Tag: Dentist in Berwyn

Symptoms You Can Experience After Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s important to know what to expect after any surgery to know what to expect and what to be concerned about.The following is a list of important things that might happen after surgery during your wisdom teeth recovery. If you have any questions about what symptoms you’re likely to have, how to prepare for post-operative symptoms, or what symptoms you’re experiencing now, don’t hesitate to contact Berwyn Dental Connection in Berwyn,IL for the best wisdom teeth removal treatment.

Symptoms Post Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. Bleeding

Bleeding is very common after you have your wisdom teeth removed. However, a blood clot must form quickly to start the healing process right away.You should bite down on a wet gauze pad to stop the bleeding if it gets too much. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 30 minutes, wet a tea bag with cold water and bite down for another half hour. This will help stop the bleeding.

Bleeding can be reduced by sitting upright, not exercising, and not moving near the extraction area. After surgery, a small amount of blood will come out on and off for a few days. But it would be best if you tried to stop this as much as possible.

2. Swelling

The mouth, cheeks, and eyes should swell up. It usually shows up the next day after surgery, and it usually peaks on the second or third day after the surgery.

You can cut down on swelling by first using ice. For the first 24 hours after you get home, put ice on the parts of your face that aren’t in the surgery area. Apply it for 20 minutes at a time and take it off for 10 minutes with something like a soft cloth in between. It’s best not to put the pack right on your face because the cold can hurt your skin.A day and a half after your surgery, you’ll want to start applying a warm, wet cloth to the swollen parts.

3. Pain

The pain will start the same day as your surgery (as soon as the anesthetic begins to subside). The severity and how long it lasts will depend on the person. Take your pain medicine as it has been told you to.

4. Sore throat and trouble swallowing

After some time at home, you may start to feel pain when you swallow and have a sore throat. A lot of people do this. However, it’s not typical to have difficulty breathing.

5. Stiff jaw or a hard time opening your jaw

A stiff jaw is normal when you have surgery on your wisdom teeth. This symptom will also make it hard to open your mouth wide. Warm, moist heat can help loosen your muscles a little, but this symptom will go away over time.

6. Discoloration

You may see your skin turn a different color outside the extraction site. In this area, your skin color may change between two and three days after surgery. Don’t be alarmed.

7. Fever

Please call our office if you have a slight fever the day after surgery. It’s sometimes good to take over-the-counter medicine, but you should check with us first.

8. Lightheadedness

A few days following surgery, take it easy.After all, you did have surgery. As you’ll be lying down a lot while you’re healing, you’ll want to be extra careful when you get up and move around. Moving too quickly can make you feel dizzy.

In the beginning of your recovery, you may have light headedness because you’re taking medication or eating less food.

9. Numbness

Temporary numbness of your lips, chin, or tongue isn’t always bad. Make sure you don’t bite your lip or tongue if you can’t feel them.

10. Nausea

If you have nausea or vomiting after the procedure, don’t eat, drink, or take any medicine for at least an hour. After this, have tea or a soda, like ginger ale. After nausea has gone away, you can take your prescribed medicine.

11. Sutures

Often, stitches are used to help the places where you had your teeth pulled heal faster—the ones we use to break down on their own. The speed at which they do so depends on the person. It can be a few days to a little over a week. If they fall apart before they can dissolve, don’t be afraid. Remove the suture from your mouth and throw it away.

12. Drenched lips

Many people have dry, cracked lips because their mouths are full of gauze. Take care of your lips by using lip balm.

13. Dry Socket

Remember how we talked about how important blood clots are in the healing process? This is the same thing. It happens when a blood clot is broken up or dissolves, exposing the bone and nerves below. There is a good chance it will happen two to three days after the surgery. You’ll know you have one because you’ll have a lot of pain near the surgical site that your pain medicine doesn’t help with. Even your ear may hurt.

The good news is that only about 2 to 5 percent of people have this happen to them. The even better news is that it can be fixed. 

14. Holes where your teeth were

Soon, you’ll see a hole where each tooth was removed. The next month or two will see this area grow new tissue. Take care of this area and know that it will grow over time.

Contact our Berwyn Dentist if you are having post wisdom teeth removal complications.

