Scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the cornerstone of periodontal therapy for gum disease (gingivitis). SRP is usually accomplished under local or topical anesthetic to allow the therapist to meticulously clean root surfaces, remove chronic inflammatory irritants under your gums, and eliminate the bacteria involved in active gum disease. In addition to the mechanical removal of calculus (tartar), some scar tissue adherent to the tartar and roots may be removed in a non-surgical manner. As a result, the bacteria imbedded in these irritants is also removed, producing a much healthier environment for the gums, roots, and bone to heal.
We use an antimicrobial gel, called Arestin, in those areas where there is bone loss and pockets over 5 mm which remains under your gums for about 1 week. This was a key addition to eliminate the bacteria most often involved in reoccurrence of gum disease. As a result, we do far fewer surgeries than was necessary 15 years ago.
After administration of anesthetics, the other areas of your mouth not being treated under the gums are scaled ultrasonically. Once this is complete, the target areas are cleaned ultrasonically, with hand instruments, and again ultrasonically. The second ultrasonic cleaning sprays a special antibacterial rinse (chlorhexidine) through the tip to flush debris out of your gums and kill bacteria. Then the Arestin gel is injected under your gums where needed. You will not be able to feel it and it dissolves over time. Wait 10 days to floss or WaterPik in the areas your therapist advised the Arestin was placed.
You will be given the same antibacterial rinse, called Periogard, in a home use bottle and will be instructed in its use. Your participation with meticulous home care is very important! If you smoke, stopping or reducing to less than five cigarettes per day will be very beneficial.
Post treatment symptoms are often minimal. Some gum soreness, hot-cold sensitivity, and possible minor tooth soreness can be expected, but last only a few days in most cases. During this time, following home care recommendations and the use of the chlorhexidine rinse not only helps keep you comfortable, but also contributes to the healing and final result. Brush and floss all of your teeth, including the treated area (although gently there unless otherwise directed). If you have a WaterPik for you chlorhexidine use as directed. Discomfort can be controlled by taking Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Tylenol as needed.
If you have any questions, then contact Rubino Dentistry. We are a Park Ridge dental practice and have great knowledge about this subject and can help you with any curiosity about it.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Do You Experience Dry Mouth While Sleeping, During the Day, etc.?
Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem for many people, especially older adults. What causes it are certain medical conditions; it is also often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, and diuretics. Hundreds of medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect. Since many patients take multiple medications, the potential for any particular patient on medication to develop dry mouth is significant. As a Park Ridge dentist, I have plenty of patients who have medications that can cause dry mouth, it's a very common issue.
Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. If left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur. It is a significant contribution to dental erosion, which can be very damaging. Meticulous home care routines, using our recommended aids, is very crucial to controlling this potentially serious threat to your oral health.
We recommend Biotine over the counter products to our Park Ridge dental patients experiencing dry mouth. There are hygiene products you can use that cleanse the oral environment and remove bacterial. Soothing gels and liquids that clean and refresh plus intelligently formulated toothpastes with unique enzyme systems combine to protect dry mouth sufferers. There is also a spray that can be used anywhere.
For stimulation products to stimulate saliva glands, using chewing gum and mouth rinses that help manage bad breath while stimulating the mouth's own defenses is a huge help.
For moderate to severe cases, we here at Rubino Dentistry of Park Ridge may recommend the use of dry mouth gels, prescription fluoride toothpastes, and/or remineralization fluoride paste to aggressively fight the serious problem with rampant decay that often can be found in dry mouth patients. Our goal is to not only make your mouth feel better but to prevent dental disease from this growing problem.
If you have any questions, contact Rubino Dentistry and ask us. Or stop by our Chicagoland dental office.
Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. If left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur. It is a significant contribution to dental erosion, which can be very damaging. Meticulous home care routines, using our recommended aids, is very crucial to controlling this potentially serious threat to your oral health.
We recommend Biotine over the counter products to our Park Ridge dental patients experiencing dry mouth. There are hygiene products you can use that cleanse the oral environment and remove bacterial. Soothing gels and liquids that clean and refresh plus intelligently formulated toothpastes with unique enzyme systems combine to protect dry mouth sufferers. There is also a spray that can be used anywhere.
