Visit Mitchell Dental Spa for a Dental Cleaning and Examinations

When you visit Mitchell Dental Spa for a dental cleaning and examinations, we will take the time to get to know you and the concerns you have for your health and the appearance of your smile. We have a variety of dental solutions we can use to correct everything from a toothache to gum disease and a chipped tooth. Whether you are concerned that your gums may be receding or you do not like a gap in between your teeth, let us know. We will be happy to come up with a customized treatment plan to address these issues.

During your appointment, we will conduct a physical examination, along with taking x-rays, so we can see the condition of your tooth structure and jawbone. This will help us determine if you are suffering from resorption, need a root canal, or simply need to have your teeth cleaned. By cleaning your teeth twice a year, we can decrease your risk of getting cavities and help keep you healthy so you do not require any further dental care. Ongoing preventative care can help to make this possible, but it requires consistency on your part.

During a dental cleaning and examinations, Mitchell Dental Spa will also check the enamel on your teeth to look for signs of erosion. Your teeth only have a set amount of enamel. Over time, that enamel can wear away, exposing the porous dentin underneath. Your nerve endings are contained here, and without a protective layer of enamel, you can experience sensitivity and discomfort while eating or drinking. There are solutions like desensitizing toothpaste that can help, but this is only a temporary measure. If your enamel is eroded, the only way to permanently solve the problem is with a dental restoration. We can use dental bonding or a dental crown to help protect your tooth and reduce or eliminate the sensitivity. Keep in mind that you do not need to treat all of your teeth. If the enamel has worn away on only one or two, we can address those ones only, so no unnecessary dental work has to be done. As a benefit, any restoration we complete can be made to look natural and blend in with the surrounding teeth. That way, no one can tell which teeth were ever damaged or restored.

While performing a dental cleaning and examinations, Mitchell Dental Spa also look for signs of oral cancer. This is incredibly important because it is difficult to see the inside of your mouth, making early detection next to impossible without the help of a professional. We can look for signs such as red and white bumps or rough patches that could be indicative of cancerous cells. One person dies every day from oral cancer, and early detection is the key to defeating the disease. With that in mind, if you smoke, chew tobacco, drink a lot of alcohol, are exposed to a lot of sun, or have the HPV virus, you need to have an oral cancer screening once per year. Fortunately, we can incorporate this into your dental exam, making it easy to do both at the same time.

If A Tooth Gets Knocked Out Follow These Tips From Our Dental Office

As a dental office we understand how important teeth are. Our digestive process begins with the act of chewing and so protecting our teeth is essential. In the modern world, our children are faced with new dangers and potential for losing or damaging their teeth. Chief among these are sports and recreational activities like climbing or skateboarding. Contact sports like football also can result in damage to a tooth or even the loss of a tooth due to a collision. In order to protect the teeth from inadvertently being knocked out, all athletes wear mouth guards that can help mitigate damage and reduce the impact. However, accidents still happen.

For a child to lose a tooth is a big deal, especially if the tooth that is lost is the permanent tooth. All people have two sets of teeth. The first, milk teeth which are also known as deciduous teeth, come in first as a baby and eventually fall out naturally to make room for the larger, more permanent teeth. Functionally the baby teeth are essential since a child learns how to chew and talk with these teeth. Also, they serve as a placeholder for the permanent teeth. In this role, they prevent other teeth from crowding the space required by the adult tooth so that it can grow smoothly and proportionately. As a result, when a milk tooth is knocked loose, we will take precautions to ensure that the gap, left by the tooth, is not filled or crowded by the surrounding teeth.  This is necessary to prevent an irregular growth of the adult tooth.

If your child has a baby or milk tooth knocked out during a sport it is a good idea to visit our dental office as soon as possible to make a plan. This way we can start monitoring the other teeth until the new tooth has grown in. You can also bring the knocked out tooth with you, transporting it in milk.

On the other hand, if the tooth that has been displaced is a permanent tooth, the problem is more serious.

