Local Dental Care - Illinois Dental Dental Insurance Plan

Dentist Office Fear? Find a Dentist Who Makes You Feel Comfortable

The dentist office may feel like a scary place to many people, but there's no reason to dread a dental appointment. In fact, the consequences of avoiding the dentist's office can be a lot more frightening!

The dental office is where you'll get the regular dental hygiene that will prevent future dental problems. A dental hygienist will give you a teeth cleaning about twice a year. Kids can get fluoride treatments, and patients with gum disease can get periodontal cleaning. Every dental patient also gets a dental exam by a dentist, who looks for any current dental health issues or signals of future oral health problems.

If you don't already have a dentist, you should seek to find a dentist office where you will feel safe and comfortable. Look for a dentist who is caring and experienced, a staff that is friendly and supportive, and an atmosphere that is welcoming and relaxing.

During your first dentist appointment with a new dentist, you'll probably get your teeth cleaned The dentist exam will be quick and easy, and you may also get dental x-rays. If the dentist sees teeth problems that need to be addressed, you'll work together to develop a treatment plan.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Child Dental Emergencies

Uh-oh! A Dental Emergency! If a dental emergency should happen to your child, please remember to act quickly. Stay calm - a parent's apprehension can be transmitted to the child. Bring the child to us with the tooth replanted or kept moist in transit. We'll take care of you immediately.

A child, learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycled, loses her balance, falls, hits a rock and knocks out a front tooth. What do you do?

If the tooth is replaced in the tooth socket immediately, the chances are good that this tooth can be maintained for many years.

Do something and do it now

The success of this replantation procedure is directly related to how soon the tooth is replaced in its socket. If possible, just rinse the tooth with tap water and gently replace the tooth in its socket and come to the office. Otherwise, wrap the tooth in a clean, moistened cloth-or put it in a cup of water or milk-and get to the dentist, now. Never scrape the tooth or allow it to dry out.

Remember, time is of the essence

If the tooth is left out of the mouth for more than 30 minutes, the chance for successful replantation drops significantly.

We consider replantation successful if we can keep the tooth in position at least during a child's growth period. By maintaining the space, the replanted tooth prevents tipping of adjacent teeth. If it's necessary to replace the injured tooth, it's much easier to do it when the child is older - when all the permanent teeth are in.

The good news is that we have bonding and dental implant techniques today for tooth replacement-and new materials to fill in for a lost tooth.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.