 

What Are The Different Kinds of Orthognathic Surgeries?

Everyone wants to seem appealing and to have a beautiful smile. But how many of us truly have it? Many people dislike showing their teeth when they are smiling. Some individuals have gorgeous smiles, but their gums may be exposed, which does not look so attractive. These issues make people lose their natural confidence. 

Fortunately, there are numerous jaw reconstructive surgeries or orthognathic surgeries that are capable of solving elemental problems of teeth alignment and structural deformities of the face and the jaw. But what is orthognathic surgery? Orthognathic surgery refers to several types of corrective jaw surgery operations. This type of oral surgery can treat the issues of upper and lower jaws as needed by the patient. 

Right Candidates For Orthognathic Surgical Procedures

Some long-term jaw irregularities can result in difficulty in talking, eating, sleeping, and other oral health difficulties. There are also other kinds of abnormalities of congenital defects of the jaw that can be corrected with the help of orthognathic surgical procedures. Here are some factors that can make you a potential candidate for this treatment:

  • If you are suffering from teeth grinding disorder or bruxism.
  • Problems with normal speech.
  • Experiencing headaches and jaw pain caused by TMJ disorders.
  • Issues related to sleep apnea.
  • Having troubles with chewing.
  • Poor facial appearance due to misaligned jaws. 

People who are experiencing any of the concerns listed above are the greatest candidates for this type of face surgery. These patients should be in good overall condition and have reasonable expectations regarding the procedure and what it can accomplish. It is also crucial that patients follow the care recommendations of their dental surgeons to the letter to minimize the risk of problems and harmful side effects after surgery.

Various Types of Orthognathic Surgeries

There are 4 types of corrective jaw surgeries. These surgical treatments depend on which part of your jaw needs correcting:

Genioplasty: Genioplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to correct issues of the chin. A weak chin is sometimes associated with a greatly receding lower jaw. Oftentimes, surgeons can reconstruct the chin as well as change the jaw during the same procedure.

Maxillary Osteotomy: Maxillary Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that removes the maxillary bone or the upper jaw. This procedure is used to treat a crossbite, or when there are too many or too few teeth visible. It can also be used to close an open bite.

Mandibular Osteotomy: This surgery is used to repair a drastically receding lower jaw. Depending on the optimal correction and bite alignment, the surgeon pushes the jawbone forwards or backward.

Bimaxillary Osteotomy: Bimaxillary osteotomy is a procedure that involves the correction of both your upper and lower jaws. This procedure is used when a problem affects both jawbones.

 Finally, we hope our blog has helped to enlighten you about the various orthognathic surgeries and their purposes. If you need the best orthognathic treatments in Berwyn, IL, then please visit us at Berwyn Dental Connection. We pride ourselves on our exceptional services. 

Why Should You Choose Composite Fillings?

What Is A Composite Filling?

Most individuals like to have bright, white teeth when it comes to a beautiful smile. It’s no different when a cavity appears and needs a filling. While silver fillings have been used in dentistry for over a hundred years, the invention of composite fillings allows doctors to cure cavities while maintaining the tooth’s natural look. Nowadays, the use of dental fillings like composite fillings has become very popular all over the world. 

Composite fillings are plastic formulations that are clinically exploited to rebuild or repair sections of deformed or impacted teeth in many methods. They are most commonly used to treat dental cavities and tooth decay. This treatment is frequently performed on youngsters who consume large quantities of sweets.

Ideal Candidates For This Treatment Option

Several solutions may be a suitable fit for your dental needs, which vary depending on several factors. However, when it comes to dental health, the dental solutions prescribed by dentists can vary from person to person. The criteria that can make you an ideal candidate are:

  • If you have a small to a greater region of tooth decay that has to be filled.
  • If you have other symptoms of tooth decay like toothache and tooth sensitivity.
  • The presence of white or brown spots on your teeth.
  • If you have damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth.

