This article discusses dental phobia and how it can be addressed with sedation using medications that affect the central nervous system.

What do tooth extractions, root canals and dental implants have in common? Yes, they’re all Chicago dental procedures, but they also all share a reputation for being incredibly uncomfortable and painful. There’s no way around it; having a tooth pulled or drilled into will never be a pleasant experience, but dentistry has changed quite dramatically over the past 10 years. “What used to require many drug-addled days in recovery now only takes an hour of your time in the dentist’s chair and a good night’s sleep to get over,” explains the implant dentist in Chicago. “With the benefit of modern pain-control methods and sedation, there really is no need to feel even the slightest anxiety.”

About Chicago Dental Sedation

The implant dentist in Chicago has seen it all: some patients will have sweaty palms and a mildly elevated heart rate, while others get physically ill with terror at the prospect of undergoing a Chicago dental procedure. Now, there really is no need to avoid those essential check-ups and treatments. Let’s talk about sedation dentistry…

A phobia of the dentist is remarkably common. Many patients experience difficulty of some kind when they go for an appointment with a Chicago dental professional, whether it’s anxiety, sheer terror or even an uncontrollable gag reflex. So, what can sedation dentistry do for you?

“Intravenous sedation involves the administration of medication directly into the bloodstream,” explains the implant dentist in Chicago. “This medication very safely affects the central nervous system, gently putting patients to sleep while your Chicago dental professional carries out the treatment necessary to get your oral health back on track.”

What this essentially means is that you sleep through the procedure, thus eliminating any stress, anxiety or fear. Imagine going on a 15-hour flight. Wouldn’t it be nice to eat your dinner, watch a movie and then fall asleep and wake up at your destination? Well, that’s what Chicago dental sedation is all about! It’s about waking up at your destination minus all the discomfort!

Sedation is especially useful for more invasive procedures, such as dental implant surgery or wisdom teeth extraction. Chicago dental professionals also offer oral sedation, which doesn’t put you to sleep: it relaxes you completely. “While a patient will be awake during the procedure and will be able to answer questions coherently, they won’t remember much at all,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “This is a great solution for patients who suffer from an uncontrollable gag reflex or a terrible fear of the dentist. Most patients describe their Chicago dental experience as being in a dream-like state; feeling detached from reality. They feel calm and totally free from fear.”

If you’re worried about Chicago dental sedation itself, don’t be. The medications used are very safe and are easily metabolized by your body, meaning you won’t wake up with sedation ‘hang-over.’ “Most patients wake-up feeling slightly groggy and will need someone to drive them home,” explains the implant dentist in Chicago. “But after a good night’s rest, you’ll feel 100% fine in the morning.”

Your Take-Home Message on Chicago Dental Treatment

“There are many reasons why patients feel some kind of anxiety, fear or discomfort at the prospect of some near-stranger poking around in their mouths,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “Some of these cases stem from personal bad experiences, but the majority are irrational and perpetuated by the stories heard via the grape vine.”

If you suffer from dental phobia, the most important thing you need to focus on is receiving regular attention from a Chicago dental professional. You should never avoid those twice-yearly appointments because you are afraid. With the availability of sedation and anesthesia, modern Chicago dental procedures have been rendered pain and anxiety-free. This enables you to receive the attention you need to keep your teeth and gums in a perfect, healthy condition.

This three-part article series explains five important things you can do to get the very most out of your bi-annual appointments with the dentist and oral hygienist.

Welcome to the final installment of this three-part article series on how to get the most out of your bi-annual dental appointments. In Part 1, we spoke to an implant dentist in Chicago, who recommended that patients compile a list of questions and concerns (bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, how to brush properly, etc.) they may have and bring it with them to their appointments. In Part 2, it was recommended that if it has been more than a year since they have done so, patients should update their medical history, which all Chicago dental practices keep on file. Point # 3 on the checklist was for patients to tell their dentist about any medications, supplements and vitamins they may be taking, since this can impact oral health.

Now, lets address the two remaining points on our checklist for getting the very most out of your dental appointments!

