Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions that patients experience. By adulthood, most patients will experience at least one incident of tooth decay and require a dental filling to repair the problem.
Food particles, especially sugary or starchy foods, make great fuel for bacteria. Bacteria create a biofilm on your teeth and gums that can cause decay or periodontal disease if not addressed promptly. As bacteria feed on food particles and reproduce, they create an acidic environment that softens the protective outer shell of your teeth, which is called enamel.
Once the enamel becomes weaker, decay can enter into the softer layers of your teeth beneath the enamel and cause cavities, infection, and even tooth loss.
Dental decay rarely causes pain in the beginning. By the time a cavity becomes painful, it can be quite severe. During routine exams and dental cleanings, our Springfield dentist uses regular dental x-rays to diagnose tooth decay before it puts your teeth at risk.
At Ruggless Dental, we use low-radiation digital x-rays on our patients. Not only do they emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional x-rays, but they also allow for greater accuracy in diagnosis because of the high-resolution images they produce. We take only the x-rays necessary to accurately monitor your health and detect any changes.
Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana in 2008 with a degree in Integrative Biology. He went on to earn his DMD at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Dental School, where he received a leadership award.
He is active in the American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society, and he is on the board of the GV Black Dental Society.
Dr. Ruggless knew since his high school days that he wanted to become a dentist. ...
When you have decay in your tooth, removing it is essential. Decay does not resolve on its own and generally worsens over time. Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD will gently and completely clean all decay and bacteria from your tooth, leaving only healthy tooth structure behind. If anesthetic is necessary, he will make sure to use the appropriate amount and give it time to work before he begins.
Once the bacteria and decay are removed from your tooth, he will seal your tooth and rebuild its structure using composite filling material. Composite is tooth-colored and comes in many shades so that we can match it to your smile.
He will place the composite in layers and cure it, making it hard and durable. Once your tooth structure is rebuilt with composite, he will shape and polish it so that it is comfortable, feels smooth, and seamlessly matches your natural tooth.
Composite works by adding to your healthy tooth structure, which means that we remove only the diseased portion before restoring it. With old amalgam fillings, it was necessary to remove more of your healthy tooth structure for them to work.
The aesthetic benefits far outweigh those of amalgam fillings. Composites do not darken or scar your smile – they will be virtually invisible when you smile.
At Ruggless Dental, we recommend any toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent cavities. Many kinds of toothpaste on the market claim to do many different things – reduce plaque, whiten, or everything as an all in one! The best way to take care of your teeth, however, is with consistently thorough home care.
To maintain your oral health, be sure to brush twice a day using the proper techniques:
If you have questions or would like a demonstration of the best home care techniques, we are happy to help! Dentistry is constantly changing and having a “brush-up” on tooth brushing can be helpful. Even adults can develop sloppy brushing habits over time, and being aware of the proper techniques can protect your oral health and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
To schedule your next preventive dental appointment, contact our Springfield, IL dental office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Many of our patients feel overwhelmed when they stand in the toothbrush aisle at the store. So many choices are available and all of them promise to make your teeth and gums healthier. At Ruggless Dental, we recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Light pressure is enough to remove plaque and bacteria because it is actually the tips of the toothbrush bristles that do the most cleaning. Extra pressure does not mean cleaner teeth!
When you come in for your hygiene appointment, we will give you our favorite toothbrush – the Nimbus. This extra-soft bristled toothbrush cleans great, but still protects your delicate gum tissue and enamel from damage. Many of our patients ask to buy extra Nimbus toothbrushes since they are not available in most of our local stores.
The type of toothbrush you use does make a difference. Follow these simple guidelines for the best results:
If you have questions about specific brushes or techniques, let us know! Our hygiene team will share their ideas and expertise with you so that you get the most out of your home care. Give us a call today.
Flossing might not be your favorite way to spend time, however, there is no better way to protect your gums and avoid periodontal disease. Our 62704 dental team recommends flossing your teeth at least once a day. Of course, if you eat something like corn on the cob or steak, you might want to floss your teeth more often, and that’s great!
Sometimes a food particle gets stuck between your teeth and causes bleeding or pain. You might feel compelled to avoid the area because it is sore. Flossing the area is important, however, because you can dislodge the food particle and give your gums a chance to heal. Within a day or two, the bleeding should subside and the pain should be gone. If it persists, contact our dentist office in Springfield and we can help!
The kind of dental floss that will work best for you depends on a number of factors such the alignment of your teeth. For teeth with larger spaces in between, a braided floss might work best. For teeth that are close together, a ribbon floss might be easier to use and slide in between your teeth more comfortably. For patients with braces or a dental bridge, floss threaders can make your job much easier!
If you have questions about products that can help keep your smile healthy and beautiful, give us a call at (217) 787-0212 to schedule a dental exam in Springfield. We look forward to hearing from you at Ruggless Dental.
If you are due for your next exam, call (217) 787-0212 to schedule an appointment at Ruggless Dental! By maintaining regular appointments at our Springfield, IL dental office, you are taking the best step toward a healthy, beautiful smile.
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