Hey there! Dr. S here, the premier dental implant specialist in Bolingbrook.

If you are an older adult with one or more missing teeth, you might wonder if dental implants are right for you. After all, our teeth, gums and jawbones change over time, so seniors have much different oral health needs than do younger adults. You might wonder about the success rates of dental implants for seniors, for example, or worry that your implants will not work as well as they do for younger patients.

As the premier dentist in Bolingbrook, I want you to know that dental implants are just as effective and long-lasting for seniors as they are for everyone else. In fact, there is no such thing as being too old for dental implants!

Dental Implants – The Permanent Solution to Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a permanent solution to one or more missing teeth, even for older adults. Most dental implants last a lifetime, especially with good care. Unlike your natural teeth, your dental implant will never decay. It will, however, still need the same dental hygiene care, routine checkups, and professional cleanings as your natural teeth.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a metal post permanently embedded into your jawbone. The implanted post works like a tooth root to hold a natural-looking dental crown, which is the part of the tooth that is visible above your gum line. Many dental implants use an abutment, which is a component that connects the dental implant to the crown.

A dental implant may hold one tooth, support a bridge to replace several teeth, or even a snap-on denture or screw-in hybrid denture that replaces all of your teeth.

Dental implants are typically made from titanium, which is one of the hardest substances on earth. Titanium makes dental implants extremely strong and durable enough to last a lifetime. Titanium is also the most biocompatible metal, which means it will not harm body tissues and it resists corrosion from body fluids, such as saliva. Titanium also promotes osseointegration, a process in which bone fuses to the metal rod to create a sturdy anchor.

Let me, your premier Dentist in Bolingbrook, Describe the Dental Implant Procedure

Getting dental implants requires several visits to us as your Bolingbrook dentist for dental implants. Your first visit will be the consultation, in which you describe your expectations and learn about the dental implant procedure. During this consultation, our dentist will perform an evaluation, take dental x-rays, and help you determine if dental implants are right for you.

If you are like many patients, you may need to have dental work done to improve the outcome of your implants. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft, for example, if your jawbone is too thin or soft to hold the dental implant. Our Bolingbrook dentist may suggest treating gum disease if you have an active gum infection or advanced gum disease. Taking these extra steps ensures that your dental implants last a lifetime while looking and functioning like your natural teeth. If you need any dental work to help improve the outcome of your dental implants, you will return for one or more appointments to have that work done.

You’ll receive the implant (or implants) on the next visit. Our dental team will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. We will likely recommend some form of sedation dentistry, such as intravenous (IV) sedation through a needle in your arm or oral sedation in which you take a pill. Sedation dentistry helps you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Next, our dentist will place the metal post into your jawbone, where the missing tooth should be. While this sounds drastic, most patients experience less discomfort than they expect, and many return to work or their other activities in a day or so.

Recovery from dental implant surgery is similar to any other dental surgery – you may experience discomfort, swelling, bruising, and/or minor bleeding. Most patients can control these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications.

After osseointegration is complete, usually in a few weeks or months, you will return to our office to have the abutment or dental crown placed.

What does a dental implant cost?

Cost is always important, of course, especially as we age. Dental implants cost about $5000 on average for a single tooth, but the actual cost varies, depending on the patient’s individual needs. Ask us about how patients are able to get dental implants by paying as little as $50/month!

Because dental implants are permanent, they require a one-time investment. Compared with dentures or dental bridges that need replacement every 7 to 10 years, affordable dental implants are often the more cost-effective choice in the long run. Some private insurance companies may cover part of the cost.

Where can I get dental implants near me?

If you are age 50 or older and have one or more missing teeth, dental implants may be right for you. For more information about dental implants in Bolingbrook, schedule a free consultation with us at 311 Dental! It’s time you receive the treatment you deserve so you can smile confidently for a lifetime!

Do you feel anxious about having dental work done? You are not alone – about 36 percent of all people experience some level of dental fear or anxiety, and about 12 percent have an extreme fear about going to the dentist. Fortunately, our dentist in Bolingbrook offers sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, to help you feel more comfortable during dental procedures.

Dental sedation is beneficial for anyone with dental anxiety; it is also helpful for those undergoing a lengthy dental treatment, such as a root canal or dental implants.

