Blog

Oral Surgery…Can I use my Medical Insurance? | 60435 Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin

There is a common question that people have about oral surgery, which is “Is it a dental or medical procedure?” The mere fact that a procedure takes place at a dental or oral surgeon’s office does not mean it isn’t medical. Most states and the federal government recognize that oral surgeons provide more than just what some may consider dental care. If the procedure performed is medical rather than just dental, you can bill your medical insurance. 

Dental insurance usually covers routine cleanings at 100%, but only pays a small fraction of the cost of other treatments. Also, dental insurance usually has a low annual maximum benefit, so patients with complex dental needs can quickly exhaust their dental benefits. Patients with medical and dental issues can benefit from claiming medical insurance for procedures.

When is an oral surgery procedure medical?
When an oral surgery procedure is used to diagnose or treat a medical condition, it is considered medical. An overbite, for example, is a dental condition and not a medical condition. “Abscessed tooth” refers to both a dental and medical condition. “Diabetes” refers to a medical condition. Using the following information, you will better understand how you may be able to use your medical insurance to pay for some of your oral surgery or dental procedures.

Wisdom Teeth
Your health insurance plan will likely cover the cost of impacted wisdom tooth removal since the procedure is often medically necessary. There is a possibility that third molars can cause pain, infection, and cysts to form.

Your oral surgeon’s classification of wisdom teeth can affect your claim payment.

  • Soft-Tissue Impaction-Less Likely to be Covered by Medical
  • Partial Bony Impaction-More Likely to be Covered by Medical
  • Complete Bony Impaction-Most likely to be covered by medical

Jaw Surgery
Depending on your insurance plan, you might be covered for orthognathic jaw surgery when it is medically necessary to treat an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms.

You can have operations on your jaw for a variety of reasons, and some of them fit into the coverage criteria exactly, some do not, and others fall somewhere in between.

Removal of Tori
A benign bone growth in the mouth, also known as a “torus” (plural), is a type of benign bone growth in the mouth. Tori removal (torus palatinus or torus mandibularis) is unlikely to be covered by health insurance because the removal of the excess jaw bone is rarely medically necessary.

Oral surgeons can bill your dental insurance plan, or you may pay out-of-pocket. Tori does not cause pain or cause other medical complications if left untreated.

Dental implants
Your dental implants may be covered by your health insurance if they are medically necessary for evaluating and treating a disease, condition, illness, or injury according to the applicable standard of care.

As an example, implants could be used to replace teeth lost during a covered accident or illness.

You shouldn’t have to navigate the complicated world of insurance alone. You can obtain specific benefit information about your dental and medical insurance plans from our oral surgery office. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Have a Hard Time Saying Bye to your Wisdom Teeth? | Oral Surgeon in Plainfield

Posted on by admin

Is there a chance that you will still have your wisdom teeth? If so, you may wonder if they should be extracted. Some people simply do not have wisdom teeth, but the majority of those who do need them extracted. About 75% of people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Keeping this in mind, read on to discover a few common reasons for this procedure and some warning signs to watch out for shared by our 60467 oral surgeon.

Wisdom teeth often don’t have the space to grow properly and create problems for your other teeth. By taking X-rays and scanning your mouth and jaw, dentists and oral surgeons can predict problems with your wisdom teeth before they occur, so you may not feel pain when they recommend having them removed.

Wisdom teeth can erupt at various angles, sometimes horizontally, and can lead to a variety of complications, including:

  • Being completely hidden inside the jaw and becoming impacted. It is sometimes possible that impacted wisdom teeth can cause pathologies such as cysts and tumors.
  • The teeth only emerge partially through the gums, which creates a passageway for bacteria. Partially emerged wisdom teeth provide an opportunity for bacteria to grow, which increases the chances of gum disease or infection.
  • Crowding the nearby teeth. Wisdom teeth may crowd other teeth or damage them if they don’t have enough space when they emerge.

Do so-called “healthy” wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Regardless of whether your wisdom teeth come through normally or have been detected on x-rays and seem to pose no problem, you should still consider wisdom tooth removal to avoid future dental problems. Wisdom teeth may reposition themselves at any time while embedded in the gum tissue. These situations can quickly lead to impaction and infection.

Additionally, wisdom teeth are more likely than other teeth to develop cavities. They are located very far back in the mouth and are therefore difficult to reach. People tend to have difficulties brushing and flossing their wisdom teeth properly, so they develop cavities more rapidly than other teeth.