4. Speak to Your Dentist About Low-Cost Options and Dental Financing

“Too many patients make the mistake of avoiding treatment or choosing the inferior dental technology because they are concerned about money,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “What they don’t realize is that we, as dental healthcare practitioners, prioritize treatment and the health of our patients. As such, we work closely with medical financing companies that provide tailor-made payment plans to help patients cover the costs of a procedure or treatment. This can be done over any number of months, depending upon your budget and financial means. Either way, you can benefit from the very best treatment option without having to dig too deep.”

“We also offer a variety of treatment options, for example, for tooth loss. If a traditional dental implant is outside of your budget, you could go for mini-dental implants. Chicago dental implant dentists can also do conventional bridges, although they do prefer dental implants for their superior functionality, aesthetics, longevity and the fact that they don’t harm the adjacent natural teeth when being placed,” says a Chicago dental implants expert. “Speak to your dentist… we’re here to help and are ready and willing to work with you to find the best possible solution.”

5. Ask Your Dentist About How You Can Improve Your Dental Healthcare At Home

“Your dentist can tell from the condition of your teeth and gums just how you care for them when you’re at home. We can tell whether or not you floss and just how frequently and thoroughly you brush your teeth,” says the implant dentist in Chicago. “Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, as is widely recommended, there can be space for improvement, so speak to us about what we see and how you can do better with caring for your teeth and gums.”

Additionally, new dental healthcare products are constantly being introduced to the market. From hygienic tongue scrapers to cosmetic whiteners… just ask your dentist what the latest and greatest is in the field of oral healthcare and he or she will be glad to provide you with his or her recommendations. Remember your dentist is your lifelong partner in excellent oral health and smile confidence!

Get the most out of your bi-annual dental appointments by following the 5-point checklist laid out in this three-part article series:

1. Make a list of any problems or issues you’ve been experiencing.
2. Update your medical history with your dentist’s receptionist.
3. Give your dentist a list of any medications, supplements and vitamins you may be on.
4. Speak to your dentist about any low-cost options or dental financing if cost is a concern for you.
5. Ask your dentist how you could improve your home oral healthcare routine.

This four-part article series takes a closer look at the 11 toothbrushing mistakes people frequently and unwittingly make when caring for their pearly whites.

Welcome to this, the third installment of our four-part article series on the top 11 toothbrushing mistakes Chicago residents commonly make. So far, we’ve looked at the first five points. We’re halfway through, so without further ado, let’s look at habits # 6, 7 and 8.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 6

Not Brushing Correctly

“When it comes to preventing tooth decay and the various oral diseases that lead to tooth loss, your tooth brushing technique is more important than any other factor,” say dental implant specialists in Chicago. “Questions of toothbrush brand, bristles and manual versus electric are of secondary importance. If you use your toothbrush correctly, little else matters really.”

Here are some rules for correct toothbrush usage:

• Align your toothbrush at 45° to the gum line,
• Do short, circular strokes,
• Brush softly; not hard and vigorously,
• Brush both the outer and inner tooth surfaces,
• Brush your tongue, too!

Contrary to how most of us brush our teeth, you shouldn’t actually use horizontal strokes across the tooth crowns. According to Chicago dental hygienists, you should either brush up and down or use circular motions.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 7

Using the Same Starting Point Every Time

“People tend to brush certain quadrants in the mouth more thoroughly than they do others. The back teeth definitely don’t receive the same amount of attention the front teeth do and this explains why the molars tend to succumb to dental decay first,” explain dental implants experts in Chicago. “When you brush your teeth, start in a different place every time and make sure you dedicate the same amount of effort to keeping every tooth clean.”

The rationale behind starting in a different place every time is that you don’t rush any one particular quadrant of the mouth. People tend to become bored after a while and finish up quickly. If you always start in one place and finish in another, a section of your mouth is not going to receive as much attention as the others. To remedy this, begin brushing at a different point every time.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 8

Only Brushing the Front Tooth Surfaces

“It’s not only the front surfaces of the teeth that need a good scrubbing two to three times a day; it’s also the back surfaces! Every facet of every tooth in your mouth harbors bacteria, so every facet of every tooth in your mouth requires cleaning,” emphasize Chicago dental healthcare professionals. “Whether you can see it or feel it or not, plaque accumulates on every surface of your teeth and tongue, which is why you must be thorough in your brushing routine.”

