Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery

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Blood thinning medications are helpful in regulating your body to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious issues. However, if you are scheduled for oral surgery, it is vital that our oral surgeon is aware of all medications you are using.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery
How Blood Thinners Work
There are two types of blood thinners. The first type works to prevent blood clotting. Medications ranging from aspirin to Plavix fit into this category. The other type of blood thinners work to prevent blood from coagulating; Coumadin or warfarin accomplish this.

What Our Oral Surgeon Should Know
When you have your oral surgery consultation appointment, be sure to share with us any medications you are taking. We need to have your complete medical history to ensure your safety and proper treatment. Our dentist might also ask you the purpose of each medication you are taking to better understand any side-effects or other medical issues that could affect your oral surgery.

Steps to Take Before Surgery
Never stop any medication without consulting your doctor. Depending on your medical history, your doctor might suggest specific blood tests before having oral surgery. Communication is key, both between you and your primary physician, and between you and our office. If your treatment requires additional medication to be taken, ask about potential drug interactions.

Steps to Take to Minimize Oral Bleeding
Bleeding resulting from oral surgery can occur, but each patient will have different results. The most effective way to minimize oral bleeding is to firmly apply pressure to the area for up to 30 minutes. Gauze is recommended for applying gentle pressure to stop bleeding. Depending on the oral surgery procedure, we may ask you to refrain from drinking hot liquids and rinsing your mouth for the first day. We suggest avoiding rough or sharp foods that might cut your mouth.

Prior to having any oral surgery, it is important that our experienced surgical team has a thorough knowledge of your medical history. This enables us to find the best possible solutions for your needs, while ensuring your safety.

If you have any questions about medications and oral surgery, contact our office.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Eating While Healing

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Our experienced oral surgeon provides excellent results and works to minimize the time required for your mouth to heal following surgery. However, any oral surgery will require you to take extra care of your mouth for at least a few days afterward. If you are preparing for oral surgery, it can be helpful to consider what kinds of foods to avoid and those you may want to have available during this period.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Eating While Healing
Foods that are hot, cold, spicy, or acidic can be painful for soft tissues during the healing process. Your mouth will be sensitive for the first few days. Foods that require a lot of chewing can cause bleeding, slower healing or even infection. Hard foods like chips can splinter in the mouth and cut into delicate gums. Drinking through a straw adds strain on your tissues and can be harmful. All these should be avoided during the first day or two, at least.

During your initial 24 hours, you will want to take extra care with what and how you eat. Stick with soft and mushy foods that do not require much work to chew. Here are some ideas to consider:

 Banana smoothies – while you should avoid straws, banana smoothies are tasty, filling, and contain valuable nutrition.
 Soft fruits – applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, and seedless watermelon are all easy to eat and taste great.
 Soups – warm (not hot) broths and soups help you maintain your strength as you heal. Select soups that do not have chunks that will need to be chewed.
 Mashed potatoes – soft, warm, and filling, mashed potatoes can help you feel as though you’ve eaten a meal. Try adding some shredded cheese for a jazzier dish.
 Puddings and gelatin – though you want to be careful of your sugar intake, puddings and flavored gelatin are a great way to get some needed calories, especially if you are experiencing soreness or stiffness during the initial hours after your surgery. Both are gentle on the stomach, as well as the mouth, making them a useful option.

For more suggestions on post-surgery care and eating, contact our office.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Types of Oral Surgeries

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Below is a list of common oral surgery procedures. If you have any questions, or would like to know if you are an ideal candidate for any of these treatment options, please schedule an appointment with our team. We look forward to meeting you.
Types of Oral Surgeries
Dental Implants – Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that looks and feels like your natural teeth. They can restore the function of your teeth and renew your appearance.

Bone Grafts – Extensive and prolonged tooth decay or gum disease can erode the jawbone. Additionally, the jawbone may not be properly formed. Bone grafting allows us to add bone mass to an area allowing for a solid foundation to prepare for furfure treatments.

Orthognathics – Orthoghathics is the process of realigning the jawbone.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction – Wisdom teeth require removal if they are impacted, as this can lead to discomfort and infection. Wisdom teeth may also be extracted as a preventive measure, as they are susceptible to decay because of their difficult-to-reach location.

TMJ Disorder Treatments – Clicking sounds in your jaw, jaw discomfort and pain while chewing, and even persistent headaches may be signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Our team can realign your jaw to correct this issue.

