Blog

There’s no substitute for the rejuvenating beauty of springtime in Springfield, IL. Of course, that beauty also comes with allergies and seasonal congestion, accompanied by an unexpected symptom: tooth pain. 

Many Springfield residents are surprised to learn that seasonal sinus pressure can create aching, tenderness, or “fullness” in the upper teeth. Because the roots of upper molars often sit close to ...

Having a tooth that hurts when you bite down makes everyday activities like eating or speaking uncomfortable. Even if the tooth looks fine from the outside, this type of pain often signals that something is going on beneath the surface.

At Ruggless Dental, Dr. Shane Ruggless examines every patient carefully to determine the exact cause of bite-related tooth pain, the best ...

Your smile is more than just a way to greet the world. It’s also a little detective, quietly revealing clues about your habits. At Ruggless Dental, Dr. Shane Ruggless and our team have spent years treating smiles of all ages. Curious what dentists can tell from your teeth? Let’s take a peek!

Dental Habits Dentists Notice

Teeth a daily diary of your ...

Questions about insurance cause more confusion than just about any part of dentistry. Many patients in Springfield assume their plan works like medical insurance, covering most needs once they’re enrolled. In reality, however, dental insurance is more akin to a discount program with limits. Knowing what it actually covers, and what it does not, will help you avoid surprises and ...

You've got the outfit, the venue's booked, and your calendar's filling up with holiday parties and family gatherings. There’s only one thing holding you back; your smile isn’t quite meeting your expectations, and you worry how it will look in all those photos.

It’s not uncommon for dental offices to get inundated with cosmetic dentistry appointments leading up to the holidays. ...

The countdown to the New Year is officially on! And while you’re making plans for parties, resolutions, and snagging the perfect spot to watch the ball drop, there’s one more thing you should squeeze in before the clock strikes midnight: using your dental benefits! At Ruggless Dental, we’re here to help you make the most of your coverage before it ...

Did you know that the changes in the season here in Springfield can impact your oral health? With winter rapidly moving in, the holiday season is also approaching. Here are some oral health tips and tricks to be aware of to protect your smile as winter and the holidays descend upon us. 

The Seasonal Impact of Winter on Your Dental Health

Some ...

Dental insurance paperwork can feel like it was written in another language. Between the codes, the percentages, and the fine print, it’s easy to feel lost. Ruggless Dental is here to make sense of it all. From cleanings to crowns in Springfield, here’s what patients should know about dental insurance coverage.

The 100-80-50 Rule 

Most plans follow a simple ...

Professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to remove stubborn stains and enhance your smile. However, there are additional steps you can take to maintain your enamel's brightness and health.

In this blog, we discuss:

• Professional Teeth Cleaning for a Brighter Smile
• Water-Based Hydration to Keep Teeth Healthy
• Dietary Choices and Habits to Avoid Tooth Discoloration
• When to Talk to Your Springfield Dentist

Professional ...

Here’s to a new year, fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a bright, healthy smile to match! At Ruggless Dental, we know that a clean smile does more than just look good, it helps students of all ages feel confident, capable, and ready to take on the school year.

Confidence That Starts with a Smile

Whether it’s a first-grade show-and-tell or a ...

Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement because they’re strong, long-lasting, and built to blend right in. But if smoking is part of your daily routine, it could be crashing the party and putting your dental implant’s success at risk. Here's what you need to know.

The Impact of Smoking on Dental Implants

Smoking introduces nicotine and other harmful ...

Expect a warm greeting at the front desk, where we collect:

• Any relevant paperwork
• Potential copay
• Identification
• Insurance information
• Any recent films/diagnoses

You can fill out paperwork online here.

A thorough visit with the dentist soon follows, as does a professional teeth cleaning if your schedule allows.

When you join the Ruggless Dental family, we take time to get to know you and learn about ...

Veneers can be life-changing, restoring your smile and your confidence. When you finally see the reflection you've always dreamed of, the last thing you want to think about is how long it will last.

At Ruggless Dental, we believe your smile should be built to shine for years to come. With the proper care, veneers can stay beautiful and strong ...

Did you know that routine dental exams and teeth cleanings with your dentist in Springfield, IL, can actually save you time and money? It may feel like a nuisance when it's time for those bi-annual appointments, especially when they fall on a particularly hectic day. However, it's essential not to delay or ignore your regular dental checkups as they're ...

Your smile is your ultimate calling card—it's the first thing people notice and the easiest way to brighten someone's day or your reflection. If you've been dreaming about taking your smile from "meh" to "marvelous," we've got great news: it's easier than you think! 