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 9

Not Rinsing Your Toothbrush Afterwards

If you don’t rinse your toothbrush after using it, bacteria and food debris remain trapped within its bristles. The next time you use it, you’re putting all that bacteria back in your mouth. Always rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after you’ve used it. This will help flush out bacteria, food debris and leftover toothpaste.

Stay Tuned for Part 4

To read about the final toothbrushing mistakes we have on our list and what dental implants Chicago specialists have to say about them, stay tuned for the final installment of our four-part article series.

This four-part article series takes a closer look at the 11 toothbrushing mistakes people frequently and unwittingly make when caring for their pearly whites.

Welcome back to our four-part article series on the top 11 toothbrushing mistakes. In our previous article post, Chicago implant dentists – professionals who deal with the consequences of poor oral hygiene and sloppy brushing habits – discussed the first two bad brushing habits: (1) using the wrong toothbrush and (2) thinking that an electric toothbrush will do all the work for you. In this article, the second installment of the series, we shall examine toothbrushing mistake # 3, 4 and 5.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 3

Not Choosing the Right Bristles

Toothbrush bristles are about as varied as toothpaste brands. Every manufacturer boasts a superior angulation and arrangement of toothbrush bristles designed “to access those hard-to-reach places, leaving your teeth perfectly clean.” It’s hard to trust what the marketers have to say because they’re all saying the same thing. So what do Chicago implant dentists have to say? Is it better to have angled bristles or straight bristles?

“Bristle angulation doesn’t matter. What does matter is a brusher’s technique. You shouldn’t agonize over which toothbrush brand is the very best. Rather, focus on how you use it. You should also be aware of other factors, such as bristle hardness, when buying a toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends a soft to medium-bristled toothbrush because harder bristles can actually erode away dental enamel and irritate the gums.

And as for natural bristled toothbrushes, such as those made from boar hair or other animal hair.

“We simply can’t recommend these products,” say Chicago implant dentist. “Much research and development has gone in to the manufacturing of modern toothbrushes. They are designed specifically for oral care and hygiene maintenance. While there may not be much difference between the variety of manufactured toothbrush bristles, they certainly are a cut above bristles made from animal hair.”

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 4

Not Brushing Long Enough or Often Enough

Most people brush their teeth twice a day and while this is the recommended frequency, three times a day is optimal. The longer you wait between brushes, the longer oral bacteria are given a chance to multiply and proliferate. This increases your risk of developing cavities, gum inflammation and bad breath.

The amount of time you dedicate to a brushing session is also extremely important. Unfortunately, many patients only spend 30 seconds brushing their teeth. “The recommended time is two minutes,” say Chicago implant dentist. “You should brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, or even longer. The longer you spend, the more thorough you’ll be, which reduces your chance of developing cavities, tooth decay and gum disease and all the associated symptoms.”

Try this trick! The next time you brush your teeth, distract yourself with another task so that you get a full two or three minutes’ worth in. Try brushing your teeth in front of the TV or while listening to the radio. You could even flip through a magazine. Multi-tasking takes your mind off what you’re doing, so that you do it for longer without getting impatient. Just remember to dedicate at least 30 seconds per quadrant of the mouth!

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 5

Brushing too Hard and/or too Often

“The flipside to good oral hygiene is that you can actually go overboard,” warn Chicago implant dentists. “Excessive toothbrushing can actually force the gums to recede from the crowns of the teeth exposing the tooth roots underneath. It can also irritate the gums and lead to the hastened erosion of the dental enamel. Don’t become obsessive and don’t press down too hard when brushing.”

What Chicago dental healthcare professionals advise patients to do is to brush gently for two or three minutes, three times a day. If you want to freshen up in between brushes, try an ADA-approved anti-bacterial mouthwash.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To find out more about the common toothbrushing mistakes we make and what the Chicago dental healthcare professionals have to say about them, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

This article discusses what fillings are before moving on to explain the different alternatives there are available to traditional silver amalgam.

