Smile Glen EllynSmile Glen Ellyninfo@smileglenellyn.comSmile Glen Ellyn is a general and cosmetic dentistry who offers experienced dental care to the following areas: Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Carol Stream, IL.26 North Park BoulevardGlen Ellyn, IL 60137USA630-858-8800www.smileglenellyn.com
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Blog Archives - Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
Veneers are thin, shell-like layers that cover the teeth’ top or visible surface (the enamel). They consist of ceramic or porcelain materials, depending on which material you choose.
Veneers are cosmetic dental treatments that enhance the appearance of teeth. They can change not just the color of the teeth but also their shape, length, and size. They also closely match the color of the patient’s natural teeth.
What is the difference between porcelain and enamel veneers?
When you searched for “dental veneer near me,” you probably saw the words “resin” and “porcelain.” These two refer to two of the most common materials used to create dental veneers.
Composite veneers are made from the same materials used for bonding and filling teeth. The material has small particles of a hard material, making it soft and flexible. It allows the dentist to quickly sculpt and mold the material into any shape required.
These characteristics enable your dentist to fabricate custom composite veneers in their office. Your cosmetic dentist can place the veneer directly onto your teeth in one appointment.
Furthermore, most resin veneer treatments only require your tooth’s surface to be etched. It’s a technique that helps the shell bond and adhere better to teeth. With the composite resin veneer process, there is minimal tooth structure removal.
Porcelain veneers are similar to the resin kind in that they bond to the surface of your teeth. Porcelain veneers look much more like natural teeth than plastic ones because they reflect the light in the same manner. They’re more attractive than resin and often a better choice than resin.
According to studies, porcelain veneers are more long-lasting than composite resins. They’re durable, with most lasting for up to 20 years or even more. They can also resist stains better than resin.
However, these veneers require an indirect placement, taking longer than direct veneers. The entire porcelain veneer process usually takes at least two to three days. While you wait, you’ll put on temporary tooth covers to protect them.
What type of problems do veneers fix?
Veneers are usually enough for cracked, chipped, and broken teeth. They can also repair any rough spots caused by the wear of the enamel. If your entire tooth is worn down, you might want to consider getting dental crowns. Apart from physical damage, here are some other problems that veneers can help solve.
Stains and Discoloration
Professional teeth whitening can be an excellent way to remove stubborn tooth stains. If the discoloration is severe enough, you may want to consider going for dental veneers instead. These are covers, so they camouflage even the most unsightly teeth stains.
Misshapen Teeth
Some patients may have pointed teeth. Other times, these problematic teeth are misshapen or are smaller than the other teeth. This is known as microdontia, which affects around 1.5 to 2 percent of the population, and is often hereditary.
Veneers can quickly solve shape- or size-related tooth flaws. Your dentist can shape the temporary crowns to look just like the adjacent permanent teeth. This means that your teeth will be uniform both in shape, size, and alignment.
Diastemas
A diastema refers to a small gap between teeth. It often affects the upper or lower front tooth. They’re not a significant health concern, but they can cause unwanted shifting or movement of your teeth. Patients with spaces between their teeth run an increased risk of developing gum disease.
If the teeth move too much when chewing, they can be misaligned, leading to a bad bite. According to studies, some of these problems can raise a person’s risk for tooth decay. Veneers can fill in small gaps between teeth, as a dentist can reshape and resize teeth using the covers of veneer.
Are veneers right for you?
Your dentist will evaluate the state of your teeth and gums and discuss all available treatments. If you decide to go ahead, your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays so he can determine whether teeth need to have any preparation done before veneers are placed. The next step is to prepare your teeth for your specific procedure. This will ensure they look and feel right after the process is completed.
During your consultation, our team will discuss your preferences for the shapes, lengths, widths, and colors of the veneers and the changes in the appearance of your teeth that you’d like to achieve. You help ensure that your treatment meets your expectations. Your dentist must understand your objectives during your veneer consultation.
For more information about veneers or a free consultation, contact us today.
A knocked-out tooth is more common than most people realize. It often occurs to kids and active adults and especially those who play contact sports. If a tooth is chipped, you can gather up the pieces and take them to your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist to get the tooth repaired. But what are you supposed to do if a whole tooth gets knocked out?
