At Ruggless Dental, we understand that you want to keep your teeth strong and healthy. We also know that strong teeth are healthy teeth, so sometimes we sometimes recommend dental crowns in Springfield, IL.
Teeth weaken for various reasons including:
When a tooth is not healthy, it is vulnerable to breakage. A dental crown helps reinforce a weak tooth ...
Most of us have something we’d love to change about our smile. This includes straight teeth and an end to overlapping or crowding. However, finding a Springfield, IL dentist to straighten a crooked smile can be a challenge.
Fortunately, at Ruggless Dental, we have a lot of experience when it comes to orthodontic treatment and many satisfied patients as a result.
Invisalign ...
If you’re like most people, you want a dental office and a dentist that instills confidence. You want a compassionate team who will address your concerns and answer your questions. In the event of a dental emergency, you want a team dedicated to treating your situation quickly and saving your teeth.
At Ruggless Dental, we pride ourselves on our commitment to ...
At Ruggless Dental, we’ve heard all the misconceptions about dentures. Some patients think their new dentures won’t look real or fit correctly. The reality is that modern dentures look very natural, and ill-fitting dentures are adjustable.
Modern dentures in our Springfield, IL dental office rely on enhanced materials to provide an aesthetically beautiful appearance. Today’s dentures, in other words, are superior ...
At Ruggless Dental, extracting a damaged tooth is the last resort. Our skilled dentist, in fact, makes this decision only when nothing else can be done.
However, not all dental extractions result from damage or untreated infections. Sometimes, wisdom teeth are extracted, for example, to prevent overcrowding or pain when they fail to erupt properly.
Wisdom teeth are located at the back ...
In our Springfield, IL dental office, we always work hard to save damaged teeth, and dental crowns play a big part in our strategy. A crack, fracture, or decay in your tooth compromises the structure of that tooth, leaving it vulnerable to deeper fractures, infections, or more severe breakage.
However, not all fractures are caused by trauma. Wear and ...
Dental fillings close cavities in teeth, following the removal of decayed tooth material. The new filling, then, stops bacteria from entering the tooth, eases pain, and helps prevent further decay.
Dental fillings have been a major part of dentistry for a very long time. Let’s look at how dental fillings have evolved through history.
In Trieste, Italy, scientists ...
Grinding, chewing, and possibly genetics can cause your teeth to wear down over time. Age along with certain foods and drinks can contribute to tooth discoloration and erosion.
There are many solutions available to correct or camouflage these cosmetic issues, but the most affordable, versatile, and noninvasive choice is porcelain veneers. With porcelain veneers, you are choosing one option to correct ...
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants in our Springfield dental office not only makes it far easier to eat and speak naturally and without worry, but dental implants also improve your quality of life by making you look younger and have more confidence.
Tooth loss leads to the deterioration of bone in the jaw. Without ...
Few dental conditions are more distressing than tooth loss. The good news is that more options exist to restore your smile than ever before. Dental implants are one of the most popular choices in our Springfield dental office because they are most like your real teeth.
You can never have your tooth back once ...
If you have missing teeth, you have likely heard the buzz about dental implants. Busy patients find sifting through lengthy medical articles tedious and time-consuming. Since we offer dental implants in our Springfield, IL dental office, we wanted to break down the main benefits of this innovative tooth-replacement option.
When performed by an experienced dentist, dental implants ...
While dental crowns are the gold standard for repairing broken and damaged teeth, fillings can sometimes make a necessary repair and provide a less costly and less invasive option. Dr. Shane Ruggless offers durable tooth-colored fillings here in our Springfield, IL dental practice.
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite, consist of plastic and glass particles, which look natural and protect teeth.
For some patients, dental implant surgery is not possible because of health challenges or medications that could complicate the procedure or integration process. For this reason, partial dentures remain a popular choice in our Springfield, IL dental office.
There are two types of partial dentures – fixed and removable.
Many people do not realize that dental bridges are also ...
When it comes to replacing missing teeth in Springfield, IL and you are considering dental implants, you might have a number of questions and discover that many dentists have differing opinions. We are here to help.
The critical thing to remember is that what works well for you might be different than what works best for someone else. At Ruggless Dental, ...
As a kid, it was normal for deciduous (baby) teeth to fall out and the excitement of putting the tooth under your pillow was enough motivation to actually wiggle those teeth holding on by a thread right out. After all, pillow cash delivered by a fairy is magical.
As an adult, a troubled tooth causes anxiety and a number of questions ...