We advise taking the following steps –

Find the tooth and make sure it is clean. If it is clean put it back into the socket from which it fell and hold it in place. The tooth may be held in place using the opposing teeth, the tongue, or by wrapping it in a foil using the neighboring teeth as a support. If the tooth is obviously dirty, wash it before placing it in the mouth to avoid contamination.

Call our dental office to schedule an emergency exam. We can look at various options for restoring the tooth or if it is too far gone, replacing the tooth with another dental solution. Getting the tooth to the dentist quickly is essential, and it can, like the deciduous tooth, be transported in milk or even a saline solution. When handling the tooth make sure not to touch the root but instead pick it up and handle it using the crown to avoid damaging the root.

During the appointment, we will give you advice on the best way to proceed.

Tips for Keeping Your Implant in Good Condition from an Implant Dentist

If you are looking for an implant dentist, we help patients transform their smiles, and this is one of the many procedures that we specialize in. An implant can transform a person’s smile by restoring missing teeth and giving them the full functionality that typically only comes from natural teeth. We asked our implant dentist to answer some commonly asked questions about implants and how to keep them in good condition.

Question: What is a dental implant?

Answer: There are actually two parts to an implant: a synthetic root system and a new tooth. The roots are made of a metal post, and the tooth is typically made of ceramic.

Question: What do they look like?

Answer: An implant looks like a natural tooth because it is created in a dental lab to match the surrounding teeth in shape and size. The color is also matched to the natural teeth so that it blends in perfectly.

Question: What can an implant dentist use them for?

Answer: Most of the time they are used to replace a tooth that has fallen out. This is an alternative to dentures or installing a dental bridge and looks more natural than both of those solutions. It is also more durable. At times, patients will ask for an implant to correct a crooked tooth that may not be responsive to orthodontics.

Question: How does the process work?

Answer: The main difference between an implant and any other type of procedure is the new root system that is created. In order to do this, I implant a metal post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone. The bone responds by eventually fusing with the metal. This step can take a few months, but once they are fused together, a synthetic root system exists that is as durable and strong as a natural one. Meanwhile, a new tooth is being created in the lab using an impression that was taken of a patient’s mouth. Once the first stage is complete, I secure the new tooth to the metal post at the surface of the gums and position it into place. The results look completely natural.

Question: How long will my implant last?

Answer: There is no set time frame and your dental implants can last a lifetime if you take care of your oral health.

Question: How do I keep them in good condition?

Answer: Dental implants are stain resistant and not prone to infection because they are made of ceramic and metal. The rest of the teeth in your mouth and gums are susceptible to becoming infected, so the focus needs to be on taking care of them.  I recommend that patients brush after every meal and floss daily in order to remove bacteria and plaque. Teeth cleanings twice a year are also important for preventing infections and treating them right away if they do occur. The greatest risk to an implant is having an untreated oral infection spread into the jawbone. This can be prevented with regular teeth cleanings.

We are happy to answer any additional questions you have during a consultation. Schedule a consultation today.

What You Need to Know About Brushing Your Teeth from our Dentist Office

When you visit our dentist office, we can show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Learning how to do this the right way will help you to prevent cavities and gum disease from forming in your mouth. We understand the importance that preventative care plays in good oral health. We can do our part by cleaning your teeth twice a year and removing any plaque, tartar, and bacteria that was left behind from at home cleanings. While this is effective, it isn't enough without at home care as well.

Here is what you need to know about brushing your teeth.

The two-minute myth.
A lot of people have been taught that as long as they brush for at least two minutes, their teeth will be clean. This is only half of the story. The two-minute rule is a good starting point, but you really need to brush for as long as it takes to get a good clean. This may be longer if you have a bad toothbrush. Feel your teeth when you are done and see if they are clean. If you can still feel grime with your tongue then adjust your timing accordingly.

Motion matters.
When you brush your teeth, it is important to brush them in a circular pattern. This will help you to remove more bacteria and plaque without irritating your gums. If you have an electric toothbrush, it will do this for you so that you have less to worry about. This is far better than brushing from front to back or back to front which can irritate your gums. We can show you how to do this when you visit our dentist office.

