Tips For New Invisalign Users

Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance that helps to straighten your teeth. It is removable and invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without the use of metal wires and brackets. Invisalign in Aurora, IL, is perfect for adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without compromising their appearance.

Here are a few tips if you are a new Invisalign user:

Brushing and Flossing

Your aligners can trap food particles and plaque, so it’s important that you brush your teeth after every meal or snack and make sure that you floss every day as well. This routine is essential to keeping your smile healthy and your aligners free of debris and bacteria. If you don’t remove this bacteria and plaque, it can build up under your aligners and cause tooth decay or other oral health problems. It’s never a good idea to go without flossing or brushing at any time!

Avoiding Foods That Stain Your Teeth

For patients wearing Invisalign, it’s important to avoid food and drinks that stain teeth. While you won’t need to avoid these foods completely (it’s okay to enjoy the occasional treat), you should be mindful about what you consume and try not to consume these items often or in large quantities. Your dentist can provide you with a list of foods and drinks not to consume while wearing your aligner trays.

Some common foods that stain teeth are coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, soy sauce, berries, red sauces, beets, and curries.

These types of food can stain your teeth because the pigment is left behind on the enamel of the teeth when the food or drinks are consumed. The pigments in the food and drink then bond with the surrounding teeth and cause staining.

Wearing Your Invisalign in Aurora, IL, as Recommended

For optimal results, please wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. This should include wearing them all day and night and taking them out any time you eat or brush your teeth. The rest of the day, put your aligners back in. Also, remember to replace your aligner case each time you switch out your aligners to prevent any bacteria buildup in your aligner case.

It’s normal to feel some pressure on your teeth when you first begin wearing your aligners. That’s because the aligners are shifting the teeth into their desired positions. However, if you feel any pain or discomfort that lasts more than a couple of days, please call us right away. We can discuss your unique situation and make adjustments as needed. We want you to be as comfortable as possible as you complete treatment!

Regular Dental Checkups

Your regular checkup with our Aurora dentist can ensure that you remain on track with your treatment. You may need more frequent checkups if your teeth are especially sensitive or if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment with aligners. During your visits, we’ll also demonstrate the proper way to wear and care for your Invisalign in Aurora, IL. We’ll also make sure your mouth is healthy and that you’re maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

In addition to your regular checkups, it’s important that you continue your routine cleanings and exams at a general dentistry office like Northgate Dental. During these appointments, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth and examine them to check for signs of tooth decay or other oral diseases. We will also screen you for oral cancer during each visit. If you notice any unusual symptoms in between your visits to our office, you should contact us right away.

 

Request your appointment today with Dr. Sakala at Northgate Dental Center, Aurora, IL, to learn more about Invisalign. Call our office at (630) 892 0015 or schedule an appointment online for your journey towards a healthy and long-lasting smile.

A Guide on Dental Implant in Aurora, IL

Dental implants in Aurora, IL, are permanent replacements for missing teeth. They consist of a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone and a replacement tooth (crown) that is attached to the post. The post bonds with the jawbone, providing strength and stability to the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all teeth.

How Do Dental Implants in Aurora, IL, Work?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The implant itself is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone through a small incision in the gum tissue. Once the implant is in place, the bone surrounding it heals in a process called osseointegration. That means that the jawbone grows around the and fuses to the implant to create a strong and sturdy base for the replacement tooth.

Dental implants in Aurora, IL, are a popular option for people who are interested in replacing one or more missing teeth. They are considered more comfortable than other options like dentures because they are permanently fixed and do not need to be removed for cleaning or other maintenance. Also, unlike bridges or removable partials, they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Am I a Candidate For Dental Implants in Aurora, IL?

Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. The implant process requires a strong jawbone and healthy gum tissue, so people suffering from certain oral diseases and conditions may not be good candidates. Also, if you have lost too much bone or are at an advanced age, you may not qualify for implants. However, if dental implants are an appropriate option for you, they can be an incredible asset to your oral health and hygiene. They can improve your quality of life by allowing you to eat your favorite foods and prevent bone loss in your jaw. By caring for your implants properly, they can last for a decade or longer! It is important to have regular checkups with a skilled dentist to ensure that you take care of your implants in Aurora, IL, in the best way possible.

 

Request your appointment today with Dr. Sakala at Northgate Dental Center, Aurora, IL, to learn more about dental implants. Call our office at (630) 892 0015 or schedule an appointment online for your journey towards a healthy and long-lasting smile.

Why Choose Dental Implants in Aurora, IL?

