Preventive Dentistry

in Skokie

We get it, it can be a bit too easy to put off your routine dental visit and we don't blame you, life gets busy! But remember, skipping your appointments can cost even more time and money in the future. Coming in twice a year allows us to catch small issues before they become time-consuming, expensive problems. Regular visits only take about an hour and we assure you that we will make it a comfortable process. Let's keep that smile of yours healthy with our excellent preventive services.

Healthy gums are the foundation of every smile. Our hygienists are passionate about helping our patients maintain their gum health. During your cleaning, we will thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or debris from every surface in your mouth. You’ll even be able to reverse minor stains to keep your smile bright and beautiful. We recommend scheduling routine cleanings and exams every six months for most patients.

However, good oral hygiene shouldn’t stop when you leave our office. Keeping up with your at-home brushing and flossing routine is equally as important as attending professional cleanings, and is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time; and don’t forget to floss! Flossing at least once every day, ideally before going to bed, helps to get rid of food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can’t be removed with brushing alone.

We prioritize the health of your gums with periodontal care aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. During your routine visits, our hygienists will measure your gums thoroughly and detect any underlying gum disease that could result in future tooth loss. After your detailed assessment, we recommend a range of services from routine cleans to deep cleanings and other advanced treatments. We are committed to educating our patients on effective oral hygiene practices and providing a comprehensive approach to treatment so your whole health can thrive.

Digital x-rays are safe, quick, and comfortable. Using the latest technology, we can create high-resolution images of your mouth’s structure, so we can make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Digital x-rays use only a fraction of the radiation as traditional film x-rays, so you can rest easy. X-rays help detect cavities, gum disease, bone loss, infection and many other conditions. The routine visits allow us to take the x-rays needed to prevent early tooth loss and other serious issues in the mouth.

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Fluoride treatments are one of the best ways to keep dental decay at bay. A simple, non-invasive procedure, fluoride treatments help to keep your enamel strong. For our adult and pediatric patients, we’ll offer to apply a fluoride-rich varnish. Fluoride helps lessen sensitivity on teeth and strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to acids from plaque, bacteria, and sugary foods that cause cavities. People of all ages will benefit from  the application of fluoride!

While often associated with children's dentistry, adults can benefit just as much from this proven preventive treatment. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the deep grooves of your back teeth which are highly likely to get cavities. Even with diligent brushing, these microscopic crevices can trap food and bacteria. Dental sealants create a smooth, protective barrier that's nearly invisible and can last for years, significantly reducing your risk of cavities. It's a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure that can save you time and money by preventing more extensive dental work down the road. If you're cavity-prone or want to take a proactive approach to your dental health, ask us about whether sealants could be right for you.

Whether it's swelling from an infection or broken, painful throbbing tooth, dental emergencies can be a very painful, stressful experience, but we're here to help. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call to find out if you need immediate care. We're here to get you in same-day and address your main concern so you can get back to your life!

Oral cancer screenings are a part of every preventive visit. Through consistent exams, we can catch oral cancer early on, which gives us a better chance at treating it before it spreads. A routine oral cancer screening can even save your life!

Your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the rest of the soft tissues in your mouth, keeping an eye out for lesions and other abnormalities like lumps and discolorations. If there is anything that concerns us, we may recommend getting a biopsy, which will be analyzed by a specialist to determine the cause of the abnormality. Regular oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any potential problems before they become life-threatening.

Unconscious teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, is a common issue that tends to happen at night while patients are asleep. Night guards create a barrier between their teeth that protects them from grinding-related damage. Left unaddressed, bruxism can lead to wearing down of the teeth, or even complete fracture requiring other expensive treatments.

Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? Do you regularly experience soreness, tension, or find it hard to enjoy your favorite foods? You may have a form of TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Fortunately, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can provide you with the relief you deserve. Don't live with jaw pain; get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you alleviate your TMJ/TMD so you can get back to living life with a smile.