appointments required to complete some dental procedures. They can be especially fearful when multiple dental treatments are required to complete a specific treatment plan. As a result, many simply neglect their dental health instead of going through with their appointments.
Fortunately, with sedation dentistry, many of these problems caused by fear and anxiety can been solved. Sedation dentistry focuses on helping the patient feel comfortable and relaxed so that whatever treatments are recommended, even multiple treatments, can be completed within a single appointment to the dental office.
If you are one of these people that suffers from dental phobias, find it difficult to miss a lot of work, or are a busy parent, you can maximize your appointment time with sedation dentistry.
If you are afraid of dental injections, pain during treatment, or noise of the machines found in most dental offices and have been neglecting your teeth, you no longer have to fear. Sedation dentistry can calm your fears and concerns. Dr. VanderMolen will sedate you in his dental office and you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the whole dental procedure. Many patients even say they don’t remember their visit at all!
No mater your reasons for neglecting your oral health, you shouldn’t neglect your teeth simply because you are afraid of going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry can solve all your concerns. Make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today at (217) 546-3333.
Click here for more information on all the dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Periodontal Disease: 5 Essential Facts You Should Know
December 16, 2013
What do you need to know about Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a very common oral problem faced by almost 75% of the world’s population in varying degrees of severity. Most of the forms of periodontal disease are easily preventable with appropriate oral hygiene measures.
- Do Not Ignore Bleeding Gums When Brushing!
The earliest sign of periodontal disease is swollen gums with bleeding while brushing. Soft food deposits that are not brushed out accumulate around the teeth and within the gums to cause irritation and swelling. Swollen gums bleed easily from the bristles of a toothbrush while brushing.
- Periodontal Disease Can Lead to Tooth Loss
Weak and swollen gums are the initial signs of bone loss. Once the gums get weakened, the underlying bone starts to disintegrate, thereby causing loose teeth due to inadequate support. If left untreated, you may lose even a healthy tooth that doesn’t have any decay to periodontal disease.
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Most Cases of Bad Breath are Related to Periodontal Disease
Bad breath can have serious effects on one’s self-confidence and social interactions. Periodontal disease has been reported as one of the most common causes of bad breath. Accumulation of food deposits and their further hardening causes the formation of tartar. This tartar irritates the surrounding gums and initiates the destructive stages of periodontal disease. The bacteria that causes bad breath thrives comfortably on teeth covered with tartar. A good oral hygiene regimen and periodontal treatments can reverse these issues and help eliminate many cases of bad breath.
- Periodontal Disease May Be Related To Various Systemic Diseases
According to recent studies, periodontal disease has shown a close association with systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, or cardiovascular disorders. While having a healthy mouth certainly no guarantee of good health the early detection and prevention of periodontal disease will definitely give your body the best chance to maintain good health.
- Periodontal Disease Can Be Reversed and Prevented!
Periodontal disease is a serious condition, but it can be treated with appropriate curative measures like scaling and root planing. With the help of routine dental check-ups, the disease can be diagnosed and treated at its initial stages, preventing excessive damage to both gums and teeth.
Regular Preventative Dentistry check-ups, at least twice a year, can help prevent Periodontal Disease from occurring. Together with your dentist, you can determine whether your oral hygiene practices are adequate enough to keep your gums and teeth healthy, and can catch any signs of trouble before they become larger issues.
Is it time for a dental checkup for you and your family? Make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today at (217) 546-3333.
Click here for more information on the general dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care. Let us help you get on track to a healthy smile today!
Restorative Dentistry for an Improved Smile
December 9, 2013
Repairing missing, broken, or damaged teeth
Restorative Dentistry, performed by Dr. Matt VanderMolen, focuses on repairing teeth that are missing or have become damaged or broken. The purpose of restorative dentistry is to bring the teeth back to a healthier condition while at the same time, also improving the smile. There are many procedures offered by Advanced Dental Care of Springfield that qualify as restorative dentistry and two of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures include dental implants and dental crowns.
Dental implants are permanent, artificial teeth that are made to look and function exactly like a natural tooth. The implants are anchored directly onto the jawbone to ensure they are sturdy and strong. Dr. VanderMolen will carefully examine the teeth to determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants and he will then customize the implants for each individual patient. The end result is ultimately healthier gums, teeth, and a beautiful smile to be proud of.
Dental crowns are used to repair teeth that have been damaged but are not missing. A dental crown is used to replace cracked or damaged teeth and is designed to match the color of the natural tooth. The crown is placed over the tooth with cement to ensure longevity and strength. Dental crowns can be easily placed onto the teeth and will instantly improve their appearance and the strength.
To restore your natural teeth and improve your smile, contact Advanced Dental Care at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the Restorative Dentistry procedures that are right for you. Come see us today and be on the way to the beautiful smile you have been longing for.