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When It’s Time for a Gum Graft | Chicago Dentist

There is little more deflating to your smile than receding gums. Not only does it change the look of your smile, but it can also cause your overall demeanor to change as well. But for many of us, it can’t be helped – gum recession often goes hand-in-hand with the aging process or genetics. It’s really disheartening as we love to show off our smiles. Worry not – the dental industry has addressed this issue and it doesn’t have to be as invasive as it once was.

The goal of correcting gum recession is to rebuild the lost tissues and, where possible, cover the roots. It is important to fix this dental issue before more extreme dental issues develop. One of the earliest treatments published was the connective tissue graft introduced in the early 1990’s and can be seen in an article published by Dr. Cabrera in The Journal of the American Dental Association in 1995.

But what does this treatment option entail? This procedure is essentially plastic surgery in the mouth. A very small opening is created either on the roof of the mouth or behind the last upper teeth. The tissue is then secured to the area of recession with small (slightly bigger than a human hair) sutures (stitches). In most cases, recovery is uneventful, requiring no more than over-the-counter medication.

This approach has been refined over the years. Today, we also employ a number of procedures classified as tunnels, which use very small incisions to accomplish the surgery. So, as you can see, there is no reason to hide your smile from the world because of receding gums – visiting your dental professional can easily repair the look of your smile and the health of your gums.

If you would like more information about gum grafting, 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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All Is Not Lost for Lost Teeth | Chicago Dentist

Because our smile is the first thing a stranger sees upon meeting us, it is a real bummer when we have a tooth that has become rotted, broken or lost. It becomes an issue, not only socially, but it can also cause issues speaking and other daily activities. To be fair, it doesn’t matter how you lost your teeth, the important issue is getting it fixed as soon as possible in order to deflect any further dental issues, like an increased risk for gum disease, malocclusions, jaw pain, etc. But how does a flawed tooth get repaired? There are actually quite a few options, depending on your individual set of circumstances. Here’s a quick review:

Dental implants. Because they’re surgically implanted, dental implants offer a long-term and durable solution to those who have a few missing teeth. The typical process of getting an implant involves three stages that take place over several weeks and even months. The implant is surgically buried, the implant is checked for proper integration and the dentist installs the prosthetic tooth with new teeth.

Bridges. Dental bridges are, basically, dental appliances used to bridge the gap left by missing teeth by relying on the adjacent teeth for support. The effect on the adjacent teeth is something worth taking note of if you plan to get a dental bridge to replace your missing teeth.

Dentures. For those who are missing more than a couple of teeth, dentures may be your only hope. Dentures are removable appliances with artificial teeth and come in as partial dentures and full dentures.

If you would like more information about options for missing teeth, 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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Stop Receding Gums with a Tissue Graft | Chicago Dentist

There is little more deflating to your smile than receding gums. Not only does it change the look of your smile, but it can also cause your overall demeanor to change as well. We all want a great smile to show off. Unfortunately, it is a fact of life as we age. Worry not – there is a solution.

The goal of correcting gum recession is to rebuild the lost tissues, and where possible, cover the roots. It is important to fix this dental issue before more extreme issues, like infection or gum disease, arise. One of the earliest treatments published was the connective tissue graft introduced in the early 1990’s and can be seen in an article published by Dr. Cabrera in The Journal of the American Dental Association in 1995 titled The Connective Tissue Graft, and later reprinted in The Canadian Dental Journal.

But what does this treatment option entail? This procedure is essentially plastic surgery in the mouth. A very small opening is created either on the roof of the mouth or behind the last upper teeth. The tissue is then secured to the area of recession with small (slightly bigger than a human hair) sutures (stitches). In most cases, recovery is uneventful, requiring no more than over-the-counter medication.

This approach has been refined over the years. Today, we also employ a number of procedures classified as tunnels, which use very small incisions to accomplish the surgery. So, as you can see, there is no reason to hide your smile with receding gums – just need to consult with your dentist.