Nerve Repair – Accidents, injuries, or past dental work can leave your nerves in your face and mouth damaged. This can create feelings of tingling, numbness, and even pain. Our oral surgery team can utilize microsurgery to repair nerve damage. Contact our team and schedule a consultation today.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | 3 Ways Dental Implants Can Change Your Life

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Are dental implants the right choice for your smile? There are many reasons why dental implants would be a great option if you have missing teeth. Below are three ways they can change your life for the better.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | 3 Ways Dental Implants Can Change Your Life
1. Confidence Boost

Missing teeth can make you afraid or embarrassed to smile in public. You no longer have to worry about what other people think of you because implants are made to match your teeth. Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. You’ll have a ‘picture-ready’ smile that you will be eager to share.

2. Improved Functionality

Some people will opt for removable dentures over implants. Dentures can get loose and fall out when eating or speaking. With implants you never have to be afraid of that happening. Implants are securely anchored to your jaw. They don’t require dental adhesive and they can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants will make it easier to speak clearly and eat your favorite foods.

3. Better Oral Health

Losing a tooth can lead to additional health problems if it is not fixed. The jawbone can weaken and deteriorate over time if there is no tooth to support it. Implants protect existing bone structure and gums from moving or shifting into gaps.

Losing a tooth or multiple teeth can have an enormous impact on the quality of your life. Implants can bring you the confidence you once felt without being embarrassed of your smile. Implants look like natural teeth so no one can tell you have them.
Unlike dentures, implants also protect your healthy teeth while keeping your jawbone strong.

To see if dental implants are the right solution for you, schedule an appointment with our team today.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | I Chipped a Tooth! What Can I Do?

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It usually starts pretty innocently. You’re biting into your favorite hard candy and suddenly you realize that there’s one little hard piece in your mouth you can’t seem to dissolve. You check it out and fear overcomes you when you see it’s a little chipped piece of a tooth.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | I Chipped a Tooth! What Can I Do?
Enamel may be one of the hardest substances in the body but like most things in life, it has its limit. Whether you are chewing on ice or grinding your teeth at night, there’s always a chance of putting your teeth at risk. If you have chipped your tooth, there’s no need to panic. Here are a few things we can do to restore your beautiful smile:

Tooth Bonding

Tooth bonding has many structural uses, and it can be very helpful for repairing chipped teeth. Tooth bonding is a simple procedure that doesn’t require any numbing. The bonding materials and porcelain used are natural in color and can be designed to perfectly match your teeth. Your smile will look good as new, and people will have a hard time noticing you ever chipped a tooth to begin with.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that helps protect your teeth, while at the same time improving its appearance. An AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) dentist will likely use a tooth colored crown made out of porcelain or zirconia to look identical to your teeth. Crowns will also provide the durability and strength your teeth need to withstand daily use. You may only need a partial crown if our dentist sees that the chip doesn’t affect the entire tooth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain laminate veneers are made up of several thin layers of ceramic used to repair chipped teeth. They will be bonded to the teeth to replace the original enamel of the tooth with a special adhesive. Dental veneers are a fantastic way to get your tooth to look whole and healthy again.

If you have a chipped tooth and would like more information on these methods, or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Eating After Dental Implant Placement

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Following dental implant placement, our team may advise you to adhere to a soft food diet lasting from a few days to several weeks. Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meat, eggs, low-fat dairy, and beans encourage healing due to their high nutritional content and being easy to eat. Here are some foods we recommend eating after dental implant placement:
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Eating After Dental Implant Placement
Protein Shakes
Protein Shakes are an excellent source of not only protein, but vitamins too. Mixing the powder with milk leads to the consumption of even more minerals and vitamins necessary for healing. If you choose to have a protein shake, try to avoid using a straw the first few days and stick to drinking from a glass. The suction created by a straw may reopen the treatment site.

Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great source of nutrients, vitamins, and protein to aid in recovery. Cottage cheese has a smooth texture that allows easy consumption and helps prevent any potential debris getting stuck in the implant area.

Soup
Soups can be a liquid meal replacement after dental implant placement. Before eating any soups or another warm dish, make sure the implant area has healed enough and avoid anything that is very hot. With protein and vitamins, soups and stews are nutrient rich and the liquid nature make them easy to consume. Avoid chunkier soups that have ingredients such as rice to avoid debris getting lodged in the implant area.

It is important that you follow our post operation instructions carefully. Doing so will help your mouth heal faster and prevent any potential damage from occurring. Remember to stick to soft foods for as long as you are able and to avoid overly hot foods and foods that can leave behind debris such as rice, popcorn and sunflower seeds. The foods listed above are only some of the options that we recommend eating after a dental implant placement.

If you have any questions regarding dental implant placement, other food recommendations, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | What is Periodontal Plastic Surgery?

