General Dentist
in Chicago, IL

We Can Help You
Maintain a Healthy Smile!

Fillings near me

Prevention Is the Best Cure!

It is no secret that prevention is better than treatment when it comes to oral health. At Kimberly Smiles, we emphasize preventive measures to reduce the risk of needing dental treatment. Dr. Anast believes every patient has unique dental needs that require evaluation on an individual basis.

What Does a General Dentist Do?

A general dentist is a primary dental care provider who diagnoses, treats, and manages overall oral healthcare needs. Their role encompasses a wide range of dental services essential to maintaining and improving oral health. This includes preventive services like routine teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to protect against decay.

General dentists also perform restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges to repair damaged or lost teeth. They are skilled in diagnosing and treating gum diseases, conducting oral surgeries like tooth extractions, and providing treatments for dental emergencies.

Additionally, general dentists play a crucial role in early detection of oral diseases, including oral cancer, and can guide patients in understanding the connection between oral health and overall health. They also offer advice on maintaining good oral hygiene and making lifestyle choices that promote dental health.

By offering a range of treatments and guidance, a general dentist in Chicago like Dr. Anast are key to helping individuals maintain a healthy smile throughout their lives.

Our Chicago Dental Services

  • Exams
  • Cleanings
  • Digital X-Rays
  • Oral Cancer Screenings
  • Dental Sealants
  • Fluoride Treatment
  • Night Guards

What to Expect During Your Hygiene Appointment

young patient and hygienist going over how to brush teeth at Kimberly Smiles in Chicago, IL

1. Review your health history

Before the cleaning process begins, our hygienist will review your health history and update any changes to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

2. Oral Cancer Screening

Our hygienist or Chicago dentist will complete an oral cancer exam, which will check your lymph nodes, pharynx, soft palate, hard palate, tongue, and floor of the mouth.

3. Periodontal Exam

Our hygienist will complete a thorough examination of your gum tissues to identify any problem areas and give you tips on how to improve and maintain those areas in between appointments.

4. Dental Exam

Dr. Anast will come in to do an oral cancer exam, check your teeth and gum tissues, and evaluate any images that were taken.

Learn more about our dental exam special for new patients here !

5. Dental Cleaning

Your teeth will be gently and expertly cleaned above and below the gum line. Our hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove calculus and then polish the teeth to remove stains and plaque. If indicated, fluoride will be applied after the dental cleaning to help reduce tooth sensitivity and help prevent decay.

Learn more about our dental cleaning special for new patients here !

Additional Preventative Care We Offer

Dental Sealants

Sealants help prevent tooth decay and cavities on your molars by acting as a barrier to protect the enamel from plaque and acids. The molars are the most susceptible to cavities due to the various grooves. Typically, children get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. However, sealants can also benefit adults without decay or fillings in their molars.

Applying sealants is quick and easy. After the teeth have been cleaned, the sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride helps make the teeth more resistant to the build-up of decay, causing plaque and sugars. It can also speed re-mineralization as well as disrupt acid erosion in teeth.

Fluoride can be applied to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. According to the ADA, fluoride intake is often recommended for infants and children between 6 months and 16 years. During this time, primary and permanent teeth are developing.

Night Guards

Night guards are beneficial for people that grind their teeth at night. Most of the time, patients are unaware of this habit because it often occurs while asleep. Teeth grinding causes your teeth to flatten and wear down over time. If not properly treated, you may experience sensitivity and pain, cracks in your teeth, receding gums, and possible tooth loss.

Common Questions

Q: What types of services are included in general dentistry?

A: General dentistry encompasses a wide range of services aimed at maintaining and improving oral health. Key services include:

  1. Preventive Care: This includes regular dental check-ups, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to prevent cavities and gum diseases.
  2. Restorative Services: If a problem is identified, your dentist will ensure you get timely and appropriate treatment. Common procedures include fillings, crowns, and bridges to repair damaged or decayed teeth.
  3. Gum Disease Treatment: Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, from early-stage gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis.
  4. Dental Emergencies: Immediate care for dental emergencies, including toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, and more.
  5. Oral Cancer Screenings: Regular screenings for oral cancer, which are essential for early detection and successful treatment.
  6. Education and Advice: Guidance on good oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and lifestyle choices that affect oral health.
  7. Pediatric Dentistry: Many general dentists also provide care for children, focusing on the unique dental issues and needs of younger patients.

General dentistry services are foundational to maintaining good oral health and a key part of overall health and wellbeing.

Q: How often should I visit a general dentist?

A: Most people should visit a Wicker Park dentist like Dr. Anast for a routine check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. However, some individuals with specific dental issues may need more frequent visits.

Q: What should I expect during a general dentistry check-up?

A: A typical dental check-up includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other problems. It often includes dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, and may also involve taking X-rays.

Q: Can a dentist treat gum disease?

A: Yes, Dr. Anast can diagnose and treat various stages of gum disease. Treatment can range from a professional cleaning to more extensive procedures, depending on the severity of the disease.

Q: Are dental X-rays safe, and why are they needed?

A: Dental X-rays are safe and expose patients to minimal radiation. They are a vital diagnostic tool that helps dentists detect issues not visible during a regular dental exam, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, or jawbone damage.

Q: What types of tooth fillings does a general dentist offer?

A: General dentists offer several types of fillings, however, Dr. Anast has opted to use composite resins (tooth-colored fillings). This provides a more seamless and natural result as well as being a more biocompatible material than amalgam.

Q: Can general dentists perform oral surgeries?

A: Many general dentists are skilled in performing certain types of oral surgeries, such as tooth extractions. However, complex surgeries may require a referral to an oral surgeon.

Q: How do general dentists treat children?

A: General dentists can provide pediatric dental care, which includes routine check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to protect children’s teeth from decay. As a father himself, Dr. Anast is great with providing anxiety-free dental care for kids in Chicago.

Q: Why is preventive care important in general dentistry?

A: Preventive care is key to avoiding dental problems before they develop. Regular check-ups, cleanings, and education on oral hygiene help maintain healthy teeth and gums, and reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

Schedule Your Check-Up With Our Dentist in Chicago, IL

For comprehensive preventative care, trust Dr. Anast and our Kimberly Smiles dental team as your Chicago dentist! From routine care to restorative work and gum disease treatment, we’re your one-stop shop for a healthy smile! Request an appointment today!

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