Not every dentist can offer all types of dental sedation. In fact, dentists must undergo extra training and hold a special certification before they can provide some forms of sedation dentistry. Before you undergo a dental procedure, consult with your dentist to determine if dental sedation is right for you.

Types of Dental Sedation

There are several types of dental sedation, and each provides a different level of sedation to fit almost every need.

Nitrous oxide

Also known as “laughing gas” nitrous oxide is a gas that you inhale through a mask or nosepiece. Nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system to help you feel less inhibited and anxious. You should expect to feel calm and comfortable; you might feel a little lightheaded and you may even giggle! You can expect to feel the calming effects of nitrous oxide within three to five minutes. You’ll be awake, able to ask and answer questions, and remember your dental experience.

Our dentist controls the amount of sedation you receive, and will adjust the dosage throughout the procedure to provide the right amount of relaxation. Once our dentist has completed the treatment, we’ll administer pure oxygen to flush the laughing gas from your system. Because the nitrous oxide leaves your system quickly, you can drive yourself home from our office.

Oral conscious sedation

As its name suggests, oral conscious sedation involves swallowing a sedative medication. The sedative usually comes in pill form but is sometimes provided as a liquid, such as midazolam oral syrup, to pediatric patients. Most dentists use a form of Valium® known as Halcion®, but they may use other medications, such as zaleplon and lorazepam.

You’ll take oral conscious sedation about an hour before your dental procedure begins – we’ll provide you with complete instructions on how and when to take this medication. You can expect to feel quite groggy and you might even fall asleep, but you’ll still awaken with a gentle nudge and犀利士
be able to communicate with your dentist if needed. Oral sedation temporarily affects your motor skills and memory, so you’ll need to have a friend or family member drive you home. Your memory of the dental procedure may be foggy.

Intravenous sedation

Dentists can perform intravenous (IV) sedation to provide the deepest level of conscious sedation in a dental office setting. IV sedation involves the delivery of sedative medications directly into your bloodstream through an IV line insert into a blood vessel in your arm. Your dental team closely monitors your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels throughout your sedation, and adjusts the dosage at any point for optimal results. Your dental professionals can also administer reversal medications that reverse the effects of the sedative medications quickly, if needed.

Most patients who receive IV sedation fall asleep. When they wake up, most will have little to no memory of their treatment. IV sedation may be right for you if you have severe dental anxiety or if you have to undergo a lengthy dental procedure.

IV sedation leaves you feeling quite drowsy for a couple of hours following the procedure, so you will need a friend or family member to drive you home. Plan on getting plenty of rest after receiving IV sedation, as it may take 24 to 48 hours for the sedative medication to leave your system.

General anesthesia

General anesthesia is a type of unconscious sedation, which means you will be completely asleep for the procedure. Only hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers administer general anesthesia for dentistry.

Dental Sedation Cost

The cost of dental sedation depends on a number of factors, such as the type of sedation you undergo and the amount of sedation you need. Nitrous oxide can cost anywhere between $25 and $100 or more, for example. The cost of oral sedation ranges between $150 to $500 or more, while sleep dentistry can cost $250 to $900 or more, but it typically costs $500 to $700.

Is there a sedation dentist near me?

Yes! At 311 Dental, our dentist in Bolingbrook offers sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable through nearly any dental procedure. We understand that everyone – even the bravest – can feel a little anxious when it comes to having dental work done. Contact 311 Dental to learn more about sedation dentistry, and to determine if it is right for you.

Dental implants have quickly become one of the most popular tooth-replacement treatment options available. They are preferred by most patients and dentists because they offer several advantages over other restorative treatment options. Dental implants look, feel, and work just like natural teeth, and they provide direct stimulation to the jawbone supporting its health too.

The only drawback to getting a dental implant is the length and complexity of the treatment. The process can take months to complete. So, it’s important for patients who have undergone the treatment process to understand how to properly care for and preserve their new dental implants.

What You Need to Know to Take Care of Your Dental Implants

To care for your dental implants, you should understand a bit about how your implant actually works. A dental implant is a type of dental prosthetic that consists of three parts:

• the implant anchor, a metal, screw-like device that is implanted directly into the jawbone,
• a metal abutment that connects the anchor to the visible portion of the dental implant,
• and the dental crown, the visible portion of the implant that resembles a natural tooth.

