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Tips for Talking to Your Dentist About Your Implant Options

Dental Implants in Chicago

Sometimes the cosmetic dentistry industry can be difficult due to some specialized jargon. Once you talk to your dentist and recognize these terms, they should be relatively easy to understand. If you’re thinking about your dental implant options, you should know what the procedure is like as well as the different types of dental implants that are available. Make sure you disclose your medical history to your dentist and read ahead for tips on talking about dental implants.

Understand the procedure.

The purpose of a dental implant is to replace a missing tooth, or missing teeth, to provide strong and stable teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. A dental implant is placed in the upper or lower jawbone. An abutment is attached to the implant for the purpose of connecting the implant and the crown. This creates a natural look and can often be done in one hour.

Discuss different forms of implants.

While all kinds of dental implants seek to serve the same purpose, they don’t all work the same way. Individual dental implants can replace one tooth at a time, but other forms of the treatment are preferable if you need to replace multiple teeth. All-on-4® dental implants are a great alternative for fully edentulous individuals as it allows your dental health professional to implant full arches of teeth with minimal invasiveness, while providing full functionality.

Provide your medical history.

Not everyone is a perfect candidate for dental implants, and you might make a better candidate for one type of implant than another. Make sure you are honest and thorough when you talk to your dentist about your medical background and family history so he or she can prescribe the most appropriate treatment and reduce the chances of complications down the road.

Dental implants in Chicago is just one area of expertise that the team at University Associates in Dentistry has to offer. If you’re interested in permanent dental implants , call us at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website. We also offer porcelain veneers and Invisalign treatment.

George Washington and the Myth of the Wooden Teeth

Dental Implants in Chicago

While there are a few popular connections between history and oral health, the story of the first president of the United States, George Washington , and his wooden teeth may be the most circulated. Dental implants and cosmetic dentistry have come a long way over the course of the past few generations, but how much truth is there to the wooden teeth myth? Take a look ahead and find out.

Like many people during that particular era, George Washington lost his natural teeth at a young age. He had a few sets of dentures that were made of different types of material, but wood was never one such type. Despite this fact, the myth that our first president wore wooden dentures has remained popular. Some suspect that the materials that comprised his dentures wore out over time, making it look like George Washington had wooden teeth. Although he certainly relied on dentures, they were never made of wood.

University Associates in Dentistry is committed to quality cosmetic dentistry in Chicago. From teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to sleep apnea treatment and periodontics, we are happy to help in any way we can. Call us at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website today.

Picking the Perfect Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

Dental Implants in Chicago

(Before: left, After: right)

Cosmetic dentistry continues to become more and more popular as people experience life-changing results, and advances in technology make treatments safer and more predictable. If you want to make a change but you’re not sure what’s best for you, feel free to meet with your dentist for a consultation. Read on for some insight.

Consider What You Want

Before you even consider the options that cosmetic dentistry has to offer, think about what you hope to change. Do you want a brighter smile? Do you have a gap in your teeth that you would like to close? Once you have identified the cosmetic factor that you would like to change, you can talk to your dentist to discuss your options and choose the best plan to achieve your goals.

Understand Your Options

Dental implants, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening treatments are just a few examples of the many treatments that exist within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, and it helps to get to know them. Dental implants replace missing teeth, so they stand to benefit you in countless different ways. Porcelain veneers and teeth whitening treatments can both lead to a brighter, healthier looking smile, but porcelain veneers can also close gaps between your teeth and cover blemishes or imperfections. Every cosmetic dentistry treatment has certain pros and cons that you can learn about before you and your dentist decide what’s best for you.

Ask for Advice

Although your dentist will always be your best resource when you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dentistry procedures, he or she is not the only one with answers. You can also talk to friends who have undergone these treatments or learn about them online so you know what to expect. Keep in mind, however, that your dentist’s opinion should hold the most weight.

Cosmetic dentistry in Chicago and anywhere else can help you with aesthetic issues as well as oral health complications, but only your dentist will understand exactly which treatment is right for your needs. Check our website or call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 to set up a dental consultation.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Floss?

Dental Implants in Chicago

Just as visiting the dentist should become a regular part of patients’ lives, so too should flossing. Flossing is a daily habit that should be done before or after brushing the teeth in the morning or evening.