It is also important for you to brush away from your gums. For example, if you are brushing your top teeth start at the gum line and brush downwards. This will keep bacteria off of your gums and help to prevent gum disease.

Buy the right equipment.
You should be brushing with a soft toothbrush or an electric one. Both are better for your teeth than a hard toothbrush because they won't strip away your enamel or irritate your gums. You also need to switch out your toothbrush every three months before the bristles start to fray. If you notice that your toothbrush has an odor, you should change it out faster since this could be a sign of bacteria.

Purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride so that you can strengthen your teeth while brushing them. Look for one that has the American Dental Association seal of approval on it and use this toothpaste several times a day for the maximum benefits.

When you visit our dentist office, we can demonstrate how to brush properly and care for your teeth so that you can stay healthy at home and prevent both cavities and gum disease. You should also schedule a teeth cleaning for twice a year so that we can remove any bacteria or plaque that has been left behind.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Teeth Whitening

A Restorative Dentist Can Use Both Crowns and Veneers

A Restorative Dentist Can Use Both Crowns and Veneers

A restorative dentist can help you if your tooth has become damaged. Previously, when a person's tooth became cracked or chipped there were not many options for correcting it. Some people even had their tooth pulled, which is now unnecessary most of the time thanks to modern dental techniques. By visiting the dentist immediately after teeth have been damaged, most teeth can be restored and saved.

Dental crowns and veneers are two ways that a dentist will restore the tooth. They can be used to correct teeth that have been chipped or cracked. Additionally, a veneer is often used to cover dark stains, close gaps in teeth, and make them even. Crowns are more frequently used to restore a tooth after a large portion of it has been removed during a procedure like a root canal. Both options provide patients with a way to improve the appearance and strength of a damaged tooth and allow for a person to eat normally once their tooth has healed.

While there are many similarities between the two procedures, there are also many differences. Here is what you need to know.

How they are used. Dental veneers are used more often to restore a tooth with minor damage while the majority of the tooth is still in place. This can include teeth with small holes in them, chips, or cracks.  Meanwhile, dental crowns are needed when a larger portion of the tooth is missing, or the crack is so large that the tooth is falling apart. A restorative dentist will use a crown when the damage is more extensive.

What they look like. A dental veneer is made of all-porcelain or ceramic so that it looks completely natural. This is an excellent solution for someone who may be repairing one tooth but also wants to cover stains on other ones at the same time. They can be placed on one or all of a person's teeth. Dental crowns are made of several materials and a patient can select which one to use. All-metal crowns are more common for back molars since it is the most durable and will last the longest. All-porcelain and porcelain-on-metal are also common and more frequently used on teeth that people can see. The only challenge is that they don't last as long.

Tooth preparation. In both scenarios, a restorative dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a portion of the enamel so that the crown or veneer can fit and feel natural. More of the enamel is removed with a crown than with a veneer since the crown surrounds a tooth where the veneer simply sits on top. Temporaries are worn after the tooth is prepared while the lab is creating a permanent solution.

Placing a crown or veneer. Once the permanent ones are ready, the temporary will be removed and if the permanent crown or veneer lfits perfectly it will be bonded to the tooth.

Both solutions can look natural and feel great and allow the patient to eat like normal and speak comfortably. A restorative dentist will make recommendations on what needs to be done after examining a damaged tooth.

TMJ Dentist Chicago  >  Dental Bonding

Learn Why Dental Crowns Are Used Instead of Fillings

Among restorative procedures, dental crowns are by far the most commonly performed by dentists everywhere. Most people understand what a dental crown does, and usually we have discussed it at some length before a patient decides to schedule the procedure. Historically people have a lot of questions about any procedure that is going to involve their teeth, and dental crowns are no exception. Since there is a cost involved, even when the insurance companies are paying some of it, people want to know that the procedure is necessary before committing the time and money to having it done.

From our perspective, we prefer to ensure that the teeth themselves are well taken care of and to do whatever procedures are necessary to have strong, healthy patients. If this means we can do a filling, in lieu of a crown, and it would be sufficient, then that is what we will recommend. However, we do find that if the tooth requires a crown, typically there are not many alternatives that provide the same level of effectiveness.