What to do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
Here are a few tips from Dr. Gibbs on what to do if you or a child has a tooth knocked out.
If it was a child who lost the tooth, check to see if it is an adult tooth (a permanent tooth) or a baby tooth. Baby teeth are not re-implanted.
Do not touch the root of the tooth. The root has fibers called periodontal ligaments. These are needed for the tooth to heal properly once it is reimplanted. Only handle the tooth by the surface or top area.
If you can tell that the tooth is dirty, carefully, and briefly rinse it with tap water. Don’t rub or scrub the tooth.
If at all possible, go ahead and place the tooth back in its socket and call your Smile Glen Ellyn dentist.
If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket for any reason, take the tooth and go immediately to the dentist’s office or the emergency room. While you are en route to the emergency dentist or the ER, place the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gum. Or put it in a small container of milk to keep the root moist.
Why Timely Action is Important
Time is extremely important when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth. If it can be placed back in the socket within five minutes, it has a better chance of being saved. If you store the tooth properly there is still a good survival rate up to an hour. However, once the tooth is out of the socket over an hour the chances of its survival decrease significantly.
What the Dentist can do with a Knocked Out Tooth
Once you get to Dr. Gibbs’ office, he will try to re-implant the tooth in its socket. Then, it is splinted to the adjacent teeth for at least two weeks to give it time to heal. Sometimes, putting the tooth back in the socket is a simple process. Other times, it is complicated, such as if a bone or the tooth are broken. Dr. Gibbs will rinse the debris from the socket and then attempt to gently slip the tooth back in place.
If needed, a root canal will be performed. This may give the tooth a better chance of surviving. If the bone near the tooth wasn’t fractured, the root usually reattaches firmly in three or four weeks. Of course, if there is more significant physical damage to the area, it can take longer for it to heal.
Why Protect Your Teeth with a Mouthguard?
Do you have a mouthguard in your gym bag? You may not have thought about it before. But getting injured while playing sports or working out is real. Wearing a mouthguard during any kind of workout such as cycling, CrossFit, or running can help protect your teeth. And it’s certainly a must for any kind of sport where you may come into contact with other people. Why should you wear a mouthguard?
Knocking out a permanent tooth can be expensive to fix, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover sports-related injuries.
It’s easy to get a tooth knocked out while exercising, especially if you are participating in contact sports like kickboxing, martial arts, or boxing. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from accidentally being knocked out by a sparring partner.
If you break an adult tooth, it’s permanent. They do not grow back. There are restorative treatments that can help improve their appearance, but it’s not the same as having your natural teeth.
How does a mouthguard protect your teeth during exercise?
If you fall or get punched in the head, your teeth can tap each other. They can crack, become loosened, or get knocked out during rigorous activities. A mouthguard absorbs the force of the fall or other contact and protects the teeth from chipping, breaking, or getting knocked out. Mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth from impact. Any type of mouthguard (ready-made, custom-formed, or boil-and-bite) can add a much-needed layer of protection for your teeth while playing sports or participating in rigorous activities.
Contact Us
If you knock a tooth out or have another dental emergency and it’s not during our regular office hours, please call us! We can help you get the care you need. A Glen Ellyn dentist can also recommend a mouthguard to help you prevent tooth injuries. He can make a custom-made mouthguard for you to wear during activities or sports. Or he can recommend a style that will be suitable for your activity level and provide your teeth with the protection they need.
For those who have a highly diseased tooth, root canal treatment is an effective way to save it. The common dental procedure removes infected pulp from the inside of the root of the affected tooth. The canal is cleaned, filled, and sealed to prevent infection or damage. The tooth is often restored after the root canal treatment so that it can return to full function and normal appearance. If Dr. Gibbs has recommended a root canal, you may have a few questions.
What is Dental Pulp?
Dental pulp is found in a tooth’s pulp chamber. Pulp is found just under the dentin layer beneath the enamel. The shape of a tooth’s pulp chamber determines the size of a tooth. Pulp is a soft substance composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp extends out into the root canal of the tooth.
Why does pulp need to be removed?
There can be several reasons why the pulp of a tooth needs to be removed during root canal treatment. When the pulp becomes damaged, it can begin to decay and deteriorate. Over time, this can cause infection and other complications. To restore the tooth’s health, your Glen Ellyn dentist will need to drill out and remove all the pulp in the tooth.