As seen in this short video, there are several types of floss that patients can find at their local drugstore. These floss options may include waxed, unwaxed, flavored, flavor-free, and many more options. In the end, patients should test out different versions until they find their preferred floss type.

University Associates in Dentistry is made up of talented and knowledgeable dentists for the benefit of our patients. Whether patients require a specialist or a general dentist , they will receive the utmost care with their teeth implants, periodontal concerns, and so much more. Please call us at (312) 704-5511 to schedule a dental consultation in Chicago for more information.

Answering Questions about the All-on-4 System

Dental Implants in Chicago

The All-on-4 system, a version of the dental implant procedure, offers patients a quicker recovery and a beautiful new smile. Patients tend to have similar questions about the system, so here’s a quick Q & A:

Who Qualifies for the All-on-4 Procedure?
Due to the advancement of dental implants, most patients can qualify for some form of the procedure, including the All-on-4 system. Patients with all different levels of dental health can qualify for All-on-4, but those in good health will recovery more quickly and accept the implants more easily. Before scheduling the procedure, all patients should speak with their dentist about taking any recommended steps, such as improving their dental or overall health.

Will I Be Able to Chew Again with the All-on-4 System?
Patients who undergo the procedure will be able to chew on a piece of steak or even bite into an apple as soon as they have fully recovered. Like other dental implant procedures, the All-on-4 system returns normal tooth and mouth function to patients all over the world. People who choose this option come out with greater confidence from a stronger, fuller smile!

What is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovery is different for every patient, but it usually goes smoothly. The key to a quick recovery is to follow all directions given by the dentist and dental staff. Patients can expect tenderness in the mouth for several weeks following the procedure, which may require a short-term liquid and soft food diet. Tenderness and pain can be managed with pain-relievers and anti-inflammatories as needed.

Please call University Associates in Dentistry to learn more about the All-on-4 system in Chicago. Our dentists have trained with the dentist who established the All-on-4 protocol, so our patients are sure to be in great hands. We are available for consultations at (312) 704-5511.

Dental Care in the 1960s

Dental Implants in Chicago

Though dental care seems to have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent decades, there was another time in recent history that saw a great advancement in general dentistry. Following the Second World War, the level of technology and sterilization practices changed and improved substantially for the good of dental patients and dentists everywhere.

During the 1960s, sterilization techniques became more sophisticated and safer. Dentists began using sterilized disposable needles and sterilizing their instruments in an autoclave and with cold sterilization. This reduced the number of infections and illnesses caused by unsterile dental practices. High-speed drills and reclining dental chairs were also gaining in popularity and use in dental offices everywhere. The 1960s were also the time when dental restorations, such as dentures, were beginning to be custom-made in specialized laboratories. Many techniques and commonplace objects found in a dentist’s office today were invented and popularized during the 1960s.

Just as general dentistry has advanced, so too has University Associates in Dentistry . We constantly strive to provide our patients with the most up-to-date dental technology, including dental implants and dentures in Chicago. Please call us at (312) 704-5511 to learn more about our growing technology.

Tips for Preventing Cosmetic Dental Problems

Dental Implants in Chicago

Dentists are always willing to part with a few tips and suggestions to keep their patients’ oral health in good shape. Several of these tips can also address many patients’ cosmetic concerns about the look and color of their teeth and mouth.

Tip #1: Avoid staining foods and liquids.

One of the leading causes of discolored teeth is the various foods and liquids that can cause staining. Tea, wine, soda, and coffee regularly are the primary cause teeth staining. Berries, such as blueberries and blackberries, are also foods that commonly stain teeth. If consuming these foods and liquids regularly, drink plenty of water and/or brush your teeth after you have eaten.

Tip #2: Refrain from smoking.

Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco should be avoided at all costs to reduce cosmetic dental problems, as well as oral and dental health issues. Over an extended period of use, patients will notice their teeth begin to yellow and may even turn brown. This can easily be avoided by refraining from smoking.

Tip #3: Prepare during contact sports.

