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What Are Gums Anyway? | Chicago Dentist

We all know our smile is basically composed of lips, teeth and gums. A set of bright white teeth and a pouty lip, and you’ve got yourself a great smile. But what are our gums? Today we will discuss the basics of what our gums do and how we can keep them nice and healthy our entire lives.

Gum tissue serves two main purposes: it provides a seal around teeth, keeping bacteria away from the tooth root, and it provides physical support for the tooth, helping keep the tooth firmly in its socket. One of the most significant risks of periodontal disease is loss of gum tissue – as bacteria from plaque and tartar spreads beneath the gums, it damages bone and gum tissue, leading to a number of problems.

Dentists and periodontists will advise patients to have professional cleanings to help minimize the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. If they determine that periodontal disease is becoming a problem, they’ll likely advise corrective action such as scaling and root planning, where plaque and tartar is physically removed from the roots of the teeth beneath the gum-line, removing the damaging bacteria and giving the gums an opportunity to heal. In some cases, however, the gum tissue will recede, exposing the roots of the teeth. In these cases, periodontists will recommend a procedure to replace gum tissue over the tooth root (such as gum grafting) to help restore the barrier around the tooth root and protecting the tooth’s long-term health.

If you’re experiencing bleeding, sore, inflamed gums, be sure to speak to a dentist or periodontist soon, so that you can minimize the risk of damage to gum tissue.

If you would like more information about gum recession, 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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Quit Ruining Your Smile with Smoking | Chicago Dentist

Many people do not know but today is World No Tobacco Day, and as dental periodontist, it is a good day. Not only because smoking will end up causing various problems to your health, from lung cancer to heart conditions, but the damage it does to your mouth. Believe it or not, but the mouth is the first line of defense when it comes to your overall health, so taking care of it is extremely important. When you smoke cigarettes, you are breaking down your immune system, or the parts of your body that prevent infection. Not only does it break down your immune system, but it also kills the good bacteria in your mouth, allowing the disease-causing bacteria to invade, take hold and flourish.

Tobacco products damage your gums by affecting the way your teeth are attached to the bone and soft tissue. When this happens, your gums will begin to recede, giving bacteria access to the tooth’s roots. If left untreated, you will begin to lose your teeth.

Gum disease will affect most adults at some point in their lives. If you’re a smoker, you are raising those doubling those stakes than that of a non-smoker. And because smoking causes your blood vessels to shrink, it will also be more difficult to heal the gum disease you have developed over time.

We know it is difficult, but smoking is one habit that has so many adverse effects, it is important that you make an effort to quit. Not only will you improve your overall health, your smile will thank you for it. Keeping up with your oral health is necessary, so make sure you practice proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.

If you would like more information about quitting smoking, 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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Keeping Calm for Your Smile | Chicago Dentist

With all these uncertain times, it is easy to become overwhelmed by everyday things. Yes, stress is one of the major feelings around the world and it affects us in various ways. Unfortunately, there are lots of health issues that can develop from being too stressed out. And the more stressed out you are, the more stress is placed on your oral health. Scientists have reviewed more than two dozen studies conducted between 1990 and 2006 to determine whether negative life events and psychological factors might contribute to an increased susceptibility to periodontal disease. And according to the results, 57 percent of the studies found a link between stress, distress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness to periodontal disease due to a lowering of the body’s immunity.

Unfortunately, stress isn’t the only culprit in oral health issues. While we can’t always control how life works out, keeping up our daily dental routine is very important. Like stress, here are some other factors that increase your risk for periodontal disease:

  • Tobacco smoking or chewing
  • Systemic diseases such as diabetes
  • Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy
  • drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
  • Bridges that no longer fit properly
  • Crooked teeth
  • Fillings that have become defective
  • Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives

There are lots of ways one can decrease their stress levels, but it all depends on the individual. Find something to do that gives you a sense of peace. Reading, meditation and fishing are just a few of the millions of ways we can reduce our stress levels during these uncertain times.

If you would like more information about stress effects on dental health, 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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Diabetes Can Affect Your Smile | Chicago Dentist

Diabetes is a disease that affects more and more people every day. Not only with your overall health, but not taking care of your diabetes can also affect your mouth. Because diabetes revolves around your blood sugar levels, it can also affect the way your gums get infected, the bones that hold your teeth in place, and many other oral health issues. Just a couple more reasons to make sure you take care of yourself when living with diabetes. Here are a few oral health tips you can do to prevent future dental emergencies:

Diabetes first. Since you have now been diagnosed, it is important you make the necessary lifestyle changes in order to maintain a consistent level of health. Keep your blood levels in check, eat healthy and make sure to exercise regularly. Healthy body, healthy smile.

Don’t smoke. It’s already bad for your health, but cigarettes and cigars also contribute to dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Keep the tobacco out of your mouth and look forward to less instances of these issues arising.

Dental implants care. You may not think of it an important but if you have dental implants, you should spend extra attention to your cleaning techniques because it could cause potential problems. If you wear a full or partial denture, clean it thoroughly each day to reduce bacteria.

Oral hygiene. Of course, don’t forget your dental hygiene altogether. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, use an antibacterial mouthwash, floss correctly once a day and see your dentist for regular checkups.

If you would like more information about diabetes, 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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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.