Our team at Ruggless Dental wants to help you have a head-turning grin. Dental bonding is ...

Congratulations on your beautiful, bright smile! If you’ve had teeth whitening in Springfield, IL, you’re probably thrilled with the fresh, radiant look and eager to keep it lasting as long as possible. After all, a brighter smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. The good news is that maintaining your whitening results doesn’t have to be ...

Does tooth loss cause you to hide your smile? Do you think about it frequently? Maybe you’re ready to investigate tooth replacement. This blog helps you decide which option might be best for you.

In our dental office, we offer:

• Dental Implants
• Dental Bridges
• Dentures

Below, we’ll discuss how dental implants compare to bridges.

About Dental Implants in Springfield, IL

Dental implants are the ...

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Take, for instance, severe tooth damage.

In addition to some potentially intense physical discomfort, advanced tooth decay and structural damage bring with them a crucial question: root canal therapy or tooth extraction? Both provide immediate pain relief and long-term oral health. However, the circumstances in which each is necessary vary — here's how!

Benefits of ...

You have missing teeth, low confidence, and difficulty chewing. Your remaining teeth are at risk due to shifting and general wear.

As a dentist in Springfield, IL, I understand how you feel and the uncertainty that can result when seeking tooth replacement.

Fortunately, my compassionate team and I can help restore your smile and its former beauty! In fact, we can help ...

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s time to ensure your child is ready for the new school year. Yes, school supplies and new clothes are important, but don’t overlook one crucial aspect: dental health.

Ensuring your child’s smile is healthy boosts their confidence and enhances their overall well-being. It also protects you and your child against days ...

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can enhance your smile’s appearance and improve your self-confidence. If your teeth aren’t as white as they once were, or if you have chips, cracks, or gaps in your smile, veneers might be a good option.

How do you know if veneers are right for you? Keep reading to learn whether ...

Anyone who has experienced a dental emergency knows that every second counts in those frightening moments. This urgency is vital for immediate relief, as dental emergencies can be extremely painful. Additionally, however, leaving the underlying issues untreated can pose serious threats to both oral and overall health.

Today, we’re helping you find the right Springfield, IL, emergency dentist and identify ...

Ensuring excellent dental health is crucial for overall well-being and confidence. In Springfield, IL, we at Ruggless Dental offer comprehensive care to ensure your and your family's long-term oral health and smile aesthetics!

As part of our commitment to our patients’ long-term well-being, here are our top tips for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health in Springfield, IL.

Schedule and Attend ...

Dr. Shane Ruggless and his team would like to be the first to warmly welcome you if your family is new to Springfield! 

Moving to a new town can feel daunting, especially when it comes to finding new healthcare providers. Where do you start when finding a new dentist?

Today, we'd like to offer some helpful tips on choosing an excellent

Embarking on the journey to reclaim your smile can be a transformative experience. At Ruggless Dental, we specialize in guiding patients through the various options available for restoring smiles.

Whether you are considering dentures in Springfield, IL, or pondering the permanence of dental implants, understanding your options is the first step toward discovering your perfect smile.

Dentures Demystified: Embrace Flexibility

Dentures ...

Do you desire a whiter, brighter smile free of coffee or soda stains? If you're considering teeth whitening in Springfield, IL, our team at Ruggless Dental can't wait to help you achieve your dazzling dream smile with professional teeth whitening. This blog aims to debunk some common myths and shed light on what you need to know about teeth ...

When you hear the words “root canal,” there’s a likelihood it makes you feel apprehensive or uncertain. You’ve heard horror stories about the pain associated with a root canal procedure, and it’s enough to make you want to avoid it at all costs. The truth is there are many misconceptions about root canal therapy, the most important one being ...

For those who’ve turned to dentures after losing multiple teeth, maintaining the benefits of these long-term solutions involves more than periodic cleaning. Proper care is crucial to ensure your dentures’ longevity and long-term functionality.

We’re here to provide you with some tips for keeping your dentures in excellent shape so that your relationships with your rejuvenated, radiant smile and robust ...

Finding the right dentist is crucial to maintaining oral health and overall well-being. Regular dental care goes beyond just ensuring a bright smile; it plays a vital role in detecting early signs of health issues, preventing dental diseases, and fostering good oral hygiene habits. A trustworthy and skilled dentist like Ruggless Dental can provide personalized care tailored to your needs, ...

