How Do Dental Crowns And Bridges Work Together?

Are you looking for a way to restore your natural smile? Dental crowns and bridges are two popular dental prosthetics that work together to help rebuild your teeth and jaw. These treatments are often used as an alternative when traditional fillings and implants are not suitable, or if the patient wants a more durable solution.

Read on to find out more about dental crowns and bridges, and how they work together with your dentist in Oak Forest to help you restore your natural smile.

What Are Dental Crowns & Bridges?

Dental crowns are a type of dental prosthetic used to cap or cover a damaged tooth. They can also be used to repair a broken or misshapen tooth, as well as to restore your smile’s natural appearance. Dental bridges are similar in that they provide support for missing teeth by filling any gaps and restoring the bite.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are custom-made prosthetic teeth that fit over your existing tooth or implant. They provide a strong and durable covering to protect the tooth from further damage, as well as mask any imperfections.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are an effective way to replace missing teeth. They consist of a false tooth, usually made from ceramic or porcelain, and two crowns – one on either side. The false tooth is then secured in place by the crowns, providing support and restoring the gap left by the missing tooth.

What Is the Process for Getting Dental Crowns and Bridges?

The exact process for getting dental crowns and bridges will depend on your particular case. However, it usually involves a few trips to the dentist in Oak Forest. First, they will take an impression of your mouth to make sure the dental prosthetic is made to fit perfectly. Then, they will prepare and shape the teeth that are being covered by the crowns or bridges. Finally, they will place the prosthetic in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments.

Benefits of Dental Crowns & Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges can help to restore your smile’s natural appearance and provide a durable solution for badly damaged teeth. They also offer a number of other advantages, including:

1. Improved Bite & Functionality

They can help improve your bite by restoring the natural alignment of your teeth. This reduces any risk of further damage and allows for improved functionality when speaking or eating.

2. Durable & Long-Lasting

They are designed to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care, they can last for several years, giving you the ability to smile confidently without worrying about further damage or decay.

3. Cost-Effective Treatment

They are often more cost-effective than traditional fillings and implants, saving you money in the long run.

Conclusion

Dental crowns and bridges are a great way to restore your natural smile. They are highly durable, cost-effective, and can help improve the functionality of your teeth. If you’re looking for a way to rebuild or cover damaged teeth, then speaking to your dentist in Oak Forest about dental crowns and bridges is a great option.

FAQs:

1. How long do dental crowns and bridges last?

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last for several years. However, regular checkups with your dentist will help ensure that the prosthetics remain in good condition.

2. What is the best material for dental crowns and bridges?

The best material for dental crowns and bridges will depend on your individual needs. Porcelain is usually considered to be the most natural-looking and durable option, but other materials such as metal or composite can also be used.

3. Are dental crowns and bridges covered by insurance?

It depends on your individual insurance plan. In some cases, dental crowns and bridges may be covered in part or in full depending on the type of coverage you have. Speak to your provider for more information.

How Long Does A Root Canal Treatment Take To Heal?

Root canals are an important part of maintaining your oral health. Root canals are used to treat decay or infection that has reached the inner pulp of the tooth. Root canal therapy is a relatively simple procedure that can save your natural teeth from extraction. It’s also one of the most common endodontic treatments, with millions of root canals performed each year in the United States. Root canals have come a long way over the years, and now more people than ever can save their teeth with this procedure.

Root Canal Treatment Process

Root canals involve removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and cleaning and shaping the root canal system. The dentist then fills and seals the space, restoring the tooth to its normal shape and size. Root canals typically require one to three visits to the dentist and can take an hour or more per visit. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during the treatment.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Before starting any endodontic therapy, your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to get a better look at the affected area. Your dentist will then use a local anesthetic to numb the area, and start the root canal treatment procedure by making an opening in your tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp. The dentist will remove the infected tissue, clean and shape the root canal system, and fill it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a crown or filling to restore it to its original shape and size.

Recovery Time

Root canals are typically a safe procedure, but like any dental treatment, there is some recovery time involved. The amount of time it takes for your mouth to heal from root canal treatment varies from person to person. Generally, it takes about seven to ten days for the tooth and gums to heal properly. You may experience some discomfort during this time, but over-the-counter pain medications can help with that.

