Do I need a root canal? This is a question many ask who start feeling a toothache. The answer to this question is maybe, and is determined by many factors. Firstly, visiting Dr. Lovda at his Hoffman Estates, IL dentist office is highly recommended for a thorough oral evaluation. Starting with an xray of the area of discomfort, Dr. Lovda will ask a series of questions related to the length of time the tooth has been hurting, what triggers the discomfort, and if there is any inflammation present. Dr. Lovda and his team at Lovda Family Dental will then recommend treatment, if needed, once a diagnosis is made.
What is a root canal?
Root canals are a procedure, performed by Dr. Lovda, to treat infected teeth. When bacteria enter inside a tooth where the nerve is located, pressure increases inside the tooth that may cause pain and discomfort when chewing on the affected tooth, or consuming hot or cold drinks. If left untreated, the infection could spread, degenerating the bone and causing the tooth to become loose and eventually fall out. A root canal is a procedure performed at a dentist near me to remove the infected nerve inside the tooth and replace it with a special filling. Treatment usually requires one appointment but may require more to ensure the infection is no longer present. Finally, a crown is placed on the tooth to strengthen to tooth. Highly successful, uncomplicated root canals have a 95% success rate.
How will I feel after treatment?
Minor discomfort is not unusual following a root canal procedure and is considered normal. This is can minimized with Ibuprofen or other NSAID medications commonly taken for headaches. The vast majority of patients who have received a root canal do not experience any post-operative symptoms. Aftercare includes maintaining regular visits to Dr. Lovda's dental office near me, daily brushing and flossing, and avoiding chewing hard foods with the treated tooth.
It's always best to keep your original tooth if possible, and root canal therapy allows you to do so.
If you are experiencing a toothache, fractured tooth, or broken crown, do not hesitate to call Lovda Family Dental for an exam immediately.
Obstructive Sleep Appliances - Vivos mRNA appliance and sleep apnea
What are Obstructive Sleep Appliances and Vivos mRNA Sleep Appliance
Obstructive sleep disorder is a very common disorder affecting as many as one in 14 American adults today. Commonly referred as snoring during nighttime sleep, obstructive sleep disorder can be a serious condition where an adult does not get enough oxygen during what should be restful sleep. If enough oxygen does not reach the brain, the body enters a "fight or flight" sympathetic nervous system response that elevates blood pressure, dilates the pupils, and if need be, awakens the adult from night time sleep. If considered serious, death may occur as the brain becomes starved of oxygen.
The Vivos mRNA OSA sleep appliance is a revolutionary oral sleep appliance developed over years by Vivos Therapeutics Inc. Recently approved by the FDA as a obstructive sleep appliance (OSA) for obstructive sleep disorder, the DNA & mRNA sleep appliance can drastically reduce awakening spells in the middle of the night, leading to more restful sleep and a generally more rewarding daytime energy levels. Unfortunately, 85% of Americans who have OSA go undiagnosed, leading to a crisis in America today regarding sleep quality.
Dr Lovda and his dentist in 60192 are committed to improving the lives of his patients who ask "do I have OSA?". Starting with a consult at his hoffman estates dentist office, Dr Lovda will take careful measurements to determine if obstructive sleep disorder may affect you or a loved one. By evaluating a patient's morning headaches, generalized anxiety, chronic depression, and mouth breathing, Dr Lovda can determine if the Vivos mRNA OSA sleep appliance is right for you. The Vivos Therapeutics mRNA OSA appliance works by treating mile-to-moderate sleep apnea in those who may have crooked teeth or a under developed airway.
Call and schedule your consult for the Vivos Therapeutics Inc mRNA OSA appliance today in Hoffman Estates dentist office today!
Over the past few months, social media has given rise to various dental hacks, some of which range from ineffective to downright dangerous. Alarmingly, these unfortunate "tips" and "tricks" are seen by millions of unsuspecting viewers looking to improve the appearance of their teeth without visiting the dentist. Are these hacks safe? Lets take a closer look...