Here are some warning signs that you should be on the lookout for.

  • You’re having trouble opening your mouth.
  • An ongoing problem with bad breath
  • Jaw pain or stiffness.
  • Gums that are swollen, tender, or bleeding.
  • It’s tough to chew.

You should schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon if you notice any of these warning signs. From there, they can take a look at what’s going on beneath the surface and perform a visual exam. Depending on their findings, they might recommend having your wisdom teeth removed. Remember, you can be symptom-free yet still require wisdom tooth removal. This is why biannual dental checkups and cleanings are so important. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to monitor any changes, particularly with wisdom teeth.

Our oral surgery office is experienced in the safe and comfortable removal of wisdom teeth. We invite you to schedule an appointment to our Orland Park, IL oral surgery office today.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

How Cigarettes and Chewing Tobacco Affect Your Teeth | Dental Implants in Orland Park

Posted on by admin

Smoking and chewing tobacco can certainly cause serious health problems, particularly for the lungs, but they can also cause extensive, alarming damage to your teeth and gums. You may find that it is tough to break habits, but our oral surgeon in Orland Park agrees that breaking this habit will prove to be beneficial in more ways than one. 

Using tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting your teeth’s attachment to bone and soft tissue. In particular, smoking may impair the normal function of gum tissue cells. The interference makes smokers more susceptible to infections, including periodontal disease; it also seems to impair blood flow to the gums, making wound healing more difficult as well. Smokers are likely to experience bone loss, which may eventually require oral surgery to correct.

Chewing tobacco

According to a recent study conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), chewing tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop malignant diseases in their gums and cheeks. In addition to causing gum problems, chewing tobacco also causes roots to become exposed, resulting in sensitivity. This provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, resulting in tooth decay. The use of chewing tobacco may also impair one’s sense of taste and smell, lead to bad breath and mouth sores, and may lead to gum disease.

Smoking

One pack of cigarettes a day can result in the loss of two teeth every decade, according to a study by the Academy of General Dentistry. Tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars, adversely affect oral health. In addition to causing oral health problems, smoking can also cause cancer in the throat, esophagus, and stomach. Nicotine and tar from cigarettes can also enter your teeth through cracks and become embedded there. As a result, you will develop stains on your teeth that you will not be able to remove with normal brushing.

Cancerous growths can be found in a variety of locations in the mouth, including the tongue, lips, mouth floor, and gums. Although oral cancer is much more common in people over 50, recent studies have shown that oral cancer is also on the rise among people under 30. 

The use of nicotine results in significant bone loss in many of our oral surgery patients, requiring a bone graft. The removal of cancerous lesions in the mouth is another common oral surgery procedure due to nicotine use. If you have ever used nicotine or use it currently, please contact our office to schedule an appointment to our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL so that we may perform a full oral cancer screening.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Getting the Best Out of Your Jaw Surgery | Orland Park Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin

People understand the importance of being healthy, exercising, eating well, and seeing their doctor regularly, but jaw alignment is rarely considered when it comes to overall health. A misaligned jaw can negatively affect your chewing function, your speech, your long-term oral health, and your appearance. Occasionally, orthodontic treatment can correct this problem. However, if the problem is more advanced and not addressed properly, it may cause periodontal disease, loss of orthodontic movements, jaw joint problems, and poor or even disastrous facial appearance, which may require oral surgery.

Orthognathic surgery, also called jaw surgery, corrects irregularities in the jawbone. The jaws and teeth are realigned to improve facial appearance and function. The surgery can correct dental and skeletal irregularities and improve eating, chewing, and speaking for patients. Additionally, the procedure may also enhance a person’s appearance. Functional issues resulting from jaw problems can be fixed with orthognathic surgery.

There are a number of conditions that can be successfully treated with corrective orthognathic surgery, including: 

  • Problems chewing, swallowing, or biting food
  • An injury to the face
  • An unbalanced facial appearance from the front or sides
  • Malocclusions (bite problems) caused by underbites or severe overbites
  • Joint pain or TMJ
  • Sleep Apnea
  • An open bite, a protruding jaw, or a receding chin
  • Congenital defects, including cleft palate
  • Mouth breathing

What is involved in surgery?

Prior to surgery, orthodontic braces are required to move your teeth into a new position. Upon completion of this phase of orthodontic treatment, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will reposition the jawbones according to your needs. You may need bone to be added, removed, or reshaped. Surgical plates, screws, wires, and rubber bands may be used to hold your jaw in place. Most incisions are made inside the mouth to minimize visible scarring. However, in some cases, small incisions may be required outside of the mouth.

