Blog

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.

Open Communication

Having good communication with your dentist is important. You should feel like you can ask questions and express concerns when it comes to your oral health. Your dentist should listen intently and answer each of your questions until you fully understand your conditions and treatment options.

Feeling welcome in the office is essential. The ...

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.

Dental Implants Are Most Like Your Natural Teeth

Single dental implants mimic your natural teeth. The titanium conical screw integrates with your body’s natural bone creating a stable foundation for your dental crown. When properly placed, dental implants can last decades – completing your smile and making it possible to eat healthy foods.

Conservative Treatment

Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require prepping of your adjacent teeth. With dental bridges, the teeth on either ...

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 know you would probably prefer to spend your time somewhere other than the dental chair!

We develop trust with our patients by providing great dentistry consistently. We believe in doing things right the first time and never cut corners with our patients.

• We take our time – We set aside enough time ...

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 health.

Sometimes, even our most conscientious dental patients suffer from an unexpected condition or trauma. Some of the common reasons why we may need to remove your tooth are:

• Pain – Unexplained pain after a root canal procedure may indicate a continued problem. Occasionally, a dental extraction is the best solution.
• Cracked tooth ...

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 having Dr. Shane Ruggless treat all their dental needs, including oral surgery.

Common Reasons for Extractions

• Wisdom teeth – Most people do not have enough room in their mouth for four more teeth which can cause the wisdom tooth to push teeth together causing crowding. They can also become impacted after they ...

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 ensure that your oral health is on track.

What Your Dentist Looks for During Dental Exams

• Tooth decay – Your dentist will start by checking every tooth for tooth decay using a mirror to see every angle of the tooth. Then, a tool is used to poke the chewing surface of your ...

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 offer dental bonding to our patients in the Springfield, IL  area so they can have the smile they have always dreamed of.

Benefits of Dental Bonding

Doesn’t damage teeth – Many cosmetic dentistry procedures require the tooth to be filed down in order to attach a veneer or crown. Dental bonding repairs ...