What Really Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit?

October 7, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 2:04 am
Man smiling after his urgent dental visit

A dental emergency can happen at any moment. You may want to prepare for the unexpected, but it鈥檚 nearly impossible to do! Whether it was a severe toothache, some damage, or even if you need an emergency tooth extraction, you鈥檒l need to call your dentist to get an urgent visit scheduled. When you have your appointment, you may wonder what will happen during it. Here is what you can generally expect.

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Why Do I Have a Bump on My Gums?

September 2, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 2:46 pm
Person showing bump on gums.

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鈥檚 time to see your dentist and what treatment options are available. Here鈥檚 a closer look at the most common reasons for a bump on your gums.

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Quelling Worries: Just How Safe Are Dental Implants?

August 6, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 2:32 pm
Woman smiling with a dental implant

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.

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Lifesavers: Can Dental Implants Help You Live Longer?

July 2, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 3:41 pm
Dentist showing patient dental implant model.

When people think of dental implants, they often focus on their cosmetic benefits or how they restore chewing ability. While it鈥檚 true that implants provide a natural-looking smile and excellent functionality, there鈥檚 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.

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How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

May 15, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 6:29 pm
A computer-generated image of the parts of a dental implant.

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鈥檙e made of. Here鈥檚 a quick breakdown of their parts, and how long you can expect each to remain looking and working it鈥檚 best!

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How to Make Your Dental Implants Last With 5 Easy Tips

April 2, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 7:29 pm
Woman smiling with a dental implant

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鈥檒l 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.

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Why You Might Need a Sinus Lift Before You Can Get Dental Implants

February 4, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 8:11 pm
a patient speaking with their dentist about dental implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the gold standard due to their ability to restore a tooth鈥檚 entire structure from root to crown. This means that dental implant restorations don鈥檛 just look the part 鈥� 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鈥檚 more about this process and how it sets your implants up for success.

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Extraction Action: How Long Must I Wait to Drink Alcohol?

January 6, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 8:18 pm
Someone holding out their hand to refuse an alcoholic beverage

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鈥檛 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鈥檚 safe to indulge in an alcoholic beverage afterward. Continue reading to learn why waiting until you鈥檝e fully healed is better!

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Sore Smile: Why is My Jaw Aching on One Side?

December 11, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 5:19 pm
Nose down view of woman holding her sore jaw with thumb and pointer

Have you developed a persistent or severe ache on just one side of your jaw? If you鈥檙e in pain, it鈥檚 natural to wonder why it鈥檚 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鈥檚 happened, and they鈥檒l schedule an appointment for you. Once you arrive, they鈥檒l 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!

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Will a Chipped Tooth Heal on its Own?

October 17, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — udcchicago @ 9:59 pm
A cartoon image of a chipped tooth

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

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