Sedation Dentistry Elgin IL Implant Dentistry South Elgin Illinois General and Family Dentistry Elgin IL Cosmetic Dentistry South Elgin Illinois

February 17, 2012
by David Rice DDS

David Rice DDS in Elgin Cares For Teeth

David Rice DDS in Elgin Cares For Teeth Dentists in Elgin are concerned with your oral health and thus care about the condition of your mouth and all of your many teeth. At David Rice DDS, we recognize that your teeth help you both eat and speak. You use your teeth to tear, scrape, and chew food, as well as to form words with your tongue. Teeth are an important part of your oral health and David Rice DDS, located in Elgin, wants to help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

We humans have two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set are your ‘primary teeth’, which many folks around Elgin often call ‘baby teeth’. Baby teeth typically start to come in at about 6 months old. An average healthy mouth for a Elgin resident has a total of 20 primary teeth by about age 5.

Your primary teeth will eventually fall out and new teeth known as ‘permanent teeth’ will grow in. Permanent teeth typically begin to come in around age 6 for most Elgin residents, but every person is unique and it could be a little earlier or later. By about age 13 an average healthy mouth should have 28 of the total 32 permanent teeth. The last four permanent teeth may or may not come, but typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21 if they do. Because of the late age that these last teeth come in they are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’.

Many adults in the city of Elgin have their wisdom teeth pulled out because these teeth can be problematic to your oral health, such as crowding a mouth or causing gum disease. Other adults in the Elgin area may not have these teeth pulled out because they are not causing problems. If you are concerned about the state of your wisdom teeth you can visit our local Elgin cosmetic dental office and we can help you make a decision.

Caring for all of your teeth whether you are young and have 20 primary teeth or are an adult and have 28 to 32 permanent teeth is important for your overall health. Visiting your Elgin dentist regularly, and brushing and flossing daily are great ways to care for your many teeth. David Rice DDS located in Elgin, cares about you oral health and teeth and can be reached by phone at (224) 523-8355.

February 10, 2012
by David Rice DDS

Helping Elgin Love Dental Visits

Helping Elgin Love Dental Visits

It’s no secret that most Elgin people dread going to the dentist. Everyone knows it and despite your best efforts, even your Elgin area dentist knows it. But when you start visiting your dentist for the latest cosmetic dental treatments, you may find that you LOVE going to the dentist!

Dentists in Elgin and the nearby areas have so many procedures and advanced materials at their disposal to make your smile as beautiful as it can be. Dental crowns, veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays, and TMJ treatment are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in and around Elgin.

Many Elgin residents are surprised to find that most of these procedures are more convenient than they supposed and more affordable than they expected.

I’m Dr. David Rice, a cosmetic dentist in Elgin, and I want to help you love your dental visits and love your smile. I’ve practiced dentistry since 1986, and I find it especially rewarding when Elgin area residents find renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

At my Elgin practice we offer dental implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry and more. If you have any questions, the comfortable staff here at David Rice DDS would be happy to answer them and schedule an appointment to see what cosmetic dentistry procedures would be right for you.

Dr. David Rice
David Rice DDS
(224) 523-8355
http://www.ricedds.com/about-us.html

February 3, 2012
by David Rice DDS

Tooth Restoration in Elgin

Tooth Restoration in Elgin At David Rice DDS in Elgin, we use a variety of techniques to restore damaged teeth. Most Elgin cosmetic dental clients are familiar with fillings. Traditional fillings are also called ‘direct restorations’ because they are applied to the tooth, shaped and polished in one visit.

Another type of filling is called an ‘indirect restorations’ and is fabricated in a local dental lab. There are two types: inlays and onlays.

When a tooth needs more extensive dental restoration, dental crowns are often used. At David Rice DDS in Elgin, we create strong, natural-looking crowns from a variety of materials.

What if the tooth is damaged beyond repair? There are a number of functional replacements for missing teeth. Dentures are not the only option.

Call (224) 523-8355 to learn about the restoration options available. We have been improving smiles for Elgin area patients since 1986.

Whether the damage is caused by decay, injury, bite problems, or natural wear; Dr. David Rice will choose the best dental treatment plan for your tooth restoration needs. David Rice DDS is conveniently located at 1972 Larkin Ave in Elgin. We provide quality dental care for Elgin area families.

