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.

If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, you may be considering getting a dental implant to restore your smile. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing or damaged teeth, but are they right for you?

Dental implants have helped many restore their smile and give them a natural and realistic look. A dental implant can help your smile by:

• Helping Restore Your Appearance. The most common reason for a dental implant is to restore your smile. Dental implants are made to last forever. This permanent solution gives you a natural looking replacement, helping to restore your smile.
• Protecting A Healthy Jawbone. Missing teeth and spaces can lead to jawbone deterioration. Dental implants are the only option to protect and preserve a healthy jawbone. When it comes to protecting your jawbone, the sooner you get your dental implant the better.
• Preventing Your Teeth From Shifting. Losing a tooth can cause your teeth to begin shifting. Teeth can become crowded, shift unevenly, and look unnatural. It can also cause your face to sag and appear sunken.

Dental implants are common and one of the most useful procedures if you have a lost or damaged tooth. If you are considering getting a dental implant, we will be happy to speak with you in more detail regarding all of your options. To learn more about dental implants and to have any of your questions answered, contact our office today.

Chronic jaw pain – also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJD) – is a condition that affects an estimated 10 million Americans. Recent studies suggest that TMJ disorder may also be linked to a host of underlying health concerns. Although “TMJ” tends to be a catch-all phrase people use to describe jaw joint pain, disorders are not all that common. When they are, they impact the joints, muscles of the TMJ, and adjacent tissues.  The causes of jaw joint disorders are often linked to issues like: 

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• Past traumatic injuries
• Tooth and jaw misalignment
• Chronic teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)
• Stress
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Understanding TMD’s Domino Effect

In a survey of people with TMD, researchers found that about two-thirds of patients with the disorder also experienced chronic health conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and migraines. Continued research is currently underway to explore the potential systematic connections between these medical issues. 

Some studies suggest that when jaw muscles become tense and irritated, they release an inflammatory compound called “CGRP” into the body. As these compounds spread, it can create a chain reaction of inflammation that might ultimately lead to a number of other painful disorders. The focus on early intervention for TMD could minimize the risk of additional health problems.

Is it TMD?

Aside from notable jaw pain, individuals suffering from TMD/TMJD may experience symptoms of:

• Frequent headaches
• Problems chewing
• Audible clicking in their jaw
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Stiff joints
• Teeth that don’t close together properly

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to go ahead and schedule a TMJ exam. In most cases, TMD treatments are more effective as part of an early intervention plan. 

Treating TMJ Disorder

TMD disorder is typically treated by a dental professional. Normally, your dentist will use a physical exam and X-rays to determine the cause of the TMD and pinpoint the origin of your symptoms. Depending on the cause of your TMJ problems, treatment options can range from physical therapy and bite splints to orthodontic treatment and surgical intervention.

Chronic jaw pain is a treatable condition. With early diagnosis, you could potentially avoid related inflammatory health issues. To discuss treatment options for TMD, contact our Oral Surgeon in Downers Grove IL office today.

Dental implants are the preferred treatment choice for replacing missing teeth. What you may not know is that filling in an open space with a dental implant can also slow or stop the bone deterioration that’s associated with tooth loss. 

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Understanding the Tooth/Bone Connection

The bone in your jaw, just like those in the rest of your body, follows a specific lifecycle. As bones age, their tissues are resorbed into your body, and new bone forms to replace them. In the jaw, our bone growth occurs in response to stimulation. That is, when we use our teeth to bite or chew. But when we lose a tooth, there’s nothing to stimulate the bone. So, it starts to shrink. If the tooth isn’t replaced relatively soon with a dental implant, it can lead to secondary complications, including:

• Gum recession
• Difficulty chewing 
• Speech challenges
• Shifting, tilting of adjacent teeth
• Sagging, collapsed facial features

How Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss

Dental implants not only replace teeth, they naturally encourage bone growth. The science behind this “osseointegration” phenomenon is that the titanium metal used in implants stimulates a natural affinity in the bone. After an implant is placed in the jaw, the bone cells adjacent to it begin to grow and attach themselves to the titanium post. This osseointegration cycle stabilizes bone loss and the implant itself, by providing the stimulation the jaw needs to stay healthy. It’s also what makes implant treatment so successful!

The negative effects of tooth loss are progressive. Waiting too long to replace a missing tooth could lead to excess bone deterioration (resorption). And when too much bone is resorbed, it limits the space and support available to place an implant. That’s why we recommend getting an implant consultation as quickly as possible following tooth loss or extraction.

Are You a Candidate for Implants?

Dental implants are a good option for people with: 

• Sufficient bone height and density
• Healthy gums 
• No serious underlying health issues
• Good oral hygiene habits

Dental implants offer a natural, permanent solution for people with missing teeth. Choosing to get a dental implant improves your smile in more ways than one. For more information on dental implant placement and preventing bone loss, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our Plainfield IL Oral Surgeon. 

Is discomfort and pain in your jaw, cheek, or ear affecting your quality of life? You may have a condition that requires the care of an oral surgeon. Many of the people who struggle with orofacial or TMJ pain don’t realize that the discomfort originates from an issue within their jaw or a specific tooth. Depending on the cause, oral surgery could help relieve your pain for good. 

