Colonial Dental Group Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - Dooley, Lewis, and Quezada

Minerals in Water That Can Stain Your Teeth

2010-03-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Water is crucial to our existence. Every system in our bodies requires water to perform its function, from flushing toxins and carrying nutrients to vital organs, to keeping moisture levels consistent in our throats.

In order to prevent dehydration and stay healthy, it is suggested we drink at least six 8oz. cups of water a day. However, with all of its benefits, water can also have an adverse effect on the appearance of our teeth.

Minerals in Water

All tap water has minerals that occur naturally. Organic minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium can be found in every water supply across the country, and are considered to be very beneficial. The addition of inorganic minerals during the purification process, however, can impact the appearance and color of your teeth, and stain them.

Fluoride in Drinking Water

The addition of fluoride to drinking water is conclusively linked to preventing tooth decay. A beneficial compound, fluoride is the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s soil. While it has many advantages, consumed in abundance while teeth are forming, fluoride can leave stripes on the teeth called fluorosis. These stripes cannot be removed permanently as they are under the tooth’s enamel, but options exist to diminish, or cover up this unsightly condition.

Treatments for Fluorosis

To even out the appearance of the teeth, tooth whitening procedures can be utilized by our dentists. While this method will help diminish the appearance of fluorosis, it cannot remove the stripes from your teeth. Another popular option is porcelain veneers, a wafer thin shell placed over the tooth to cover stains and other imperfections. The advantage of porcelain veneers is that they completely cover the affected teeth, providing a seamless, beautifully white smile. The doctors at Colonial Dental Group will work closely with you to find which procedures most suit your needs.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois and are interested in having the appearance of mineral stains minimized or covered up, please contact the experienced tooth whitening dentists at Colonial Dental Group for a free consultation to review the options you have available, and get on your way to a radiant, perfect smile.

TMD Aches vs. Migraines

2010-03-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

The severe pain that comes from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is often confused for a migraine, but there are differences in both the causes and the body's response to these forms of pain that need to be distinguished for a proper diagnosis. The neuromuscular dentists at Colonial Dental Group have years of experience and training to properly diagnose and treat TMD, and any symptom related to TMD should give you immediate cause to contact us for a consultation.

Differences in Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of migraine headaches is not knows, but a number of factors are believed to contribute to them:

Environmental factors
Dietary habits, including alcohol consumption
Inadequate sleep
Extreme emotions

The symptoms of a migraine are:

Throbbing pain that can engulf the entire cranium
Nausea
Sensitivity to light and sound

TMD, on the other hand, is caused by your jaw being misaligned due to:

Accidents
Disease
Improper dental work
Personal habits like grinding teeth

The symptoms of TMD are much more varied and can include headaches as well as:

Pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
Jaw lock
Jaw clicking
Ringing in the ears

If your headache is accompanied by any of the above symptoms, you may have TMD, and should see a neuromuscular dentist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the root cause of problem, not just its symptoms.

If you live in the Chicago, Illinois area and are experiencing frequent headaches, please contact the experienced TMD dentists at Colonial Dental Group right away for a thorough examination and detection of possible TMD.

Dental Phobias

2010-03-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Phobia, from the Greek phobos, means "morbid fear," and as irrational as it may seem to others, a phobia is as real and intense to its sufferer as a rollercoaster ride. Dental phobias are often based on unpleasant or painful past experiences at a dental office.

Maybe a sensitive tooth was scrapped during a cleaning, or a numbing agent had not had time to sufficiently work before a procedure was preformed. Perhaps the fear is more general, like a fear of needles, medical equipment, or claustrophobia associated with sitting still in a chair.

No matter what the cause of your "morbid fear," the doctors at Colonial Dental Group are devoted to providing you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience.

How We Handle Dental Phobia

We work hard to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed from the moment you enter our office. Our friendly staff will ensure your ease prior to your appointment, and our doctors will work closely with you to address any questions or concerns you may have.

We utilize the latest in dental technology, making your procedure safe, quick, and painless. Additionally, we offer sedation dentistry for patients who are very uncomfortable with the dentist, but need or want dental work done. Combining our professionalism with innovation and compassion, we are able to successfully treat patients with even the most extreme dental phobias.

Whether you are in need of general dentistry, or want to perfect your smile through one of our many cosmetic dental procedures, we will work with you to make sure your visit is more comfortable than you ever imagined a trip to the dentist could be.

If you suffer from dental phobias in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact the experienced sedation dentists at Colonial Dental Group today to find out more about how we can help you overcome your fears, to get you the smile you desire.