 Reasons For Choosing Composite Filling

Many patients are discovering these tooth-colored dental fillings are the perfect option for mending cavities or making small aesthetic enhancements to their teeth. These days, most patients are frequently requesting that their amalgam fillings be replaced with this composite resin replacement. There are also other more valid reasons for choosing composite dental fillings:

  • Less Invasive Option: Since the tooth-colored composite material adheres directly to your tooth structure, only the damaged enamel needs to be removed before the filling can be placed. It is a less invasive treatment option compared to silver dental fillings.
  • No Harmful Metals Inside Your Mouth: The majority of individuals are concerned about metal in their dental fillings as they do not want to suffer from mercury poisoning. Dental fillings like amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury, which makes composite fillings a safer choice for most patients.
  • Promotes Healthy Tooth Structure: Unlike amalgam fillings, composite resins are extremely versatile and adhere directly to the surface of your tooth. This would help you retain your tooth structure because this procedure requires less drilling.
  • This Kind of Dental Filling Easily Blends In: Composite fillings will give you the appearance of a natural, healthy tooth. The materials used in this type of filling easily blend in with natural teeth and are virtually invisible. It also plays a huge role in restoring and repairing your teeth.

 

Finally, we hope that our blog has helped you to understand the reasons for choosing composite fillings. If you need the best restorative dental services in Berwyn, IL, then please visit us at Berwyn Dental Connection. Our team of dentists provides a comprehensive range of dental care for all your dental issues.

What Are Some Homemade Remedies For Dental Erosion?

Dental Erosion and Its Signs 

Dental erosion can be defined as a process that causes significant loss of enamel of your teeth. Many factors can be behind this harmful procedure. The people whose enamel is damaged due to this process often complain about feeling pain while eating hot or cold food or drinks. But how will you know whether your enamel is eroded? There are certain signs of dental or enamel erosion:

  • Firstly, the early signs of dental erosion will give your teeth a rounded look.
  • Secondly, there will be stabbing pain in your teeth as they will become sensitive to variations in the temperature.
  • Thirdly, there will be changes in the appearance of your teeth. Your front teeth will start to look transparent.
  • Fourthly, there will be discoloration in your teeth due to the loss of the out layer of your enamel.

How Is It Caused? 

Many causes can bring about the process of tooth erosion. The bad habit of having large amounts of acidic food and drink without brushing your teeth properly increases your chances of suffering from this condition. Additionally, there are other causes of dental erosion:

  • Consuming a lot of starchy foods like loaves of bread.
  • Eating a lot of citrus fruits like oranges and having fruit juices that contain high amounts of citric acid.
  • Having a lot of soda and soft drinks
  • Involuntary grinding of teeth at night
  • Problems in saliva content inside your mouth.
  • Regular use of medications like aspirin and antihistamines.
  • Having eating disorders like Bulimia causes digestive problems. It results in the exposure of your teeth to stomach acid. 

Homemade Remedies for Dental Erosion

Thankfully, dental erosion can be prevented by ensuring that your teeth are not being exposed to acids daily. Some homemade remedies can also help you in dealing with dental erosion:

  • Eat wholesome and nutritious foods that contain mild to moderate levels of acid.
  • Try to eat fruits at mealtimes rather than between your meals.
  • Avoid chewable vitamin C tablets that have large amounts of acid.
  • Drink only fluoridated water instead of soda.
  • Rinse your mouth with sodium bicarbonate which is diluted with water.
  • Consume a lot of dairy products.
  • Make a habit of using a brush with soft bristles.
  • Use only fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Ask your dentist to give you a dental splint if you grind your teeth at night.

If dental or enamel erosion is left untreated, it can lead to substantial loss of the tooth or teeth surface. An experienced dentist can provide long-term solutions if you are suffering from this condition.

We hope that our blog has helped you to gain a clear understanding of homemade remedies that can be used for treating dental erosion. If you are looking for the best dentist in Berwyn, IL, then please visit us at Berwyn Dental Connection. Our team of dental professionals provides the best preventive dental care for their patients.

What Are The Benefits Of Apicoectomy?

Most people have heard about popular endodontic surgeries. Root canals and bone grafting have become fairly common nowadays. However, the procedure named Apicoectomy is an uncommon treatment that is performed by expert dental surgeons. For many patients, the root canal fails to remove the infection in the pulp of their teeth. This is when the dentist considers performing this procedure. It does not mean that anybody can be a candidate for this procedure. As this is an invasive and complicated treatment, a patient has to go through various formalities with his or her dentist.

