What You Should Know About Dental Fillings in Chicago

A dental filling in Chicago rarely starts with a patient that is looking for their teeth to get a filling, despite the fact that the gold fillings do look very snazzy. The reality is that most patients come in for a regularly scheduled checkup and we find that there is sufficient wear and tear, or decay, in a tooth that it requires a filling to keep the tooth viable. Occasionally, although rare these days, will we get a patient who is young or has been lucky with great teeth and has no idea what a filling is or why it is necessary. For the benefit of those folks, a dental filling in Chicago, or anywhere else for that matter, is exactly what it sounds like. A dental filling is a material that is used to replace the tooth enamel that has been damaged by decay to the point where a cavity has appeared. At other times, we will find what is known as a soft spot, where the enamel has almost given way to a cavity but not quite. We prefer to fill these as well since it is only a matter of time before the decay breaks through.

Considering that a dental filling in Chicago usually starts with an examination, we cannot stress enough the importance of coming in for regular checkups. The best rule of thumb is to try and make an appointment, and keep it, at least twice a year which allows us to find things like soft spots or identify areas that have excessive plaque buildup to prevent you needing a dental filling in Chicago. 

The first thing we do with a filling is to numb the area around the tooth so that you feel no discomfort. This is done by an application of local anesthetic directly into the gums. Once you are fully numb, you will not feel any discomfort at all but it is important to note that you will still feel things like pressure as we work on the tooth. After the tooth has been properly numbed, we can proceed to the actual cleaning. In order to make sure that we get rid of all the decay and that the decay has no chance of spreading or coming back, we will shave off all the portions of the tooth that have decay. While the dentist is removing this bad enamel, we will also take the opportunity to shape where the cavity had been so that it is a good shape for a filling. This will allow the filling itself to be more secure.

From this point on, the tooth is ready to receive the filling and we would go into any special preparations that might be required based on the kind of dental filling in Chicago you wanted to get. For a bonded filling, for example, the dentist would need to etch the tooth whereas some fillings require resin. If a resin is used, we apply it and then use the cool blue light to harden and strengthen it.

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Get Information You Need From a Dentist in Chicago

As a dentist in Chicago, we believe in the old saying “prevention is better than cure”.  Every one of our patients gets the benefit of a dentist who spends time on oral hygiene education along with providing tips for preventing cavities and infections. While providing preventative care, we practice a form of holistic dental medicine. We will spend as long as it takes to ensure that your teeth remain clean, diseases free, and in the best shape possible, so that you never have to experience a dental emergency or a situation where medical intervention is required.

Naturally if a situation does arise where we have to provide you with intervention, the best place to be is with a dentist in Chicago. We will bring all of our experience to bear so that we can cure whatever ails you as fast and as efficiently as possible. Once we have rid you of the dental problem, we can turn our attention to assuring that the problem never reoccurs. To do this, we will give you all the tools you need. The most powerful of all tools that any medical provider can give you is information. The better informed you are, the more likely it is that you will make the right choices for your teeth.

As a dentist in Chicago, we know that the information age has made things far more accessible to everyone, which has in a sense taken away the personal touch. We love it when a patient comes to our office Chicago with questions, so the internet is definitely a great resource. As long as you are using the internet as a way to supplement information, and to know when it is time to call us for help, it can be an outstanding tool. For those seeking better ways of caring for their teeth, the same is true. Where it becomes challenging is when the information online is highly technical or confusing. What you need to remember is twofold. First, the internet has a massive size and scope. Each day there are millions of people around the world searching for a million things. As people look for everything from dental crowns to baseball caps, there are an equal number of websites and experts that offer advice. This leads to the second thing you should remember. None of the people online is addressing your needs specifically because they are writing for a broader audience.

There is only one place for you to get the kind of personalised information you need to make important dental and oral health decisions, and that is with your dentist. Nothing beats being able to talk to a medical provider face to face when you want to have answers about your dental health. As a dentist in Chicago, we provide information about oral health on our blog but always suggest visiting our office for an official diagnosis so that we can provide you with details about your health and create a treatment plan that is designed to fit your needs.