Sedation Dentistry

2010-03-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

Proper oral hygiene, including regular visits to the dentist, is key to overall health. Small problems in oral health can cause larger, systemic issues if left untreated, and procrastinating until the problem becomes unbearable often means preventable damage has already been done.

For many Americans though, fear and anxiety about dental procedures can cause them to put regular visits to the dentists off until it’s too late and their dental health greatly suffers. Additionally, many people have aesthetic issues they would like to correct, but a similar fear keeps them away from achieving the smile they desire.

When fear keeps you from receiving the treatments you need and deserve, it is important to find a dentist who will work with you to help alleviate those fears, and offer solutions that enable you to get dental work done with minimal anxiety and fear.

Colonial Dental Group offers several options for sedation dentistry that allow you to feel more comfortable and relaxed. Levels of anxiety vary greatly for each person, and as such, we offer different kinds of sedation to make you comfortable:

Oral sedation in the form of a pill
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, as a steady stream through a mask
Twilight sedation through an IV

Sedation dentistry at Colonial Dental Group is safe, effective, and available to anyone who requests it.

If you live in the Chicago, Illinois area and are anxious about seeing a dentist, please contact the experienced sedation dentists at Colonial Dental Group to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the procedures you need with the level of comfort you require.

Dental Myths

2010-01-26T07:40:00.000-08:00

All forms of medical practice acquire their fair share of myths throughout the ages. The science of dentistry is no safer from conspiracy theories and popular mythology than any other type of technology that continually advances and improves.

Dealing with common dental myths is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is myths are powerful and can cause some people to neglect getting the care they need for their teeth. At Colonial Dental Group, we work hard to ensure every patient is comfortable and safe, using the most advanced technology and implemented the latest discoveries into our practice.

Common Dental Myths

Amalgam causes mercury to leak into your bloodstream - This myth has been debunked by the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, the United States Public Health Service, and the National Institute of Health. At Colonial Dental Group, however, we use only porcelain fillings, eliminating any worries concerned with the potential health risks of amalgams.
Frequent brushing can damage enamel - While it is true that frequent brushing with a hard toothbrush and abrasive toothpastes can damage enamel, the doctors at Colonial Dental Group recommend the use of soft bristled toothbrushes, and non-abrasive, ADA approved toothpastes. All studies indicate that there is no danger to the enamel of your teeth if you follow these simple suggestions.
Chewing sugar-free gum is just as effective as brushing - Some studies indicate that chewing sugar-free gum after a meal helps activate saliva which has natural antiseptic qualities. Sugar-free gum cannot, however, remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
If there is no visible problem with my teeth, I don't need to schedule an exam - Regular dental exams are vital for spotting and treating potential problems before they become severe. Oral cancers, periodontal disease, and tooth decay can go unnoticed until it's too late. Only an experienced dentist can correctly identify and treat oral problems before they become severe.
Children's teeth are going to fall out anyway, there's no need to take them to the dentist. Instilling proper oral hygiene routines in your children will ensure a lifetime of oral health. Additionally, baby teeth not adequately tended to can fall out too early causing bite problems, and issues with permanent teeth.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and have stayed away from the dentist due to the fear or certainty associated with one of these dental myths, please contact the experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group.

Tooth Extraction

2010-01-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Keeping your natural teeth, or part of them at least, in your mouth is the main goal of dentistry. However, in some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted. Decay or trauma may cause some teeth to be damaged beyond the point where affixing a crown would be feasible. In these cases, the experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group may deem it necessary to extract the tooth.

Tooth Extraction Process

The process for removing a tooth is quite simple. A local or general anesthetic will be administered depending on the location and extent of the damage. After you are sufficiently comfortable, the tooth will be gently removed and the healing process can begin.

After the extraction, pain relievers may be prescribed along with an oral hygiene routine to be completed until the socket is completely healed. After the socket is healed, our dental staff can discuss with you your options for replacing the missing tooth.

Solutions for Missing Teeth

There are many solutions for missing teeth. Depending on the location of the tooth, you may choose to just leave the tooth missing. If the missing tooth causes functional or aesthetic issues, you may want to consider one of our many options for replacing missing teeth. The two most common options are:

Dentures - Dentures, both partial and full, are a nonsurgical alternative for missing teeth. With modern advancements in denture technology, these can provide a quick, easy, painless solution to restore function and beauty.
Dental implants - Dental implants are artificial tooth roots secured into your jaw bone. Once the implant is in place, a dental crown is placed over the implant to provide a secure, reliable, natural looking tooth.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are experiencing pain or discomfort from a decayed or damaged tooth, please contact the experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group today to discuss your options.