To avoid potentially cracked or dislodged teeth, patients should be mindful of their dental health during contact sports. In sports dentistry, patients are recommended to wear a custom mouth guard while playing football, hockey, and other contact sports. If a patient is hit in the mouth, he or she should visit a dentist to ensure there are no dental problems.

Tip #4: Practice good oral hygiene.

In addition to the previous tips, patients should always practice a strong, daily dental routine. By brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day, patients can help negate daily staining effects brought on by foods and drinks. These daily practices also help prevent periodontal issues that might affect the teeth and gums.

Call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry in Chicago. Our dentists and staff can recommend several cosmetic procedures , such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, to address all of our patients’ concerns.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Dental Implants in Chicago

Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects 1 in 6 people. It has the potential to be extremely dangerous to your health, as it greatly raises your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea involves your airways being blocked during sleep, which causes you to wake up possibly hundreds of times per night without knowing it. Risk factors for developing sleep apnea include weight gain, alcohol or sedative use, a large neck, smoking, gender (male), age, and high blood pressure.

Often the first obvious sign of sleep apnea is loud snoring on a regular basis. If your spouse wakes you up by snoring-or to tell you that you’re snoring-you’ll want to ask yourself or your partner these questions:

  • Have you ever slept all night just to wake up feeling exhausted?
  • Do you often wake up with headaches?
  • Do you have a tendency to fall asleep in the middle of the day, maybe even at inconvenient times like meetings?
  • Are you afraid you might fall asleep at the wheel?

All of these are symptoms of sleep apnea. Thankfully this condition is highly treatable. If you live in the Chicago area and think you or a loved one may be suffering from this serious sleep disorder, contact University Associates in Dentistry at 312-704-5511 and learn about our alternative treatments and devices today.

Spotlight on Dentistry in Colonial America

Dental Implants in Chicago

When you visit your dentist, you can learn about the vast array of state-of-the-art treatments that he or she has to offer. Today’s dental implants, veneers, and Invisalign treatment plans are all options that would have been practically unthinkable a few hundred years ago. Read on to learn a little bit about dentistry in colonial America.

In colonial times, dental health took a backseat to most other aspects of daily life. People lost their teeth young, and the average person did not brush his or her teeth. Toothaches ran rampant, and when they got too painful, some people would remove their own teeth. Unfortunately, this often led to even more serious oral health issues due to the harsh treatment. Early colonials went to blacksmiths or barbers rather than dentists, but the 18 th century saw the arrival of traveling dentists in America from Europe.

To see how far cosmetic dentistry in Chicago has come, please do not hesitate to call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. It is our job to offer high-quality procedures like dental implants, sleep apnea treatment, and teeth bonding. You can learn all about our services by stopping in to meet with us or by visiting our website today.

Reducing Your Risk of Tooth Loss

Dental Implants in Chicago

Tooth loss takes away from your oral health and can bring down your confidence, but it is not unavoidable. As long as you find the right dentist and take care of your oral and general health on your own, you can combat tooth loss. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your risk of tooth loss .

Choose the Right Dentist

You have probably been told countless times that you need to visit your dentist in order to keep your smile full and beautiful for the rest of your life. However, many people still fail to set or make it to their appointments. This problem may stem from a wealth of different factors, but one is the relationship between the patient and the dentist. Find a dentist that you get along with; you should feel comfortable and cared for in the office, and treatments should never be made to seem scary. The right dentist will give you the advice and treatments you need to keep your teeth where they belong.

Practice In-Home Dental Hygiene

You need to practice proper dental hygiene even when you are not with your dentist. If you want to keep your natural teeth for life, make sure you brush your teeth twice each day. You should also floss around every single tooth once per day to dislodge trapped food debris and bacteria, which will help to prevent gum recession and tooth loss.

Stay Healthy

In order to keep your natural teeth and enjoy your oral health, you will need to take care of the rest of your body as well. Your oral and general health are intimately linked, so make sure you eat a balanced diet and stay away from tobacco and alcohol abuse. These steps are key to combatting tooth loss.

Are you worried about your risk of tooth loss? Call the team at University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. We are eager to keep you in great oral health by providing quality cosmetic and general dentistry in Chicago. If you are interested in learning more about our porcelain veneers, periodontics, or dental implants, visit our website today.

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