Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and made entirely from minerals. Still, it is susceptible to erosion, fracture, and weakening, so it is vital to keep it protected with proactive oral hygiene.

Without strong enamel, the inner part of your tooth risks decay, which leads to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion

The most common causes of tooth erosion are preventable.

Drinks: Sugars and acids can easily wear down enamel over time. If you regularly consume soft drinks, fruit juices, and energy drinks, you may be harming your teeth. Alcohol can erode enamel, as well.

Food: A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar allows mouth bacteria to create damaging acid that harms tooth enamel.

Medical problems: Acid reflux conditions such as GERD, frequent vomiting, and certain genetic conditions can erode enamel. Teeth grinding from stress can also impact the integrity of your teeth. Once enamel is chipped or worn, it cannot repair itself.

How to Avoid Tooth Enamel Erosion

Our oral surgeon in 60467 regularly sees tooth problems that could have been avoided through good oral care. In addition to good at-home dental hygiene and professional exams and cleanings, here are extra steps you can take to protect your smile.

• Trade sweets and junk food for a diet rich in crisp veggies, fruit, cheese, yogurt, and whole grains.
• Plain water is a healthier refresher than sports beverages and energy drinks. If you do indulge, rinse with water afterward and wait about a half-hour before brushing to avoid further enamel wear.
• Saliva neutralizes acids in the mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals and beverages, you boost production of cleansing saliva.
• To avoid fracturing teeth, don’t chew on ice cubes, pens, or other hard substances.
• If you grind your teeth, request a night guard from our office.
• Wear a mouth guard if you play contact sports. It protects tooth enamel from cracks and chips, and helps prevent traumatic tooth loss.

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, so take care to protect it. If you suspect compromised enamel is causing you problems, call our office or ask your general dentist for a referral. Our oral surgery practice in Orland Park, IL specializes in expert, specialized care for damaged teeth, jaws, and mouth tissue.

Athletes often hydrate with sports beverages during exercise and busy people like the caffeine kick of energy drinks. While the health value of these beverages is debatable, research shows both sports and energy drinks can have a negative impact on your oral health and dental hygiene.

The danger in most sports and energy drinks isn’t just sugar; these beverages also contain a significant amount of acid that can harm tooth enamel.

Sports Drinks and Dental Health

Whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or the parent of a sporty child, you have probably been exposed to energy drinks. Rich in carbohydrates and minerals, they are designed to replace electrolytes and water lost through sweat. If you sip these beverages for a prolonged period and breathe through your mouth from exertion, the combination of air, acid, and sugar creates an ideal environment for tooth decay.

Energy Drinks and Your Teeth

These drinks usually contain stimulants like caffeine and guarana along with minerals, vitamins, and protein. Whatever the content, these beverages often contain sugar and acids that can harm teeth.

Are Sugar-Free Power Drinks Better?

Unfortunately, beverages without sugar can still contain phosphoric and citric acids that weaken tooth enamel. This leaves teeth more susceptible to decay and bacteria invasion.

The best substitute for high-octane sports drinks is plain water. A study shared from Melbourne University in Australia by our oral surgeon in 60467 found that H20 can actually harden tooth enamel. Always rinse your mouth with water after drinking sports beverages. Coffee and tea, while acidic, are a better substitute for energy drinks.

What to Do After Drinking Sports and Energy Beverages

After what you have learned, you might be tempted to keep a toothbrush handy and whip it out each time you drink sports or energy beverages. However, research shows that rinsing with water is better than brushing, at least for a few minutes after drinking a sugary, acidic substance.

A substitute for rinsing while on the go is chewing sugarless gum, especially the type that contains the enamel-friendly sweetener xylitol. Chew for about 20 minutes after consuming a sugary, acidic beverage. It stimulates saliva, which is nature’s way of rinsing bacteria and acids from the mouth. Finally, don’t sip your drinks all day, as this continually bathes your teeth in acid and sugar. 

Sports and energy drinks can lead to tooth and jawbone loss in a way that is preventable. If you do suffer dental problems that require oral surgery, get a referral to our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL or make an appointment.

Dental implants are a safe, long-term tooth replacement option that improves the function and appearance of your smile. This technology can benefit many adults who have lost at least one tooth.

Dental implants can be used singly, or in groups to anchor a bridge or set of dentures. For the right patient, they provide a strong, durable solution for tooth loss.

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants.