Aftercare

After root canal therapy, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. You should also avoid eating hard or chewy foods until the area has healed completely. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your teeth after Root Canal Treatment.

Root Canal Treatment Outcomes

Root canals are very successful in treating dental issues and can help you maintain your natural teeth. Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with around 95% of treated teeth lasting for at least five years or more. Root Canal Treatment also helps prevent further damage to the tooth and prevents any further spread of the infection, which can help you avoid more costly treatments in the future.

Root Canal Treatment Costs

Root Canals can be expensive and often require multiple office visits. The cost of Root Canals vary depending on factors such as the severity of the case and what type of tooth is involved. However, Root Canals are often more cost-effective than tooth extractions, as Root Canal Treatment helps save the natural tooth, which can help you avoid future costly treatments.

Finding a Root Canal Dentist

While Root Canals are common dental procedures, not all dentists offer this service. It’s important to find a Root Canal dentist who is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure. Many Root Canal specialists are available in Oak Forest, so it’s important to do your research and ask questions before selecting a Root Canal Dentist.

Alternative Treatments

In some cases, Root Canals may not be an option and alternative treatments may be necessary. Some common alternatives to Root Canal Treatment include tooth extractions, dental implants, and crowns. Your dentist will evaluate your situation and discuss the best treatment options for you.

Conclusion

Root Canals can help restore your natural teeth and prevent further damage or infection from occurring. Root Canals typically require multiple office visits and can be expensive. It’s important to find an experienced Root Canal Dentist in Oak Forest, as well as follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist.

FAQs

Q: How long does a Root Canal take to heal?

A: Root Canals typically take seven to ten days for the tooth and gums to heal properly.

Q: Will Root Canal Treatment be painful?

A: Root Canals are typically a safe procedure, but you may experience some minor discomfort during recovery time. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with any discomfort.

Q: How much does Root Canal Treatment cost?

A: The cost of Root Canals vary depending on factors such as the severity of the case and what type of tooth is involved.

Q: Are Root Canal Treatments successful?

A: Root canal treatments have a high success rate, with around 95% of treated teeth lasting for at least five years or more.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Crown Treatment?

Are you looking for dental crown treatment? Dental crowns are dental prosthetics used to improve the size, shape, and strength of a dental structure. In some cases, dental crowns can also be used to enhance the aesthetics of your smile by covering discolored teeth or replacing an old dental restoration. If you’re considering dental crown treatment in Oak Forest, IL, you have come to the right place.

In this blog post, we will discuss why dental crowns are prescribed, what they are made of, and how long they last. We’ll also share some tips on how to choose a dentist for dental crown treatment in Oak Forest, IL.

Benefits for dental crown treatment

To Restore a Damaged Tooth

One of the main reasons dental crowns are prescribed is to restore a damaged tooth. A dental crown can be used to strengthen a decayed or weakened tooth, fill in gaps between teeth, or replace an existing dental restoration that has worn down. The dental crown will encase the affected tooth, protecting it from further damage and restoring its original shape and size.

To Improve Aesthetics

Another common reason dental crowns are prescribed is to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. Dental crowns can cover discolored teeth and make them appear brighter and more uniform with the rest of your smile. They can also be used to replace dental restorations that have worn down over time or become discolored. By replacing aging dental work, dental crowns help keep your smile looking its best.

To Support Structurally Weak Teeth

In some cases, dental crowns may be prescribed to support structurally weak teeth. This is especially important if the affected tooth has undergone root canal therapy and cannot support a dental filling or dental bridge on its own. By encasing the tooth with dental crown, it can provide additional structural stability and prevent further damage down the line.

What dental crowns are made of

Metal Alloys

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, depending on your dental needs and budget. Metal alloy dental crowns are one of the most popular options, as they offer excellent durability while also being relatively affordable. Common metal alloys used in dental crowns include gold, palladium, nickel-chromium alloys, and cobalt-chrome alloys.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. They are very durable and can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. The only downside is that these dental crowns can be more visible than metal-only dental crowns, as the metal base may show through the porcelain in certain cases.