What are Dental Fillings?

Fillings are restorations used by dentists to repair minor damage and cavities in dental enamel. Once the dentist has ensured that there is no sign of infection or decay – or once all infection and decay has been successfully removed and/or treated – a filling material is applied to the surface of the tooth. This is subsequently cemented in place using the heat generated by a special dentist’s hand-held light.

There are many different kinds of filling materials. Traditionally, dentists have always used silver amalgam or gold to repair light damage to the tooth structure, especially on the biting surfaces of the molars and pre-molars. This is because silver amalgam and gold are exceptionally strong and won’t fracture under the intense chewing and grinding stresses that are found there. However, few patients are amenable to the idea of having their visible front teeth covered with silver! Few people, if any, can pull off a metallic smile!

Thankfully, many advances in dentistry in Chicago have seen the development of dental filling materials that are both durable and can convincingly mimic the color and appearance of natural dental enamel.

Alternatives to Silver Amalgam Dental Fillings

Chicago Dental Info: Composite Fillings are natural tooth-colored fillings composed of a blend of glass-like particles and acrylic resin. They’re durable, resistant to wear-and-tear and require less natural tooth structure to be removed during preparation than amalgam. Composite dental fillings do, however, take longer to place.

Chicago Dental Info: Ionomers are tooth-colored fillings composed of a mixture of fine glass powder and acrylic acids. They are recommended for cavities that occur near the roots of the teeth or between the teeth, where the chewing forces are small. Owing to their construction from glassy materials, ionomers are highly aesthetic, but have a low fracture resistance, which is why they’re only applied to the tooth surfaces that receive little stress.

Chicago Dental Info: Ceramic Fillings: These dental restorations composed of porcelain or ceramic include veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays. This material is most popular for its ability to mimic the optical properties of natural dental enamel. Ceramics are also very strong and durable, but can fracture when subjected to impact or extreme tension.

Dispelling the Myth about Amalgam Dental Fillings

Many patients are worried about the health implications of amalgam dental fillings because, amongst a mixture of other metals, they contain a tiny amount of mercury. The inclusion of mercury in the alloy is necessary to make the material pliable.

While mercury is known to be toxic, there is no scientific evidence indicating amalgam fillings to be harmful to patients in any way. This is after much investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other Chicago Dental institutes. Amalgam has been used by dentists for over 100 years to fill flaws and cavities in teeth and after the extensive investigations performed by the FDA, no reason has been found to limit its use. The only exception to this would be patients that are allergic to this restorative material, although cases of this are rare.

This four-part article series takes a closer look at the 11 toothbrushing mistakes people frequently and unwittingly make when caring for their pearly whites.

Brushing your teeth is a habit that becomes second nature to most if not all of us. You do it everyday, hopefully twice a day, and as a result one tends to pay little attention to the technique and ritual that goes into it. The dangers of becoming sloppy with a habit as important as toothbrushing includes cavities, tooth decay and even tooth loss, which is why it’s important to take a step back and reassess. In this four-part article series, Chicago dental healthcare professionals will be talking to us about the top 11 toothbrushing mistakes patients commonly make.

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 1

Not Using the Correct Toothbrush

Just take a walk down the dental healthcare aisle of your local supermarket or pharmacy. The sheer number and variety of toothbrushes is astounding! They seem to come in a spectacular multitude of brands, colors, shapes, sizes and bristle hardness… how do you even go about choosing the best one? We asked Chicago dental healthcare professionals and here’s what they had to say:

“There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to choosing the right toothbrush. Literally. When choosing a toothbrush, make sure you opt for one that fits comfortable in your mouth and can reach every single tooth without compromise. People with smaller mouths should choose smaller, slimmer toothbrushes and vice versa. You should never find yourself straining your jaws to reach your back-most teeth.

“Other factors to consider are handle grip and comfort. If you struggle to hold and control your toothbrush while brushing, you’re not going to do as thorough a job as you should. Imagine trying to eat peas with a soapy fork… you’re likely to give up halfway through! Your toothbrush should have a good grip so that you can control it while brushing every tooth in your mouth.

