Chicago Dentist for Life

“The Crowning Touch” – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns

Dr Katz — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:23:43 +0000

If you’re concerned with the aesthetics of your smile and would like to cover up old fillings, it may be time to consider a dental crown. Or, if your dentist has advised you that your tooth can no longer accommodate any more fillings without falling apart, a crown may be your ideal solution.

Over the past few months we’ve told you 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns, available as a FREE eBook–to download, just click the eBook above. You’ll find it’s packed full of valuable information, from what a crown is made of, to how to care for your newly crowned tooth, and much more.

Let’s recap:

If you would like to learn more about our dental services check out our FREE eBook library, a valuable source of information on crowns, implants and other dental procedures. Visit Chicago’s finest dental professionals online to find a location most convenient for you.

To your healthy smile,

Dr. Katz

#9: What are the Typical Costs Associated With Tooth Crowns in Skokie?

Dr Katz — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:00:30 +0000

This is the 9th tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

Although you may be looking for a price that’s set in stone, the cost of a tooth crown can vary, depending on the type of material used for the crown, and whether a core buildup of the tooth is needed in addition to the crown. At Dental Professionals we use high quality materials and dental labs. Fees may range based on materials and the complexity of the procedure. So what should you expect from your Skokie dentists?

In general, the price of tooth crowns increases with the number of in-office treatments needed. Dental insurance will often cover a portion of the tooth crown procedure.

Although there is a cost associated with having this procedure done, the decision not to have a crown would be a much larger expense. If your tooth decay or damage is severe enough for your dentist to recommend a crown, it will only worsen if you do not take care of the problem promptly. If you ignore the need for a crown, not only is there a possibility of needing a root canal, but also a dental extraction requiring a costly tooth replacement. Long term, putting in a crown will save your money and your teeth.

If you’re suffering with tooth pain, don’t procrastinate any longer. You can easily request an appointment on Facebook to come see us at our our Skokie location. We’re available until 8:30 pm on Tuesdays and 2pm on Saturdays to accommodate you if you work long hours Monday – Friday. Hope to see you soon.

-Dr. Katz

#8: Does the Crowned Tooth Need Special Care?

Dr Katz — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:35:20 +0000

This is the 8th tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

Take care of your newly crowned tooth just like your other teeth by brushing and flossing regularly! Crowns are tightly fitted to your mouth and securely bonded to your teeth, so they won’t come out if you brush.

Some crowns may extend under the gum line but most fit around the gum line. If part of your tooth is exposed beneath the crown, it’s important to keep it clean by brushing thoroughly and flossing between the tooth that holds the crown and the adjacent teeth. As mentioned in Tip #5, a crowned tooth will not decay or develop gum disease. However, the crowned tooth is still vulnerable to these dental conditions, so practicing good oral hygiene is essential. But what if you’re experiencing irritation?

Your newly crowned tooth may be a little sensitive immediately after the procedure and when the anesthesia begins to wear off. You may experience some heat and cold sensitivity if the tooth that has been crowned still has a nerve in it. If you do, your dentist may recommend brushing with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Pain or sensitivity that occurs when you bite down usually means the crown is placed too high on the tooth. Let your dentist know, and they can easily resolve the problem.

Call your dentist if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

Unusual sensitivity to heat or cold
Discomfort during chewing
Redness or bleeding in the gums surrounding the tooth

After downloading our free eBook, if you’d like to be treated by the best dentists in Chicago, make an appointment online or call (847) 676-1432 in Skokie or (312) 938-3999 in Chicago. We are even open until 8:30pm on Tuesday evening and 2pm on Saturday afternoon to accommodate your schedule.

-Dr. Katz

#7: Why is a Temporary Crown Needed?

Dr Katz — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:00:53 +0000

This is the 7th tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

Temporary crowns keep your tooth comfortable and enable you to chew, talk, smile and function normally while the new crown is being custom designed at the lab. To make a good-fitting, aesthetic crown, some or all of the enamel (outer surface of the tooth) is removed. Without the protection of a temporary crown, you may feel temperature changes in the dentin under the enamel.

In addition, teeth may sometimes move, ever so slightly, over time. A temporary crown will keep your teeth in place, minimizing the time needed to fit the new crown properly. You may ask yourself will the temporary crown need special care?

