Naperville Magazine readers once again voted Innovative Dental Partners as “Best Dentist” in Naperville. This year marks 16 years in a row our Naperville, IL, dental and orthodontic practice has received the honor.
Each year, the magazine recognizes community leaders in 40 unique categories for “Best of Naperville.” Winners are chosen based on readers’ votes, meaning Innovative Dental Partners is beloved by those we serve: our patients, our families, and the community at large. The Innovative Dental Partners team is proud and humbled to receive this recognition again from their Naperville community.
Innovative Dental Partners includes three dental practices under one roof: Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, Innovative Orthodontic Centers, and Naperville Dental Specialists. Founding doctors Dr. Anthony LaVacca and Dr. Manal Ibrahim are a husband-and-wife duo who wanted to offer the Naperville community dental generalists and specialists in one location. Under the Innovative Dental Partners umbrella, patients can find adult dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontic treatment at one hub, making this Naperville, IL, practice the ultimate dental destination for the whole family.
What Makes Us An Award-Winning Dental Practice
Whether visiting Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, Naperville Dental Specialists, or Innovative Orthodontic Centers, patients can expect exceptional dental care and stunning smile results. Bright and modern offices, friendly teams, and state-of-the-art technology ensure every visit is positive, comfortable, and efficient.
Innovative Dental Partners is the go-to destination for comprehensive dental and orthodontic care in Naperville, IL. Headed by American board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca and American board-certified orthodontist Dr. Manal Ibrahim, Innovative Dental Partners’ three, award-winning practices offer pediatric and adult dentistry as well as orthodontics with braces or Invisalign — all under one roof. From babies dental care to seniors, Innovative Dental Partners can be a lifetime partner in oral health solutions for your entire family.
Pregnancy is a rollercoaster. You’ve got excitement and anticipation mixed with morning sickness and physical discomfort. There’s baby names and nursery decor, doctor’s appointments and vitamins. And what else? Remembering dental care during pregnancy. Here, your Naperville dentists cover six reasons why looking after your oral health while pregnant is vital.
Hormones, Hormones, Hormones
When you’re pregnant, your hormones are doing all sorts of things they weren’t doing before. And you might be surprised to know that these hormonal fluctuations can actually affect your gums with symptoms like redness, swelling, even bleeding when you brush and floss. This is commonly known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” and it can worsen if you ignore it.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good reason for going to the dentist while pregnant. You’ll want an experienced dentist like our team at Naperville Dental Specialists to examine your symptoms and help you find a solution.
Even if you don’t experience changes to your gums, the possibility of pregnancy gingivitis is a great reason to keep up with going to the dentist for regular cleanings and check ups while pregnant. Your dentist can catch any pregnancy-related issues in the early stages and recommend professional preventative treatment or helpful at-home care.
Pregnancy Tumors—Yeah, It’s a Thing
Rest assured, it’s not as scary as it sounds but it can be concerning. Pregnancy tumors are overgrowths of tissue that appear on the gums, typically in the second trimester. They’re not cancerous, but they can be uncomfortable and can bleed easily. They can also feel or look strange in your mouth, cause discomfort, or get in the way of eating or your oral hygiene.
If so, go ahead and see the dentist when you’re pregnant about this issue. Depending on your case, your dentist at Naperville Dental Specialists might opt to remove the excess gum tissue in a quick procedure under local anesthesia. With our modern, state-of-the-art office and friendly approach, your appointment will be efficient and comfortable.
Hello, Morning Sickness
It’s the gift that keeps on giving… and makes you practice extra diligent dental care during pregnancy. Morning sickness can mean you’re brushing your teeth more than twice a day — after every instance even. Not only do you want to clean away the taste of morning sickness in your mouth but the stomach acid that also comes up can weaken your teeth.
Always use a fluoride toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. And if your usual minty fresh flavor makes you feel ill? Try brushing with a fruit-flavored toothpaste or rinsing with a kids’ mouthwash.
Oral Hygiene Affects Baby’s Health
Oral health and pregnancy isn’t only about your health, it’s about your baby’s health, too. You might be surprised to learn that poor dental care during pregnancy can lead to issues like premature birth and low birth weight. See, the bacteria in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and affect your baby. So every time you skip flossing or delay that dentist appointment, you’re taking a risk that’s not just about you anymore.
Mom’s Diet Matters
Giving in to those sugar cravings with sweets every time isn’t great for your teeth or your baby’s health. Instead, opt for teeth-healthy foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as calcium and protein. These nutrients help both the baby’s developing teeth and yours. Sugary snacks also turn into sticky plaque on your teeth, setting the stage for cavities if you don’t follow up with extra diligent at-home dental care during pregnancy.
Plan Ahead For A Healthy Smile
The American Pregnancy Association recommends planning visits to the dentist when pregnant for the second trimester and scheduling major dental work or cosmetic treatments for before you conceive if you can or wait until after giving birth. So what types of dental care treatment are okay during pregnancy? Non-invasive dentist treatments such as cleanings and scaling, root planing, even fillings are typically safe when pregnant — however, let your dentist know how far along you are so they can determine the safest and healthiest course of action.
Of course, going to the dentist when pregnant can get a little uncomfortable, but you can be confident that your caring Naperville dentists will ensure your comfort, with breaks to sit up or change positions when you need.
Stay On Top of Your Dental Care During Pregnancy WIth Your Naperville, IL Dentists
From tackling hormone-induced gingivitis to preventative cleanings and checkups, including good dental care during pregnancy is beneficial for both you and your baby. Dr. Anthony LaVacca and the dental team at Naperville Dental Specialists are here with comprehensive dentistry that suits this unique time during pregnancy.
Contact us for that cleaning, level up your at-home oral hygiene, and smile your way through pregnancy!
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Because the implants integrate with the jawbone, there’s no slipping and sliding like you get with dentures. Dental implants are also the only tooth replacement option that prevents bone loss and, in turn, facial collapse. Plus, with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
So why doesn’t everyone just get dental implants? Well, some patients worry about how to afford dental implants because of a perception that the price is high. While, yes, dental implants cost more than removable dentures and bridgework, they last much longer and help maintain optimal oral health. For these reasons, they’re actually surprisingly cost-effective over time.
