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Dentistry in Ancient Greece

Dental Implants in Chicago

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By now, visiting a general dentist twice per year for regular teeth cleanings is routine for patients of all ages. But cosmetic dentistry actually began thousands of years ago in ancient Greece.

Today, a dentist can be relied on to replace missing teeth, improve their cosmetic appearance with teeth whitening, and use teeth bonding to correct tooth decay. In Greece, patients who had cavities went through a much different treatment. A patient with a toothache was brought to a priest, who administered a sleep-inducing potion to ensure relaxation. If the treatment happened to be successful, a patient would be obligated to make a tribute to his or her dentist at the temple. Numerous stones carved in the shape of teeth have been uncovered at ancient temples.

Whether you are suffering from a cavity or want to inquire about teeth bonding, call for a complementary consultation with one of our general dentists at University Associates in Dentistry located in the Chicago Loop at (312) 704-551.

Tips for Maintaining Your Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Chicago

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Dental implants provide a permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth. After you visit your dentist for dental implants, it is especially essential to practice good oral hygiene. While replacement teeth cannot get cavities, they are subject to the same level of wear and tear as natural teeth. Read on to find out how using a special toothbrush, investing in implant floss, and scheduling regular cleanings with your dentist can make your dental implants last a lifetime.

Special Toothbrush
Just like natural teeth, dental implants need to be cleaned with a toothbrush . Dental implants attach to the gum in a very different way than natural teeth. Also, teeth implants are topped by tooth-like material instead of bone, which presents new cleaning challenges. With an angled toothbrush designed for dental implants, you can clean the implant abutments on the inside, making sure that bacteria does not accumulate.

Implant Floss
While dental implants do not themselves decay, bacteria around the gums can still lead to gum disease. Flossing is vital for preserving the life of your permanent dental implants and making sure you stay free of periodontal disease. Ask your dentist about special bridge and implant floss that allows you to safely clean around your dental implants. You can also invest in a silicone tooth pick for gentle cleaning.

Dentist Visits
Scheduling regular visits to your hygienist who is trained for cleaning dental implants is also key for properly maintaining them. Only a professional cleaning can completely remove plaque build-up from around the gums, making sure your gums are gingivitis-free. You can also use this opportunity to discuss any concerns about your dental implants and keep your dentist apprised of any issues.

Find out more about how dental implants work and consult with a dentist for a price estimate on how much dental implants cost. If you live in the Chicago area, call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-551 to schedule your appointment today. Our dentists also offer the All on 4 dental implant procedure. Visit us online to find out more about our services .

What to Know About Dental Bonding

Dental Implants in Chicago

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If you have decayed, chipped, fractured, or discolored teeth, your dentist may recommend teeth bonding. With dental bonding, a dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to make teeth stronger and also improve their cosmetic appearance. If you are considering teeth bonding, consult with your dentist directly. Continue reading to find out more about dental bonding’s benefits, care, and procedure.

Unparalleled Benefits
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, teeth bonding is one of the simplest and most affordable procedures in cosmetic dentistry today. Bonding can close spaces between teeth, make teeth look longer, and change the color and shape of a tooth. Your dentist may recommend bonding to improve a number of flaws, including discoloration or chips. Bonding may also be an alternative to filling a tooth that has decayed.

Quick Procedure
When you visit your dentist for teeth bonding, you can expect the procedure to take between thirty minutes and one hour. First, your dentist will select the shade of composite that matches your surrounding natural teeth most closely. Once you have chosen the color, your dentist will lightly etch the tooth’s surface and coat it with a conditioning liquid. Finally, the resin is molded and smoothed into the proper shape, and your teeth bonding is complete.

Simple Aftercare
Your general dentist will supply you with the information you need to preserve the longevity of your teeth bonding. To prevent and minimize stains, avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking dark liquids such as wine and coffee for at least 48 hours after the procedure. You should also visit your dentist at least twice per year for regular cleanings to ensure your teeth stay bright and white.

Do you want to know more about how teeth bonding works? Contact the Chicago office of University Associates in Dentistry by calling (312) 704-551. In addition to dental bonding, our experienced team offers many other procedures in cosmetic dentistry , including porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. Find out more by scheduling a consultation with a dentist today.