Don’t let the rumors fool you when it comes to root canals and their association with pain. Root canals relieve rather than cause pain and can help save your tooth when treated promptly. We welcome dental emergencies and provide comfortable root canals in our Springfield dental office.
The only way to know for sure if you need ...
We recommend dental extractions in our Springfield dental office only when all other treatment options will not work because keeping your own teeth is often the simplest solution to protect your smile. When you do have an extraction, however, we will give you the support you need to heal comfortably and quickly.
Here are some tips that will help you heal ...
Regular retainer use after your Invisalign treatment in Springfield, IL will prevent your teeth from moving back toward their original location. This is an essential part of the treatment process. Don’t worry; you will soon be able to graduate to retainer use at night only.
An easy way to keep your retainer clean is to brush it with a soft-bristled brush ...
A dead tooth sounds like a big problem, and it can be, but if you want a dentist in Springfield, IL to find a solution, Dr. Shane Ruggless can help. A dead tooth does not necessarily mean a dental extraction; in fact, that is the last resort.
Teeth consist of three parts: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The pulp is composed of ...
Whitening your teeth requires both a financial and time commitment. When you finally reach your ideal shade, keeping it that way is important. How quickly your teeth need a touch-up depends mostly on your habits and lifestyle.
We offer both speedy in-office teeth whitening and convenient custom take-home teeth whitening in our Springfield, IL dental office.
Here are some easy ways to ...
Cavities are one of the most common preventable conditions in both adults and children. We take care of fillings in our Springfield, IL dental office using natural-looking tooth-colored composite.
While a significant reduction in the instances of tooth decay in recent years has helped patients keep their smiles healthy, it is still a common occurrence due to the amount of sugar ...
People are living longer than ever and staying active well into their golden years – both professionally and socially. Naturally, this dramatically improves the quality of life seniors enjoy today compared with decades ago.
As a result, looking their best is essential to many of our patients. Your smile is an integral part of how you feel about yourself and your ...
With increasing popularity, dental implants are fast becoming the preferred way to replace missing teeth. While many people have heard of dental implants, understanding what they actually are and how they function is an important consideration when considering them to complete your smile.
Here are 3 common misconceptions about dental implants:
Dental implants are made of titanium and ...
This time of year it seems that parties fall nearly every other day. If you have company parties or family reunions on the calendar, you probably want to look your best. In addition to the proper attire, you might be thinking about the appearance of your smile, especially if it is a bit darker than it used to be.
The holidays ...
If you are considering dental implants in the Springfield area, you might have done a bit of research to determine if they are the right choice for you. At Ruggless Dental, we offer dental implants as one option to replace missing teeth. Many of our patients truly appreciate this service as it has been shown to improve patients’ ...
Dry mouth feels uncomfortable, especially when trying to speak with that pasty feeling gluing your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Did you know that dry mouth may also contribute to oral health conditions?
Saliva helps to combat gum disease and having a chronically dry mouth may cause you to develop an infection or recession of the gums. Irritation ...
Bad breath may cause people to wrinkle their noses or back away when you’re talking. How embarrassing!
The problem is that most people with bad breath don't know they have it. Having temporary odors caused by onions, garlic, or curry is one thing. Having chronic bad breath is a bigger problem.
Here are some ways you can reduce your chances of having ...
It’s not sugar alone that affects the health and appearance of your smile. Acid is the real culprit when it comes to eroding enamel. Even more than candy or sweets, certain drinks pose a big threat to your pearly whites. Here are a few beverages that might be causing your smile trouble.
It’s not just sugary soda ...
A common saying, aging is not for the weak. It means that as we age, we face a number of health challenges that can interfere with a high quality of life. These can include conditions causing chronic pain, medical conditions, more frequent doctor visits, and even necessary treatments to help you stay healthy.
Your teeth and gums are no different than ...
When thinking of your oral health, your mouth likely comes to mind, but if you think about eating, kissing, speaking, and smiling, it really is much more than that. After all, your teeth and smile is part of almost everything you do. You use your smile to convey emotion, friendliness, and love. Your smile means a lot to those who ...
Having gum disease puts your health at risk. It seems like every new study that emerges outlines a link between gum disease and another system in the body.
These include:
Circulatory risks – heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure
Respiratory risks – COPD and chronic bronchitis
Nervous system risks – Alzheimer’s
Reproductive risks – low birth weight babies
Now a new study ...
Modern women have a number of complex concerns when it comes to staying healthy and enjoying increased vitality as they age. Since people are living longer and staying socially and professionally active beyond middle age, staying tuned-in to the latest information can give you the necessary knowledge to maintain optimum health.
