Friday, December 30, 2022

Access Dental Services in 2023

Another year has almost come and gone, but you can still expect the best dental services offered by Access Dental and Dentures into 2023! We want to take this blog to showcase how we can help improve and maintain your dental health throughout the next year, so be sure to keep reading to find out all of our fantastic services we offer! 
DENTURES / PARTIALS
For missing teeth we can make dentures or removable partials for you right in our own on-site, professional dental lab. Since our technicians are on-site, you will not have to wait days or weeks for your new set of dentures or new partial. Normally, your new teeth will be ready the very next day and in some cases, the same day. We can then make any necessary adjustments, for a perfect fit, while you wait.

CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY
We love kids! We can make your child’s first dental experience a positive one. Pleasant visits to the dentist’s office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime. Our goal is to establish good dental care habits, help all children feel good about visiting the dentist, and to teach them how to care for their teeth.

DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental Implants are basically sophisticated screws made of a medically pure metal, Titanium. These screws are then placed in the jaw bone and rest under the gum for 3 – 6 months. During this time they actually fuse to the jawbone and become osseo (bone) integrated. After the appropriate healing time, we uncover the implants and use them to replace one or more missing teeth by fabricating some sort of dental prosthesis.

COMPOSITE FILLINGS
We use composite (tooth-colored) fillings that are light cured to match your teeth. They are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam.

Composites can also be “bonded” or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. Direct dental composites are placed by the dentist in a clinical setting. Polymerization is accomplished typically with a hand held curing light that emits specific wavelengths keyed to the initiator and catalyst packages involved. When using a curing light, the light should be held as close to the resin surface as possible, a shield should be placed between the light tip and the operator’s eyes. Curing time should be increased for darker resin shades. Light cured resins provide denser restorations than self-cured resins because no mixing is required that might introduce air bubble porosity.

Direct dental composites can be used for filling cavity preparations, filling gaps between teeth using a shell-like veneer, minor reshaping of teeth and partial crowns on single teeth.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
In cases in which decay or an abscess (infection) is so severe that a root canal or other treatment cannot save the tooth, your dentist may recommend that the tooth be removed. A tooth extraction should be done as soon as possible to avoid the spread of infection to other areas of your mouth, or other more serious problems. We can extract a single tooth, full mouth, and most wisdom teeth.
CROWNS
The reasons your dentist may suggest restoring your tooth with a crown can vary from case to case. Some of the indications for a using a crown are: 
  • A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.
  • Extensive damage by decay.
  • Discolorations and compromised esthetics.
  • Fractures
  • Root canal – After root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more apt to fracture. They, therefore, need to be protected by a crown.
  • Bridges – When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.
Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns can be made from different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. You and your dentist will decide which type is appropriate, depending upon the strength requirements and esthetic concerns of the tooth involved.

Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.

BRIDGES
The loss of a single tooth can have a major impact on your dental health and personal appearance. Your teeth support and rely on each other. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can shift out of their normal position. Teeth adjacent to the space or from the opposite jaw will often drift or tilt. These teeth are often more susceptible to decay and gum disease because they are more difficult to clean around. All of this shifting and drifting will lead to changes in the bite, which may put stress on the jaws, muscles and teeth. Ultimately, your ability to chew comfortably and your appearance may be affected.

If tooth loss occurs, your dentist may recommend that a bridge be placed. A bridge consists of a replacement tooth/teeth attached to crowns on each side. The bridge is cemented to the teeth adjacent to the space, effectively replacing the missing tooth and preventing any shifting.

The procedures involved in making a bridge are very similar to those for making a crown. Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns – full porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal, and all metal. At least two appointments are necessary. At the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth next to the missing tooth for crowns. An impression of the prepared teeth will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed. At the subsequent visit, we will fit and adjust the bridge and then cement it in place.

VENEERS
Porcelain veneers are dental prosthetics that are placed on the surface of discolored, chipped, cracked, or misaligned teeth and are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing smile. They require a minimal amount of tooth reduction (approximately .5 mm) and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. Though veneers are simple to place and delicate in appearance, the role a thin ceramic shell can have in producing a beautiful smile is quite remarkable. Dental veneers allow us to alter tooth position, shape, size and color. They are not the only alternative for all esthetic abnormalities but are truly a remarkable restoration when they are the treatment of choice.

