John Kelly, DDS delivers expert, caring general dentistry in his Chicago-Edgebrook dental office. Here is just a sample of what offer to our regular dental patients.
Your Oral Exam
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 become 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.
Teeth Cleaning
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 discover can actually save your life!
Dental X-Rays
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
Dental Fillings
Checking for 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!
Fillings can also be used to maintain the chewing surfaces of teeth that have become worn. Proper dental hygiene prevents cavities, but once they appear, fillings can be the answer!
Dental Crowns
Worn or damaged teeth can be markedly improved with dental crowns, a.k.a. caps. Crowns can also solve some 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 you 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!
Dental Bridges
These time-tested appliances can “bridge the gap” created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more artificial teeth. They are supported either by natural teeth or dental implants positioned on either side of the gap. If you are missing teeth or are currently wearing a bridge, Dr. Kelly can help you decide whether to invest in a new or replacement appliance to help reduce irritation, improve your smile, chew food better and prevent infection.
The Bottom Line: Visit Dr. Kelly Soon!
Regular professional dental checkups really do matter! Prompt repair of damaged, discolored and missing teeth can improve your health and your look. Contact Dr. Kelly’s office soon to get the general dentistry care you need!