There are also other alternatives to this treatment. It is up to your dentist to decide the best possible solution for your dental condition. 

The Benefits of Apicoectomy

Now let us try to understand what Apicoectomy is and why it is done. A root-end surgery, which is also known as Apicoectomy, is a surgical procedure where the tip of the infected root of a tooth, is taken out and discarded. The cavity in the root end is then filled with biocompatible materials. Occasionally, a blocked or twisted canal may hinder the removal of the diseased root during the root canal treatment. This may render the treatment to be unsuccessful and an additional procedure is needed which is called an Apicoectomy. The second step of this procedure is the filling and sealing of the root canal, which is known as a Retrofilling Procedure. 

Yes, this procedure is not so complex like it sounds. However, if the patient refuses to undergo this treatment, then his or her discomfort will continue. It will get more infected and may develop into a serious and dangerous condition which may consist of infected abscesses in the gums and bones. It may lead to the loss of adjacent teeth and bones. However, there may be other alternatives to this procedure which include tooth extraction and dental implants with a fixed bridge. 

Generally, a root canal treatment has a very impressive success rate. However, there are certain factors that may result in the failure of this treatment. As a result, your dentist or endodontist may need to perform this surgery. Dentists usually perform this procedure with the help of a local anesthetic. They may also use dental sedation for certain patients who have dental anxiety. The perfect execution of this procedure requires a very qualified and skilled endodontist. This treatment is very beneficial for the patient. Let us take a look at the benefits of Apicoectomy:

  • The Prevention of serious issues related to oral health
  • Easing the pain of the root-end infection
  • Stopping the progress of the infection
  • It also plays a huge role in saving the tooth. 

We hope our blog has helped you in understanding what an apicoectomy is and how it is beneficial to your overall oral health. If you are looking for the best endodontic treatment in Berwyn, IL, then please visit our Berwyn dentist at Berwyn Dental Connection. Our team of experts provides cutting-edge treatment for all oral conditions.

Dentist Near Me | Coffee and Your Teeth

Coffee is well-known as hazardous to teeth, but there are things you can do besides cut it out completely. Here are some things to know about coffee’s effects on your oral health and diet, as well as how to mitigate them.

Contrary to popular belief, the pigments that give coffee its color can stain your teeth regardless of whether you take your coffee black or with cream. These pigments embed themselves in microscopic crevices and pits in your tooth enamel and are difficult to remove. To counteract this, don’t give the pigments time to set. When drinking coffee, drink quickly instead of sipping over a long period. Enjoy, then rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid. In addition, following your recommended schedule of dental cleanings can help prevent stains. Whitening can improve the color of your teeth if mild staining has started. Ask our doctor how best to keep your smile bright.

Coffee can have minor benefits for your nutrition, but there are also things to beware. Drinks that are high in dairy fat or sugar can add substantial calories, as well as contributing to the chance of tooth decay. Try making your own coffee at home, where you can control the ingredients used. Minimize your use of creamer and sugar, or try using non-fat or sugar-free substitutes.

Coffee can still be a healthy party of your life if you take some care to protect your teeth. For more tips or to schedule a professional cleaning, contact our office.

Dentist in Berwyn | Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

Dentist in Berwyn IL

Most serious oral health issues can be prevented by maintaining an effective routine of dental hygiene and in-office care. However, you could be at higher risk for some oral illnesses due to hereditary factors. Awareness and proper treatment can help minimize these risks. Here are a few of the most common oral health concerns that are affected by genetics.

Tooth decay – One of the most common oral issues, some tooth decay has been linked to a genetic deficiency of a protein called DEFB1. If your parents experienced an unusually high rate of tooth decay, then you may want to be more vigilant regarding your own dental care.

Oral cancer – Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Our doctor recommends annual oral cancer screening for early identification and treatment. In addition, certain lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Periodontal disease – Recent research has found that some forms of gum disease may be linked to mutations in genes that affect immunity and inflammatory response.

Misaligned or supernumerary (extra) teeth – Genetics can play a role in having misaligned or even extra teeth. The size of your jaw is determined mostly through heredity, and is the most common reason for an overbite, underbite, or dental crowding.

