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What Is Gum Disease? | Chicago Dentist

We all want a healthy smile, but for many of us, this is not the case. And gum disease is the main culprit in the realm of dental issues. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, including:

  • Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation make gums more sensitive.
  • Various illnesses, such as cancer or HIV, because they interfere with the immune system. Diabetes’ effects on the body’s ability to use blood sugar makes patients with this disease at a higher risk of developing infections.
  • Medications can affect oral health, because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.
  • Bad habits such as smoking
  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Family history

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease can often be subtle, it can present some warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. The symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures

If you would like more information about gum disease, 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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Celebrating World Diabetes Day | Chicago Dentist

Believe it or not, but diabetes affects over 400 million adults worldwide, with the projection of 642 million by 2040. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people that go on undiagnosed. So, in 1991, the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization created World Diabetes Day on November 14th to raise awareness of the disease that is affecting so many of us around the planet.

You may be wondering what this has to do with your teeth, and the answer is simple – diabetes and your dental health go hand-in-hand. And it all has to do with your blood sugar levels. The higher your blood sugar levels are, the higher chance you will develop gum disease. And the longer gum disease goes untreated, your diabetes can worsen. This is why it is so important to not only keep your doctor appointments, but your dental ones as well.

So, to celebrate World Diabetes Day, we should take a moment to think about our dental hygiene practices on a daily basis. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss and rinse at least once. Keep your dental checkups regular and professional cleanings. On the other end of the spectrum, it is important to know that losing weight will have a definite effect on not only diabetes, but many other health issues. Keep your blood sugar levels maintained by not only keeping your diet low-sugar, low-cholesterol and high fiber. Choose more vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. And finally, get moving. Staying active will not only improve your overall health, but it will also improve the health of your smile – and that’s something to be thankful for.

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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.

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Enhance Your Smile with Dental Implants | Chicago Dentist

Implant surgery may have been improving smiles for the past 60 years, but implant therapy has come a long way, becoming one of the greatest dental advances. Under specific situations, dental implants can be placed at the time that the tooth is extracted. And if the implant is placed in very firm bone, temporary crowns can be placed on the implant the same day.

Immediate implants are placed into two categories: single teeth or full mouth. Single tooth implants are those used to replace flawed teeth in the front of the mouth, or those people would see when you smile. Typically, this treatment option would be ideal when the cause is the result of trauma, where a tooth is fractured and cannot be restored. The full mouth option is ideal for patients with many failing teeth, or already have dentures.

As far as the process is concerned, it really is pretty straightforward. During your initial examination, your dental professional (periodontist) will take a three-dimensional scan of the injured jaw. This will tell us precisely how much bone is available for the placement of a secure implant. Once complete, a treatment plan will be discussed. During the surgery, the periodontist will remove the tooth and replace it with the implant (a root substitute). Typically, bone grafting is also performed at the same time. The patient then has a temporary tooth, or custom-made bridge, inserted.

When we have a flawed smile, we become self-conscious about showing it off. With these immediate dental implant/teeth-in-a-day options, we don’t need to worry about keeping our smile hidden for long. All it takes is one dental appointment.

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.

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Dental Implants: The Cure for Shifting Dentures | Chicago Dentist

As we progress in age, it is possible that some may require dentures, especially if we don’t have good dental hygiene routines. There problem is that many find 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 the patient’s anatomy. Patients usually 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. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.

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DIY Orthodontics: Dream Come True or Too Good to Be True? | Chicago Dentist

We have all fallen victim to do-it-yourself projects and/or products that seemed incredible “at the time”. And more likely than not, we end up with a frustrated pile of what that project should’ve been or the product we swore was revolutionary up on a dusty shelf.

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 DIY dentistry, 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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Flu Season Is No Joke for Our Smiles | Chicago Dentist

During the winter months, it is easy to catch a cold if we aren’t careful. Germs are running rampant and flu season is the worst, especially for a family with little ones that love to share everything, even germs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children can catch a cold as soon as 6 months old. This is why it is important to take extra precautions during this time of year to keep the entire family happy and healthy. So, as we ride out the final months of the dreaded flu season, keep these health tips in mind. After all, taking proactive measures is the key to prevention.

Eat and stay hydrated. Feed a cold, starve a fever is a general rule we all seem to follow, but saliva is one of our best defenses against bacteria. Staying hydrated will cause saliva production to rinse our mouths of these bad bacteria. Eating lots of crunchy foods like apples and carrots also keep our mouths bacteria-free.

No medications before bed. Lots of cold medicines and cough syrups are very sugary and thick in order to coat and soothe our throats. Avoid taking these remedies before bed as the sugar and acids will remain in your mouth, making homes in our teeth’s crevices and causing cavities and other dental issues as we sleep. Instead, opt for a pill form of medication during these times so there is no sugary residue left in your mouth to wreak havoc.

If you would like more information about flu season, call Dr. Peter 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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Are Teeth in a Day Possible? | Chicago Dentist

When we have a flawed smile, it causes all sorts of other issues from self-esteem to health issues from the missing teeth. So, off we go to the dentist to find out how our smile can be repaired. Because 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, call Dr. Cabrera in Chicago, IL at 312-994-7939 or visit www.perioimplantchicago.com.

Dr. Cabrera proudly serves Chicago and all surrounding areas.