For stimulation products to stimulate saliva glands, using chewing gum and mouth rinses that help manage bad breath while stimulating the mouth's own defenses is a huge help.
For moderate to severe cases, we here at Rubino Dentistry of Park Ridge may recommend the use of dry mouth gels, prescription fluoride toothpastes, and/or remineralization fluoride paste to aggressively fight the serious problem with rampant decay that often can be found in dry mouth patients. Our goal is to not only make your mouth feel better but to prevent dental disease from this growing problem.
If you have any questions, contact Rubino Dentistry and ask us. Or stop by our Chicagoland dental office.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Cracked Teeth? Tips from a Chicagoland Dentist
A very common and often difficult problem for patients is having cracked teeth. Teeth crash for a wide variety of reasons; the most common reasons are having back teeth with moderate to large silver fillings. Patients with parafunctional habits such as grinding or clenching teeth and having cracked teeth that were never fixed. teeth that have had root canals are also good candidates for cracking.
Many teeth have surface cracks which are not a problem; once a crack begins to discolor, we become suspicious of the crack as it progresses into the teeth. In a tooth that has a vital nerve, cracks can actually cause chronic inflammation and eventual irreversible nerve damage. Sometimes, this process is symptomless until the nerve damage is irreversible. We monitor any cracks that are visible every time you come in for exams. Unfortunately, often very since cracks exist which are undetectable at the beginning. Cracked teeth are one of the most unpredictable and difficult scenarios for doctor and patient. Diagnosis is sometimes a product of process of elimination.
Teeth with moderate to large silver fillings eventually will crack! Most of the time, the fillings to not brake but rather the enamel of the tooth does. Usually, these cracks will progress until a corner of the tooth breaks. These breaks will be to the deepest part of the filling and beyond. It is very common to remove an old silver filling and find a significant crack underneath the filling very close to the nerve chamber. Many of these cracks are symptomless but often a patient will begin to have symptoms and hypersensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets, discomfort while chewing or biting, and eventually escalating pain as the nerve becomes damaged. We try and stop this progression by removing the old filling, following and removing the crack and placing a protective lining in the deepest area. This is usually followed by a dental crown. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of teeth with moderate to deep cracks will eventually require root canal therapy in spite of our efforts to stop them. Therefore, the sooner we identify and treat active cracks, the lower the possibility of root canal therapy.
Worse case scenario with cracked teeth are cracks in the root system. It is one of the most common reasons for failure of root canals and usually results in extraction of the tooth. We have a variety of options to help reduce the risk of cracked teeth, which we will discuss with you if we find cracks in any teeth.
If you have any cracked teeth, come into our Park Ridge dental office. As a Chicagoland dentist, Dr. Rubino has seen it all, you can have confidence in his ability to treat your dental concerns, including cracked teeth.
Many teeth have surface cracks which are not a problem; once a crack begins to discolor, we become suspicious of the crack as it progresses into the teeth. In a tooth that has a vital nerve, cracks can actually cause chronic inflammation and eventual irreversible nerve damage. Sometimes, this process is symptomless until the nerve damage is irreversible. We monitor any cracks that are visible every time you come in for exams. Unfortunately, often very since cracks exist which are undetectable at the beginning. Cracked teeth are one of the most unpredictable and difficult scenarios for doctor and patient. Diagnosis is sometimes a product of process of elimination.
Teeth with moderate to large silver fillings eventually will crack! Most of the time, the fillings to not brake but rather the enamel of the tooth does. Usually, these cracks will progress until a corner of the tooth breaks. These breaks will be to the deepest part of the filling and beyond. It is very common to remove an old silver filling and find a significant crack underneath the filling very close to the nerve chamber. Many of these cracks are symptomless but often a patient will begin to have symptoms and hypersensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets, discomfort while chewing or biting, and eventually escalating pain as the nerve becomes damaged. We try and stop this progression by removing the old filling, following and removing the crack and placing a protective lining in the deepest area. This is usually followed by a dental crown. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of teeth with moderate to deep cracks will eventually require root canal therapy in spite of our efforts to stop them. Therefore, the sooner we identify and treat active cracks, the lower the possibility of root canal therapy.