Though more men suffer from periodontal disease than women – ...
We all know that sugary foods can cause decay, but we also consume beverages that put our teeth at risk every day. Beverages can not only cause decay but also stain teeth rapidly, making your smile looker darker and more aged than it needs to be.
Dark sodas like Coke and Pepsi are full of sugar ...
Everyone knows by now that smoking is bad for your health and can lead to conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease. The impact of tobacco use on oral health goes beyond just the main health problems we hear about every day. Tobacco contains a number of chemicals and carcinogens that create a perfect storm for certain oral health ...
Dental bonding is gaining in popularity due largely to patients wanting a more conservative treatment to correct simple flaws with their teeth. Treatments such as porcelain veneers are a great way to make dramatic changes for teeth that have severe damage, discoloration, or wear. What about smaller chips and gaps?
Dental bonding adds to your existing tooth structure with minimal ...
Finding the proper dental restoration for your smile will require a trip to the dentist to get the most accurate information possible. Each dental restoration serves a specific purpose, and the one that will work best for you depends on your dental conditions.
Here are some guidelines that can help you determine if you need a crown or a bridge:
Having a root canal can save a tooth from requiring an extraction by removing bacteria and infection from inside your tooth. We offer comfortable root canals here in our Springfield dental office. Opting for a root canal instead of an extraction can dramatically extend the life of your tooth.
The proper care is essential to keeping your root canal tooth ...
You know your body better than anyone, and when you encounter a change in your oral health, you might wonder whether you could let it go for a little longer or if you should have it treated right away by scheduling an emergency dental exam.
When in doubt, you are always welcome to contact Ruggless Dental. Our team can ...
Dental bonding is a quick and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your smile. Dental bonding uses composite resin, the same material we use for fillings, to add to your existing tooth structure, changing the shape of your tooth or repairing it after a chip.
Composite resin comes in a wide variety of shades so we can match it ...
March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to discuss all the ways that your diet can affect the health of your teeth. You have probably grown up hearing that calcium and vitamin D are the keys to success when relating the foods we eat to the health of your teeth.
The truth is that ...
Gum disease can sneak up on anyone.
Even if you have great home care and twice-yearly dental appointments, a change in your medical health, hormone fluctuations, and even stress can all affect the health of your gums. If you have systemic conditions, such as diabetes, you may suddenly find yourself battling gum disease when you have never suffered from it ...
You are looking for a dentist, and a quick search shows an overwhelming amount of options of dentists near you. How do you know which one to choose? Here are some tips to filter through the many choices to find the best fit for you!
Finding the right option for a tooth replacement can be a real pain. There are several options to consider when choosing which service to replace missing teeth. The most common options offered are dental implants and partial dentures. Dental implants are the longer lasting and more effective of the two options because the implants titanium permanently fixed in place. Partial ...
When people think of dentures, it often comes with a negative connotation, or an image of your grandmother adjusting or removing her dentures. However, when dentures are fitted properly, they can actually be extremely comfortable and effective, without anyone knowing that you are wearing them! In fact, one of the most popular choices for dentures today is to have ...
Dental implants are one of the most popular choices today for tooth replacement, and with good reason. Implants are durable, comfortable, and they look and feel like natural teeth. If you're looking into tooth replacement options, chances are that dental implants are on your radar. The process for getting an implant is fairly straightforward, and can be explained in ...
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. A filling is needed when a tooth begins to decay, and the bacteria in the mouth creates an infection and hole in the tooth. This is called a cavity, and treating it with a filling will prevent more decay from forming in the same area of that tooth. ...
Finding a great dentist can make a huge difference in your overall experience with any treatments you have. But finding a great dentist is only one step- you also need to find an office that you feel comfortable in as well! Here are some tips on finding the right dental office environment for your needs:
If you are in need of a tooth replacement option, chances are that you've heard about dental implants. This is becoming a very popular treatment option for many patients, and with good reason! When considering your treatment options, the best way to get started is to visit an experienced dentist for a consultation, and advice on what the ...
When you think about dental health, you probably only think about your teeth and gums. However, your oral health can have a big effect on your overall health. The best way to stay healthy when it comes to your oral health is to keep up with your at-home care, and to be sure to visit your dentist regularly to prevent ...
If your teeth have experienced severe decay, gum disease, or trauma, it might be time to look into teeth replacement options. Dentures are one of the most popular choices available today for tooth replacement for several reasons. Working with an experienced dentist will ensure that you get the treatment that is best for your unique needs, so visiting a ...
