Blog

Sick of your old dentures? Can’t get a bridge? No problem! Dental implants treatment to the rescue in Dolton

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

If you are (or will be) missing a tooth, a dental bridge is an option. But the replacement tooth relies on surrounding teeth for stability. What happens when you’re missing, say, a back tooth? A bridge requires teeth on either side of the gap. No problem. Dolton Dental Implants Treatment recreates the look, feel, and function of natural, healthy teeth. It’s a great option for patients who aren’t candidates for the “old standbys” like traditional dental bridges. Likewise, it’s a great option if you’re tired of dentures slipping at the most unfortunate times. Maybe you need some relief from the … Continue reading

Understanding the signs and symptoms of oral cancer in Illinois

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Dentist show teeth to girl with mirror when finished repairing

A healthy mouth is about more than a shiny smile and fresh breath. Even the best oral health care habits and the most attractive of smiles can be hiding a hidden threat to oral, and overall, wellness. Oral cancer affects many dental patients each year. While it can be treated, like any cancer treatment the key is to discover it early, before it has time to spread to other areas of the body. One of the best ways to screen for oral cancer is during your twice yearly dental checkups. While occasionally patients with oral cancer will be able to … Continue reading

Illinois parents ask, “Are mouth guards really important for my child?”

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Young woman keeping her mouth open while dentist examining it

As a parent, you have plenty to worry about when your child starts to play sports. Scrapes and bruises, practice times, scheduling family dinners around a busy schedule, and remembering when it’s your turn to bring the team snack are only a few of the items on your busy to-do list. With all the equipment to remember, practice car pool to drive, and laundry to wash, many parents ask their dentist if the suggested mouth guard is really necessary. In a nutshell, yes. The mouth guard is important to children, older kids, and to adults playing sports. While it may … Continue reading

Treatment for teeth discoloration in IL

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Woman with Inhaler Suffering Asthma Attack in Winter Asthmatic patient managing condition with medication in cold season

Keeping your smile healthy requires several things – eating well, drinking plenty of water, proper and frequent brushing and flossing, and regular checkups with your dentist. However, even with the best oral health habits patients can begin to notice that their smile doesn’t sparkle the way it used to. That’s because certain foods, especially those that are dark in color, can leave particles on the teeth that begin to cause discoloration and yellowing of the smile. Patients who want to improve their smile and remove the teeth discoloration often wonder where to start. A trip to the grocery store uncovers … Continue reading

Treating crowded or uneven teeth in Dolton, IL

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Young woman in black and white striped dress posing with hand on hip

Many patients feel that orthodontic dental treatment is all about improving the appearance of their smile. They think that teeth that are crowded or uneven should be adjusted only if they want to smile a little brighter. The truth is teeth that are misaligned, crowded or uneven can be a risk to oral health. When teeth are crowded, they create pockets in the mouth where sugar and food particles can become trapped, leading to tooth decay or gum disease. Sometimes teeth are misaligned as soon as they break through the gums. Other times, the teeth shift during adulthood, either after … Continue reading

What you need to know about diabetes and dentistry in Illinois

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Patients with diabetes know that they have to actively monitor and manage their lifestyle and diet for health reasons. However, diabetes – and high blood sugar – can also impact your teeth and gums as well. Patients with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes must take special care to manage their blood sugar levels in order to decrease their risk for tooth decay and gum disease. How does diabetes impact my dental health? Tooth Decay: Every mouth is made up of many types of bacteria. When food and beverage particles made up of starches and sugar come into contact … Continue reading

Managing dental pain in Illinios

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Dental pain can be caused by a many factors but is almost immediately recognized. Sometimes it may be a lingering sensation after eating something hot, cold, or sweet; other times it can be an intense throbbing pain; and still other times it can be a dull, sore ache. Whatever the feeling, patients want relief and they want relief now. We are here to help Call us at (708) 576-1900 or Schedule an Appointment today. Often patients in Illinios, and across the United States, are quick to run to the drugstore when they have pain in their mouth. While over the … Continue reading “Managing dental pain in Illinios”

Tooth fillings 101: What Illinois dental patients should know

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Beautiful young parents with daughter and son

Why fillings are important Tooth fillings are among the simplest and most common dental restorations. They are used to repair cavities, and prevent the spread of tooth decay. You might not pay a great deal of attention to cavities unless they affect the appearance of your smile, or become painful. Unfortunately, ignoring them will only lead to bigger, and eventually painful, problems. Tooth decay is a progressive disease, and once it begins it will continue chewing away at the layers of enamel, dentin, and eventually reach the soft dental pulp. Fillings relieve the pain and sensitivity of deep cavities, because … Continue reading

Oral health complications of common eating disorders

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Surely, you’ve heard that “you are what you eat.” While this may not literally be true, your dietary habits do have a profound effect, for good or bad, on your entire body including your teeth. You are probably aware that excess sugar consumption can lead to cavities, especially when coupled with lax oral hygiene. However, you may not know that frequent vomiting, poor nutrition, and consumption of certain high-acid diet foods can also be harmful to your oral health. Coping with eating disorders Many people find it challenging to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, especially when confronted with store … Continue reading

Understanding the dental causes of headaches in Illinois

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Middle age woman tightening skin on face with hand

Headaches are one of the most common nervous system disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50 percent of all adults have experienced one or more headaches within the last 12 months. In reality, the number may be much higher, as headaches are traditionally underestimated and frequently undiagnosed. Many people simply suffer in silence, and do not seek medical attention unless the pain becomes debilitating – and even then, they don’t always find relief. There are several types of headaches, with various causes making misdiagnosis a common problem. You may not expect to find relief at a dentist’s … Continue reading