Since a dental implant is implanted in the jawbone, it’s essential that patients maintain their oral health in order to preserve the health of their gums and jawbone that support the dental prosthetic. If your oral hygiene lapses, you could put yourself at risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) which could lead to the deterioration of the jawbone and compromise the integrity of your dental implant.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants

At-Home Oral Hygiene

Dental implants can primarily be cared for in much the same way that you care for your natural teeth. You shoul高仿巴黎世家
d brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Be sure to use good brushing technique, using a soft-bristled brush and holding it at a 45-degree angle against your gums and teeth.

You should also floss at least once or twice a day to clean the hard-to-reach surfaces between the teeth.

You can also rinse with an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash to help combat the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease inside your mouth.

Use a Water Flosser

If you aren’t already using a water flosser, we often suggest that patients with dental implants add one to their at-home oral hygiene routine. These flossers spray powerful jets of water that blast away plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and below the gumline. They’re especially useful for cleaning thoroughly around a dental implant.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night (i.e. suffer from bruxism) or participate in athletic activities, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect the integrity of your dental crown. Damaged crowns can be easily and painlessly replaced, but it’s always best to get the most out of your existing dental restorations.

Continue With Regular Professional Dental Care

Be sure to continue visiting the dentist at least twice a year (or on your personally recommended schedule) to maintain good oral health.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety for a Stress-Free Dental Implant Treatment Experience

While the process of getting dental implants can be fairly lengthy and complex, we encourage our patients – even those who suffer from dental anxiety – to consider the treatment because dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth-replacement alternatives. Plus, we ensure the process is as painless and stress-free as possible with a variety of sedation dentistry treatment options that are designed to help our patients stay comfortable, calm, and relaxed throughout their dental appointments.

If you are concerned about an additional dental sedation cost, we encourage you to speak with our team about your dental care budget. We can work with you and your insurance company to help you determine the treatment plan that can best meet your oral health and your budgetary needs.

Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry With Our Dentist in Bolingbrook

If you’ve been looking for a “sedation dentist near me,” then look no further than 311 Dental. We offer a comprehensive list of sedation dentistry options from light, conscious sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and moderate conscious sedation with oral medications to general anesthesia via IV sedation. Each of our sedation dentistry options is designed to help our patients overcome dental anxiety so that they can enjoy positive, comfortable experiences while getting the dental care they need to stay healthy.

To learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you relax during all types of dental appointments or to learn more about the process of getting and caring for dental implants, we welcome you to contact 311 Dental to request an appointment with our dentist in Bolingbrook today.

Hey, there!

It’s Dr. S, your dedicated dentist in Bolingbrook. I’m here to discuss something we all need but often overlook: flossing.

Flossing is essential to your oral hygiene routine, yet so many of us still struggle to make it a daily habit. It’s about more than keeping your smile bright. Flossing is crucial for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Many patients ask us questions about the correct way to floss and its benefits. As a Bolingbrook dentist, I’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you take the best care of your oral health.

Understanding Flossing and Its Importance

Even the best toothbrush can’t reach every nook and cranny between your teeth where plaque and food particles love to hide.

This is where flossing comes in.

It’s a key player in preventative care, going beyond brushing to provide thoroughly clean teeth.

Regular flossing helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay, issues that we, as general dentists, strive to help you avoid.

Think of flossing as your secret weapon in the battle for oral health — it’s simple yet incredibly effective.

So, let’s embrace flossing not just as a recommendation but as a crucial part of our daily routine for a healthier mouth and a brighter smile.

How To Floss Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide

An excellent flossing technique is more than just moving a string between your teeth. It’s about the process and ensuring you’re effectively cleaning those hard-to-reach areas.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfect your flossing technique:

Start With a Good Length

About 18 inches of floss is ideal. Wind most of the floss around one of your middle fingers and the rest around the same finger of the opposite hand. This hand will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

Hold it Right

Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about an inch or two to work with.

Glide Gently

Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Be careful not to snap or force the floss, as this can cause pain and damage to your gums.

Follow the Curve

When the floss touches your gum line, curve it into a ‘C’ shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth and gently move it up and down, cleaning the side of the tooth.