If you would like more information about connective tissue graft, 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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Don’t Try This at Home | Chicago Dentist

During this pandemic, many of us have tried new DIY options of living life. Some have learned to bake bread, others various Tiktok dances with their children. But whatever you tried to do during this pandemic, it was something homemade and hit-or-miss.

A popular trend that has slipped its way into our culture is DIY dentistry, but it has progressed further than tying a loose tooth to a door with string. No, now patients are forgoing their dentist and trying to straighten their teeth. The patient takes their own molds or goes to a local facility to have scans taken by non-dental personnel, who then produce clear aligners for their teeth.

Although it may seem like going to the dentist or orthodontist is a thing of the past, take a minute to really think about what is actually going on – it may not be what you think…

Because you do not consult a dentist or orthodontist, you may actually cause more damage because you are unaware of how teeth move. Moving teeth is a slow process and should never be rushed. If moved too quickly, your teeth’s roots may not be able to support biting pressure, in addition to loosened teeth, joint problems and headaches. And though your teeth straighten, if pushed outside of the bone, the result can be extensive gum recession and eventual tooth loss.

It may seem too good to be true, and that’s because it is. Your smile is important and should be taken seriously. Seek competent help and guidance from a well-trained dentist or orthodontist. It may seem like a shortcut but may end up being more costly than the immediate benefits.

If you would like more information about cold weather health tips, 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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Tis the Season for Festive Sweets | Chicago Dentist

When it comes to indulging in holiday treats, what is your favorite go-to? Are you a chocoholic? Is it a stick of gum or a chewy gumdrop? Do you prefer a candy cane instead? Since sweet confections are in abundance during the holidays, let’s take a look at which candy is best:

Chocolate. There is hope for all chocolate fans out there – chocolate is actually a great option if you are looking for a bit of sweet. Not only does it have health benefits included in its design, but chocolate is easy to clean off your teeth, making it more difficult for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.

Caramel. If sticky candy is your favorite, you should be aware that your mouth may not share the same sentiment. Not only does the sticky texture that make up your favorite caramels stick to your teeth’s surface and deep into your teeth’s grooves, but if you have dental work done, it could damage them.

Hard candy. Who doesn’t love a candy cane? If you have a habit of biting these colorful candies, they can wreak havoc on your teeth and any dental work you may have. But if you tend to suck on them, you allow for the sugars to linger around in your mouth, giving those cavity creeps plenty of time to find the perfect hiding spot in your mouth.

Candy is a fun way to enjoy a bit of sugar when you crave a sugar fix but may not be the best option for your dental health. Enjoy them in moderation and make sure to brush or rinse afterwards.

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

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Pinhole Surgical Technique: What You Need to Know | Chicago Dentist

No one wants receding gums, but unfortunately, it’s a fact of life. Fortunately, there is a way to repair the issue without having to use painful gum grafting. Pioneered by Dr. Chao, the Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a new way to repair gum recession through a pinhole-sized incision, rather than having to cut. This new technique will not only reduce discomfort grafting surgery can do, but also cut down recovery time. Here are some of the common questions asked:

Is gum recession something that you see often? If it isn’t a painful result, chances are patients won’t address the issue. Before the Pinhole Surgical Technique, a lot of people are put in a dilemma of whether they should fix it with a very painful, drawn out gum grafting procedure, try to ignore it, or try a temporary fix by placing a filling on the exposed root.

How long does the standard gum grafting procedure take? The standard procedure requires cutting out a graft of the gum from the palate and grafting it to where it’s needed. To delicately cut and remove the graft tissue and attach it with sutures takes about an hour to an hour and a half for just one or two teeth. But what is more drawn out is the recovery time, which could two or three weeks. With Pinhole Surgical Technique, there is no gum grafting anymore. A pinhole is made by a needle, so there’s no scalpel or cutting at all. Then we shift the tissue down with very little trauma to the tissue.

Will I have to do this often? This is expected to be permanent and lasts as long as any other procedure. Maintenance will keep the procedure intact.

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

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted with All on Four Smiles | Chicago Dentist

While a beautiful set of pearly whites is definitely on top of most people’s wishes, it’s not always possible for them to have it. One good reason for this is because how expensive the necessary dental treatments and procedure are to get that picture-perfect smile.