Temporary dental crowns are not as strong as your permanent crown will be, so take a few precautions while you’re waiting:

Avoid sticky, chewy foods such as chewing gum, caramel or taffy, as they may grab and pull off the crown.
Resin (acrylate) crown for temporary crown treatment.
Shift the bulk of your chewing to the other side of your mouth to minimize the use of the side of your mouth with the temporary crown.
Avoid chewing hard foods such as raw vegetables, nuts or ice, which could dislodge or break the crown.
When flossing, attempt to side-floss material out, rather than “lifting” it out, to avoid pulling off the temporary crown.

To read more about restorative dentistry and dental crowns, download our free eBook by clicking the icon to your right. If you’re ready to make an appointment, you may do so at DentalProfessionals.com/contact or Facebook.com/TheDentalProfessionals. You may also call us at (312) 938-3999 in Chicago or (847) 676-1432 in Skokie.

-Dr. Katz

#6: What is a Dental Onlay & Can I Get This Procedure Done in Chicago?

Dr Katz — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:30:02 +0000

This is the 6th tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

Most teeth have multiple points, called cusps. If only one cusp needs to be covered or replaced to prevent the tooth from fracturing or breaking down, your dentist in Chicago will probably recommend a partial crown or dental onlay. While dental inlays are designed to treat decay within the cusps of a tooth, onlays are used to treat decay that extends to one or more of the cusps. If all the cusps need to be replaced, a crown will be used. So how do onlays work?

Onlays are placed in much the same way as a dental crown. First, an impression is taken of the decayed tooth. A temporary onlay is placed over the tooth while the impression is sent to a lab. A dental technician creates the onlay according to the tooth’s dimensions. When you return to the dentist’s office, the temporary onlay is removed, and the permanent restoration is placed on your tooth, securely bonded with high- strength dental resins.

Dental onlays have a number of benefits. Like dental crowns, they are virtually unnoticeable when created from tooth-colored material. Onlays conserve more tooth structure because only minimal removal of a tooth’s surface is needed. They not only save damaged teeth, but may also help you avoid the eventual need for more extensive treatments such as dental crowns, bridges or implants.

If you’re suffering from tooth aches due to decay and you’d like to consider a few alternatives to crowns, ask one of our knowledgeable dentists about dental onlays. In Chicago, you can reach us at (312) 938-3999 or just contact us online.

- Dr. Katz

#5: How Long Will My Dental Crowns Last?

Dr Katz — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:00:22 +0000

This is the 5th tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

If designed properly, with the right material, properly fitted, and followed up with good dental hygiene and tooth care, dental crowns can last a lifetime. Regardless of material, crowns do not decay.

Dental Professionals recommends the following to secure a long life for your crown:

Proper oral hygiene is essential to ensure that the tooth underneath will not decay. Decay under a poorly maintained dental crown is the most common cause of crown failure.

Use your teeth for biting, chewing and speaking only! Be careful not to use your teeth in ways that can damage the crown, such as biting fingernails, removing bottle caps or holding roofing nails. Porcelain crowns can chip, fracture or break off from its metal base if used inappropriately.

Some other factors that may affect the life of your dental crowns:

The amount of tooth that remained after crown preparation. Was it a heroic effort for the dentist to save the tooth?
Frequent teeth grinding and clenching

Are you ready to get your life long dental crown? The Chicago Dental Professionals are ready to help you today! Learn more about CEREC tooth restoration and how it makes your visit to the best Chicago dentists quick and easy. Feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (847) 676-1432.

We look forward to helping you maintain a beautiful smile with Chicago dental crowns!

- Dr. Katz

#4: How Many Visits Do Chicago CEREC Dental Crowns Require?

Dr Katz — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:30:35 +0000

This is the 4th tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

At Dental Professionals, it is possible to create a crown in just a single two-hour visit using our CEREC dental crowns technology. An optical impression of your tooth is taken by these advanced technology milling machines. Then an all-ceramic dental crown is fabricated while you wait in the office. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for this rapid, advanced restoration procedure.

Some crowns will require two visits, scheduled two weeks apart, to allow time for custom design in our labs. Here’s how it works:

At your first appointment, the tooth is shaped, an impression is made and a temporary crown is placed.

