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| COMPREHENSIVE ORAL EXAMINATIONS |
| This examination is provided to all new patients on their first visit unless requested otherwise. A full set of radiographs is taken unless provided by your previous dentist. The doctor will evaluate you for cavities, oral cancer, abnormalities of the mouth and jaws, gum disease, TMJ disorders and more. Pictures may be taken with a digital camera or intra oral camera to show you exactly what the doctor sees and to help inform you of the treatment required. Complete diagnosis will be done and treatment planning will be provided. |
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| PROPHYLAXIS-CLEANINGS |
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Routine prophylaxis is of paramount importance of any patient who has the desire to keep their teeth for ever! |
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| RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY |
| FILLINGS |
| Fillings are the necessary treatment for small cavities in a tooth. Teeth become weakened due to tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when acid from oral bacteria in the mouth soften and infect the tooth structure. Tooth decay is irreversible for the most part and the infected tooth structure must be removed and replaced with a filling. |
| White Fillings -Composites |
| Composite/White Filling is the material used for both anterior and posterior restorations. Due to the improvement in the strength, lack of sensitivity and great aesthetics this material is used almost exclusively and is preferred by most patients. |
| Silver Fillings-Amalgam |
| Silver fillings are the ones done using an amalgam material. It is called and amalgam because it a is a mixture of silver, copper and other metals mixed with mercury to become hard. Mercury inside a filling is completely inert and safe for the patient. In no way does mercury from a filling have any detrimental effect to the patient. It has been the standard way of restoring teeth since the beginning of dentistry. They are slowly been replaced by white materials (composites) although amalgam still has its place in dentistry. |
| CROWNS |
A crown may be recommended for a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture or failure of an old restoration. Many teeth with large fillings would be better protected and look esthetically better with crowns placed.
A crown can provide the strength necessary to withstand the
chewing forces end can return the tooth to its original shape and function.
The construction of a crown is very precise and generally requires at
least two visits. During the first visit, the damaged tooth is
prepared to accept the crown. An impression is taken and a temporary
crown is placed. At the second visit, the temporary crown is
removed. The permanent crown is then cemented onto the prepared tooth.
The material used to make a crown varies in its strength, esthetics and price. Your dentist will recommend to you the best options for your particular case. |
| BRIDGE |
When a tooth is missing and an implant is not an option, a bridge can be made to replace it. This treatment requires placing a crown on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth and attaching the missing crown in between them. The result is a single piece with 3 or more teeth connected. This bridge is then cemented with permanent dental cement like any other crown and does not come out.
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| Alternatives to a bridge include implants, partial dentures and space maintainers. Each option has advantages and disadvantages which your dentist will discuss with you. |
| ONLAY/INLAY |
| When a large portion of a tooth is missing, and it is not possible to restore it with a filling, but a crown is not necessary, an onlay or inlay could be the treatment of choice! On onlay/inlay is stronger than a filling and usually lasts much longer. This restoration is made by the laboratory, after an impession of the tooth is taken. It is placed on the tooth in the following appointment. |
| IMPLANTS |
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Implants are the future of dentistry happening today!
The BEST way to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth or only two implants to provide support under a poor fitting denture!
It is a long process which requires several appointments but the final result justifies the time and money invested to improve function and aesthetics.
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth. A crown is then created and placed on the |
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implant which looks and feels like the natural tooth!
The materials used to construct the dental implant are inert and accepted well by the body. |
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| COSMETIC DENTISTRY |
| BONDING/White Filling |
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Bonding is the way any composite material is adhered to the tooth structure. The tooth is carefully cleansed and specially prepared to receive the restoration, which is, then harden (cured) by using a special light, which is totally safe.
Composite material can also be used as an alternative to a crown (cap), on an anterior tooth, by placing a coating (veneer) over the entire front surface.
This procedure is a relatively simple one that can be performed in the dental office |
| VENEERS |
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Many patients have concerns about stained, discolored teeth with large, old restorations or uneven teeth due to malformation. The most up-to-date technique currently available to correct such problem is customized porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin, semi- translucent "shells" that fit over the front of the teeth. Due to minimum tooth reduction this procedure is preferred over crowns. An impression is taken in the office and a shade is carefully selected.
The laboratory makes the veneers and they are placed on the teeth with permanent dental cement which is light cured and the final result is a great looking smile!
No-prep veneers are veneers that do not require any or little tooth structure removal. They can be used in certain cases and the final result is great! |
| TEETH WHITENING-BLEACHING |
Making your smile brighter will enhance your personal, professional and social outlook.
The bleaching treatment will make your discolored teeth whiter.
The bleaching procedure will cosmetically alter the stained appearance of the teeth.
Bleaching reverses the color of tooth by removing the organic particles from the enamel. This creates whiter, brighter enamel.
There's no loss of tooth structure and bleaching is one of the safest procedures you can have done to your teeth.
Some sensitivity may occur depending on the strength of the solution used. Our office offers 3 concentrations of bleach to minimize the sensitivity.