David Rice DDS
(224) 523-8355
http://www.ricedds.com/
For Confident Smiles

January 27, 2012
by David Rice DDS

Same Day Smile Makeovers At David Rice DDS In Elgin

Same Day Smile Makeovers At David Rice DDS In Elgin Have you ever wished your Elgin cosmetic dentist could glue new pearly white covers on your existing teeth as easy as you paint a wall in your house? Guess what? With porcelain veneers, it’s possible. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin tooth-shaped fronts that are permanently bonded to your natural teeth.

Unlike a crown procedure, your Elgin dentist does not need to remove tooth structure to place the restoration. If the teeth in question have decay, come see us immediately.

Call (224) 523-8355 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

At David Rice DDS in Elgin, veneers are used alone and in combination with other cosmetic dental procedures to create complete smile makeovers. Because they can correct cosmetic tooth misalignment in one visit, veneers are sometimes referred to as ‘instant orthodontics’.

Do veneers look like natural teeth?
Skilled Elgin cosmetic dental lab artists create porcelain veneers with the color, reflective properties, and translucency of natural teeth: perfect natural teeth, that is. In addition, porcelain veneers can be made in any size or shape.

Are veneers at David Rice DDS strong?
Porcelain veneers are fabricated out of extremely durable material. If you have questions about whether veneers or dental crowns are the best choice for you, talk to Dr. David Rice. Dr. Rice will consider the size and condition of the tooth and its position in the mouth.

How long do veneers last?
Some David Rice DDS smile makeover clients have veneers they received over 15 years ago. (And they still look terrific!) If properly cared for, veneers can last as long as dental crowns.

Are porcelain veneers affordable in Elgin?
The cost of cosmetic dental veneers at David Rice DDS is competitive with other premium cosmetic dental practices in the Elgin area. We use what we believe is the top cosmetic dental lab to create our client’s veneers and a significant portion of the cost of veneers goes to the lab. Porcelain veneers are often less expensive in Elgin than crowns and orthodontia. For questions about the cost of porcelain veneers, call our office at (224) 523-8355

David Rice DDS
1972 Larkin Ave
Elgin, Illinois 60123
http://www.ricedds.com/

 

January 20, 2012
by David Rice DDS

Do You Have Sore Gums?

Affordable Elgin Dentistry Every South Elgin dentistry patient’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are diligent about oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t affect your health. However, if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems.

Gingivitis is the term for the mild gum disease. At David Rice DDS, we routinely discover gingivitis in South Elgin clients who are not even aware they have the condition.

The first signs of gingivitis are swollen, sore gums.

It is important for our South Elgin area dental patients to understand that it is not normal for gums to bleed when they are brushed or flossed. If you haven’t had an oral examination in a while and live in the South Elgin area, call David Rice DDS at (224) 523-8355. Dentist David Rice thoroughly exams teeth and gums and takes time to discuss the results and recommendations with each South Elgin dentistry patient.

David Rice DDS is a full-service dental practice at 1972 Larkin Ave in Elgin. We provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry for clients who live in South Elgin and the nearby communities.

During your dentist consultation, we can discuss any cosmetic or restorative procedures in which you are interested. Some of the South Elgin procedures that we use to create perfect smiles are porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental implants and tooth bleaching. Our hygienists are skilled professionals who perform the ultimate in dental deep-cleanings.

Oral health and overall health go hand in hand. Schedule a dental consultation today by calling (224) 523-8355 or visiting us online at http://www.ricedds.com/.

January 13, 2012
by David Rice DDS

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening at David Rice DDS A brilliant smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional tooth bleaching can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Our teeth often turn yellow or gray as we age. The things we eat and drink continually such as colored sodas, coffee and red wine contribute to the staining. Most of us are aware that smoking is not only bad for your lungs; it is an enemy to beautiful teeth. If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first decide which method to use. At David Rice DDS, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our clients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other cosmetic dental procedure, call (224) 523-8355.

At-home whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to achieve barely noticeable results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in appearance of teeth.

Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that last far longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have crowns, porcelain veneers or bonding, it is important to talk to your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

-Dr. David Rice, DDS

http://www.ricedds.com/

We do smile makeovers!

January 6, 2012
by David Rice DDS

Afraid of the Dentist? Your Elgin Sedation Dentist Can Help

Afraid of the Dentist? Your Elgin Sedation Dentist Can Help If you live near Elgin and experience severe anxiety when undergoing (or even thinking about!) dental treatment, sedation dentistry is for you.

Conscious sedation dentistry is available in Elgin at David Rice DDS. We have been providing sedation dentistry in Elgin for several years with excellent outcomes. Whether it is called relaxation dentistry, oral conscious sedation or anxiety-free dentistry, it is completely safe and very popular for our nervous restorative and cosmetic dentistry clients in the Elgin area.

