Our Complete Guide to Dental Care in Springfield, MO

Welcome to Parkcrest Dental Group

Parkcrest Dental Group was founded by eight local dentists in 1974. More than 50 years later, we are independently owned and operated. Our staff includes a board-certified pediatric dentist, a board-certified orthodontist, and a staff of more than 70 people. 

Our motto is, “Glad to do it.” We take pride in our job and aim to provide top-quality customer service to all of our patients. 

We also understand that seeing the dentist may not seem like the most pleasant thing for you to do. Our staff will do everything possible to make you feel comfortable during your visit. Just tell us how you feel, and we will make every effort to create a pleasant experience for you and your family.

Routine Check-Ups and Cleanings

Regular visits to your dentist are essential to keep your smile in top shape. Six-month check-ups allow your dentist to assess your unique needs and create a personalized care plan just for you.

Cleanings at our office include removing any plaque or tartar, followed by tooth polishing and fluoride treatment. Your dentist will also look over your teeth and gums to see if anything needs more attention in the future. 

Many of our patients benefit from receiving dental care in Springfield, MO, every six months. Others may need more frequent visits. Your Parkcrest dentist will recommend a care schedule tailored specifically to your needs so you can have your healthiest and brightest smile.

Dental Fillings

A dental filling is one way to help keep tooth decay from spreading on an individual tooth. Your doctor will clean out and remove any decay on the tooth. Then, they will fill in the remaining part of the tooth with composite material, which is made to look like your natural tooth color.

Filings can last for many years and could restore your tooth. Your dentist will determine if you are a good fit for a dental filling based on the strength of the remaining tooth.

Having a dental filling is a regular treatment for cavities. It can give you a better bite, prevent a toothache, and maintain the integrity of your tooth.

Tooth Extractions

There may be a tooth that is too damaged or decayed to be saved. This is when a tooth extraction may offer the best treatment option. 

Your dentist will numb the part of your mouth where the extraction will take place. Then, with a gentle tug, they will remove the tooth with specialized pliers. A severely decayed tooth might need a little more work, but tooth extraction is a relatively painless process that our dentists are well-trained to do. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for caring for your mouth following the extraction!

The most beneficial aspect of an extraction is that it alleviates your toothache pain from a severely damaged tooth. It can also prevent the spread of an infection, keep neighboring teeth from getting damaged, and maintain a straight smile if your teeth are overcrowded.

Teeth Whitening

Foods, beverages, tobacco, and aging can cause stains, making teeth whitening a popular way to restore a brighter smile. We can help you have a more natural smile! Teeth whitening can help you have more confidence by restoring a more natural color. Our office will go over your options and a treatment plan.

We offer professional strength, POLA LIGHT Advanced Tooth Whitening. The POLA LIGHT system is specifically designed to give you optimal teeth whitening results in a short amount of time, all with very little, if any, sensitivity.

Veneers

Dental veneers do a little bit more to enhance your smile than teeth whitening. They cover the front surface of the front teeth with thin, custom-made shells. Dentists bond these veneers, typically made from porcelain or resin, to improve the color, shape, size, or length of teeth. Veneers can instantly transform your smile without changing the strength or structure of the tooth. 

Veneers can correct many cosmetic (not structural) issues, including stained, chipped, or unevenly spaced teeth. They provide a long-lasting solution for those looking to improve their smile without extensive dental work.

Dental Bonding

Your dentist in Springfield, MO, might recommend dental bonding to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth by applying a tooth-colored resin that bonds permanently to your existing tooth. Dentists mold and polish the resin to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth, usually to repair minor imperfections like gaps or misshapen teeth, providing a fast way to improve the smile. 

Dental bonding is a non-invasive, cost-effective enhancement with minimal time commitment and lasting results. Your doctor will tell you about the best way to care for your dental bonding to make sure it lasts as long as it can.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces straighten misaligned teeth using metal brackets, wires, and small rubber bands to gradually move teeth into a straighter smile. Your orthodontist, Dr. Steven Harrison, will attach the brackets to the teeth and adjust the wires over time, gradually moving the teeth into their correct position. Braces can correct various issues like overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems like an overbite or underbite.

How long you need to wear braces depends on how much your teeth need to move to have the ideal bite. The typical length of time is around 18 to 24 months, but it can be shorter or longer. 

Invisalign

Invisalign is a more discreet treatment than traditional braces. Like braces, Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of clear, removable aligners. Your orthodontist will create custom-made aligners that gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment. Patients switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks, making the process comfortable and flexible rather than having braces adjusted once a month.

Invisalign treats the same things as traditional braces, except that it generally treats somewhat mild misalignment.  Invisalign helps you maintain a natural, unobstructed smile throughout the treatment.