Don’t Forget the Back Teeth

Make sure you floss the back sides of your last molars. Plaque and food particles often hide there.

Use Fresh Sections of Floss

As you move from tooth to tooth, unroll fresh sections of floss from your fingers.

Floss at least once a day for the best results. This practice will help you prevent cavities and maintain healthy gums. The more you practice, the better you’ll get, so don’t get discouraged if you find it tricky at first. Keep at it; soon, it’ll become a seamless part of your oral hygiene routine.

The Benefits of Regular Flossin威而鋼g

Flossing helps you to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, two common dental care issues.

When you floss daily, you protect your gums from inflammation and teeth from plaque build-up. This simple habit can significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Flossing contributes to fresher breath and a brighter smile. Think of it as an investment in your overall well-being — a few minutes each day can save you from complex dental procedures down the line.

Professional Insights from a Bolingbrook Dentist

In our practice, we often remind patients that flossing is as important as brushing. It’s a message I emphasize because the impact on your oral health is substantial.

Regular flossing helps prevent cavities and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your gums.

By flossing diligently, you can avoid many dental issues, including those requiring a visit to a general dentist.

At 311 Dental, we’re committed to guiding and supporting you through every step of your oral care journey. If you have any questions or need personalized advice on flossing techniques, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Contact 311 Dental to schedule a visit with your Bolingbrook dentist today and take that vital step towards a healthier mouth and a brighter smile. Your dental well-being is our priority, and we’re here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you might wonder if they still use laughing gas. The answer may surprise you.

Laughing gas creates euphoria. It can even make you giggle. Dentists have administered laughing gas to their patients for centuries, but some are moving away from this tried-and-true anesthesia in favor of modern approaches.

Dentists Still Use Laughing Gas – and Here’s Why

Dentists have been using nitrous oxide for generations. In fact, scientists discovered nitrous oxide in 1772. They found it to be useful across many applications, and many healthcare professionals today still use laughing gas to make patients more comfortable.

How laughing gas got its name

Laughing gas has a funny name, but it delivers serious relief to people who are anxious about dental work or undergoing a particularly lengthy or complex procedure. Now known as nitrous oxide by scientists, laughing gas has gone by several names over the years. Way back in 1844, a dentist by the name of Horace Wells was the firsts to use nitrous oxide on a patient. Wells named the gas “phlogisticated nitrous air” – not surprisingly, that name never caught on.

Many years later, the scientist who discovered the pain-relieving properties of nitrous oxide was fascinated by how the gas made him giggle, so he gave it the name “laughing gas” in 1799.

Laughing gas works well

Healthcare professionals still use nitrous oxide because it works well for many applications.

Laughing gas works in three main ways:

• By quieting neurotransmitter, which are the chemicals that help pass messages between the brain and the body
• By telling the brain to release norepinephrine, a chemical that prevents pain signals from reaching the brain
• By stimulating the released of dopamine that creates a pleasant feeling of euphoria

Dental sedation cost is another benefit – nitrous oxide is less expensive than other approaches to dental sedation.

Complications and adverse reactions can happen with any type of medication or procedure – including nitrous oxide – but laughing gas causes fewer side effects than other types of dental sedation. What’s more, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off as soon as your dentist stops the flow of gas.

Some Dentists Don’t Use Laughing Gas as Often Anymore – Here’s Why

Some dentists don’t administer nitrous oxide as often anymore, and for a variety of reasons. First, there are many alternatives to nitrous oxide when it comes to sedation dentistry. These alternatives include oral conscious sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation.

Oral conscious sedation

Your dentist gives you a pill or liquid solution that contains a sedative. You take the pill or liquid by mouth 30 to 60 minutes before your procedure to give the sedative time to take effect.

Oral conscious sedation will make you groggy during the procedure, and you may even fall asleep. Your dental team will be able to awaken you with a gentle nudge, though, and you’ll be awake enough to ask and answer questions.

The sedating effects of oral conscious sedation last for several hours. You’ll likely wake up feeling tired, and this sleepiness will persist for the rest of the day. This type of sedation temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, so you’ll need犀利士
someone to drive you home after your procedure, and you’ll probably want to take the rest of the day off work.

Oral conscious sedation is perfect for anyone who feels somewhat anxious about dental work, or who has to have a moderately lengthy procedure.

