(217) 546-3333Advanced Dental Care of Springfield Blog
Custom Dentures in Springfield IL – What are they?
May 8, 2012
Custom Dentures are prosthetic teeth replacements, not unlike the dentures you have always heard of, but SO MUCH BETTER! Custom Dentures are made just for you with the look and feel you deserve.
Custom dentures look and feel more natural because they are made with you in mind. Factors such as age, color of natural teeth, size of mouth, gender and physical appearance help the dentist to determine the combination of teeth that would look best in your mouth.
Look at the teeth of others and you will notice that the most natural and beautiful smiles are made up of teeth that vary slightly in length and width, alignment and spacing. “Perfect” or “Chiklet” teeth are not the most natural! With Custom Dentures your smile will not give you away; no one will know that you have false teeth.
See Dr. VanderMolen today for more information on Custom Dentures and get the look that is right for you. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Why is my dental health so important and how can sedation dentistry help?
May 1, 2012
Many patients have anxiety about going to the dentist related to perceived notions of pain and discomfort that they expect. Sedation Dentistry can help people relax and have the dental procedures they need without the pain and anxiety.
Why is my dental health so important and how can sedation dentistry help?
With sedation dentistry, the patient is sedated through the entire procedure so that he will not feel any pain. The sedation type and level varies with the needs of the patient and the procedure being performed and the dentist’s recommendation. The possible sedation methods include, nitrous oxide, anti anxiety medication, depressant and tranquilizers.
Why sedation dentistry?
This type of dentistry addresses issues with patients who have had bad experiences in the past, offering them the relaxation they need so they can successfully maintain their oral health. Even though dentists will always use anesthesia during various dental procedures, sedation goes further, helping reduce the patient’s anxiety levels.
What is involved?
The decision for being sedated can only be the result of a patient communicating with his dentist. There are other aspects involved, not only the patient’s anxiety, but also health factors which will eventually determine the type of sedation used. During a procedure that involves sedation, the patient will, in many cases, not be aware of what’s happening and after the procedure, he may not remember it. It’s important to go with the services of a dentist who is experienced with this type of sedation.
For More information on Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Sedation Dentistry – Springfield IL – What are the Benefits?
April 24, 2012
Sedation dentistry utilizes calming agents taken into the body that provide a sense of peace during your dental procedure. The calming agents used are called sedatives. These sedatives work in the body to create various levels of consciousness ranging from a low to heavy level of sedation. Most dental work done under sedation is performed while you are aware, but very relaxed. Administration of the sedative also varies, but is most likely given in the form of a pill or sometimes intravenously. There are different qualifications a dentist must obtain before they are able to induce the various levels of consciousness, but be assured that your dentist must be well qualified by the state to administer sedation dentistry.
Many people have a great deal of anxiety they relate to dental procedures, but sedation provides the patient with relief from these anxious feelings. Anxiety can also lead a patient to avoid the dentist and routine visits which often causes further complications with the teeth. This increases the likelihood that more dental work and longer dental procedures will be necessary only adding to your fears.
Sedation dental procedures are cost effective as well because it limits the number of dental visits. There are two ways you can limit visits. First, sedation allows for longer dental procedure to be completed in one visit instead of several visits that break up the dental work and cost more. This is also far more pleasant for you. Secondly, money is saved because you are not avoiding the dentist and creating further problems with your teeth which are very costly.
The best way to know whether you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry is by reviewing the many benefits. If you are someone that is very fearful of the dentist or requires a lengthy and complicated procedure, then sedation dentistry can be the answer to these problems. You can relax and rest assured knowing you will be well taken care of during your sedation dental procedure. For more information from Dr. VanderMolen on Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Sedation Dentistry – Are there any negative side effects?
April 17, 2012
Few things are absolutely perfect and any medical procedure has some risks. This is also true with sedation dentistry. The American Dental Association states that sedation used in dentistry carries the same risk as sedation used in any other medical procedure. As long as sedation dentistry is performed by a skilled qualified dental professional there are seldom negative side effects.
An easily avoidable side effect is a negative interaction between the sedative and a medication the patient is taking. This can usually be prevented if the patient gives the dentist a complete medical history.
Amnesia surrounding the procedure does sometimes occur as a result of taking IV or oral sedation. Whether this is a positive or negative depends on the point of view of the patient. Some people don’t want to remember anything about the procedure. If a patient is at all concerned about safety during the procedure, they can ask a friend or relative to be present. Many dentists insist on this.
IV or Oral sedation takes some time to wear off and the patient will not be able to drive home. So a caregiver will need to accompany them.
Dr. VanderMolen has the experience and expertise in Sedation Dentistry you need for a successful procedure. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com
Sedation Dentistry – Springfield IL – Why is Sedation Dentistry an Important Advancement in Dental Technology?
April 10, 2012
Sedation dentistry has made a great deal of difference in the practice of dentistry, if for no other reason than patients who were afraid of the pain and discomfort of dental procedures are less anxious to pay a visit to the dentist. Since the first steps in sedation dentistry occur before the patient is even injected with a local anesthesia, it also works for patients who are afraid of needles.
Regular dental visits are crucial for the health of a patient’s gums, teeth and mouth. Delaying treatment until the problem becomes unbearable is not only costly but can be dangerous. An abscessed tooth that goes untreated can lead to an infection that can actually be fatal. A dentist can catch the early stages of oral cancer and treat it before it spreads. Some patients aren’t even aware that oral cancer exists, or what its signs and symptoms are. A patient with healthy teeth and gums and a bright smile tends to be more socially confident than a patient with loose, rotting or missing teeth or periodontal disease, or a patient whose oral problems cause them constant pain.
The first sage of sedation dentistry can take place a day or so before the dental procedure. A dentist can prescribe sedatives to their patients that allow them to relax the night before, so even when they walk into the dentist’s office they’re more tranquil than they would be. Then, the patient is given another sedative. If anesthesia needs to be injected, the patient will be in such a state of calm and relaxation that they don’t even register the prick of the needle. Indeed, they might not even remember the visit to the dentist’s office! Another benefit of sedation dentistry is that it allows the patient to be awake during their treatment. This is important because this removes the risks of the patient being unconscious. The patient can also follow the instructions that the dentist might give them.
Sedation dentistry is a safe and very useful development in the practice of dentistry and is highly recommend for patients with dental phobia. Dr. VanderMolen is the expert in sedation dentistry you need. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com