While this is true for even conventional dental implants, at Naperville Dental Specialists, we offer options that help you enjoy the benefits of implants at a lower price point. In fact, here are four types of dental implants that won’t break the bank.
Snap-On Dentures: Budget-Friendly and Effective
Snap-on dentures are an economical alternative to traditional implants and a more comfortable, functional alternative to removable dentures. Our American board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca uses only two standard implants. Once the jawbone has sufficiently healed around the implants, the dentures are snapped into place.
Because your snap-on dentures cost is per implant, it’s more affordable than the typical four to eight implants needed for implant overdentures. Treatment makes chewing, speaking and smiling feel more natural. Most importantly, this technique alleviates undue pressure on the gums and jawbone, mitigating the risk of jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.
Mini Implants: Lower Cost and Quicker Recovery
Mini implants are another excellent solution. How much do mini dental implants cost? Thanks to their smaller diameter, they cost about half as much as standard dental implants. Dr. LaVacca places the mini implants into your jawbone. After a brief healing period, your dentures are permanently fastened to the implants.
Though your dentures won’t feel quite as secure as they would with full-sized implants, it will be a substantial improvement compared to removable dentures. Additionally, mini implant surgery is simpler, resulting in a faster recovery.
Implant Overdentures: Stability and Value
Implant overdentures, also called implant-supported dentures, offer a nice balance of stability and affordability. They’re more secure than mini implants and snap-on dentures, but not as expensive as replacing all of your missing teeth with dental implants, because, again, the cost is per implant.
During dental implant surgery, Dr. LaVacca will place between two and eight implants with ball-shaped attachments into your jawbone. Depending on the situation, he may also use a retainer bar with the implants for better stability.
Once your jawbone heals, he’ll secure custom, permanent dentures to the implants. Your dentures will stay in place and you’ll care for them like you would natural teeth. They won’t slide around, fall out or look unnatural. The implants will also help to preserve the integrity of your jawbone.
All-On-4® Dental Implants: Robust and High-Quality
All-on-4 dental implants cost more than snap-on dentures or mini dental implants. Yet, the technique offers a comprehensive solution for patients with diminished jawbone density. In lieu of using bone grafts to regenerate lost bone and placing implants for an entire arch of missing teeth, the All-On-4 method involves inserting four strategically angled implants in the back of the jawbone where there is more density.
This angular placement offers sturdy support for full dentures. Your new smile will look natural, feel great and provide outstanding function at a significantly lower price than bone grafting and individual implants for each missing tooth.
How do I find affordable dentures near me?
Don’t just type “affordable dentures near me” into Google and choose the first option. For the best results, visit an American board-certified prosthodontist like Dr. Anthony LaVacca for any type of dental implant procedure.
After dental school, prosthodontists complete three additional years of in-depth specialty training focused on diagnosing and treating deficient or missing teeth and orofacial structures. This means they have the experience and knowledge to safely and effectively restore smiles with a range of treatments, including all types of dental implants.
If you’re in the Chicagoland area, schedule a consultation with Naperville implant dentist Dr. LaVacca. He’ll provide expert guidance on the best affordable dental implants for your unique smile.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why are my teeth see through?” You might be wondering if it’s something that just happens naturally as you get older or if it’s a sign of a dental problem.
Our expert Naperville dentists have answers. In this post, we’ll be exploring the causes of see-through teeth, how the issue can be prevented and the ways Naperville Dental Specialists can restore your smile’s radiance.
Tooth Structure: The Basics
To understand the reason behind transparent teeth, let’s first cover the basics of tooth structure. Each tooth consists of multiple layers, including the protective outer layer called enamel. Enamel, which is made up of minerals, gives teeth their strength and glossy appearance. While enamel naturally has some translucency, it usually appears opaque due to the underlying layers of dentin and pulp.
What Causes Teeth to Look See Through?
Transparent teeth are caused by enamel erosion. You might notice you can see through the bottom of the teeth and along the outer edges. This is because the underlying layer of dentin doesn’t reach all of the way to the edges of the teeth, so these areas are composed solely of enamel. As the enamel thins, it becomes translucent. If enamel loss spreads to the rest of the tooth, those sections will look yellowish or grayish, because there is dentin underneath that is now exposed.
So, what causes enamel erosion? Any of the following can contribute to enamel loss:
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Drinking a lot of acidic beverages, such as energy drinks, soda and coffee, and regularly eating acidic foods like citrus fruits and candy can wear down the enamel. The more frequently you have these types of foods and drinks, the more pronounced acid erosion will be.
Soda and sports drinks are especially harmful. Most soft drinks and sports beverages are high in sugar and they contain enamel-dissolving acids. Unfortunately, according to research, diet sodas are nearly as erosive as their sugar-filled counterparts.
Tooth Wear and Abrasion
Physical enamel erosion is another common culprit. Brushing the teeth with too much force or using a hard-bristle toothbrush or abrasive toothpaste will strip away the tooth’s surface.
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), using your teeth as tools and habits like biting your fingernails or chewing on ice can have the same effect. While at first you’ll be able to see through the bottom of the teeth, eventually, these weakened spots can chip and stain from the continued force.
Medical Conditions
Conditions like heartburn and acid reflux and those that lead to frequent vomiting, such as bulimia and morning sickness, regularly expose the teeth to corrosive stomach acid. The enamel thins, causing transparency, as well as yellowing wherever dentin is exposed. Celiac disease may also result in see-through teeth because it can interfere with enamel formation while the teeth are developing.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia occurs when tooth development is interrupted and the enamel is very thin or, in some cases, non-existent. The condition can impact the primary teeth or permanent teeth. Because the teeth don’t have adequate enamel coverage, they’re vulnerable to erosion, transparency and decay.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, can be caused by medications, medical conditions, dehydration and more. Saliva is crucial for neutralizing acids in the mouth, remineralizing the teeth, washing away food and plaque and limiting bacteria. If dry mouth is chronic and you’re consistently not producing enough saliva, enamel loss and tooth decay will occur.
Diet High in Sugar and Starches
The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches, and when they do, they release acids. The acid byproduct forms plaque, which further eats away at tooth enamel. That’s why eating a diet high in sugar and simple starches increases your risk for transparent teeth.
