Patient Education - Susan T. Thomas D.D.S

Preventive / Prophylactic Treatments

Here we cover some basic information on common dental procedures - Please contact us with any specific questions you may have regarding these procedures.

Limited Exam

This includes a short problem focused examination and diagnostic tests/X-rays to evaluate an immediate concern. Depending on the time available we will determine if treatment can be performed the same day or if we will need to schedule it for another day. We will always try our best to perform treatment the same day to save you time and get you out of pain. However, delivering excellent, quality dentistry is always our top priority, and if the time allowed at the limited exam isn’t sufficient to complete treatment, we will perform palliative care and schedule an appropriate time to deliver the best treatment you deserve.

Oral prophylaxis

Prophylaxis involves a through cleaning and polishing of your teeth. It is done to protect your teeth against cavities and gum disease and to prevent the progression of any such existing problems.

Oral prophylaxis is recommended to be done twice a year as a preventive measure, but should be performed every 3-4 months for patients with more severe periodontal (gum) disease. For patients who have braces, other orthodontic appliances or implants, oral prophylaxis is recommended to be done more frequently.

Diagnostic X-rays

The only way to accurately diagnose and prevent dental disease is with a thorough examination. A simple visual examination will only give us part of the information needed, as we cannot possibly see what is happening inside a tooth.

Dental X-rays are the most important tool we have to help visualize the extent of disease, and also to notice early signs of dental decay and disease. Different types of radiographs (X-rays) have different purposes and how often they’re taken can vary from one person to the next.

Depending on your situation, age, past dental problems, or current dental concern, we will make the best determination for the needed X-rays:

Bitewings X-rays

These are the most common X-rays taken at your routine dental examinations. They are usually taken every six months or once a year depending on the extent of dental disease you have had in the past. They help us catch early signs of cavities and/or bone loss between the teeth.

Periapical (PA) X-rays

These are detailed images of one or two specific teeth including the root and bone around it. They are usually taken during limited/emergency examinations to diagnose a tooth of concern. They are also taken during the course of treatments like root canal therapy, extractions and implants.

Full mouth series (FMX) X-rays

This a series of 18 X-rays which includes Bitewings and Periapical X-rays and show detailed images of every tooth. It is very important to begin your diagnosis with a good strong foundation, so we always recommend a full mouth series as part of the initial comprehensive examination. The series may then be repeated every 3-5 years depending on your oral health needs.

Panoramic X-rays

This is a single X-ray film that captures your entire mouth including your jawbones. The image is not very detailed, so it is rarely used to diagnose specific teeth for cavities and gum disease. However, it is very valuable in certain situations such as to visualize wisdom teeth, implant therapy, complicated extractions and for jaw bone growths or fractures. They may also be used to screen for TMJ problems. A panoramic X-ray as needed every 3-5 years.

Scaling and Root Planing

In cases with gum disease and bone loss, it is necessary to go a little deeper below the gum line and clean the tartar and plaque resting on your teeth. To ensure your comfort, we perform this procedure under local anesthesia, and typically schedule two visits to complete the procedure. Antimicrobial rinses and other adjuncts to periodontal therapy may be needed. A thorough follow up and a good oral hygiene recall program is critical to success with this treatment.

Composite Restorations (Tooth colored fillings)

With recent advances in dentistry composite resin materials are routinely used today to fill cavities and build up lost tooth structure. These materials have proven to be much more stable and protective for the tooth than the traditional silver amalgam fillings.

Crowns

A crown is a protective cover or ‘cap’ that supports a tooth when it is severely decayed, fractured or missing a large portion. A crown is often necessary to treat a tooth that has been decayed for a long time, where the damage has spread to encompass more than 50% of the tooth. At this point a regular filling will not be able to restore the tooth to where it can withstand chewing forces, and the tooth will likely fracture in a way that it will need to be extracted. To avoid this loss of a tooth, we recommend placing a crown over the tooth. Most crowns today will mimic your natural tooth color and shape and will barely feel any different from your natural tooth.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, and can save your natural teeth while preventing the need for more invasive replacement procedures. At the center of your tooth is pulp, which is a collection of blood vessels and nerves. Infection of the pulp usually necessitates endodontic or root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. This therapy involves an effective dose of local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required.

Teeth Whitening

Over time, your teeth can become stained, colored, or dull. Teeth whitening can help, and does not harm your teeth or gums. The number of shades your teeth should be whitened by depends on your specific requirements. With teeth whitening services, you can improve teeth luster, while also safeguarding the enamel.

Invisalign Clear Aligner Therapy

Invisalign Clear Aligner therapy is intended for those who require orthodontic treatment but do not wish to wear traditional metal braces. Typically, the only patients who might not qualify for Invisalign are those with periodontal issues and children who won’t have all their permanent teeth. The Invisalign clear braces can straighten teeth gently and gradually, and because they are easily removable, patients can eat, brush, and floss as they normally would. First, Invisalign 3-D digital imaging software is used to create a series of clear retainers. Each retainer in the series is designed to fit comfortably over the patient’s teeth in their current alignment and incrementally move them into their desired position. After wearing each aligner for approximately one to two weeks, the aligner is replaced with the next one in the series. In this manner, teeth are straightened gradually and gently. The average therapy lasts six to nine months, but depends on how much teeth need to be moved.

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303 N Northwest Highway Park Ridge, IL 60068

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Monday-Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 2pm

Contact

office@parkridgesmilecenter.com
1.847.825.2277