Importance of Early Dental Care & Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Stuart Scott, our board-certified pediatric dentist, can see your newborn as early as six months after the first tooth grows through the surface. So, we recommend bringing your baby for a dental assessment around 12 to 18 months.

Early dental care establishes a foundation for lifelong oral health by addressing issues before they develop into serious problems. Dr. Scott specializes in caring for your child’s teeth, and regular dental visits from a young age help prevent and address cavities, gum disease, and alignment issues.

Pediatric dentistry goes beyond caring for your youngsters. We also teach parents about proper oral hygiene habits. Establishing these routines early promotes healthier teeth and gums, ensuring that your kids grow up with strong, well-cared-for smiles that last into adulthood.

Preventative Dental Care for Children

Dr. Scott and his staff will focus on preventative dental care in Springfield, MO, for your child by maintaining healthy teeth and gums through regular check-ups, cleanings, and treatments like fluoride applications and sealants. Your child’s dentist can catch early signs of cavities, decay, or gum disease, stopping them before they progress. These regular checkups also reinforce good brushing and flossing habits at home.

The goal here is to help avoid more complex dental issues down the line with a combination of oral hygiene routines at home and six-month checkups. We’re happy to help your family maintain great smiles during any stage of life!

Dental Education and Fun for Kids

We believe in making trips to the dentist as enjoyable as possible, especially for children. We have a dental fun kit that includes activities for kids to do that also teach them about teeth and the importance of caring for them.

We have a dedicated pediatric wing specially designed for children to make them feel at ease. Dr. Scott and his staff are also trained to help ease anxiety in kids as well as to help children with special needs. Our goal is to make visits to the dentist’s office as stress-free as possible. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants serve two purposes. First, they restore missing teeth to help your mouth function better. Second, they also restore your smile. Dental implants work by placing titanium posts into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. After the posts integrate with the bone, a process that usually takes six months, your dentist will attach custom crowns to complete the restoration. This process provides a durable and natural-looking solution for tooth loss. Our new X-Guide machine helps your dentist complete a successful implant process as a first-of-its-kind offering in Springfield.

Having a dental implant offers several benefits, including improved functionality, aesthetics, and jawbone preservation. They can enhance your overall oral health and boost confidence, and you can have a full, healthy smile again!

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are less invasive compared to implants for dental care in Springfield, MO. They restore damaged or missing teeth to make your bite better and to improve your smile. A dental crown fits over a weakened tooth to provide strength and protection, while a dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent healthy teeth. Dentists create custom crowns and bridges to match the natural tooth color as a way to mimic the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

The goal here is to improve your chewing ability and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. Crowns and bridges offer a long-lasting way to maintain a beautiful, functional smile!

Dentures

Dentures replace multiple missing teeth by having a partial or full set. Dentists create custom dentures to fit comfortably in your mouth, restoring your mouth with a normally functioning set of teeth. Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures fill gaps left by missing teeth.

One innovation comes from implant-supported dentures. Rather than having traditional dentures that can slip or cause discomfort, implant-supported dentures offer a more solid foundation that prevents slippage, inflammation, and an improper bite.

Dentures do more than improve chewing and speaking abilities. They can improve your overall quality of life with enhanced confidence, self-esteem, and happiness.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy sounds scary, and many of our patients may be leery of this treatment option. We understand because a root canal involves many steps. A root canal treats infected or damaged tooth pulp, the inner soft part of the tooth, to save a tooth from extraction. Your dentist will remove the infected tissue, clean the root canals, and seal them with a biocompatible material that strengthens the existing tooth. The goal of a root canal is to alleviate pain and restore the tooth’s function.

A root canal can maintain the proper bite alignment and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. It’s another way to preserve your natural tooth while avoiding a more invasive treatment such as a dental implant.

Gum Disease Treatment

Your gums support your teeth and are important to your oral health. Gum disease treatment addresses infections and inflammation affecting the gums to help strengthen your overall oral health. Your dentists will perform thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to prevent gingivitis (swollen and bleeding gums) or more advanced periodontal disease. In some cases, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to smooth tooth roots and promote healing for gum disease.

Effective treatment prevents further gum damage and tooth loss while improving your overall health. By addressing gum disease early, patients can maintain a healthy smile and reduce the risk of other health issues.

First Visit Information

We want your first and every appointment at our office to go well and be as easy as possible. First and foremost, you’ll fill out some basic information about your medical history. If you’re switching dentists, we’ll also need the previous medical records from your old dental office.

Your initial visit will be laid back and informational. Your dentist will talk to you about your overall health, oral health, and goals for your smile. They will also perform a comprehensive oral exam to assess your oral health before developing a treatment plan. We might also clean and polish your teeth and do a fluoride treatment.