“Comfort has a psychological aspect to it as well,” explain Chicago dental health experts. “If brushing is a tricky, slippery exercise, you’ll be less likely to do it for a decent amount of time or frequency.”

Chicago Dental Health: Toothbrushing Mistake # 2

Thinking That an Electric Toothbrush will do all the Work for You

Many people believe that electric toothbrushes are better and more thorough in their ability to keep their teeth clean. There is some variation in dentists’ opinion on this matter, but the consensus is that if you brush your teeth well with an electric toothbrush, you’ll do just as well with a manual one.

“It’s not about the toothbrush. It’s about the brusher,” say Chicago dental hygienists. “Some patients mistakenly believe that an electric toothbrush will do all the work for them, so they don’t brush as long as they should and even neglect to do other essential hygienic measures, namely flossing. An electric toothbrush is an alternative to a manual toothbrush. It does not replace flossing. And just because the head rotates and brushes faster than your hand, doesn’t mean that you cut your brushing time down either.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To find out more about the common toothbrushing mistakes we make and what the implant dentist in Chicago has to say about them, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.

This two-part article series explores 10 habits that could be doing irreversible damage to your teeth and could lead to tooth loss in the long-term.

We all know that the cornerstones of keeping your teeth beautiful and healthy teeth for life are good oral hygiene and regular professional attention from your dentist and oral hygienist. But, in addition to these fundamental points, there are several habits and behaviors we should be doing our utmost to avoid. In most cases, people are just unaware of the consequences of something as seemingly innocent as chewing on ice on a hot day. It’s only when we face these consequences do we wish that we knew better, or had tried harder.

In order to find out what innocent habits the average citizen has that may later lead to tooth loss, we spoke to a Chicago implant dentist. In this two-part article series, we present Chicago dental advices given to us. Are you wrecking your teeth? Let’s find out!

Chicago Dental Advice # 1: Stop Chewing Ice

Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it wasn’t design to cut through ice! Chewing ice is terrible for your teeth. It can cause chips, cracks, fractures and other flaws on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. In certain circumstances, these imperfections can provide bacteria with an easy route into the pulp chamber of the teeth. If this happens, you could require a root canal or – worst-case scenario – the tooth will have to go!

Chicago Dental Advice # 2: Drink Water. Not Juice, Soda and Energy Drinks.

There are thirsty times when nothing will do the trick quite like an ice-cold Coca-Cola or sports energy drink. What you mustn’t get into the habit of doing is quenching your thirst on a regular basis with beverages that are high in sugar and acid. If you’re thirsty, drink water. Anything else should be viewed as a treat and drank in moderation. Remember, sugar encourages bacterial activity, while acid softens the dental enamel. This combination renders your pearly whites incredibly vulnerable to cavities and decay!

Chicago Dental Advice # 3: Don’t Drink Filtered Water

The water you drink is one of the most important sources of Fluoride: a mineral that is essential to good oral health. Tap water is fluoridated and mineral or spring water naturally contains this essential mineral. But filtered water doesn’t contain any fluoride, which denies your teeth the exposure they need to remain strong and healthy. Make the right choice and reap the rewards.

Chicago Dental Advice # 4: Playing Contact Sports Without a Mouth Guard

If you play contact sports, chances are you’re accustomed to receiving a good thumping now and then, whether it’s a head crashing into your stomach or a fist flying into your shoulder. A bruise heals. Cracked, broken and chipped teeth don’t. Make sure you wear a mouth guard if anything you share the field with has the potential to do serious damage to your face and mouth. This is not a lesson you want to learn the hard way!

Chicago Dental Advice # 5: Not Flossing Daily

Brushing cleans the outer surface of the teeth, but what are you doing to get between your pearly whites? A good home oral hygiene routine requires daily brushing AND flossing. If you don’t floss, you are leaving all that bacteria and food debris to just sit there. And if you don’t believe you have anything between your teeth after a meal, then floss and take a look. You’ll be shocked… hopefully into action!

Stay Tuned

To read more valuable advice from implant dentist in Chicago on how to keep your teeth in excellent lifelong condition, stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part article series.