Dental Implants in Aurora, IL, are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support one or more prosthetic teeth. Dental implants in Aurora, IL, are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

Here are the major benefits that implants offer:

Improved Appearance

While dentures and bridges can successfully restore a patient’s smile, dental implants in Aurora, IL, offer even more benefits compared to these traditional restorations. This is because dental implants mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth the most effectively. When one or more teeth are lost, the surrounding teeth will slowly begin to shift into the newly created gap. This can cause many unwanted side effects, such as increased tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and a shortened dental arch. By placing a dental implant in the gap left behind by the missing tooth, we can prevent these issues from arising and restore the patient’s natural smile.

Increased Speech Clarity

For many people, tooth loss can make it difficult to speak clearly or feel confident in social situations. Dental implants in Aurora, IL, not only restore missing teeth but also enable you to speak and chew normally without worry. Since dental implants function like natural teeth, eating and speaking are more effortless than ever before. You will feel more at ease when socializing with friends, family, and co-workers at work.

Additionally, since dental implants don’t require adhesives, you don’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious about your smile during conversations. You can simply relax and enjoy your evening out, knowing that your teeth are healthy and beautiful!

Improved Comfort

Dental implants in Aurora, IL, restore the appearance of your teeth, but they also improve the overall function of your mouth. Unlike traditional bridges and dentures, dental implants are securely anchored to your jawbone and won’t slip or slide around in your mouth.

The implant itself is made of titanium, which permanently fuses with the bone in your jaw and becomes part of the natural structure. The implant is then fitted with a restoration like a crown or a denture. These restorations look, feel, and function just like natural teeth to improve your smile.

Improved Oral Health

Dental implants in Aurora, IL, can help patients maintain good oral hygiene since they do not have to be removed or cleaned with any special products. Instead, patients simply brush and floss their regular way to maintain healthy teeth and gums as well as a healthy smile. Additionally, dental implants help patients with speech impediments by making it easier to speak more clearly without worrying about the dentures slipping out of place while speaking.

 

Request your appointment today with Dr. Sakala at Northgate Dental Center, Aurora, IL, to learn more about dental implants. Call our office at (630) 892 0015 or schedule an appointment online for your journey towards a healthy and long-lasting smile.

When to Visit a Pediatric Dentist

Dentistry comprises various specializations depending on the type of treatment and the separate groups of patients requiring special care. Pediatric dentists specialize in dental treatments and procedures for children and are also trained in dealing with young patients.

Read on to learn how to best manage your child’s dental health and when to visit a pediatric dentist. For expert pediatric dental care, please contact Northgate Dental in Aurora, IL.

All About Your Child’s First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends you schedule your child’s first dental appointment no later than six months after their first tooth erupts, which is usually around the age of one. This is a good opportunity to also tackle habits such as finger sucking or the use of pacifiers, assess the child’s teething sequence, and identify issues like baby bottle decay.

Getting your child to become familiar with the dental office environment also helps prevent dental anxiety later on. Once your child gets accustomed to visiting the dentist, they should be taken in for routine visits every six months. This gap can be reduced to three to four months if the child does not develop adequate oral hygiene habits at home.

Services Provided by a Pediatric Dentist

  • General Checkups

A periodic dental checkup is extremely important for a child. It helps identify and treat dental problems at an early stage, preventing the need for more complex treatments in the future.

For most children, the dentist will recommend regular cleanings and treatments like sealants or fluoride applications that help prevent dental decay. As the baby’s milk teeth begin to fall, the dentist will also ensure the proper conditions for the eruption of their permanent teeth exist.

  • Decay Treatments

When cavities develop, the dentist will remove the decayed part and fill up the cavity with special materials. Treating decay early on can prevent complications and help avoid extractions.

If decay has reached an advanced stage, the dentist may recommend a crown restoration (prefabricated ones are used in children often) or the extraction of the tooth if the permanent one is close to eruption.

  • Emergency Treatments

Since children are more prone to falls and injuries, dental emergencies are very common. A pediatric dentist can treat dental injuries and provide specialized care that helps maintain the child’s long-term oral health.

For expert pediatric dentistry services in Aurora, IL, schedule an appointment at Northgate Dental by calling (630) 892-0015 or visiting us at 330 N Lake St, Aurora, IL 60506.

Dental Sedation for Children

Have you found that your child has serious dental problems but is worried about visiting a dentist? Is your child too anxious and refuses to allow any treatment? Don’t worry! Dental anxieties are quite normal for children (and adults).

