Essential Steps for Speedy Healing

• Gentle Brushing: Don’t skip your routine, but be extra careful near the extraction site for 24 hours. Avoid swishing, brush softly, and let fluids flow naturally.
• Soft Food Feast: Nourish yourself with easy-to-chew options like yogurt, pudding, and applesauce for the first day. Gradually expand your menu with mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and broth-based soups. Avoid chewy and sticky foods for 4-5 days to prevent clot disruption.
• Chew Wisely: Favor the opposite side of your mouth when chewing and ditch the straw for the first week. Suction can dislodge the clot and prolong recovery.
• Follow Doctor’s Orders: Religiously take prescribed pain medication and antibiotics. Regular checkups ensure proper healing and identify potential complications.

Why You Should Choose Palos Heights Family Dental for Your Tooth Extraction

• Experienced Professionals: Our team of skilled dentists and oral surgeons prioritizes your comfort and optimal results.
• Pain-Minimizing Techniques: We utilize state-of-the-art technology and gentle approaches to minimize discomfort during and after the procedure.
• Personalized Care: We understand every patient’s unique needs and tailor our post-extraction instructions for a smooth and speedy recovery.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Toothaches? Contact Us Today!

Schedule a consultation at 708-448-7588 and let our expert team guide you through a stress-free tooth extraction and a swift recovery. Remember, proper aftercare is key to a pain-free and successful outcome!

X-rays are commonly used by dentists to see beneath your gums and into your bones. However, x-rays use radiation to create their pictures which can cause anxiety in some people. Radiation can have potentially harmful effects and you can find lots of information online about the dangers of radiation. But are dental x-rays really dangerous? Join us at Palos Heights Family Dental as we dive into the information about x-rays and radiation.

How Safe Are Dental X-Rays?

In short, dental x-rays are considered to be very safe. When performed properly, dental x-rays give off extremely low levels of radiation. Additionally, over the years there have been many improvements to x-ray technology that continue to improve the safety of the procedure.

Just how little radiation do you get exposed to with dental x-rays? A set of 4 bitewing x-rays will expose you to 0.4mrem of radiation. Compare that to the amount of radiation you are exposed to from a variety of things you do in your daily life – drinking water exposes you to 5mrem per year and using natural gas for heating/cooking exposes you to 9mrem per year. You are even exposed to 35mrem of natural radiation from the soil every year.

We also take additional safety precautions to minimize your exposure to radiation during the x-ray. We will have you wear a lead apron to protect most of your body. We also have a leaded thyroid collar that protects the thyroid, which is more sensitive to radiation. If you are pregnant, please let your dentist know so they can take extra precautions or they may decide against taking x-rays at that time to protect you and your fetus.

What Are the Benefits of Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are very useful and help us diagnose a number of oral health problems that can cause patients pain and discomfort. Letting these issues go unchecked can cause far worse problems than the small amount of radiation received from the x-ray. The problems that we can identify include:

• Tooth decay occurring between the teeth
• Bone loss
• Tumors or other growths
• Changes in a root canal
• Infections between the teeth and gums

If these problems are not promptly addressed, they can lead to serious long-term issues for your oral health.

Overall, the benefits of having x-rays taken vastly outweigh the risks associated with being exposed to such a small amount of radiation. If you have more questions or concerns about dental x-rays, call our Palos Heights dental office at 708-448-7588 and we will be happy to give you more information.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are an effective and versatile treatment option used to address a variety of dental issues. They are used to cap a tooth with a large filling or that has had root canal therapy, or for cosmetic purposes. They can also be used to attach to dental implants to replace missing teeth, as the implants provide extra support in the jawbone. Dental crowns also provide additional support for dental bridges, and when cared for properly, can be just as healthy and strong as natural teeth. While there are many benefits to getting a dental crown, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros of Dental Crowns

1. Durability: Dental crowns are extremely durable and are designed to last for many years. They are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys, so they can be customized to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
2. Improved Appearance: Dental crowns can be used to improve the appearance of your smile. Crowns can be used to cover up discolored or misshapen teeth and can even be used to make your teeth appear straighter or more uniform in shape.
3. Increased Strength: Dental crowns can be used to reinforce a tooth that has been weakened due to decay or trauma. The crowns act as an extra barrier to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.

Cons of Dental Crowns

1. Cost: Dental crowns can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Depending on the type of crown you choose, the cost can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
2. Time: Getting a dental crown can be a lengthy process. It usually requires two or more visits to the dentist and can take up to two hours per visit. However, some dental offices are able to provide same-day crowns.
3. Sensitivity: After getting a dental crown, some people may experience sensitivity in the area where the crown was placed. This sensitivity can last for a few days or even weeks and can be uncomfortable.

Dental crowns can be a great option for restoring and strengthening damaged teeth, as well as improving their appearance. However, they can be costly and involve a significant time commitment, and some people may experience sensitivity following the procedure. Before making a decision, it is essential to take into account all the pros and cons of getting a dental crown in order to determine if it is the right choice for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or secure dentures and other large prostheses. Dental implants consist of an artificial root and a manufactured tooth that can be placed on it.

Why A Dental Implant?

There are several benefits that can make dental implants the best option for replacing missing teeth:

• Dental implants stabilize bone levels and can prevent bone loss
• Dental implants provide greater long-term support and functionality
• Dental implants stabilize dentures
• Dental implants provide an artificial root system, which keeps the remaining teeth in line
• Dental implants do NOT require alteration of adjacent teeth.

Are There Different Types of Dental Implants?

Yes. The most common type of dental implant are endosteal implants. Endosteal implants consist of a metal rod installed into the jawbone and a supporting post that secures either a dental crown or a dental bridge.

Another common type of dental implant are All-on-4 implants. These revolutionary systems consist of an entire top or bottom denture that is supported by just four implants. The implants are placed so that replacement teeth remain steady and secure. The advantage of the All-on-4 implants is that they help patients recover faster and reduce the chances of complications.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

First, our dentist will examine the area in your mouth where you’re considering a dental implant. Then, an oral surgeon will need to decide if there are any current teeth that need to be removed and which type of bone graft needs to be done. These procedures will take place first, followed by enough recovery time to heal to ensure an adequate and strong bone is present at the implant site. Then, the dental implant is placed into the bone and a healing cap is placed over the implant. You will need to follow up with regular check-ups after to insure proper healing and that there is no infection.

Are Dental Implants Right For Me?

If you have loose or missing teeth, or were born without a tooth, dental implants may be right for you. If you’re considering dental implants, give us a call at 708-448-7588 or visit our website at Palos Heights Family Dental in Palos Heights, IL.