Genetic Factors
Some people inherit genes that predispose them to thinner enamel. This makes them much more susceptible to acid erosion and wear and tear.
Preventing Translucent Teeth
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining the opacity of your teeth. To keep enamel erosion at bay:
Practice proper oral hygiene – Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel. Brush teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day. Floss once daily to remove food bits and acid-producing plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline.
Eat a healthy, well-rounded diet that’s low in sugar – Stick to as many whole and minimally processed foods as possible and enjoy sugar and simple carbohydrates in moderation. When you do have a treat, eat it one sitting, preferably with a larger meal.
Snack less often – Frequent snacking or sipping prolongs your enamel’s exposure to the acid byproduct from oral bacteria.
Watch your acidic foods and drinks – Avoid sodas and sports drinks, or at least minimize your intake, and have things like fruit juice and coffee in moderation. After eating or drinking something acidic, wait about an hour before brushing your teeth. Brushing immediately after eating or drinking will damage enamel while it’s in a temporarily weakened state.
Manage health conditions – If acid reflux, bulimia or another condition is causing enamel loss and tooth transparency, speak with your doctor. Getting the condition under control will go a long way in keeping your teeth strong.
And just like after eating or drinking something acidic, avoid brushing your teeth for an hour after vomiting or suffering from a bout of reflux. While you’re waiting, you can rinse with a fluoride mouthwash or dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water and swish it around in your mouth. This will get rid of the bad taste and neutralize acidity.
Quit harmful oral habits – Stopping harmful oral habits or getting treatment for bruxism will reduce tooth damage.
Banish dry mouth – If a medication or medical concern is causing dry mouth, speak with your doctor about your options. Also be sure to stay hydrated and rinse your mouth with water after eating. Try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sugar-free lozenge after meals or whenever your mouth feels dry to promote the flow of saliva.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings – During routine dental exams and cleanings, we’re able to detect enamel erosion in its earliest stages. Remineralization treatments, like a professional fluoride treatment, and guidance on homecare, diet and oral habits can stop erosion from progressing.
How to Fix See-Through Teeth
Home Remedies for Enamel Erosion
You can’t grow new enamel, however, you can strengthen your remaining enamel by focusing your efforts on remineralization. To promote remineralization, use fluoride toothpaste and eat a smile-friendly diet that includes foods rich in calcium and phosphorus.
While some people claim there are natural solutions to combat tooth transparency, there isn’t scientific evidence to support them. That’s why it’s important to approach these remedies with caution and always get professional guidance.
Dental Treatments for Transparent Teeth
The best way to fix see-through teeth is to visit your dentist. At Naperville Dental Specialists, we offer a range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry services to address enamel erosion and improve the appearance, strength and health of your smile. Two effective treatments include dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an affordable, non-invasive way to replace lost enamel. Your dentist applies a thin layer of tooth-colored composite resin to the areas of your tooth, or teeth, where enamel is thin. They then use a curing light to harden the resin before applying another layer. This process is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved.
When complete, the dentist shapes and polishes the composite resin so that it blends in seamlessly with your natural enamel. The material creates a strong bond with your tooth. While it can last for years, cosmetic dental bonding doesn’t last as long as a permanent restoration like porcelain veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting, highly effective way to transform your smile. Whether transparent teeth are your only concern or you have multiple cosmetic flaws you’d like to fix, veneers could be a great option.
Your Naperville cosmetic dentist will take digital scans of your mouth and design custom veneers to create the ideal shape and color. Your veneers will be fabricated from natural-looking, durable porcelain. The wafer thin shells will then be bonded to your teeth, covering translucency, discoloration, chips and cracks, wear and even minor spacing or crowding.
While the dentist does need to remove a small amount of enamel to fit the veneers, the procedure is painless and preserves much more of your natural tooth structure as compared to treatments like dental crowns.
Restore Your Teeth With General and Cosmetic Dentistry in Naperville, IL
Now that you know enamel erosion is the reason why you can see through your teeth, are you ready to explore solutions? At Naperville Dental Specialists, our experienced dentists provide high-tech, personalized care to improve your oral health and confidence. They’ll determine the underlying cause of your enamel loss and create an individualized treatment plan to help you reclaim your smile.
As summer approaches, it’s nice looking forward to vacations and meals al fresco with family and friends. But what if worrying about your teeth — specifically your dentures — has, in the past, put a damper on fully enjoying these warm-weather moments? Are you wondering about teeth replacement options that will give you more freedom?
If so, Naperville Dental Specialists and prosthodontist, Dr. Anthony LaVacca, want to introduce you to worry-free All-on-4® dental implants: a fixed replacement for missing teeth that perform just like real teeth. How can All-on-4 give you the summer freedom you’re looking for? Here, 5 summer scenarios where you’ll be glad for All-on-4 dental implants.
Advantage #1: Eat Your Favorite Summer Foods Without Worry
Corn on the cob. Steak off the grill. Veggies straight from the garden. If you’ve been wearing removable dentures, you’re likely familiar with concerns about your dentures staying put when eating your favorite summer foods. And although many denture-wearers use denture adhesive to help dentures stick, there’s often still a little hesitation.
On the other hand, All-on-4 dental implants let you eat the summer foods you love with peace of mind — they’re a fixed, permanent solution that doesn’t ever require adhesive to stay firmly in place. All-on-4 dental implants act like real teeth, securely embedded into your gums as if they were natural.
Advantage #2: No Denture Cleaning Supplies to Pack
For some, packing for a vacation can be stressful. You have to consider what to pack for the weather, for comfort… and for your health, or course. But with All-on-4 dental implants, one thing you don’t have to pack is denture cleaning supplies. Since you take care of your All-on-4 teeth just like you would natural teeth, all you have to pack is your usual oral care kit for brushing and flossing.
Advantage #3: You Can’t Lose or Misplace All-on-4 Dental Implants
It’s definitely not ideal to lose any belongings — especially your teeth — when you’re far from home. Thankfully, All-on-4 dental implants are impossible to lose since they’re permanently affixed and act like real teeth. Now if only the same assurance could apply to hotel key cards, sunglasses, and your cell phone.