Dental crowns are also commonly referred to as dental caps. This is based on the idea the dental crown “caps” or covers the entire tooth, providing a degree of protection while strengthening and supporting the tooth. To ensure that the crowns are a perfect fit, they are custom fabricated in a laboratory based on the measurements taken at our office. This allows the crown to fit perfectly over your tooth and give it the support it needs. Once installed, a dental crown performs two vital functions.

1.    It strengthens and supports the tooth itself. When a tooth is damaged, your mouth will often overcompensate for that tooth, leading to an uneven bite and misaligned teeth. When the crown is placed, the mouth can rely on this tooth for functionality and hence does not have to make adjustments.

2.    Damaged teeth, especially those that have been damaged due to decay have a tendency to attract more bacteria. This bacteria also spreads around and could infect other teeth as well. A cap puts a stop to the decay and limits the amount of bacteria that can spread. This is beneficial to the tooth, and to the mouth as a whole.

When do we recommend that you get a dental crown?

If you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, we may recommend that you get a dental crown. A crack in the tooth or a chip can quickly spread which will cause immense amounts of discomfort. Any damage to the tooth leaves it susceptible to infection, which is something we want to avoid and the crown is the best way to accomplish this. If you have a filling that is extremely large and has outgrown the recommended filling size, we will recommend a crown. Dental crowns are more durable than fillings, lasting longer and providing better support. There are many reasons why they may be recommended, which is why we will discuss your particular and individual situation with you first.

Dental Veneer Chicago  >  Dental Office

Visit Our Cosmetic Dentist Office For These Procedures

Our cosmetic dentist office can transform your smile from dull to brilliant. No matter what your particular needs are, we know how to help. Some of the most common treatments we employ are listed below to provide you with insight regarding our viable methods.

Fillings: If you need a filling to remedy a cavity, we can provide you with a tooth-colored filling that will look natural against the color of your tooth. Our fillings are durable and will protect your vulnerable teeth from more damage for years to come.

Bonding: In our cosmetic dentist office, our dental bonding is made of a similar material as our composite resin fillings, but it is used to fill in chips and cracks in your teeth to improve esthetic value. If you have a minor imperfection that you would like covered, dental bonding is an attractive and long-lasting solution that requires minimal chair time. Our bonding solution is also tooth-colored, so it blends in with your natural tooth color.

Crowns: We use crowns to cover damaged teeth that are too impaired to be fixed by a filling or bonding. They cover your entire tooth for the most protection against decay and further damage. We can offer you attractive, natural-looking crowns that match your other teeth. While natural looking, they are so durable that can withstand immense pressure and are stain resistant.

Teeth Whitening: To brighten a dull smile, our cosmetic dentist office can give you a thorough teeth whitening strategy that can be implemented as needed to achieve the white shade you desire. A whitening can transform your smile in a simple, but effective way.

Dental Veneers: Our veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells that can be applied to the fronts of your teeth as attractive coverage for crooked or discolored teeth. Veneers are long-lasting and are a minimally invasive way to cover up dental flaws and to restore teeth that have been damaged in an accident.

Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is a semi-permanent replacement for missing teeth. If you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, our dental bridge provides fabricated teeth that match your other ones. The bridge will fit into the gap created by your former teeth. The false teeth will be secured in place by two crown anchors attached to your strong existing teeth.

Dental Implant: A dental implant will be your most attractive and permanent replacement option. Our cosmetic dentist office will secure a titanium rod into the root opening that was left by your former tooth. This rod will be attached to the replacement tooth to hold it in place. With time, the titanium rod will graft with your jawbone to create the most permanent solution to a missing tooth.

For all your esthetic dentistry needs, our cosmetic dentist office can help. We can provide you with comprehensive care so that no imperfection is left unrefined. You will be pleased with the timely, durable, and attractive solutions we can provide for your dental needs.

TMD Dentist Chicago  >  Fillers Chicago