Preventative Dentistry

2010-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

In an ideal world, all dentistry would be preventative. A regular at-home oral hygiene routine coupled with semi-annual visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams should be all it takes to maintain a beautiful, radiant smile for years to come. Unfortunately, factors ranging from environmental to personal choices and even genetics play just as important a role in oral health.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Not enough can be said about a regular at-home oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will help keep your teeth their healthiest. Lifestyle choices like tobacco and alcohol use, eating sugary foods, and consuming high-sugar beverages however, pit your daily routine against almost insurmountable enemies. No amount of brushing and flossing can remove the damage done by personal decisions that lead to oral health issues.

Regular checkups and professional cleanings are a vital weapon in your arsenal against oral diseases. X-rays and oral exams provided by a skilled, experienced dentist can be used to spot and treat potential problems before they become severe. Thorough cleanings that only a dentist can provide help teeth maintain their brilliance and luster while removing tartar, excess plaque, and bacteria that your daily routine may miss.

Making sure you include regular dental visits with your daily oral hygiene routine may not guarantee you never have issues with you teeth, mouth, or gums, but it is certainly a necessary step towards maintaining optimal oral health.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact the experienced oral hygiene professionals at Colonial Dental Group to schedule your cleaning and exam today. There's no time like the present to start ensuring excellent oral health for years to come.

Dentures: Not Like Your Grandparents' Dentures

2010-01-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

Memories of Grandpa's teeth in a glass on the bedside table, or popular Hollywood and cartoon jokes of dentures flying out of the mouth, landing in someone's food, as well as chasing an animated cat around the room are the images conjured by many people when they consider dentures. Recent advancements in dental hygiene have made dentures less worrisome, more realistic, and much more functional than they were in the past.

Modern Dentures

New dental technology now allows dentists to custom create your dentures so they can be fitted exactly to into your unique mouth, and provide a natural looking, structurally durable alternative for missing teeth.

Substantially less invasive than other options for tooth replacement, modern dentures offer the assurance of a comfortable fit, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dentures come in both full and partial sets, so whether you require replacement of just a few teeth, or an entirely new set of teeth, the dentists at Colonial Dental Group will be able to come up with a solution that fits your needs.

Dentures are convenient, offering a nonsurgical replacement for missing teeth. They require very little preparation, and provide an instant, pain-free solution to tooth replacement. Easy to clean and affix, today's dentures are a modern advancement for a classic solution.

The experienced cosmetic dentists at Colonial Dental Group will work closely with you to make sure your dentures both match you smile, and fit perfectly inside of your mouth.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are looking for a quick, pain-free solution for missing teeth, please contact the dental staff at Colonial Dental Group to schedule a consultation, and find out how modern dentures can exceed your expectations.

Does Mouthwash Work?

2009-12-30T11:32:00.000-08:00

Any trip to the grocery or drug store can show you row after row of mouthwashes, all making specific claims about their effectiveness. Some contain naturally derived ingredients like vitamin C and baking soda. Others contain fluoride, antiseptics, tarter control ingredients, or whitening agents. Still others are little more than artificial sweeteners and strong perfumes. With all the claims made on mouthwash bottles, how is one to pick a product that will actually work?

What to Look for in a Mouthwash

All mouthwashes work to temporarily cover bad breath. This, however, is less a solution than an oral band aid, masking a larger problem, and not actually dealing with the specific causes of bad breath, or addressing larger oral hygiene concerns. The primary ingredient in any mouthwash is water and is what is added in addition to this determines its effectiveness.

Looking for mouthwashes that carry the ADA approval symbol indicates that the mouthwash actually does what it claims to do.
Choosing a mouthwash with antiseptic properties can kill bacteria that lead to plaque, bad breath, and periodontal disease.
Mouthwashes with additional tartar fighting ingredients will help keep plaque at a minimum, making the removal of plaque easier during brushing.
Fluoride is a strengthening agent that can help keep your teeth less susceptible to decay.

Of course, no amount of gargling is an adequate replacement for regular dental cleanings and exams. In some cases, like periodontal disease and dry mouth, our dentists may even recommend prescription mouthwashes. Still, these additional at-home oral hygiene steps are only supplemental to the thorough cleaning an experienced dentist alone can provide.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact the dental team at Colonial Dental Group for a thorough examination and cleaning today. Regular checkups in conjunction with proper oral hygiene, including mouthwashes, can ensure your teeth stay their healthiest for years to come.

