Patient Comfort

Dr. Vold prides himself on making your dental experience as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. Educating you about your treatment beforehand is the best way to make you feel the most comfortable. Dr. Vold and his staff will thoroughly explain treatment philosophy and procedures. If you have any questions before or during the procedure, we carefully re-explain and won't begin again until you feel fully comfortable. Building trust reduces fear and affords a pleasant dental experience.

We use the latest techniques to reduce dental discomfort during our procedures. These include topical anesthetic, disposable syringe needles, an assortment of different types of anesthetics and sometimes oral sedation. These options will be discussed with you during the treatment planning consultation.

We always have coffee and soft drinks available. We have the latest magazines in our reception area. We also offer you the opportunity to bring the music of your choice to facilitate your relaxation, or you may pick something to hear from our CD collection. Our office has a great sound system!  

• Computerized Digital Radiography: Believed to be the finest technology on the market, x-rays are taken with a sensor placed in your mouth instead of x- ray film. There is no wait for developing, as the image appears immediately on the computer screen. These images can be enlarged, enhanced, measured and colored for better diagnostic ability. The system uses 90% less radiation than conventional dental x-ray techniques. A neck and full frontal lead shield additionally protect you. This equipment receives periodic inspection from the State of Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety.
  
  
• Intra-Oral Camera: The camera is a thin pen-like device that allows us to easily and painlessly view and photograph the inside of your mouth. The photographic images are projected on a color monitor for you and the doctor to view together. This sophisticated tool allows the easy viewing of areas of your mouth that are hard to see. This gives the patient the opportunity to see exactly what is happening inside their mouth. In our continued commitment to patient education, this is an invaluable asset in furthering an understanding of your dental needs.
  
  
• Computers: We have a comprehensive dental office software program to help us conduct our business activities efficiently. Our computer program gives us the capacity to send accurate, easy to read statements, file insurance without the patient filling out tedious forms, track payments, make appointments, send appointment reminders, send letters to patients and doctors and maintain patient records.
  
  
• Air Abrasion Technology: This new instrument can be used as an alternative to the drill in some procedures. Minute particles, almost too small to be seen with the naked eye, are carried to the tooth by stream of air, gently and precisely spraying away the decay. While no treatment is completely painless, this technology greatly reduces heat and vibration, the two major sources of discomfort traditionally associated with fillings. That's why air abrasion technology can often be used without anesthetics.

Patient Protection and Instrument Sterilization: In the past few years, patient protection has become an issue of public concern in doctor's offices, but it has always been our chief concern. Your safety is our highest priority. We strictly observe all OSHA guidelines. Throughout the day, we perform a number of sterilization procedures for our protection. All treatment surfaces, countertops, chairs, lights, x-ray units, tray, computer keyboards and disinfected with the most effective and safest products available, before and after each patient visit. We follow all American Dental Association and Center for Disease Control Guidelines. To insure safety, we follow a number of standard sterilization procedures with all instruments and handpieces. We use disposable products whenever possible. This insures that you are the first and only patient on whom an item is used. Cups, bibs, suction tips, saliva ejectors, needles, air and water tips are used once and discarded.

A recent concern has been the origin of water used in dental units. Questions have arisen pertaining to the bacteria found in city water multiplying in the small tubing of dental units. Our water system is self-contained and is not connected to city water supplies. Instead, we use distilled water that runs through the dental unit's hoses, handpieces, air and water syringes. All items are sterilized on a regular schedule.

Our staff takes continuing education courses in the latest infection control techniques. We wear masks, safety glasses and new gloves for each patient. We have all been vaccinated against Hepatitis-B virus and trained in CPR. Our office is equipped with oxygen and an emergency kit and we even make you wear safety glasses when you are worked on.

We will be happy to answer any questions you have about the measures we employ for your protection.

Hygiene
An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and calculus on a regular basis. The frequency of these visits is based upon the patient's individual needs and oral health. During this visit, we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer-screening exam, check your teeth for defects, review oral hygiene instructions and make recommendations, and monitor your periodontal (gum) health status. Fluoride treatments are provided for children and adults when appropriate.

