Access Dental

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common gum disease that many people have. If your gums are inflamed and painful to the touch, you may have gingivitis. As your experienced dentist in Southern Missouri, we know how important it is to keep your entire mouth healthy - gums included. Take a look below to learn how you can help treat gingivitis if you are suffering AND ways to help reduce your chance of getting this gum disease.

Use Antibacterial Toothpaste

The bacteria found in your mouth can cause infection in your gums. An antibacterial toothpaste can help reduce the amount of germs and bacteria in your mouth. This can help reduce your chance of developing gingivitis AND can help reduce gum inflammation if you already have it.

Effectively Brush Teeth

It's recommended to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Consider setting a timer to ensure you reach this time recommendation. With a manual toothbrush, ensure you are making small circles and back and forth motions as you brush across your teeth. An electric toothbrush is a great way to make the most of your brushing time since it performs the back and forth motions for you.

Swish with Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help clean those hard to reach places in your mouth. While brushing and flossing are important, especially if you suffer from gingivitis, using mouthwash can help better protect your mouth. Mouthwash can help eliminate and reduce the amount of bacteria found in your mouth.

Floss on a Regular Basis

Flossing between your teeth can help remove food particles and bacteria that builds up throughout the day. It's recommended to floss at least once a day. This can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Now that you know these oral health tips to reduce your chance of gingivitis, you're ready to start taking better care of your mouth. Brushing, flossing, and eating healthy are all great ways to care for your teeth and mouth. Visiting the dentist in Springfield, MO can help ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and properly cleaned. Here at Access Dental & Dentures, we can help advise you on how to properly care for your teeth and if you need to focus in on a certain area of your oral health routine.

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, September 13, 2018

Common Oral Health Changes to Expect When Pregnant

Pregnancy brings about a number of changes in your body. Some beautiful and others not so glamorous. Your mouth may be the farthest thing from your concerns when you are pregnant but it shouldn't be. There are a number of changes in your mouth and you should pay attention to anything out of the ordinary. Take a look below to learn what you can expect (pertaining to oral health) when expecting!

Common Oral Changes when Pregnant:

-Gum inflammation is a common symptom of pregnancy. More likely during the second trimester, you may notice your gums being swollen, tender, or bleed more than normal.

-Tooth decay and/or gingivitis is more common in pregnant women. Your body may not be able to fight off plaque like it once did.

-Growths under the skin in the mouth, known as pregnancy tumors, are caused by excess plaque in the mouth.

-Oral infection is more common when pregnant due to your body being more susceptible to bacteria and plaque buildup.

Prenatal Care for Your Mouth:

Focus on Oral Care

Make sure taking care of your teeth and gums is a top priority, especially when you are pregnant. It's important to brush your teeth twice each day (once in the morning and again at night) AND floss between your teeth at least once a day. This can help clean your teeth and reduce your chance of plaque and germs building up. This can also help to keep oral infections away - which can be dangerous for your baby.

Schedule a Regular Check Up
Don't forget to visit the dentist on a regular basis. It's recommended to have an oral check-up every six months. Since a pregnancy is nine months, your next dentist visit should fall within the six months range. When you do visit your Springfield, MO dentist, it's important to let everyone know about your pregnancy so they are aware before performing any procedures that may be potentially hazardous to you or your baby.

Address any Issues
Any oral issues should be addressed right away. It's best to have a concern looked over as soon as possible to help reduce the chance of your condition worsening. If you are worried about your teeth, gums, tongue, or other concern, contact your dental professional in southern Missouri right away!

Now that you've learned a little more about the changes that can take place with your oral health when pregnant, and what to do if you experience these changes, you're ready to be on the lookout. As you and your body go through this beautiful process, it's important to focus on health - oral health included. Don't forget to visit the dentist when you are pregnant to monitor any changes that may be taking place within our mouth. Give Access Dental & Dentures a call at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment today. Let our dentist in Southern Missouri know that you are pregnant before performing any checkup or procedures.

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, September 6, 2018

Signs it's Time to Schedule a Dental Appointment

It's recommended to visit the dentist for a routine check-up every six months. It's also important to keep an eye on things between your regular appointments. As your experienced dentist in southern, MO, we know that your mouth can change at any time. Our dentist office can help with any of your unexpected oral issues. Access Dental And Dentures is here for all of your oral care needs.