ROOT CANALS
Endodontic treatment (root canal) treats the inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

The modern root canal treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment. Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:
  • Efficient chewing
  • Normal biting force and sensation
  • Natural appearance
  • Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain
A root canal treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE
You should have a standard cleaning at least twice a year If it has been over a year since your last cleaning, possible treatment will include either full mouth debridement or Root Planning and Scaling (requires anesthetic).

TEETH WHITENING
We will provide you a custom whitening tray, made from your own dental impressions. Once at home, you can choose how often and long to use the supplied whitening agent to customize the brightness of your smile.

SPORTS DENTISTRY
Whether you are an athlete or casual sports participant, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, a bite guard will help reduce symptoms of TMJ. We custom make mouth guards in both soft and hard materials.

SNORING APPLIANCES
Snoring Appliances available.
Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, periodontal probing, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the full mouth x-rays for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of interproximal decay of posterior teeth! 
Our team is here to provide you with the exceptional dental care that you have come to know from our offices! We look forward to helping you and your family continue improving your dental care for more years to come! Feel free to visit our website to schedule your next dental appointment for 2023!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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Friday, December 23, 2022

The Best (and Worst!) Christmas Foods for Your Dental Health!

The holidays are full of fun, friends and family, and of course, great food! With that being said, this great-tasting food can be pretty hard on your teeth, gums, and overall dental health! We want to help you find out which Christmas foods you should avoid this weekend, and which ones you should try and eat more!
Read more below to find out our top picks for the best and worst Christmas foods for your dental health!
Best: Veggies
Make it your mission to eat up as many veggies throughout the holiday, and most days, as you can! Vegetables are great for dental health! They have a good crunch that helps to keep your teeth strong and produce saliva! Of course, as with most things, you can make veggies more or less healthy depending on how they are cooked, but vegetables are definitely make our list as one of the best options for your dental health! 

Worst: Stuffing
We know, it is such a shame that the best foods can be so bad for your teeth! But, stuffing is a food you need to watch out for as the excessive amount of sugars and carbohydrates lead to an increase in the bacteria in your mouth, and if you aren't brushing or flossing carefully, you could miss out on clearing away the particles that can lead to cavities and tooth decay! 

Best: Turkey!
A Christmas staple! Although this dish isn't as popular as ham this holiday, most meats are a solid go-to for dental health, as the amount of chewing has been shown to help keep teeth strong, and produce more saliva- which will help to clear out left over food particles! 
Our goal at Access Dental and Dentures is to provide you with the best dental services in Missouri! Whether that is in-person, or providing you with these essential tips to utilize in your day-to-day, we hope that your dental health benefits from our team! 
If you are looking to schedule your next dental appointment following the holidays, then be sure to visit our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com or give us a call! We look forward to serving you and your family- Happy Holidays! 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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Friday, December 16, 2022

Top Reviews from 2022!

It has been an amazing year so far, and we still have a couple weeks to go, but we wanted to get a head start on some of our favorite reviews we received this year! 
In this blog, we will be showcasing our top reviews throughout 2022 that way you can see how dedicated we are to our clients and their quality of care! 
Read some of our favorites below! 
2022 Reviews

"Great staff, service & attitude. I am more than pleased. I actually enjoy going to the dentist! Hard to believe, right?"
-John S.

"I was so pleasantly surprised by my visit! I have had bad experiences in the past and have been let down before so I was very apprehensive going in. But I couldn't believe how easy it was and how everyone made me feel right at home! Thank you!"
-Beverly S.

"Love Access dental! Hands down best dental care I've ever had! Love the staff, nurses and dentist all very welcoming and caring! ❤️"
-Brandy W.

"Phenomenal experience. 10/10. My husband was somewhat traumatized from previous dental experiences and he was elated when he got home due to how quick, painless, and helpful Access Dental and Dentures was. We’re very appreciative."
-Emily W.

"I broke a tooth vertically up under the gum line at dinner after an already long day. I called the next morning, as a new patient, asking for help and they got me in the same morning. After the exam, the dentist presented me with my treatment options, their costs and potential outcomes. I truly appreciated the honesty and directness. The tooth ultimately had to be pulled. My care was excellent and I made my appointment for my check up as I left. The staff was also really wonderful in helping me be seen as soon as possible and in setting me up as a new patient. If you are looking for compassionate care this is the place."
-Mary B.

"We were very please with our first visit to Access Dental in Springfield, MO. An emergency extraction was needed. The entire staff was welcoming, warm, friendly, and professional. Dr. Rhodes was understanding and skilled. We recommend this practice to all!"
-Jill M.

