(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
Sedation Dentistry Springfield IL – How Does Sedation Help Those with a Fear of Needles?
June 19, 2012
A number of people are not too fond of the idea of going to the dentist. For them, the dentist’s office has been associated with pain over a long period of time with some choosing home remedies as an alternative. It is also a reality that most people do not like the idea having needles stuck in their gums in the name of numbing any pain that might result from a dental procedure. Fortunately, dentists have many new procedures and techniques that make these fears unnecessary. One of these options is Sedation Dentistry.
Dentists have to use needles to intravenously inject a sedative into the gum so as to numb it. Using a needle directly on the gum can prove very painful for a patient. For a while, patients had to endure this pain on top of the pain they would usually feel after a dental procedure once the intravenous anesthetic wore off. It is no longer necessary to put patients through injection pain in the name of numbing their gums for an even more painful procedure.
Currently, sedation dentistry is done orally in most cases. With oral sedation, needles are still involved but the patient will not feel any pain once injected. The concept is really quite simple: a sedative is administered to the patient, once it takes effect, an injection can be used and the patient will not feel any pain.
The reason why sedation is almost never used alone is because some dental procedures target specific areas. It is also a fact that a number of dental procedures are very invasive and may cause trauma to the tissue in the area affected. This means that a more specific pain numbing method needs to be used; the method in this case is a local anesthetic which is most effectively administered intravenously. Sedation by itself cannot raise the pain threshold for a patient to endure painful procedures like root canals.
Provided you visit a qualified practitioner, you can have a painless experience regardless of the procedure. It is possible to go to the dentist and have a procedure done without even remembering a single detail. There is really no need to fear the dentist anymore.
Dr. VanderMolen and the team at Advanced Dental Care have the knowledge and skill you need for an exceptional Sedation dentistry experience. For more information on sedation dentistry or any of our other services, or to schedule a consultation, contact our office at (217) 546-3333 . We look forward to hearing from you.
Dental Implants – Springfield IL – How Long Do They Last?
June 12, 2012
Dental implant is a relatively new field in aesthetic and medical subjects that can help people with dental problems. When people are experiencing missing tooth because of decay, accidents, or other issues, they won’t have to worry that such issue can hamper their looks. They can still look attractive and appealing with dental implants. According to most medical experts, dental implants are even better than dental bridges for the following reasons:
– Dental implant can work on its own. It’s independent and doesn’t need any support from any neighboring teeth.
– It can be long-lasting with correct care and maintenance.
– It’s reliable due to the solid support and foundation.
– It looks like real teeth, so people won’t have to worry that their teeth will look false or odd.
– It’s comfortable and supportive with a natural feel.
Professional dentists experienced in dental implants may perform two kinds of dental implant procedures for their patients. The implant types are:
– Endosteal or in the bone procedure. It’s one of the most common procedures. Doctors will place cylinders, blades, or screws in the jawbone through surgical method. This type of procedure will be performed for patients with removable dentures or dentures.
– Subperiostal or on the bone procedure. The procedure will be performed on the top side of the jaw with protruding metal framework in order to hold the prosthesis. This type of procedure will be performed for patients no have problems with conventional dentures and have the very minimum of bone height.
So how long do dental implants last? The most common working period will last between 15 to 20 years. However, it also depends on the maintenance and care. If people are able to care for their dental implants greatly, they can surpass the 20 years of lasting period. Moreover, the lasting period of the dental implants also depends greatly on the dentists’ skills. Consequently, finding a qualified and experienced dentist is paramount.
If people want to care for their dental implants, the methods are quite simple and easy, but everything needs to be done regularly. They need to brush and also floss their teeth. Be sure that they clean their teeth thoroughly. Regular dental check-ups as directed by your dentist are also essential.
Dr. VanderMolen is the experienced Dental Implant specialist you need for a successful outcome. For more information on Dental Implants and other solutions for your missing teeth, contact our office at (217) 546-3333 . We look forward to hearing from you!
Dr. VanderMolen Provides Dentistry to the Domincan Repulic
June 1, 2012
Dr. VanderMolen was part of a group of dentists who donated their time and supplies to help the needy in the Dominican Republic over the Memorial Day weekend. He performed various dental procedures, including removing teeth and placing bone grafts and dental implants. This trip is one of the many charity events that Dr. VanderMolen participates in throughout the year!
Dr. VanderMolen with During His Recent Dentistry Trip to the Domincan Republic
Dr. VanderMolen and Associates During a Recent Trip to the Domincan Republic
Implants Can Be a Solution for Difficult Dentures
May 23, 2012
Dr. VanderMolen was recently quoted in article printed in The State Journal-Register talking about dental implants and how they’re a great solution for problem dentures.
Click the image below to read the full article:
Dental Anxiety – Springfield IL – What can I do about it?
May 22, 2012
Dental anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist is quite natural. In fact, about 15% of Americans are fearful about going to the dentist & tend to avoid dental check-ups. Most people are not able to understand why they feel so anxious about going to the dentist. According to experts, needle phobia, & previous memories of bad dental experiences are among the reasons behind dental anxiety. The dental procedure that patients seem to be most fearful about is none other than root canals. Thus, for those suffering from extreme dental anxiety, the best option for them is to go for sedation dentistry.
Dentistry in which sedatives are used before a dental procedure is performed so that the patient remains calm & relaxed during the procedure is known as sedation dentistry. Anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide & tranquilizers are some of the typical sedatives that are used. In the past, sedatives were administered intravenously, where the dentist would inject the sedatives into the blood vessels of the patient’s arm or hand. However, as mentioned, needle phobia is one of the reasons behind dental anxiety & the use of needles only made patients even more anxious.
Fortunately, many alternatives have now emerged due to the advancements in dental technology, & dentists no longer need to use injections to administer sedatives. These days, dentists are able to administer sedatives orally or in the form of anti-anxiety medication. Patients no longer have to worry or be anxious about being poked with sharp needles. As for the dental procedure, the sedatives leave patients really relaxed & allow them to experience no pain throughout the procedure.
There are several ways in which sedation dentistry is not only beneficial for an anxious patient but also for the dentist as well.
At times, dental procedures, such as a root canal, can indeed be really painful & as a result of this, patients only tend to feel more anxious. Anxious patients can even prove to be a distraction for the dentist as well. The sedatives administered cause patients to feel numb & relaxed. Thus, dentists are able to concentrate better on the dental procedure they are performing & the patients feel no pain.
Dentists usually find it hard to carry out treatments if their patients are really anxious & stressful. This can wear out the dentist, causing them to take a lot more time to complete the dental procedure. Thus, when the sedatives are administered, the dentists are able to perform the dental procedure more effectively & can save time too, while the patients remain unaware of the treatment.
While dental anxiety is quite natural, the best thing that patients can do about their anxiety is find a sedation dentist they trust. Dr. VanderMolen has the experience & knowledge you need. For more information on Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com.