Comparison of Oral Surgery Procedures | Oral Surgeon Near Me

Posted on by admin
Doctor pointing to an x-ray of a mouth Oral Surgeon Near Me

Oral surgery involves several standard procedures. The procedures are performed when other methods of dentistry can not correct a problem with the teeth, jaw, or mouth. Many people are afraid of surgery, but oral surgeons routinely perform these procedures, so they are not to be feared. This article discusses some of the many procedures oral surgeons perform.

Implants: Dental implants effectively replace missing teeth and look and feel like natural teeth. The procedure will not only improve the appearance of your smile, but it will also restore the functionality of your teeth.

Bone grafts: A dental bone graft restores the volume and density of your jaw in areas where the bone has been lost. The material can be sourced from your own body or from a human or animal tissue bank. In some cases, the bone graft material may be synthetic. After a dental bone graft is placed, it provides a space for your own body to heal. Therefore, a dental bone graft is like a scaffold on which your own bone tissue can grow.

Orthognathic surgery: Often called orthognathic surgery, jaw surgery is a procedure that fixes a misaligned upper jaw and/or lower jaw by aligning them. It isn’t a single event. It’s a process that starts with orthodontic treatment, continues with jaw surgery, and is followed by months of recovery before more orthodontic work is needed.

Wisdom tooth extraction: If wisdom teeth become impacted, they should be extracted to prevent pain and infection. Additionally, wisdom teeth may need to be removed to prevent decay due to their difficult-to-reach position. Oral surgery for wisdom tooth extraction involves cutting through the gum tissue over the tooth, removing the connective tissue between it and the bone, removing the wisdom tooth, and sewing the gum back together. 

Treatments for TMJ Disorders- Temporomandibular disorders refer to problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it. Pain when chewing, clicking in the jaw, and persistent headaches can all be symptoms of problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ disorders can be treated with surgery if more conservative treatments, such as mouthguards or oral splints, do not improve your symptoms. For some people, it may be necessary to perform surgery to restore full TMJ function. 

Nerve Repair– Accidents, injuries, and previous dental work can damage the nerves in your face and mouth. As a result of this condition, tingling, numbness, and even pain can be experienced. An oral surgeon is specially trained in micro-neurosurgery to treat issues related to nerve damage.

If you are experiencing any dental issues that require the treatment of a specialist, such as an oral surgeon, please contact our Oral Surgeon Plainfield to set up a consultation.

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

The Link Between Systemic and Oral Health | Joliet Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin
Teeth and toothbrush on a blue background

Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. The condition of your mouth can, believe it or not, have a strong impact on your systemic health. Bacteria of all kinds are present in your mouth. While some are harmless, others may pose a significant threat to your health. Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine and visiting your 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. 

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 patients are at a higher risk of bacterial infection; they have a decreased immune response and longer healing time.

Blood glucose levels can also be affected by gum disease, potentially putting a patient with diabetes at a higher risk for additional health problems. The bacteria found in the mouth associated with gum disease have been shown to significantly elevate blood glucose levels.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis 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.

Any type of autoimmune disease can significantly impact your oral health. A hyperactive or decreased immune response will cause inflammation in the gum tissue, eventually leading to periodontal (gum) disease. 

Lung Conditions

Once bacteria enter your bloodstream through your mouth, they can travel throughout your body and affect other locations. Conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia can be caused by harmful bacteria settling into a patient’s lungs. Other existing issues such as emphysema and chronic 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 Oral Surgeon Orland Park office today. Our dedicated 60435 Oral Surgeon team will be happy to provide you with prevention tips based on your current health.

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

Exercise and Your Oral Health | Plainfield Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin
Oral Surgeon Joliet

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 sometimes result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion. Exercise can impact our oral health in the following ways: 

Increased Risk of Dry Mouth

Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and can cause the mouth to dry out. Dehydration can also cause decreased production of saliva. Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent tooth 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. A daily alcohol-free fluoride rinse will protect the demineralization of your teeth that can occur with decreased saliva production. 

Change in Clenching and Grinding Habits: 

Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights. This pressure can result in wear and even crack 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 we can make a custom fitted mouthguard for you.

Consumption of Sugary 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. There are sugar-free or low sugar electrolyte drinks available as well. 

For additional information on protecting your teeth during sports or exercise, our Oral Surgeon Downers Grove office is always here to help. 

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

Oral Surgery After-Care | 60516 Oral Surgeon

Posted on by admin
Oral Surgeon Orland Park

Clear communication with our Oral Surgeon Orland Park team is an important step in the healing process. We will consult 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. It is essential you take proper care of yourself at home to ensure your mouth can fully heal.

Managing Post-Surgical Bleeding

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. Some medications can cause longer bleeding times, including aspirin, blood thinners, and NSAIDS (ibuprofen). 

No Sucking, Spitting, or Smoking 

Avoid making sucking or spitting motions with your mouth following surgery. This can sometimes lead to reopening the wound and can cause a dry socket. We advise that patients refrain from drinking with a straw following treatment. If you have to brush and rinse, do it very gently. Smoking is a major no-no; this will greatly impede your healing and lead to dry socket, which is quite painful. 

Stick to Soft Foods 

Most oral surgeries require you to fast prior to your treatment. This means you will likely 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.

Take Your Medicine As Prescribed

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.

These simple recommendations will ensure that your healing process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. If you have any post-op concerns, please contact our Oral Surgeon in Plainfield office. 

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

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

Posted on by admin
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

Posted on by admin
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

Posted on by admin
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

Posted on by admin
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

Posted on by admin
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

Posted on by admin
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