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Dental Abscess/Abscessed Tooth

If you have a cavity or crack in a tooth, the nerve tissues inside of it can become exposed to bacteria and develop an infection. As this process occurs, the infection causes swelling and pus, which drain out the root and through your bone and gum tissues. In some cases, the throbbing pain may radiate to your jaw or ear. If the infection is severe, you might also experience facial swelling or a fever. Abscessed teeth are best treated by root canal therapy (to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth) or extracted to prevent the spread of the infection into other teeth. 

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJD)

Your temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is the hinge-like joint on either side of your mandible (lower jaw) where it connects to the rest of the body. It allows up and down and side to side movement, allowing you to chew, speak, and swallow. When the joint or surrounding tissues aren’t functioning properly or are overused, it can lead to severe pain in your jaw, face, neck, shoulders, and back. 

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that more than 10 million Americans suffer from a TMJ disorder. Usually, it’s caused by grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) or an injury that caused a misalignment in your jaw. 

If you have chronic facial pain and notice clicking or popping in your jaw when you chew, you should speak with an oral surgeon. He or she will first recommend therapeutic, non-surgical options to adjust your TMJ and biting relationships, such as a splint or physical therapy. If those methods aren’t effective,  surgery may be an option to correct your TMD.

Dry Socket After a Dental Extraction

After a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms inside of the now-empty socket to protect the underlying bone tissues. Sometimes, that blood clot doesn’t form properly or becomes dislodged, allowing air, food, and fluid to cause a painful infection. This situation can cause symptoms similar to an abscessed tooth, including swelling, fever, and severe pain. We call this scenario a “dry socket.” A dentist or oral surgeon will likely prescribe medication to alleviate your discomfort, then clean out the socket and place a medicated dressing inside of it to help your body heal. 

You Don’t Have to Keep Living in Pain

As oral surgeons, our team is specially trained to diagnose and treat painful conditions of the face, mouth, teeth, and jaws. If you’re struggling with severe orofacial discomfort, relief is just a phone call away. Contact our Plainfield Oral Surgeon today for practical solutions that offer long-lasting relief so that you can live pain-free again.

If the thought of going to the dentist makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. An estimated 13-24% of people around the world have some level of dental anxiety. For some, the nervousness they experience can be so severe that it’s classified as dental phobia. Ultimately, the way you feel about the dentist’s office can prevent you from having access to the care you need and deserve. 

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If you need dental treatment but are holding off because of fear of the dentist, sedation dentistry could be the answer you’ve been looking for. 

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety encompasses any level of fear, nervousness, apprehension, or stress that a person may experience when they’re in a dental setting. Fear of visiting the dentist often results in delaying or avoiding dental treatment completely. As a result, your dental health issues may worsen over time which leads to lengthier and more complex treatment needs. Ultimately, a vicious cycle is created out of expanding oral health issues and a lack of treatment. 

How Can Sedation Dentistry Lower Dental Anxiety?

Sedation dentistry is more than “being put to sleep” for a dental procedure. Rather, it’s a process where we work with you to choose a sedation process to best help you relax at a level that’s appropriate for your treatment needs. You may feel as if you’re sleeping, or only drowsy, depending on the type of sedation that is administered. Sedation medications range from a pill or liquid that you swallow, nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas), or an intravenous (IV) drip. Our office will help you determine the best type of sedation for your anxiety level and past dental experiences.

Don’t let the fear of the dentist’s office be the source of your dental problems. Our sedation dentistry services provide you with the most comfortable care experience possible, whether you suffer from mild anxiety or severe dental phobia. To learn more about our sedation options, request a consultation today with our 60467 Oral Surgeon!

The dangers of smoking have been prevalent for a very long time. Lung disease, periodontitis, and tooth loss are all but a few common side effects of this habit. For many adults who are looking to replace a lost tooth, dental implants have become a viable option. Even for those who have been life-long smokers, implants offer a cosmetic restoration to their smile. Nevertheless, if you smoke or are thinking of smoking in the future, you should be aware of the fact that this habit can cause your dental implants to require replacement sooner than necessary.

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The dental implant failure rate is noticeably higher in those who smoke compared to those who do not.  In general, about one percent of all dental implants fail in those who do not smoke. Alternatively, studies show the dental implant failure ratio for those who smoke is above 15 percent.  Dental implants are made of titanium and supplementary materials that are entirely well-suited with our bodies. Titanium is known to attract bone cells which will grow and adhere to the post over time. This strengthens the implant within the mouth. However, complications arise when the patient smokes.

Nicotine adversely impacts the health of teeth through blood vessel constriction, dry mouth and pocket formation within the gums. As blood flow is reduced, the body loses its ability to fight disease and infection. Smoking decreases the rate at which bone grows throughout the entirety of the body, including the mouth and face region. Smoking also damages the mouth’s salivary glands, drying them out to the point that there is minimal fluid remaining to wash away bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Not surprisingly, most dentists believe that smoking adversely curtails the likelihood that the implants will heal properly, let alone last. The surgically impacted area simply cannot get the necessary healing nutrients it needs to recover.

Dentists offer differing opinions as to whether to fit smokers with dental implants. Nonetheless, doctors all agree that the best way for dental implants to last is for the patient to exercise good oral health. Not only will regular brushing and flossing help, but so will quitting the smoking habit altogether. Giving up smoking before your scheduled implant surgery will provide a healthy foundation for your new teeth to thrive for years to come. 

If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact our Orland Park oral surgery office or schedule an appointment for a consultation. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence again.