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. 

 

 

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.

Implant Dentist Orland Park | Dental Implant Restorations 

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Oral Surgeon in Orland Park | Diabetes and Oral Health

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60467 Oral Surgeon

Did you know that 1 in 5 cases of total tooth loss is linked to diabetes? Diabetes affects your entire body including your mouth and teeth. Here are a few ways diabetes can impact your oral health:

Gum Disease
An early warning sign of potential gum disease is bleeding while you brush or floss. At this stage, gum disease may still be avoided by maintaining proper oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Research suggests that if your blood sugar isn’t under control, it can worsen gum disease. When gum disease becomes severe, it can break down the bone that supports your teeth and lead to tooth loss.

Dry Mouth
According to studies, people with diabetes have less saliva. Symptoms may include a dry tongue, cracked lips, and constantly feeling thirsty. Medications and higher blood sugar levels can also contribute to dry mouth. You can manage your blood sugar levels to help improve these symptoms. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get the saliva flowing.

Change in Taste
Diabetes can alter your sense of taste and certain flavors may not feel as rich to you as they once did. Try considering this as an opportunity to explore new tastes, spices, and textures to your food. Be cautious of adding sugar to your foods, as this could negatively affect your diet. Make sure to see our dentist if you have persistent issues with taste.

Infections
Diabetes affects your immune system and can cause you to be more prone to infections in the mouth. Oral thrush is one common infection among many who have diabetes. It will look like a white layered coating on your tongue and on the inside of your cheeks. This is a reaction to the yeast thriving on high levels of sugar that can be found in your saliva. Oral thrush may leave a bad taste in your mouth, but it can be treated.

Slow Healing
Diabetes can slow down the process of healing any injuries, cuts, or sores in your mouth. Poor blood sugar control can prevent sores from healing quickly and properly. Be sure to see our dentist if something in your mouth hasn’t healed properly.

If you have diabetes and want more information on its impact on your oral health, schedule your next visit and talk to our doctor.

10713 W 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 60467

Dental Implants in Chicago | Don’t Rush to Brush

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60467 Dental Implants

Are you a diligent brusher who grabs the toothbrush as soon as you finish each snack or meal? While there are significant benefits to regular brushing, hurrying your hygiene might be doing more harm than good. The key lies in understanding the effects different types of food and drinks have on your teeth.

The Dangers of Acidic Foods
Food and drinks that contain acids are particularly harmful to your teeth. Acid can wear away at the enamel on your teeth. As your enamel weakens, your risk for developing decay increases.

What Foods Should I Look Out For?
Fruits such as oranges, pineapples, and grapefruit contain problematic acids that can cause damage to your enamel. Diet sodas and wines can be just as damaging, as can fruit juices such as orange juice. Tomato products and foods such as pizza, salsa, soups, and sauces also contain acids.

But Brushing My Teeth Helps, Right?
Not necessarily. The acids in these foods weaken the enamel on your teeth. After eating or drinking a highly acidic product, your teeth are in a particularly vulnerable state. Enamel protects your teeth, and it is the strongest mineral in your entire body. However, the layers of your teeth beneath the enamel are not as strong and resilient. If you brush your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic, you can drive the acid further into your teeth. This speeds up the process of breaking down your enamel.

When Should I Brush?
Wait about 20 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth. While waiting, your mouth will produce saliva which helps to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria. Drinking water, rinsing your mouth, or chewing sugarless gum can help neutralize acids more quickly.

Should I Always Wait to Brush My Teeth?
While you should not rush to brush after eating acidic foods, you should not wait long after eating foods that are extremely sticky and sugary. If you are eating candy, taffy, or another sticky treat, waiting is not the best option. The sooner you can clean these sugary substances off your teeth, the better.

Should I Just Stop Eating Acidic Foods?
Acidic foods such as fruits contain vitamins and nutrients that are an essential component to your diet. While you don’t have to avoid these foods altogether, you should be mindful of how they impact your teeth. Maintain a daily oral hygiene schedule that includes regular flossing and at least two rounds of brushing for two minutes.

For more dental health tips, or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us.

10713 W 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 60467