Choosing the right dentist can make a significant difference in your oral health and overall well-being. In Springfield, IL, Ruggless Dental sets the standard for excellence in dental care. It’s due to a wide range of factors, from the experience of the team to state-of-the-art technology to a comprehensive array of services to a caring and compassionate focus on patient ...

If you have ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I wish my teeth were whiter and brighter,” then professional teeth whitening might be a good option for you. You may be wondering if teeth whitening is safe and whether or not it can affect your oral health. Keep reading to learn more about finding the balance between teeth ...

Traditional metal braces serve their purpose; they are necessary for complex orthodontic treatments or severe misalignments. However, if you have mild orthodontic issues, you may be a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners. Teenagers who wear Invisalign aligners can feel confident in their smiles because their aligners are nearly invisible. Because the teenage years are difficult enough without worrying about ...

If you or a family member is experiencing a dental emergency, you are probably scared and unsure about what to do next, especially if you’re in pain. Fortunately, the dental experts at Ruggless Dental offer emergency dentistry services, and we are just a phone call away. In the meantime, please do your best to stay calm during this stressful ...

Selecting a dentist is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your oral and overall health. In historically charming and vibrant Springfield, IL, as in anywhere, finding the perfect dental care provider calls for careful consideration. Whether you're new to the area or seeking to switch dental care providers, we’re here to highlight the factors that you should consider and ...

At Ruggless Dental, we understand that finding the right dentures in Springfield, IL, can seem daunting. However, with the proper guidance and knowledge, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Here are some top tips for choosing the perfect dentures for you.

1. Understanding Your Needs

The first step in finding your perfect fit is ...

At Ruggless Dental, we pride ourselves on putting patients first and staying current on the latest advances in dentistry. This allows us to provide exceptional treatment to area families and individuals seeking excellent dental care. We want to help you maintain excellent oral health for a lifetime while helping you reach your smile goals!

Currently, we are accepting new patients and ...

If you've ever wondered what's behind some of the most brilliant celebrity smiles, you might be surprised by the simplicity of their solution. Actors like Tom Cruise and Jennifer Lawrence and musicians like Miley Cyrus and Celine Dion have all taken advantage of dental veneers.

These thin shells made from engineered porcelain are the go-to option for those seeking a high-end ...

Whether you've opted to work with a family dentist or pediatric dentist in Springfield, IL, we want you to know that February is National Children's Dental Health Month!

Since our focus in February is on our smallest smiles, here's everything you should know about your little one's dental health. 

When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Visit?

The American Academy ...

Do you have severe tooth pain or extreme sensitivity? Do you suspect you may need root canal treatment? If so, it's important to call your emergency dentist in Springfield, IL, to promptly relieve your pain and save your tooth.

Signs You May Need an Emergency Root Canal

Some of the most common symptoms of a tooth infection that requires root canal ...

We provide emergency dental care in Springfield, IL, for patients with pain, swelling, or an oral health situation threatening their teeth or well-being. This is a broad definition, but some of the most common dental emergencies include:

• Toothaches and increased sensitivity
• Jaw and facial swelling
• Broken tooth or restoration
• Lost tooth or restoration
• Oral injury

Of course, there are too many scenarios to consider them ...

When considering orthodontics, weighing your options and choosing the system that best fits your needs and lifestyle is essential. And with all orthodontic systems, there are pros and cons. However, one person’s con may be a pro to someone else!

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of traditional braces and Invisalign in Springfield, IL. And you can ...

If you're looking for a non-surgical tooth replacement option that still provides the aesthetics and function you need, a dental bridge in Springfield may be the right solution for your smile.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth in a row. Being fixed means that it's placed in your mouth ...

If you're looking for an exceptional "dentist near me" in the 62704 area, you can do a few things. First, you can ask friends and family for referrals. You can check online reviews. Finally, you can visit prospective dental offices in your area.

Or, you can consider our Springfield dental office for your new dental home. At Ruggless Dental, Dr. Shane ...

When many picture dentures, they visualize the traditional full dentures that might rest in a glass on a bedside table or bobbing around in an effervescent liquid on a denture cleaner commercial. However, modern dentistry has helped reduce the number of people with dentures near me from 30% in the 1990s down to 17% in 2016.

These numbers suggest ...

For thousands of years, people have recognized the value of protective coverings for essential parts of their bodies. The first helmets date back to 2500BC, and the concept has never gone out of style. Today, motorcycle helmets save over 1800 American lives per year, and eight out of ten head injuries on construction sites could be ...

