Dental Implants in Orland Park | Jaw Surgery: How Our Team Can Help You

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Oral Surgeon in Downers GroveMost people understand the importance of health, plenty of exercise, a proper diet, and regular check-ups. But let’s be honest, jaw alignment is not commonly thought about when referring to overall health and well-being. Most people don’t realize just how important having an aligned smile is to your health. If you are having trouble chewing food, chronic jaw or jaw joint pain (TMJ), excessive erosion or wear of your teeth, or a protruding jaw then you may want to consider jaw surgery, or at the very least, preventative measures.

Corrective jaw surgery – also called orthognathic surgery – is used to correct a variety of skeletal and dental irregularities of the jaw bones while realigning both the jaw and teeth. Jaw surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS), to improve jaw function and facial appearance. Jaw surgery may be your only option if you have tried orthodontics and your jaw-related issues have not been corrected. If you’ve been told jaw surgery is something to consider, contact us to learn how we can help you.

Our team is here to help correct any jaw issues and discomfort you may be experiencing. We provide jaw surgery to improve chewing, correct problems with swallowing or speech, correct facial imbalance (asymmetry), repair facial injury, and more.

Braces can be used for up to 18 months before surgery to better align your teeth in preparation for the procedure. Our team will work to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our team will take X-rays, pictures and models of your teeth. Other exams such as, three-dimensional CT scanning, computer-guided treatment planning and orthodontic devices are often used as a part of treatment.

Our oral surgery team understands this is a long-term commitment for you and your family and will do our best to give you a positive experience through transparent communication, comfort measures and financial options. Our experienced oral surgery team is dedicated to providing a comfortable experience for you.

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

Oral Surgeon in Plainfield | The Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

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Oral Surgeon in PlainfieldAlmost 26 million people in the US suffer from diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, having diabetes places you at a higher risk for periodontal disease and other oral health problems. Read on to learn more about the link between diabetes and your oral health.

Diabetes’ Effect on Oral Health
Glucose levels are a continuous concern for those dealing with diabetes. High glucose levels can create elevated sugars in your circulatory system, which can leave your teeth vulnerable. This can lead to an increase in tooth decay, salivary issues, gum disease, or even infection.
In addition, studies have shown that gum disease can have a negative effect on your glycemic control, which can aggravate your diabetes and further threaten your oral and overall health.

Concerning Symptoms
If you suffer from diabetes, then you may be at a higher risk for developing issues in your oral and periodontal health. Ensure you follow a regular schedule of dental visits as recommended. In addition, here are a few symptoms to keep watch for on your own time:

  • Tender, swollen gums that bleed easily
  • Dry mouth
  • Bad breath or taste
  • Oral thrush (a fungal infection)

If you experience these symptoms, then your diabetes may be complicating your oral health. Get in touch with our office to ensure your oral health stays protected.

How to Fight Back
You have ways to fight back against oral health issues stemming from diabetes. By keeping your blood glucose levels in line with your physician’s recommendations, you can reduce the amount of sugar your teeth are exposed to. The American Diabetes Association suggests using toothpaste that has an antigingival or antibacterial agent to help protect your gums. In addition, ensure you are following a schedule of dental visits at least twice a year. Let our team know that you have diabetes when you arrive so that we can provide you with the proper care and treatment you deserve.

Diabetes doesn’t have to control your oral health. Understand the effects it may cause and use these tips to keep your smile bright and your health optimal. Contact us for your next dental visit.

 

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

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | 3 Health Issues Linked to Your Oral Health

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Your mouth is a gateway. Whatever you eat or drink enters your body through your mouth, and what’s already there can have an impact on your body as well. Bacteria of all kinds are present in your mouth. While some are benign, others may pose a threat to your health.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | 3 Health Issues Linked to Your Oral Health
Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine and visiting our 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. If you suffer from any of these conditions and are worried that your oral health might be a contributing factor, contact our team for an examination and cleaning today!

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 patents are at a higher risk of bacterial infection and are less able to combat harmful bacteria. Blood glucose levels can also be affected by gum disease, potentially putting a patient with diabetes at a higher risk for additional health problems.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA 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.

Lung Conditions
Once bacteria enter your blood stream through your mouth, they can travel through your body and affect other locations. Conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia can be caused by malignant bacteria settling into a patient’s lungs. Other existing issues such as emphysema and 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 office today. Our dedicated team will be happy to provide you with a treatment plan and prevention tips based on your current health

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth?

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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 result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion. Exercise can impact our oral health in many ways, including:
Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth?
Decreased Saliva Flow: Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and cause the mouth to dry out. Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent 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.

Jaw Clenching: Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights. This pressure can result in wear and even cracked 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 our dentist can make a custom fitted mouthguard for you.

Consuming Sports 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.

Contact our office to schedule your next preventative dental appointment.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Taking Care of Yourself After Oral Surgery

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Clear communication with our team is an important step in the healing process. We will meet with you to discuss the necessary steps you should take to facilitate proper healing after your treatment. The majority of treatments we perform are outpatient procedures. This includes dental implant placement and wisdom teeth extractions. You will be sent home shortly after your procedure is complete. This means that it is essential you take proper care of yourself at home to ensure your mouth can fully heal.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Taking Care of Yourself After Oral Surgery
Following surgery, it is important to reduce any bleeding that may occur. Usually within an hour, bleeding tends to slow down. Bleeding may occur for the first several hours following oral surgery. To reduce bleeding, bite firmly down on a clean gauze pad. The area will require firm but gentle pressure. Once the gauze pad is soaked, you may replace It with a clean pad. Avoid making sucking of spitting motions with your mouth following surgery. This can sometimes lead to reopening the wound. We advise that patients refrain from drinking with a straw following treatment.