Worse case scenario with cracked teeth are cracks in the root system. It is one of the most common reasons for failure of root canals and usually results in extraction of the tooth. We have a variety of options to help reduce the risk of cracked teeth, which we will discuss with you if we find cracks in any teeth.
If you have any cracked teeth, come into our Park Ridge dental office. As a Chicagoland dentist, Dr. Rubino has seen it all, you can have confidence in his ability to treat your dental concerns, including cracked teeth.
Monday, June 2, 2014
What to Know About Cavities and Fillings
As a dentist near Chicagoland, I do see my fair share of patients come through my Park Ridge dental practice door with a cavity or two. It's not at all uncommon for people to have cavities, it doesn't make it okay, but it is common.
Dental cavities have been around since people have been around; the treatment of them has been been around for centuries at least, however, it was in the wonderful year of 1875 when the organization of the treatment came about. Dr. G. Black created a plan for how to successfully treat the cavities that his patients were regularly suffering from. Dr. Black created the idea of using a filling to treat the cavity as well as removing any decaying part of the tooth. His concepts were so good that they fostered the modern treatment of dental cavities.
The treatment is comprised of two simple parts: remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill that with some sort of filling material; today, we use silver (amalgam). For the procedure, the dentist will often give the patient a local anesthetic like Xylocaine or Novocain; if the patient does not want this, then they can get "laughing gas". Once that has taken effect, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth with a high-speed drill; do not worry, since you have the anesthetic, you do not feel any pain.
Once the tooth has been drilled, the dentist will often use some sort of liner to help reduce any tooth sensitivity. Many dentists will use a liner that is comprised of gluma, copalite varnish, and then some dycal. This liner will help the dentin regenerate in your tooth and help heal it. If you have a deep cavity, then the dentist will likely use a bass as well as the liner. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I have used these both before.
Once the tooth is ready for the filling, the dentist, along with the patient, can choose a filling; most common one is amalgam, resin, silver, or even gold. This last layer will help rebuild the tooth to its original integrity and strength.
It is entirely common for your tooth to be a bit sensitive for a day or two; if you experience discomfort for an extended period of time after your filling, then contact a dentist immediately. If you are in Chicagoland, contact Rubino Dentistry and we can take care of it. It is possible that you can have an infected pulp, which is remedied by root canal therapy.
Dental cavities have been around since people have been around; the treatment of them has been been around for centuries at least, however, it was in the wonderful year of 1875 when the organization of the treatment came about. Dr. G. Black created a plan for how to successfully treat the cavities that his patients were regularly suffering from. Dr. Black created the idea of using a filling to treat the cavity as well as removing any decaying part of the tooth. His concepts were so good that they fostered the modern treatment of dental cavities.
The treatment is comprised of two simple parts: remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill that with some sort of filling material; today, we use silver (amalgam). For the procedure, the dentist will often give the patient a local anesthetic like Xylocaine or Novocain; if the patient does not want this, then they can get "laughing gas". Once that has taken effect, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth with a high-speed drill; do not worry, since you have the anesthetic, you do not feel any pain.
Once the tooth has been drilled, the dentist will often use some sort of liner to help reduce any tooth sensitivity. Many dentists will use a liner that is comprised of gluma, copalite varnish, and then some dycal. This liner will help the dentin regenerate in your tooth and help heal it. If you have a deep cavity, then the dentist will likely use a bass as well as the liner. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I have used these both before.
Once the tooth is ready for the filling, the dentist, along with the patient, can choose a filling; most common one is amalgam, resin, silver, or even gold. This last layer will help rebuild the tooth to its original integrity and strength.