What Issues Do Veneers Help Correct?

Dental Implants in Chicago

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Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front of teeth for dental patients near Chicago. These shells permanently bond to the tooth’s surface. A dentist will often recommend porcelain veneers because they are more stain-resistant and look more natural. Keep reading to learn how veneers can correct problems with tooth discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, and misaligned or gapped teeth.

Discolored Teeth
If you suffer from yellowed or discolored teeth, you may feel self-conscious in social situations or business settings. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has a solution for you: veneers. Tooth discoloration can be caused by a wide range of factors, including drinks such as coffee and soda, tobacco use, and certain medications. The teeth may also be discolored internally due to tooth decay or after a procedure like a root canal.

Chipped Teeth
Many people visit their dentist to discuss veneers after chipping, breaking, or cracking a tooth . After any injury, be sure to have a full dental consultation to make sure you have not damaged your tooth’s delicate nerve. After your general dentist gives the go ahead, you can be fitted for veneers to correct any chips, breaks, or worn down areas of the teeth.

Misaligned Teeth
While braces or Invisalign can help with misaligned teeth, veneers are also recommended as a permanent solution to overlaps or gaps in the teeth. Misaligned teeth can result from thumb sucking or bottle feeding as a child or injuries that misalign the entire jaw. Still, many people simply have natural gaps between the teeth or abnormally shaped teeth. Because veneers cover the entire tooth, they mask any flaws.

Do you want to find out if veneers may be right for you? Schedule an appointment with a dentist at University Associates in Dentistry of Chicago. Our team of experienced dentists is well-trained in state-of the art dental procedures, including cosmetic dentistry . Find out more about porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and more by calling us at (312) 704-5511.

Cosmetic Dentistry Courtesy of the Mayans

Dental Implants in Chicago

mayan dentistry

Your general dentist in Chicago may not have been around for 9,000 years, but both general and cosmetic dentistry certainly have. The earliest form of dentistry actually dates back to 7000 BC in modern-day Pakistan. At that time, tooth pain and cavities were cured by a dentist using a bone tipped with flint to drill into molars—so it is no surprise that there were also a lot of missing teeth! In ancient Egypt, one famous general dentist actually experimented with cosmetic dentistry, using teeth from donors to fill in the gaps for kings and queens. Fortunately, today’s bridges, crowns, and porcelain veneers are much more appealing ways to restore your smile.

A dentist today offers many more techniques in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. For a bright, white smile, contact University Associates in Dentistry of Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511. Our dentists also offer a full range of general dentistry services .

A Look at Sleep Apnea Treatments

Dental Implants in Chicago

sleep apnea treatment chicago Did you know that a dentist can help with sleep apnea treatment in Chicago? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a patient’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition and is linked to daytime fatigue, high blood pressure and heart problems, and diabetes. It is important to report any symptoms of snoring or waking during the night to your dentist and primary care doctor. Here is how your dentist may treat your sleep apnea:

Sleep Apnea Appliance / Mouth Guard
Most people think of a dentist as providing essential oral health care, including teeth implants, Invisalign, and veneers. While a dentist certainly cares for patients’ teeth, only a dentist can provide customized mouth guard/sleep apnea appliance to assist in breathing. For mild sleep apnea, a dentist will create an adjustable mouthpiece /mouth guard to keep your lower jaw and tongue in the proper position to open your airways while you sleep.

Other Options:
Orthodontics can also help people with sleep apnea. Irregularities such as overbite, injuries, birth defects, and a misaligned jaw can block airway space. This can lead to sleep apnea. Orthodontics can help by realigning the jaw and changing the pattern of one’s bite, leading to better breathing and better sleep!

University Associates in Dentistry is pleased to offer its clients in the Chicago area the very latest in dental treatments. Whether you want to know more about sleep apnea treatment or are interested in cosmetic dentistry solutions such as veneers and Invisalign, call (312) 704-5511 to schedule an appointment today.

The Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Chicago

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Your dentist may recommend all-on-4 dental implants if you’re interested in a minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure to replace your missing teeth or dentures. All-on-4 dental implants utilize just four dental implants to replace missing teeth. When you meet with your dentist, be sure to discuss these benefits of all-on-4 dental implants.