How to Choose a Toothpaste

2009-12-22T11:32:00.001-08:00

A quick trip down the toothpaste aisle at your local grocery store can be overwhelming with so many brands, colors, flavors, gels, pastes to choose from. What's more, the choices ranging from whitening, to tarter control, to baking soda, to sensitive, to natural and fluoride free can leave a person longing for the simpler days of Crest or Colgate.

Choosing a Toothpaste That Works for You

There are several things to consider when choosing a toothpaste. Taste, most certainly, is a very personal choice and varies greatly from individual to individual; but what other things should you look for?

No matter what tooth paste you choose, make sure it has the ADA approval symbol on it. This ensures the toothpaste you’re buying meets the rigorous standards of the American Dental Association.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven effective in strengthening teeth and fighting tooth decay. While there has been some concern about fluoride and health issues, the ADA has determined that the trace amounts of fluoride in toothpaste is safe, and outweighs any potential danger associated with fluoride consumption.

Tartar control toothpaste will help reduce tartar build up that can be lead to gum disease, bad breath, and is hard to remove. Various agents are used to control tarter. Make sure your tartar control toothpaste is ADA approved.

Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help scrub away stains and remove discoloration. Studies suggest that the agents in whitening toothpastes do not have an adverse affect to tooth enamel, and are as safe as non-whitening forms of toothpaste.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth is specially formulated to attach to nerves that cause tooth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, this toothpaste is your best option.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact Colonial Dental Group for regular exams and help in choosing a toothpaste that will best suit your needs. The dentists at Colonial Dental Group have years of experience in helping people design an at home oral hygiene routine that works best for their unique individual requirements.

Dental Health: Canker Sores and Oral Cancer

2009-12-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Many mouth sores are common and require no treatment at all. Though they may be painful or uncomfortable, most common mouth sores will heal on their own within a few weeks. There are some instances, however, that should be referred to your dentist.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small ulcers that appear inside of the mouth. They are round, white or gray in color, and have a red ring on the outside. Most canker sores require no medical intervention and will go away on their own within a few weeks. If you have canker sore that lasts for more than three weeks, grows excessively large, starts to multiply, or causes extreme pain however, you should contact the dentists at Colonial Dental Group right away for a thorough examination and review of your treatment options.

Proper oral hygiene, and avoiding acidic foods may all help combat the appearance and irritation of canker sores. In some instances orthodontic devices like braces and dentures can aggravate canker sores, and these should be reported to your dentist immediately to avoid additional problem.

Oral Cancer

Cancerous growths inside the mouth can look like canker sores at the beginning. Oral cancer is not limited to the inside of the mouth, and can quickly change size and shape. Early detection of oral cancer through regular dental checkups is the most effective way to treat this disease before it becomes a problem.

Early detection is your best bet for combating oral cancer. Lifestyle choices like not using tobacco products and alcohol can also lower your risks for this disease.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois and have a sore in your mouth that has not healed within three weeks, or is causing you pain or discomfort, please contact us immediately. The experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group will be able to examine, diagnose, and treat the problem in an effective and efficient manner.

Partial Dentures vs. Dental Implants

2009-12-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

Missing teeth can severely impact an otherwise perfect smile. Social awkwardness, combined with loss of basic functionality like chewing and speaking, can make even the simplest of interactions burdensome and uncomfortable. Fortunately, several options exist to replace missing teeth, both permanently and temporarily.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are made for people who are missing one or more teeth, but do not require a full set of dentures. Partial dentures are molded and colored to match adjacent teeth. They are easy to remove for quick cleaning, and require minimally invasive procedures for placement. The downside to dentures is that they may require adhesives to affix into place, and because they are not permanent, they can slip out at inopportune times.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots secured into your jaw bone. Through a minor surgical process, dental implants are placed into the jaw where your bone incorporates them as part of your mouth. Porcelain crowns, colored and molded to match adjacent teeth, are then placed over the implants for a secure, seamless smile.

Dental implants require more time and surgery than partial dentures. They also may require additional surgeries to assure structural stability. However, because of these additional steps, they maintain your jaw structure, and the crown provides a more secure artificial tooth, eliminating the possibility of slippage. What’s more, they do not require expensive, messy adhesives to affix them into place, simplifying your daily routine.

