(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
Your Options in Sedation Dentistry
November 27, 2012
Options in sedation dentistry
Often, a planned and necessary trip to the dentist is dreaded and deep anxiety sets in. This is labeled dental anxiety and is quite common when a person feels uncomfortable when put in a dental chair where they feel vulnerable.
When your dentist is conscious of the existence of dental anxiety, there are some methods that can be used to alleviate this type of stress. It may be simply a matter of discussing the up and coming dental event so as to stave off the dental anxiety. If the dental anxiety is more severe, then safe sedation dentistry techniques can be used to relax the patient and make the experience virtually pain and anxiety-free.
Conscious Sedation
The majority of dentists will opt to prescribe a sedative which is taken through the mouth before the start of treatment. If the person’s anxiety is extreme, the dentist may decide to prescribe a sedative that is to be taken while at home and one hour before going to bed the night prior to the appointment. These oral conscious sedation methods are the most effective in managing milder forms of anxiety.
Inhalation Conscious Sedation
The conscious sedative which is used is nitrous oxide and oxygen and has been used in sedation techniques in the dentistry field for generations and is still made use of by 35 percent of all U.S.A. dentists in dental anxiety cases that are only mild or moderate.
It should be emphasized that not every dentist employs conscious sedation methods as a way of relieving dental anxiety and fears. It is extremely important for patients to make sure their concerns and dental phobias are explained to the dentist on their first visit to the dental office. Ask if your dentist is experienced and certified in sedation dentistry.
If you or a member of your family is worried about a planned dental visit and are interested in discussing sedation techniques, then you should not hesitate to Contact the dental offices of Dr. VanderMolen, Advanced Dental Care, at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the options available to you.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Seniors
November 20, 2012
Cosmetic Dentistry is for Seniors, too
It’s no secret that a glowing smile at any age is universally pleasing and with regular trips to your family dentistry office you can keep your teeth at optimum health. But, there are many more options out there for seniors to maintain and even improve their smile to a radiance of yesteryear.
Cosmetic dentistry is most commonly performed on those in their 20s-50s, but this age range is not indicative of who can have this type of dental work done. As long as you’re a healthy senior just about any cosmetic dental procedure is within your reach.
There are four popular options available to seniors:
1. Dental Veneers – These are an innovation used to bring back the color and shape of teeth. They can also help to fill unsightly gaps and cracks in teeth. The porcelain that is used in this cosmetic dentistry procedure is wafer thin, quick and easy to install and last considerably longer than any traditional teeth whitening procedure. In fact, well looked after veneers could last for 15 years.
2. Dental Implants – These are more permanent replacement teeth that look and function very naturally. They aren’t for everyone but as long as the senior is in reasonable health then this may be an option. There is oral surgery involved when the titanium implant is attached to the jawbone. Dental Implants have many benefits such as better chewing and eating and a natural-looking smile.
3. Teeth Whitening – This is a great choice for improving appearance of stained or discolored teeth. Whitening chemicals are used by the dentist to restore teeth to the more preferred white that make us appear younger.
4. Custom Dentures – If you are looking for a solution to chewing, crunching and general eating issues then asking your dentist to measure your mouth and get dentures manufactured for you is relatively easy to do. Dentures aren’t what they used to be, constantly falling out or looking so unnatural. Dentistry has come a long way since those days. Custom dentures are made to match the individual in fit, color, size and style.
If you would like to explore the full range of options open to you in Cosmetic Dentistry, whatever your age, then do not hesitate to contact the dental offices of Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333. We would love to work with you to get the beautiful smile you deserve. Click here for more information on the services available from Advanced Dental Care.
Dental Veneers: a Cosmetic Dental Solution
November 13, 2012
What Conditions are Helped by Dental Veneers?
Dental Veneers are extremely thin porcelain caps that are placed on the surface of established teeth to alter the size, shape and color. Innovations in dentistry mean that veneers can be fabricated to mimic naturally looking tooth enamel.
Dental veneers can fix many conditions
Porcelain Dental Veneers can be used as a Cosmetic Dentistry solution to many conditions including:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are too small and affect appearance.
- Teeth that have been worn down by grinding action.
- Restore the color of teeth that are stained by age, smoking, coffee or the use of tetracycline.
- Misshapen teeth.
When it comes to the whitening of teeth, installing porcelain veneers is far more superior to the use of any chemicals, and one great advantage is they are stain resistant as well. They outlast dental bonding and with good care could last up to 15 years.
As well as the multitude of uses for porcelain dental veneers, they can be fitted in just two dental visits. They make a great substitute for braces that have to be worn for a considerable period of time.
If you or a member of your family would like to know how dental veneers can improve your smile, then you should not hesitate to contact the dental offices of Dr. VanderMolen, Advanced Dental Care, at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the options available to you. Click here for more information on the services available at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield.
WINTER WHITE SALE
November 9, 2012
FOR A LIMITED TIME…
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR WHITENING SPECIAL !!!
ONLY $139 (regularly $300)
Includes Custom-Fitted Take Home Trays & Whitening Gel!!
Call today to schedule your appointment. Your initial visit will only take 20-30 minutes, then come back to pick up your Custom Trays in a few days.
Tell your friends & Co-workers! This special is also valid for new patients who have never been to our practice!
Get Your Smile as White as it Can Be for the Holidays!
Remember – IF YOU ARE NOT WHITENING, YOU ARE YELLOWING!
Dental Implants: Are You a Good Candidate?
November 6, 2012
How to Know if you are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
No one wants to lose their natural teeth, but there are times when that may be exactly the situation you are dealing with. In the past, the choices for replacements were dentures or bridges. While both served the purpose to varying extents, they also had definite drawbacks. Today, individuals trying to decide which tooth replacement method is right for them have another choice: dental implants.
To determine if you are a candidate, your dental implant specialist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums and jawbone. The dentist will also consider other factors; such as your overall health. It is important that anyone considering dental implants have a realistic attitude towards the essential oral health habits that will contribute to the success of the procedure.
The dentist will make recommendations based on the complexities of each individual case. Dental implants have been performed on people of various ages. Generally speaking, most people who are in good health may be candidates for dental implants.
One area of oral heath that the dentist will look at is the quality and quantity of the jawbone. When teeth are removed, bone loss begins. Since the dental implants are placed within the bone, the amount and quality of available bone is important. Medical science has advanced to the point where individuals who have had significant bone loss may be able to have treatments that add or create enough bone for dental implants. This type of treatment is becoming more and more routine, allowing people who may not have been good candidates in the past to successfully have dental implants today.
Gum disease is a major concern for patients wondering if they are candidates for dental implants. It may well be the very reason many people need dental implants. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States. It destroys both the gum and bone. The teeth are then left without the bone for support and fall out. A dentist will usually recommend that individuals with active gum disease infection first undergo treatment to get their mouth healthy before receiving dental implants. Once the gum treatment program is successful, the patient can proceed with the implants.
There are some health conditions that lessen the chances of success with dental implants. Uncontrolled illnesses such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders for example often require medical intervention first to establish better overall health. Cigarette smoking can also undermine a successful outcome. While cessation is best, each person’s individual situation and relative risk must be evaluated by the dentist. Smoking may inhibit the body’s natural healing processes. The dentist will discuss any concerns before the procedure and outline the steps you should take for the best possible outcome.
There are many factors to be considered when determining if you are a good candidate for a dental implant. The best way to find out is to have a comprehensive examination and consultation with a dentist. Dr. VanderMolen has the expertise in Dental Implants you can trust. Contact the dental offices of Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333. We would love to work with you to get the beautiful smile you deserve.
Click here for more information on the services available from Advanced Dental Care.