Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dental Care

We recommend visiting the dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. These visits allow us to remove hardened plaque (tartar), catch small problems early, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and harden. Biannual dental cleanings remove tartar and help prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Exams also help your dentist catch early signs of dental problems before they become serious.

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth when sugars and starches are left behind. If not removed, plaque bacteria produce acid that erodes enamel and can cause cavities or gum disease.

Dental X-rays help us detect problems below the surface, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or infections. Today’s digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered extremely safe. We only take them when necessary for your diagnosis and treatment.

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once a day
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Replace your toothbrush every 3–6 months
• Schedule regular dental check-ups

We’re happy to recommend personalized dental care tips and products during your appointment.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when enamel wears away or gum tissue recedes, exposing the dentin layer of your teeth. This can make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet or acidic foods. Desensitizing toothpaste may help, but if it continues, you should schedule a check-up.

Bleeding gums are a common sign of gingivitis (early-stage gum disease). Brushing and flossing more consistently and getting professional teeth cleanings to eliminate plaque and tartar can help reduce inflammation and bleeding.

Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be caused by a few different things. It often results from poor oral hygiene or dry mouth. Some patients may also experience bad breath as a result of acid reflux. The key is to manage oral bacteria growth and improve your dental health.

What can I do to treat poor oral hygiene and dry mouth?

• • Brush and floss your teeth twice a day
  • Schedule dental cleanings every six months
  • Drink more water
  • Limit caffeine intake
  • Avoid mouthwash containing alcohol
  • Stop all tobacco use
  • Chew sugar-free gum (should only be for occasional use)

Some brands have created products that can help patients reduce dry mouth symptoms. You can also talk to your doctor to find out if any medication you’re taking may be causing the problem. For people with acid reflux, you should consult your doctor about the issue and review your diet.

Dental fillings are quick and usually cause minimal discomfort for patients. We use local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients feel only slight pressure or vibrations from tools during the process.

Dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Avoiding habits like grinding your teeth and chewing on hard foods can help preserve your crown. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor its condition over time.

A root canal is a procedure designed to preserve a tooth that has become infected or is severely decayed. We remove the damaged tissue, clean the area, and seal the tooth. Thanks to local anesthetics and advanced techniques, root canals usually feel similar to getting a cavity filled.

Most people recover in just a day. You may experience mild soreness, but it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. You’ll be able to resume normal activities shortly after treatment.

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, if they are impacted, crowded, or causing discomfort, we may recommend extraction to protect your oral health. Infected wisdom teeth usually do require extraction. A consultation and X-ray can help us determine the right course of action.

We offer professional teeth whitening in Chicago that delivers better, longer-lasting results than over-the-counter products. Choose between in-office whitening or take-home trays customized to your smile.

Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair chipped, cracked, discolored teeth, or gaps. It’s a quick, affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure that usually requires just one visit.

Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth for cosmetic improvements. A crown covers the entire tooth to restore its strength when there’s severe damage or decay.

Yes, and depending on the severity, we may use bonding, veneers, or a dental crown to restore your tooth. Early treatment prevents further damage and improves your smile’s appearance.

The implant procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel discomfort during placement. Afterward, slight swelling or soreness can occur, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Many patients return to work the next day. Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution that offers natural-looking results.

Braces use metal brackets and wires to correct alignment, while clear aligners like Invisalign use removable plastic trays that are nearly invisible. Both are effective, but aligners are often preferred by adults for their discreet appearance.

Absolutely! More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment now than ever before. We offer Invisalign in Chicago to help straighten your smile comfortably and discreetly.

Yes, we provide same-day emergency dental care in our Lincoln Park and Southport offices. If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or trauma, contact us right away.

A dental emergency includes:

• A knocked-out or broken tooth
• Severe toothache/dental pain
• Loose adult teeth
• Swelling or infection
• Lost crown or filling
• Pain from wisdom teeth or post-extraction complications
• Loose or broken dental appliances causing pain or injury
• Dental abscess
• Soft tissue injuries (tongue, gums, cheeks)

If you’re unsure, contact us immediately— we’ll help determine the best next steps.

First, try to locate the tooth or pieces of tooth if it broke. Avoid touching the tooth root and use warm water to gently rinse off any debris. Place the tooth in a clean container with milk or your own saliva. Get to the dentist as soon as possible for the best chances of re-implantation.

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office or using our online appointment request form. We offer convenient hours, including walk-ins on Saturdays, at both our Lincoln Park and South Loop locations. Contact us today to schedule your dental visit!

We accept many dental insurance plans. Please visit this page or contact our office directly to confirm if we accept your insurance. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits.

Payment for dental services is required at the time treatment is administered. We will work to create a treatment plan that accommodates your financial situation. We accept various forms of payment, including cash, personal checks, debit cards, and most major credit cards. We also partner with a company that offers a 12-month interest-free payment plan.