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Dental Caries (Cavities)

Posted on: 11.30.18 By admin

Dental Caries (Cavities) 4.00/5 (80.00%) 1 review
Dentist Fillings Aurora

Dentist Fillings Aurora

What Is It?

Dental caries is the medical term for tooth decay or cavities. It is caused by acid erosion of tooth enamel. Many different types of bacteria normally live in the human mouth. They accumulate (along with saliva, food particles and other natural substances) on the surface of the teeth in a sticky film called plaque. Plaque forms especially easily in cracks, pits or fissures in the back teeth; between teeth; around dental fillings or bridgework; and near the gum line. Some of the plaque bacteria convert sugar and carbohydrates (starches) in the foods we eat into acids. These acids dissolve minerals in the surface of the tooth, forming microscopic pits or erosions that get larger over time.

The damage can occur anywhere the tooth is exposed to plaque and acid, including the hard outer enamel on the tooth crown or the unprotected root of the tooth that has been exposed by gum recession. Caries can penetrate the protective enamel down to the softer, vulnerable dentin (main body of the tooth) and continue through to the soft tooth pulp and the sensitive nerve fibers within it. No one really knows what causes the pain associated with cavities, but theories include inflammation caused by bacteria, exposure of the root surface and an imbalance of fluid levels in the tubules inside the dentin.

Symptoms

Early caries may not have any symptoms. Later, when the decay has eaten through the enamel, the teeth may be sensitive to sweet foods or to hot and cold temperatures.

Diagnosis

A dentist will look for caries at each office visit, regardless of whether it is a routine visit or an appointment made by the patient because of pain. The dentist will examine the teeth visually and will probe the teeth with an instrument called an explorer to determine if there are pits or areas of damage. Periodically, or if the dentist suspects hidden caries, X-rays will be taken by looking at the teeth.

Expected Duration

How long caries lasts is determined by the stage at which it is found. White spots, indicating early caries that has not yet eroded through the enamel, may be reversed if acid damage is stopped and the tooth is given a chance to repair the damage naturally. Caries that has destroyed enamel cannot be reversed. Most caries will continue to worsen and deepen and with time, the tooth may decay down to the root. The amount of time the erosion takes will vary from person to person. Caries can erode to a painful level within months or it can take years to reach that stage.

Prevention

Cavities can be prevented by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. The best way to do this is by daily brushing and flossing and professional dental cleanings twice a year. You also can reduce the amount of acid in your mouth by eating sugary or starchy foods less frequently during the day. Your mouth will remain acidic for several hours after eating, so snacking throughout the day is more likely to lead to caries than avoiding between-meal snacks. Chewing gum that contains xylitol helps to counteract the acidity that occurs after eating.

Teeth can be strengthened by fluoride. A dentist can evaluate your risk of caries and then suggest appropriate fluoride treatments. In children, new molars can be protected by having the dentist apply a sealant as soon as the teeth come fully into the mouth.

Treatment

The standard treatment for caries is to fill the tooth. After the dentist removes the decayed material in the cavity (usually following the use of anesthesia to block the pain), the cavity is filled. Fillings usually are made of a dental amalgam, which is a silver-gray material made from silver alloyed with copper or other metals in order to improve durability, or of a composite resin, which is tooth-colored for a better appearance. Amalgams are used primarily in molars and premolars. Resins are used primarily in the front teeth, although it is possible to use them in all teeth. Gold inlay may be used if greater strength is needed, but this is more expensive.

If a cavity is large with extensive erosion, the remaining tooth may not be able to support the amount of filling material that would be needed to repair it. In this case, the dentist will remove the decay, fill the cavity, and cover the tooth with an artificial crown.

Sometimes the crown of the tooth remains relatively intact, and there is more damage in the interior of the tooth. In these cases, the dentist may refer you to a dental specialist called an an endodontist for root canal treatment. In this procedure, the endodontist removes the tooth’s pulp and replaces it with an inert material. In most cases, the tooth’s natural crown will need to be replaced with an artificial crown.

When To Call A Professional

The early stages of decay are usually painless. Only regular professional examinations and X-rays can detect early trouble. If you develop sensitivity to chewing or to hot, cold or sweet foods or beverages, contact your dentist.

Prognosis

If a cavity goes undiagnosed, it likely will cause the tooth to erode significantly. Eventually, the tooth may be destroyed by uncontrolled decay.

Having caries increases your risk of more caries for several reasons:

  • The same oral care and dietary habits that contributed to the plaque and acids that caused the initial cavity may cause more decay
  • Bacteria tend to adhere to fillings and other restorations more than to smooth teeth, so those areas will be more susceptible to new caries
  • Cracks or gaps in the fillings may allow bacteria and food to enter the tooth, leading to decay from beneath the filling

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Aurora,IL, Naerpville,IL, Oswego,IL, Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: Aetna

Aurora office accepting new patients now

Posted on: 11.13.18 By admin

Aurora office accepting new patients now 5.00/5 (100.00%) 1 review

Come visit our state-of-the-art brand new dental office near you inside Galena Center alongwith McDonald’s, Domino’s & Dollar General.