All Ceramic or Zirconia

All ceramic or zirconia dental crowns are a great choice if you’re looking for dental crowns that offer both strength and aesthetics. These dental crowns are made from high-quality materials that closely resemble natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. The downside is that these dental crowns tend to be more expensive than other dental crown materials.

How long do dental crowns last?

Proper Care and Maintenance

The lifespan of dental crowns is largely determined by how well they are cared for. Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can help dental crowns last up to 15 years or more with proper care. Additionally, dental crowns should be regularly inspected by a dentist to make sure they are still in good condition.

Avoiding Certain Habits

Certain habits can also put dental crowns at risk of premature failure or damage. Things like chewing on hard foods, grinding your teeth, and using your teeth to open packaging should be avoided. Additionally, dental crowns are not designed to withstand the same levels of force as natural teeth, so biting down on hard objects may cause them to crack or chip.

Regular Checkups

Even with proper care and maintenance, dental crowns may still need to be replaced at some point. To ensure dental crowns last as long as possible, it’s important to visit your dentist in Oak Forest for regular checkups. During these visits, your dentist can inspect dental crowns and make sure they are still functioning properly.

The Bottom Line

Dental crowns offer many benefits when it comes to dental health and aesthetics. They can be used to replace dental restorations that have worn down over time, cover dental implants, or support structurally weak teeth. Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials, including metal alloys, porcelain fused to metal, and all ceramic or zirconia options.

With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last up to 15 years or more. Regular dental checkups will help ensure dental crowns remain in good condition and make sure they offer the best possible results for your dental health needs.

How Is Restorative Dentistry Beneficial For Your Oral Health?

Restorative dentistry is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It focuses on repairing and restoring damaged, decayed, or missing teeth, improving the appearance of your smile, and helping to protect your overall dental health.

When restorative dentistry is performed correctly by a qualified dentist in Oak Forest, it can help you enjoy long-term oral health benefits.

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a form of dental treatment that focuses on repairing and restoring damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. It can also improve the appearance of your smile by correcting imperfections such as crooked teeth, discolored teeth, and poorly-sized restorations.

Through this dentistry, a qualified dentist in Oak Forest can help you enjoy long-term oral health benefits, including improved function and aesthetics.

Benefits:

This type of dentistry offers many benefits for your oral health. It can prevent further damage or decay to existing teeth by restoring the damaged parts with restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, or implants.

This dental treatment can also replace missing teeth with restorations such as dental implants and dentures to maintain the integrity of your mouth. Additionally, it can prevent issues such as TMJ disorder by restoring the natural form and function of your bite.

1. Protection Against Further Damage:

Restorative dentistry can help to protect your existing teeth from further damage or decay. Fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants can be used to repair any existing damage on the surface of a tooth. This can help prevent the need for more extensive restorations or even extraction in the future. Additionally, this dental treatment can be used to protect weakened teeth from further damage.

2. Improved Aesthetics:

Restorative dentistry can also help to improve the appearance of your smile by correcting imperfections such as discolored teeth, crooked teeth, and misshapen restorations. Restoring damaged or missing teeth with restorations such as crowns and veneers, can improve the overall look of your smile.

3. Improved Function:

Restorative dentistry can also help to restore the form and function of your bite. The restorations used in this dentistry are designed to fit comfortably within your mouth, allowing for a more natural chewing and speaking experience. Additionally, this dental treatment can be used to prevent TMJ disorder by restoring the form and function of your bite.

Conclusion:

Restorative dentistry is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It can help to repair existing damage or decay on teeth, replace missing teeth with restorations such as implants and dentures, improve the appearance of your smile, and restore the form and function of your bite. With restorative dentistry, a qualified dentist in Oak Forest can help you enjoy long-term oral health benefits.

FAQs:

Q: What is restorative dentistry?

A: It is a form of dental treatment that focuses on repairing and restoring damaged, decayed, or missing teeth.

Q: How can restorative dentistry improve my smile?

A: It can help to improve the appearance of your smile by correcting imperfections such as discolored teeth, crooked teeth, and misshapen restorations. By restoring damaged or missing teeth with restorations such as crowns and veneers, this dental treatment can improve the overall look of your smile.

What Exactly Does A Dental Cleaning Entail?

