(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
Dental Implants: Some Frequently Asked Questions
February 23, 2013
Dental Implants: Some Frequently Asked Questions
A common complaint of dental patients is the edentulous state or tooth loss. Patients come with one or more missing teeth and want a replacement which can last for a lifetime. In the past there was no such treatment available. Fillings, crowns & bridges were available but with a limited life span. Dental implants are the only restorations documented to have such a life. Following are some of the most common questions patients ask about the dental implants.
Q.1: What is a Dental Implant?
A. Dental implant refers to a structural and functional identical alternative to the human tooth root, usually made of titanium, implanted into the jawbone. It provides a strong base to the overlying prosthesis just like a tooth root acts for the crown of natural tooth.
Q.2: How can I know if I am a candidate for dental implant treatment?
A. The decision to have a tooth replacement with dental implants can be carried out after a complete clinical examination by experienced implant dentist, Dr. VanderMolen. He can further carry out a radiographic examination for checking the bone status if necessary. The most important factor regarding placement is the amount and location of the bone present. Good oral hygiene is also an essential prerequisite.
Q.3: Will my implant be successful?
A. Yes. According to the American Dental Association, success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. And with proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Q.4: What is the life expectancy of my dental implant?
A. Dental implants should last for the lifetime of an individual. However, in the case of compromised treatment and/or poor oral hygiene on account of the patient, life expectancy of a dental implant can be affected. Dental implants make a connection with surrounding healthy bone just like a human tooth root and require the same care to ensure their longevity.
Q.5: Is the implant placement procedure painful?
A. Dr. VanderMolen will give local anesthesia before undergoing surgical procedure and the procedure will be painless. In case of patients having dental phobia or wishing to be more relaxed, we also offer sedation. With sedation dentistry, you will be completely relaxed and may not even remember the procedure.
Q.6: How much time will the Dental Implant placement take?
A. The whole procedure can take from 30 minutes to an hour.
Q.7: How long will the healing process take?
A. After the implant is placed, it is left to heal and osseointegrate for 3-6 months. In the last stage, the prosthesis, or crown, is placed over the abutment.
Q.8: Is it safe for human body?
A. Dental implants are manufactured from titanium and they are considered completely safe for your body. These materials are biocompatible.
Q.9: Can a dental implant be placed immediately after tooth extraction?
A. Implants can be placed soon after removal of the tooth. It depends upon the presence and location of healthy bone and the presence or absence of infection in the tooth socket or surrounding bone. In favorable conditions, a fresh tooth socket is considered ideal area for placement of the dental implant. Dr. VanderMolen will determine the procedure that is best in each individual case.
If you have missing teeth and are thinking of dental implant placement, call at (217) 546-3333 for an appointment with Dr VanderMolen at Advanced Dental care of Springfield. Dr. VanderMolen and his staff are available to answer all your questions and to get you on the path to the beautiful smile you have been waiting for.
Making Your Smile an Eye-Catcher with Cosmetic Dentistry
February 12, 2013
Get the Beautiful Smile You Have Always Wanted
Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dental treatment which is aimed at improving your facial appearance by fixing and improving discolored, cracked, chipped, and poorly spaced teeth. Some of the treatments available include the use of Veneers, Crowns and Teeth Whitening. These procedures don’t only improve your smile but they can improve your general sense of well-being.
Veneers Can Make a Dramatic Change
Thin porcelain material used to mask defects that have developed in the front of teeth and called dental veneers. Once in place they cover tooth problems such as broken, stained or chipped teeth. Sometime veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth as well. Generally, two visits are required in order to complete the treatment. The very minimum amount of enamel is removed when undertaking dental veneer procedures.
Discolored teeth can be improved with whitening techniques
Teeth Whitening techniques can be used to improve the color of yellowing or otherwise discolored teeth. Both home bleaching kits and in-office treatments are offered by Dr. VanderMolen and provide great results. Professional teeth whitening is much more effective that drug-store treatments that are only effective on surface stains.
Crowns Are a Solution to Damaged Teeth
The aim of Dental crowns is to restore damaged teeth so that the overall facial appearance is improved.
