A Look at Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth

Dental Implants in Chicago

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Dental implants are heralded for their effectiveness and durability, but they are also versatile. No matter how many of your teeth you’re missing, dental implants may present a viable solution. Here’s a look at dental implants for those who have lost multiple teeth.

When you lose several teeth in a row, the bone in that area can suffer from resorption. The good news is that you may not need a separate implant to replace each missing tooth. Instead, your dentist can place an implant where the first and last teeth were, and create a bridge with the teeth in the middle. After taking the necessary x-rays, the implants and temporary crowns can be placed. Then, once the implants and the jawbone have fused, the bridge of your permanent teeth can be placed / final prothesis. This fills out your smile and stimulates your jawbone to prevent resorption.

If you’d like more information about dental implants in Chicago, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at University Associates in Dentistry. We are a team of experienced dentists who handle everything from teeth whitening to Invisalign. Call us at (312) 704-5511 to see what we can do for you.

The Dangers of Missing Teeth

Dental Implants in Chicago

dental implants Chicago You are suppose to have missing teeth when you’re a child, but your adult teeth are meant to stay in your mouth. If you do lose your teeth , you might want to look into dental implants. Continue reading to learn about a few of the dangers that come with missing teeth:

Risk of Heart Disease

Many people are under the impression that tooth loss isn’t a big deal, and that it merely leaves gaps in the smile. This could not be further from the truth, as evidenced by the link between tooth loss and heart disease. Widespread tooth loss can cause inflammation as well as harden the arteries, both of which contribute to serious heart problems. Heart disease isn’t the only health condition associated with tooth loss, as missing teeth and diabetes also share a connection.

Bone Resorption

When you lose a tooth, you lose more than just the part of what you see. Every tooth has a root, and the root stimulates the jawbone to which it’s fused. When you remove the root, you remove this stimulation. Without a treatment such as dental implants, this can lead to bone resorption. This occurs when the bone mass gradually disappears, and it can ultimately change the shape of your face. Dental implants seek to replace both the visible tooth/crown and the root of the tooth, once again stimulating the bone and preventing resorption.

Lower Self-Esteem

Whether or not you lose a tooth long enough for bone resorption to occur, you will still have a gap in your smile. Multiple missing teeth mean multiple gaps, which can be harmful for you as well as your self-esteem. Your smile may be the first thing another person notices when looking at you. Some people shy away from smiling because they are unhappy with their teeth. If this sounds like you, talk to your dentist about treatment.

Just because you’ve lost some teeth doesn’t mean you can’t replace them. At University Associates in Dentistry, we are leaders in dental implants in Chicago. If you’d like to learn about our teeth implants, visit our website or give us a call at (312) 704-5511.

How Important Are Dentist Checkups?

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You’ve been told your whole life that you should see your dentist regularly, but do you know why? Watch this video to find out how important dentist checkups really are.

Dentist checkups aren’t just for addressing existing problems—they’re also for preventing issues from occurring. Not all oral health issues come with symptoms, but your dentist knows what to look for. The good news is that today’s dental checkups shouldn’t hurt or cause any discomfort. It’s better to undergo smaller procedures before a problem is allowed to develop, as more serious problems will require more expensive, invasive treatments. Seeing your dentist regularly can help keep your smile happy and healthy.

You can find out why visiting the dentist in Chicago is so important by calling University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 or visiting our website. Our team of cosmetic dentistry professionals can offer treatments like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Chicago

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It’s important to replace your teeth when you lose them, or you could experience a number of alarming side effects, including changes to the shape of your face and difficulty eating or speaking. Dental implants have become the most popular method of replacing missing teeth and improve your smile. The advantages of using dental implants include:

Restoring the appearance of your smile. Having even one missing tooth can be embarrassing, and it can lead to self-consciousness and social anxiety. A dental implant provides you with a natural-looking replacement for your old tooth, and one that can even be used to replace multiple missing teeth. Instead of worrying about the appearance of your teeth, you can smile with confidence again.

Improving your oral health. Having missing teeth can cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift, which can lead to jaw pain. Over time, missing teeth can result in loss of bone and gum tissue, which can harm your ability to chew and speak normally. The more bone you lose, the harder it will be to replace your teeth. If you have any missing teeth, it’s essential to have them replaced it as soon as possible.

