Month: June 2019

A Look at Oral Health Care in Kenya

Dental Implants in Chicago


When you think of oral health care, you probably think of toothbrushes and floss, but in rural Kenya, they take a different approach to oral hygiene. This video offers some insight into this different outlook on taking care of your teeth.

In this village in Kenya, people chew sticks to brush the surfaces of their teeth and keep their teeth and gums clean. They believe that toothbrushes are less effective than their sticks and toothpaste burns too much to use.

At University Associates in Dentistry, we can help you find the right oral health care plan to keep your teeth and gums in top condition. Make an appointment with a dentist in Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511.

 

Choosing the Right Sleep Apnea Treatment for You

Dental Implants in Chicago

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can have life-threatening consequences. Unfortunately, many people avoid seeking treatment, because they think that they will need to use a CPAP machine, which can be uncomfortable and hard to get used to. While it may sound strange, you can receive alternative relief from sleep apnea by calling your dentist. Your dentist can help with CPAP therapy, but they can also offer other treatment options. This information will help you make the right decisions about treating your sleep apnea.

 

There are treatments beyond CPAP therapy.

Most people associate sleep apnea treatment with CPAP machines, which require users to wear a mask while they sleep that dispenses forced air to keep the airway open. This is an effective treatment that works well for many people. However, some people can’t adjust to wearing a CPAP mask or simply prefer not to, and those people may be good candidates for oral appliance therapy. This treatment involves the use of a custom-made appliance that sits in your mouth and gently repositions your lower jaw and your tongue to make sure your airway stays open.

 

It can take time to adjust to your chosen treatment method.

Sleeping with any kind of device in your mouth or on your face can be a challenge. For most people, it takes a few weeks to completely adjust to their treatment. Your dentist can help you create a plan to gradually increase your usage, until you can sleep as normal. Don’t give up on a treatment because it initially feels uncomfortable. Instead, talk to your doctor or dentist about possible adjustments to improve your comfort.

 

Some people benefit from multiple treatments.

Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, your dentist may recommend that you try both a CPAP machine and an oral appliance. These two treatments working together may provide a better level of relief for some people.

 

If you’re been diagnosed with sleep apnea in Chicago, make an appointment at University Associates in Dentistry to find a treatment that works for you. For more information, call (312) 704-5511.

 

What to Expect During the Extraction Process

Dental Implants in Chicago

Sometimes, saving a tooth through restoration is not efficient, and instead, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. This is usually done if a tooth has damage or decay that is too extensive to be fixed by a filling or root canal. If your dentist has recommended that you have a tooth extraction, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect. Fortunately, the process is usually faster and easier than many patients expect. Here is what you need to know.

During an extraction, you will receive anesthesia to ensure the procedure is as painless as possible. In some cases, this may be with the use of a local anesthetic, and in other cases, you may receive a sedative with anesthesia or even general anesthesia. The tooth will be removed and the space will be closed with stitches. As you recover, your dentist will recommend avoiding smoking, using straws, and anything else that causes suction, which could otherwise loosen the blood clot and cause infection.

After your tooth extraction, your dentist at University Associates in Dentistry in Chicago can discuss restoration options, like a dental implant. To make an appointment, call our office today at (312) 704-5511.

University Associates in Dentistry