Though it may sound impossible, with oral conscious sedation, Elgin dentistry patients can actually relax during visits to the dentist. In addition, healing times for oral surgery and extensive cosmetic dentistry procedures are often shorter if the patient is sedated during treatment.

Sedation dentistry is great for alleviating anxiety for our Elgin patients, and oral conscious sedation can be effective for treating or working with the following:

  • Teeth sensitivity
  • Fear of needles
  • A powerful gag reflex
  • Difficulty controlling body movement
  • Lengthy multi-procedure visits
  • Difficulty becoming numb with traditional injections

If you need dental work more extensive than a filling; such as a root canal, tooth implant, or crown replacement; call David Rice DDS at (224) 523-8355. When you come to our office at 1972 Larkin Ave in Elgin, we can give you more information about sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is only one of the many services we offer at David Rice DDS- where your smile is our top priority!

December 30, 2011
by David Rice DDS

Tooth Decay in Elgin?

South Elgin Teeth Whitening At David Rice DDS, we restore decayed teeth to create smiles that are both healthy and beautiful. Recent advances in both techniques and materials have made the ‘impossible’ not only possible, but affordable for everyone in Elgin as well.

Dr. David Rice has been restoring teeth since 1986. Ongoing training is essential for staying on the cutting edge of the cosmetic dentistry industry.

Decay is the most common Elgin dental problem and the second most common disease in the nation (number one is the common cold). If you have one or more teeth with decay, it’s time to take care of them.

Fillings, inlays, onlays and dental crowns are used to restore teeth for our Elgin cosmetic dental patients. Even the most basic procedure – filling a cavity – has evolved. There are several types of new materials available including porcelain and composite resin. Each has specific strengths and aesthetic considerations. Elgin patients who replace silver amalgam with tooth-colored fillings love getting the metal out of their smile.

Inlays and onlays are more extensive restorations. There are two types: direct or indirect. Direct inlays and onlays are made in your Elgin cosmetic dental office on the spot and applied in one visit. Indirect inlays and onlays are fabricated in a Elgin dental lab. They usually require a second visit but the results are well worth the extra trip.

When an Elgin client has a tooth that cannot be restored with an inlay or an onlay, a natural-looking crown is the answer. At David Rice DDS, we create crowns that blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth. Let us show you some photos of patients who have received smile makeovers – you will not see any “Chiclet” crowns that stick out like a sore thumb. In fact, you won’t be able to tell which of our Elgin cosmetic dental clients have crowns.

David Rice DDS is located at 1972 Larkin Ave in Elgin. Dentist David Rice is currently accepting new patients. Call (224) 523-8355 to schedule an aesthetic dental consultation.

December 23, 2011
by David Rice DDS

Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum For Our Elgin Patients?

South Elgin Oral Dentistry I’m Dr. David Rice of David Rice DDS in Elgin. My Elgin cosmetic dentistry clients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular Elgin dental exams.

Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually good for your teeth. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my Elgin diabetic patients enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. If my local cosmetic dentistry patients complain about frequent dry mouth, I recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.

Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your Elgin dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and micro abrasion dentistry deep cleanings at your Elgin dentistry clinic.

At David Rice DDS, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start. If you postpone Elgin dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the problem was caught earlier.  We even offer sedation dentistry for anxious patients. Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at (224) 523-8355 to book an appointment. Our comfortable staff is waiting to take care of all your dental needs.

December 16, 2011
by David Rice DDS

Bright and Healthy Smiles

It doesn’t take a great deal of research to understand that bright and healthy smiles are more attractive. Everybody in Elgin likes to see a great smile, and having a great smile is not only healthy for your mouth, but healthy for your self esteem, too.

I’m Dr. David Rice, DDS, and I am a dentist serving the Elgin community with a wide variety of cosmetic dental services including dental implants. We call our practice ‘David Rice DDS’, and we are located at 1972 Larkin Ave,Elgin, IL 60123. Some other dental services we provide are tooth bleaching, TMJ treatment and root canals.

If you are looking for a dentist in Elgin or the surrounding areas, please contact us. I am currently accepting new dental patients and would love to share with you some new and inexpensive ways to improve your bright and healthy smile.

I know the value of a bright and healthy smile, and can help you improve your smile with our Elgin dentistry services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry; just three of the many dental services we provide at David Rice DDS.

Give me a call today, I am looking forward to hearing from you.

—Dr. David Rice DDS, Dentistry in Elgin, (224) 523-8355