IV sedation

In IV sedation, your dental team administers a liquid sedative through an IV needle in your arm. Team members will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels the entire time you are receiving IV sedation. Your dental team can adjust the flow of sedatives through your IV, and can even administer reversal medications if necessary.

IV sedation is the deepest form of sedation dentistry available in a dentist’s office. If you are like most people who receive IV sedation, you’ll fall asleep and have little to no memory of the procedure when you wake up. Although you’ll wake up immediately after the dental team stops the flow of sedation into your arm, you’ll probably feel a bit groggy for a while – plan on having someone drive you home.

This option is best if you experience extreme dental anxiety or are about to undergo an especially complex or lengthy procedure.

Only dentists with special certification can provide these levels of sedation to their patients. Our dentist can help you decide which type of sedation dentistry – including laughing gas – is right for you.

Can I find a sedation dentist near me?

Yes! A sedation dentist in Bolingbrook is just around the corner from you at 311 Dental.

For more information about the use of laughing gas or other forms of sleep dentistry, consult with 311 Dental. Our Bolingbrook dentist offers sedation dentistry to ensure that your dental experience is as positive as possible.

Are you missing one or more teeth, or do you need to have several teeth removed? If so, you are probably trying to decide your best option for replacing your teeth. If you are like many people who are missing teeth, you may be considering dental implants or dentures, but are unsure which to choose.

The right choice for you depends on a number of factors, such as cost, the number of teeth missing, your personal preferences, and your risk of complications. You should also consider your age and bone density, and if there are any alternatives to implants or dentures.

Our dentist in Bolingbrook has helped many patients weigh their options and choose the best tooth replacement strategy to fit their needs. We’re glad to help you navigate the choice between dental implants and dentures.

Dentures and Dental Implants are Similar in Many Ways

Dental implants and dentures have several things in common. Both dentures and dental implants replace one or more missing teeth, for example. Partial dentures can replace several teeth on your upper or lower jaw, and complete dentures replace all the teeth on your upper or lower arch. A dental implant can replace a single tooth, or support the replacement of several adjacent teeth. Implant supported dentures hold an entire arch of dentures on just a few implants.

The two types of tooth replacements also:

• Help you bite and chew food you could not eat since losing your tooth or teeth
• Improve your speech
• Support your facial muscles
• Reduce self-consciousness and increase self-esteem by improving the cosmetic appeal of your smile

Factors that Affect Whether You Choose Dental Implants or Dentures

While there are similarities between dentures and implants, there are significant differences that can affect which one you prefer for replacing your missing teeth.

Procedure for dental implants vs. dentures

Dental implants feature a screw-like metal post that your dentist surgically implants into your jawbone; there will be a short recovery period after your surgery. Over the course of a few months, the metal implant fuses with your jawbone to create a sturdy anchor for the crown. Next, your dentist caps the metal post with artificial crowns that look like your natural teeth. The entire procedure for dental implants takes several months, and requires six or more trips to your dentist.

Dentures require no surgery and no recovery period – your dentist creates an impression of your mouth then sends the impression to a dental laboratory, where technicians create your denture. It takes a few weeks to make your denture, and requires up to four visits to your dentist.

Takeaway:

• Dental implants create a sturdy base for your replacement crowns
• Dental implants require surgery; dentures do not
• Dental implants involve a recovery time; dentures do not
• Dental implants require more trips to your dentist than do dentures

Jawbone mass

Bone mass in your jawbone is important to keep your teeth in place and for maintain the attractive, youthful shape of your face. Your choice between dental implants and dentures can affect the bone mass in your jaw.

The acts of biting and chewing apply pressure to the crowns of your teeth. This pressure moves down your tooth, through the tooth root, and then into your jawbone. Once there, the pressure stimulates the growth of new bone tissue that keeps your jawbone strong – and a strong jawbone holds your teeth firmly in place and retains the natural shape of your face. When you lose a tooth, you lose the pressure that stimulates tissue growth, and this can change the shape of your face and increase your risk for losing more teeth.

Dental implants act like replacement tooth roots, which transfer the beneficial pressure to your jawbone in ways that stimulate growth of bone tissue. Dentures sit on top of your gums, so they do not stimulate bone growth.