Shaping the tooth – Before the process begins, your dentist will numb your tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Then, a specific amount of the tooth will be trimmed away so that the crown will fit perfectly on it, allowing your tooth to remain the same size. This trimming process will also remove any decay that is present.

Your dentist will also trim your tooth to a specific shape. The tooth must be slightly tapered in form, so the crown, a hard, inflexible object, can easily slip over it. The tooth’s shape helps to ensure the crown’s retention and stability.

Once your dentist has completed shaping your tooth, a dental impression is taken to ensure the Chicago dental implant is perfectly constructed to the shape of your tooth. Most impressions are taken using a paste or putty-like compound.

During the time period before your next visit, a dental laboratory technician will fabricate a crown customized for your tooth.

While your custom CEREC dental crown is being created, your tooth will be covered with a temporary dental crown made from plastic or a thin shell of metal.

Temporary cement is used, allowing easy removal at your next appointment. At your second appointment, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown is securely affixed.

Do you want that perfect, movie star smile? Your smile can be just as beautiful! All you need is a little help from the Chicago Dental Professionals. Feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (312) 938-3999.

We look forward to helping you maintain a beautiful smile with Chicago CEREC dental crowns!

- Dr. Katz

#3: Advantages of Dental Crowns

Dental Professionals — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:38 +0000

This is the 3rd tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

The primary advantage of dental crowns is an important one: a decreased risk of tooth fracture, a leading cause of root canals and tooth loss.

Your dentist may recommend placing a crown on a tooth to:

Restore damage caused by tooth decay or chipping
Strengthen the tooth
Improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth

The crown offers multiple advantages with any of these uses. It combines strengthening of the tooth with the ability to maintain a natural-looking tooth shape.

When dental crowns are cemented into place, they become the new outer shells of your teeth. Your dentist has much greater control in defining the overall shape of a tooth with a crown versus a filling.

Your crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory by a specially trained technician who uses plaster molds of your teeth, and is able to analyze and examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements from a variety of angles. They can then sculpt your dental crowns into the ideal shape for your mouth.

By contrast, fillings are created inside your mouth as your dentist places the filling material directly onto the tooth, with less control over the final look.

Do you want to have that stunning smile that will leave friends, family and even strangers feeling star struck? Get the best looking smile from your Chicago Dental Professionals. Feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (312) 938-3999.

We look forward to helping you maintain a beautiful smile!

- Dr. Katz

Welcome to Dental Professionals

Dental Professionals — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:59:35 +0000

We look forward to seeing you soon!

~Your Favorite Chicago & Skokie Dentists

#2: Restorative Services – What Are Crowns Made Of?

Dental Professionals — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:00:26 +0000

This is the 2nd tip of “The Crowning Touch – 9 Things You Should Know About Dental Crowns” eBook, which is available as a free download.

Dental crowns are made from an array of materials, used to achieve different results that range from restoring form and function to creating an aesthetically pleasing look. Materials commonly used in restorative services include:

Porcelain or ceramic crowns provide the most natural look. Although not as strong and durable as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, they are a preferred option for front teeth because of their superior look.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are made of a gold alloy substructure with porcelain fused over it, and can be color matched to your adjacent teeth. Next to all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look most like normal teeth.

Metal Crowns include gold alloy, other alloys such as palladium or base-metal alloys, including nickel or chromium. One of the strongest and most durable options, they withstand biting and chewing well and rarely chip or break. Tooth wear to opposing teeth is minimized, as well as removal of tooth structure. Their only drawback: the metallic color means they are not as attractive as porcelain, ceramic or porcelain-fused- to-metal crowns, and are typically used for out-of-sight molars.

Metal-free ceramic materials are new options that are rapidly gaining popularity in restorative services for their strength and aesthetics. Materials include lithium disilicate and zirconium oxide (zirconia).

Now that you know all of the different types of crowns that are available through restorative services, you can can get the right type of crown for your teeth. If you’re looking for a Skokie dentist you can trust, Dental Professionals located in Old Orchard, Skokie, IL are just what you’ve been looking for. For tooth whitening and cosmetic dentistry services, contact us at (847) 676-1432 or online to make an appointment today.

- Dr. Katz