(217) 546-3333What is the Recovery Process Like for Cosmetic Dental Procedures?
October 2, 2012
Recovery process for popular cosmetic dental procedures
There is a recovery time for all dental procedures, but as time goes by and new methods are developed, the recovery period often shortens. This means sleepless nights and time off work are reduced to an absolute minimum.
Dental Veneers
Today, dental veneers are an amazingly different experience from earlier versions of this popular cosmetic dental procedure. The porcelain used is much thinner and much less conductive, which means an increase in dental sensitivity. The complete procedure now even takes less than 3 hours, and the recovery time is far shorter than in the past as the process needs far less anesthetic used to alleviate pain.
Dental Implants
With dental implants, as with any sort of surgery, the recovery period can vary depending on the type of procedure and the needs of the individual patient. Generally, the following are commonly experiences for patients after the procedure has been completed:
- Prescription pain medication is normally a necessity for 2-3 days.
- Swelling that may be a result of the procedure usually reaches a peak within a 24-36 hour period, then reduces at a steady pace and returns to normal within 3-5 days
- Patients can normally return to work 2-3 days after the surgery, if swelling in the face area is not a concern.
- A normal amount of physical activity and exercise can also re-start after the 2-3 day recuperation time.
For a single implant situation, there is normally only minor swelling and very little pain that requires medication. A patient is able to go back to their usual routine the next day. In both situations, the area might still be tender for 1-2 weeks afterwards as the tissues go about the full healing process.
The healing time may be greater if any molar extractions have taken place. It is impossible to reduce the healing time, but it can be delayed if you are a smoker, fail to eat a proper diet, fail to clean your teeth sufficiently, or if you have a medical condition, like diabetes.
If you or a member of your family is looking for more information on dental implants, veneers or other cosmetic denistry procedures, do not hesitate to contact Dr. VanderMolen, at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the options available to you. Click here for more information on the services available from Advanced Dental Care.
Are Dental Implants Replaceable?
September 25, 2012
If My Dental Implants Failed, Are they Replaceable?
Dental Implants are highly recommended by many dentists as a great solution for missing teeth. Even with a 90- 95% success rate, there are still instances where implants must be removed and possibly replaced, during the lifetime of the patient.
Dental implant failure, though rare, is most often associated with the inability of the implant and bone to attach to each other, or osseointegrate. This concern can be evident when the implant is mobile or lost. If the attachment between the bone and the implant is lost or not achieved, the dental implant will not be successful.
There can be impending problem too if the dental implant is placed on a bone with inadequate thickness and mass. Thin bones may not support dental implants adequately. Poor bone quality may also be unfavorable as this may delay osseointegration. All these should be seen in the diagnosis and treatment planning. A reliable dentist experienced in Dental Implants, would most-likely notice these possible bone issues prior to dental implant treatment and address them.
Inflammation of oral structures around the dental implant, called periimplantitis, can signify the possibility of failure as well. When the bone and mucosa around the implant becomes inflamed, bone loss may follow. In addition, when bone loss occurs, a vital purpose of dental implants is neglected. Patients who are heavy smokers, with diabetes, and with poor oral hygiene may experience periimplantitis.
Dental implants may fail because of wear and tear. Although this is not at all common, but can happen in situations such as when a substituted tooth receives too much force during function like biting and chewing. This is preventable by regular consultation and check-ups with your dentist
.
If any of these happen, dental implants can be removed but if left unreplaced, bone resorption follows. Thus, considering new dental implants is appropriate. Dental implants may sometimes be replaced if necessary depending on different factors: status and amount of remaining bone, current medical condition of the patient, level of oral hygiene measures and existing habits like smoking. Your dentist can assess a failed dental implant if a new one is still manageable to embed.
If the problem is only with the crown attached to the implant, in most cases that can simply be removed and replaced without addressing the implant itself.
If your dental implant has failed and you want it replaced, come see Dr Matt VanderMolen. The team at Advanced Dental Care will assist you in re-achieving the beautiful smile you deserve. In their hands, dental implant failure can turn into a success. Call us at 217-546-3333 and see how Dr VanderMolen can help you.
Dental Implants for the Whole Mouth
September 18, 2012
Are Dental Implants Appropriate for all areas in the mouth?
In considering replacement of missing teeth, we tend to question if a certain dental prosthetic will be fitting for us. Different treatments apply or appeal to different patients and situations. Thus, it is most important to get as much information as possible and consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment for your mouth. Dental Implants are a highly recommended solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants are a naturally looking and feeling replacement option. When successfully fused with the jaw and well maintained, these can be very efficient and long-lasting replacements. But do dental implants work as replacements in all areas of the mouth, from the biting incisors to the chewing molars?