It is entirely common for your tooth to be a bit sensitive for a day or two; if you experience discomfort for an extended period of time after your filling, then contact a dentist immediately. If you are in Chicagoland, contact Rubino Dentistry and we can take care of it. It is possible that you can have an infected pulp, which is remedied by root canal therapy.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Here are 5 Things You'll Want to Know About Teeth
Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body; they help you speak, eat, and have a good looking smile. We know we are supposed to take care of them and even people who are not dentists still know how to take good care of teeth. However, there are still things that many people do not know about their teeth.
We have compiled a list of 5 different things that you will want to know about teeth.
We have compiled a list of 5 different things that you will want to know about teeth.
- The sour stuff can be bad for your teeth, just like the sweet stuff. Almost everyone knows that sugar can be bad for your teeth; the more sugar you eat, the more likely you are to have cavities. However, sugar is not the only bad guy for your teeth; acidic foods can be just as bad for your teeth as sugar is. Foods (citric fruits, sour candy), and drinks (soda, juices, etc) can have acids that do work on your teeth. Citric acid is one of the worst acids for your pearly whites. What does acid do? It weakens the enamel on your teeth.
- Enamel is strong but it has its limits. Things like chewing ice, holding a pencil with your teeth, oral piercings, these are all things that can crack the enamel that protects your teeth. Also, be careful when eating popcorn to avoid chomping down on a popcorn kernel. Piercings on your tongue can be bad for your teeth as well; whenever you say something, it can collide with your teeth.
- Tooth loss happens at any age. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I can assure you that tooth loss can happen when you are 75, 45, even 25; it does not matter how old you are, if you do not take care of your teeth, they can come out. Gum disease and cavities are two big reasons for tooth loss and these things can happen at any age.
- Too much fluoride can have a negative effect. We have all been taught that having fluoride is good for our teeth; this is why the American Dental Association always wanted communities to have fluoridated water supplies. However, that is not the issue; the issue arises from ingesting too much fluoride from sources like toothpaste. This typically happens with children, when they swallow excessive amounts of toothpaste, the issue of too much fluoride can happen. Too much of the stuff can make teeth porous. Everything in moderation.
- Braces can be rough for cavities. If you are not good at cleaning with your braces, then cavities can form around the braces since teeth become more difficult to brush.
If you are looking for a dentist in Chicagoland, then make an appointment with Rubino.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Children's Dentistry 101
Caring for your child's teeth is not an option, it is a must. This means having foods and drinks that are not loaded with sugar or acid as well as developing a strong oral hygiene habit.
Flouride is a big help to developing teeth into strong bodies and gives them the ability to ward off cavities and dental decay. Reports have shown that fluoride helps children have 65 percent fewer cavities than those who have no access to fluoride; this means that children should be drinking water infused with fluoride as well as use toothpaste that contains it as well. Many of the children who drink fluoridated water have healthy teeth, even into their teen years.
If your area does not have fluoridated water, then you can purchase some fluoride tablets, gels, drops, and treatments.
Aside from fluoride, we have mentioned that having a proper diet is a big help to the children. Children should have calcium in their diet, not only for strong bones but strong teeth as well. Having milk, cheese, yogurt, and all things dairy is a great source. Having broccoli helps too. If you have cheese after eating a meal, it helps negate the acid in the foods or drinks that can lead to dental decay.
A proper dental hygiene routine is essential to having healthy teeth as well. Ensuring that your children have proper brushing, flossing, and even using a mouthwash are important to having healthy teeth and gums.
If you are in the Chicagoland area and looking for a dentist in Chicagoland, then contact Rubino Dentistry for your dental needs as well as your child's.
Flouride is a big help to developing teeth into strong bodies and gives them the ability to ward off cavities and dental decay. Reports have shown that fluoride helps children have 65 percent fewer cavities than those who have no access to fluoride; this means that children should be drinking water infused with fluoride as well as use toothpaste that contains it as well. Many of the children who drink fluoridated water have healthy teeth, even into their teen years.
If your area does not have fluoridated water, then you can purchase some fluoride tablets, gels, drops, and treatments.