Speak With a Sleep Apnea Dentist Near Chicago to Find Out if You Have This Condition

If you are looking for a sleep apnea dentist near Chicago, we can help you to learn about the condition. If you are not sure whether or not you have sleep apnea, we can provide you with the right tests and diagnosis. Sleep apnea is a bothersome disorder that occurs while you sleep. It involves a variety of factors that block your breathing, causing you to sleep restlessly and your heart to overwork. With time, this disorder can lead to more serious health problems, including stroke or heart attack. Continue reading to learn more as we answer a few questions that we commonly receive.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and restlessness. Some other symptoms that patients experience are sleep deprivation, abnormal breathing patterns while sleeping, irritability, dry mouth and throat, weight gain, and headaches. Many significant others have reported that their partners with sleep apnea often have episodes of no breathing for short periods of time. Sleep partners also complain that snoring can be heard several rooms away.

What causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when there are enlarged tissues in the throat that collapse and sometimes block your airway. This action reduces the amount of oxygen that is delivered to your entire body, including your heart. If your blood-oxygen level reaches a certain low, your body will momentarily wake up in response. In many cases, patients do not even realize they are waking up several times a night. This can cause you to feel unrefreshed and your body to remain in an unhealthy state.

How can a sleep apnea dentist near Chicago diagnose my sleep disorder?

When you visit our office, we will ask questions about your health, symptoms, and any unusual nocturnal behavior that a significant other or family member might have noticed. We will perform an examination as well. In most cases, we perform tests and screenings to help us make a diagnosis. We also offer a testing device that you can take home and wear which will help us to diagnose your sleep apnea, and it will also prevent you from having to make unnecessary trips to our office for extra testing.

What type of treatment can a sleep apnea dentist near Chicago offer me?

Our dental oral appliance for sleep apnea can be created and fitted for your needs. The nightly wearing of this device will help maintain an open airway that will lead to a less restless sleep. These custom-made devices are used as a non-invasive treatment option. This is our most successful treatment option. Other options are an air mask that will allow continues air to flow into your airway through a tube when worn, or we can talk about what positive lifestyle changes you should be making in order to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Obesity, overeating before bed, and improper hygiene are common contributors to sleep apnea that can be easily changed.

When you visit a sleep apnea dentist near Chicago, we will determine how extensive your needs are and provide the proper care as needed. We want you to understand why you are not sleeping soundly, and we want to provide you with a better night of rest and a more positive lifestyle. We can also answer any further questions you may have when you come in for a visit.

The Versatile Role of Dental Crowns in Chicago

We provide dental crowns in Chicago so that our patients can have a healthy and beautiful smile.  Many people are unaware of the role that dental crowns play in modern day dentistry, thinking only of amalgam crowns.  If you think of a mouth full of metal or currently have one, there is a better solution for you now.  We offer natural looking ceramic crowns that resemble your teeth.  They do not stand out in any way.  In fact, they blend in seamlessly to give you a beautiful smile regardless of whether you need a restoration, a protective barrier or a cosmetic solution.

Dental Crowns in Chicago Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have something that you do not like about your teeth, there is a good chance that we can correct it using one of our cosmetic dentistry solutions.  Dental crowns are a popular choice because they can be used to correct damage and improve the appearance of teeth at the same time.  As they are placed on the teeth, they can cover dark stains that were not removed with whitening, close gaps in between teeth, change the overall shape and size of teeth and even make teeth appear straighter. Since they cover your existing teeth, you do not need to have them removed in order to see the change.  Simultaneously, if you are missing any teeth, crowns can be used in the creation of a dental bridge.  In this procedure, crowns are placed on the two teeth surrounding the missing one, and they serve as an anchor.  By doing so, they hold the bridge and new tooth in place so that you can love your smile again.  All of this can be completed in our dental office under sedation so that you can remain comfortable and relaxed.