An all on four smile is made from high-tech dental resins that allows it to cover either the entire lower or upper arch of your mouth, immediately disguising common aesthetic dental problems such as stains, chips, crowding, missing teeth and so on.

The material used is durable, but also thin and is made to look exactly like natural teeth. You can also eat and drink while wearing the appliance. All on four smiles offer a very affordable cosmetic solution that can last for a year or two before being replaced and one that patients can wear as needed while they save up for a more permanent solution.

  • Virtually painless and fast process that requires only two short visits and as little as two to three
  • weeks
  • A more affordable solution compared to other cosmetic dentistry treatments
  • Almost everyone is a suitable candidate
  • A good alternative for those who can’t be fitted with implants or bridges
  • A more comfortable and attractive alternative for those who don’t like partial dentures
  • The process is reversible as nothing is changed and the appliance can be removed at any time

Still, all on four smiles are a great way for you to test out a new smile before fully committing to a more expensive, permanent cosmetic solution as veneer, laser whitening treatments or Invisalign.

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

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Do You Like the Gap in Your Teeth? | Chicago Dentist

When you ask someone if they liked one of their flaws, more often than not you will get a negative response. In fact, if they can help it, they wouldn’t have that flaw at all. This is especially the case when it comes to our smiles. Because it is our mouth, and the first thing people notice, most will consult a periodontist when they have a dental issue. So, it has been a surprise to find patients coming into the dentist office to add a flaw to their smile – namely a gap.

If you keep up with celebrity news, you will have heard that fans were devastated to find out that Dakota Johnson’s famous front tooth gap had closed. But the fix wasn’t intentional – it naturally closed up when her orthodontist removed a retainer she wore most of her life.

Now, when patients come to see about having a gap inserted into their smile, they are left with a few options. Ideally, developing a wider U arch in your top teeth with clear aligners, like Invisalign. This will create space in enough for your teeth to move and give you a gap. The one option that isn’t really popular amongst periodontists is reshaping your natural teeth. After all, once you reshape your teeth, it can’t be reversed. Instead, veneers are a more common option to create that visual you are looking for.

The advances made in dentistry have been tremendous. Not only can a periodontist help keep your smile healthy for a lifetime, but they can give you the smile you’ve always wanted – flaws and all.

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

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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Teeth in a Day Have Saved Smiles | Chicago Dentist

In our never-ending quest to achieve the perfect smile, we are left with lots of options. Whitening, veneers and other dental procedures can not only improve the aesthetic look of your teeth but can also improve your dental health as well. But when we need to have teeth replaced, it can be a daunting task. Not only does it take multiple visits, but it can be a painful experience from surgery to recovery. If you have dentures, there is an adjustment period. If you have traditional implants, the teeth need to be created in a lab and your mouth needs to be prepared to have the implants inserted. Because of this, many patients do not take the proper care needed and this leads to further dental, speech and self-esteem issues.

With implants in a day, your smile makeover is quicker as the temporary teeth are delivered the same day and the finals usually in six months. The implants use all of the available bone to increase the sturdiness and strength, ensuring that the implant will fuse to the bone enough to last a lifetime. In addition, there is a convenience factor. Your team consists of the periodontal surgeon, your dentist and the laboratory. All assembled at the periodontist’s office. Once the periodontist places your implants, your dentist and laboratory take over to make your new teeth.

Another reason that implants in a day is a fantastic option is the recovery time. With traditional implants, recovery takes time and there are lots of lifestyle changes you need to adjust to – dietary changes, dental hygiene changes, follow-up appointments, etc. With implants in a day, because the procedure is completed in a single visit, changes in your diet won’t last long, recovery is only about three months, and you don’t have to deal with maintenance issues like you would with traditional implants or dentures. Of course, not everyone is a candidate for this wonderful technology. In conjunction with your dentist, your periodontal surgeon will complete extensive diagnostic information before recommending the most appropriate option for your particular situation.

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. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.