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Periodontal plastic surgery is designed to restore form and function in your teeth. The surgery involves removing the tissue that has been affected by the disease and reconstructing the gums and surrounding tissues so that your teeth are better supported and can have a much healthier appearance. The major goal of the surgery is to increase the life expectancy of your teeth.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | What is Periodontal Plastic Surgery?
Periodontal disease can be diagnosed by x-rays to check for bone changes and by checking for any abnormal gingival, or gum tissue, attachment. Based on the examination, our dentist will be able to determine the degree of the periodontal disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, our dentist will talk to you about the various treatment options.

These treatments include:

Behavioral Change
A conservative approach, this can include an enhanced oral hygiene program, quitting smoking, and other lifestyle changes.

Deep Cleaning
This is regular and thorough professional removal of tartar and calcified plaque that will be an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. In most cases, little or no discomfort occurs with deep cleaning.

Surgical Therapy
Periodontal plastic surgery is designed to eliminate pockets between the gum and tooth to encourage attachment, normal function, and an attractive smile. Your mouth can be restored to its pre-disease form through advances in soft-tissue and hard-tissue replacement and regeneration.

Periodontal plastic surgery is not a cure for periodontal disease. Prevention is always preferable to any treatment option. Scheduling routine dental office visits, maintaining regular oral hygiene, and quitting smoking are proven preventative techniques.

For more information on periodontal plastic surgery, or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Facial Trauma: What You Should Know

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Injuries to the teeth, mouth, or face can be serious. Up to 40% of all dental injuries occur during sports. Even non-contact sports include the risk of impact to the face from a ball, the floor, or another person. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends that every person participating in any sports activity should wear protective head gear and a mouth guard. When these precautions are used correctly, they can help reduce the level of trauma experienced from any impact to the head or mouth.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Facial Trauma: What You Should Know
There are 3 types of sports mouth guards available. Stock guards are pre-made and purchased for use as-is. These tend to be uncomfortable and provide less protection than a properly fitted guard. The boil and bite guard is softened in boiling water before use. Once the guard is pliant, the wearer will bite down to create an impression fitted for their teeth. These guards provide a better fit, but are not as durable as a custom mouth guard. Custom guards are fabricated from impressions done by our doctor and are the most precisely fitted type. We can help you decide which type of guard is right for your needs.

Over 5,000,000 teeth are injured or knocked out each year. $500,000,000 is spent on repair and replacement for these dental injuries. If your tooth is injured or knocked out, contact our office immediately for instructions. Teeth can often be saved, even reimplanted, with prompt care.

If you have soft tissue bleeding from your head, face, or mouth, cover the wound with a clean cloth and apply gentle, firm pressure. Contact our office or your doctor for instructions.

If you experience an emergency, visit your local emergency room for immediate care and contact our office at your earliest opportunity.

For more information on facial trauma or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.

Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Eating While Healing

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Our experienced oral surgeon provides excellent results and works to minimize the time required for your mouth to heal following surgery. However, any oral surgery will require you to take extra care of your mouth for at least a few days afterward. If you are preparing for oral surgery, it can be helpful to consider what kinds of foods to avoid and those you may want to have available during this period.
Orland Park IL Oral Surgeon | Eating While Healing
Foods that are hot, cold, spicy, or acidic can be painful for soft tissues during the healing process. Your mouth will be sensitive for the first few days. Foods that require a lot of chewing can cause bleeding, slower healing or even infection. Hard foods like chips can splinter in the mouth and cut into delicate gums. Drinking through a straw adds strain on your tissues and can be harmful. All these should be avoided during the first day or two, at least.

During your initial 24 hours, you will want to take extra care with what and how you eat. Stick with soft and mushy foods that do not require much work to chew. Here are some ideas to consider:

 Banana smoothies – while you should avoid straws, banana smoothies are tasty, filling, and contain valuable nutrition.
 Soft fruits – applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, and seedless watermelon are all easy to eat and taste great.
 Soups – warm (not hot) broths and soups help you maintain your strength as you heal. Select soups that do not have chunks that will need to be chewed.
 Mashed potatoes – soft, warm, and filling, mashed potatoes can help you feel as though you’ve eaten a meal. Try adding some shredded cheese for a jazzier dish.
 Puddings and gelatin – though you want to be careful of your sugar intake, puddings and flavored gelatin are a great way to get some needed calories, especially if you are experiencing soreness or stiffness during the initial hours after your surgery. Both are gentle on the stomach, as well as the mouth, making them a useful option.

For more suggestions on post-surgery care and eating, contact our office.

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.