Dr. Nicolas E. Kravanya is a 2006 graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. While attending SIU, Dr. Kravanya received an award from the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain for demonstrating exceptional interest and academic achievement in the discipline of Craniofacial Pain. Dr. Kravanya is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Madison District Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry.

In August 2006, Dr. Kravanya joined Dr. Steven J. Boente's practice in order to extend excellent patient care to the families in and around Macoupin County. Dr. Kravanya is married to Stacy Bates-Kravanya of Carlinville. In his free time Dr. Kravanya enjoys construction and landscaping projects as well as spending time with family and friends.

Since graduating, he has practiced exclusively in Carlinville. The organizations he is a member of are the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society and Madison District Dental Society. Furthermore, he received his fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2005, an honor recognizing dentists who are highly committed to continuing education. He is also a graduate of the L. D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education.

Dr. Kali Boente is proud to call Carlinville her hometown. She is a 2008 graduate of Carlinville High School and went on to receive her Bachelors degree in Integrative Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Dr. Kali Boente earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine where she graduated cum laude and received the Eleanor Bushee Award for demonstrating outstanding leadership and excellence in her dental career.

Dr. Kali Boente is a member of several dental organizations including the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Association of Women Dentists. She looks forward to furthering her education to provide the best dental care for her patients.

Your comfort during your visit is a priority to us. We are well-known for providing gentle care and a relaxing dental experience. With our friendly chairside manner, compassionate team members and gentle touch, we help each patient feel at ease.

What truly makes us different than most practices around? We put patients first! We will take the time to understand and meet each patients unique needs. You deserve a customized dental experience, and we proudly deliver one. Our caring team will treat you like family and keep your best interests in mind all the time. You are a priority here.

We know that dental care can put a strain on finances, and were here to help. We offer dental care to the community at a reasonable, competitive price. If you have questions or concerns about financing, we will work with you to find a solution to fit your needs. You deserve the best dental care possible without exceeding your budget.

Not only do we put your needs first, we take the time to get to know you personally. We enjoy hearing about your life, whether it relates to dentistry or not. As we get to know you, we are able to better your experience in our office. We seek to build a lasting, trusted relationship with you, and we look forward to serving you through the years.

A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.

Scaling and root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. Both electric and manual scaling methods can be combined to achieve the best results. Polishing completes the cleaning, making the surface of the teeth smooth and minimizing future plaque build-up.

Gum disease can cause bleeding, swelling, bad breath, pain, receding gums and tooth loss. But it doesnt always stop there. Your oral health is the beginning point for your whole bodys health and wellness. It is imperative that we stop problems before they even start!

Gum disease causes a buildup of bacteria in deep pockets between the teeth and gums. That bacteria can transfer to your bloodstream when gums bleed, putting you at a much higher risk to develop the following health problems:

Periodontal treatment typically involves containing the infection through deep cleaning like scaling and root planing, clearing buildup at the root of the teeth. The dentist may also suggest specific toothpastes and mouth rinses. We may also prescribe antibiotics to fight infections. Surgery is required for the most severe cases.

We examine you for gum health at every 6-month check-up. If you have been experiencing any symptoms like bad breath, bleeding or tender gums, please let us know. We will decide what is the best form of treatment to restore your gums to optimum health.

Snoring can be much more serious than it seems! More than just so much noise it may actually be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA happens when the tongue, jaw or even simply the weight of the neck causes the airway to be closed off. This results in the patient stopping breathing periodically through the night and can have a severe impact on overall health over time. Both Snoring and Sleep Apnea are often successfully treated with custom dental appliances or CPAP, however, the involvement of a sleep specialist is required to ensure an accurate diagnosis if OSA is suspected.

There are two types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by your brain sending incorrect signals to your muscles in your sleepit usually requires the help of a sleep specialist. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea, and it can often be successfully treated in a dentists office.

Oral appliance therapy is by far the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. There are more than 80 different sleep apnea oral devices on the market today. Similar in appearance to a double retainer, they are designed to either shift the lower jaw forward or retain the tongue to keep it from falling back into the throat. Oral appliances are typically worn at night and are custom fit to each patient.

Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as 'laughing gas,' is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. The nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and produces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. Nitrous oxide is designed to make procedures easier for nervous patients and has been effective for many years.

Sealants are a common preventive treatment in dentistry. Some teeth have fine grooves or pits that accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because the grooves are too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. When plaque accumulates, it can lead to cavities and other types of tooth decay. To apply sealants, a plastic material is brushed onto the tooth, filling these narrow grooves and preventing the cavity-causing buildup. Sealants make healthy teeth possible.

Root canal treatment, also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy, is used to save an infected or damaged tooth and avoid having to remove it. A root canal becomes necessary when a neglected cavity reaches all the way to the pulp at the center of the tooth, causing the pulp to become infected. Regular cleanings and checkups detect and prevent problems early on.

Trauma can also cause deep damage to the nerve of a tooth. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected, and it begins to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is called an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system, making it very dangerous and painful.

Symptoms of infected pulp may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and you are unaware of any problem until a checkup.

A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) is filled to prevent any further infection. Crowns are usually recommended to cover and restore a tooth after root canal therapy.

Good oral hygiene is a must. The loss of a single tooth can have major impact on overall oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth needs to be removed. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

The dentist may suggest an extraction after careful examination and treatment. X-rays are used to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone before extracting the tooth. Based on the degree of difficulty, a dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to ensure the best experience for you..

A filling is a way to restore a decayed tooth back to its normal shape and function. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, then clean the affected area and fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. This filling will help prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria might enter.

Tooth colored resins, or tooth colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture. They can be used on either front or back teeth, and are a good choice for people who expect their fillings to look more natural. Additionally, because they are bonded to the tooth structure they work to reinforce the filled tooth better than metal fillings do. For these reasons we exclusively use tooth colored materials when restoring teeth with fillings.

Custom-designed mouth guards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouth guards are recommended to protect the jaw, tongue, cheek lining and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth might get hit. Guards generally last 3-10 years.

If you are active in athletics or experiencing any concerning experiences with your mouth, teeth, or jaw, please let us know. If any kind of guard or appliance is a good option for you, we will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fit product for your specific needs.

Teeth clenching and grinding can damage teeth and be harmful to ones long-term oral health. Night guards are recommended to protect patients who clench or grind their teeth during the night. These custom-designed appliances are made of flexible plastic and molded to comfortably fit the shape of your teeth.

A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the real teeth on either side for support--hence the name. Bridges are a perfect option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. Bridge materials include gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all-ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

Crowns are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to replace missing teeth. A crown, also called a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens the tooth, but it can also dramatically improve the tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.

Teeth whitening is a popular procedure to make your teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, teeth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure for most patients. Whitening comes in trays, or in-office procedures. We offer a wide variety of options for you at our practice.

In-office bleaching procedures are ideal if you want immediate results. The whole process takes about an hour, taking little time out of busy lives. A protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. Then a special light-activated gel is applied to your teeth and light or laser is used to enhance the action of the agent. Finally, the patient receives a take-home gel and instructions to keep the smile bright. The result is dramatically whiter teeth that will last for years.

Tray whitening is a less-expensive and convenient at-home whitening treatment. The results are more gradual. An impression is taken at the dentists office in order to create a customized clear tray. Trays are generally ready within a few days, depending, and the patient must follow instructions for how to apply the gel in the trays and how often to use it. Maximum whitening results and a dazzling smile are achieved at the end of the set treatment period. An occasional treatment can be used to maintain the new smile.

ClearCorrect clear aligners straighten teeth invisibly, without metal braces. Clear aligners show off your smile, so most people wont even notice youre wearing them. Its easy to remove aligners and eat whatever you like. There are no wires to trap food or get in the way when you floss.

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain and complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth, so there should be no noticeable change to appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve a smile!