Advantage #4: No Adhesive To Apply Before Activities or Eating
Whether you’re at home or away this summer, the last thing you want is to worry about your dentures coming loose during your day. And while it’s true that denture adhesive can help dentures stay in place, your dentures can still come loose when eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Or maybe when doing physical activities like swimming or snorkeling.
In this respect, you’ll appreciate this difference between dental implants vs dentures: All-on-4 dental implants don’t need adhesive.
Advantage #5: Picture Perfect Teeth for Confident Summer Photos
Once the leaves start to turn and the weather turns chilly, it’s nice to relive the bright, warm days of summer through the pictures you took. What can make you smile bigger and brighter in those photos? A full set of beautiful, natural looking teeth. All-on-4 treatment results in aesthetic teeth for a fully restored smile you can show off.
However, if a full set of teeth isn’t what you need, we at Naperville Dental Specialists offer many types of dental implants and cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve the picture perfect smile you’re after. At Naperville Dental Specialists, Dr. LaVacca is not only a leading expert in All-on-4 treatment but our team also provides exceptional results with veneers, bridges, and conventional dental implants, too.
How Much Do All-on-4 Dental Implants Cost?
Now that you know a few of the perks of All-on-4 dental implants, you might be asking, “How much do All-on-4 dental implants cost?” Simply put, everyone’s teeth are different so costs do vary. And keep in mind that one of the benefits of All-on-4 implants vs treatment like dentures is that they’re meant to last a lifetime.
As your Naperville dentist, we’re transparent and up-front with your costs so you can plan accordingly from the get-go. We also offer flexible payment plans that break up the cost of All-on-4 into low monthly payments. Plus, we offer the VantageOne dental plan — a membership that saves you money on dental implant treatment as well as diagnostics, cleanings, and oral surgery to name a few.
All-on-4 Treatment With a Chicagoland Leading Dental Specialist
Ready for functional, secure, and stunning teeth? With extensive training in this type of teeth replacement option, prosthodontist, Dr. LaVacca, is your go-to dental specialist in the Chicagoland-area for All-on-4. Schedule an initial free consultation to find out if All-on-4 dental implants from Naperville Dental Specialists is your ticket to summers free of worry over your teeth or dentures.
Spring is the time for new beginnings, sunnier days and, of course, cleaning. Before you pull out your vacuum and start mopping your floors, don’t forget to spring clean your oral hygiene routine.
Few things feel as fresh as a healthy smile. Get your oral health routine back on track with new floss, mouthwash, toothbrushes, a dental checkup, and a teeth whitening session. These four easy steps are the perfect spring cleaning routine to prepare your smile for the new season!
Steps to Spring Clean your Dental Routine:
1. Replace your toothbrush
How often should you change your toothbrush? Many of the patients at Naperville Dental Specialists are surprised when we tell them to replace their toothbrushes every three to four months. If you’ve been sick or the toothbrush bristles have frayed, we recommend changing them sooner.
When you buy a new toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles so you don’t injure your gums while brushing. Frequently swapping your toothbrush will improve your oral hygiene and prevent the spread of germs during cold and flu season.
2. Stock up on your oral hygiene products
Mouthwash
Wondering how long your mouthwash lasts? Generally, your mouthwash will be effective for two years after its manufacture date. Check the expiration date to ensure it’s still working for you. Expired mouthwash will not be able to fight gum disease, prevent plaque buildup or stave off bad breath.
Toothpaste
Most people don’t realize that toothpaste can expire. Your toothpaste will typically expire two years from its manufacturing date. When shopping for a new toothpaste, ensure it includes fluoride and has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
Waterpik
If you’re unfamiliar, Waterpik® is a popular brand of water flosser that some people use in their oral hygiene routine. If this is part of your regimen, your Waterpik tip should be replaced every six months to minimize mineral deposits.
Floss
Regular flossing is incredibly important. Stock up on fresh floss or floss picks this spring so you can floss daily and keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Dental Guard
It is advised that you visit your dentist twice a year to check your night guard. Dental guards lose their effectiveness when they lose their thickness. Less material means less ability to absorb the shock from your teeth and more space for bacteria to creep in. Your dental guard should be replaced if it is thinning, frayed or deformed.
3. Book your bi-annual dental checkup and cleaning
One of the best ways to spring clean your smile is to book a dental exam and cleaning with your Naperville general dentist. Even if you don’t have any noticeable concerns, checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing and catching oral problems before they become a larger concern.
Plus, the clean you get from a professional is impossible to match at home. Our skilled hygienists use special tools to gently remove hardened plaque and surface stains, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease and leaving your enamel nice and shiny.
4. Brighten your smile
Are your teeth looking dull or discolored after a winter of enjoying comfort foods and beverages? While a revamped oral hygiene routine can be helpful, brushing and flossing can’t eliminate those deeper-set stains. You will see significantly whiter teeth without damage with just one professional teeth whitening session.
Spring into action and visit your Naperville dentist!
As you work through your spring cleaning to-do list, make sure to schedule your dental cleaning in Naperville. Our Naperville general dentists and specialists look forward to helping get your oral hygiene routine back on track!
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s pretty much impossible to miss the chocolate-filled displays in stores everywhere. If you’ve been having a hard time resisting the allure, we have good news for you: eating dark chocolate in moderation may actually improve your oral and overall health.
The team at Naperville Dental Specialists is sharing some compelling dental benefits of everyone’s favorite treat. Consider this your excuse to indulge!
But first, let’s talk phytochemicals:
Chocolate is truly a marvel of chemistry, and it’s one of the most complex foods around. Aside from being delicious, it’s also full of powerhouse nutrients and compounds, including:
Polyphenols
One of the main health benefits of dark chocolate is its antioxidant capacity. This is thanks to the high levels of organic compounds called polyphenols it contains. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that would otherwise harm the cells in your body and increase your risk of disease, including those that affect your mouth.
You might have heard that polyphenol-rich tea and red wine are good for you. But one study determined that cocoa is even more beneficial than green tea, black tea and red wine in terms of antioxidant properties.