Dental Crowns in Chicago Preventative Care
In many cases, we use dental crowns to protect teeth.  One challenge that many people face with age is that the enamel on their teeth begins to erode.  This happens due to the food that you eat, brushing too aggressively, a lack of dental care and basic aging.  When it happens, eating food that is cold or too hot can cause discomfort and make eating a challenge.  Fortunately, we have a solution by way of the dental crown.  Since it is a cap, it can surround your tooth or teeth and prevent anything from touching it directly.  That way you can eat and bite down without fear of sensitivity.  This also works if your tooth is cracked or chipped or if you have had a root canal and need your tooth structure restored.  Any time that the enamel from your teeth is missing or damaged, a crown can repair it.  The only question is which type of crown you should use.  An all-ceramic crown works well on the front teeth where a ceramic-on-metal crown works well for back teeth and molars because it is stronger and more durable.

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A Teeth Whitening Appointment Can Be Done in Time for Graduation

While helping your child wrap up their time in college, plan for a teeth whitening appointment and taking a break for oral health.  Graduation from college is certainly an accomplishment that is impossible to reach without a lot of hard work and dedication.  Life as a college student can be so busy and demanding that many will let other things slide, like healthcare.  We are sympathetic and are not here to judge, however, with graduation approaching, now is an excellent time to focus on their health.  By scheduling a dental appointment, we can clean and examine their teeth and remove plaque along with whatever damage has been done over the past four years.  Once healthy, we can also discuss whitening their teeth.

It is fairly normal for college students to have their teeth stained by the time their four years are up.  This is often due to all of the late night study sessions that were fueled by coffee and energy drinks.  It takes effort to stay up and study – we get it.  Unfortunately, things like energy drinks are terrible for the teeth and will impact how they look.  The good news is that this damage is not permanent.  We can whiten their teeth and remove the stains so that they look amazing in those proud family photos.

Scheduling a teeth whitening appointment can give them an edge.
One thing you may not know about their smile is that it can impact whether or not they land their dream job.  There have been numerous studies trying to determine what, if any, impact overall appearance and a smile has on a persons' career.  They have found that with all other things being equal, the person with a beautiful smile will be hired for the job.  Since your graduate will be competing against college graduates from across the country, this one thing may give them the edge that they need in order to land their dream job.  Additionally, once they have it, people with a beautiful smile were deemed to be more of a team player and get raises more often.  They have spent four years working hard to reach this point.  Spending an hour to improve their career prospects, is a worthwhile investment.

Our teeth whitening process is more effective than anything you can buy in the store.
When it is time to whiten their teeth, it is important to understand the differences in the options that are available. While you can certainly purchase a solution at the drugstore, the thing to note is that it won't work as well.  The solutions in the store will typically only remove the surface stains that are on the enamel.  This will make an improvement to their teeth, but it won't be as significant as if you had them whitened professionally because most of the stains live within the enamel.  Our solution penetrates through it to start the process of oxidization where the molecules change in order to reflect less light and become colorless.  This is what produces the dramatic results.

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Learn About the Type of Dental Fillings in Chicago

At some point in your life, you will probably need dental fillings in Chicago. Before this time comes, or if you are considering replacing yours, it is important to know your options. We can share with you the different types of fillings that we can provide. Silver amalgam, composite resin, ceramic, cast gold, and glass ionomers are all great choices, but which is the right filling for you? 

