Unveiling Relief: How Oral Surgery Addresses Facial Pain | Oral Surgeon Orland Park

The Hidden Culprit: Dental Abscess and Abscessed Tooth

Are you grappling with persistent discomfort in your jaw, cheek, or ear, impacting your daily life? Often, individuals experiencing orofacial or TMJ pain may not realize that the source of their discomfort lies within their jaw or a specific tooth. This article explores the role of oral surgery in alleviating facial pain and sheds light on various conditions that may be contributing to your discomfort.

Dental Abscess/Abscessed Tooth: Unmasking the Underlying Infection

One common cause of facial pain is a dental abscess or an abscessed tooth. When a tooth develops a cavity or crack, the exposed nerve tissues become vulnerable to bacterial infection. This infection can lead to swelling and pus formation, with the pain sometimes radiating to the jaw or ear. Severe cases may present with facial swelling and fever. Root canal therapy or tooth extraction is often recommended to eliminate the infected tissue and prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJD): Decoding Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a crucial hinge-like joint on either side of the lower jaw, facilitates essential movements for chewing, speaking, and swallowing. Dysfunction or overuse of this joint and its surrounding tissues can result in severe pain radiating to the jaw, face, neck, shoulders, and back. More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, often caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw misalignment due to injury. Non-surgical options like splints or physical therapy are initial recommendations, but if ineffective, surgery may be considered to correct Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.

Dry Socket After a Dental Extraction: A Painful Aftermath

Following a dental extraction, a blood clot typically forms in the socket to protect the underlying bone tissues. However, improper clot formation or dislodgement can lead to a painful infection known as a “dry socket.” Symptoms mimic those of an abscessed tooth, including swelling, fever, and severe pain. Dentists or oral surgeons prescribe medications to alleviate discomfort, clean the socket, and insert a medicated dressing to facilitate healing.

Embracing Relief: You Don’t Have to Endure Pain

Living with orofacial discomfort is challenging, but relief is within reach. Oral surgeons, equipped with specialized training, can diagnose and treat conditions causing pain in the face, mouth, teeth, and jaws. If you’re experiencing severe orofacial discomfort, take the first step toward a pain-free life by contacting an oral surgeon for practical solutions that promise lasting relief. Don’t let pain dictate your life—reclaim your comfort today.

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

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry | Oral Surgeon Orland Park

If the mere thought of visiting the dentist sends shivers down your spine, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety affects 13-24% of people globally, with some experiencing such severe nervousness that it’s classified as dental phobia. This anxiety often leads to delayed or avoided dental treatment, creating a cycle of worsening oral health issues. However, there’s a solution that could help alleviate your fears and ensure you get the dental care you need: sedation dentistry.

Understanding Dental Anxiety:

Dental anxiety encompasses a range of emotions, from fear and nervousness to apprehension and stress, experienced in a dental setting. Unfortunately, this anxiety often results in the postponement or avoidance of necessary dental treatments, leading to the escalation of oral health problems. Breaking this cycle requires a solution that addresses the root cause of the fear while providing effective dental care.

The Role of Sedation Dentistry:

Sedation dentistry is not merely about being “put to sleep” for a dental procedure; it’s a tailored approach to help patients relax at a level appropriate for their treatment needs. This process involves collaboratively selecting a sedation method that suits the patient, such as oral sedatives, nitrous oxide inhalation (commonly known as laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) drips. The goal is to make patients feel at ease, whether they experience mild anxiety or severe dental phobia.

Choosing the Right Sedation:

The effectiveness of sedation dentistry lies in its versatility. Patients can choose the type of sedation that aligns with their comfort level and past dental experiences. Oral sedatives or liquid medications offer a calming effect, nitrous oxide induces a feeling of relaxation, and IV drips provide a deeper sedation experience. Your dentist will guide you through the selection process, ensuring that your anxiety is effectively addressed.