Aurora dental office – Alivio Dental

Aurora dental office – Alivio Dental

Alivio Dental Aurora – dental clinic

Aurora dental office – Alivio Dental

CANCER SORES – TREATMENT AND CARE

Posted on: 05.24.18 By admin

CANCER SORES – TREATMENT AND CARE 4.50/5 (90.00%) 2 reviews

A canker sore is a small, painful sore that develops inside the mouth. Also known as aphthous ulcers, these shallow sores can be found on or under the tongue, inside your cheek or lip, at the base of the gums or on the soft palate. Canker sores can appear on their own or in groups and are recurrent.

Although canker sores can be painful, they will usually clear on their own within one to two weeks.

Although often confused, canker sores are not like cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus. Unlike a cold sore, canker sores do not appear on the lips and are not contagious.

What causes canker sores?

Although the exact cause of this type of mouth ulcer is unknown, hereditary factors, stress or tissue injury are the likely causes of canker sores on the gum, tongue or soft palate. Acidic or citrus foods can also trigger a canker sore, as can sharp teeth, braces or ill-fitting dentures. Cigarette smoking and allergies may also increase the likelihood of canker sores. Some cases of canker sores might highlight an underlying health condition, including nutritional and immune system problems, and gastrointestinal tract disease.

Canker sore symptoms

The symptoms of canker sores include:

  • A small, shallow and symmetrical ulcer that is white, gray or yellow in colour and surrounded by redness
  • A painful sore inside your mouth which can appear on or under the tongue, at the base of the gums, inside the cheek or lip or on the soft palate
  • A burning or tingling before the ulcer appears

In severe cases, a canker sore may be accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • A rash
  • Joint Pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Sluggishness

If you are suffering from a canker sore and any of the above symptoms you should visit your dentist or physician.

Canker sore treatment

Although canker sores can be painful at first, this should lessen within the first few days and the mouth ulcer should heal entirely without treatment in around one to two weeks.

If your canker sore is persistent, unusually large or particularly painful, or if the sores are spreading, your dentist may prescribe a corticosteroid ointment or antimicrobial mouth rinse. Over-the-counter solutions may also be recommended to reduce pain and irritation.

You are also recommended to rinse the mouth with a warm-water solution and avoid eating any acidic, citrus or spicy foods that may irritate the ulcer.

How to prevent canker sores

Although incurable, you may be able to prevent canker sores and reduce their frequency by doing the following:

  • Avoid chewing gum which can cause irritation
  • Avoid citrus fruits, acidic vegetables and spicy foods which may irritate the inside of your mouth
  • Use a soft-bristled brush to brush your teeth
  • Brush after meals and floss daily

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Aurora,IL, Naperville,IL, Oswego,IL, Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: Procter & Gamble

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Alivio Dental
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Ronald Fierro
Ronald Fierro
16:02 28 Feb 17
Staff was extremely courteous and catered to the comfort of the patient. The office was clean and the equipment in excellent condition. We were able to get an emergency appointment quickly and the service was excellent. My daughter-in-law, Sarah, just started with Alivio Dental and she too has been extremely satisfied!
Prakash Kumar
Prakash Kumar
23:27 16 Dec 16
Very good dental office! Friendly and helpful staff! They are always willing to lend a helping hand. Though they are out of network for my company but I still felt comfortable going there. Both cost and service was great. I will definitely recommend this place to all my friends!
Rame Gjukaj
Rame Gjukaj
20:25 08 Apr 17
I had root canal done and it was pain free I definitely would recommend this place to everyone looking for professional dental care and a pain free experience
Mathew Itteera
Mathew Itteera
15:54 19 Mar 17
Went here about 3 weeks ago - first time i been to a dentist in 16 years because i had not great experiences from childhood. Dr. Kaur and her staff were amazing, if not excellent. They did not do what i needed to get done, but they referred me to a place i could go to get my wisdom teeth pulled. However they did do first time pt xray as well as a teeth cleaning which my parents were bugging me about for years. I was a bit reserved at first but man, Dr. Kaur did a fantastic job and her staff was also accommodating. They took me in as a walk in first timer. If you need to go, call in an schedule an appointment - I got super lucky as a walk in. You wont regret this place as your choice for dental.
Marlene Webster
Marlene Webster
02:47 08 Dec 16
I love the staff!!! Everyone is very nice and caring. They made me feel very important every time! Thank you!
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Call our office today to schedule an appointment
Alivio Dental - Downers Grove
7335 Lemont Road
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Phone: 630-884-8174
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Downers Grove Dental Services
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General & Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Aurora & Downers Grove Dentists, Dr. Kaur and her associates offers a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry inlcuding deep cleanings, tooth fillings, tooth bonding, tooth sealants, root canal procedures, dental crowns, tooth extraction, dentures, veneers, inlays onlays, teeth whitening, dental bridges and is dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you are proud to show off.

Proudly serving Aurora, Darien, Downers Grove, Naperville, Woodridge and the following DuPage & Kane County communities:

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