Did you know it is possible to prevent many dental emergencies or minimize their impact on your oral health? It all comes back to preventive dentistry, including six-month teeth cleanings and exams with your dentist and hygienist.

The first step in any dental emergency is to contact your emergency dentist in Springfield, IL. They will assess your needs, provide instructions ...

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses a series of plastic aligner trays customized to move teeth into the proper position. This discreet solution straightens crooked teeth and corrects misaligned dental bites without metal brackets and wires, and is virtually invisible when worn.

Many adults who would otherwise forgo treatment due to the aesthetic impact of metal braces now ...

We are always excited to welcome new patients into our dental family. Our team treats patients of all ages, offering the services you’ve come to expect from your family dentist in Springfield, IL.

Additionally, we offer advanced or specialized services for those looking for something extra.

Quality and Affordable Dentistry in Springfield, IL

Our experienced dentists provide:

• Preventive dentistry—Teeth cleanings, checkups, oral cancer ...

Worn teeth can dramatically impact your smile, forcing you to cover your mouth when you laugh or making you feel insecure. Worn teeth can also tax healthy teeth with all the chewing, leading to even more tooth wear in the future.  

Your dentist in Springfield, IL can help build worn teeth through innovative restorative dentistry and talk to you about ...

Broken and missing teeth can impact how you speak, the foods you decide to eat, and even how you feel emotionally. A smile that you’re not happy with can dramatically affect your self-esteem.

But did you also know that broken and missing teeth can impact your oral health? It’s true! Missing teeth can cause remaining teeth to slip toward smile openings, ...

Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular and inexpensive cosmetic dentistry treatments around. And under the supervision of your Springfield dentist, it is a safe and effective way to lift stubborn tooth stains.

However, we don’t recommend fad whitening products or kits and strips purchased in stores or online for a good reason.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

When ...

Tooth pain may come on suddenly, causing severe pain, or it may start as a dull ache and worsen over time. No matter what type of pain you’re having, it’s important to know what to do when you experience dental pain.

Pain Signals a Dental Problem

Tooth pain typically doesn’t occur for no reason. If you begin experiencing pain, the best course ...

We realize no one wants to hear that they need a root canal. However, in some cases, a root canal procedure is the only way to restore your oral health and relieve tooth pain caused by infection or injury. Dr. Shane Ruggless provides comfortable treatment in our Springfield, IL dentist office when a root canal procedure becomes necessary.

Signs ...

At Ruggless Dental, we love helping people improve their smiles and overall oral health with comfortable and attractive tooth replacement options. We understand the trauma of losing a tooth or multiple teeth, and we know how missing teeth can change your everyday life. 

With teeth missing, you may have trouble eating your favorite foods, and you may feel hesitant to ...

Have you noticed that your teeth have a dull appearance in photos? Or maybe when you look in the mirror, you wish your smile had more of a sparkle? If so, professional teeth whitening can help. With the Zoom! teeth whitening system, you can add pizzazz to your smile quickly and affordably. 

The Zoom! teeth whitening system is an in-office ...

Sometimes, a severely damaged or decayed tooth must be removed to preserve a patient’s oral health. Extractions are typically a last resort for treatment if your tooth cannot be saved with a root canal or another type of rehabilitative procedure. At Ruggless Dental, we perform comprehensive oral surgery and gentle tooth extractions in Springfield, IL.

Common Reasons for a Tooth ...

Sometimes, we just aren't satisfied with how our smile looks. Maybe our teeth aren't lined up perfectly, or they might be stained. There are many cosmetic dental treatments that can fix these smile flaws, but the most dramatic change often comes with porcelain veneers.

Veneers can often achieve a Hollywood-style smile, rivaling those you may see in magazines or ...

Regular dental cleanings and exams are an essential part of exemplary oral health.

Besides polishing your teeth and keeping your gums and jaw bone healthy, dental cleanings allow your dentist to examine your smile and identify any dental issues like cavities or gingivitis. The sooner we can catch oral health issues, the quicker we can treat them and prevent painful and ...

If you have smile flaws that you would like to fix, we may be able to improve and enhance your teeth using dental bonding.

During this treatment, Dr. Shane Ruggless will apply a tooth-colored resin to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. We can administer the resin to multiple teeth before hardening it with a special light, allowing it to bond to ...

At Ruggless Dental, the best aspect of what we do is meeting our patients and their families and getting to know them over the years.

We always love hearing about their lives outside of our Springfield, IL, dental office, and all the things they enjoy doing. We come across so many different types of personalities and life stories every day. Each ...

