Periodontal disease , commonly known as gum disease, is a serious progressive illness that can lead to long-term health problems. Millions of people around the world suffer from periodontal disease, many of whom are not even aware that they have it. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the disease and how it can affect your life. 

What is Periodontal Disease?  
Periodontal disease begins when plaque develops on your teeth. As it hardens, plaque causes your gums to become inflamed. This stage of the disease is known as gingivitis. If the disease is not checked at this point, it  progresses into periodontitis , which causes the gums to begin to pull away from the teeth and raises the risk of infections, bone loss, and loose teeth.

What Health Issues are Associated with Periodontal Disease?  
Some studies have suggested that having periodontal disease can increase your chances of developing heart disease. It may also raise your risk of suffering a stroke. If you have a lung condition, periodontal disease may worsen it. Having gum disease can also exacerbate diabetes.

How Can Periodontal Disease Be Treated?  
You can keep your mouth healthy by brushing and flossing daily and also by having a professional dental cleaning on a regular basis. If you notice any signs of gingivitis, it’s important to have it treated right away. In most cases, the disease can be halted at this stage. If periodontitis develops, however, surgical treatment may be necessary.

The best way to reduce your chances of periodontal disease is to see your dentist at least twice a year.  University Associates in Dentistry  offers first-rate general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to the Chicago community, including scaling and root planning for advanced cases of periodontal disease. If you would like to learn more about our dental services, visit us on the Web today or call (312) 704-5511. 

An avulsed tooth is a medical term often used by dentists to describe a tooth that has been knocked out of its socket due to injury or accident. Dental avulsion is one of the most common types of dental emergencies, and it is essential to act quickly to save the tooth.

First, be sure to handle the tooth carefully, and try to avoid touching the delicate root. If the tooth is dirty, hold it by its upper part and rinse it with milk or water. Keep the tooth moist by either dropping it into a glass of milk or placing it between your tooth and gum. If possible, try to slip it back into its socket until you can make it to the dentist.

The team of dentists at  University Associates in Dentistry  are proud to be the official dentists of the Chicago Blackhawks. As athletes know, the first step in avoiding dental avulsion is being fitted for a mouth guard. To set up an appointment with a dentist, call our Chicago practice today at (312) 704-5511.

If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal , you may feel understandably anxious. Fortunately, new developments in modern dentistry have made root canals safe, routine, and minimally invasive procedures. In fact, most people report that a root canal is no more painful than having a dentist place a filling. Read on to learn everything you need to know about root canals.

Why a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment performed by a dentist to repair and save a tooth that has decayed or become infected. When the pulp, or the soft area within the tooth, becomes infected, it sends messages of pain to the nerve. As the infection persists, this nerve tissue breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply. Eventually, an abscess may develop. An abscess is a dangerous pus-filled pocket that can cause bone loss and swelling.

How Is a Root Canal Performed?
During a root canal, your dentist will  remove the infected nerve and pulp  from the inside of your tooth. First, your dentist will numb the area near the tooth. Next, an access hole is drilled into the tooth so your dentist can remove the damaged tissues. After the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is sealed. Sometimes a second appointment is required to restore the tooth.

When Should I See My Dentist?
If you experience severe toothache, prolonged temperature sensitivity, or discoloration of the tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You should also check in if you experience swelling or soreness in the gums or have recently suffered an oral injury or trauma.

At University Associates in Dentistry, our dentists stay on top of the latest methods in cosmetic dentistry and periodontics. We take pride in providing  comfortable accommodations and personalized care . From root canals to All on 4 permanent denture replacement, all dental procedures are performed in our downtown Chicago office. Call (312) 704-5511 to schedule an appointment today.

Dental implants are comprised of tiny titanium screws that are implanted directly into the bone. As you will learn in this video, the meticulous design of a dental implant allows it to provide a permanent restorative and cosmetic solution for missing or broken teeth.

The portion that sticks out from the implant is known as the post, or abutment. This tiny piece of metal is tightened with a screw so that it locks into the jaw and is flush with the implant. This new titanium screw and post serve as a functional tooth, while a crown caps the implant to provide the cosmetic exterior.

For your  dental implant  needs, please call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. Our Chicago restoration dentists are pleased to offer a wide range of services, including the exciting new All on 4 dental implant procedure.