Tannins
The cocoa beans in chocolate are rich in tannins, a subcategory of polyphenols. These compounds are what give dark chocolate its intense color and slightly bitter taste.
Does chocolate stain teeth if it has tannins? It’s true, in large quantities tannins can stain your teeth, but you’d have to eat a ton of chocolate, so it’s not likely.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are another group of polyphenols found in large quantities in cocoa beans. The health-promoting antioxidants keep everyday toxins away.
Here’s Why Chocolate is Smile-Friendly
Dark chocolate is dentist approved because it:
1. Inhibits Some Enamel-Destroying Acids
Cocoa polyphenols have been found to reduce the amount of acids produced when the bacteria in your mouth feed on certain types of sugars. Less acid means less enamel erosion and risk of tooth decay.
2. May Zap Cavity-Causing Bacteria
Studies suggest tannins and flavonoids inhibit some strains of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, promoting a healthy oral biome and making it harder for tooth decay to occur.
3. Boosts Periodontal (Gum) Health
Polyphenols, including tannins and flavonoids, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This can reduce the risk of gum disease and slow the progression of existing periodontitis (severe gum disease).
4. Discourages Plaque Formation
Tannins bind to oral bacteria, preventing it from sticking to the teeth and forming plaque. Flavonoids have been shown to reduce plaque formation too.
5. Fights Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory powers of tannins and flavonoids promote healing, whether from mouth injuries, sores or infections like gum disease.
6. Is Less Likely to Cause Cavities Than Other Treats
Acids are the byproduct of oral bacteria breaking down sugars and starches in the food you eat. These acid attacks erode tooth enamel and can eventually cause cavities.
Foods that stick in the teeth are the biggest offenders, because the longer the food is in your mouth, the more prolonged the acid attacks are. Surprisingly, this means things like crackers or even raisins are worse for the teeth than chocolate.
Dark chocolate doesn’t have a ton of sugar, it melts in your mouth and is easy to rinse away, so it won’t hang around on your teeth for too long. Plus, the fat it contains slows down the bacteria’s feeding frenzy.
7. Makes You Smile
The feel-good effects might not be one of the reasons chocolate is good for your teeth but, hey, there’s nothing we love more than a happy smile. Chocolate contains mood-boosting anandamide, stimulating theobromine and the aphrodisiac effects of phenylethylamine, leaving you feeling happier.
What Type of Chocolate is Healthy?
The cavity-fighting compounds and health benefits of chocolate come from the cocoa beans. Additives like sugar and cream might make white chocolate, milk chocolate and pretty much every candy bar taste amazing, but they don’t do anything for your smile.
In fact, when a patient asks, “Why do my teeth hurt when I eat chocolate?,” it’s almost always because they’re eating white or milk chocolate and the sugar leads to acid attacks that irritate sensitive areas of their teeth.
So, if you’re looking for healthy chocolate that is good for your teeth, go for dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa. The fewer additives and grams of sugar it contains the better.
Ready to Get a Smile You Love?
Of course, dark chocolate alone isn’t enough to achieve a healthy smile. But when combined with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings, eating foods that are good for your teeth, including dark chocolate, will boost your oral health.
Our Naperville general dentists and specialists are here to help! We offer high-tech preventive, restorative, implant and cosmetic dentistry in one convenient location. Schedule a visit today to find out how we can give you a smile you love!
Thankfully, sedation dentistry is a solution that can help alleviate anxiety and make dental procedures more relaxing and comfortable. If you’re hesitant about exploring the option and are wondering if sedation is safe, the answer is, yes, sedation is safe when administered by an experienced provider.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps patients relax and feel at ease, so they can get dental care in a way that’s stress-free and painless. Often, sedation is mild to moderate and you’re awake during the procedure and able to answer questions and respond to commands.
For certain situations, deep sedation is an option too. What is deep sedation dentistry? It’s where general anesthesia is administered through an IV and you’re asleep throughout the entire dental procedure.
Sedation dentistry can be a good choice for patients with:
The type of sedation we recommend depends on a number of factors, including:
The type of dental procedure being performed
How long the dental procedure will last
Your anxiety levels
Your overall health and the medications you take
While the specific sedatives used and the offerings can vary by practice, these are the ones we offer at our office:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, has been used in dentistry for over 100 years and is the most common type of sedation for kids, though it can be used for adults as well. The laughing gas is administered through a mask that covers your nose. You’ll breathe in a mixture of nitrous and oxygen and within a few minutes, you’ll feel calm and euphoric.
Your Naperville dentist controls the amount of nitrous oxide you get, so they can deliver mild or even moderate effects, depending on your needs. Nitrous oxide is a form of conscious sedation, meaning you’ll be awake during your treatment, though your senses will be dulled.
When the procedure is over, your dentist will have you breathe in pure oxygen to flush out the nitrous oxide. Laughing gas wears off just as quickly as it kicks in and has very few side effects, so you’ll be able to go back to school, work or daily activities after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you choose oral sedation dentistry, your dentist will prescribe you an oral medication for reducing anxiety. Depending on the dosage, sedation can range from minimal to moderate. You’ll take the medication about an hour before your scheduled appointment.
During your dental procedure, as the name suggests, you’ll be conscious and able to follow instructions. However, you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed. In fact, it’s common for patients to fall asleep during their visit.
While side effects are generally minimal, you might feel sleepy after your appointment. And, because sedatives can impact your reaction time, you will need someone to drive you to and home from your visit.
General Anesthesia / IV Sedation
For patients with severe dental anxiety or people undergoing oral surgical procedures, general anesthesia could be recommended. With this type of sedation, anesthesia is delivered through an IV and your vital signs are monitored throughout.
You’ll be unconscious and have no memory of the procedure when you wake up. After your procedure, you’ll recover for several hours at the office before leaving. You will need to have a responsible adult drive you home.
How Safe is Sedation Dentistry?
Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation both have very good safety profiles. Most patients experience little-to-no side effects. When you visit our practice for sedation dentistry in Naperville, we’ll perform a comprehensive exam and take a detailed health and medication history to ensure you’re a good candidate and there are no contraindications.
Our general dentists and specialists are licensed and trained in providing in-office sedation. And our state-of-the-art office is equipped with the latest technology and tools, so we’re able to carefully monitor your vitals throughout your procedure.