Tooth Pain

If you experience any pain in your teeth, it's time to visit a dentist. Oral pain can be very troublesome for your daily life. From eating to constant tooth discomfort, it's important to have any oral issues addressed in a timely manner. It will likely continue to get worse, causing even more pain.

Swelling Gums

Anytime there is unusual swelling in your gums, there could be an underlying issue. If your gums are puffy or sore, it may be time to visit a dentist. There could be an infection in your gum line and may need treatment to properly clean it up.

Medical Issues

Are you experiencing an ongoing medical issue or preparing to get medical treatment? Don't forget to let your dentist know of any recent procedures and/or if you are experiencing issues. You never know, they may be related to your oral health!

Mouth Sores

Sores come up from time to time but if one sticks around for more than a few days, it may be time to get it checked out. A sore can be caused by an infection, virus, or fungus. The problem could worsen or even spread to further places in your body if you don't get it addressed in a timely manner.

Jaw Pain

Does your jaw make a popping sound when you move it? Does it cause pain as you chew? Jaw pain can quickly worsen if you continue to use it - which many people do on a daily basis. Talking, chewing, and drinking can all be difficult tasks if you have jaw pain.

Now that you know a few of the warning signs that you need to visit a dentist near Springfield, MO, you know who to call if you experience anything unusual. Our southern Missouri dentist is here for all of your oral care needs. Contact us at 877-DENTIST to schedule your routine checkup or if you experience anything out of the ordinary when it comes to 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

Friday, August 31, 2018

Why You Should Choose Access Dental & Dentures

Finding the right dental professional for you and your family is an important task. If you're looking for a new dentist in southern, MO, our dental offices are here for you. We offer a TON of reasons why you and your family should choose us! Take a look below to learn WHY!

Our patients are our top priority!

At Access Dental and Dentures, we believe our patients deserve to have the most information and newest technology available to make the right choices with their dental health. Our doctors and staff take the necessary time to explain all the treatment options available to our patients ensuring that they will receive the best possible outcome.

We work with most insurance provers!

We accept almost all dental insurance plans including Envolve for Homestate Health, DentaQuest for MissouriCare, MO Healthnet, United Healthcare Community Dental, Care Improvement Plus, Met Life Dental, Delta Dental, Tricare, and others. We will handle your insurance claims for you. We will call to get your benefits, file your claims and keep track of what services for which you are eligible.

Our staff is the BEST!

Our staff are professionals and their goal is to make your visit as easy as possible for you. Working with are doctors are highly trained expanded function dental assistants and basic dental assistants. Expanded function dental assistants receive additional training in the areas of restorative and prosthodontic procedures which, traditionally, had been performed by a dentist. They perform these duties under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

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.

We have FOUR convenient locations!

SPRINGFIELD, MO
1701 West Sunshine
Springfield, MO 65807

OSAGE BEACH, MO
4320 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO. 65065

ROLLA, MO
416 S. Bishop Ave. (Hwy 63)
Rolla, MO 65401

MOUNTAIN GROVE, MO
921-A N. Main
Mountain Grove, MO 65711

Now that you know a little more about our Springfield, MO dentist, you're ready to meet us! Contact our office at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment with us today. We look forward to helping you and your family get the smile you deserve!

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 23, 2018

The Difference Between Veneers and Crowns

Do you know the difference between a veneer and a crown? While they both help improve the appearance and function of a damaged tooth, there are some differences between the two. Here at Access Dental & Dentures, we offer both veneers and crowns along with our wide range of dental services. Take a look below to learn about the difference between these two services.

The Difference Between Veneers & Crowns:

A crown encases the entire tooth. A veneer covers the front of the tooth. The basic difference between these two oral care procedures is the variance between the tooth coverage. You can receive proper oral care treatment for both of these services at our Springfield, MO dentist.

All About Our 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.

All About Our 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 a 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.

Now that you know the difference between these two services, you're ready to find the right dentist for your oral care needs. Our southern Missouri dentist prides ourselves on offering a wide range of dental services to meet your needs for proper oral care. Contact our office 877-DENTIST to schedule a consultation if you think you are in need of one of our services!

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

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!

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