Have you ever been to the dentist for a dental cleaning and wondered what exactly they are doing? You’re not alone. Each time we visit our local dentists, a comprehensive set of procedures occurs during a dental cleaning. From scraping plaque from your teeth with some specialized tools to polishing them up until they sparkle like never before – it may all feel like something of an enigma! In this blog post, we’ll be breaking down in detail everything that goes into a professional dental hygiene appointment so that you can go in well-informed about how your dentist cleans and maintains your oral health.

Know The Steps Involved In Professional Teeth Cleaning

The section below provides the steps performed during a professional teeth-cleaning session. 

1. A physical examination

A dental hygienist is usually responsible for performing teeth cleaning sessions. They will start with a physical examination of your entire mouth before the actual process begins.

The dental hygienist uses a small mirror to check around your gums and teeth for any potential signs of gingivitis or other dental issues. If any major problem is detected, they might choose to call the dentist and make sure that it is okay to proceed.

2. Removal of plaque and tartar

The dental hygienist uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth and around your gum line while using a small mirror for guidance. There will be some scraping, but that’s common. The time required for scraping a particular spot is directly dependent on the amount of tartar present in your mouth. 

Flossing and brushing can help stop the plaque from building and also prevent it from hardening into tartar. Once the tartar is formed, it can only be removed at the dental office. 

3. Gritty toothpaste cleaning

Once your teeth are completely free of tartar, the hygienist will brush them with a high-powered electric toothbrush, which makes a grinding noise. Although it may sound scary, it’s a great technique to deep clean and get rid of any tartar that the scaler left behind.

Professional cleaning sessions use a toothpaste that smells and tastes like your everyday toothpaste, though you can often choose between various flavors. However, because of its grittier texture, it softly scrubs your teeth. This process of polishing the teeth is considered to be safe if done twice a year under the supervision of a dental professional. But be very careful not to do this at home, as you can end up wearing down the enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth).

4. Expert flossing

Whether you floss at home regularly or not, nothing compares to a professional flossing session. Nothing compares to a professional flossing session, whether you floss at home frequently or not. Your dental hygienist can reach the spaces in between your teeth and find any potential trouble spots where your gums can bleed.

This might make flossing at home seem pointless. But, having a professional dental hygienist floss your teeth also removes any leftover plaque or toothpaste from earlier stages in the cleaning process.

5. Rinsing

Your dental hygienist will then give you a rinse containing liquid fluoride to eliminate any debris in your mouth. 

6. Applying Flouride Treatment

Flouride treatment is the last step of the teeth-cleaning process. This acts as a protectant for your teeth to fight against cavities for several months to come. At first, the dentist might ask you about your flavor preference. They will then place the foamy gel into a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. It is usually left on your teeth for one minute. Besides the foamy gel, fluoride varnish is also applied to the teeth with a small brush. The fluoride varnish hardens while coming in contact with the saliva, allowing you to drink and eat immediately after. 

We hope you have now understood the major steps involved in professional teeth cleaning sessions. Following a proper oral hygiene routine at home is essential. But, it may not be enough to avoid critical dental problems. Visit a dental office near you after every six months to take proper care of your dental health. Book an appointment with Advanced Solutions Family Dental if you want top-quality teeth cleaning treatment in Oak Forest, IL.

Is Veneer Teeth Worth It?

Dental veneers’ primary purpose is to improve your smile’s appearance. It brightens your stained teeth, and you get your confidence back. It is an excellent choice for people who want natural teeth but want to correct them. In such situations, veneer teeth are the best option for you. But have you thought if they are worth it? Let’s explore for having dental veneers is worth it. 

How Long Do Veneer Teeth Last? 

Generally, dental veneers tend to perceive long-lasting effects. They are most likely to last for over 8-10 years. In some rare cases, on average, veneers last for over 10-15 years. Cause, let’s be honest, if you don’t take care of your oral health, none of the dental procedures will last for a longer time. However, it would help if you took care of your oral health, which is an indispensable part of your routine. 

Pros And Cons Of Dental Veneers

Pros 

  • Veneers are capable of covering chipped, cracked, and discolored teeth. 
  • They require minimal enamel removal. 
  • Dental veneers can enhance your smile and get a natural look.
  • Veneers are low-maintenance and do not require a strict oral health regime. 