How safe is IV sedation for dental work? This type of sedation is also safe but it’s essential that the dental practice has the necessary monitoring equipment, trained personnel and an anesthesiologist on-hand. The facility should also be licensed to offer it.
At Naperville Dental Specialists, we always consider general anesthesia on a case-by-case basis. Again, we take a complete medical and medication history to ensure it will be safe for you. We also provide you with pre- and post-operative instructions to minimize the chance of complications.
Our team follows all safety guidelines, and we have cutting-edge monitoring in place. And our board-certified professionals, including our prosthodontist and oral surgeon, have received advanced training in safe sedation. We also have a highly trained, American board-certified anesthesiologist on our team. Our anesthesiologist administers the general anesthesia.
Which Type of Dental Sedation is the Safest?
In general, conscious sedation has fewer risks than general anesthesia, but people respond differently to different types of sedation, so the form that’s safest for one person might not be ideal for you. It really depends on your medical history, the medications you are taking, your overall health and other individual factors. An experienced dentist can help you decide on the best form of sedation for your circumstances.
Weighing the Risks vs. the Benefits
As with any medical procedure, sedation dentistry involves weighing the risks vs. the benefits. If you’re not able to get the dental care you need due to anxiety, a medical condition or other circumstances, your untreated dental problems will pose a bigger risk to your oral and overall health than conscious or IV sedation dentistry.
Issues, such as tooth decay and tooth loss aren’t just painful, they also impact your ability to bite and chew, which, in turn, impacts your diet and nutrition. Oral infections, like dental abscesses, can spread to other parts of the body and, in rare cases, even be life threatening.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has been tied to a number of health conditions. The inflammation of the gums and supporting bone causes jawbone loss and, eventually, tooth loss if not treated. Periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, is tied to adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other systemic illnesses.
How Do I Prepare for Dental Sedation?
For nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation, you don’t need to do much to prepare. However, you should:
Have a light meal or snack and avoid eating anything heavy prior to your appointment.
Call our office and let us know if you experience any changes in your health or medications.
Arrange to have a responsible adult accompany you to your appointment and drive you home if you are taking an oral sedation medication.
If you’ll be undergoing IV sedation dentistry, following your pre-op instructions will help you have a safe, effective experience. While we’ll give you specific instructions for your situation, here are some general guidelines to adhere to:
Let our team know if you experience any changes in your health.
Your stomach should be empty during your anesthesia appointment.
Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before your surgery.
Inform our team of any medications you take on a daily basis, including supplements and herbal remedies. If we give you the go-ahead to take your medication on the day of your procedure, take it with only a small sip of water.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable, short-sleeved clothing and flat, comfortable shoes.
Do not wear jewelry, makeup or nail polish to your appointment.
Take your contact lenses out before your procedure.
Arrange to have a responsible adult come with you to your procedure, drive you home and stay with you while you recover afterwards.
Where Can I Find Sedation Dentistry Near Me?
If you’re not in Illinois, we’d recommend doing some research on local sedation dentists to find someone licensed and experienced in administering the type of sedation you’re looking for.
If you live in the Chicagoland area, we offer sedation dentistry in Naperville at our high-tech, comfortable office. With American board-certified specialists on our team, including an anesthesiologist, and modern equipment and tools, we can help you safely get the care you need. Schedule an appointment with us today!
It can be alarming when you notice a bump on your gums, especially if it’s painful. While any time you experience changes in the soft tissues of your mouth or have oral pain, you should visit your dentist, not every bump is a sign of a serious issue. In this post, we’ll cover the causes and what to do to get relief.
Why Is There a Bump on My Gums?
Here are a few common reasons why you might have a bump:
An Abscess – An extremely sensitive, painful bump on your gums that looks like a pimple is likely an abscess. An abscess is due to a bacterial infection and occurs as pus collects under the gum, forming a bump or boil.
There are different types of abscesses, including a periodontal abscess, which is usually caused by periodontitis (advanced gum disease), and a periapical abscess, which is an infection at the tip of your tooth’s root from tooth decay or an injury. A periapical abscess usually presents as a bump on the gums above or below the affected tooth.
If you do have an abscess, it will often be accompanied by other symptoms including:
Persistent pain that may spread to the ear, jaw and neck
It’s important to have an abscess evaluated and treated. It won’t go away on its own. While it can drain and provide temporary relief, the infection will still be present and can spread to the jaw and supporting tissues. In rare cases, a dental infection can reach the brain and cause serious health complications.
Treatment for an abscess will involve treating the infection, whether through periodontal care or a root canal, and, sometimes, antibiotics. We might also drain the abscess to give you immediate relief.
A Canker Sore – We’ve had patients at our Naperville dental practice visit worried they had an abscess and it turned out they had a canker sore, or aphthous ulcer. Even though canker sores are benign and don’t cause serious issues, they can be extremely painful.
A canker sore usually looks like a flattish, yellow or white bump or blister on the gums surrounded by a red border. The sores can appear in a cluster and they make talking and eating difficult.
Canker sores are not contagious and no one knows exactly what causes them, though it’s thought that the following can play a role:
Stress
Vitamin deficiencies
Food allergies
Genetics
illness
Mouth injuries
Certain medications
The mouth ulcers don’t usually require treatment and tend to resolve on their own within two weeks.
Cyst – A cyst will look like a small, liquid-filled bubble, or bump, on the gums. Dental cysts tend to pop up around the root of diseased, malpositioned or impacted teeth. Many times, cysts are painless. However, they can grow larger and put pressure on the teeth and jaw or become infected, both of which will cause pain.
While you should have a cyst looked at by your Naperville general dentist, whether it requires treatment or not will depend on its cause and size. Most cysts resolve on their own, however, some need to be removed surgically.
Oral Fibroma – An oral fibroma appears as a smooth, hard bump on the gums. A fibroma is a tumor-like mass of connective tissue that’s almost always benign. Fibromas develop when an area of the mouth is constantly irritated or traumatized, such as from a habit like biting the inside of your cheek or from ill-fitting dentures or another oral appliance.