Providing a long-term solution. While there are several ways to replace teeth, dental implants provide the most permanent and realistic-looking replacement. Implants will not come loose in your mouth, and they are all but impossible for most people to distinguish from your natural teeth. If you take proper care of your teeth and gums, a dental implant should serve you well for the rest of your life.

If you have any missing teeth, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact a dentist to talk about your best options for replacing them. University Associates in Dentistry provides dental implants and other important dental services to patients in the Chicago area. If you’d like to find out more about the treatments we offer, call us today at (312) 704-5511.

Making Your Dental Veneers Last

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If you have any cosmetic issues that are causing you embarrassment, porcelain veneers can be the ideal solution. It’s important, however, to make sure that you take proper care of your veneers to ensure that they stand you in good stead for many years.

As durable as your porcelain veneers will be, there are still some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of damaging them. If you engage in sports or any other high-energy outdoor activity, wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth. If you find yourself grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about finding a viable treatment. Remember that veneers won’t protect your teeth from bacteria or plaque, so it’s important to keep up your daily brushing and flossing routine.

If you’d like to learn more about dental veneers, it’s time to contact the team at University Associates in Dentistry. We offer a wide range of essential services to help you protect your oral health. You can find out more about us by calling (312) 704-5511.

What to Expect from the All-on-4 Procedure

Dental Implants in Chicago

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The older you get, the more likely you are to confront the problem of missing teeth. Many people, however, assume that the process of replacing multiple missing teeth will be prohibitively difficult or painful. In fact, you can replace all of your upper or lower teeth using only four dental implants. Here is what you need to know about the All-on-4 procedure .

What is the All-on-4 procedure? First used in 1993, the trademarked All-on-4 procedure enables your dentist to replace an entire arch of teeth with four implants. The implants are made of strong, durable material that is designed to last patients for a lifetime. It is a simple and straightforward procedure that provides you with new, functional teeth immediately.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for the All-on-4 procedure? The All-on-4 procedure is often recommended for patients who have extensive tooth decay, or who need a viable solution for past dental treatments such as bridges that have failed. When you contact University Associates in Dentistry, we’ll use a CT scan and photos to give you a detailed idea of how the surgical procedure will go. If you are satisfied, we will schedule your procedure.

What happens during the All-on-4 procedure? When you come in for your appointment, your dentist will place your new implants and provide you with a set of temporary teeth. You’re temporary will look and function like your real teeth, as well as allow the dentist to monitor you while you are healing and the implants are taking hold. In a few months’ time, once your implants have healed, our team will replace your temporary teeth with a set of permanent teeth. These teeth will look and function just like your natural teeth.

If you’re looking for a permanent solution to your dental issues, it’s time to meet with the experienced dentists at University Associates in Dentistry. We are proud to provide the Chicago area with exceptional dental care, from dental implants to sleep apnea treatment. To schedule a consultation today, call us at (312) 704-5511.

Looking at the Link Between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

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Periodontal disease and heart disease come with their own symptoms and concerns , but they can both seriously impact your quality of life. It turns out that the 2 conditions are also linked in ways that you might not have realized, making a trip to the dentist even more important. Continue reading and look at the link between these diseases.

Periodontal Disease
You might not think that your dentist could have anything to do with your heart, but you might be wrong. Periodontal disease occurs when a buildup of contaminants makes its way above or below the gum line. This often happens when people stop regularly brushing, flossing, and seeing their dentists. The gums become red, sensitive, and inflamed, and may recede from the teeth, leading to tooth loss. You should talk to your dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gum disease.

Heart Disease
Conditions of the heart tend to be genetic, but there are ways you can reduce your risk for heart disease. This is good news because this disease is known to top the list of health conditions that kill Americans. Heart disease comes in several different forms, but they all typically include chest pain as a symptom. Although chest pain isn’t usually associated with oral health issues, there may be some overlap between periodontal disease and heart disease.

The Link
One thing that periodontal disease and heart disease have in common is inflammation. The gums become inflamed when plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, and this inflammation could make it more difficult for blood to get to the heart. Since there are so many blood vessels in the gums, the bacteria from your mouth may travel to your heart, making you more susceptible to heart disease.