Both partial dentures and dental implants work to restore functionality and aesthetics, and no one solution is best suited to every patient. The dentists at Colonial Dental Group will work closely with you to determine what method will work best for your individual needs.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are experiencing the discomfort of missing teeth, please contact Colonial Dental Group to discuss your options. The doctors at Colonial Dental Group will listen to your concerns and help you pick the solution that restores your smile to its best.

Dental Allergies

2009-11-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Any number of mental acrobatics can be used to convince yourself not to see a dentist. Fear of pain, dislike of the procedures, even sensitivity to the sounds associated with cleanings can all be deterrents. But in some cases, legitimate allergies to common dental supplies and medicines can keep you from getting the oral health care you need.

Common Dental Allergies

Many people suffer from allergies that can interfere with their daily lives. Pollen, mold, and other environmental allergens can cause discomfort seasonally or year round. You won't find mold or pollen inside of a dental office but you may find other common allergens, like:

Latex and rubber used in gloves and some dental tools
Sulfites used in dental materials
Metals like gold, nickel, and mercury used in fillings, bridges, and crowns
Fragrances used in dental cements
Pain relief allergens

At Colonial Dental Group, we strive to make your experience as safe and comfortable as possible. Using only all-porcelain crowns, offering resin composite fillings, and using latex-free gloves are all methods we employ to ensure your allergies are not aggravated.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and common allergies have kept you from getting the dental services you need and desire, please contact the experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group. Our staff will listen closely to your concerns, and make every effort possible to ensure a flare-up free visit.

Tooth Whitening and Veneers

2009-11-18T07:37:00.000-08:00

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. Stained, yellowed teeth can be a turn off during social, business, and romantic encounters. For this reason, procedures to whiten teeth have topped the cosmetic dental market in recent years. There are several options available to make your teeth their whitest and most brilliant.

Tooth Whitening

Many options exist to help whiten teeth. Over the counter tooth whitening kits are the most readily available, but they are also the least effective and can cause the most tooth sensitivity. Professional alternatives to store bought kits include:

Professional at-home whitening kits - These contain a higher concentration of whitening gel along with a personally molded mouthguard to ensure quick, even results.
In-office whitening - This takes place over a single office visit. Whitening gel is applied and a special light is used to increase its whitening power while decreasing the amount of time necessary to see results. This helps eliminate time, effort, and discomfort associated with do it yourself methods.
Dental bonding - This can be used to fill in cracks, chips, and pits where discoloration can hide. In some cases, these areas cannot be whitened with a gel due to their inaccessibility.
Porcelain veneers - These are a quick, painless, noninvasive way to correct problems ranging from cracked and chipped teeth, to teeth that are discolored by stains and environmental factors.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are looking for an ideal solution to whiten your teeth, please contact us for a consultation. The dentists at Colonial Dental Group will work closely with you to find a solution that best meets your needs and desires.

Dental Phobias

2009-11-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Dental phobia is quite common in our country. Memories, both real and imagined, of painful dental procedures, sensitive teeth scraped, a slipped cleaning tool, insufficient amounts of Novocain, or perhaps even sensitivity to the sounds of dental instruments cleaning your teeth causes your skin to crawl. No matter what the cause of your dental phobia, a friendly, professional dental staff can help alleviate your discomfort, and get you back into the dental chair.

Common Causes of Dental Phobias

Bad experiences are the most common cause of dental phobias. Some of us experienced dentists that were uncaring or rushed, while others have had actual painful experiences while visiting the dentist. Other causes may be:

Unrelated history of abuse, particularly in childhood
Unrelated post traumatic stress disorder
Unrelated medical humiliation

Phobia means "fear" in Greek, but in our modern society, the term phobia has been extended to mean an "irrational severe fear that leads to avoidance." No matter how irrational, however, dental phobia is individually legitimate, but can lead to serious oral health problems.

Cure for Dental Phobia

The best cure for any fear is to face it directly; but it's helpful to have a caring, friendly, and professional staff to help you conquer this fear. At Colonial Dental Group, we are dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable atmosphere.

Our dentists are skilled in dealing with every form of dental phobia, and we offer special treatments like sedation dentistry for patients who are particularly nervous about dental procedures. We are devoted to making every visit to the dentist easy and enjoyable.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and fear of the dentist has kept you from getting the oral health care you deserve, please contact the friendly, professional staff at Colonial Dental Group to hear about the ways we can make your visit stress and anxiety free.