Treatment will depend on the size, location, type and cause of the fibroma. You may need to have your dentures or oral appliance re-fitted so that it stops irritating your mouth.
Though fibromas aren’t usually painful, if they get larger, they can become easily irritated, leading to discomfort. In those cases, surgical removal could be recommended.
Bony Growth – A bony, round, hard bump on the gums is known as a dental torus (or tori plural). It’s a bony protrusion that grows on top of existing bone. The bumps are usually smooth and covered completely in gum tissue.
The different types of dental tori are classified by their location. For example, a torus mandibularis is located on the inside of the lower jaw on the side nearest the tongue. A torus palatinus is a protrusion from the roof of the mouth, or palate.
Dental tori don’t usually interfere with function or cause pain. Rarely, a tori will continue growing and become irritated or get in the way of dentures. In these cases, it may need to be removed.
There isn’t a known cause of bony growths on the gums but some experts think bruxism, genetic factors, diet and/or stress on the jaw from a bad bite may be the cause.
Oral Cancer – While most bumps are benign, occasionally, a small growth or lump on the gum tissue is a sign of oral cancer. It might be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
A red or white patch on your gums
Thickening of the skin
A sore that bleeds and/or won’t heal
Jaw or tongue pain
Loose teeth
Sore throat
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Risk factors for oral cancer include:
A family history of oral cancer
Heavy drinking
Tobacco use
Having human papillomavirus (HPV)
Being over age 40
Having a weakened immune system
A lack of fruit and vegetables in the diet
At Naperville Dental Specialists, we offer VELscope oral cancer screenings. VELscope is a small, handheld tool that uses light to painlessly identify pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions.
When caught early, oral cancer has a high survival rate. If you’re worried a lump is cancerous, schedule a visit at Naperville Dental Specialists. It’s also good practice to have a screening as part of your routine dental exams.
Can I Pop a Bump on My Gums?
No. You should never pop a bump on your gums. Even popping a harmless bump will cause irritation and pain, making the situation worse.
Though an abscess will sometimes drain on its own, popping it can damage the soft tissue and it will release bacteria into your mouth. If an abscess does drain on its own, gently swish with a saltwater rinse to get rid of the foul-tasting liquid and keep your mouth clean.
How to Get Rid Of Bumps on Gums
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to get rid of bumps on your gums at home, in most cases. You should see your dentist for treatment if the bump doesn’t go away after a few weeks or it is accompanied by the signs of an abscess or oral cancer we noted above.
While you’re waiting to see your dentist, you can alleviate pain by:
Swishing with a saltwater rinse (½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water)
Avoiding irritating the bump when brushing or flossing or wearing an appliance
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed
Sticking with a soft foods diet
To prevent painful bumps on your gums in the future:
Practice good oral hygiene
Break repetitive habits that cause oral irritation like biting the inside of your cheek or grinding your teeth
Schedule a Visit with a Naperville General Dentist
If a bump on your gums is bothering you or causing you to worry, schedule a visit with a general dentist at Naperville Dental Specialists today. We use high-tech diagnostic tools, so we can determine what’s causing the bump and create a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief.
Dr. Sergio Barón points out that cavities are a problem that is being seen “almost at epidemiological levels” in the state of Illinois. According to a recent study, this problem has increased by around 6% in minors in the region. Dr. Baron expands on what this increase can be attributed to.
On starting to experience a tooth pain in the last 24-36 hours I called NDS as a brand new patient today. With everything going on in terms of social distancing and stay-at-home, they were very efficient and quick in responding to my query. They prioritized it and began work to book an emergency appointment immediately. Very happy with Dr. Lavacci and the team. Highly recommended.
From the warm greeting to the warm neck wrap. Being respectful of my time and seeing me exactly at my appointment scheduled with a detailed and efficient exam and cleaning. I can’t say enjoy going to the dentist but I can say I don’t Hate anymore
I had a fantastic first visit yesterday. My hygienist Kelley was very thorough and gentle. The office is quite nice- relaxing and inviting. I'm going to bring the whole family over.
Saturday visit was for a routine cleaning. What made it special was not so much the cleaning but the care in which Becky the hygienist did her job. Not only was she sensitive to my dislike of the “plaque removal tool” as she did the job with the upmost care but the friendly atmosphere she maintains during the visit. With a friendly approach, Dr. Dustin came in at the end to check things out. We chatted about the cleaning which revealed no issues. But what was most striking was his welcoming approach and genuine dialogue about his work as a dentist and the care for each patient. Together, they both have a unique way of making you almost feel like, you are not at the dentist! Overall, I rate this place as A#1 in the areas for dental care.
We have the best dentist and orthodontist! I have sung their praises many times on social media but today they went above and beyond!My 12 yr old son knocked one of his permanent teeth out this afternoon while playing with his younger brothers. The dentist’s office was closed but that didn’t stop Dr Anthony LaVacca . Dr Anthony LaVacca and his wonderful assistant Kelly met my husband and scared son after hours this evening to see what they could do to save the tooth. I cannot say enough about Dr LaVacca, Dr Ibrahim and their team at Naperville Dental Partners! They are truly the best!
Had a follow up from getting the All on 4 dental implants in September. Brandy and Gina were awesome today. They were so kind, knowledgeable and efficient. If you are looking for a great dental experience Dr. LaVacca and staff are the best.
Dr. Irene is absolutely the best! Everyone hates going to the dentist, but she makes a point to connect with her patients and puts them at ease. Our entire family loves Dr. Irene!
Excellent experience. Dentist hygienist are very thorough. This is the first time hygienist was running 15 minutes late. Typically they are on time. I will suggest improving check out since you have to wait over 10 minutes to pay and check out . Dentist hygienist are very courteous, gentle and attentive.
Poor. I Had a cap reglued. Took five minutes. Was billed over $200. I thought they were in my network, but it wasn’t covered. I sent two letters showing them why I thought they were in network and received no response. All I get is past due notices. I expect I’ll have to pay but was hoping I’d get the courtesy of a response. Bad customer service.
I had my cleaning yesterday and have never had such a good hygienist! Her name was Julie and I feel cleaner, whiter, and not a spot of plaque. Thank you, NDS!
