Gingivitis Prevention

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC are here to keep you out of it. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is usually reversible, but if left untreated it can progress to a more aggressive form of gum disease called periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by inadequate oral care habits. Therefore, if you notice a little pink in the sink, it’s time to review your own.

Signs of gingivitis include red and puffy gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth. To prevent gingivitis, you’ll need to thoroughly brush your teeth for at least twice minutes twice a day. Because your toothbrush can’t reach the crevices between your teeth, you should floss at least once a day and it doesn’t hurt to top off your oral care routine with some mouthwash. It's especially important to visit our office twice a year for an oral exam, X-rays, and a professional cleaning.

If you have questions about periodontal disease, 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. 

Oral Cancer Screening

At Downtown Dental, we love serving the families from our community and looking out for the condition of your smiles and oral hygiene!  We also screen for oral cancer, and it is important that you and your family are aware of oral cancer and how to prevent it.  Oral cancer screening may not be the most common reason you’ve visited a dentist, but regular screenings are the best way to protect yourself.

Heavy smoking and drinking do increase the risk of oral cancer, but oral cancer can still occur if someone never smokes.  The human papilloma virus (HPV) was recently found to be responsible for most oral cancers that originated in the back of the mouth.  Because there is no way to predict cancer, you should ask about an oral cancer screening with each dental checkup.  Your dentist will conduct a visual exam, and may use an ultraviolet light to see any irregularities inside the mouth. Always contact us if you notice any inexplicable pain, swelling, or numbness in your throat or jaw.

To learn more about the services we provide, visit 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.

Endodontics: Root Canal

A root canal is necessary when a tooth is decayed beyond repair. Our doctors at Downtown Dental LLC understand that root canal therapy sounds painful, but it’s actually more painful living with a dead tooth. A root canal can relieve pain and save the tooth that has been compromised. If you happen to need a root canal, we promise to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.

During root canal treatment, one of our doctors will carefully remove the pulp inside the tooth, clean the area, disinfect it, and shape the root canals so that a filling can be placed. The area around the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic, but if you don’t want to be awake for the procedure, we can discuss sedation options during your consultation. Once the procedure is over, you will be given post-operative instructions to follow.

If you have questions about endodontics or root canal therapy, 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. 

Braces Pain

The doctors at Downtown Dental have seen smiles transformed by braces.  Braces are a powerful straightening method, but they are also a long process with some pain along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and you can ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!  

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

To learn more about the services we provide, visit 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.

Veneers

At Downtown Dental, our doctors can give you the opportunity to totally makeover your mouth with veneers! Veneers are made from a thin ceramic shell and fit over your existing teeth, allowing you to completely change the appearance of your smile.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers.

Our patients can have a new smile using veneers in as little as two visits. First you and your dentist discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Once your teeth are prepared for the treatment, an impression of your teeth is taken. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory to make the final product.  Ask us about temporary cosmetic options for you to wear for the two weeks it may take for the custom product to be fabricated. On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to the surface of your teeth for you to wear home and wear forever.  Veneers let you make a dramatic change to the appearance of your smile and still look natural, so contact us for a smile makeover!

To learn more about veneers and all the services we provide at our practice, visit 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.

Caring for Invisalign

The doctors at Downtown Dental recommend Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Invisalign’s clear aligner system straightens teeth without the metallic look of braces. Another perk of Invisalign clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners.  You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use a mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

If you have any more questions about Invisalign, visit 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.

Dealing with a Dental Emergency

When a dental emergency occurs, it’s important to visit Downtown Dental LLC as soon as possible. A dental emergency is defined as a trauma or injury to the mouth or the teeth. A trauma or injury may include teeth that are knocked out, forced out of position, or fractured. If you suffer a dental emergency of any kind, call our office immediately to correct the problem. In the meantime, utilize these tips.

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding a dental emergency, 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.