Taking care of your oral health might reduce your chances for serious conditions like heart disease, so call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. We can replace your missing teeth and we also offer porcelain veneers and Invisalign near Chicago, so visit our website for a closer look at our services.

The Link Between Acidic Foods and Your Dental Health

Dental Implants in Chicago

The Link Between Acidic Foods and Your Dental Health

Taking care of your oral health has many facets to it, and your nutrition is an important one. Acidic foods can have a negative impact on your teeth, but you can protect yourself by knowing what you should and shouldn’t eat. You can also work with your dentist to minimize the damage and maintain your beautiful smile. Here’s a look at the link between acidic foods and dental health.

What’s Going On

Certain types of foods and beverages are more acidic than others, and the acids in these products can wear away your tooth enamel. Any acidic food debris left on your enamel can trigger demineralization, which can make your teeth more sensitive. The more demineralization occurs, the closer your dentin will get to being exposed. Remember that brushing your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods can be counterproductive, so drink some water and wait a few minutes before you brush your teeth after a meal.

Which Foods to Be Careful With

If you’re looking to modify your diet so you can keep your dentist happy and your teeth healthy, you should know what foods to stay away from. Ketchup, hot sauce, and products made with tomatoes are acidic, as are lemons, limes, and oranges. Wine and coffee can also wear away at your enamel and cause sensitivity and discomfort. Enjoy these foods, but try to eat them in moderation.

What You Can Do

You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely in order to take care of your oral health. Foods like citrus fruits and berries can be good for you, so you might want to keep them in your diet. Remember to drink water while you eat these types of foods and let your saliva clean out the acidity. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can also help to keep you healthy.

In addition to avoiding (or at least cutting back) certain types of foods and drinking plenty of water, be sure to visit your dentist in Chicago on a routine basis. Don’t forget to call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 whenever you are in need of teeth bonding, periodontics, or Invisalign, or stop by our offices to meet with us.

How Teeth whitening Brightens Your Smile

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You don’t need a background in cosmetic dentistry to have some idea of what teeth whitening treatment does. When it comes to brightening your smile, there are a few routes you can take. Watch this video on teeth whitening to learn more.

Teeth whitening can be done in your dental office or at home, and it can be done in a few different ways. If you want to get the best results possible, it’s a good idea to work with your cosmetic dentistry practice. The purpose of teeth whitening products is to break down chromogens in order to remove extrinsic and intrinsic stains from the teeth.

Please feel free to contact University Associates in Dentistry with any questions you might have about teeth whitening in Chicago. Cosmetic dentistry solutions like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening are just a few of the procedures we offer. Call us at (312) 704-5511 today.

What’s the Difference Between a Healthy Diet and a Diet That’s Good for Your Teeth?

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We all know that what you eat is a critical factor in how healthy you are. Food impacts your overall health and eating the right foods can make you feel better and even help you maintain a healthy weight. One factor that often gets overlooked is the impact of the foods you eat on your teeth.

Disease is able to progress faster and become more severe in people who eat a diet poor in nutrients. A poor diet can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

If you are already eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, chances are you won’t need to make any major changes to improve your oral health. If you’ve been meaning to start eating better and want to improve the health of your teeth and gums, here are a few simple things you can start doing today.

Avoid Sugar – Almost all foods contain at least some amount of sugar, but many of them are important for a healthy diet. You should try to avoid excess sugar, and the FDA recommends you limit added sugar to 12.5 teaspoons a day. That includes sugary snacks such as:

  • Soda
  • Candy
  • Cookies
  • Other Sweets and Sweet Drinks

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet – A healthy diet for your teeth includes many of the same basic food groups you’ve always been told to eat such as:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole Grains
  • Lean Proteins
  • Low-Fat or Fat-Free Dairy

Drink Plenty of Water – A glass of water after each meal can help to get rid of leftover food debris from your teeth.

Limit Snacking – Eating and drinking in between meals isn’t good for your teeth. When you eat regular meals your body will produce more saliva to digest them and neutralize harmful acids.

In addition to healthy eating habits, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to visit your dentist regularly. Your local Chicago area dentist, University Associates in Dentistry, encourages you to schedule your free consultation and recommended action plan today by calling 312.704.5511.

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