Your Guide to Preventive Dentistry: How Smile Today Dental Keeps Your Smile and Health on Track
Preventive dentistry plays a crucial role in maintaining not just your oral health, but your overall well-being. At Smile Today Dental, we believe in “designing smiles for active lifestyles,” making routine checkups and cleanings as easy and stress-free as possible for our patients in Glenview, Illinois. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about our preventive care services and what you can expect from your visits.
What Does Preventive Dentistry Include?
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining the health of your teeth and gums through regular exams and professional cleanings. Our preventive services typically include:
- Professional Cleanings: Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing and flossing can’t reach. A thorough cleaning also brightens your smile and leaves your mouth feeling fresh.
- Oral Exams: During your exam, we assess your gum health by measuring the space between your teeth and gums. We also check for signs of decay, gum disease, and issues with existing dental work. Early detection allows for timely treatment and prevents more severe problems from developing.
- Oral Cancer Screenings: Routine checkups include an oral cancer screening where we look for abnormal lumps, swelling, or other changes in your head, neck, and mouth. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
- Digital X-rays: Our advanced imaging technology helps us detect hidden decay, infections, and other issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Regular X-rays are crucial for spotting problems early, when they are easiest to treat.
What Makes Smile Today Dental Different?
We prioritize your convenience and comfort. Here’s how we stand out:
- Flexible Scheduling: We offer evening and weekend appointments to fit your busy lifestyle. We also have emergency slots available for urgent needs.
- Affordable Care: We understand that financial concerns can be a barrier to routine care. Our office provides flexible payment options, including CareCredit®, to make preventive care accessible. Many preventive services are also fully covered by insurance.
- Comfort and Safety: For patients with dental anxiety, we use advanced, non-invasive technologies to ensure a gentle experience. Our team can also discuss additional options like oral sedation for added comfort.
How Often Should I Get a Checkup?
Regular dental checkups are typically recommended every six months. However, based on your specific oral health needs, our dentists may recommend more frequent visits. These consistent checkups allow us to monitor your oral health closely and provide personalized advice, whether it’s recommending specialized cleaning tools or preventive treatments like dental sealants.
Don’t Wait – Schedule Your Next Checkup Today!
At Smile Today Dental, we’re committed to providing preventive care that keeps your smile healthy and vibrant. If it’s time for your next checkup or you have questions about maintaining your oral health, give us a call at 847-440-3331. We look forward to welcoming you and your family into our practice and helping you enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile for years to come!
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Why do experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth?
Experts now recommend not removing wisdom teeth unless they cause problems because unnecessary extractions can lead to complications. Current research indicates that leaving asymptomatic, disease-free wisdom teeth in place avoids risks like nerve damage, infections, and prolonged recovery. Instead, regular monitoring allows dentists to address issues if and when they arise. This approach also acknowledges that many people retain their wisdom teeth without any negative effects, making routine removal unnecessary for everyone.
How long is the waiting list for wisdom teeth removal?
The waiting list for wisdom teeth removal varies based on factors such as the dental practice, location, and urgency of the case. In general, the wait can range from a few weeks to several months. Some dental offices may have shorter waiting times, especially if the case is deemed urgent due to pain or infection. It’s best to consult with local dental offices to get a precise estimate and explore options for scheduling the procedure sooner if needed.
What can I expect 72 hours after wisdom tooth extraction?
You can expect increased swelling and discomfort up to 72 hours after wisdom tooth extraction. Pain should be manageable with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers. Some residual bleeding or oozing is normal, but it should be minimal. Sticking to soft foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, and avoiding strenuous activities are important. Swelling and bruising may still be present but should start to subside.It can take seven to ten days for swelling and bruising to subside totally. If severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of swelling occur, contact our team immediately.
Can I go to work the next day after wisdom tooth extraction?
Returning to work the next day after wisdom tooth extraction depends on the complexity of the procedure and your individual pain tolerance. For simple extractions, some people feel well enough to resume work with minimal discomfort. However, it’s common to need at least a couple of days to recover for more complex extractions or multiple teeth removal. Resting, avoiding strenuous activities, and following post-operative care instructions can aid in a smoother recovery. Consult with our team for personalized advice.
How late is too late to remove wisdom teeth?
There isn’t a strict age limit for removing wisdom teeth, but it’s generally easier and less risky when done in the late teens or early twenties. As you age, the roots of the teeth become fully formed, and the surrounding bone becomes denser, increasing the risk of complications such as nerve damage and prolonged recovery time. However, removal can be necessary at any age if wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, or other dental issues. It’s important to consult with our team to determine the best timing.
What if I wait too long to get my wisdom teeth out?
Delaying a necessary wisdom tooth extraction can result in several complications, including pain, infections, cysts, and damage to flanking teeth. The roots of wisdom teeth continue to grow and can entangle with nerves, making extraction more difficult and increasing the risk of nerve damage. Regular dental check-ups and x-rays can help monitor wisdom teeth and determine the right time for removal to avoid these issues.
What happens if you never remove your wisdom teeth?
If you never remove your wisdom teeth and they are asymptomatic and properly aligned, you might not experience any issues. However, if they are impacted or poorly aligned, they can cause problems such as pain, infections, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to monitor the status of your wisdom teeth and address any issues promptly to maintain overall oral health.
How bad is wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia?
Wisdom teeth removal without local anesthesia can be very painful and is not recommended. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area and prevent pain during the procedure. In more complex cases, sedation or general anesthesia might be used for added comfort. Without anesthesia, the patient would experience intense pain from the surgical manipulation of the teeth and surrounding tissues. It is our goal to prioritize patient comfort and pain management, making local anesthesia an essential part of the extraction process.
Dr. Evelyn Kidonakis has been treating patients for over 30 years. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago College and its School of Dentistry and the Levin, Crabtree, and Practice Growth Institute Programs. She is educated and has hands-on training in areas such as direct cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers and Lumineers, Invisalign orthodontics, occlusion, and facially-generated treatment planning. Dr. Kidonakis is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo has studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and New York University Langone Dental Medicine in San Diego, CA. She has received hands-on training in Botulinum toxin and training in Invisalign orthodontics. Dr. Yoo holds membership in the ADA, Chicago Dental Society, and Illinois State Dental Society and a Fellowship in the AGD.