1. Teeth filing
Unhappy with the size or shape of your teeth? TikTok users have started filing their teeth as a way to shape their teeth exactly as they want it... but is it safe? Absolutely not! Teeth are made of enamel, which is special substance composed of calcium and hydroxyapatite that provides an effective barrier from the outside environment. Filing enamel away can lead to sensitivity, but most importantly, could expose the nerve inside the tooth, leading to infection. Toothaches are the worst!
2. Hydrogen Peroxide teeth whitening
Recent social media posts instruct the use of 3% hydrogen peroxide as a means to whitening your teeth. But does it work? Of course not! Household chemicals are dangerous if ingested, even in small amounts. Even the tiniest amount exposed to the oral tissue and throat can cause 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Ouch!
3. DIY orthodontic "braces"
A recent TikTok member posted videos of using rubber bands to close gaps between teeth in hopes of creating a better smile... quickly. Orthodontists use rubber bands to move teeth, so this should work... right? Definitely not! Orthodontists undergo years of training to study the effects of moving teeth around your mouth, and its complicated! One misalignment of your teeth can result in massive pain and discomfort when chewing and speaking. Homemade orthodontic treatment can even result in losing your teeth. Such irony!
Dentists are trained professionals with clinical expertise to help any patient with their concerns. Visiting your general dentist can provide a wealth of knowledge as well as treatment for your oral health.
I hope everyone is staying safe and maintaining excellent oral health!
As true to many aspects in life, dental emergencies are likely to happen throughout one's life, including but not limited to, broken or knocked out teeth, dental infections, and toothaches. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact Lovda Family Dental immediately for an evaluation before more pain or damage has occurred.
As the only general dentist in Hoffman Estates with CBCT technology, my team and I are able to identify dental emergencies at a level of detail commonly missed by other dentists. This allows any dental emergency to be quickly identified and treated all on the same day visit.
As the video shows above, you can see firsthand the level of detail that can effectively diagnose any dental emergency.
Toothache? Bleeding gums? Broken tooth? Dental emergencies are a serious concern during the COVID-19 outbreak, and may develop into more serious issues if emergency care is delayed or postponed. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is highly recommended you contact Lovda Family Dental for an emergency consult and assessment immediately.
Hey everyone! I hope everyone is staying healthy during these crazy times we live in. The COVID-19 virus has definitely affected everyone around the country, so there is some solace that we are ALL in this together!
According to the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and many other national health-related organizations, Lovda Family Dental has decided to close for non-emergency treatment, and scheduled to re-open by April 13th. However, our office will be open for EMERGENCY TREATMENT ONLY.
Rest assured, the team at Lovda Family Dental is committed to your oral health despite the ongoing public health concerns. Your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health, so if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our office and request emergency care.
And lastly, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines for hygiene and "social distancing". Only together, as a community, are we able to fight this pandemic from spreading.
If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to call our Hoffman Estates, IL office at (847) 991-0790.
After enjoying a wonderful weekend of mild temperatures, Mother Nature gifts us with another week of snowy, blustery weather and reminds us to remain vigilant during cold and flu season. Similar to wearing winter hats and gloves to avoid getting sick, a good quality toothbrush (and floss!) is essential to maintain excellent oral health. But with so many products available in the dental aisle... how do I know what to buy?
Toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthrinses, toothache medicine... you name it, and it has been tested and verified by the ADA to see if it works or not. Look for products that display the seal of acceptance, as well as benefits that are supported by science. More than 200 oral health products have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance, including water filters, sports mouthguards, and even sugar-free chewing gum!
So how does a toothbrush or mouthrinse earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance? Great question... with scientific evidence. In addition to research by the manufacturing company, rigorous independent testing by the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs ensures the American public receives the very best in oral health products. So next time you are walking down the dental aisle at WalMart or Target, make sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when deciding which toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthrinse, etc... is best for you and your family.
At Lovda Family Dental, we understand that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gold. Contact our Hoffman Estates, IL office today and my team will be happy to go over excellent oral hygiene habits to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime!
Dental implants are a wonderful means to replace missing teeth, and have numerous advantages over more traditional options, such as fixed bridges and dentures. However, like anything else related to the human body, they require constant attention when maintaining your oral health. Brushing and flossing twice a day are still the gold-standard in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, but I have had numerous patients ask me the following questions...
"Dr Lovda, can dental implants get cavities?"