• Improved teeth function: Dental implants work like natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain
• Durability: Implants are stable, strong, and stain-resistant
• Better oral health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved, improving long-term oral health
• Natural looking smile: Dental implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth, creating an attractive smile
• Improved comfort: Dental implants avoid the uncomfortable slipping of removable dentures and partials
• Clearer speech: Removable dentures can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech, while dental implants remove that concern
• Protecting bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can eventually lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Because implants have artificial roots, they prevent this type of bone loss
• Longer-lasting solution: Dentures must be replaced about every five to seven years. Dental implants, when cared for properly, can last decades

 If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the right denture alternative for you. Our oral surgeon in 60467 will consider many health factors before determining whether you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure. Some considerations include whether you have adequate bone to anchor the implant and the health of your gum tissue. Also important are the locations of your sinuses and nerves, as our doctor must avoid damaging them.

For some patients, we recommend advanced treatment for the upper or lower jaw to ensure there is enough bone to support an implant. However, we recognize each patient’s treatment plan is unique, based on specific needs and personal goals.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants or are ready to schedule a consultation, contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL and make an appointment. Our aim is to restore the health and beauty of every smile with precision, comfort and lasting results.

If you’re considering dental implants, here are some questions to consider.

Am I An Ideal Candidate?

Your oral surgeon will evaluate your overall health and advise if you may be a candidate for dental implants. Your oral and overall health will be considered to ensure your safety and overall health is prioritized. 

What credentials, qualifications, and experience do you have with dental implants?

When considering dental implants, make sure you consider the experience, training and equipment utilized by your surgeon. Our team has extensive training in the most complex dental surgeries and will be happy to share openly. It’s important you feel confident in your decision.  

What is your success rate?

For a dental implant to be considered a success, it must integrate into the jaw bone (osseointegrate) and not be at risk for coming loose. During your consultation, our team will

discuss all risks associated as well as the expected results based on your individual circumstances. 

Do you have any images of prior results?

You’ll enjoy seeing how dental implants have completely changed many of our patients’ lives. Sharing the transformative nature of this procedure can make a difference in your feelings towards dentistry and oral health. 

What can I expect in the recovery process? 

Whether you are in need of one or several implants, you can expect that we’ll discuss your detailed treatment and recovery plan with you. The specifics will vary based on your individual plan, however we’ll be able to provide post operative instructions, and everything in between. It is our goal to communicate with you in a way that you experience no surprises. 

Do you offer a payment plan?

We offer financing and will take the time to discuss your financial arrangements prior to moving forward with any form of treatment. Transparency is important to us, as it is a key component in providing an excellent experience for you. 

If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our Chicago, IL office today to learn how our doctors can help you. 

Orthognathic surgery, or jaw surgery, is a procedure with a plethora of applications. It is used for a wide variety of medical purposes, and may also provide cosmetic benefits. If you’ve been having problems with eating, speaking, or breathing, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. 

What Can Orthognathic Surgery Fix?

Your jaw has two parts: the upper and lower, otherwise known as the maxilla and the mandible respectively. Some jaw complications are the result of the halves out of alignment and may require orthognathic surgery to amend. This can be the result of genetics or childhood habits like thumb sucking and mouth breathing that caused improper development. Common types of jaw misalignment that may require surgery are:

• An overbite, when the upper jaw protrudes over the lower jaw
• An underbite, when the lower jaw extends too far forward
• An open bite, when both sets of teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed

1. dysfunction. The first, arthroplasty, is the removal of scar tissue surrounding the jaw joint to relieve pain. The second, arthrocentesis, uses sterile fluid to clean and disinfect the joint.

Choosing a qualified oral surgeon is essential to getting the right treatment for your needs. If you believe you may need orthognathic surgery, call us today to schedule a consultation. Our team looks forward to providing personalized and compassionate care.There are a number of other conditions that can be fixed with orthognathic surgery. These include:

• Chronic jaw joint pain, otherwise known as TMJ or TMD
• Breathing problems while sleeping, including obstructive sleep apnea
• Facial injuries that knocked the bone out of alignment
• Difficulties with biting, chewing, and swallowing
• Not being able to close the lips without straining

What Are The Cosmetic Benefits?

Orthognathic surgery can also help address a variety of cosmetic issues. The surgery can realign the jaw properly to repair facial injuries. In others, it can help to fix imbalances that are the result of genetics, such as crossbites.

What Types of Orthognathic Surgery Are There?

