Dental Implants and your smile-Crystal Lake Dentist

Dental Implants and your smile

Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes they don’t! Replacing missing teeth is important to your general health and to the health of your other teeth. Not only do you lose chewing ability when a tooth is lost, but unreplaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped or crowded and create  subsequent problems. Also, there are the obvious problems of poor appearance and loss of self-esteem caused by one or more missing teeth.

Dental implants should always be considered as an option to replace a failing or missing tooth. Replacement of lost teeth with dental implants has been used for treating missing teeth for more than 50 years and is recognized as an effective treatment choice. Treatment is Considered more predictable than bridgework, resin bonded bridges and endodontic treatment.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a replacement tooth or “crown” or a set of replacement teeth.

Dental Implant

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

Implant patients are of all ages and implants may be the right choice for anyone missing one or more or even all of their teeth due to injury, disease or decay. They are especially practical for patients who can no longer wear removable dentures. Your dentist can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical history.

Are there different kinds of implants? 
There are many shapes, sizes and brands of implants available. Your dentist will know which implant is the right one for you.

Do I have enough bone?

It is important for a patient to have enough bone to support the implant. If you do not have enough bone or soft tissue to create a strong, healthy esthetic result, there are many safe and effective ways to correct bone  and gum deficiency. Your dentist will assess this and advise you if additional bone material is needed.

Will this take a long time?

Good news. Some implants can now be restored immediately. Advances in treatment protocol have greatly shortened the time for placement and final restoration in many cases. Treatment time can vary greatly depending on your needs. Each situation needs a separate evaluation; your dentist will be able to give you an approximate timetable.

Whom should I consult for my implant treatment? 
Your general dentist is your first resource for this service. The key is the implant dentist’s training, experience and credentials. This includes general dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists and oral surgeons who perform the surgical and/or restorative procedures.

Statistics on tooth loss

69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. More than 20 million people in the U.S. are missing all of their natural teeth, and more than 100 million are missing between 11 to 15 teeth. Although teeth are lost for a number of reasons including trauma, orthodontic treatment, and removal of third molars (wisdom teeth), most teeth are lost because of periodontal disease or dental caries (decay). 80 million teeth are extracted annually, 50 million of which should be treated. 1 out of every 200 people between the ages of 20-39 are missing all of their natural teeth, 1 out of every 20 people between the ages of 40-59 are missing all of their natural teeth and 1 out of every 4 people 60 and older are missing all of their natural teeth.

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Dental Implants at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

815 459 2202

www.DrNeal.com

Your comments are welcome 

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers-Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers dental veneers before and after Dental veneers are another fantastic tool used in cosmetic dentistry to help create that perfect smile. Unlike crowns which cover the whole tooth, dental veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain which are just bonded to the front of your teeth. Porcelain itself it a fairly brittle material but the bonding process adds additional strength to a veneer leaving you with a beautiful, durable and completely natural looking tooth. Dental veneers take on the appearance of enamel and provide the means for a truly remarkable cosmetic restoration. Although porcelain has amazing crushing strength it doesn’t react well to twisting so once you have had a tooth or your teeth veneered you need to avoid foods that will require any kind of gnawing or twisting action. Dental veneers have a variety of uses with veneers being used as an alternative to tooth whitening, braces, crowns and other cosmetic dentistry techniques. Porcelain veneers can be used to disguise discolored or chipped teeth, close gaps, straighten teeth, assist with realignment and reshape your smile. Veneers have a distinct advantage over dental crowns in that there is less or no tooth ground down prior to the veneer being bonded to the tooth. In addition, veneers tend to be more aesthetically pleasing providing you with an even more natural appearance. Given the nature of a veneer, in that it is bonded to the front of your tooth, veneers are only one of any use for cosmetic restorations of front teeth. Getting a veneer is so easy and a great alternative for those hate the dentist chair. An initial visit will involve your cosmetic dentist taking an impression of your teeth and you may require some minor contouring work. The second visit may be purely for the veneer to be bonded into place providing you with an instant and fantastic looking result. With teeth that are too damaged for a veneer you can use a veneer in conjunction with a crown to obtain a perfect finish. Please share your comments! Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Veneers at Crystal Lake Dental Associates. Phillip C. Neal DDS Crystal Lake Dental Associates 280 B Memorial Court Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014 815 459 2202 www.DrNeal.com

Clenching teeth, TMJ, Tooth Grinding, and Headaches - Crystal Lake Dentist

Clenching Your Teeth
Ever noticed that familiar scene at the movies when the camera goes in for a close-up on the gangster’s face during a tense moment in the film and you can see him clenching and his jaw muscles throbbing?

Clenching teeth is on the rise

He probably has headaches!

You may not know that the action of biting down on your teeth (other than chewing and swallowing) is called "clenching" or "grinding your teeth" and can cause TMJ problems and headaches.
[Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) - causes, symptoms headaches, sore jaw, ear clicking, facial pain] 

A high percentage of the headache sufferers are also ''clenchers'' but most are not even aware they had the habit. You may know you grind your teeth if your partner wakes you up when they hear you grind your teeth at night, you experience jaw pain and/or headaches, or the dentist has pointed out that you have cracked teeth or excessive tooth wear.

How do you know when you are clenching and what do you do?

Headaches related to TMJ and clenching are on the rise

You pay attention. Here are some clues to look for if you think you don’t think you are clenching but have headaches.

1) You sometimes wake up with sore teeth or jaw muscles 
2) When you relax your jaw and let you chin drop, it feels more uncomfortable than when your mouth is shut. 
3) You can’t open your mouth as wide as you should be able to. 
4) You chew gum everyday. 
5) Just touching your teeth together without biting down is enough pressure to be a problem.