Cons 

  • You might feel sensitivity around your veneers when you have hot or cold food. 
  • If you have composite veneers, they will stain. 

How Do Dental Veneers Work? 

Often referred to as porcelain veneers are custom-made shells. These shells are tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, thereby improving your appearance. The shells are then bonded with the front teeth changing their color, shape, and size. 

Are Veneer Teeth Worth It? 

Dental veneers are regarded as effective ways of improving smiles. If you have crooked or chipped teeth, you are a perfect candidate for veneers. The presence of porcelain veneers gives you a natural look and does not stain even if you have coffee or soda. Furthermore, veneers are long-lasting with a greater timespan, so you don’t need to visit your dentist frequently. However, in some cases, you might feel sensitivity in your teeth with hot and cold food, which is somewhat negligible. Thus, veneers are worth it, especially if you want a painless procedure to reform your smile. 

Things To Consider Before Getting Veneers 

Before getting your set of dental veneers, here are some things you should consider before getting them: 

  • Veneers are non-removable after application. 
  • Although porcelain veneers are a good option for a natural look, it only happens sometimes. Choosing a white color that matches your tooth color is crucial. 
  • A contradictory factor about veneers is that they are only for some. If one suffers from oral infection and tooth decay, they are not eligible for veneers. In that case, they need a tooth extraction or a dental crown. 
  • Once you get dental veneers, you will realize they are like natural teeth. So just like natural teeth, they can chip and crack, so you have to be very careful with your biting patterns. 
  • If you thought veneers were always permanent, then it’s not entirely true. It’s because temporary veneers are also available, which can be used for one or two weeks. 

Conclusion 

Dental veneers are an excellent choice for people who want to keep their natural teeth. With the proper veneers, you will be able to correct your teeth, which will enhance your smile naturally. If you have tooth staining and a chipped tooth, consult your dentist for an appointment. Don’t let those stains stop you from smiling.

Why Are Dental Implants So Popular?

Dental implants are an excellent way for people who want to improve their smile. But it has more benefits than just making things look better. There are times when dental implants can make your life better. These dental tools can also help you in other ways.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacement teeth made of metal or ceramic put into the jawbone. Titanium cylinders are surgically placed below the gums to hold the replacement teeth in place and act as mounts.

The procedure must be done by a licensed dentist and with the right dental tools. By doing this, you reduce health risks and keep yourself safe.

Why are dental implants so popular? 

1.  It looks natural and fits well.

It gives patients the confidence to smile, eat, and do social things without worrying about their appearance or if their dentures will fall out.

2. Reliable and lasts a long time.

With the proper care and maintenance, implants can last as long as regular tooth fillings, and the results are always the same.

3. A high rate of success.

Implants are most likely to work for people who are in good health. When they are well planned and cared for, dental implants usually last as long as or longer than other ways to replace teeth. And as technology and techniques for implants get better, so should the rate at which they work.

4. Better ability to chew and eat

Like natural teeth, implants are fixed to your jawbone. Over time, they will help keep the jaw bone healthy and stop much bone loss. When you get implants to replace missing teeth, you can chew your food better and speak more clearly.

5. Changes to the face and bones

When you get a traditional bridge, you must cut the teeth next to it. With implants, you don’t have to do that. They will also keep the bone healthy and stop the breakdown and loss of bone that causes the jawbone to get shorter. Dental implants also help restore the structure of your jawbone because they lighten the load on your remaining oral systems and teeth, protect natural tooth tissue, and slow down bone resorption and deterioration, which can cause your jawbone to lose height.

What are the health benefits?

There are several positive outcomes associated. 

1. Dental implants function just like natural teeth.

The implant tooth looks like a natural tooth to most patients. They can use it generally for eating, brushing, and flossing. An implant’s primary benefit is the return of complete chewing function.

2. It lasts a lifetime.

A dental implant can last a lifetime, but a dental bridge may last for ten years. The titanium implant fuses with the patient’s jaw. It’s bio-compatible, meaning it’s safe and won’t cause adverse reactions. Overall, it’s an effective artificial tooth.