Canker sores – In most cases, canker sores are an isolated reaction to fatigue, stress, or menstrual cycles. However, there are certain inherited diseases that count canker sores among their symptoms. Crohn’s disease and Celiac sprue are two such conditions.

While you may not be able to avoid hereditary oral health issues entirely, we can help minimize or even reverse their effects with proper treatment and care. If you suffer from any of these inherited conditions, contact our office for an oral health evaluation. We can help.

Berwyn IL Dentyist | 3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Berwyn IL Dentyist | 3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Chipping a tooth could be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fix a chipped tooth. We will recommend a solution based on your particular needs. Here are three options we may provide you:

1.      Dental Bonding

Bonding is a quick and easy solution for most small, cosmetic chips. In the bonding process, the remaining enamel on the tooth is first roughened in order for composite to better adhere to the tooth’s surface. Composite is then shaped to replace the chip and hardened with a dental curing light, instantly solidifying the material. Typically, bonding can last up to ten years with proper care.

2.     Porcelain Veneers

If the tooth was fully cracked or there was significant damage to the tooth, veneers may be recommended. Also, if you have chipped a tooth several times or wish to repair the tooth’s color, getting veneers may be the best option.

A veneer uses porcelain material that covers the front surface of your teeth, giving them a natural look while also providing strength comparable to natural tooth enamel. In order to apply a veneer, a small amount of existing tooth structure is removed to make room around the affected area. Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to use in making the permanent veneer and place a temporary veneer.

Once the permanent, porcelain veneer arrives, the temporary veneer is removed and the area around the tooth is cleaned. We will then place the adhesive and set in the new veneer for exact fit. Finally, the veneer is light cured and you will have a natural, beautiful smile.

3.     Dental Crowns.

Dental crowns are a “cap” that covers your tooth. A crown restores a tooth back to its normal shape, size, and function. Crowns are best-suited when a large portion of the original tooth is missing, or when the tooth is significantly damaged, causing pain when chewing or drinking. They are an effective solution to repair the shape and look of your tooth quickly, preventing further damage from tooth decay or exposed nerves.

If you have a chipped tooth, contact us as soon as possible. We have a number of solutions to fix any oral health issues that arise from chipping or cracking a tooth. We will provide a customized plan for you based on your needs.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Don’t Miss Your Screening

Oral cancer does not discriminate. It affects those of all ages, genders and races. Smokers do develop oral cancers at higher rates than non-smokers. However, this does not absolve the rest of the population from being at risk, as well.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Don't Miss Your Screening

It’s incredibly important to keep to your recommended schedule of oral health examinations. By visiting your general dentist at least twice per year, it is much more likely that our dental team will be able to identify potentially cancerous lesions in the early stages. As you may know, the key to the survival of most forms of cancer is early detection. Oral cancers are treatable, especially if caught before displaying obvious signs. The best results occur when oral cancer is identified and treated during early stages.

If your general dentist identifies a lesion that appears to be irregular, he or she may refer you to our team. We’ll recommend the next steps. Once pathology has been identified, we can proceed with treatment if necessary.

We will complete a biopsy to confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. It is not possible to confirm an oral cancer diagnosis without a biopsy. For this reason, try to refrain from making assumptions until we have confirmed your diagnosis. If it’s been more than 6 months since your last appointment or if you have noticed a lesion, bump or irregular patch of skin that doesn’t heal within a few days, consider an oral cancer screening by your general dentist. Know that your dentist will provide you with advice and may refer you to our team for a closer look.

If you have considered skipping the recommended dental visits that provide your first line of defense against oral cancers, please reconsider. It could save your life. Contact us today to schedule your next visit.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Preventing Enamel Erosion

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion. 

Berwyn IL Dentist | Preventing Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. 

What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion? 

There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transforms starches and sugars in foods such as bread into damaging acid.  

Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically  inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or not flossing properly. All of these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or chipped away, it cannot be replaced. 

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in check. 

How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented? 

In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production.  

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white bread with whole grains. Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. 

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth  grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full examination. If we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions.  

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team today.