If you think you are having problems with TMJ, ask us about TMJ splints.

TM splints are a simple effective treatment for TMJ and headaches in many cases

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Headaches, Clenching and TMJ at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

815 459 2202

www.DrNeal.com

Your comments are welcome

Pregnancy Gingivitis Crystal Lake Dentist

Pregnancy Changes your Chemistry

For expectant parents the Joy of pregnancy cannot be matched. Picking our names, decorating the baby's room,  and baby showers dominate the parents thoughts. The physical changes occurring in the mother that accompany pregnancy need to be dealt with as well. One of those changes is how the body deals with inflammation and infections.  Hormonal changes in the mother lead to an exaggerated response to bacterial plaque in the mouth.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy gingivitis

 pregnancy tumor 

During pregnancy, many women experience increased sensitivity and puffiness of the gums. Pregnancy causes an alteration in the estrogen and progesterone levels that, when coupled with plaque that is present in the mouth, can cause an exaggerated form of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). In some cases, the infected gum can form a benign growth called a pregnancy tumor. The pregnancy tumor does not usually require treatment, and resolves after the child is born. Professional dental cleanings twice during your pregnancy, as well as frequent daily brushing (three times a day) and flossing, will greatly reduce gum swelling, sensitivity, and the risk of developing a pregnancy tumor. 




Gingivitis, Periodontitis and Low Birth-Weight Complications

Low Birth-Weight

Pregnancy gingivitis untreated can become periodontitis which causes bone destruction. These conditions are harmful to both the pregnant mother and the unborn child. Gum disease is linked to heart disease and diabetes along with a multitude of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Gum disease is also linked to Low Birth-Weight. Low Birth-Weight is linked to premature death of the child, extended hospital stays, and many chronic health complications which are emotionally and financially devastating to the family.

Dental Treatment During Pregnancy


Most dental treatment can be safely completed during pregnancy. Despite the extremely low radiation of dental X-rays, routine checkup X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy if the expectant mother has received routine dental care and is in good dental health. If the expectant mother is in pain, dental X-rays can be safely taken, but I advise using two lead aprons to shield the radiation. Dental anesthetics at regular doses are not harmful to the unborn child. Some obstetricians advise dentists to use anesthetics without epinephrine during pregnancy. 


Medications During Pregnancy


Most antibiotics used by dentists during pregnancy do not put the unborn child at risk. Acceptable antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin and clindamycin. Dentists should avoid prescribing tetracycline and narcotic pain medication, and not recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil®). Dental pain should be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) in most cases. 


Best time for Dental Treatment


The best time for dental treatment during pregnancy is in the second trimester. Elective dental treatment such as cosmetic dentistry should be postponed until after the child is born. Always consult your obstetrician if you have any questions about medications or treatment provided by your dentist. 

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about pregnancy and dental care at Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

815 459 2202

www.DrNeal.com

Dental Treatments for Sleep Apnea-Crystal Lake Dentist

Dental Treatments for Sleep Apnea 

Snoring is a sign of sleep apnea

Daytime drowsiness is a sign of sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea...What is It?

 It is estimated that millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, but far fewer know very much about what it is or how it can be treated. Quite simply sleep apnea is the disruption of normal breathing during sleep and can become a very serious problem if gone untreated.  Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose since no one remembers how his or her breathing was the night before.   

People suffering from sleep apnea also may choke or gasp during sleep to draw in breath, experience loud snoring, awake suddenly to restart breathing, sweat frequently through the night, experience headaches, sore throat, or dry mouth in the morning, and even may experience daytime sleepiness. 

Causes of Sleep Apnea 

Causes of sleep apnea vary. Large tonsils, obesity, relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles, smoking, nasal congestion, and heredity are some of the major causes.  Sleep apnea can also develop from other physical ailments such as weak immune system, severe heartburn, acid reflux or high blood pressure.

Simple airway tests for sleep apnea

Recordings from portable home testing for sleep apnea

Home testing device  for sleep apnea 

Testing for sleep Apnea 

In our office, we screen patients for sleep apnea with a simple questionnaire regarding their sleep quality of sleep and symptoms of daytime sleepiness. A simple series of airway tests can help determine if your airway collapses. A take home monitor can be used to assess the quality of sleep. This information is then sent electronically to be evaluated by a qualified sleep physician. A diagnosis and recommended course of treatment is then available very quickly and economically.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Example of simple oral appliance for sleep apnea

While not usually associated with sleep apnea, dentists can actually play a large and successful role in the treatment of sleep apnea.  Dentists, working along with other health professionals can control the symptoms or reverse sleep apnea. In fact dental treatments are some of the most common and affordable ones.  There are different dental appliances, lower jaw adjustment devices, and oral devices that can help treat and fight mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Many dental devices for treating sleep apnea are much like athletic mouth guards or appliances used for orthodontics and are made of acrylic, fitting inside the mouth that when fitted properly can reposition jaw bones and facial muscles.  Others actually fit around the head and chin to reposition the jaw, much like headgear for braces.  Two of most common dental treatments for sleep apnea include the Tongue Retaining Device and the Mandibular Repositioning.  These two devices help open your airway while you sleep. It moves your lower jaw or tongue forward.  Often, the lower jaw and tongue move too far back thus blocking the flow of air during sleep.

Dental treatments and devices for sleep apnea can make a huge difference in treating mild to moderate cases. Call our office and ask us how we can best help you treat your sleep apnea for a more rested night’s sleep.

Please share your comments!

Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about Sleep Apnea and Oral appliances at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.

Phillip C. Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

280 B Memorial Court

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

815 459 2202

www.DrNeal.com