Access Dental

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Tips for Your Child's Back To School Routine

As a number of area schools gear back up for the year, it's important that you have your back to school routine down. From getting ready for bed at night to waking up with plenty of time to get ready, a good routine can help make your mornings flow better. An established routine can help get your child into the swing of things and avoid them feeling rushed or stressed each morning. Take a look below for some quick tips on how to create a good back to school routine for your little learners!

BEFORE SCHOOL:

Solidify a Morning Schedule

Establish a routine before school starts back up. Ensure each item on your list of things to do has adequate time for your child to complete them. It can be helpful to break down a clock or have a prominent list of when your child should be completing each task.

Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

Start your child's day right with a healthy and delicious breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal and should never be skipped. A good breakfast can help give your little one fuel to get them through the morning part of their day.

AFTER SCHOOL:

Prep Your School Items

After your child gets home from school, it's time to start preparing them for the next day. Pack a healthy lunch for them to take the next day unless they eat lunch at school. Also, go through their bags with them and make sure they work on any needed homework and re-organize their bag after they are done. Ensure their backpack is in it's designated area for easy location in the morning.

Set a Bed Time

Setting a bedtime is the easy part, sticking to it is the hard part. Try to hit the bedtime each night with your children. A little before time for bed, try to help your child perform any night-time self-care and get their pajamas on. This is the ideal time for your child to start winding down from the day.

It's important to incorporate oral care into your morning and night time routines. Ensure your child brushes their teeth two times each day and flosses at least once each day. Make teeth brushing a part of your little one's morning and evening routines.

Now that you've learned about these back to school routine tips, you're ready to put them into place and create a less stressful morning for everyone! Our southern MO dentist stresses starting and ending each day with brushing teeth to help keep your child's teeth healthy. Many children will miss school due to dental-related issues and we want to help you get ahead of the game with proper oral care. If you do have a little one with a toothache, please contact us at 877-DENTIST right away. Here at Access Dental & Dentures, we work hard to get your child in as fast a possible so they can receive some much-needed relief from oral pain!

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

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Springfield Office Rolla Office Osage Beach Office Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048 (573) 426-5447 (573) 348-1466 (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine 416 S. Bishop Ave. 4320 Osage Beach Pkwy 921 N. Main St.

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove

Thursday, August 9, 2018

6 Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Do you want to improve the whiteness of your teeth? A professional teeth whitening service may be exactly what you need! Here at our southern Missouri dentist, we offer a professional teeth whitening treatment. If you're curious about a professional whitening treatment and its benefits, take a look below!

We will provide you with 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.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening:

1) Complete Coverage

Our whitening treatments create a brighter white on all your teeth. The complete coverage of our whitening trays offers the ideal shade lightener for your entire smile. Ensure all your teeth are turning the same shade of white with our professional service.

2) Professional Strength

Our whitening agent is professional strength for fast results. It can help you gain and maintain the shade of white you are after. Easily whiten your teeth and save time with a professional strength agent formula.

3) Custom Whitening Tray

We fit the whitening tray to your teeth. You can come into our office and get a custom impression made of your teeth and we'll design a whitening tray to perfectly fit your unique smile. This can help ensure all of your teeth are getting the proper coverage of the whitening agent when you do a whitening session.

4) You Control the Shade

With our at-home treatment options, you can perform the whitening session as often as you'd like until you achieve the results you are looking for. Our dentist will advise you on the proper use and frequency of the treatment and be sure to follow these instructions.

5) Convenient Location

We have four locations throughout southern Missouri for your whitening tray impressions. After you get the tray back, you can perform the whitening treatments in the convenience of your home. It's the ultimate way to conveniently get your teeth whitened with a professional treatment.

6) Gain Confidence

A major benefit of whitening your teeth is gaining confidence in your smile. This is a great way to up your self-esteem about your appearance. Smile with confidence with your newly whitened pearly whites!

Now that you know all about the perks of professional teeth whitening at Access Dental, you're ready to schedule your appointment with Access Dental and Dentures today. Give us a call at 877-DENTIST and we can get you scheduled for a teeth whitening treatment at one of our locations nearest you. We have offices in Springfield, Osage Beach, Rolla, and Mountain Grove to better serve our patients!

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

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove

Thursday, August 2, 2018

All About the Services at Access Dental - Part 2

Your families' oral health is of the utmost importance to us. We pride ourselves on offering professional oral care for our patients. As the best dentist in southern Missouri, we know how important it is to find the right dental professional for your family. If you're looking for a place your entire family can enjoy visiting, Access Dental & Dentures is here for you! Whether it's a regular cleaning or a set of dentures, we offer a wide range of dental services in southern Missouri. Learn more about our services below.