Dental sedation is the procedure of providing medication for reducing patient anxiety. It can be used for everything ranging from high-risk procedures to simple teeth cleaning. If you are looking for an experienced dentist in Aurora, IL, then visit Northgate Dental.

Why Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is beneficial for anxious children or children with behavioral or emotional problems, developmental disorders, or physical disabilities. It is highly recommended for special children who do not understand why they are at the dentist. It ensures a pain-free experience for your child.

Is Sedation Safe?

The child and their medical condition are carefully evaluated by the Dentist. They will recommend a type of sedation based on the above evaluation only. So Sedation is very much safe.

Levels of Sedation

Nitrous Oxide

This gas is also called “laughing gas”. The patient needs to breathe it through a small breathing mask. It can make your child feel relaxed but won’t put them to sleep.

Mild Sedation

This is induced by orally providing drugs. The child is awake and can respond through verbal communication. It also takes away anxiety from the children and relaxes them.

Moderate Sedation

Using moderate sedation, most children seldom remember what happened during the procedure because it makes them semi-conscious. This sedation can be reversed easily after the procedure is done.

Deep Sedation

This makes your child fall asleep. The sedation is given through the veins. The patient may make sounds and move a little.

General Anesthesia

This carries risks as it renders the child fully unconscious. General anesthesia will be provided only if the patient requires lengthy dental procedures or is physically unable to tolerate other sedations.

The Factors to Know After Sedation

When your child wakes up from sedation, it is recommended that a parent or guardian must be in the clinic. For the first few hours, the condition of your child is monitored and will be allowed to go back home once everything is fine. Expect them to be dizzy in your ride back home, so allow them to take sufficient rest.

 

If you need even more clarification and want to experience quality dental services, then visit Northgate Dental, 330 N Lake St, Aurora, IL 60506. Call us at (630) 892-0015 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Surekha Sakala DDS. 

Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

If you want to maintain the health and hygiene of your teeth and gums, regular professional teeth cleanings and dental checkups are an unavoidable must. Visiting your dentist for dental checkups every six months forms an inevitable part of preventative dental health and can help keep tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems away.

Why Are Professional Dental Checkups Important? 

Bi-annual dental checkups and tooth cleanings at Northgate Dental help patients achieve healthy, clean teeth, gums, and mouth and encourage good oral health. The dental exams involve examining the teeth, gums, and jaw to detect any signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and underlying issues, if any. Our expert dentists ensure that all your dental concerns are addressed while offering tips to keep the problem from recurring. Besides, the patient will also receive professional teeth cleaning during your visit. This will help prevent gum disease and eliminate plaque and other debris from the teeth surface, between the teeth, and gums.

Some of the dental health problems that a dentist can diagnose during a dental checkup include:

  • Tooth decay and cavities
  • Early diagnosis of oral cancer and other concerns
  • Bone loss
  • Gum disease – gingivitis and periodontitis
  • Oral infections
  • Dental damage, including cracks, chips, or fractures
  • Issues with jaw alignment
  • Dry mouth
  • Lesions on the soft tissues

Advantages of Dental Checkups

Routine dental cleaning and checkups at Northgate Dental can benefit you in the following ways:

Remove tooth stains and discoloration to result in a whiter, brighter smile
Reduce or prevent tooth decay and cavities
Prevent the occurrence of gum disease at its earlier stage, thus reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Detect the symptoms of oral cancer in the initial stages
Save patients’ money on dental treatments in the long run.
Prevent or fix bad breath

What Does Your Dental Checkup at Northgate Dental Involve?

Oral Exam

Every routine dental checkup at Northgate Dental typically starts with a complete examination of the patient’s oral cavity to detect any signs of oral concerns like plaque, tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease.

Removal of Plaque and Tartar

During your dental checkup, our dentist will remove the accumulated plaque and tartar deposited around the gum line and in between your teeth. This is followed by removing teeth stains and polishing the teeth to result in a clean, bright set of teeth.

Fluoride Treatment

During the fluoride treatment, you will be asked to wear a mouthpiece containing fluoride gel for a minute. This is done to help in the remineralization of teeth, thus reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Detailed Examination

Our dentist will thoroughly examine the patient’s mouth – teeth, tongue, gums, and jaw to detect any suspicious changes or the earlier signs of any dental concerns and issues. The detailed dental examination will be done with the help of x-rays and digital images and plan the treatment in case any abnormalities are detected.

Evaluating Previous Restorations

During your dental visits to Northgate Dental, we will evaluate the condition of your existing crowns, bridges, dental implants, veneers, etc., and repair the restorations that show signs of wear before they get completely damaged.