Aside from fluoride, we have mentioned that having a proper diet is a big help to the children. Children should have calcium in their diet, not only for strong bones but strong teeth as well. Having milk, cheese, yogurt, and all things dairy is a great source. Having broccoli helps too. If you have cheese after eating a meal, it helps negate the acid in the foods or drinks that can lead to dental decay.
A proper dental hygiene routine is essential to having healthy teeth as well. Ensuring that your children have proper brushing, flossing, and even using a mouthwash are important to having healthy teeth and gums.
If you are in the Chicagoland area and looking for a dentist in Chicagoland, then contact Rubino Dentistry for your dental needs as well as your child's.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Restorative Dentistry -- Veneers
So what are dental veneers?
Well, in short, they are shells made from very thin ceramic/ porcelain or perhaps a composite material and then they are bonded to the front of your teeth. This is a great choice for improving the look of your teeth to give you the smile you always dreamed of. The procedure requires little to no anesthesia and the procedure is easy-going.
Why should you get veneers over other options?
A veneer is a great option versus something like a crown (however, if you need a crown to replace missing strength in tooth, then a crown is truly needed). A veneer is a more conservative solution to giving a tooth or teeth a new look in terms of color, shape, or the size. If you have any discolored teeth, a gap in teeth, or chipped teeth, then veneers are a great solution for those problems.
Veneers last for a long time, unless there is an unforeseen issue such as something knocking the veneer; however, they are designed to be a long lasting solution to aesthetic dental issues and have proven to be that way.
What is the procedure like?
To complete the procedure, there will likely be three separate appointments; the first for diagnosing, the second for planning the treatments, and the third for actually doing the treatment.
In order to get the teeth ready for the bonding, they are gently buffed so there will be a slightly added thickness to the veneer. If you go with composite, once the tooth is ready to go, the dentist will bond and mold the material to your teeth. If you go with porcelain, then there will be a mold made of your teeth, which is sent to a lab, and that will shape the new veneer. Once that is ready, it is applied to the tooth. The veneers are bonded to the tooth with a cement, which is then hardened between the tooth and the veneer.
You will take some time to adjust to you new teeth. Brush and floss daily, just like you would with your real teeth. After a week or two, you will have a follow-up with your dentist. Dr. Rubino, here at our Park Ridge dental office will see how things are going with you and your new teeth.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rubino Denistry. We are a Chicagoland dentist office and have lots of experience in veneers.
Well, in short, they are shells made from very thin ceramic/ porcelain or perhaps a composite material and then they are bonded to the front of your teeth. This is a great choice for improving the look of your teeth to give you the smile you always dreamed of. The procedure requires little to no anesthesia and the procedure is easy-going.
Why should you get veneers over other options?
A veneer is a great option versus something like a crown (however, if you need a crown to replace missing strength in tooth, then a crown is truly needed). A veneer is a more conservative solution to giving a tooth or teeth a new look in terms of color, shape, or the size. If you have any discolored teeth, a gap in teeth, or chipped teeth, then veneers are a great solution for those problems.
Veneers last for a long time, unless there is an unforeseen issue such as something knocking the veneer; however, they are designed to be a long lasting solution to aesthetic dental issues and have proven to be that way.
What is the procedure like?
To complete the procedure, there will likely be three separate appointments; the first for diagnosing, the second for planning the treatments, and the third for actually doing the treatment.
In order to get the teeth ready for the bonding, they are gently buffed so there will be a slightly added thickness to the veneer. If you go with composite, once the tooth is ready to go, the dentist will bond and mold the material to your teeth. If you go with porcelain, then there will be a mold made of your teeth, which is sent to a lab, and that will shape the new veneer. Once that is ready, it is applied to the tooth. The veneers are bonded to the tooth with a cement, which is then hardened between the tooth and the veneer.
You will take some time to adjust to you new teeth. Brush and floss daily, just like you would with your real teeth. After a week or two, you will have a follow-up with your dentist. Dr. Rubino, here at our Park Ridge dental office will see how things are going with you and your new teeth.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rubino Denistry. We are a Chicagoland dentist office and have lots of experience in veneers.
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