Surgery recovery

The recovery process can vary in length and difficulty depending on your personal situation and the level of correction needed. The majority of patients can expect to return to normal life within 1 to 3 weeks following surgery.

Risks of Orthognathic Surgery

Surgical procedures always carry some risk. Here are some of the common complications associated with orthognathic surgery.

  • Bleeding issues
  • Infection
  • Nerve injury
  • Jaw fracture
  • Possibility of jaw relapse
  • The need for root canal therapy on selected teeth

The orthognathic jaw surgery procedure is complex and requires special training and skills. If you require any type of jaw surgery, you should seek advice from an oral surgeon. Schedule a consultation with our oral surgery office today to learn more about the best treatment plan for you.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Diabetes and Your Oral Health | Downers Grove Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin

Diabetes affects almost 26 million people in the United States. It affects every part of your body, including your mouth. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to experience oral health problems. Oral surgeons are fully aware of the increased risks associated with patients who have diabetes. Here’s what you need to know.

The effects of diabetes on oral health

High blood sugar is linked to diabetes and oral health problems. Having poorly controlled blood sugar can result in poor oral health. Uncontrolled diabetes weakens white blood cells, which are the body’s main defense against bacterial infections in the mouth. A person with diabetes should constantly monitor their blood glucose levels. When diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in saliva promote the growth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to infection, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Research has also shown that gum disease can damage your glycemic control, so you are more likely to develop diabetes and are less likely to maintain your health.

Symptoms to watch for

A diabetic may be at a greater risk of developing oral or periodontal problems, which can lead to bone loss requiring oral surgery. See your dentist regularly and watch out for the following symptoms:

  • A fungus that infects the mouth, known as oral thrush,
  • An unpleasant taste or smell is caused by bad breath.
  • Gums that bleed easily because they are tender and swollen 
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth ulcers or sores
  • Experiencing discomfort while chewing

How diabetes may affect your oral surgery

  • Blood sugar levels can delay the recovery process after oral surgery.
  • It can affect your body’s ability to regenerate bone tissue by affecting the hormones that regulate how calcium and phosphorus, which are needed for bone building, are metabolized in the body.
  • In some cases, diabetes may affect the success rate of a dental implant.

Here are some tips on preventative care.

When you have diabetes, there are several ways to take care of your oral health. According to your physician’s recommendations, you can reduce the amount of sugar your teeth are exposed to by managing your blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends using toothpaste that contains an anti-gingival or antibacterial agent to protect your gums. Furthermore, you should see your dentist two times a year. Be sure to floss regularly to avoid gum issues, as this can lead to bone loss. If you lose bone tissue, you may require a bone graft, a procedure that requires oral surgery.

We suggest a consultation with our oral surgeon if you have concerns about your oral health and possible bone loss due to diabetes. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery | Oral Surgeon in Downers Grove

Posted on by admin
60544 Oral Surgeon

During any surgical procedure, it is crucial that the doctor performing the procedure is aware of all the medications you are taking. It is especially critical with blood thinners. Blood-thinning medications do more than just prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious issues. They also help to regulate the body and reduce the risk of bleeding; if you take blood thinners, your 60467 oral surgeon will need to take extra precautions.

A description of how blood thinners work

Generally speaking, blood thinners are categorized into two categories: The first one works to prevent blood clotting. This category includes medications such as aspirin and Plavix. Anticoagulants are the second category of blood thinners. Anticoagulants work by preventing your blood from clotting. The medications can help prevent life-threatening conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms, which are all caused by blood clots. Coumadin and Warfarin are both examples of anticoagulants. 

Here are a few things our oral surgeon should know.

Be sure to tell us about any medications you are taking during your oral surgery consultation. We need your complete medical history to ensure your safety and proper treatment. Our oral surgeon may ask why you are taking each medication so we can determine if you have any side effects or other concerns that could affect your oral surgery.

What to do before surgery

Consult your doctor before stopping medication. Your doctor might suggest blood tests based on your medical history. Communicating with your primary care provider is crucial. Consult with your doctor about drug interactions if you need to take additional medications during your treatment. 