"If my dental implant is made of metal and porcelain, why do I need to brush it?"
"Can dental implants fail?"
All great questions so far. The answer is YES! While dental implants are made of metal and porcelain (both prosthetic materials), your body is still the "host" and must be maintained in a healthy manner. A great analogy would be comparing a well-built house located on top of a sink-hole... causing the house to fall apart as it tragically falls into the developing sinkhole. Your alveolar bone (i.e. jaw bone) and the supporting gingival (i.e. gums) tissue are still affected by bacteria and infections. While it is true that bacteria cannot cause porcelain or metal to decay, the bone and gums around the implant certainly can, leading to an infection that can cause an dental implant to fail.
"Dr. Lovda, how do I prevent my dental implant from failing"? Another great question. For the vast majority of patients, dental implants fail due to lack of good home care. Brushing, flossing twice a day are the gold standard and should never be put off. Avoid drug use and consuming tobacco in all forms. Maintain a healthy diet with minimal refined sugar consumption. And lastly, visiting Lovda Family Dental every 6 months for a professional cleaning and check-up will put you at huge advantage in maintaining excellent health.
"What can break a natural tooth, can break a fake tooth." There is immense truth in this statement.
Do you have dental implants? Have you had a dental cleaning and check-up recently? At Lovda Family Dental, my team and I take pride to explain, and if necessary, demonstrate the necessary oral hygiene skills needed to maintain excellent oral health. Contact our Hoffman Estates, IL office today for a fresher, brighter smile tomorrow!
As of January 1st, 2020, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. While the long-term effects of marijuana consumption is unknown at this time, I have instructed my team at Lovda Family Dental to take the appropriate steps in recognizing and understanding the known effects on an individual's oral health, as well as overall well-being. I would like to share some information below that I feel will help our patients and local community of what I will be looking for when I perform various dental procedures and check-ups.
First, marijuana is most commonly consumed via smoking. Smoking, whatever the substance may be, is very detrimental to the oral mucosa and salivary flow within the oral cavity. Inhaling marijuana smoke results in high intraoral temperatures that can lead to damage on the cellular and molecular level. Similar to tobacco, these changes can result in the abnormal tissue growth and cause delayed healing to an injured area of the mouth due to a lack of subsequent blood-flow. For example, a patient undergoing a tooth extraction may experience a "dry socket" and/or an infection.
Secondly, the strength of marijuana is very hard to standardize. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, marijuana can be up to 30x stronger than just 20 years ago, and the degree of potency can vary between cultivators. As a healthcare practitioner, this concerns me deeply in regards to informed consent, which I require before various dental procedures. It is important that my patients understand the benefits and potential complications when I ask for their consent to start a procedure. Therefore, if I feel a patient who is under the influence of marijuana cannot fully understand a procedure that is about to be performed, I will ask that the appointment be re-scheduled out of concern for patient safety.
To all my patients, both current and future, please don't hesitate to ask myself or my team at Lovda Family Dental at our Hoffman Estates, IL location any questions you may have regarding marijuana and its effect on dentistry.
The demand for dental implants is growing in the United States and throughout the world. There are several reasons for this… such as increased public education, a maturing population, ill-fitting or poorly made dentures, and the high success rate of dental implants. Several scientific studies conducted by the AAOMS (American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons) have concluded that 69% of 35-44 year-old patients have one or more missing teeth, and 25% of elderly patients will be completely tooth-less. Add in the fact that the US Census predicts the US elderly population to double in size by 2050, and it is easy to see why dental implants are an increasingly in frequency.
At Lovda Family Dental in Hoffman Estates IL, we understand the priorities of our patients when replacing a missing tooth. That is why our team provides the latest in dental technology when discussing, planning, and placing dental implants to replace missing teeth to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.
The holidays are notorious for sweet indulgences and acidic beverages that can turn a joyous holiday season into a painful dental emergency. Fortunately, we at Lovda Family Dental have come up with some tips to protect your oral health throughout the festive holiday season.
Remember to drink water after enjoying champagne or sparkling wine. We can help return the gums and teeth to a normal balance If we drink water immediately after consuming sugary beverages. Also remember, purified water is much healthier than flavored, “enhanced” bubbly water.