3. Dental Implants prevent bone loss.

The jaw bone around a missing tooth gradually deteriorates because it isn’t being stimulated. If an implant is not timely set during the first year after losing a tooth, the surrounding bone tissue will atrophy by 25%.

Dentures can hasten bone loss because they frequently become loose and grind on the bony ridge, eroding it slowly but surely. When an implant is used to replace a missing tooth, the replacement of both the root and the tooth takes place, and then it helps restore regular chewing function.

4. Dental implants keep nearby teeth stable.

When a tooth is missing, the teeth around it may shift unevenly to fill the space. A person’s bite, chewing skills, and even appearance can all be negatively impacted by this. As a result of the interference it creates, future tooth replacement may be challenging. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is also susceptible to damage from a bad bite, which can cause further pain and even migraines.

5. Dental implants can help you stay free of gum disease.

Dental implants save you from gum disease. Gum disease is driven by the accumulation of bacteria and food in spaces created by missing teeth.

Summary 

Crowns, or prosthetic teeth, can be securely anchored into the mouth by dental implants. They are used as the prosthetic tooth’s root and placed into the jawbone. Dental Implants look natural and have survived for decades. Visit your nearby implant dentist in Oak Forest to understand in detail. 

What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are restorative dentistry used to replace decayed or damaged tooth structures. A decayed tooth will be empty inside. Dental fillings can be used to seal off the cavity and restore the tooth’s original shape and function. Reach out to Oak Forest dentist to get proper dental filling treatment. Below are given five kinds of dental fillings: 

Five Types Of Dental Fillings

After removing a cavity, it is often filled with one of five different types of materials. You may not always be able to select the filling that best suits your needs, but knowing the options and their respective benefits and drawbacks is still helpful. 

1. Amalgam Silver Fillings

Silver amalgam is a combination of silver, tin, zinc, copper, and mercury; the total weight of the amalgam is double that of the individual metal components. This filling style has gained the most notoriety in recent years. Oak Forest Dentists often use it for fillings since it is robust, long-lasting, and inexpensive.

The average lifespan of a silver amalgam filling is 12 years. Silver amalgam is also simple for an Oak Forest dentist to insert into a cavity and poses no risk of infection from contact with the patient’s blood or saliva.

There are some drawbacks to using silver amalgam. It would be a bad idea on a front tooth because it is unattractive. It’s linked to tooth cracking due to expansion and contraction. Cavities can occur again if food and germs become trapped between the filling and the tooth.

2. Composite Filling

Composite fillings are constructed of resin and plastic, molded to fit the cavity, and solidified by exposure to blue “curing” light. The fact that it may be made to blend in with the color of the patient’s natural teeth makes it a desirable alternative to the more noticeable silver amalgam.

The lifespan of composite fillings is significantly less than that of other materials. Every five to ten years, they wear out and must be replaced.  Also, they cost more than a silver filling.

3. Ceramics Filling

As they are made of porcelain, they are long-lasting and lovely. Ceramic fillings are more expensive than other options, but they blend in with natural teeth and are less likely to discolor or wear down over time. Compared to composites, ceramic is more brittle; hence a more significant size is required to prevent breakage. 

4. Glass Ionomer

Fillings made of glass and acrylic are safe for youngsters because their teeth are still developing. They disperse fluoride, which helps prevent additional tooth decay.

They break or wear out after a few years since they are weaker than composite resin. The tooth color of composite resin can be more precisely matched than that of traditional glass ionomer.

5. Gold Filing

Gold fillings are expensive and uncommon. Dentists in Oak Forest who provide gold fillings are rare. They require multiple visits to the dentist’s office. A gold filling can last for 20+ years because it’s strong, noncorrosive, and durable.

Broken or damaged teeth and teeth that have worn down from habits like teeth grinding, nail-biting, etc., can be restored with dental fillings. Visit Advanced Solutions Family Dental in Oak Forest, Illinois, for thorough dental care, including filling replacement.