Sealants
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of children's chewing teeth, fluoride-releasing Sealants are done by a simple procedure where a tooth-colored acrylic "coating" is painted into the pits and grooves of the teeth. This "seals" out the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Reconstructive Treatment
We have a special interest in more complex dental treatment and often take care of patients referred from other doctors. These cases often involve multiple teeth or the entire mouth. Frequently these teeth have an unsightly appearance and are broken down or weakened by decay or defective large fillings. Sometimes multiple teeth may be missing or hopeless, requiring removal. Careful reconstruction, using advanced techniques, returns the mouth to normal function and a pleasant appearance. Often this is accomplished with fixed crowns, bridges, or implants, so that the patient feels like they have their own teeth again. Healthy function and a natural appearance gives the patient the confidence to eat and speak in public again.

Crowns
A "cap", "jacket" or "crown" will restore a broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. Crowns are also frequently recommended after root canal therapy (endodontics) has been completed, as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to fracture. Crowns can strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure, while improving the appearance of the teeth. New materials render crowned teeth natural looking and life-like.

Bridges
A non-removable bridge can restore your mouth to normal function and appearance by replacing missing teeth. It improves the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and also help maintain the support structure of the jaw and face.

Cosmetic Dentistry
The last ten years have seen arenaissance in cosmetic dentistry. Dental work now can be almost undetectable. Teeth can be totally reshaped and/or replaced with today's modern materials. Teeth that were unsightly and unattractive can become stunningly beautiful. Porcelain veneers, crowns and tooth whitening are some procedures used to produce the smile you have always wanted.

Implants
Dental implants are artificial replacements for missing tooth roots. They are placed in the jaw to act as a foundation to secure crowns, bridges and dentures. Many patients who have suffered with removable teeth for years are dramatically helped by implants and returned to normal function and appearance.

Periodontal Therapy
While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress undetected to the point where the supporting structures of the teeth are lost or destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teens exhibiting some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of all adult tooth loss due to periodontal disease, it is evident why early detection and treatment is essential. Our office employs rigorous prevention techniques and we develop an individualized treatment regime for patient.

Root Canal Therapy
If the interior of the tooth, where the nerve and blood supply are, becomes infected or traumatized, root canal therapy may be the only means to save the tooth. Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal treatment is painless and no more difficult that other common dental procedures. Utilizing endodontic procedures, teeth can be restored to function and preserved in the oral cavity.

Orthodontics
For children and adults who have crowded, crooked teeth, spaces between teeth, or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, not to mention the physical trauma due to protruding teeth. Nothing is as pleasant as a beautiful smile. It is recommended that children have an orthodontic evaluation by seven years of age. More than 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults.

Oral Surgery
The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When this is not possible and a tooth can no longer be saved, extraction or removal of the tooth may be the only course of treatment. Most minor surgeries can be performed in our office. However, the doctor may choose to refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for more complex cases.

Dentures and Partial Dentures
Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Nothing could be further from the truth. Denture and partial denture wearers require regular examinations to insure their health, comfort and appearance. The supporting tissues or ridges are in a constant state of change. Periodic relining of these prosthesis may be necessary to have a proper and comfortable fit.

TMJ/TMD and Occlusal Appliances
"TMJ" is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, which is the jaw joint. TMJ is commonly used to describe a variety of painful or functional problems of the jaw. These problems are relatively common. Some studies suggest that as many as one in every four persons have some type of jaw problem. Fortunately, most of these people can be helped. Three very common causes are (1) the condition of the bite, (2) trauma, (3) emotional stress. There are various methods to manage craniomandibular disorders. Usually conservative treatment is indicated, utilizing a bite appliance, bite adjustments, orthodontics, or crowns. Heat, mild medications, physical therapy and behavioral modifications are also employed. Dr. Vold has studied extensively in this area and after thorough history and diagnosis, can recommend a treatment plan to you.

Tooth Whitening
Simple, safe and effective modern tooth whitening materials can give you the beautiful white teeth you have always dreamed about. We have been doing this procedure for 15 years and there is absolutely no harm to the teeth. It is inexpensive and it works. It will make a difference to your life.

Athletic Mouthguards
We provide state-of-the-art custom-made athletic mouthguards for all patients requiring protection during athletic competition in "at risk" or contact sports. Store bought over-the-counter mouthguards do not fit as well, nor do they provide the necessary protection to help prevent dental-facial injuries. Only a professionally designed custom made mouthguard, made from models of the mouth should be worn. The cost of a custom mouthguard is minor compared to the potential cost of repairing or replacing a tooth.

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