Oral Bleeding: How to Reduce It

Oral surgery can result in bleeding, but the results will vary from patient to patient. Applying firm pressure for up to 30 minutes is the most effective way to minimize oral bleeding. Applying gentle pressure with gauze is recommended to reduce bleeding. You may be asked not to drink hot liquids and not to rinse your mouth for the first day after your oral surgery. We recommend that you avoid foods with sharp or rough edges that could irritate your gums. If you smoke after oral surgery, it will certainly increase the bleeding. It will also dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site and postpone the healing process. Do not drink through a straw following your surgery, since this will also dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition known as a “dry socket.”

Any oral surgery requires an in-depth understanding of your medical history by our experienced surgical team in Orland Park. Based on this information, we can determine the best solution for you to ensure your safety. 

For questions about medications or oral surgery, please contact our Orland Park, IL dental office.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Eating After Oral Surgery | 60435 Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin
Downers Grove Oral Surgeon

Our practice specializes in oral surgery and provides excellent results. Overall recovery is dependent upon your adhering to the guidelines suggested by your oral surgeon in Orland Park following any procedure.

It is common for hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods to irritate soft tissues during healing, and some sensitivity is normal within the first few days following an oral surgery procedure. You may suffer from infections, bleeding, or slow healing when eating foods that require a lot of chewing. Foods like chips can break into pieces and irritate delicate gum tissue in the mouth. Drinking through a straw is harmful to your tissues because it creates strain and therefore does not allow your body to form a clot to stop any bleeding. By avoiding each of these, you can reduce your healing time.

When it comes to eating and drinking during your first 24 hours, you need to take extra precautions. Make sure you eat soft, mushy foods that require minimal chewing effort.

You may want to consider the following:

  • Although banana smoothies should not be consumed through a straw, they are tasty, filling, and contain many nutrients.
  • Fruits like applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, and seedless watermelon are easy and tasty fruits to eat.
  • Warm (not hot) soups and broths help keep your strength up when you’re still recovering. Be certain to choose soups without large pieces of food to avoid chewing. 
  • Since mashed potatoes are creamy and filling, they can provide you with the feeling of having eaten a meal. Add some cheese to the dish to make it more interesting.
  • Having Greek yogurt after dental surgery is a healthy, high-protein food you can enjoy. The smooth and creamy texture of Greek yogurt may help soothe and numb your mouth.
  • After having your wisdom teeth removed, eggs are one of the best foods to eat. Eggs are a source of high-quality protein rich in vitamins and minerals. 
  • Avocados are low in carbs but high in healthy fats and are great for eating while recovering from oral surgery. Avocados contain a lot of nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
  • Hummus is a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Hummus can be made by blending chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon, and garlic in a food processor. 
  • You should be careful not to overeat sugar, but puddings and flavored gelatin are great ways to get your calories, especially during the initial hours following surgery when you are experiencing inflammation or stiffness. Aside from being gentle on the stomach, they are also pleasant on the tongue.

After any oral surgery procedure, your overall recovery is dependent on making good decisions that will not interfere with the healing process. Your oral surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions. 

For more information regarding post-surgery care, please contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Comparison of Oral Surgery Procedures | Oral Surgeon Near Me

Posted on by admin
Doctor pointing to an x-ray of a mouth Oral Surgeon Near Me

Oral surgery involves several standard procedures. The procedures are performed when other methods of dentistry can not correct a problem with the teeth, jaw, or mouth. Many people are afraid of surgery, but oral surgeons routinely perform these procedures, so they are not to be feared. This article discusses some of the many procedures oral surgeons perform.

Implants: Dental implants effectively replace missing teeth and look and feel like natural teeth. The procedure will not only improve the appearance of your smile, but it will also restore the functionality of your teeth.

Bone grafts: A dental bone graft restores the volume and density of your jaw in areas where the bone has been lost. The material can be sourced from your own body or from a human or animal tissue bank. In some cases, the bone graft material may be synthetic. After a dental bone graft is placed, it provides a space for your own body to heal. Therefore, a dental bone graft is like a scaffold on which your own bone tissue can grow.

Orthognathic surgery: Often called orthognathic surgery, jaw surgery is a procedure that fixes a misaligned upper jaw and/or lower jaw by aligning them. It isn’t a single event. It’s a process that starts with orthodontic treatment, continues with jaw surgery, and is followed by months of recovery before more orthodontic work is needed.

Wisdom tooth extraction: If wisdom teeth become impacted, they should be extracted to prevent pain and infection. Additionally, wisdom teeth may need to be removed to prevent decay due to their difficult-to-reach position. Oral surgery for wisdom tooth extraction involves cutting through the gum tissue over the tooth, removing the connective tissue between it and the bone, removing the wisdom tooth, and sewing the gum back together. 