Sensitive Teeth: Causes and Solutions

2009-11-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

Eating ice cream, drinking coffee, these are things we take for granted if our teeth are not sensitive. However, many Americans suffer from sensitive teeth, making these every day activities painful and unpleasant.

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, but not an untreatable one. There is no reason for you to live your life in pain, afraid to enjoy certain foods, pained by brushing your teeth. Depending on the cause, several options exist to help ease the discomfort associated with sensitive teeth.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of common problems. Some, like tooth whitening gels, can be avoided by reducing or ceasing the application. Others, like loss of tooth enamel, a cracked tooth, or an exposed tooth root may require intervention by a dentist.

Solutions for Sensitive Teeth

Over the counter solutions may help solve your problem. Using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can often help eliminate the discomfort. There are many brands of toothpaste for sensitive teeth. The dentists at Colonial Dental Group can help you determine which one will best work for you.

In some cases, in-office services may be required. Some common procedures to reduce tooth sensitivity include:

Enamel strengthening fluoride treatments
Bonding and sealing treatments
Root canals

Depending on the cause and severity of your tooth sensitivity, these and other solutions may be applied. It is important to have the dentists at Colonial Dental Group asses and help you correct your tooth sensitivity issues.

If you are experiencing a diminished quality of life due to tooth sensitivity and live in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact us to schedule an appointment. The dentists at Colonial Dental Group will best be able to determine the cause and appropriate solution to solve your problem.

Dental Health: Canker Sores

2009-10-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth. They can make eating, drinking, and even speaking uncomfortable. They can also make oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth and gargling with mouthwash painful.

Causes of Canker Sores

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. Simple canker sores can be triggered or worsened by highly acidic foods and beverages, dental devices like braces, and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Complex canker sores may be caused by a vitamin deficiency, or gastrointestinal diseases.

Symptoms of Canker Sores

Canker sores are identifiable by their round shape, gray or white color, and red border. Often painful, these open sores in your mouth may also cause:

Swollen lymph nodes
Physical exhaustion
Fever

Reasons to Contact Your Dentist for a Canker Sore

Most canker sores will heal within a few weeks. You will want to contact your dentist if your sores are:

Unusually large
Spreading
Extremely painful
Interfering with eating and drinking
Accompanied by a fever

The dentists at Colonial Dental Group can prescribe special mouthwash in these cases that will help heal the sores.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are experiencing difficulties with canker sores, please contact the experienced dentists at the Colonial Dental Group today for a thorough examination and review of your treatment options.

Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions

2009-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Nobody wants bad breath. It's embarrassing, and can lead others to believe you have poor oral hygiene or overall health. Ever year, Americans spend millions of dollars on things like mouthwash and gum to cover up bad breath; but what causes bad breath in the first place, and what can really be done to cure it?

Causes of Bad Breath

The most common causes of bad breath are the things we put into out mouth. Food, beverages, and tobacco products all impact our breath. Other causes of bad breath include:

Improper oral hygiene like failure to brush and floss regularly
Gum disease
Dry mouth
Sinus infections
Diseases, including lung disorders, cancer, and kidney failure
Extreme dieting or starvation

Treatment for Bad Breath

The best treatment for bad breath is proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing after every meal, or at least twice a day, will help ensure your breath stays it's freshest. Other steps to eliminate bad breath include:

Regular dental visits for thorough cleanings, for identification of potential problems, and treatment for gum disease, and dry mouth
Not using tobacco products
Drinking water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist

Professional strength mouthwashes and treatments are available for severe cases of dry mouth and gum disease. The dentists at Colonial Dental Group will be able to work closely with you to find a solution that best fits your needs.

If you suffer from bad breath in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact us for an initial consultation. The professional dentists at Colonial Dental Group can instruct you in proper oral hygiene and help eliminate the problem of bad breath forever.

Good Dental Hygiene

2009-10-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

A beautiful, healthy smile begins at home. Proper oral hygiene not only helps keep your smile its brightest, it also helps keep it at its most functional. Maintaining your natural teeth requires substantially less time and effort than costly surgical procedures necessary when your teeth are no longer healthy. But what is the best way to ensure your teeth remain healthy?

Proper Tooth Brushing

Everyone knows how to brush their teeth, right? Not necessarily so. Several factors go in to proper brushing.

Use a fluoride toothpaste
Use a toothbrush that has soft, or extra soft bristles
Brush lightly to ensure you don’t remove enamel
Brush at least twice a day
Brush for at least two minutes at a time
Change your tooth brush regularly

Following these rules will help ensure your teeth are their whitest and most healthy in between regular dental visits.

