Here are just a few of the reason to consider a dental makeover.  It’ll help boost your self esteem, boost your immune system and keep you healthier, and make you look younger and more beautiful. Those around you treat you with more respect, thus helping you succeed at work, and build closer, more meaningful relationships.

Few people realize that the bacteria that cause our teeth to go bad can also wear down our immune systems and make us vulnerable to dangerous medical conditions, such as those covered below.

Heart disease

As many 91 percent of patients with cardiovascular disease also have advanced periodontal disease.

Diabetes

Researchers aren’t sure if diabetes causes gum disease, or if the diabetic’s inability to fight infection makes it harder to fend it off.

Premature Birth

The Academy of Pediatrics has found a direct link between premature/low-birth weight infants and mothers with moderate to severe periodontal disease.

Strokes

In 2005, researchers found a direct link between high levels of the bacteria which causes gum disease and dangerous levels of arterial plaque buildup in the carotid arteries–a common cause of strokes.

Respiratory Ailments

Bacteria can grow in the oral cavity and travel to the lungs causing a variety of respiratory conditions.

Osteoporosis

Bone loss in the jaw has been linked to bone density problems in other parts of the body.

An Increase in Colds and the Flu

Any ongoing bacterial infection (such as is found in periodontal disease), can cause the immune system to break down leaving you prone to everyday illnesses.

With more than 80 percent of the U.S. population suffering from some degree of gum disease, it’s important for dental patients to understand the benefits to their overall health today’s high tech cosmetic dentistry techniques can offer.

Discuss your concerns regarding general dentistry, periodontal disease treatment, dental implant procedures, porcelain veneers placement, or other cosmetic dentistry procedures with our skilled cosmetic dentists in Oak Lawn, Illinois or our experienced cosmetic dentists at our Chicago practice.

Getting dental implants is a fairly invasive procedure, requiring the implant to be surgically embedded in the jaw bone.  The first step in the process is having the cosmetic dentist determine if there is enough bone to anchor the implant in proper position. This is done with a series of simple dental x-rays.

If it is determined that the patient does not have enough bone for implantation, they are required to undergo a grafting surgery to take bone form other parts of the body (usually the mouth or hip) and insert it into the area where it’s needed for the implant.  Establishing proper bone density is crucial to implant success.

Once bone density has been established, the first step in the implant procedure can begin.  This consists of raising the gum, fitting the implant to the bone, and suturing the gum over the implant.  Once this initial surgery is complete, the patient must wait three to six months, to allow the surrounding bone to begin to grow into the implant.  This is called osteointegration.

Once it is determined that osteointegration has indeed taken place, a second procedure is used to uncover the implant, followed by the insertion of the tooth posts.  Impressions are then taken of the tooth so that a custom made crown can be made for implantation.

The third appointment requires inserting permanent posts and adhering the new crown on the top of the implant.

Of course, no surgical procedure is without risk.  Soreness and swelling are likely to occur during the early stages of the implant process as the bone bonds with the titanium, implant, and infection. Rejection may occur in some cases.  Again, after the final surgery, some people experience swelling, soreness, and bleeding for at least the first day following the procedure.

Proper dental care and following a strict oral hygiene regiment is extremely important to ensure implant success and eliminate side effects.   Only about 5 percent of patients experience implant rejection in the first year.

Many people turn to Zoom!® whitening because it can deliver results in just one hour. Naturally, because Zoom!® whitening is a procedure performed by your dentist it is more expensive than buying an over-the-counter tooth whitening product. However, the Zoom!® procedure is far more effective at whitening teeth than most of those over-the-counter products.

Zoom!® whitening is done by your cosmetic dentist and it can require one or several visits to achieve the desired results. The Zoom!® procedure begins with your dentist applying a special tooth whitening gel to your teeth. After the gel is applied the dentist will set you up with a special light that is aimed at your teeth. The light is used to activate the gel that was applied. Once activated the gel breaks down stains on your tooth enamel and teeth whitening occurs.

The Zoom!® procedure delivers whitened teeth that have a natural and appealing shade. Unlike many over-the-counter products Zoom!® whitening does not over whiten or discolor teeth. Certain OTC teeth whitening products can actually cause the teeth to turn an unnatural shade of white and may even cause tooth and gum sensitivity.

The Zoom!® whitening procedure is very safe and does not damage teeth or gums. In fact, many patients benefit from the Zoom!® procedure and report better gum health post procedure. However, the Zoom!® procedure is not suited for everyone. Only a dentist can determine whether or not your suited for the Zoom!® whitening procedure.