Replace Missing Teeth in Just One Dentist Visit
Traditional dental implants require four or more visits to the dentist , and two or three dental implant procedures. All-on-4 dental implants can replace your missing teeth in just one visit to the dentist. Dental offices that offer all-on-4 dental implants have dentists, dental lab technicians, and the equipment to fabricate dental implants on-site. This allows them to design, create, and place your dental implants in one day.

Less Invasive and Much Safer Dental Implant Procedure
You don’t need an individual dental implant for each of your missing teeth. Your dentist can restore your smile using four dental implants on the top of your mouth, and four on the bottom. Because your dentist is only placing eight dental implants, the dental implant procedure is less invasive, and much safer, than traditional dental implant procedures. You’ll spend less time under anesthesia, and your dentist will make fewer incisions to place your dental implants. The all-on-4 dental implant procedure also reduces the likelihood that you’ll need to undergo bone-grafting surgery prior to receiving permanent dental implants.

Lower Dental Implant Cost
Because your dentist office has a dental lab on-site, their expenses are reduced, and they can pass those savings on to you by offering you a much lower dental implant cost. All-on-4 dental implants also require fewer office visits, which will save you even more money.

All of our talented dentists at University Associates in Dentistry have extensive experience in placing all-on-4 dental implants in Chicago . If you’re interested in replacing missing teeth or getting rid of your dentures, permanent dental implants are the best cosmetic dentistry solution. To set up a dental consultation to discuss all-on-4 dental implants, call us today at (312) 704-5511.

Spotlight on Dentistry in the Middle Ages

Dental Implants in Chicago

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While you may not always enjoy visiting your dentist, dental patients in the Middle Ages really had it rough. In the Middle Ages, healthy, white teeth were considered to be signs of wealth and beauty, and people spent quite a bit of money on teeth cleaning and teeth whitening powders.

It was rare for anyone to suffer from missing teeth due to tooth decay, as people rarely consumed sugar during the Middle Ages. The infrequency of tooth decay was particularly beneficial due to the fact that only the wealthy could afford to replace missing teeth, using dentures made from cow bones or human teeth. Dentistry procedures and techniques were crude, and dental problems were often just treated by extracting a tooth. Barbers performed most procedures, and could also treat oral cancer by cutting out infected flesh and cauterizing the wound.

At University Associates in Dentistry, our dentists in Chicago use only the safest and most advanced methods of dentistry. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and sports dentistry, and can also provide sleep apnea treatment. To schedule a dental consultation with one of our experienced dentists, call us today at (312) 704-5511.

Spotlight on Dentistry in the Roman Empire

Dental Implants in Chicago

roman empire dentistry

One of the main advantages of living in the modern era is our access to safe, pain-free, effective dentistry. During the Roman Empire, however, dentistry was more advanced than you may be aware.

The Romans adopted many of their dental practices from their predecessors, the Etruscans. The Romans used opium for pain relief during dental treatments. Roman dentists were able to insert gold fillings into decayed teeth and may even have been able to replace missing teeth with primitive forms of dental prosthetics. They removed any gold fillings and teeth from the mouths of corpses before burial, however. In the Etruscan belief system it was considered taboo to allow gold objects to come into close proximity with the dead.

At University Associates in Dentistry, we honor the daring spirit and dedication to healing which those Roman dentists showed. Our own equipment and procedures, however, are fully modern. To find out more about we help present-day Chicagoans care for their teeth, visit our website or call us at (312) 704-5511.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Teeth

Dental Implants in Chicago

We go through the motions of brushing and flossing without really thinking about our teeth until an imminent dental appointment. Even then, our teeth are the subjects of countless medical studies and news articles; they are sources of confidence, and sometimes, pain. They help us eat tasty food and smile—but even then, we rarely think about our teeth!

Even so, our teeth are pretty interesting, and unique to every person—did you know that no two teeth are alike? In this video, you’ll learn 10 cool facts about teeth—not only ours, but animal teeth, too!

To find out more about how to keep your teeth in top health, call us at (312) 704-5511. At University Associates in Dentistry , we are here to help keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime.

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