We all know that at-home oral care is extremely important to your oral health, but also to your overall health. But choosing from the wide array of dental tools available today can be tricky. Finding the best options for your needs helps to ensure that you are able to clean your teeth properly at home, and helps you stay healthy!
Root canals need to be performed when a tooth has experienced severe decay, past the point of a regular cavity. While a normal cavity can be addressed with a filling, which is a fairly fast and affordable process, if a tooth becomes more severely decayed, a root canal is a more in-depth procedure. That being said, it's still common, ...
Cavities are a common issue today, and even if you keep up with your at-home dental care and dental visits, they can still occur. The best way to ensure that cavities don't turn into more serious issues is to visit your dentist often for exams and cleanings, and for cavity treatments.
Knowing what causes cavities ...
Do you have teeth that are darkening or changing colors? This can indicate some dental conditions that may require attention. In other cases, it may be natural staining that occurs when you eat or drink staining foods. In other cases, if you use tobacco, it can dramatically stain your teeth.
Certain prescription medication can cause your teeth to darken ...
Have you ever noticed bad breath in yourself or others? Not just the typical garlic or onion breath after a fancy salad or delicious pasta meal, but truly bad breath that makes you step back when another person speaks? That smell, associated with periodontal disease, is actually caused by bacteria that collect in and around your gum line and on ...
Once you have invested in dental implants, taking care of them is essential to their function and longevity. If you are seeking dental implants in the Springfield area, we can help you get the most out of your dental implants and protect your smile!
Dental implants most closely mimic your natural teeth. They can complete your smile without creating dietary ...
Because of how dentures used to look, many people have misconceptions about wearing dentures. If you need dentures in the Springfield, IL area, we recommend that you contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ruggless. He is experienced at creating comfortable, esthetic dentures that give you the freedom to eat more foods and enjoy smiling again.
Dentures ...
Spending all the time in the world on taking care of your teeth will not amount to a healthy smile unless you use the proper techniques. If you are looking for a dentist in the Springfield, IL area that focuses on educating patients toward better oral health, you have come to the right place.
We know that your home care skills ...
You probably know that smoking can cause lung cancer, respiratory problems, and cost you a load of money from month to month. Did you know, however, that smoking or using chewing tobacco can have a serious negative impact on the health and appearance of your smile? One of the most deadly and disfiguring forms of cancer is oral cancer. It ...
Are you looking for a gentle, high-quality dentist in Springfield, IL? Choosing a dentist is a big decision because your healthcare providers play a big role in your overall health. Just like choosing a doctor, choosing a dentist can be confusing because there are so many options and you may not know which questions to ask.
Having good communication ...
If you are considering dental implants, you may have questions about their affordability. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide an exceptional value. They are long lasting, sturdy, and preserve the integrity of your adjacent teeth.
Single dental implants mimic your natural teeth. The titanium conical screw integrates with your body’s ...
If you and your family need a dentist in the Springfield, IL area, we look forward to welcoming you to our dental family. Our team takes pride in providing our patients with compassionate, gentle care at Ruggless Dental.
Your health is a top priority, but we also believe that dental care can be a positive experience for patients, even though we ...
At Ruggless Dental, we work with our patients to establish healthy home care routines, a good preventive dentistry treatment plan, and regularly review the heath of your teeth to avoid tooth extractions whenever possible.
We understand that a tooth extraction can put your health and your appearance at risk and we use tooth extractions as a last resort to protect your ...
Though most dental concerns can be treated without the need for an extraction, there are some situations where having a tooth pulled is necessary. The most common reasons an extraction is needed are severe tooth decay, crowding, or for wisdom teeth removal. At Ruggless Dental, we perform almost all extractions in our office to give our patients the comfort of ...
It is recommended to see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams, but while getting regular cleanings makes sense, what is so important about exams? During exams, your dentist will check for early signs of several dental and general health concerns. Dr. Shane Ruggless will check each of your teeth and gums during every exam to ...
Most people would like to change at least one aspect of their smile, especially if they have cracks and chips in their teeth. Even minor cracks and chips can make your smile look uneven, which can lower your self-esteem and confidence. Yet, dental bonding can repair chips, cracks, and gaps easily making teeth look more cohesive. At Ruggless Dental, we ...
Many people have misconceptions about dentures, but they have actually come a long way in the past few years. With newer technology, your dentist is able to customize your dentures to fit more comfortably, have more stability, and look more natural. There are several types of dentures to fit your needs whether you are missing all your teeth or just ...