Dental exams and cleanings in chicago

Dental Exams and Cleanings Chicago

Prevention is the key to long term oral health and the ongoing task of maintaining your dental health takes place at home, through your daily brushing and flossing routine. Many people carry a toothbrush with them and keep an extra in their desk, car or purse to allow for regular brushing after meals.

Daily preventative measures are required and necessary. Nevertheless, bacteria are inclined to still lurk around the teeth and gum lines, and this can cause tooth decay and early signs of gum problems. Regular dental exams and cleanings are necessary to eliminate the risk of future oral health problems.

Quality Dental Care Dr. Nancy Block treats children, teens and adults and has been serving patients in the Gold Coast area of Chicago since 1990. When you come to our office, you can expect a caring and compassionate staff that is committed to providing you the best dental care in Chicago. We believe that a family friendly environment combined with quality care and excellent service, is the perfect formula to ensure your long term oral health.

Comprehensive Exams

When you come to your first appointment, we will gather your complete dental and medical history using our confidential new patient information form and then Dr. Block will perform a comprehensive dental examination. Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, periodontal probing, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take necessary x-rays, which include digital x-rays for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth. A thorough cleaning (prophylaxis) is also recommended at the first visit.

Gingivitis and Gum Disease Oral exams done during dental cleanings are used to detect the onset of gum disease. In younger children and teens, gum disease is often a result of improper brushing techniques. Left untreated, gingivitis can set in, and inflammation of the gums will occur. Not all gingivitis is caused from poor brushing however. Hormonal changes, particularly in females, can cause bacterial changes that lead to gingivitis. Dr. Block and her staff offer solutions that can address these problems.

Older adults are at risk for periodontal disease, often referred to as receding gums. In essence, the inner layer of gum and bone pull away from the teeth and leave pockets.

These pockets allow debris to collect and bacteria to form. Left untreated, the bacteria can grow to a level where the body has a difficult time fighting it, and infection may set in. These types of infections can spread throughout the body and early detection and prevention are the keys to avoiding such a health risk

Dental X-Rays Dental x-rays are used as a diagnostic tool to view the bone structure of the jaw, as well as the tooth condition below the visible gum line. Any root, bone, and growth issues will show on the x-rays. The cost of the x-rays are generally covered by most major dental insurance plans and are a vital component of providing quality dental health services. This is particularly important in children who are losing ‘baby’ teeth and gaining their second set of teeth. Teens often need treatment as wisdom teeth grow, and x-rays can reveal issues such as possible impacted wisdom teeth.

Dental exams include the use of advanced technology to provide the most accurate diagnosis possible. Your teeth, gums and overall oral health will be thoroughly evaluated, allowing Dr. Block to determine any potential problem areas and formulate an effective treatment plan that is best for you.

Dr. Block recommends that each patient undergo a comprehensive oral exam twice a year to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent serious dental issues from arising in the future.

About Dr. Nancy Block

Dr. Nancy Block is a licensed provider of General and Preventative Dentistry as well as Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry and accepts most major dental insurance plans in Illinois.

Dr. Block treats patients in the Chicago Metro area including the neighborhoods of Lakeview, Lincoln Park, The Loop, Magnificent Mile, Old Town, River North, Streeterville, The West Loop and the Gold Coast.