What Damages a Tooth’s Pulp in the First Place?
Pulp can become inflamed, irritated, or infected because of deep decay, large fillings, trauma to the face, cracked or chipped tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the tooth. When the pulp becomes damaged, it can cause a lot of pain. If left untreated, it can worsen and affect the whole tooth or other surrounding teeth. Early root canal treatment can relieve pain, prevent further damage, and save the natural tooth.
What are the signs a root canal is needed?
Sometimes, the signs that indicate you need a root canal are obvious. You may suffer from a severe toothache, or notice a cavity. Other times, it takes the experienced eye of a Glen Ellyn, IL dentist to determine that root canal treatment is needed. Dr. Gibbs can often spot the sign of problems before it escalates. For most people, physical symptoms are not too bad until the problem becomes more advanced. Here are some of the signs you may need root canal therapy:
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Persistent Toothache
Long-term Sensitivity
Dark or Discolored Tooth
Swelling
Bump on the Gum
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure can require more than one visit to the dental office. Dr.Gibbs will remove the affected tissue or pulp from the tooth. Then, the inside of the tooth is cleaned. Once it is cleaned it will be filled with a dental composite and then sealed. If the tooth has a lot of decay, Dr. Gibbs may recommend a crown to strengthen it and prevent it from breaking.
Will a Root Canal Include the Use of Anesthesia?
Each individual has their own level of pain tolerance. For most root canals, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the tooth being treated. The area should continue to be numb for several hours after the procedure. For patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, other types of sedation dentistry may be offered. Minimal sedation to “take the edge off” may help some patients relax even though they will still be awake for the procedure. In some instances, an oral sedative is given prior to the procedure. Dr. Gibbs will discuss your need for anesthetics.
Root Canal Recovery
The tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days after a root canal treatment, especially if it was infected before the dental procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually enough to manage the discomfort. Most patients return to normal activities the day following the treatment. You may notice the tooth feeling a bit different from your other teeth for a few days. Contact Dr. Gibbs if you experience any of these symptoms:
Noticeable swelling inside the mouth
Hives or itching, or other signs of an allergic reaction to medication
Acute or severe pain
The return of symptoms that you had before the root canal
Root Canal Outlook
Root canals have a huge success record and with proper dental hygiene, they should provide results that last your lifetime. Dr. Gibbs places a crown on a tooth following the root canal treatment that will provide extra strength and durability for the tooth.
Root Canal Complications
Most of the time, there are no complications from root canal treatment. However, in rare cases, it is possible that they can occur. Here are four rare but possible root canal complications:
Infection. If bacteria enter the tooth during the procedure, an infection may occur. Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat the infection and in extremely rare cases, the tooth may need to be re-treated.
Broken Teeth. If the crown is not placed in a timely manner following a root canal, there is a chance that the tooth could break.
Fractured Root. In very rare cases, a root could have small pre-existing cracks that could cause a root to fracture during the procedure.
Numbness. If the material was to move outside the placement area, it could cause numbness and inflammation. It’s also possible that the nerve could get bumped, punctured, or bruised during the procedure, although this is not likely.
Contact Us
If you have any tooth that is bothering you, it’s important to make an appointment right away. Don’t hesitate to contact our offices to schedule an exam. You can also use our online contact form. We will take care of you!
Many people are scared to go to the dentist and the idea of undergoing a dental procedure terrifies them. Sedation dentistry is for people who deal with dental anxiety. There are different types of sedation available at your Smile Glen Ellyn dentist. Our professional care team can help you choose the one that is right for you.
What is sedation dentistry?
Dental sedation includes techniques to help calm patients before they have a dental procedure. It can also be used to help patients be more comfortable during long dental procedures. Some people get anxious about getting numbing shots in their gums. Sedation methods are used to help ease that anxiety. Some sedatives do not put you to sleep for the procedure, they just have a calming effect. You may not even remember the procedure once it is over, even though you were awake.
Who is a good candidate for sedation at the dentist?
There are a few reasons you may be a good candidate for sedation while at the dentist’s office. Here are six reasons it might be a good option for you.
Dental visits make you anxious or extremely nervous.
Past traumatic dental experiences.
You are undergoing extensive dental work.
Your teeth are extremely sensitive.
You have a hard time being still.
Your gag reflex is stronger than normal.
Common Types of Sedation
There are three main ways a dentist may sedate you to calm anxiety during dental procedures.
Nitrous Oxide. You may have heard this referred to as laughing gas. This method has a mild sedative effect. It helps you relax but does not put you to sleep. A mask is worn so you can easily breathe in the gas. It only takes a few seconds for the gas to begin working. The effects will wear off quickly as soon as the gas is removed. You will be able to drive yourself home afterward.
Oral Sedation. Some patients are given medication to be taken by mouth. Each person’s situation is different, and Dr. Gibbs will determine the appropriate dosage. You may be given one pill to take before going in for the dental procedure. Some patients are given one dose the night before and another dose the morning before the procedure. Even though you should remain awake during the procedure, you won’t remember much of it afterward. The medication can make you groggy for a few hours, but it should wear off within 24 hours. You will need someone to drive you home.
IV Sedation. During conscious sedation or IV sedation, you will remain conscious during procedures, but you’ll be totally relaxed. You won’t experience pain, and you will not remember the procedure afterward.
Can any dentist perform sedation?
Oral sedation and nitrous oxide can be given by most dentists. However, to administer IV sedation or general anesthesia, dentists have to complete a separate program and become accredited to do so. Some dentists opt to use a specialist or anesthesiologist to administer general anesthesia to their patients.
How safe is sedation dentistry?
Dental sedation is safe for most people. Your San Pablo dentist will talk with you and take your personal needs into account before recommending a type of sedation. Certain health conditions or current medications will be taken into consideration to determine which is the safest method for you.
What types of sedation does Dr. Gibbs use?
It’s important to us that you feel comfortable during your visit. We offer several forms of sedation to patients including IV sedation. Dr. Gibbs will discuss the most appropriate option for you prior to your procedure.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
The cost for sedation dentistry will vary based on the type of sedation that is used. You will be made aware of the costs of being sedated before your procedure. Be sure to check with your insurance to see if your policy covers it.
Contact Our Offices Today
Do you have more questions for the Glen Ellyn dental team? Call us today at (630) 858-8800 orbook your appointment online. Be sure to ask Dr. Gibbs which method of sedation is right for you.
Special moments are often highlighted by a genuine smile. Whether it’s a graduation, wedding, anniversary, important birthday, or family reunion, or another of life’s major milestones, the experiences are accompanied by a great smile. But if you are self-conscious about your teeth, you may be looking for a better smile. Dr. Gibbs offers numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can help improve and transform your smile. Here are five cosmetic treatments and how they help give you a new smile design.
Get a Better Smile with Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular and practical tooth replacement options. They are surgically implanted into the jawbone, so they are sturdy and feel like your natural teeth. Implants are so natural-looking that others will not be able to tell you have dental implants. They blend naturally into your smile design, restoring aesthetics and function at the same time.
Make Veneers Part of Your Smile Design
Veneers are one of the simplest cosmetic dental procedures, but they have a dramatic effect on your smile and appearance. Dental veneers are very thin shells that add a layer to the surface of your teeth. They are used to conceal flaws, improve your teeth’s appearance, and even out uneven teeth. A little bit of the front of the tooth must be reduced for veneers to be placed. They look natural and greatly improve your smile’s appearance. Porcelain veneers are the most popular choice.
Let Dr. Gibbs Transform your Smile with Lumineers
Dental Lumineers are one type of veneer. They are much thinner than porcelain veneers and the teeth don’t have to be reduced before they are placed. Lumineers are popular with patients who don’t like the idea of having their natural teeth reduced and with those who prefer a material option other than porcelain.
Teeth Whitening in Glen Ellyn Can Transform Your Smile
If you want a better smile fast, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jessica Gibbs to have your teeth whitened. Your teeth stain easily when exposed to things like soda, tea, and coffee every day. If you are looking for a low-cost way to improve your smile, teeth whitening is the way to go. Just one trip to your Glen Ellyn dentist will help make over and improve your smile.