Complete Dentures This restoration method is used to restore smile and mouth function if all teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created and natural looking. They are fit in the patients mouth to take the place of the original teeth. Complete dentures are generally removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.

Partial Dentures A removable partial denture is used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. Made of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, partials help restore better functionality to the mouth. As with complete dentures, it is possible to have more permanent option cemented into place.

A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth for reasons like injury or periodontal disease. After a metal post is placed, the restoration is completed with a replacement crown.

While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and won't ever decay. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework, because they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

Implants require healthy gums and adequate bone. A patient must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits, as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure in which a thin layer of porcelain or composite material is placed over the outside of the tooth. They are used to improve esthetics or help with tooth damage. Veneers are usually only performed on the front part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less of the tooth material has to be removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are not recommended for patients who have large fillings or little tooth structure. They are also typically recommended for the restoration of front teeth.

An attractive alternative to traditional metal braces, the Invisalign system is a series of clear, custom-fit removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth to gradually straighten them. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but they are virtually invisible. Plus, the trays can be taken out for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

WHAT IS INVISALIGN? Invisalign is a clear way to straighten your teeth. Because it is virtually invisible, Invisalign allows you to straighten your smile without wearing conventional braces that are easily seen by others. It works by gradually moving your teeth with a series of custom-made, removable, nearly invisible aligners. Because they are removable it allows for better hygiene by making it possible for you to brush and floss normally. Ask Drs. Kravanya and Boente about how Invisalign can work for you!

For patients missing a majority of their teeth, implant-supported dentures are commonly used. Implant-supported dentures are dentures that are secured in place using implants in the jaw. They are often used when a patient no longer has teeth remaining in their mouth but enough bone in their jaw to support implants. Implant-supported dentures snap into place on top of implants but can be removed for cleaning.

Implant-supported dentures provide a number of benefits and are a great improvement from traditional removable dentures. They do not require any adhesives or powders to help the dentures stick and are very secure and comfortable, significantly improving the ability to chew. Because they preserve bone in the jaw and restore lip-support, implant-supported dentures also help maintain facial structures and minimize wrinkles.

A removable partial denture is used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. Made of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, partials help restore better functionality to the mouth. As with complete dentures, it is possible to have more permanent option cemented into place.

Laser dentistry is an important advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems. Soft tissue lasers are used on gum tissue. They are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. Lasers can even be used for teeth whitening. Hard tissue lasers are used to repair cavities, remove old fillings and prepare teeth for bonding. Soft tissue lasers are used on gum tissue. They are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. Lasers can even be used for teeth whitening.

Laser dentistry works by directing an invisible energy beam on problem areas and allowing for efficient treatment of decayed teeth, enamel and gums. The biggest benefit of laser dentistry, by far, is that it can reduce pain and minimize use of anesthetic. Dental procedures can become much more comfortable for you! Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

Paperless charting means more efficiency and more accuracy. An office that has 'gone digital' records x-rays and charting with the aid of the computer and keeps all patients ' dental records electronically. Additionally, it cuts back on paper use. With traditional paper charting, information can be lost in translation from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by standardizing charting methods, making it easy to understand dental charts, view up-to-date information and keep records accurately. When needed, this method also allows dental offices to more easily share information with other healthcare providers.

Digital radiography uses an estimated 40-90 percent less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Digital x-rays use a digital image capture device in place of traditional film, sending an image immediately to a computer. The result is a highly-detailed image of the mouth, and its contrast and resolution can be enhanced to more easily diagnose dental problems and determine the very best treatment for each case.

Panoramic radiography, also called panoramic x-ray, is a two-dimensional (2-D) dental x-ray examination that captures the entire mouth in a single image, including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, surrounding structures and tissues. The jaw is a curved structure similar to that of a horseshoe.

The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure. Most dentists perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Some dentists may use additional tests to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.

Many offices utilize electronic claims processing. This means that rather than being sent through the mail, a dental claim is sent electronically to an insurance company with the click of a button. We can submit information more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits patients because the turn-around time on claims is faster, and fewer claims are returned or denied.