• Call Us 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Visit Us
  • 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening
Menu
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Botox in Springfield, Missouri
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening

A Few Reasons Why Being an Informed Patient Matters

  • January 2, 2019
  • 11:19 am
  • Dental Care, Dental Education
  • Dental, Dental Care, Dentistry

When you visit Parkcrest Dental Group, you know you can trust our professional team with whatever treatment and procedures you need. Whether you’re being fitted for braces, having a tooth removed, or just coming in for a check-up, our team is always ready to help. Even when you have a trusted dental team like Parkcrest on your side, it’s still important to be an informed patient. Having a dental team you can rely on is great, but understanding your own dental and oral health is even better. In this blog, we’ll explain how you can be an informed patient and why it matters.

Knowing About a Problem Before It Gets Serious

One of the biggest benefits of being informed about your own dental and oral health is being able to avoid potential issues. The more you know about oral hygiene and general good practices, the more you can protect yourself against major issues and complications. Not only that, but you’re also more likely to catch a problem early. Seeking treatment when you have early warning signs of something like a cavity or an abscess goes a long way to avoiding permanent damage or infection.

Pediatric Dentistry and Doing Your Homework

If you’re a parent, staying informed about pediatric dentistry and general oral health is a major plus. Teaching your kids how to take care of their teeth from an early age sets them up for good habits later in life. As an informed parent, you will be able to identify issues in your child’s oral health early, so that you can work with your dental team to ensure the best dental care for your child.

A Good Relationship Between Dentist and Patient

Speaking of discussing things with your dentist, this is another benefit of being informed. While your dentist or orthodontist will always be happy to explain procedures, treatments, or other dental topics with you, the more you know going in the better your understanding will be. Being prepared for procedures or treatments and knowing how to take care of your teeth helps everyone involved. This level of understanding and communication is important in developing trust between you and your dentist or orthodontist.

Be Careful About the Research You Do

Being informed is important, but it does come with a warning. Be very careful about how and where you get your information. Most of us will research things online these days, but it’s very easy to come across some convincing information that’s completely wrong.

Whether outdated or deliberately misleading, it can be extremely easy to be swayed into believing what you read on the internet. Make sure to check the sources you use and stick to recognized medical organizations. Avoid overdoing it, too. Being informed is one thing, but turning yourself into a hypochondriac will just make life stressful — for you and your dentist.

Get to Know More with Parkcrest Dental Group

However much you may or may not know about the health of your teeth and gums, Parkcrest Dental Group is always here to help. We’ve improved the smiles of countless people in and around Springfield, Missouri, and we’re ready to bring that same professional, friendly service to you. Contact us today or take a look at our range of dental services.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

Are Fillings Necessary for Baby Teeth?

March 2, 2023

In some instances, yes, our pediatric dentist may recommend fillings for your child, even for teeth that will fall out eventually, to

Gummy vitamins for kids spilling out on a table

Gummy Vitamins & Your Child’s Oral Health

February 2, 2023

Gummy vitamins are soaring in popularity. They’re a $6 billion industry, expected to grow to nearly $9.5 billion by 2028. Parents love

Baby Chewing on a Teething Toy

Teething FAQs

January 5, 2023

Your baby has been crying more lately, and is a bit fussy. As a parent, you notice these things. What could be

Archives
Search
Categories
  • Braces (62)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (32)
  • Dental (19)
  • Dental Care (146)
  • Dental Education (178)
  • Dental Implants (13)
  • Dental Products (65)
  • FAQ (162)
  • Floss (12)
  • Pediatric (73)
  • Teeth Whitening (29)
Previous
Next

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • 540 W Lasalle St, Springfield, MO 65807
  • (417) 887-1220
  • Follow Us:
  • Dental FAQs
  • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • Pediatric Dental FAQs
  • Privacy Practices

Web Design: BigPxl