Most oral surgeries require you to fast prior to your treatment. This means you will be hungry following your procedure. Following our instructions, start eating soft foods that are easy to chew. You will also need to drink to replenish your fluids. Water, juice, and milk are good to drink, while foods such as pudding, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are safe to eat. Chew slowly and cautiously, especially if your mouth still feels numb following your procedure.

Our team may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Taking Ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours is a common course of action you can take following most surgeries. You can also apply a cold compress over the area of treatment for the first day to reduce swelling. Contact our team today.

Oral Surgeon Near Me | What Can Oral Surgery Do For You?

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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. Oral and facial surgery can improve your appearance and your 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. 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. More than your appearance, oral surgery can improve your overall health. Following treatment, oral surgery can improve the function of your overall teeth, making it easier to speak and chew. Oral surgery can also be used as a preventive measure to ensure a lifetime of optimal oral health. Our team is experienced in performing extractions, which can allow your teeth to grow properly.

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 office, please contact our team.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | 3 Simple Ways to Reduce Tooth Decay

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A happy smile is a healthy smile! There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are a few suggestions from our team.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | 3 Simple Ways to Reduce Tooth Decay
Eat a Tooth Friendly 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 grains, beans, seeds, and nuts in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diet such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots.

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal 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.

Dental Sealants
Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, dental sealants can 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 minimizes exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down enamel.

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

Don’t forget to schedule your next visit to our office. Our team can provide a professional cleaning and check for signs of tooth decay.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Common Cases for Oral Surgery

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You probably have some pre-conceived notions about oral surgery. You might think of it as a worst-case resort for people with particularly serious oral health issues. Maybe you assume that all oral surgery procedures are painful, invasive, and take a while to fully heal. However, there are plenty of reasons an individual could benefit from oral surgery, and not all procedures are going to require the same amount of healing. Below are some common issues that can be resolved by oral surgery. Contact our team today to learn more if you think you could benefit from one of these procedures.
Orland Park IL Dentist | Common Cases for Oral Surgery

Restoring Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. An implant is fixed to your jawbone and a cosmetic crown that mimics the look and function of a natural tooth is fixed on top. Implants can help restore the function of missing teeth as well as keep the adjacent teeth from shifting in the mouth.

Resolving TMJ and Bite Alignment Issues
A misaligned bite can cause any number of issues. From a clicking sensation and pain in the jaw to excess wear and tear on your teeth as they rub against each other, misalignment can easily spiral into a number of other oral health issues.

Removing Problem Teeth
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 problem teeth can help protect overall oral health and give the rest of your teeth room in your mouth.

Repairing 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 care you might need. To learn more about all the potential benefits of oral surgery, contact our dental team today!

Chicago Oral Surgeon | Preventing Enamel Erosion 

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Chicago Oral Surgeon

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion. 

 Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. 

 What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion? 

 There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transforms starches and sugars in foods such as bread into damaging acid.  

 Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or not flossing properly. All of these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or chipped away, it cannot be replaced. 

 Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in check. 

 How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented? 

 In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production.  

 Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white breads with whole grains. Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. 

  Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full examination. If we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions.  

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team today. 

 

 

Chicago Dental Implants | Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks

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downers grove il implant dentistMany sports drinks contain electrolytes which can be helpful to maintain energy levels when engaging in physical activities. You may believe that sports drinks are healthy but the truth of the matter is, they are not healthy. Energy drinks are those like Monster and Rockstar. Sports drinks and energy drinks are also seen as a tasty alternative to water when it comes to staying hydrated. It is important to know the negative effects and damage that these drinks do to your teeth.

Up to 62 percent of children of the same age drink at least one sports drink per day and between 30 and 50 percent of teenagers in the United States drink these types of beverages regularly. With these numbers being so high it is important to take notice on the negative effects these drinks can have on teeth. The danger to both children and adults in sports drinks and energy drinks comes not only from the sugar content but also from the acidity. These types of drinks contain a significant amount of acid that they begin destroying the teeth of the person drinking them in as little as five days.

There is a lot of damage being done to your oral health when consuming sports drinks and energy drinks. Energy and sports drinks can damage tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. These drinks erodes or thin out the enamel of the teeth, leaving them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Athletes drink these beverages to remain hydrated and sip them frequently during exercise. This increases the time that teeth are exposed to the acidity and high sugar content of sports drinks, leaving them vulnerable to decay.

While sports drinks and energy drinks can be an alternative to water, there are ways to promote great oral health. The best way to promote oral health is to keep yourself hydrated with water to prevent negative effects that sports and energy drinks bring. If you feel that you must use sports drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterwards and do not brush your teeth right after you have consumed a sports drink. Also, read the ingredient labels before you consume drinks. Avoid high amounts of acid and sugar, especially if you already have teeth problems.

Getting healthy is great for your body and your mouth, but sports and energy drinks are not a necessary part of well-being. There are many alternatives, it’s just a matter of finding what works best for you. One must maintain oral health to make sure to have a lasting smile. Talk to your dentist about preventative care for your oral health.