Breaking the Cycle:

Sedation dentistry breaks the cycle of dental anxiety and avoidance, offering a more comfortable and stress-free dental care experience. By addressing the root cause of fear, individuals can overcome their apprehensions and receive timely and necessary dental treatments.

Conclusion:

Don’t let dental anxiety dictate your oral health. Sedation dentistry opens the door to a more relaxed and comfortable dental experience, catering to individuals with varying levels of anxiety. Whether you suffer from mild nervousness or dental phobia, explore the benefits of sedation dentistry and take the first step toward achieving optimal oral health. Request a consultation today to learn more about the sedation options that can transform your dental care experience.

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

Shield Yourself: Safeguarding Against Sports Facial Injuries | Oral Surgeon Plainfield

Your face and mouth are highly vulnerable during sports activities, accounting for approximately 25% of all sports injuries. The cost and complexity of repairing these damages make prevention crucial. By learning how to protect yourself and responding effectively in case of injury, you can stay ahead of the game. Here, we provide essential steps to follow:

Preventing Injuries:

The first and foremost step is to equip yourself with appropriate gear before engaging in any sports activity. Helmets are mandatory in organized sports like football or hockey, but adding a full cage or visor offers extra facial protection on the field or ice.

Furthermore, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard is essential to safeguard your teeth and jaw while playing sports. Investing in a custom form-fit mouthguard is recommended for optimal protection and comfort. Ensuring child athletes have the right protective gear is especially crucial, as contact sports such as football, hockey, and MMA have gained popularity.

Responding to Injuries: 

Despite taking precautions, injuries can still occur. Knowing how to respond is vital for your safety. Depending on the severity and type of trauma, some injuries can be addressed on-site, allowing the athlete to continue play. Many organized sports have trained personnel or coaches available to assess and manage injuries. Their expertise minimizes the risk of aggravating the injury further.

If a tooth is knocked out during play, it should be temporarily stored in milk or saltwater and promptly placed back into the socket. For other serious injuries, immediate medical attention is essential to prevent further damage.

Maintaining proper protection and understanding how to prevent sports-related facial injuries not only ensures your safety but also protects your teammates. If you have any concerns about sports-related facial injuries or have previously experienced a facial injury, contact our Orland Park office today. The Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery team is here to help you stay safe and perform your best on the field.

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

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

How Oral Surgery Can Benefit You | Dental Implants in Orland Park

60516 Oral Surgeon

Your smile is the first thing someone notices about your face. Cosmetic imperfections can influence the way you view yourself, impacting your level of self-confidence. Oral and facial surgery is dedicated to helping you live a healthy, confident life and can improve both your appearance and your overall health. Any procedure performed on the jaw, teeth, or gums is referred to as oral surgery. Oral surgery procedures include dental implant placement, teeth extractions, and corrective jaw surgery. Oral surgery often serves two main purposes: to improve the function and health of your teeth and gums, and to restore and renew your appearance. The following are just a few of the ways that oral surgery can benefit you.

Restore the Function and Appearance of Your Smile

We understand the desire for a natural appearance when it comes to dental treatments. We can create dental implants and implant supported dentures that are designed to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. Dental implants are a safe, long-term solution to replacing missing teeth. Missing teeth can affect your facial structure and profile, along with the overall appearance of your smile. In addition, missing teeth can negatively affect your chewing function and your speech ability. 

Improve Oral Health

More than your appearance, oral surgery can improve your overall health. Our oral surgeon in 60467 is experienced in performing extractions, which can allow your teeth to grow properly. Extracting teeth will often remove your source of pain and infection, improving your quality of life and, often, your emotional well-being. Infection that is not addressed can spread to other parts of your body rather quickly, putting you in a life-threatening situation. By removing the source of infection, you may be ultimately saving your life. 

