Wisdom Teeth Extraction

With age, comes wisdom teeth and depending on the individual, this can be a problem. Wisdom teeth are known as the third molars and usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. If wisdom teeth don’t erupt, they can remain impacted which means that they will stay under the gum unless removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, and infection, so allow our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC to explain what to expect from extraction.

Wisdom teeth removal is extremely common and our doctors promise to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Once sedation is administered, an incision will be made into the gums and the teeth will be removed in sections. This procedure is outpatient, but you will need to take a few days off to rest and heal. Our doctors will give you post-op instructions to follow for a smooth recovery.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Pain around Fillings

Patients with cavities at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago are assured of getting high-quality fillings. But no filling lasts forever, which is why we want our patients to understand when they need to come in for a replacement.

Sometimes a filling can be made poorly and interfere with a patient’s bite or contribute to decay. A high filling is one which rises high enough to prevent the patient from comfortably closing their bite. A filling can also not be totally flush with the seal holding it in, leaving a gap for decay-causing bacteria to enter. There are also cases in which the decay went deeper than was thought or started again after the filling’s placement.

We don’t expect this to happen with any of our fillings, but the seal holding it in will only last for about ten years. After that, the filling may come loose or a gap may open. Replacing the filling is an easy process in which it and any new decayed material is removed and sealed over with another filling or a partial crown. Our advanced imaging technology allows us to determine exactly how deep the decay goes.

Downtown Dental LLC operates at 25 E Washington St, Suite 1921, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. To schedule an appointment, call 312-782-8862 or visit Downtown-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Inlays and Onlays

With our fully modernized office, restorations are easier and faster than ever at Downtown Dental in Chicago. It is often the case that patients are suffering from decay or other tooth damage that is too severe for a filling but not bad enough to necessitate a whole new crown. In these cases, we can provide partial crowns called inlays or onlays.

The pointy bits of the back teeth are called cusps. An inlay is a partial crown which is small enough to be placed in between the cusps. An onlay replaces at least one of the cusps while also covering the indentations between them. The molars and premolars’ indentations are a place where food commonly gets trapped, allowing decay-causing bacteria to build up there, which is why partial crowns are most often made for these teeth.

After the decayed material has been removed, a scan will be taken of the patient’s mouth. This is used as the basis for the partial crowns’ manufacturing. Once our CEREC machine has finished milling the inlay or onlay, we’ll be able to cement it in. While teeth are a little sensitive following the removal of decay, the patient will soon be able to chew comfortably.

Downtown Dental LLC operates at 25 E Washington St, Suite 1921, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. To schedule an appointment, call 312-782-8862 or visit Downtown-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

Causes of Bad Breath

Most of us experience bad breath at one point or another; after all, it’s only natural. Bad breath can happen anytime due to the hundreds of types of bad-breath causing bacteria that live in your mouth. Often, bad breath isn’t serious and is treatable by our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC, but sometimes it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. To guarantee your oral health is in good status, visit our office twice a year for professional cleanings.

Bad breath can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as dry mouth, gum disease, or simply just the food and beverages you’ve consumed. Practicing proper oral hygiene with brushing and flossing is critical to bad breath prevention. In addition to brushing and flossing on a daily basis, use American Dental Association (ADA) toothpaste and don’t forget to brush your tongue!

If you have questions or concerns regarding bad breath, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Bruxism

If you wake up with an aching jaw or catch yourself grinding your teeth during the day, you may have fallen victim to bruxism. Bruxism is a condition that is characterized by the unconscious act of grinding, gnashing, or clenching the teeth. Bruxism can happen during sleep, but it can also occur while the person is awake. Though these are two separate cases of bruxism, our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC may suggest a night guard or a mouth guard for treating the problem.

Stress, anxiety, or mood disorders can increase the risk of bruxism because the patient may clench their teeth to cope with these intense emotions. To diagnose bruxism, our doctor will examine your teeth and look for wear and tear. To prevent further damage, a mouth guard may be suggested to alleviate the pressure of the jaw and protect the teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bruxism, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Whitening Advantages

If you’re afraid to show your teeth in photographs, it might be time to visit our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC for a whitening session. A whiter smile provides our patients with a higher self-esteem and teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. Whether you desire to bleach in the dental chair or in the comfort of your own home, our doctors have a whitening treatment option for you.

Tooth whitening completed by our doctors is generally much faster than whitening at home. This is because the bleaching solution is much stronger than at-home kits. Professional whitening offers the most dramatic results and can make teeth appear three to eight shades brighter. Tooth whitening strips and kits and provide the same results; however, it may take longer to achieve them. Regardless of how you whiten, a whiter smile will provide you with confidence and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862. 

Night Guards for Bruxism

Bruxism is the act of grinding your teeth while sleeping. Though it can occur while awake, bruxism can wreak havoc on not only your teeth; it can put unnecessary pressure on the jaw and cause you to wake up in pain. Bruxism is a very common condition, but there are several ways to relieve this problem. If you suspect you are grinding your teeth, our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC may suggest a night guard.

The goal of a night guard is to protect your tooth’s enamel from wearing away. This appliance is typically worn throughout the night, and the best part is that our doctors will custom-make one for your mouth and your mouth only. This way, the night guard allows for proper breathing and less discomfort than an over-the-counter brand. Additionally, a night guard prevents the surfaces of the teeth from grinding together, to avoid chips and cracks.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding night guards, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.downtown-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC in Chicago, IL, call 312-782-8862.