The bleaching method we perform in our office involved taking impressions of the your teeth with take about 5-10min. Following your impression visit, models are made and then plastic trays are constructed which fit precisely over them. The trays are used to keep the bleaching solution in place during the treatment. On the second visit your bleaching trays are tried in by the doctor for fit. You are given instructions on how to use the bleaching solution and then you can start bleaching immediately after. Results are seen after just 1 day and maximum results are seen after 7 days. The results are predictable, A BRIGHT WHITE SMILE! |
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| PERIODONTAL TREATMENT |
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The leading cause of tooth loss in the adult population is untreated Gum Disease! There are several types of gum disease from the simple gingivitis (inflammation with bleeding) to advanced periodontitis (Bone loss, loose teeth, infected bleeding tissue).
Treatment depends on the type and the severity of each case followed by routine maintenance. You will be eva luated for gum desease at each on of your exam visits and |
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placed in a classification category determined by the severity of your disease. Treatment will be specifically tailored to your needs granting you the best chances for a successful result.
Medicine as a whole recognized the detrimental effects of gum disease. Physicians as well as dentists are making their patients aware of its complications. If left untreated, it will irreversibly compromise not only the oral environment but the function of the rest of the systems in the human body.
The American Academy of Periodontology
Visit the official site of the American Academy of Periodontology for information specific to periodontal disease, including causes, warning signs, treatment and procedures. You can request free brochures on gum disease and oral health. |
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| ENDODONTIC TREATMENT [Root Canals] |
Endodontic therapy ("endodontic" means within the tooth) is the removal of the infected tissue inside the pulp chamber which lies in the middle of the tooth and the canal in its root.
There are several reasons such a treatment may be necessary. The most common is untreated decay, failure of an old restoration, tooth fracture or advanced gum disease.
When the root canal treatment is completed, teeth generally have an excellent chance of remaining in the mouth for as long as the other teeth, providing they are restored properly.
The newest method of performing this procedure is with Rotary Endo- a mechanized way of sterilizing the infected pulp tissue and filling the canal with an inert material. In most cases only one appointment is needed.
Please visit the American Association of Endodontists for more information if needed. |
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| INVISALIGN |
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The Invisalign® system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the dazzling smile you've always dreamed of. Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your
teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks |
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before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by Dr. Loukas, based on your specific needs.
Invisalign aligners are practically clear. No one may even notice that you're wearing these virtually invisible "braces," making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. |
Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.
Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires with the Invisalign system that could cause irritation |
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to your mouth. Plus since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal or wire adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair.
And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. |
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| ORAL SURGERY |
Tooth preservation and restoration is our goal. Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove a tooth due to fracture, failure of an existing restoration beyond repair, advanced gum disease, orthodontic reasons, or extractions of primary teeth.
Outmost care is given to make this treatment as comfortable as possible, with the minimum discomfort and maximum empathy and understanding. Other surgical procedures are offered at the doctor's discretion.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Visit the official site of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries, and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face) for information on procedures and treatment of wisdom teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws. |
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| DENTURES |
A full denture is one the replaces all teeth in the particular jaw. A well constructed full denture is a wonderful way to replace all the missing teeth, lost due to decay, gum disease, accident or neglect. A well fitting denture can restore confidence in your smile but most importantly can allow you to enjoy the simplest pleasure in life-eating!
Denture teeth used to construct dentures very. We offer different sizes, shapes, colors and materials of denture teeth to meet the high esthetic demands of today's patients. Your dentist will customize your denture for your needs. A small fee may be applied for certain teeth but the resulting esthetics will be well worth it. Your dentures will not be finalized until you are 100% happy with them. |
| PARTIAL DENTURES (REMOVABLE BRIDGES) |
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When several teeth are missing and a bridge or implants are not an option, an appliance can be constructed to replace them. Usually one fee is charged no matter the amount of teeth replaced very economical way to provide the patient with confidence, comfort and the ability to enjoy food!
Partials can be made of several different materials. The most common are metal based or plastic based. The plastic (valplast) being the more flexible and esthetic of the two types and the metal stronger, more rigid and less esthetic. Each case is different and your dentist will inform you of your treatment options at the beginning of your treatment. |
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| TREATMENT OF TMJ |
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Pain in the joint of the lower jaw to the side of the head in front of the ear is collectively called TMJ condition. Symptoms are headaches, soreness of the muscles and pain upon opening and generalize pain of the teeth. The cause is usually grinding or clenching of the teeth. |
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| The most common treatment is a construction of a night guard which is worn mainly during sleep. It does not allow the teeth to grind and thus discomfort is minimized or eliminated in most cases. Other treatment may require the use of anti-inflammatory medications and rarely surgery or referral to a TMJ specialist. |
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| Links |
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www.carecredit.com
CareCredit is exclusively endorsed by: |
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American Dental Association
Visit the official site of the American Dental Association, the professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science and professional development. |
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Academy of General Dentistry
Visit the official site of the Academy of General Dentistry to find a dentist in your area, ask a dental question, sign up for their quarterly newsletter or for other information regarding oral health. |
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The American Academy of Periodontology
Visit the official site of the American Academy of Periodontology for information specific to periodontal disease, including causes, warning signs, treatment and procedures. You can request free brochures on gum disease and oral health. |
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The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Visit the official site of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries, and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face) for information on procedures and treatment of wisdom teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws. |
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Illinois State Dental Dental Society |
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Chicago Dental Society |
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Hellenic American Dental Society |
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Invisalign |
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Illinois School of Health Careers
Please visit our dental office in Park Ridge near Chicago for Best Dental Services. Call your Park Ridge dentist at 847-696-1919 to schedule an appointment today |
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