3 Ways To Get A Whiter Smile With The Cosmetic Dentist.

Your attractive teeth can become stained or discolored due to various reasons. Your diet, consumption of certain beverages such as soda, and smoking habits can cause discoloration of the teeth. In addition, factors such as aging, certain medications, etc. can also result in teeth getting stained or dull. Not having great teeth is likely to affect your self-confidence and self-esteem. People with stained or discolored teeth tend to avoid events or occasions due to social anxiety. They also tend to hide their smile so that no one can notice their not-so-good-looking teeth. Cosmetic dentistry, however, is a branch of dentistry solely focused on improving the aesthetics of your teeth with treatments such as teeth whitening. Here are the three most popular ways a cosmetic dentist in Oak Forest can help you achieve a whiter smile.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a standard cosmetic dentistry procedure in which a cosmetic dentist works toward removing stains and reversing tooth discoloration. The Oak Forest dentist usually uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for performing a procedure that may take more than an hour. If you want to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile a little bit, then teeth whitening is one of the safest and quickest procedures if performed by a cosmetic dentist in Oak Forest. The cosmetic dentist will finally show the improvements in the teeth shade so you can determine how far your teeth have been whitened.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that resemble your natural tooth enamel. It is best for people who have chipped teeth, spacing issues in the teeth, alignment issues in the teeth, and also discoloration in the teeth. However, multiple visits to the dental office may be required for those who prefer veneers. 

A dentist in Oak Forest may have to perform procedures such as sizing and placement of the teeth. A follow-up visit is also required after placing the dental veneers. Since dental veneers resemble a natural tooth, it is best for those with permanently damaged teeth who are not eligible for teeth whitening treatment. 

Dental Bonding

In dental bonding, the dentist uses a bonding material made up of composite resin that is applied to match the rest of your teeth. Similar to porcelain veneers, the cosmetic dentist may prepare the tooth structures for the resin to stick better. It is then shaped and molded, which will be cured and solidified once the patient is satisfied with the whole process. Finally, the cosmetic dentist polishes the teeth to make them shine like your natural teeth. 

Not only do the above-mentioned cosmetic dentistry treatment methods improve the aesthetics of your smile, but they restore your overall oral health too. If you have stained, discolored, or chipped teeth, schedule an appointment with your nearest cosmetic dentist in Oak Forest

Root Canal Therapy: Everything You Need To Know

Many people feel upset when they hear of root canal treatment. Even though many people think it to be painful, it is a pain-relieving treatment that is much safer and more effective than you think. The main objective of root canal therapy is to remove infections from within the tooth so that further damage to the teeth can be prevented. This endodontic treatment may be necessitated by the dentist in Oak Forest when the pulp that nourishes the tooth and provides moisture to the surrounding tissue becomes exposed. The enamel of the teeth deteriorates due to tooth decay or infection.

Signs That Suggest You Are In Need Of A Root Canal

  • Swollen gums
  • Cracked tooth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Pain at the time of chewing
  • Trauma or injury to the mouth
  • Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold

Advantages of Root Canal Therapy

Owing to the many benefits, Oak Forest dentists recommend root canal therapy for producing the desired results in the patient. It preserves your natural teeth and reduces the requirement for undergoing dental treatment. If appropriately maintained, the teeth that have undergone root canal therapy could last a lifetime.

Some of the benefits, to name among a few, include:

  • It is less painful compared to tooth extraction. Oak Forest dentists may administer anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. 
  • It is not only a quick process but practical too. It can also prevent tooth extraction and follow-up visits that may be required for dentures, dental implants, etc.
  • A customized artificial dental crown will be placed to complete the root canal treatment. Thus not only aesthetics but the functionality of the teeth can also be restored with the help of root canal therapy. It also prevents teeth from shifting.

What To Expect During The Treatment?

During the consultation, the dentist in Oak Forest will perform a detailed oral examination with the help of X-rays. The first process includes cleaning the teeth by removing the diseased pulp tissue by making a small access hole on top of the teeth. 

Afterward, the canals will be cleaned, shaped, and disinfected using specialized tools. The canals will then be filled using antibacterial material before sealing the tooth. Finally, a dental crown will be placed on top of the root, eliminating the pain when biting or chewing. 

Aftercare is essential for preventing further infections. The endodontist may prescribe some medications and aftercare instructions, which you must follow as directed. Schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Oak Forest if you need root canal therapy