Are you experiencing severe tooth pain? Has your Springfield, IL dentist recommended a root canal to save your tooth?

Many people try to live with dental pain out of fear of being told they need a root canal. Yet, there's nothing to fear about this restorative dental procedure! With the help of numbing anesthetic and medication, patients should not feel any ...

Are you interested in brightening your smile by up to eight shades in just one dental visit?

Professional teeth whitening allows Dr. Shane Ruggless to erase years of food and beverage stains. Decades ago, the only people walking around with a flawless, dazzling smile were Hollywood starlets, but now they are accessible to everyone. 

If you want to enhance your smile quickly, ...

Severe and immediate tooth pain is a common reason patients in Springfield, IL often seek same-day emergency dental care.

Dr. Shane Ruggless and his incredible dental staff are experienced in maintaining checking oral health and determining the source of pain. Sometimes it's a tiny cavity that continued to grow and now needs a root canal. Other times, it might be ...

Not all dental emergencies can be avoided, of course. Some come flying out of nowhere, like a sports injury to the face or biting down on something hard enough to crack your tooth. These every day mini-disasters take place all over the country as we speak.

As your preventive and emergency dentist in Springfield, IL, Dr. Shane Ruggless is always prepared ...

There is a saying that goes, "Tough times never last, tough people do."

This seems more and more accurate during a time full of challenges and uncertainty. At Ruggless Dental, we want our patients to know that we plan on staying, and we hope they stay with us. 

As dental practices shut down temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients have had to ...

It's easy to lose sight of what's important—the beauty of our smile. It looks strong, durable; surely, it can withstand a little abuse? When we let our oral hygiene slip, we can easily fall into a bad routine. The fact is, most dental emergencies that happen are entirely preventable. 

Maintain Good Oral Health Care

If you can't see your dentist, then it's ...

Have you ever leafed through a magazine and felt envious at Hollywood-quality smiles? It seems everywhere you look on social media, and in the entertainment industry, you see incredibly gorgeous smiles.

You might be surprised to learn that most celebrities were not born with their symmetrical, even, brilliantly white smiles. Celebrities like George Clooney, Demi Moore, Hilary Duff are just a few examples of ...

While most dental prosthetics sit above the gum line, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actually replaces the entire root of the missing tooth. This gives dental implants advantages over other alternatives.

At Ruggless Dental, we recommend this permanent solution to tooth loss for many reasons, including:

Dental Implants Look and Function Like Natural Teeth

Dr. Shane Ruggless designs each ...

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 rely on enhanced materials to provide an aesthetically beautiful appearance. Today’s dentures, in other words, are superior to anything that came before.

Dr. ...

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 ...

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. 

Fillings In the Ancient World

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 ...

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.

Minor Chips ...

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.

What Are Partial Dentures?

There are two types of partial dentures – fixed and removable. 

Many people do not realize that dental bridges are also ...

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 patients suffering dental emergencies and provide comfortable root canals at Ruggless Dental in Springfield, IL.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

The only way to ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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?

Periodontal Disease

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.

Soda – Regular or Diet

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

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 ...

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 ...

How Nutrition Affects Your Oral Health

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

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!

Tips for Finding a Local Dentist

• Be Specific: are you looking for teeth whitening? Try looking specifically ...

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 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. ...

Going to the dentist isn’t usually on anyone’s list of favorite things to do. But what if your dental office felt more like a relaxing hangout than a medical appointment? Finding a dentist you trust is important, but the vibe of the office matters too. Feeling at ease in your surroundings can make all the difference!

Here’s how to find a ...

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 in Springfield, IL will ensure that you get the treatment that is best for your unique needs. At ...

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.

Prescription Medication Staining

Certain prescription medication can cause your teeth to darken ...

Investing in dental implants is a life-changing decision that restores both function and confidence to your smile. To ensure their longevity, proper care is essential. If you’re considering dental implants in Springfield or already have them, maintaining the right oral hygiene routine will help keep your implants strong and healthy for many years to come.

What Are Dental Implants, and Why ...

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.

Our Dentures Look Natural

Dentures ...

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 ...

At Ruggless Dental in Springfield, IL, 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 ...

Though most dental concerns can be treated without the need for a tooth extraction, there are some situations where having a tooth removed 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 in ...

Many people have misconceptions about dentures, but they have actually come a long way in the past few years. With modern dental technology, Dr. Shane Ruggless, DMD is able to customize your dentures to fit more comfortably, have more stability, and look like natural teeth. There are several types of dentures to fit your needs whether you are missing ...