I had my first appointment last week. There was a new dental hygienist that tried to do x rays and after about 30 min she had to call a more experienced worker to do that. She seemed really with no much of experience.The doctor was very careful and helpful, explained to me all treatment plan - how it will work and what should be done.
Went in today to have my teeth cleaned. My hygienist was Taryn. She always does an excellent job. The entire staff is professional and friendly. I have recommended many people to the office.
Only if I could, I would give -5 start to this place. I went to dental group had my x-ray done, and I have one fillings need to be done. On the way home, I saw this Naperville dental specialist, so make an appointment to get second opinion. One of the doctor there said I have 5 fillings need to be done, since they called themselves specialist, I trust them. Had my first fillings done on June 12, went back 2 weeks later to treat pain from fillings, and went to back 3 later again to treat pain from fillings again, then went to back 2 weeks later to treat pain from fillings again. Finally one of the doctor said I need to redone my fillings. I made an appointment went back redone my fillings 3 weeks later. And told I may have pain for awhile. I waited for a month the pain still didn’t go away. Now, after 4 months, I pain worsened. Called again to speak to a manager, only heard that managers are busy, nobody call back. I went to different doctor office, whi
Innovative Dental Specialists have performed a wonderful job with our three kids since moving from St. Louis a year ago. Especially with our teenager who had to have four teeth extracted for over-crowding issues. He said he felt fine during the whole procedure (lasted about 45 mins and used laughing gas) and really felt no pain afterwards. Way to go Innovative!
Overall a very good experience with my first appointment here. The hygienist did a fantastic job. I had to wait quite a while for the dentist to attend to me, so hopefully that is not typical here. But he was friendly and attentive to my needs. I also had to wait several minutes for the receptionist to schedule my follow up appointment. Not sure what else she was working on, but this length of wait should never happen at reception. Again, hopefully these things are not going to happen regularly. But overall, the most important part of the experience was my checkup from the hygienist, which was great.
Five-Shining Stars! I am amazed by this facility. The ambience feels like home. Well decorated, neat and welcoming. The staff are very friendly amd professional. They are highly equipped with contemporary technology. They treat their patients very special and with respect. I would highly recommend this dentistry!
I couldn't be more pleased with the service I've received from Naperville Dental Specialists! I've had the honor of being a patient of Dr. Anthony LaVacca. When he hasn't been available, I have had other doctors on staff instead. I have found that there is a cohesiveness is their recommendations and that they all know a lot. During my last visit, I had the best assistant ever during my 4-hour procedure - Becca! I highly recommend going to NDS for your dental needs (they even have pediatric dentistry!).
I waited 20 minutes in the waiting room. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes before. Also, as nice as she was, there was a new dental hygienist that poked and prodded my mouth with the piece to hold it open for x rays. She had to call a more experienced worker in to retake three of the photos. It took over 30 minutes just for the x rays. The lavender pillow was not as nice as I remember it. I don't know what happened. It seems like someone new is running the office / establishment. On the positive side, all of the staff was friendly, but I seriously am thinking of changing dentist's if my next visit is as unpleasant as this one.
I came to Naperville Dental Specialists due to my dentist and insurance company causing issues for me AND a tooth that needed immediate attention. Angie was so helpful and dealt with all of my financial needs-insurance and individual. Dr. John was very thorough in his examination and explanation of my needs. After my agreement and paper signing the procedure took very little time and very little pain. I am so happy with the full procedure that I have now moved all of my dental needs to this facility. After only one visit, the employees were so very friendly and helpful, that I highly recommend Naperville Dental Specialists.
I have only good things to say about Naperville Dental Specialists. I’ve been going there for over 2 years and have never had a bad experience. Dr Lydia is the best! I’m especially impressed with how efficient everyone is including my hygienist, Lauren, and the processing of my dental insurance.
I loved the experience in my first visit. The ambience is great, the setup is more friendly rather than being treated in dark walled cubicles. The staff ia very friends and the place has one of the most advanced gadgets you can find.
I thought that it was a pretty awesome experience. The office is beautiful! The service was great. I didn't get any work done; it was a consultation. But it was really nice.
Everyone is so helpful and professional. Dr. Irene is amazing! Becky, my hygienist, is super friendly & caring! Wish I would have started seeing this team sooner than I did.
The most thorough cleaning and check up I’ve ever had with the most advanced equipment. The staff was very friendly and let me decide on my terms what I wanted to have treated after they advised me as to what I needed and what the priorities should be. Highly recommend them!
I finally found a dental office that I felt totally comfortable at with no anxiety! I was told exactly what was going to be done before it was preformed! The staff was so nice and welcoming! I'm so glad I've found a dentist near me that I can continue to go to!
I've always gone to the same dentist office since I was a kid. I'm not in my late 20s and moved to a new state. I didn't want to have to find a new dentist since I was so comfortable with my previous one. I'm very happy that I found NDS. They have been very kind and friendly. When the decision to pull my wisdom teeth came up at my cleaning, the dentist assured me it would be an easy process and recommended the nitrous oxide option. I was so nervous, but I'm glad I went with that option as opposed to being put under. Saved me some money in the end.
Naperville Dental Specialists is a great facility! The staff is very friendly and professional. The waiting area is nice and comfortable, even my kids like going here because they have a lot of fun things to play with. The service is great and so is Dr. Irene. I can't speak for any of the other dentists but I'm sure they are all very good as well. I definitely recommend them to anyone!
Naperville Dental Specialists had been recommended to me by several friends over the past 2 years. I finally got it together enough to make an appointment and go in. I was taken within 5 minutes of my appointed time. I spent some two hours in the chair receiving an array of diagnostics that I had never experienced in my very frequent previous trips to multiple dentists. In fact, the tools used were more advanced than any I have seen before. All of the results were immediately entered into their computer system. Despite being surrounded by the latest in dental technology, the people who operated it were extremely personable and open to explaining what they were doing. When my diagnostics were completed and the course of treatment was determined, I was sat down with one of their office staff who discussed the costs of the treatment and nature of my insurance coverage therefor. The lady I dealt with was very patient and precise in her explanations of what I was to expect. All in all, it could easily be described as the most impressive dental outing I have ever experienced.
