Your Dentist in Springfield, MO
Providing Families with Personalized Dental Care
When it comes to providing patients with the dental care they need, we don’t rush around. Our day is specially planned out with you in mind. Unlike other dentists, Dr. Olson dedicates extra time with each patient to provide personal care and discuss questions or concerns they may have. We are dedicated to developing a personal relationship with you and making you feel like a part of our family so your visit is as comfortable and relaxing as possible. We welcome patients of all ages, and are happy to offer services to meet the needs of patients at all ages and stages of life.
Dr. Olson and his staff are also dedicated to providing state-of-the-art dental care, so you can rest assured the treatment you receive is the most advanced. Our office is equipped with the latest dental technologies and materials, and we make a point of regularly attending continuing education classes so we can offer dentistry’s newest techniques. No matter what service you require—general, restorative or cosmetic dentistry—your care and safety are our #1 concern.
General and Family Dentistry
Dr. Olson is skilled at providing dental care for all ages. So whether you are bringing your child to our office for a dental cleaning and exam or you need to have a cavity repaired with a tooth-colored filling, you are certain to receive the care that you need.
Restorative Dentistry
Although a filling is probably the restorative procedure that Dr. Olson performs most often, it is certainly not the only one. For example, when a tooth is broken or deeply cracked, a dental crown may be the perfect solution. This restoration fits snuggly over your prepared tooth to restore the natural appearance of the tooth as well its functionality. In addition to repairing a damaged tooth, a dental crown is also the finishing touch to a dental implant.
Cosmetic Dentistry
To enhance the appearance of your smile, there is cosmetic dentistry. We know that the way your smile looks can impact the way you feel. So, to boost your confidence and self-esteem, we offer a variety of cosmetic enhancements, including:
- Teeth Whitening
- Porcelain Veneers
- Composite Bonding
Sedation Dentistry
We understand that some of the procedures in our office can be rather unsettling for patients. With sedation dentistry, however, there’s absolutely no reason for anyone to feel anxious or afraid. We use oral conscious sedation, which is a simple pill that you take about one hour before your appointment to relax you. While Dr. Olson works, your vital signs are carefully monitored for your health and safety. At the end of your appointment, a friend or family member must be present to drive you home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do if you can’t afford a dentist?
At Olson Family Dental, we don’t want our patients to neglect their oral healthcare needs because they feel as if they cannot afford treatment. If you are in this position, don’t hesitate to call our office and speak to a member of our team. Apart from being an in-network dentist with Delta Dental insurance plans, we also welcome CareCredit.
Many dental offices partner with third-party financiers, like CareCredit, to help individuals with the out-of-pocket expenses they incur. Since insurance is unlikely to pay the full amount of any restorative service, there is a balance that patients are responsible for paying. By enrolling in CareCredit, you can select a low- or no-interest payment plan and pay off your bill through monthly installments.
What level of education is required to be a dentist?
To become a dentist in Springfield or anywhere in the United States, you must complete the following:
- Graduate from an accredited institution with a bachelor’s degree. It is preferred that your major be in a field that relies heavily on math and science.
- Enroll in one of the 67 accredited dental schools in the U.S. and complete three years of hands-on experience and classroom instruction.
- Once you have your DDS or DMD, you can choose to pursue a specialized field or general dentistry. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes 12 specializations, some of which include orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, pedodontics, endodontics, and more.
Choosing to specialize in a field often requires another three years of courses and training.
To remain licensed as a dentist, you must complete continuing education hours each year.
What is the best way to find a dentist who does dental implants?
Receiving dental implants in Springfield requires finding a professional who is expertly trained to place and/or restore these prosthetics. While some dentists refer patients to outside specialists, others offer the start-to-finish procedure in-house.
When attempting to find a dentist who provides “dental implants near me,” you can start by doing a Google search. The algorithms will indicate which providers are located in your area, allowing you to choose from the available experts. By reviewing their bios, you can get a better idea of who you want to rebuild your smile. Some key points to look for include the type of training and experience they’ve received and if they are members of any implant-related professional organizations.
Dr. Olson has and continues to focus his continuing education on planning and placing dental implants, as well as performing bone grafts. He has even acquired a 3D imaging machine to ensure greater precision when placing dental implants.
How do I find the best place to get dental work done?
When looking to find the right dental home, you will need to spend some time researching your options. There are countless professionals who are eager to help you achieve a healthier smile, but knowing which one matches your needs and goals takes time. However, you can start by determining what is most important:
- Location
- Array of services
- Specialization
- In-network with dental insurance
- Availability
- Patient demographic
- Payment options
Selecting those that meet your criteria can help you narrow your search and decide who to see. But before you schedule an appointment, you can visit their websites and review the staff bios. This will give you the deeper insight you need to feel comfortable and confident calling to schedule an appointment.