"Everyone I came in contact with from the receptionist to the doctor was exceptional. Everyone was friendly and explained everything to me. I hadn't been to the dentist for many years and this was a very pleasant experience."
-Nancy A.

"I was very intimidated about going to see a dentist however the staff made me feel welcome there and treated me with the utmost of kindness. My first visit was during a terrible snow and ice storm and the roads were terrible yet they still stayed open to see me! These people are so wonderful and I would recommend them to anyone!
I have been to Access Dental several times now and I can't say I enjoy going to the dentist but they make it so much easier than any dental appointments I have been to in the past. The staff is so very friendly and helpful! The doctor and the oral hygienist made it a painless experience. I highly recommend them!"
-Stephen S.

"This is the best dentist in Springfield, MO!!! My teeth look amazing!!! Thank you Access Dental for your kindness and all your hard work and my well being!"
-Jennifer C.

"Years of neglect and 6 cycles of chemotherapy brought me to the doors of Access dental and denture. I knew my teeth were bad but the doctor told me that what I needed was a full mouth extraction and a full set of dentures. I almost hit the floor. I just turned 40 and I need dentures?! Traumatic as it was I couldn’t have asked for a better set of doctor and hygienist. They were helpful, listened to my concerns and made sure they did whatever it took for me to leave happy. I love my hygienist, she knows what I need before I do and the dentist is the most friendly guy I’ve ever dealt with. I would recommend Access to anyone needing immediate dentures like I was."
-Michael I.

We are so glad that we are able to provide exceptional dental services to our community! We hope that we will be able to continue providing these essential services for many more years to come for you and your family!
If you are needing to book your 2023 dental appointments, please visit our website or give us a call to schedule!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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Friday, December 9, 2022

How Stress Impacts Our Dental Health

The holidays can be stressful to say the least! But, did you know that stress can impact so much more than your mental well-being? Excessive stress can lead to some undesirable dental issues, which we are going to discuss in this week's blog! 
Thankfully, our team at Access Dental and Dentures is here to help with all of your dental care needs! Keep reading below to find out how stress can impact your dental health! 
Teeth Grinding
One of the most common consequences of excessive stress is teeth grinding! You may not even realize that you are grinding your teeth, as it can even happen at night when you are sleeping, but teeth grinding can have some dangerous impacts on your teeth!
Some of the impacts that you may experience are chipped teeth, increased teeth sensitivity, loss of your teeth, and even referred pain in your jaw, temples, and head. 

Lack of Dental Routine
When we are stressed, we can lose sight of the important aspects in our daily life. This includes our dental care routine. Stress can lead to a lack in maintaining our dental routine, and even increasing our poor dental habits, such as overeating sweets, drinking sodas, coffee, etc.
It is vital to ensure that even under stress you are trying to remain cognizant of what sugars, carbs, and acidic foods and drinks you are intaking. 

Cold Sores
Typically, cold sores will stay inactive unless triggered by stress, but when you are under immense stress, these cold sores can be a real pain in the mouth. Touching them can cause pain, meaning that when you go to brush, you may feel discomfort, but despite this, you still want to try and brush as consistently as possible, as not brushing can lead to a whole slew of issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath! 
It may be easier said than done, but try to relax this holiday season! If not for your mental health, for your dental health! Our Missouri dental office is here to help you overcome any obstacle that stands in your way of a happy and healthy smile, so if you are in need of some dental care advice, please visit our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com and schedule your next dentist appointment!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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Friday, December 2, 2022

Do Hot Beverages Damage Your Teeth?

As the weather begins to chill, it is safe to assume that you may grab yourself a hot drink to warm up! But, do you know how hot beverages impact your teeth? In this week's blog, our team at Access Dental and Dentures want to break down the impacts that hot beverages can have on your dental health! 
Keep reading to find out more! 
Tooth Sensitivity
Hot beverages can weaken our tooth enamel, which can lead to an increase in sensitivity when eating or drinking certain hot, and even cold foods or beverages! To protect your enamel from the damages of hot beverages, try and drink through a straw if at all possible! 

Tooth Decay
Unfortunately, most drinks tend to contain tons of sugars, that includes some of our favorite hot beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, ciders, and more! You want to try and avoid enamel erosion that can occur when you make drinking these beverages a consistent part of your life. Just try to stay cognizant of how much you are intaking, and always try and wash out your mouth with water when you can! 