Insurance and Financial Information

Parkcrest Dental Group works with many insurance providers and programs to help pay for your dental care. If you have any questions, our experts are standing by and can discuss your dental insurance with you.

We also offer financing through the Care Credit program. Again, our team can help you navigate financing your dental care. Parkcrest Dental Group also accepts most major credit cards.

Patient Forms

We have two patient forms for you to fill out ahead of your first appointment. One is a registration form, and the other is a medical history questionnaire. Parents, we have forms for you to fill out for your children.

You can print these forms and fill them out ahead of time. Or, you can complete them at our offices before your appointment. We recommend leaving 20 minutes of time to fill them out. So, if your appointment is at 2 p.m., arrive at 1:40 to give yourself enough leeway to complete the forms.

Switching Dentists

Are you switching dentists? The process is relatively simple. First, you need to make an appointment with your new dentist. Second, notify your previous dentist that you’re switching. You’ll need to sign a waiver that transfers your records from the old dentist to the new dentist. 

Once you do, this process usually happens electronically and securely. You may need to bring some of your medical records with you if they aren’t in a digital format.

Then, it’s as simple as keeping your appointment at your new dentist!

Meet Our Team

We have eight doctors on our team. 

Dr. Stuart Scott is our board-certified pediatric dentist who has been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1993. He treats children from ages 12 months to 18 years old!

Dr. Steven Harrison is our board-certified orthodontist, on our staff since 1986. His wealth of expertise has led to thousands of straighter smiles in and around Springfield.

Dr. Daniel Fannin, DDS, has been a dentist and a part of our team since 1998. He joined us after completing his dentistry degree at UMKC and a one-year advanced residency.

Dr. Chanin Ropka, DDS, completed her dentistry degree in 1995 before joining the U.S. Navy on the USS Germantown. She has been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 2001. 

Dr. Jason Hall, DDS, has been a practicing dentist since 1997, focusing his expertise on dental implants. His father, Dr. Stan Hall, practiced at Parkcrest Dental Group for more than 40 years as one of the founding members!

Dr. Joseph Dills, DDS, has been a dentist since 2001. His focus is cosmetic, functional, and implant dentistry, making patients feel comfortable with advanced treatments.

Dr. Steven Sponenberg, DDS, earned his degree from Creighton University in 2004. He specializes in sedation dentistry and has been helping our patients with oral conscious sedation for nearly two decades.

Dr. Allie Dunton, DDS, earned her dentistry degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2021. Her advanced training includes oral surgery, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Botox, and IV sedation. She joined Parkcrest Dental Group after her residency in 2022.

We also have a support staff of more than 60 people, including dental hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff, all of whom are here to make your dental care easier!

Our Office

We remodeled our facility in 2017 to include more than 40 patient rooms, a dedicated pediatric wing, and a dedicated orthodontic wing. Our front office is open, modern, and inviting, with places for children to occupy themselves while waiting for their appointment or for a family member’s appointment.

We are conveniently located at 540 W. Lasalle Street in Springfield. We are just off of South Campbell, across the street from the movie theater and just south of the postal station. There is a Domino’s Pizza in between our building and Campbell Avenue.

Testimonials

We invite you to read some of our patient testimonials on our site and also on Google. 

Here is a sample of some recent ones from late 2024:

“Dr. Allie and her assistant did an awesome job administering my Botox and front office receptionist, Ashlynn was super friendly and had a welcoming attitude. Will definitely recommend Botox needs here!”  – Brittany A, Oct. 22, 2024

“I have confidence in the treatment of my gums & teeth. The problems stem primarily from Radiation & chemo for Stage 4 tongue cancer 9.5 yrs ago.  I believe Crystal & Dr Dills truly care about my ongoing needs and are very encouraging of my own efforts.”  – Keith K, Oct. 19, 2024

“Absolutely love this office. My family has been going here for years. The staff is always so kind. The hygienist have all done a great job. Audrey took care of me today. Such a great hygienist. Did a fantastic job very thorough and so sweet. Cannot say enough kind words about Dr Ropka. She is amazing. Love this place wish all offices were like this.” – Christina M., Oct. 15, 2024

“I had a wonderful experience at Parkcrest Dental! Walking into the lobby, I was immediately struck by how open and spacious it was. Everything was immaculately clean, and the front desk staff was very nice. Amanda did a bang up job with my tooth cleaning. Even the dreaded ultrasonic plaque removal didn’t put me on edge nearly as badly as it usually does. Dr. Fannin was great to talk to. I’d happily recommend these lovely folks to anyone needing a great dental experience! 10/10, will definitely be back!”  – Joseph M., Oct. 14, 2024

Make an Appointment at Parkcrest Dental Group

If you or your family needs dental care, we are happy to help. Please call (417) 887-1220 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment.