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You Have Receding Gums, Now What? | Chicago Dentist

Young woman smiling with perfect dental health

Receding gums can change the look of your gorgeous smile over time, and for some, this may degrade their confidence. Receding gums is a natural phenomenon that occurs as we age. Yet, the procedure to correct the issue has long been an invasive process. That is until the revolutionary Pinhole Technique was created, and adopted by our practice.

When you embark on correcting gum recession, your dentist aims to rebuild lost tissue and cover the roots to prevent infection. Addressing recession, and its associated implications are paramount to correcting existing issues before they worsen. In the 1990s, Dr. Cabrera published an article in The Journal of the American Dental Association in 1995 titled The Connective Tissue Graft, and later reprinted in The Canadian Dental Journal discussing the connective tissue graft that had long been the industry standard procedure.

So, what is the Pinhole procedure, and how does it work to address receding gums? A small puncture creates an opening on either side of the roof of one’s mouth, or behind the molars. Tissue is then secured to recessed areas with very fine stitches. This procedure is much less invasive, requiring only over-the-counter medication to address any pain a patient may experience after treatment.

Stop hiding your beautiful smile due to gum recession. Dr. Cabrera is an experienced practitioner of the Pinhole method, allowing individuals with receding gums to regain their confidence to show off their smiles.

For more information about receding gums or the Pinhole method, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com today.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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The Link Between Gum Recession and Permanent Retainers | Chicago Dentist

Woman face smile with perfect teeth looking you

One of the goals of orthodontic therapy is to retain the teeth in their final position with the goal being the prevention of relapse. There are different means by which an orthodontist may attain this goal, but it’s usually through using a removable or fixed retainer, depending on the patient’s needs.

A fixed retainer also referred to as a permanent retainer, is bonded to the inside of the lower front six teeth. Essentially, a wire is tacked into place across these teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. Fixed retainers are a convenient option that removes the potential for missed days or the transfer of unwanted bacteria into the mouth from the improper care of a removable retainer. Just because the retainer s fixed, doesn’t mean it’s passive, as we have seen an increase of teeth being forced out of the bone over time.

One patient reported that a bone graft she had done several months prior had failed. We found that in fact, the position of that tooth made it impossible for the graft to succeed in the first place. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in an effective treatment plan.

If you notice the warning signs that recession may be happening, it’s important to call or visit your periodontist. Dr. Cabrera is an expert in his field and understands what to look for as potential contributing factors of recession. If a fixed retainer is causing the recession, Dr. Cabrera will understand how best to address your needs.

If you would like more information about retainers, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

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Getting a New Smile in a Single Day | Chicago Dentist

As we embark on a brand-new year, many of us sit down and reflect on things they’d like to improve upon. For some, it’s fitness. For others, it’s a lifestyle improvement. If you have a flawed smile, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Believe it or not, you can get your grin fixed in a single day. Don’t believe it? May we introduce you to All-on-4 implants in a day. Although this form of treatment has received a significant amount of media attention in the past couple of years, this is a service we have been providing to our patients for some time.

Not sure you are eligible? There are generally two areas where this treatment is an option:

In certain patients with a front tooth that needs to be extracted and there is sufficient bone, the periodontist will remove the tooth and place a temporary implant on the same day. For individuals who are losing all of their teeth, we do a procedure called all on 4 (AO4). Not only is your replacement created in-office, but in six months later, you have the permanent appliance.

Once the periodontist places the implants (4-6 depending on the patient), there are precautions that the patient must take during the initial period to avoid biting on anything hard.

One thing that is not mentioned in the advertising is that in all instances, the immediate teeth are temporary and further work will be required 6 months later to ensure everything is working properly. In addition, the appliances must be kept clean to prevent the tissues from getting infected. The follow up cleaning appointments are typically alternated between the periodontist and the patient’s general dentist.

If you would like more information about all-on-4 implants, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Diabetes and Your Smile | Chicago Dentist

Diabetes is a disease that runs rampant through our country. In fact, over 29 million Americans suffer from diabetes – and that’s just counting those that have been diagnosed. Because of this, it is no surprise that many of us are focused on keeping ourselves healthy as much as possible. But did you know that diabetes is directly affected by our oral health, and vice versa? It’s true. Diabetes is a disease focused on sugar levels, and sugar is terrible for our oral health. Our mouths are the main line of defense to many of our illnesses, so if it becomes compromised, our overall health is affected.

November is National Diabetes Month, so to celebrate, let’s take a look at just how closely diabetes and our oral health is linked. One symptom of diabetes is being excessively thirsty. If you are thirsty, you are not producing saliva, the main defense against bacteria. These bacteria are left to create cavities and other dental issues like gum disease. Bleeding and inflamed gums are common symptoms of gum disease and because diabetes make it harder for wounds to heal, you are more susceptible to more issues if left untreated.

Thankfully, your periodontist will be able to help with this cyclical predicament, but it starts with an appointment. By treating gum disease, you are going to help keep your blood sugar levels in check much easier, as gum disease increases these levels but is rarely taken into account. Proper dental hygiene (including dentures), changing bad habits like smoking and poor diet, and in-office deep cleanings will keep your smiles healthy and diabetes in check.

If you would like more information about diabetes and your health, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Celebrating Halloween with Braces | Chicago Dentist

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and coincidentally, Halloween. So, in honor of these two fantastic occasions, let’s do a quick run-down of what to expect from this scary holiday if you do decide to not look after your braces, because the consequences will be more frightening than the holiday itself. When we get our braces put on, we are warned that there are certain foods we will have to forgo while our braces are fixing our smile. Popcorn, nuts, gum and all hard, sticky or chewy candies are monstrous to your mouth’s delicate appliances.

Hard candy, like lollypops, are a favorite because they last a while if we suck on them. The problem is having the sugar linger around in your mouth as the candy dissolves makes it easier for cavities to form. And if you chomp on them, you can run the risk of breaking off one of your brackets or chipping an actual tooth. Chewy candies, like a gummy bear or a jellybean, have similar results but have a tendency to get stuck in the crevices of your molars, making a perfect hideout for cavities. Sticky candy, like caramels or chewing gum, are some of the worst treats of all. Not only can they pull off a bracket from your tooth, but they can burrow within your molars as well, making them basically a sweet combination of the two others. There are also candies on the market that are sour than they are sweet and are an absolute favorite with all kids today. The sourness is actually acidic and can break down your tooth’s enamel, making them more prone to decay, so try to limit these candies the most. Have a happy Halloween!

If you would like more information about celebrating Halloween with braces, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Soft Tissue Grafting: A Case Study | Chicago Dentist

Although most people concentrate on the teeth for an attractive, healthy smile, the appearance of the gums cannot be ignored. Because your gums are the “frame of your smile”, an ugly frame will destroy the appearance of a beautiful smile. Knowing this, we will often use soft tissue to enhance the appearance of the tissue in conjunction with new restorations. The following case demonstrates one such example:

This case illustrates a 35-year-old physician who was missing two teeth in the front and had a bridge placed many years ago. She did not like the appearance of the bridge and wanted to replace it. The before photos illustrate how an unsightly indentation in the gum tissue compromised the appearance of the bridge. In addition to replacing the bridge, we wanted to improve the appearance of the tissue in order to improve her “picture frame”. Utilizing minimally invasive tunneling procedures, a collagen graft was placed to build out the tissue and create an appearance that a tooth was present, but in actuality, it is missing. The improvement was seen immediately at the time of surgery, and after several weeks in a new temporary bridge, the result is even more apparent. As you can see, we have created the illusion that there are teeth present by simply reconstructing the tissue.

If you find that you have gums that are affecting your smile and self-confidence, soft tissue grafting may just be the solution you’ve been looking for. Not only will it improve the look of your gums but will also give you a discreet way to bring back a reason to smile.

If you would like more information about dental bridges, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Recession and Permanent Orthodontic Retainers | Chicago Dentist

An important component of orthodontic therapy is retaining the teeth in their final position to prevent relapse. This retention is either in the form of a removable retainer or a fixed, permanent retainer. The latter is typically used on the inside part of the lower front teeth by bonding a wire to the six front teeth. However, not all wires are passive. In some cases, the wire retains tension and will force the teeth out of the bone over time.

We have seen an increased number of cases over the past few years.

The first case (fig 4) shows the recession and the wire along the tongue side. The second case (5-8) shows severe localized recession due to the torqueing motion of the wire.

This patient reported that she had a failed graft done several months before. In reality, the position of the tooth made it virtually impossible for any graft to succeed. This highlights that the most Important part of any treatment is an accurate diagnosis. The third case reflects the same problem.