CROWNS

The reasons your dentist may suggest restoring your tooth with a crown can vary from case to case. 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.

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

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.

Now that you've seen some of the services we offer at our Springfield, MO dentist, you can feel confident in choosing us for your families' oral care. If you want to see a complete list of our services, don't forget to check out last week's blog, All About the Services at Access Dental -- Part 1. If you're interested in one or more of our dental services, contact us at 877-DENTIST today! We can schedule an appointment with an office nearest you. Our locations cover the southern Missouri region with offices in Springfield, Osage Beach, Rolla, and Mountain Grove.

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

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove

Thursday, July 26, 2018

All About the Services at Access Dental - Part 1

We care about the oral health of you and your family! As your experienced dentist in Springfield, MO, we pride ourselves on offering the best dental experience for your family. If you're trying to find a dentist that you and your kids can both enjoy visiting, don't look any further than Access Dental & Dentures. Whether it's a regular cleaning or a set of dentures, we offer a wide range of dental services in southern Missouri. Learn more about our services below.

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.

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.

Now that you know about the range of services we offer, you're ready to schedule your appointment with our southern Missouri dentist. Contact us today at 877-DENTURES to set your next appointment at an office nearest you. To better meet your dental needs, we have offices in Springfield, Rolla, Osage Beach, and Mountain Grove. We look forward to helping you and your family improve your oral health!

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

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures

Having a smile you are proud of can give you the confidence you need. A new set of dentures or a partial can help create a beautiful, natural looking smile for our patients. We look forward to helping our patients gain confidence as they show off their pearly whites. As your trusted dentist in Springfield, MO, we are here to help answer your questions about our denture service. Take a look below for answers to some frequently asked questions.

What's the difference between replacement dentures and immediate dentures?

Replacement dentures are new dentures for patients who already have an existing full or partial denture that needs to be replaced.

What is a partial denture?

Partial dentures are removable dental appliances for patients who need to replace just a few missing teeth. (Full dentures replace all of your teeth, either upper, lower or both.) Arches are made consisting of replacement teeth and are attached with clasps to the remaining natural teeth for support and retention. Partial dentures can be used on the upper or lower arches.

Will people know I wear dentures?

Our dentures are custom-crafted by hand to ensure a natural, life-like appearance. The acrylic has fibers throughout so it looks like real gum tissue. Plus, we provide our patients the choice of teeth in different shapes and sizes with shading and blending that mimics natural tooth enamel. We also work hard to provide you with the best possible fit to avoid slipping, clicking and slurred speech. The only thing people will notice is your beautiful, natural looking smile.

How quickly will I adjust to dentures?

Your tongue, lips and cheeks will quickly and naturally adapt to the new shape of your mouth. Most people adjust to their new dentures in about a week.

How will dentures affect my speech?

The ability to speak clearly depends on subtle interactions involving your tongue, teeth, lips, cheeks and the roof of your mouth. A denture that's properly fitted allows all five components to work together naturally. With a new denture, you may initially notice some minor differences in speech. Most patients find they adapt and speech becomes natural very quickly. Ill-fitting dentures may slip which can cause clicking and whistling sounds and/or slightly slurred speech. Your dentist may be able to adjust the fit by relining or repairing the denture.

How will dentures affect my eating?

Properly fitted dentures enhance your chewing ability, helping your body properly digest food and obtain the nutrition it needs. You can enjoy the foods you love.

How will dentures affect my appearance?

A new, properly fitted denture will help you look better by providing the support your lips need, and by giving your face and smile a more natural appearance. Having good-looking teeth also gives you the confidence and freedom to smile and live life to the fullest. A tell-tale sign that it's time to replace your dentures- when you notice sagging facial muscles, excessive wrinkling and protruding lower jaw.

Should I remove my dentures at night?

Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should be kept in place. If you are an immediate denture patient, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep to help promote healing. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health. According to the American Dental Association, as a general rule, it is not a good idea for tissues to be constantly covered by denture material.

Should I use adhesives?

Some dentists suggest a light coating of adhesive, especially for lower dentures to improve suction. Excessive use of adhesive however, probably means your denture no longer fits properly and either needs adjusting or replacing. Talk with your dentist to find out what's best for you and your dentures.

Do I need any special care for my mouth if I wear full dentures?

Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a standard soft-bristled toothbrush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth.

Is it natural to have sore spots on my gums?

No. Sore spots are an indication that your denture does not fit properly and is rubbing on your tissue. Your dentist needs to assess what is causing the irritation.

How long will dentures last?

With normal wear and care most dentures should last 5 to 7 years. The American Dental Association recommends replacement after that time due to the wearing down of the acrylic and tooth materials. Plus, the bone and tissue in your mouth change as you age, so your denture won't fit your mouth as well as it should. When a denture is not fitting properly, health problems often result.