Check Out Ceramic Crowns at Your Glen Ellyn Dentist
If your teeth are stained, cracked, or discolored, dental crowns are a great way to give your smile a makeover. Crowns are a non-surgical procedure. A small cap or crown is placed over the damaged or discolored tooth. This helps give you a better smile by improving the appearance of the tooth. But it also makes the tooth stronger and prevents further damage. They fit comfortably and are a long-lasting treatment option that helps your teeth look and feel better.
Ready for a Better Smile?
If you are ready for a new smile design, any of these five cosmetic dental treatments can help give you a whole new smile. If you are not sure which option is right for you, or which one will be best for improving your teeth’s appearance, please contact us to schedule an exam with Dr. Jessica Gibbs. She can recommend treatment based on your teeth’s appearance. Let us help you get the smile you desire!
An exposed tooth root can be an uncomfortable, inconvenient dental issue. It’s a problem that can occasionally result from receding gums, or from any sort of trauma that causes gum damage. It can also be a sign of gum disease, including severe periodontitis where the gum tissue has regressed significantly. Older adults are at greater risk.
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of an exposed tooth root and the steps you can take to deal with the issue. Dr. Jessica Gibbs is pleased to meet with patients to discuss exposed root problems and your dental health. Here’s what you need to know about how to handle exposed tooth roots in anticipation of a dental appointment.
How to spot an exposed tooth root
The tooth root is the part of the tooth that extends down into the socket of the bone in the jaw. These roots are covered by a hard tissue called cementum. Exposed tooth roots typically occur when that cementum wears away over time with brushing. As the gums recede and the cementum wears down, you may begin to see a little bit of the exposed tooth root.
Symptoms of an exposed root
The symptoms of exposed tooth roots vary depending on what caused the issue to begin with. In some cases, you might be able to see the exposed root without any other accompanying symptoms. In other cases, there are several telltale signs of an exposed tooth root. When symptoms do occur, these are among the most common examples:
Discoloration: For people who experience exposed roots as a result of tooth decay, you’re likely to notice some discoloration in the tooth. This includes yellowing or browning.
Gum tenderness: If you have exposed tooth roots, you might start to notice sore gums or feelings of tenderness during brushing, or if you press on them. Gums may even start to bleed during brushing or flossing.
Appearance: Teeth that have exposed roots might appear to be longer than usual, or than other teeth in the mouth, especially if the gum line is receding.
General sensitivity: You might experience sensitivity around the affected tooth in circumstances aside from brushing, such as when you’re eating food that’s hot, cold, or particularly sweet, sour or acidic.
What NOT to do if you have root pain
If you’re experiencing root pain caused by an exposed tooth root, don’t delay in taking action. Not tackling the problem only allows it to become worse. Avoid brushing hard on the area, grinding the teeth or other behaviors that could result in a grater level of wear and tear. Avoid chewing gum or hard candies or food items. Most importantly, don’t delay treatment. Pain and discomfort will only persist the longer you avoid dental intervention.
Exposed roots will get worse without care
An exposed tooth root needs immediate action to correct the problem. This means speaking to a dentist and scheduling an appointment for an examination to begin corrective work.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, certain root coverage procedures can help you protect exposed roots from decay. Gum grafts and the like can also be effective methods of preventing further recession. Your dentist will analyze your mouth and determine if any of these procedures are an effective means of resolving the problem. Other treatment methods for people with exposed roots as a result of gum recession include:
Crowns: Dental crowns cap the tooth to afford it greater strength and protection. Custom crowns are useful for covering exposed roots.
Flap surgery: This surgery involves small incisions in the gums to remove buildup of tartar and bacteria, and to cover up exposed roots.
Gingival masks: If the problem extends to multiple teeth, a gingival mask (a type of removable artificial gum) can cover up receding gums.
Other solutions vary depending on the cause. For teeth grinding, dentists may prescribe a mouthguard to avoid worsening the problem. If misaligned teeth are the problem, corrective action like braces, retainers or aligners can help. Finally, if the issue is gum disease, procedures like dental scaling, root planning and root canals may be useful.
Contact Dr. Gibbs if you have root pain
If you’re experiencing tooth pain and believe it’s associated with an exposed root, it’s important to seek the advice of a trusted dentist. They’ll provide guidance about the types of treatments that are most effective for your situation. If you’re in Glen Ellyn, IL, contact Dr. Thomas Gibbs or Dr. Jessica Gibbs with your questions, and for more information about exposed root treatment options.