There are four common types of orthognathic surgeries available. The right one for the patient depends on the severity of the misalignment and what conditions need to be treated. The different types of surgery are:

2. Maxillary osteotomy, or upper jaw surgery, is used to correct receded maxilla. The position of the bone is adjusted and fixed in place using screws and metal plates. This procedure corrects overbites and crossbites.
3. Mandibular osteotomy, or lower jaw surgery, is the inverse and adjusts the position of the mandible. This treatment is used to correct underbites.
4. Genioplasty, or chin surgery, can also be used to correct receded lower jaws. It is often combined with a mandibular osteotomy in the same operation.

TMD Surgeries, which can be one of two procedures to correct temporomandibular joint.

Has your general dentist or other healthcare professional recommended orthognathic surgery to improve your life? Contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.

Teeth that are overcrowded can lead to a number of dental concerns, including plaque build up, a misaligned bite, distorted speech, and even discomfort while chewing. No one wants to have a tooth extraction, but in some cases, removing a tooth may actually be the best solution to restore the health and function of your smile. 

Diagnosing a Bad Bite

When a patient is diagnosed with malocclusion, also known as a “bad bite,” it is typically because their upper and lower teeth improperly fit when they bite or chew. They may have crowded teeth that affect their appearance, speech or ability to eat. There are many causes for a malocclusion, ranging from genetics to thumb sucking and premature tooth loss.

Jaw Size and Teeth Crowding

A smaller sized jaw not only prohibits new teeth from settling into their correct positions but also encourages existing teeth to become misaligned. In these cases, dentists will often recommend for one or more teeth to be surgically removed. Oral surgery in combination with orthodontic measures such as braces or retainers can assist with proper realignment.

Tooth Extraction for Pediatric Patients

Early diagnosis in children is key to projecting proper tooth alignment. Children who are identified with a malocclusion before the age of eight have a much better chance of achieving an attractive and healthy bite. When a child is identified as a good candidate for braces, the dentist will identify when it might be necessary to remove healthy teeth that may be in the way. This extraction may have to take place a year or two before the braces can be put on. Once the teeth have been moved into their new position, the braces are removed and a retainer is worn until the teeth stabilize in that position.

If overcrowding in your mouth is creating malocclusion or a “bad bite”, your oral surgeon in 60467 may consider the removal of one or more teeth in order to give your other teeth the space they need to align correctly. The only way to find out if tooth extraction will be part of your orthodontic treatment plan is to have a consultation with your orthodontic specialist. Your orthodontist will work with you to tailor a treatment plan that will be custom fit to meet your needs. Contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL to schedule an appointment.

In recent years, dental implants have become a preferred method for replacing missing teeth. Implants help to maintain healthy bone and soft tissue support, improving the overall look of your facial profile. Surely their biggest advantage is that they feel and function like natural teeth!

While implants may be the best solution for your smile’s reconstructive needs, there are various considerations to assess to determine the best treatment plan for you. Here are a few of the factors our oral surgeon in 60467 will review with you when you come in for a consultation:

Current Bone Health

The state of your oral health plays a significant role in getting dental implants, especially when it comes to the bone health where your implants are to be put in. If you’ve had bone loss in the past or if you’ve gone years with missing teeth, the bone structure in those locations may not be dense enough to support an implant. In these cases, our experts will explore a bone graft to create a stable foundation for your future implant.

Your Gum Health

Periodontal (gum) health is just as important as the bone underneath when it comes to getting dental implants. Infected gum tissues around an implant often lead to bone damage and implant failure. If you have periodontal disease, it needs to be treated before you can get dental implants, even if it’s in another area of your mouth. It’s also important to keep up with your oral hygiene and regular dental checkups to make sure your mouth stays healthy in the future. Our thorough consultation will assess the overall health of your teeth and gums to ensure your implant procedure is safe and successful.

Are Missing Teeth Undermining Your Smile?

Modern dental implants can replace teeth lost to through age, accident or decay, and restore your beautiful smile. Our dentist can provide you with estimated costs, a customized treatment plan, and answer all of your questions about dental implant options. Schedule a consultation with our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL today.

Many dental issues including overbites, underbites, and teeth crowding can be treated using traditional methods such as braces and Invisalign. However, there are some cases where skeletal or structural irregularities are best addressed by a more invasive approach to treatment. In those situations, our office may suggest orthognathic surgery.