Chewing gum is a great way to help clean the tooth surfaces after meals. If done in moderation, chewing gum does not cause temporal-mandibular disorder, also known as TMD. In fact, chewing gum helps the body remove remaining food particles and sugar off the surface of teeth, preventing tooth decay. Xylitol-based chewing gum has been known to increase salivary production, a crucial part of maintaining a healthy smile.
Enjoy the sweats in moderation. Dental decay is notorious for occurring during the holidays due to the presence of so many sugary treats. While saliva does help clear sugar from tooth surfaces, frequent indulgences can easily overwhelm our ability to prevent tooth decay from occurring.
Brush your teeth! This is obvious, but frequently overlooked when the stresses of the holidays slowly creep up. Coffee, sugar, red wine, and carbonated beverages are all causes of dental decay, and can lead to tooth pain or fracture. Once a tooth is fractured, dental implants are highly recommended to restore a healthy smile.
Do not chew ice! This is frequently overlooked cause of cracked and broken teeth. Ice is incredibly hard and when chewed, can put an enormous amount of force on the surfaces of teeth and cause fractures. Again, once teeth are broken, dental implants are primary method for replacing teeth.
CONTACT US!
With the holidays upon us, contact our Hoffman Estates, IL office to schedule a check-up with our team at Lovda Family Dental!
Dental implants are an increasingly popular method for replacing missing teeth. As technology progresses and treatment techniques are refined, the success rate of dental implants has increased dramatically over the past decade. At Lovda Family Dental, we take great pride in providing the very latest technology to ensure our patients enjoy their smiles for a lifetime. With advanced technology at our disposal, my team and I are able to offer dental implant services to every patient at Lovda Family Dental.
Sirona Galileos CBCT 3D Imaging
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an exciting area of dentistry that allows me to view any patient’s jaw and teeth in 3D. This is extremely important to ensure the correct size dental implant is placed in the correct, accurate position within the jaw. Quickly becoming the standard of care, Sirona Galileos CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) 3D imaging is an essential part of providing the very best in dental implant surgery to our patients.
CONTACT US!
With Christmas right around the corner, feel free to contact our Hoffman Estates, IL office to schedule a consult with Dr Lovda to discuss if dental implants are right for you.
The braces are finally off! But to keep your new, straighter smile you'll need to wear a retainer for some time. That's because the same structural mechanism used to move your teeth could undo what we've just accomplished.
That mechanism resides in an elastic tissue called the periodontal ligament that lies between the teeth and the bone and attaches to both with tiny fibers. While the ligament holds the teeth securely in place, it also allows for slight movement in response to bite changes. Braces "pull" the teeth in the desired new direction, and the ligament responds.
But with that pressure gone after the braces' removal, a kind of "muscle memory" can set in that moves the teeth back towards their original positions. A retainer, a dental appliance worn on the teeth, exerts just enough pressure to "retain" or keep the teeth from regressing.
Retainers are effective, but the most common type has a feature that poses potential problems: it can be removed by the wearer. Because of this, less disciplined patients might be tempted not to wear their retainer as directed. There's also a higher risk of losing one and incurring additional cost to replace it.
But there is another type, the bonded retainer, which stays permanently in the mouth until removed by an orthodontist. It's composed of a thin piece of metal that's firmly attached to the back of the teeth with dental composite material. Not only does a bonded retainer solve the problems mentioned before, it also can't be seen from the outside like a removable retainer.
A bonded retainer does have one disadvantage: because it can't be removed, it can obstruct the teeth during brushing and flossing and require more effort. You won't have as much difficulty with a removable retainer keeping teeth and gums clean. You can overcome this disadvantage, though, with specialized tools like a water flosser or a floss threader to make hygiene easier.
To choose which type of retainer is best for you or your family member, have a talk with your orthodontist. And if you choose a bonded retainer and later have it removed, be sure to switch immediately to a removable one if your orthodontist advises. With either retainer, you'll be able to preserve that hard-earned smile for years to come.
The braces are finally off! But to keep your new, straighter smile you'll need to wear a retainer for some time. That's because the same structural mechanism used to move your teeth could undo what we've just accomplished.
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