All forms of medical practice acquire their fair share of myths throughout the ages. The science of dentistry is no safer from conspiracy theories and popular mythology than any other type of technology that continually advances and improves.

Dealing with common dental myths is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is myths are powerful and can cause some people to neglect getting the care they need for their teeth. At Colonial Dental Group, we work hard to ensure every patient is comfortable and safe, using the most advanced technology and implemented the latest discoveries into our practice.

Common Dental Myths

• Amalgam causes mercury to leak into your bloodstream - This myth has been debunked by the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, the United States Public Health Service, and the National Institute of Health. At Colonial Dental Group, however, we use only porcelain fillings, eliminating any worries concerned with the potential health risks of amalgams.
• Frequent brushing can damage enamel - While it is true that frequent brushing with a hard toothbrush and abrasive toothpastes can damage enamel, the doctors at Colonial Dental Group recommend the use of soft bristled toothbrushes, and non-abrasive, ADA approved toothpastes. All studies indicate that there is no danger to the enamel of your teeth if you follow these simple suggestions.
• Chewing sugar-free gum is just as effective as brushing - Some studies indicate that chewing sugar-free gum after a meal helps activate saliva which has natural antiseptic qualities. Sugar-free gum cannot, however, remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
• If there is no visible problem with my teeth, I don't need to schedule an exam - Regular dental exams are vital for spotting and treating potential problems before they become severe. Oral cancers, periodontal disease, and tooth decay can go unnoticed until it's too late. Only an experienced dentist can correctly identify and treat oral problems before they become severe.
• Children's teeth are going to fall out anyway, there's no need to take them to the dentist. Instilling proper oral hygiene routines in your children will ensure a lifetime of oral health. Additionally, baby teeth not adequately tended to can fall out too early causing bite problems, and issues with permanent teeth.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and have stayed away from the dentist due to the fear or certainty associated with one of these dental myths, please contact the experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group.

Keeping your natural teeth, or part of them at least, in your mouth is the main goal of dentistry. However, in some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted. Decay or trauma may cause some teeth to be damaged beyond the point where affixing a crown would be feasible. In these cases, the experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group may deem it necessary to extract the tooth.

Tooth Extraction Process

The process for removing a tooth is quite simple. A local or general anesthetic will be administered depending on the location and extent of the damage. After you are sufficiently comfortable, the tooth will be gently removed and the healing process can begin.

After the extraction, pain relievers may be prescribed along with an oral hygiene routine to be completed until the socket is completely healed. After the socket is healed, our dental staff can discuss with you your options for replacing the missing tooth.

Solutions for Missing Teeth

There are many solutions for missing teeth. Depending on the location of the tooth, you may choose to just leave the tooth missing. If the missing tooth causes functional or aesthetic issues, you may want to consider one of our many options for replacing missing teeth. The two most common options are:

• Dentures - Dentures, both partial and full, are a nonsurgical alternative for missing teeth. With modern advancements in denture technology, these can provide a quick, easy, painless solution to restore function and beauty.
• Dental implants - Dental implants are artificial tooth roots secured into your jaw bone. Once the implant is in place, a dental crown is placed over the implant to provide a secure, reliable, natural looking tooth.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are experiencing pain or discomfort from a decayed or damaged tooth, please contact the experienced dentists at Colonial Dental Group today to discuss your options.

In an ideal world, all dentistry would be preventative. A regular at-home oral hygiene routine coupled with semi-annual visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams should be all it takes to maintain a beautiful, radiant smile for years to come. Unfortunately, factors ranging from environmental to personal choices and even genetics play just as important a role in oral health.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Not enough can be said about a regular at-home oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will help keep your teeth their healthiest. Lifestyle choices like tobacco and alcohol use, eating sugary foods, and consuming high-sugar beverages however, pit your daily routine against almost insurmountable enemies. No amount of brushing and flossing can remove the damage done by personal decisions that lead to oral health issues.

Regular checkups and professional cleanings are a vital weapon in your arsenal against oral diseases. X-rays and oral exams provided by a skilled, experienced dentist can be used to spot and treat potential problems before they become severe. Thorough cleanings that only a dentist can provide help teeth maintain their brilliance and luster while removing tartar, excess plaque, and bacteria that your daily routine may miss.

Making sure you include regular dental visits with your daily oral hygiene routine may not guarantee you never have issues with you teeth, mouth, or gums, but it is certainly a necessary step towards maintaining optimal oral health.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, please contact the experienced oral hygiene professionals at Colonial Dental Group to schedule your cleaning and exam today. There's no time like the present to start ensuring excellent oral health for years to come.

Memories of Grandpa's teeth in a glass on the bedside table, or popular Hollywood and cartoon jokes of dentures flying out of the mouth, landing in someone's food, as well as chasing an animated cat around the room are the images conjured by many people when they consider dentures. Recent advancements in dental hygiene have made dentures less worrisome, more realistic, and much more functional than they were in the past.

Modern Dentures

New dental technology now allows dentists to custom create your dentures so they can be fitted exactly to into your unique mouth, and provide a natural looking, structurally durable alternative for missing teeth.

Substantially less invasive than other options for tooth replacement, modern dentures offer the assurance of a comfortable fit, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Dentures come in both full and partial sets, so whether you require replacement of just a few teeth, or an entirely new set of teeth, the dentists at Colonial Dental Group will be able to come up with a solution that fits your needs.

Dentures are convenient, offering a nonsurgical replacement for missing teeth. They require very little preparation, and provide an instant, pain-free solution to tooth replacement. Easy to clean and affix, today's dentures are a modern advancement for a classic solution.

The experienced cosmetic dentists at Colonial Dental Group will work closely with you to make sure your dentures both match you smile, and fit perfectly inside of your mouth.

If you live in or around Chicago, Illinois, and are looking for a quick, pain-free solution for missing teeth, please contact the dental staff at Colonial Dental Group to schedule a consultation, and find out how modern dentures can exceed your expectations.