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 | 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 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 | 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!

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.