Treatments for TMJ Disorders- Temporomandibular disorders refer to problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it. Pain when chewing, clicking in the jaw, and persistent headaches can all be symptoms of problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders can be treated with surgery if more conservative treatments, such as mouthguards or oral splints, do not improve your symptoms. For some people, it may be necessary to perform surgery to restore full TMJ function. 

Nerve Repair– Accidents, injuries, and previous dental work can damage the nerves in your face and mouth. As a result of this condition, tingling, numbness, and even pain can be experienced. An oral surgeon is specially trained in micro-neurosurgery to treat issues related to nerve damage.

If you are experiencing any dental issues that require the treatment of a specialist, such as an oral surgeon, please contact our Oral Surgeon Plainfield to set up a consultation.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
Url: https://chicagodentalimplants.com/
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

The Link Between Systemic and Oral Health | Joliet Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin
Teeth and toothbrush on a blue background

Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. The condition of your mouth can, believe it or not, have a strong impact on your systemic health. Bacteria of all kinds are present in your mouth. While some are harmless, others may pose a significant threat to your health. Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine and visiting your dental office for regular appointments can help keep your mouth free of harmful bacteria. Below are 3 common ailments that have been shown to be negatively impacted by poor oral health. 

Diabetes

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes, and the disease can have many complications associated with it. A connection has been shown between diabetes and gum disease in many patients. Oral health problems often increase in frequency for patients with diabetes. Gingivitis and periodontitis are more common because these patients are at a higher risk of bacterial infection; they have a decreased immune response and longer healing time.

Blood glucose levels can also be affected by gum disease, potentially putting a patient with diabetes at a higher risk for additional health problems. The bacteria found in the mouth associated with gum disease have been shown to significantly elevate blood glucose levels.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million people in the US alone. This chronic inflammatory disorder affects joints and is caused by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues. Patients with RA are more likely to suffer from gum disease and periodontitis. Likewise, patients with periodontal issues have been shown to have nearly twice the risk of developing RA according to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Any type of autoimmune disease can significantly impact your oral health. A hyperactive or decreased immune response will cause inflammation in the gum tissue, eventually leading to periodontal (gum) disease. 

Lung Conditions

Once bacteria enter your bloodstream through your mouth, they can travel throughout your body and affect other locations. Conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia can be caused by harmful bacteria settling into a patient’s lungs. Other existing issues such as emphysema and chronic pulmonary disease can be exacerbated by the invading bacteria.

If you suffer from any of these conditions or are concerned that poor oral health might be putting you at risk, please contact our Oral Surgeon Orland Park office today. Our dedicated 60435 Oral Surgeon team will be happy to provide you with prevention tips based on your current health.

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
Url: https://chicagodentalimplants.com/
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Exercise and Your Oral Health | Plainfield Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin
Oral Surgeon Joliet

Exercise is important to good health, but can it have a detrimental effect on our teeth? Studies have shown that exercise and fitness habits can sometimes result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion. Exercise can impact our oral health in the following ways: 

Increased Risk of Dry Mouth

Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and can cause the mouth to dry out. Dehydration can also cause decreased production of saliva. Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent tooth decay. To prevent decay caused by a dry mouth, learn to breathe through the nose during exercise and hydrate with water before, during, and after your workout. You can also brush your teeth before you exercise to reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque. A daily alcohol-free fluoride rinse will protect the demineralization of your teeth that can occur with decreased saliva production. 

Change in Clenching and Grinding Habits: 

Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights. This pressure can result in wear and even crack teeth. To protect teeth from the effects of clenching, consider using a mouthguard. These can be purchased at most drugstores or sporting goods stores or we can make a custom fitted mouthguard for you.

Consumption of Sugary Drinks

Studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to the teeth than water. The citric acid they contain can soften the tooth enamel so much that even brushing can cause tooth damage. Taking frequent, small sips of sugary liquids increases the chance of tooth decay. Avoiding the use of sports drinks and hydrating with water instead can prevent these negative effects. If you feel you must use sports drinks, don’t drink small amounts over an extended period of time, rinse your mouth with water afterwards, and avoid brushing immediately after consuming. There are sugar-free or low sugar electrolyte drinks available as well. 

For additional information on protecting your teeth during sports or exercise, our Oral Surgeon Downers Grove office is always here to help. 

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
Url: https://chicagodentalimplants.com/
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467