Oral surgery can help you regain your confidence. Your oral health is linked to your overall health, which makes it especially important that your teeth and gums are healthy. Oral surgery can help improve your oral health and prevent future oral health complications. To learn more about the services we offer, or to schedule your visit to our oral surgery office in Orland Park, please contact our team today.

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

Fighting Tooth Decay | Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon

60435 Oral Surgeon

A healthy smile can be an important aspect in your quality of life. There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Tooth decay is the most common cause of all dental problems and it is easily preventable. Here are a few suggestions from our 60467 oral surgeon that will help you keep away decay. 

Clean Up Your Diet

Reduce the amount of sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on these substances. We suggest you reduce acidic foods in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to demineralization of your teeth and can wear away the enamel structure. Citrus fruits and vinegars are very acidic. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diet, such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots.

Oral Hygiene is Key

Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the

Ideal at-home dental care routine. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth. An electric toothbrush is one of the best tools that you can use. 

Dental Sealants

Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their

mouths. The back teeth (called molars) have deep anatomical grooves that can trap food and bacteria. Dental sealants can also benefit adults and those who have a higher risk of decay. Dental sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the tooth. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and they minimize the tooth’s exposure to harmful sugars and acids that wear down enamel. 

When left untreated, tooth decay can cause discomfort and spread to other healthy

teeth. It can even lead to a dental infection. You can combat tooth decay by reducing sugars and acids in your diet and brushing and flossing regularly. For some patients, dental sealants might be a solution. If you are concerned about a possible dental infection due to tooth decay, please give our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL a call as soon as possible.

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

Oral Surgery: More Than Just “Pulling Teeth” | Dental Implants in Plainfield

60435 Oral Surgeon

There seems to be a lot of stigma built up around oral surgery. You might think of it as a last resort for people with particularly serious oral health issues. Maybe you assume that all oral surgery procedures are painful and invasive with a long recovery time. However, there are plenty of reasons that many individuals could benefit from oral surgery. Not all procedures are going to require the same amount of healing time. Below are some common issues that can be resolved with simple oral surgery procedures. 

Replacement of Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. An implant integrates into your jawbone and a cosmetic crown that mimics the look and function of a natural tooth is cemented on top. Implants can help restore the function of missing teeth, as well as keeping the adjacent teeth from shifting out of place. 

Fixing TMJ and Orthodontic Issues 

A misaligned bite can cause a number of oral health and jaw problems. From a clicking sensation and pain in the jaw to excess wear and tear on your teeth, misalignment can easily spiral into something more serious. Our oral surgeon in 60467 is trained in procedures that can correct the way that the upper and lower jaw come together. 

Getting Rid of Decay and Infection

The majority of people find that they need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. Additionally, other teeth may need to be extracted due to damage or infection. Removing the problem teeth can help protect overall oral health and give the rest of your teeth room to thrive in your mouth. 

Treating Facial Trauma

After sustaining a traumatic facial injury, an individual might need to undergo oral surgery to help repair and rebuild the delicate structures found in the mouth. Whether damaged teeth need to be extracted and replaced with implants or the jaw needs to be reset, the extent of the surgery will depend on the injuries sustained. 

Don’t let a limited understanding of oral surgery stop you from receiving the best treatment for your situation. To learn more about the potential benefits of oral surgery, contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL today.

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

Change Your Life With Dental Implants | 60435 Oral Surgeon

Orland Park Oral Surgeon

Do you feel shy about your teeth? Here are three ways shared by our oral surgeon in Orland Park that you can restore confidence in your appearance, and feel good showing people your smile again.

Boost Of Confidence

You may be a perfect candidate for dental implants if you are feeling afraid or embarrassed to smile around others. This is a basic human need everyone has – to smile!

You won’t have to worry about them looking fake, because they are custom crafted to look and feel like natural teeth. With dental implants you will be ready to smile in every picture and happy to share it with everyone.

Increased Functionality

Some of us are scared of the permanence of dental crowns, and will often opt for dentures instead. The problem with dentures is that they can get loose and might possibly even fall right out of your mouth when talking or eating.