Proper Flossing

In addition to brushing, flossing twice a day is important to remove plaque and food from in between your teeth - places your tooth brush cannot reach. Flossing properly takes only a few minutes and will lead to overall improved oral health.

Give yourself enough floss (12 to 18 inches) to ensure a tight grip on both ends
Slide the floss in between each tooth, making sure to floss your back teeth as well as your front
You can floss before or after brushing your teeth
Flossing before bed is more important than flossing during the day

Plaque and food built up in between teeth can only be removed with proper flossing.

Regular Dental Visits

In addition to brushing and flossing daily, regular checkups and professional cleanings at Colonial Dental Group will help keep your teeth their healthiest. During these visits your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and you will be examined to check for cavities, gum disease, and any other potential problems. It is important to have a dentist check your teeth at least twice a year to catch any potential problems before they get too big.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact the trained dentists at Colonial Dental Group to schedule your check up today. You use your teeth every day, they deserve the best care possible.

General Dentistry

2009-10-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

General dentistry is a broad term referring to all aspects of dentistry that focus on hygienic and functional treatments, rather than cosmetic services. You may associate general dentistry with annual trips to the dentist as a child for tooth cleanings, x-rays, oral exams, and free tooth brushes, but the scope of general dentistry far exceeds those things; encompassing every aspect of preventative and restorative oral hygiene.

Common General Dental Procedures

Common procedures in general dentistry include nonsurgical visits like:

Regular checkups and cleanings
X-rays
Snoring treatments
Dentures
Pediatric dentistry

Other general dental procedures that are a little more involved include:

Fillings
Resurfacing
Root canals
Dental implants
Dental crowns

When choosing a dentist, it is important to search for someone who has been extensively trained and has sufficient experience to provide all services for you and your family. Equally important is finding someone who has received additional training in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry, ensuring cross-over procedures like dental bonding and dental crowns are both structurally sound, and aesthetically pleasing. The dentists at Colonial Dental Group have the training and experience in both disciplines you and your family deserve.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are looking for a friendly, professional family dentist to service all of your family's dental needs, please contact Chicago's general dental professionals at Colonial Dental Group for an initial consultation.

Why See a Neuromuscular Dentist?

2009-09-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

"Why see a neuromuscular dentist?" is a great question that we can answer very simply for you: a neuromuscular dentist is specially trained to diagnose and treat the many painful symptoms associated with a misaligned jaw. When your jaw is out of alignment, temporomandibular joint disorder occurs.

TMD, sometimes called TMJ, is a painful yet very common disorder that affects millions of Americans. Many of our patients have been to several medical doctors hoping for relief from their symptoms. It is only after coming to Chicago's Colonial Dental Group do they find relief of their painful headaches and other symptoms including:

Grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
Clenching of the teeth
Jaw pain
Facial pain
Shoulder/neck pain
Tingling in hands and fingers
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

If you have suffered with any or all of these symptoms, a highly trained neuromuscular dentist such as Dr. David Dooley can help. Dr. Dooley is a fellow of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and has helped hundreds of Chicago residents find relief from this painful condition. Neuromuscular dentistry differs from general dentistry in that neuromuscular dentists are concerned with the function of the jaw, not the aesthetics of the teeth or the general health of the teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn more about neuromuscular dentistry, please contact Chicago's own Colonial Dental Group today.

Jaw Alignment and the Rest of the Body

2009-09-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Jaw alignment is not something most people give much thought to, especially the way it can affect their overall health and well-being, but jaw alignment, particularly improper jaw alignment, can have significant negative effects in multiple areas of the body, causing pain and discomfort. Neuromuscular dentistry, a cutting-edge dental field, studies the relationship between the hard and soft tissues of the jaw, including the cause of jaw misalignment. Neuromuscular dentists can often realign the jaw and relieve the pain associated with it.

Evanston's Colonial Dental Group has experts in neuromuscular dentistry and easing the pain that comes along with improper jaw alignment. The jaw is attached to the skull by what is known as the temporomandibular joint, or the TMJ, and proper jaw and TMJ alignment are so important because the jaw bones and muscles are linked to the neck, back, shoulders and head, and is active in so many common day-to-day activities like breathing, eating, and speaking. If the TMJ does not function properly, what is known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD), the thousands of repetitions the TMJ goes through in a normal day can lead to a number of painful conditions like back, neck, and shoulder pain, damaged or chipped teeth, difficulty eating/chewing, dizziness, sensitive teeth, and soreness, stiffness, or popping in the jaw. But perhaps the most painful effect is the migraine-like headaches often associated with TMD. These can be debilitating.

