United Dental Centers of Chicago Blog

Noticing a bump on your gums can be concerning, especially if it appears suddenly or feels tender. While some gum bumps are harmless and temporary, others may signal an underlying dental issue that needs professional attention. Understanding the possible causes can help you know when it’s time to see your dentist and what treatment options are available. Here’s a closer look at the most common reasons for a bump on your gums.

When looking at your options to replace your missing teeth, you may be interested in dental implants, but hesitate to jump into them right away. You’ve likely seen that you will need a surgical procedure to have them placed, and the thought of it may make you sweat. The good news is that you shouldn’t worry. This tooth replacement option is actually safe thanks to modern dentistry. Keep reading to help ease your fears.

When people think of dental implants, they often focus on their cosmetic benefits or how they restore chewing ability. While it’s true that implants provide a natural-looking smile and excellent functionality, there’s another question worth asking: can dental implants actually help you live longer? Surprisingly, maintaining your oral health with solutions like implants can play a role in your overall well-being and longevity.

Dental implants were designed to last a lifetime, but exactly how long depends on a variety of factors, including how you use and care for them, as well as the materials they’re made of. Here’s a quick breakdown of their parts, and how long you can expect each to remain looking and working it’s best!

If you have just undergone dental implant surgery, you are probably looking forward to enjoying the benefits of this fantastic tooth replacement option. By the end, you’ll have a fuller smile and be able to eat confidently! But did you know they also have an outstanding 99% success rate?

With such a high percentage, you may think that dental implants don’t need as much care as your other teeth. However, doing so may land you in the less than 5% of patients who experience dental implant failure. As long as you adopt these five simple habits, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you’re helping protect yourself from dental implant failure.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the gold standard due to their ability to restore a tooth’s entire structure from root to crown. This means that dental implant restorations don’t just look the part – they are fully functional, resilient, and capable of lasting for a lifetime. However, not everyone with missing teeth is immediately able to get dental implants; some patients must undergo a separate preliminary procedure called a sinus lift beforehand. Here’s more about this process and how it sets your implants up for success.

Although most dentists typically do everything they can to protect and preserve your natural teeth, there are some circumstances in which an extraction is the best way to safeguard your smile. For instance, if you have an overly decayed or damaged tooth that can’t be treated with a root canal, removing it can keep the problem from spreading to your neighboring teeth, gums, or jawbone.

However, many patients have questions about recovering from their appointment, like whether it’s safe to indulge in an alcoholic beverage afterward. Continue reading to learn why waiting until you’ve fully healed is better!

Have you developed a persistent or severe ache on just one side of your jaw? If you’re in pain, it’s natural to wonder why it’s happening and whether you should seek help right away. There are several potential causes; some require immediate attention, while others may be less urgent.

Call your dentist to let them know what’s happened, and they’ll schedule an appointment for you. Once you arrive, they’ll examine you to identify the problem and suggest suitable treatments. Read on to learn more about 3 potential reasons for your discomfort and how your provider can help!

Your teeth are very strong. In fact, the human bite can exert up to 162 pounds per square inch of pressure! But that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. In fact, you can easily chip them if you’re not careful. But sometimes, people don’t do anything to treat their chipped teeth. After all, chips add character, and if it’s not hurting, it can’t be that bad, right? Wrong! Here’s why if you chip a tooth, it’s important to see your emergency dentist right away!

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue people encounter, and it can be triggered by a variety of stimuli. For instance, some people experience sensitivity to cold temperatures while others feel pain when enjoying sugary foods. Is this just a matter of discomfort or is there an issue that needs to be resolved? Do you need to bring this to the attention of your emergency dentist? Continue reading to learn what you should do.