Understanding orthognathic surgery

Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is performed when problems with teeth and bite alignment cannot be corrected through traditional orthodontic treatments. While the word “surgery” may sound complex, in fact, many orthognathic surgeries are performed as routine, in-office procedures. For example, wisdom teeth removal is considered a very common type of orthognathic surgery that can be performed in as little as 45 minutes!

What types of dental professionals perform orthognathic surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform orthognathic surgeries. These surgeons have completed four years of dental school, and four additional years in a hospital-based residency program. In addition to advanced training, these professionals are also the only medical practitioners besides anesthesiologists who can administer all levels of sedation and general anesthesia.

Who is a good candidate for orthognathic surgery?

Generally, patients who have tooth misalignment, jaw issues, or facial asymmetry problems that cause difficulty chewing, talking, sleeping, or carrying on routine activities, may benefit from having orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery can also address certain cosmetic concerns and medical conditions, including:

·         Protruding jaws

·         Congenital defects such as cleft palate

·         Unbalanced facial features

·         Open bite, protruding jaw or receding chin

·         Malocclusions (bite problems)

·         Obstructive Sleep Apnea

·         Chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth

If you experience difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing, have speech problems, chronic jaw or TMJ pain, you may be a good candidate for orthognathic surgery.

Prioritizing your smile and your oral health

Our office offers various treatment options to effectively address the health and cosmetic concerns that arise from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. Orthognathic surgery is proven to address a number of health issues, while also restoring the functionality of your smile.

If you have more questions and are wondering if orthognathic surgery is right for you, contact our oral surgeon in Orland Park, IL for a consultation. We can provide you with a thorough exam and explore the best treatment options for your specific symptoms and concerns.

Having your wisdom teeth extracted may feel like a daunting prospect, especially if you’ve never had oral surgery before. You likely have a list of questions about what to expect before, during and after the procedure. While some anxiety about wisdom teeth extraction is perfectly normal, our dental team is here to walk you through the process and put your concerns to rest.  Here are some of the most frequently asked questions around wisdom teeth removal:

 Q. Why do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?

A. While every patient is unique, you likely need your wisdom teeth extracted to avoid the risk of impaction. Impaction occurs when there is not enough space inside your mouth to accommodate emerging teeth, causing them to grow in at an angle. When this happens, it can lead to overcrowding, discomfort and even plaque build-up and periodontal disease.

Q. What should I expect before surgery?

A. Before your procedure you will consult with your oral surgeon. During this meeting, you can ask questions about the surgery, discuss any pre-existing health concerns, and decide on anesthesia options.

 Q. How long will the procedure take?

A. Most procedures take no more than 45 minutes. You should plan to have someone drive you to our office and drive you home and it is a good idea to take time off from work or school so you can rest at home following the surgery.

 Q. What should I expect after surgery?

 A. Most people experience minimal discomfort after wisdom teeth extraction. You’ll likely have some swelling for a few days, and our office will provide you with a list of foods to eat and those to avoid while your mouth heals.

Wisdom teeth removal is a very safe procedure that millions of people undergo each year. Doing your homework and getting all of your questions answered in advance will help you make an informed decision about your own procedure.  If you still have unanswered questions or you would like more information, please contact our oral surgeon in Orland Park, IL today to schedule an evaluation.

Having a damaged or missing tooth can cause self confidence issues for many. With modern dental implant technology, it is easier than ever to replace your missing tooth. Before you get an implant, the oral surgeon will need to make sure you have a sufficient jawbone. If you don’t, you might be an ideal candidate for a bone graft. A bone graft helps to increase bone density and the strength of your jawbone. Once the bone grafting is complete, your jawbone will be strong and dense enough to support an implant.

Uses For Bone Grafts

Bone grafts are used to accomplish the following treatment goals:

• Saving Teeth. Severe periodontal disease can cause bone loss. The bone around the tooth can be regenerated in order to save the tooth. This increases bone support and helps keep teeth in place.
• Tooth Extraction. Bone grafting material can be placed in a tooth socket after the tooth has been removed. This gives you the option to replace the tooth with a dental implant.
• Dental Implants. A realistic looking dental crown can be attached to a small titanium post embedded in the jawbone. This gives you a permanent replacement to your lost tooth.

If you need a bone graft before receiving a dental implant, this will be done in stages. You can’t receive the bone graft and implant all in one visit.

The treatment time frame can vary depending on the size of the bone graft and implant. If you have a missing or damaged tooth but your jawline isn’t strong enough or dense enough for an implant, a bone graft is a great treatment option. Call our office today to learn more and schedule your consultation.