Tooth Staining
When we think of hot beverages, you may typically think of coffees, teas, even hot chocolate! But, these beverages can have some undesirable consequences if you drink too much of them! Tooth discoloration is common with beverages like these, but teeth staining can eventually happen if you continue to drink too much of these types of drinks! 
Hot beverages can have some long-lasting impacts on your teeth if you are not careful, but that isn't to say that you should completely get rid of hot drinks entirely! At Access Dental we want your dental care to be exceptional! Just be sure to keep track of how much you are drinking and stick to a consistent dental routine, that includes visits to your local Missouri dental office!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Tips to Keeping Up Your Oral Care Routine While Traveling

The holidays are here and we’re all preparing to travel to see our family and friends. Access Dental is here to provide you with tips to keeping up with your oral care routine while you’re traveling for the holiday season. Our dentist in Springfield, MO knows it’s important not to forget these simple tips so that you have fresh breath and clean teeth for the duration of your trip! Read below about the steps you can take in order to ensure you keep up with your oral care routine during your travels!


Ventilate Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush needs air! When packing your toothbrush, make sure that you have a toothbrush cover. If you don’t already have one, they are a super affordable way to ensure that your toothbrush can breathe. Toothbrush holders with holes for ventilation prevent that nasty bacteria that we don’t want near our toothbrush!

Pack an Extra

The holidays can be busy and stressful, which can lead to you forgetting something while you’re packing for a trip or losing something along the way. A simple way to ensure that you’re covered is to pack an extra toothbrush or two! Accidents are bound to happen, and traveling doesn’t always go perfectly so pack that extra toothbrush in case your kids forget theirs or yours gets lost in route!

Check Your Water

If you’re taking a vacation this holiday it’s important to check the water when you arrive. You might be travelling somewhere you can’t drink the tap water and we highly suggest you don’t use it to brush your teeth with either. Use bottled water for your oral care routine and steer clear of the unsafe water!

Choose Travel Size

The more oral care products you can pack for your travels, the more likely you are to be able to keep up with your full routine! The best way to have enough room to bring more of your products is to purchase the travel size. You can find mini bottles of your favorite oral hygiene products for your trip away!

Ensure Fresh Breath

During our travels, we don’t always have the means to the perfect oral care routine. Just in case you have to skip a step or two, make sure you pick up some sugarless minty fresh gum or mints! Even if you can’t keep up with your routine you can always make sure you have fresh breath!

 


Travel Stress Free

We know that traveling can be stressful during the holidays. This holiday season make sure that you are prepared by following our simple steps above. These are affordable and manageable ways to ensure that you keep up with your oral care routine during your travels. Travel stress free knowing you are fully packed and ready for your trip! Don’t forget to call or go online to schedule one of your standard cleanings whenever you get back! Making time for your oral care is important and we make it easy to schedule a routine dental cleaning in southern Missouri.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST




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Friday, November 18, 2022

The Best (& Worst) Thanksgiving Foods for Your Teeth!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! With that, you are probably anticipating on chowing down on some delicious Thanksgiving goodies- and we can't say we blame you! But, we do want to warn you about some of the foods you may snack on that could potentially damage your teeth and gums! 

In this blog we want to go over some of our picks of the best and worst Thanksgiving foods that you may run across, so keep reading to find out our choices! 

Best: Turkey

A Thanksgiving staple is of course, Turkey! Turkey is a fantastic source of Vitamin D, which helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth! Plus, where turkey doesn't contain any starches or sugars like most other options on our list, you can rest assured knowing that turkey shouldn't lead to any cavities or tooth decay!


Worst: Stuffing and Breads

You hate it. We hate it. But, it is an unfortunate truth that stuffing and breads are not great for your dental health! Starchy and full of sugars- this Thanksgiving treat can lead to some pretty nasty teeth issues down the line, especially if you aren't washing the excess foods left in your teeth with some water after eating. 

Granted, we aren't saying you can't indulge, but be sure to keep up your dental routine and try and stick to water to help clear out any leftover particles that can cause cavities down the line!


Best: Veggies

Vegetables are typically always good for your dental care! Some can provide a good crunch that keeps teeth strong, while others help to increase your saliva production, which helps to rid your mouth of the nasty bacteria that can linger post-eating a delicious meal! 

Some of our top picks for the veggie category this Thanksgiving would be carrots, celery, or tomatoes! (Technically a fruit, but you get our point!) You can't really go wrong with any of these picks!

Access Dental and Dentures wishes you and your family the absolute best Thanksgiving! We hope that our picks will help you to ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong throughout the holidays! But, if you are in need of some Missouri dental care, then we can help! All you need to do is visit our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com and schedule your next appointment! We look forward to seeing you!