Odontophobia [ō dän′tō-fō′bē ə] noun Odontophobia (aka dental fear, dental phobia, dentophobia, dentist phobia, and dental anxiety) is the fear of dentistry and of receiving dental care. It is estimated that nearly 15% of all Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety and fear. People with these fears and anxieties are at a […]

A tooth is considered an “impacted tooth” when it fails to break through the gum. This is especially common in wisdom teeth, the last teeth to emerge. Generally speaking, wisdom teeth tend to come in between the ages of 17 and 21. An impacted tooth occurs when the jaw is too small, so the area […]

Things don’t always work how we plan, and therefore dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours. When an emergency happens and you can’t get to your dentist, you need to find an emergency dentist in Chicago that can handle your needs and solve your emergency as soon as possible. We answer common dental emergency questions […]

Dental veneers are a great way to improve your smile, Chicago Smile Design is commonly asked, “What do Veneers Fix?” or “Should I get Composite vs Porcelain Veneers?” We tell our patients veneers are stain-resistant, look and feel natural that can restore your self-confidence. Patients are advised there are two different types of veneers: composite, […]

There are many reasons a dental extraction may be necessary. Your dentist will talk with you about why a teeth needs to be pulled and what your options are. Read more to learn more about dental extractions and why they may be necessary. Reasons Reasons for an extraction include but are not limited to gum […]

If visiting the dentist makes you cringe, you are not alone. Many people are afraid of the dentist because they haven’t been in a while. However, there are options available to you that can help you relax and feel comfortable for the visit. Visiting a sedation dentist can help you feel more comfortable because they […]

Many people snore at night with the only problem being disturbing others in the home. However, snoring can often be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. It can be difficult to diagnose, but in most cases your dentist will be the one to determine whether you have […]

Does your child still have baby teeth? No teeth at all? That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be practicing oral health care. A healthy smile that lasts a lifetime starts from birth, so make sure you don’t neglect it! Here is how to clean your child’s teeth at every age: Starting at when your baby is […]

Your dentist can help you with more than just diagnosing oral health issues. The health of your mouth can say a lot about your overall body health and potential conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and acid reflux. Here’s how: Heart Disease According to a 2007 study, those with periodontal disease (severe gum disease) have […]

You use it everyday; you assume it helps to clean your teeth and prevent decay; but, what is actually inside your toothpaste? Whereas our ancestors used crushed bones, ashes, eggshells and other such materials to clean their teeth, we have fortunately come a long way in toothpaste. However, many of them have scientific names that […]