With implants, because they are securely anchored to your jaw, there is no possibility of this happening. They don’t require dental adhesive, you’ll be able to eat any food you desire without worry, and they’ll make it easier for you to speak clearly.

Improved Oral Health

If you are considering getting dental implants, you must act fast because losing a tooth can lead to added health problems if not taken care of quickly. The jawbone can deteriorate and weaken over time if there are no teeth there to support it.

Your quality of life can be immensely impacted just by losing one tooth. If you are feeling embarrassed of your smile, dental implants can bring your confidence right back and provide the natural look you once had. No one will even notice you have them!

Schedule a consultation with our team at our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL today and see if dental implants are right for you.

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

Solutions For a Chipped Tooth | 60467 Oral Surgeon

60516 Oral Surgeon

There are many ways you can chip your tooth, but it usually happens pretty innocently. You may feel the little piece of chipped tooth in your mouth and become confused, or you may not even notice until you look in the mirror.

Did you know that enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body? Believe it or not, it can still chip or crack. You could be chewing on ice, grinding your teeth at night, or even just eating normally, it can happen to anyone at any time. There is no need to panic if you have happened to chip your tooth.

Here are a few ways our oral surgeon in 60435 can help:

Tooth Bonding

There are a lot of uses for tooth bonding, one of the most common is repairing a chipped tooth. This procedure doesn’t require any numbing and is quick and easy.

When finished, your teeth will look perfectly natural, because the materials used are designed to match the color of your teeth. They will look good as new without people even knowing you chipped it in the first place.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that slips over a damaged tooth, then it is cemented in place to help protect it. Dental crowns provide durability and the strength that your teeth need to get through everyday use and cleaning.

The dentist will most likely use a crown made of porcelain or zirconia that will be tailored to look the exact same color as the rest of your teeth. Ask the dentist to see if you would only need a partial crown if the chip doesn’t affect the entire tooth.

Porcelain Veneers

This is the final and most permanent option out of the three. Porcelain laminate veneers are constructed of several thin layers of ceramic which are bonded right to the natural teeth with a special adhesive. These are a great way to make your teeth look as good as possible and keep them healthy.

If you have a chipped tooth, contact our oral surgery office in Plainfield, IL today to schedule a consultation and discuss what option may be best for you.

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

What Do I Eat After A Dental Implant? | Oral Surgeon in Plainfield

60435 Oral Surgeon

After receiving your dental implant placement, you may be advised by our team to follow a soft food diet lasting from a few days to several weeks. Recommended foods to eat after a dental implant placement include nutrient-rich foods like soft fruits and vegetables, eggs, low-fat dairy, and beans.

All these foods promote healthy healing because of their high nutritional content and being easy on the teeth. Here are some more healthy food ideas recommended by our oral surgeon in 60467 that you can try after your dental implant surgery:

Protein Shakes

Drinking a protein shake is a great way to get needed protein and vitamins into your diet. Mixing protein powder with milk is an easy way to consume what your body needs without being harsh on your teeth.

Make sure to avoid using a straw when drinking your shake for the first few days. We recommend drinking from a glass instead, because the suction from the straw may reopen the surgically repaired site before it has a chance to heal properly.

Cottage Cheese

With its smooth texture and nutrients, cottage cheese is another great protein to add to your recovery diet. This food allows for easy consumption and will help to avoid any potential irritation in the implant area.

Soup

Soup is a great meal to have after dental implant surgery because it is mostly liquid and can be quite filling. Before you eat soup, make sure it is not too hot for your mouth to handle.

Soups and stews are rich in vitamins and nutrients while being very easy to consume. Avoid soups with large, chunky vegetables, or dense and chewy proteins in them to avoid debris getting stuck in the implant area.

If you have any questions about dental implant placement, other food recommendations, or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL today.

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