They are commonly used:
- To improve the appearance and strength of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
- To repair and improve the appearance of a cracked or broken tooth.
- To provide a covering for a crooked tooth.
- To improve the visual appearance of a dental implant.
- To help to keep a full dental bridge or partial dentures in place.
Crowns require the removal of a significant amount of tooth enamel, but in the end, they provide a strong and natural-looking solution.
If you are interested in knowing more about cosmetic dentistry and making improvements to your teeth, then don’t hesitate to make an appointment to discuss the options available to you at Advanced Dental Care. Dr. VanderMolen has the answers you need. Call Advanced Dental Care today, at (217) 546-3333.
Dr VanderMolen Speaks with WTAX AM’s Bob Murray
February 8, 2013
Dr VanderMolen recently had the opportunity to speak with Bob Murray of WTAX AM channel 1240’s morning show. He speaks about the best selling book her recently co-wrote with best-selling author Brian Tracy. The title of the book is The Secret to Winning Big.
The book is actually written by numerous authors, each one writing a chapter on a specific topic important to winning in business and life. Dr VanderMolen’s chapter is about courtesy, something that our patients know is very important to all of us here at Advanced Dental Care.
Listen to the entire interview here:
WTAX-AM-PODCAST-NUMBER-133839160-JAN 30-2013-DR V DISCUSSES NEW BOOK WITH BOB MURRAY
You can purchase a copy of Dr VanderMolen’s book on Amazon HERE.
Make Your Trip to the Family Dentist Easier by Booking Same Day
February 5, 2013
Save Time and Improve Your Family’s Oral Health
Making a trip to the dentist usually requires some reshuffling of your typical daily schedule – which can feel a bit burdensome throughout the year if you need to make separate appointments for your family as well. Because this re-scheduling can be more disruptive than what you’d expect, especially if you and your family run on a busy or tight schedule, an accommodating family dentistry office may be what you’re looking for.
A family dentist not only provides an array of preventative dentistry services, but they do so for individuals throughout the lifespan. No matter how old or young a patient is, a family dentist is trained to cater to any age group’s specific needs. Seeing Dr. VanderMolen as your family dentist also adds to your all-around dental experience because he will gain familiarity with your entire family and may be better able to address dental issues that are prevalent within your family group.
Essentially, by choosing a family dentistry practice you’ll be creating a more streamlined, dental experience for you and your family. Gone will be the days where you have to schedule multiple appointments at different dental offices around town and throughout the year. With Advanced Dental Care you can now book all of your preventative dentistry visits to take place on the very same day making it one easy trip for everyone.
Your scheduling needs matter to us here at Advanced Dental Care and we will work with you to find a day and time for your entire family to come in. To simplify your family dentistry visits just call us at (217) 546-3333 and set up your appointments today.
Sedation Dentistry: After the Sedation Has Worn Off
January 22, 2013
What can I expect after the sedation has worn off?
Oral conscious sedation is a form of Sedation Dentistry that aims to support the patient in their dental care process. This is particularly important for those patients who suffer from stress and anxiety prior to a dentist’s appointment. Oral conscious sedation (OCS) relieves anxiety, and you can then face dental appointments with greater confidence.
These medications are perfectly safe and prescribed to reduce anxiety and assist patients to relax. Often, patients are so relaxed that they fall into a casual sleep throughout the procedure. However, while the dental procedure is being completed, the patient is very carefully monitored for an anxiety-free outcome.
How Will I Feel After The Procedure?
Sedation Dentistry offers a relaxing and pain-free experience. You will be sedated at the level you need to be unaware of the treatment. After your procedure you will awake refreshed and with little to no memory of the procedure. Dr. VanderMolen offers a comfortable and friendly environment, so you will feel safe and secure while you get the dental care you need.
If you have questions about Sedation Dentistry, do not hesitate, call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 today, to contact our office and make an appointment for a discussion about the benefits. Dr. VanderMolen is the experienced Sedation Dentist in Springfield you need to take care of all your needs. Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.