Painful conditions resulting from jaw misalignment are a result of the number of times the TMJ is used on a daily basis, and also through the inter-dependability of one body part on another. The jaw and the TMJ are complex combinations of muscles and nerves that interact with other networks of muscles and nerves, and an improperly aligned jaw stresses all of those other networks.

Neuromuscular dentistry, a cutting-edge cosmetic dental technique is effective at realigning the jaw and TMJ, to relieve the symptoms of TMD, including the migraine-like headaches that can afflict TMD sufferers. If you suffer from any of the symptoms such as migraine-like headaches, please contact the neuromuscular dental experts at the Colonial Dental Group to schedule a consultation.

Correcting Bad Dental Work

2009-09-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bad dental work can result in the exact opposite of what the patient went to the dentist for in the first place. Instead of a beautiful smile that inspires confidence and self-esteem, poor dental work can cause pain, embarrassment, and anxiety. In order to avoid bad dental work, when choosing a dentist make sure the dentist you find is well-qualified, up-to-date with the latest in cosmetic dentistry technologies, techniques, procedures and literature, able to provide proof of the quality of their work (before and after photos are a good way), and able to provide you with an in-depth and comfortable consultation.

If you've already been a victim of bad dental work, an expert cosmetic dentist is skilled at treating clients who have had bad dental work done to them. The expert cosmetic dentists at the Colonial Dental Group have multiple tools and technologies at their disposal to fix bad dental work, including advanced oral mapping, dental bonding, dental implants, endodontics, laser dentistry, and porcelain veneers and crowns. These dental tools and techniques, in the hands of experts, can repair the bad dental work and give you the smile you had originally hoped for.

If you've been a victim of bad dentistry and live in or near the Evanston area, please do not lose hope. The cosmetic dentistry experts at the Colonial Dental Group can help reverse the bad dental work and give you the smile you deserve. Contact them today to schedule a consultation.

The American Dental Association and Tooth Whitening

2009-09-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Tooth whitening has grown significantly in popularity and effectiveness over the past ten years, and so have the number of products available to combat tooth discoloration. As more and more products become available, safety becomes a larger concern. The American Dental Association's (ADA) stance on tooth whitening, including which products have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, is an important and helpful tool in determining which tooth whitening products to use.

There are technically two ways to whiten teeth, bleaching and whitening toothpastes. Bleaching of the teeth is a process in which carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. The ADA currently gives their Seal of Acceptance to products that use only 10% carbamide peroxide.

Whitening toothpastes that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance do not contain bleach, but do contain other chemicals that remove surface stains from the teeth, rather than changing the color of the actual tooth, as in bleaching, and many toothpastes available bear the ADA Seal. While the majority of tooth whitening products and procedures are safe and even recommended by the ADA, consulting cosmetic dentistry experts like those at the Colonial Dental Group should always be done prior to beginning any tooth whitening to insure the safest and most effective treatment possible.

Whiter teeth can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence. If you want whiter teeth, please contact the tooth whitening experts at the Chicago area Colonial Dental Group to schedule a free consultation to learn more about safe and effective tooth whitening treatments.

Dental Implant Surgery Anesthesia

2009-08-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Anesthesia is often an unknown component of surgery - patients will be informed about the actual procedure but be unaware of their anesthesia options. When it comes to anesthesia for dental implant surgery, there are three common options. The first, local anesthesia, is usually a medication known as lidocaine, administered via syringe to the area to be worked on. This numbs the "local" area while leaving other areas with feeling. Other than the local numbness, there are no side effects to lidocaine, leaving the patient awake and alert. Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," is a second option in which the patient is administered nitrous oxide gas, resulting in a feeling of euphoria and giddiness. Nitrous oxide is effective at relieving stress or fear about the procedure, and is used in conjunction with a local anesthesia. Finally, for more serious surgeries, intravenous (IV) sedation is used, resulting in a state of "twilight sleep" for the patient during the surgery, and ending with the patient not recalling the procedure. The medication can remain in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours, so the patient may not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery after undergoing a dental procedure with this type of anesthesia.

Anesthesia is a personal choice that should be worked out between patient and dentist; what may be right for one patient may not be right for another. If you or a loved one are in the Chicago area and considering dental implant surgery, please contact the dental implant surgery experts at the Colonial Dental Group to schedule a consultation today.