Getting dentures may seem like an intimidating process but we make it easy and comfortable. Here at Access Dental & Dentures, we custom make your set to fit to your mouth and make any adjustments to ensure you are comfortable. The adjustment time is short and well worth the investment for a beautiful smile!

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

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Tips to Prepare Your Child for a Dentist Appointment

Visiting the dentist can be intimidating for many kids, but it doesn't have to be! Visiting the dentist in Southern Missouri should be a positive experience all around. As your trusted dentist in Springfield, MO, we pride ourselves in providing a great environment for all of our patients - kids included! If you or your little one is nervous about their first visit to the dentist or have had a traumatic dental experience in the past, it can all change when you visit Access Dental & Dentures. Take a look below for some quick tips to help create a good experience at the dentist moving forward!

Talk About It

Before taking your child to the dentist talk about how exciting it is to visit. Encourage friends and family to offer positive advice and preparation, as well. If a child overhears how scary the dentist is, they may have unnecessary fears before they even go. It's also important to talk about what will happen at the dentist. Talk about getting into the big kid chair and having the helpers look in their mouth. This can help a child get a good idea of what will happen and they won't be surprised by the experience.

Lead By Example

If you have a dental appointment at the same time as your child, encourage your kid to watch you go through the routine cleaning first. This can help them prepare themselves and see how easy it is for their parent. Another way to lead by example is to talk positively about visiting the dentist. Don't put an unneeded negative spin on the situation - it's an important part of oral care and should be an exciting place for your child!

Find the Right Dentist

It's important to find the right dental environment for your family. Access Dental and Dentures provides friendly and professional staff for all of our patients. We want to help give you and your kids the best dental experience possible!

Now that you have these tips under your belt, you're ready to help prepare your child for a positive dental experience! As the best dentist in Springfield, MO, we look forward to providing your child with the best possible dental care in a positive environment. We love kids and we know how important it is to encourage proper oral care at a young age. Contact our office at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment with an office nearest you!

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

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Simple Rules to Follow for a Happy, Healthy Smile this Summer

Summer is a time full of fun and being outside. With the extra activities comes a higher risk for an oral injury. If you and your family find yourselves being more active in the summer months, be sure to have yourself on guard against potential accidents. As your experienced dentist in southern Missouri, we know accidents happen. It's best to follow a few rules for the best chance at avoiding oral damage for you and your child. Take a look below for a quick reminder of these easy rules!

Don't Run at the Pool

Pools have a number of rules and for good reason. The goal is to keep everyone in and around the pool safe. Running on the concrete pool deck can be a big hazard for everyone. There are a number of tripping hazards around a pool - a teenager sunbathing, a stray diving stick, or a beach bag. Ensure your kids are walking when moving around the local swimming hole!

Do Wear your Helmet when Biking

A helmet can help protect your head while biking. This can also offer protection for your mouth. Use caution while biking. Try to avoid taking off training wheels too early and teach your little ones to look ahead for hazards on the road or sidewalk. Even terrain is best for those who are inexperienced bikers.

Don't Dive in the Shallow End

The pool is a hot spot for summer fun. That's why TWO of our rules pertain to this popular destination. Always obey the rules of the pool and listen to lifeguards - they are looking out for your best interest. Diving in shallow water can lead to a number of issues. From neck injuries to oral injuries, it's dangerous to dive in the shallow end of the pool.

Do Use a Mouthpiece

When playing contact sports, don't forget to wear a protective mouthpiece! This can help give your child's mouth extra padding which can protect their pearly whites. Wearing a mouthpiece may seem inconvenient but it will give an important layer of protection for their teeth! It's especially important if your child has braces.

Don't Forget to Brush & Floss Daily

While physically protecting your teeth is important, don't forget to instill the importance of proper oral care. Remember to brush your teeth twice each day - once in the morning and again at night before bed. This can help to remove any food particles that may build up throughout the day and rid your mouth of germs that collect, as well. Flossing should be done once a day, as well. This helps to clean those hard to reach spaces between your teeth.

Do Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating the right foods has a major impact on your oral health. Plenty of fruits and vegetables help improve your overall health - oral health included. Summer is a great time to re-focus your diet. With a number of fresh fruits and vegetables available, it's an easy time to get back on track with your eating. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, as well.

Now that you know these tips on how to avoid injuring your mouth, you're ready to put these rules into action. Remind your kids on a regular basis about these rules and try to avoid tooth damage. If you or your child does end up damaging a tooth, it's important to get it looked at as soon as possible. Contact Access Dental & Dentures at 877-DENTIST for any and all emergency services. We work hard to get you into our office as soon as possible!

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

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065 Mountain Grove