If you see recession, it is time to visit a periodontist. As part of the comprehensive exam, Dr. Cabrera will check all factors that may be contributing to the recession. If a fixed retainer is contributing to the problem, Dr. Cabrera will inform you and make the appropriate recommendation.

If you would like more information about retainers, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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The Aftercare of Dental Implants | Chicago Dentist

Getting dental implants can be a nervous time for a patient, but with implants-in-a-day, a patient can have their flawed smile fixed in a single dental visit. Not only is it quick, but the results look natural and feel comfortable.

But once you leave the dental chair, what should you expect? After all, getting a new smile in a single visit must hurt. Quite the contrary – because dental anxiety is a real condition, the patient’s comfort comes into the design of these procedures. However, there is a healing process that will take about 3-6 months, or until the implant fuses to the bone (integration). So, how do you cope during this healing time? Here are some tips:

Physical symptoms. Prepare for some bleeding and swelling for the next 24-48 hours. Gauze will help with the bleeding; bite down on a gauze pad for about thirty minutes. If swelling occurs, ice packs will help to reduce it. Keep something cold on the affected area until the swelling goes down. Warm saltwater rinses are also great to reducing swelling. If you experience any pain, taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen will help the transition as the anesthetic wears off.

Diet. This one will be tricky for a while. The first day, limit your food to liquids and soft textures. As it becomes easier to eat, you can slowly move to your regular diet. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Moving around. You may think you won’t need downtime, but that’s not true. Oral surgery is just like any surgery – relax and focus on the healing process. Too much activity may cause bleeding or throbbing in the area.

If you would like more information about dental implant aftercare, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Get a Good Night’s Sleep with a Night Guard | Chicago Dentist

Failing to get a good night’s sleep is not just annoying, but it can lead to health problems down the road. If you find that jaw pain is coming along with your restless nights, you may be developing bruxism.

Bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding is a very common habit that can also be very destructive to your teeth and gums. Although it’s a good thing that night guards are there to help, as these custom-made oral appliances can help teeth from getting damaged or chipped from the constant grinding. While helpful, night guards need proper care and attention to make sure that you don’t just end up trading one dental problem for another.

Here are some essential night guard care tips that should come in handy:

Brush your night guard. Whenever you take out your night guard in the morning, brush it as you would your teeth. Preferably, use a different, soft toothbrush and a liquid antibacterial soap.

Use the case and keep it clean. You should always clean the storage case for your mouth guard as well. Use liquid antibacterial soap and feel free to use hot water this time around, as it won’t ruin the case in any way.

Take care of your teeth. Before you even think about putting your night guard in your mouth, make sure that you have brushed and floss first.

Have your night guard checked at your dental appointments. Every time you visit your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, be sure that you have your night guard with you so the dentist can examine it for wear and tear, as well as clean it. Although very durable, these oral appliances are not invincible and will need to be pleased eventually.

If you would like more information about night guards, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Implants Can Replace Your Dentures | Chicago Dentist

It’s inevitable. As we progress in age, it is possible that many of us will require dentures, especially when we don’t practice good dental hygiene. Like they always say, “You don’t need to take care of all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.”

If you find that you are on the side of needing dentures, please realize that you may find that wearing dentures to be cumbersome, as they tend to need a lot of maintenance and have a tendency to shift around inside the mouth. This ill-fitting fix to our dental issues not only leads to discomfort and soreness but can even affect our self-confidence.

Thankfully, implantology has progressed to the point that denture issues are a thing of the past. Now dentures can be attached to the mouth with dental implants. During this surgery, your periodontist will place dental implants that vary in size depending on your anatomy. Patients can function well with two implants on the lower while more implants are typically needed on the upper as the bone is softer. This is especially beneficial to those that have difficulty wearing dentures due to their sensitive gag reflex. Upper implants allow the roof of the denture to be removed because it is fixed to the upper jaw.

Now for the advantages – not only will wearing dentures become a whole lot less cumbersome, but this procedure is affordable and minimally invasive. For best and long-lasting results, the surgery is performed by a well-trained surgical specialist, the periodontist in collaboration with your dentist.

If you are considering dentures to improve your smile, discuss your options with your periodontist. You could be the perfect candidate for implants.

If you would like more information about dental implants, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Peter O. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.