• Silver amalgam: The silver fillings as they are often called are a classic option. This silver alloy provides lasting coverage for your vulnerable tooth, and they stand up to intense chewing and teeth grating. Silver fillings are also very affordable. The only cons are their tendency to take up more space, requiring more drilling of your natural tooth, and the aesthetic value of silver fillings is fairly low, requiring placement in non-obvious areas of your mouth. In spite of the negatives, many people enjoy the price and durability of silver amalgam fillings since they can last a lifetime. 
• Composite resin: Composite fillings are our most popular option. These fillings are incredibly attractive, and it is nearly impossible for others to realize that it isn't your natural tooth. These fillings are fairly resilient and long lasting. They are not quite as strong as silver or gold fillings, but they are still close and incredibly durable. Many people choose this option for their incisors and canines due to the eye appeal composite fillings provide.  By providing dental fillings in Chicago, we regularly replace old silver fillings with this tooth-colored option.
• Ceramic: Ceramic fillings are also known as porcelain fillings. The ceramic dental filling is appealing due to the smooth, tooth shaded surface it creates. These fillings are resistant to damage, but they do require more space to stay in place. This leads to more drilling away of your natural tooth. Ceramic fillings are often used for crowns or inlays that will take up more space anyway. The general quality of ceramic fillings is very good.        
• Cast gold: This gold alloy is a tried and true option that is non-corrosive and strong. They are generally the longest lasting filling option, but the cost does reflect this pro. With gold fillings being one of the most expensive options, many people opt for silver amalgams when faced with the choice. The gold filling normally takes two visits to place. Regardless of the cost, many people choose this option for long-lasting, attractive results. 
• Glass ionomers: This option is rarely used.  The glass ionomer is a natural looking cavity fix that provides strong coverage for less trafficked areas of your tooth. Due to it's slightly weaker consistency it is generally not recommended for molars or weight bearing areas. When placed on the side of the tooth, it provides great protection. Another pro is that glass ionomers excrete fluoride into your teeth over the years, creating a stronger overall tooth.  

We can provide you with dental fillings in Chicago that will meet all of your needs. We hope our accessible options will help you decide what is best for your teeth. Our dental fillings provide long-term protection from tooth decay at an affordable price. Depending on the location of your cavity, the severity of your cavity, and the financial budget you have, we can help you decide what filling is best for you.

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How a Sleep Apnea Dentist in Chicago Can Help Your Energy Levels

As a sleep apnea dentist in Chicago, we can help you to have more energy and enjoy life again.  Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can literally change your life.  People that have never experienced it cannot understand how a lack of energy can make it difficult to stay up and watch a movie or even drive a car.  We get it, and we can help.
Fortunately, sleep apnea is a very treatable condition but first, we must determine if this is what you have.  In order to find out, we may recommend that you complete an at home sleep study that will tell us what your breathing is like while you sleep. Those with obstructive sleep apnea will gasp for breath throughout the night, typically, as a result of an obstruction.  In this situation, the muscles supporting the lower jaw are weak, and the jaw falls backwards at night.  When it does, the tongue falls backwards as well and blocks the airways as it does.  This can cause people to gasp for breath, snore, choke, and even stop breathing. Without enough oxygen, the body cannot function properly so this can cause you to wake up feeling tired, even if you slept for a full eight hours.
Since obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction (your tongue), we start by addressing that problem.  As a sleep apnea dentist in Chicago, we don't recommend surgery or other invasive solutions.  Instead, we offer a non-invasive approach that is comfortable and easy to use.  We will take a mold of your mouth and have a removable oral appliance created.  This looks like a full retainer that surrounds your upper and lower teeth.  The big difference is that it attaches.  This way your lower jaw is held in the proper position as you sleep, preventing your tongue from falling backwards.  While a simple concept, this can have dramatic results and completely change the lives of our patients.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea or think you may be due to constant fatigue, you should give us a call. Our patients report having improved energy and being able to do their favorite activities again after starting to wear their oral appliance.  Things like staying up for a movie night become possible when you all of a sudden have your energy back.  All you have to do is wear the appliance at bedtime and take it out again in the morning.
As a sleep apnea dentist in Chicago, we also help patients that have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are using a CPAP machine.  These machines can be bulky, noisy and uncomfortable, making it even harder to sleep.  While they are effective, many people don't use them due to how inconvenient they can be.  As long as your sleep apnea is mild to moderate, an oral appliance can be a viable alternative. If you have to use a CPAP, using them together can be more comfortable than a CPAP alone.

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