How you take care of your teeth at home is critical to your overall health and the look of your smile. It’s equally vital to visit your dentist at least every six months for an oral exam. Why?

By skipping just one checkup, new dental and gum problems are left to grow worse. Visiting Dr. Kelly’s Chicago dental office on a regular basis helps intercept these problems early, reducing the time, inconvenience and money required for invasive treatment.

You may ask yourself, “If I’m taking care of my teeth and gums on my own, why do I need to see a dentist so frequently?”

Fact is, even the most diligent dental patients often miss hard-to-clean areas of the mouth, leaving them vulnerable to decay and disease. Only a professionally trained dental hygienist can really “get in there” to clean your teeth and mouth properly.

In addition, your dentist is qualified to identify abnormalities in the oral cavity, such as cancer.

Early discovery can actually save your life!

A dental x-rays is made possible by a machine that, very briefly, radiates a small plate positioned behind teeth.

Since radiation can penetrate hard objects, the plate picks up images of the internal structures of the jaw and mouth with a high level of accuracy. Digital X-rays are preferred to film, since they are computerized, instantly available and require less radiation levels.

The reason we periodically take a set of x-rays is to detect the presence of a number of abnormalities, including…

• Cavities and cracks
• Bone or gum loss
• Periodontal disease
• Possible benign or malignant tumors

Checking for and repairing dental cavities is one of the most important reasons for visiting a dentist.

The sooner a cavity is discovered, the smaller the repair will be. Once a cavity is diagnosed, a dental filling is installed in the area of the affected.

Fillings preserve the integrity of the tooth and prevents further damage. Tooth-colored fillings can be used to match the natural tint of your enamel, making them virtually undetectable!

The function of your worn or damaged teeth can be markedly improved with dental crowns, a.k.a. caps.

Crowns can also solve cosmetic issues, bringing back the natural color your smile. Just how do they work?

A mold is taken of the existing tooth and shaped by the dentist to fit precisely with your bite.

Molds are then sent off to a lab for fabrication. You may be fitted with a temporary crown to protect a damaged tooth while the permanent crown is made.

Depending on the material used, as well as the wear and care they receive, permanent crowns should last five to fifteen years – a great investment in your smile!