There are different designs of dental implants, each with its own condition of use. A trustworthy dentist knows which to place on a certain jaw site. Endosteal implants act like a root, embedded inside the bone. Normally, these require a wide and deep base of bone. This is the most famous design of implant today. Dental Implants are cost effective, generally staying inline with the cost of other tooth replacement treatments, but lasting longer and feeling more natural.
The jawbone height and width are very important in deciding if what kind of dental implant is to be
used. Subperiosteal implants are for patients with bone height and width unsatisfactory to be considered for endosteal implants. Custom made subperiosteal dental implants tend to be more expensive than endosteal implants. Unlike endosteal implants that are embedded into the bones, subperiosteal implants sit on top of the bone. Patients who have difficulty in wearing dentures before because of too much bone resorption can be good candidates for this kind of implants.
Good prognosis comes from a patient with adequate bone support, good oral health and hygiene, acceptable systemic condition and absence of vices like smoking.
If you have interest in dental implants, visit Dr Matt VanderMolen and his staff in Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, IL. Call us for an appointment at 217-546-3333. We will help you determine if dental implants are right for you.
Sedation Dentistry: What to Know Before Your Procedure
September 4, 2012
The Things You Should Know when Undergoing Sedation Dentistry
The practice of dentistry has long been associated with pain, anxiety and fear. For many years, dental practitioners have been working to develop various approaches to improve patient comfort. They have developed local anesthesia that can virtually remove sensation on the area receiving dental treatment. However, needles and injections still stir fear in some patients. So, how do dentists manage this?
Sedation dentistry became the savior for many patients afraid of dental treatments. With the use of sedative drugs, sedation calms the nervous responses of an apprehensive patient without prompting loss of consciousness. Together with sedation, local anesthesia can produce a relaxing experience for the patients. Most patients come to be unaware of the proceedings of the appointment.
If the patient experiences any disease or illness before the appointment, it is best that the dentist is well informed. There can be medical conditions that may contraindicate the use of sedation 
dentistry. It is very essential that a patient disclose important systemic and medical conditions like pregnancy. The same goes with any medication that the patient may be taking in. The dentist should be well aware of any of these factors as they may affect the safety and efficiency of the sedatives.
After the appointment, the patient should not drive, operate any machines or appliances, drink alcoholic beverages, work or make any important decisions. Your sedation dentist will be able to tell you how long the effects will last.
As always, if there are any questions they should be properly directed to the dentist. Your sedation dentist will address any confusion regarding the procedure accordingly.
Sedation dentistry is a comfortable option for many patients. Dr Matt VanderMolen and his staff in Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, IL provide a pain and anxiety-free environment for your comfort. If you are interested in trying sedation dentistry, call us at 217-546-3333.
Teeth Grinding – Springfield IL – Night Guards and Dental Splints
August 28, 2012
Night Guards and Dental Splints for Teeth Grinding
Have you observed any soreness of your jaw muscles after you wake up? Has your roommate ever complained of you producing this weird sound while you are sleeping? Are your teeth cusps flattened? If so, the cause could be tooth grinding or bruxism.
Bruxism is a parafunctional habit of grinding and gnashing of teeth during night or daytime, consciously or unconsciously. Your teeth contact for a longer period than tolerated and they forcefully rub against each other. For most people, this happens unconsciously during sleep. About 5- 20% of Americans experience grinding but most don’t even realize it. You may not even know that you grind your teeth unless others let you know.
Symptomatically, jaw muscle fatigue, ringing ears, flattened and abraded teeth, and dull headaches characterize bruxism. However, not all these are conspicuous unless condition has gone on for a long time. Some have chronic conditions while others grind rarely. From there, the severity of symptoms varies.
The vigorous prolonged contact of your teeth during grinding can stress your teeth and surrounding oral structures. If this is left unmanaged, bruxism can cause tooth fractures, unsightly flat and mobile teeth, and temporomandibular joint problems. Of course, all of these can compromise dental health.
Many studies identify multiple reasons for tooth grinding. Stress and fatigue are a main factor for many. Unbalanced bite due to poorly made dental restorations or dental appliances can also trigger tooth grinding. Nutritional deficiencies and personality disorders are also cite
d as possible factors for teeth grinding.
One way to handle bruxism is through dental splints or night guards. Night guards prevent friction between teeth and distribute stress. They are customized acrylic appliances, which you can wear while you are sleeping or when you are stressed. With this, bruxism may still occur but the teeth will be protected.
Advanced Dental Care and Dr. Matt VanderMolen can easily fabricate a night guard or a dental splint for you. An impression of your teeth will be taken and a dental technician will form the acrylic night guard over the replica of your teeth. With few adjustments, Dr. VanderMolen can fit the night guard to your mouth.
Consult Dr. VanderMolen and visit Advanced Dental Care regarding your concern with bruxism and your interest in having splints and night guards. You may also schedule an appointment by contacting our office at 217-546-3333.