The look of our teeth says a lot about us. Do your teeth appear discolored and worn? That may leave you looking advanced in age or unhealthy. Are your teeth crooked or small? Misshapen or oddly shaped teeth are not attractive. If aesthetic dental issues leave you afraid to smile, it may be time to… Read more »
Plaque vs tartar. You probably know both dental terms. You may even understand that they are both bad for your teeth and oral health. The terms are related but not interchangeable. What’s the Difference Between Plaque vs Tartar? Before your next visit to the dentist, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on some dental terms…. Read more »
Modern dentistry has come a long way. Now, restorations can completely cover a tooth in a ceramic material that matches natural teeth. Emerging technological advances in porcelain and advanced techniques from master ceramists are allowing crowns that look real to be created. We welcome you to view our Before & After Gallery. You will see dozens… Read more »
If you are someone dealing with hypodontia, then this is likely a term with which you’re already very familiar. In short, it means that due to heredity, you have not developed one or several permanent teeth. When teeth fail to grow, you are left with an adult smile with open spaces in it. Of course,… Read more »
Do you have unique dental problems? You know that seeking care for a whiter smile is common, so you would never think twice about approaching us to discuss cosmetic care options. However, when your smile concerns don’t seem to fall into a category you consider to be common, you may feel like it’s something you… Read more »
While you can certainly limit the effects of aging by keeping up with a healthy diet and lifestyle, smile changes with age are inevitable over time. With that said, should you assume that your teeth will become less bright, and look less healthy, over time? Your smile can certainly be affected over the years if… Read more »
Restorative dental treatments are typically designed with three main goals in mind – to stop the damage or decay from progressing, restore your bite’s function, and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. In most cases, all three can be achieved with a minimally invasive, custom-designed treatment such as tooth filling. However, in more… Read more »
Like all dental treatments, tooth extraction is typically a customized procedure that your dentist only recommends when absolutely necessary. Because the treatment involves removing a tooth, however, it can be more complex than other procedures, and in many cases, require further treatment to restore and preserve the rest of your smile. Today, we examine a… Read more »
Temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder, is more common than you may realize. However, many patients who experience it don’t realize that their chronic jaw pain (and other related symptoms) is caused by the disorder. Therefore, they don’t realize that an examination from their dentist could be their best option for finding relief… Read more »
In many dental emergencies, the situation involves trauma to one or more of your teeth. The severity of the damage depends on the emergency, and in severe cases, your tooth may have a large piece broken off of it. Unlike a cosmetic chip in your tooth, having a significant portion of its crown break can… Read more »
If your dentist tells you that you need root canal treatment, then you may not immediately think that it’s something to celebrate. After all, the goal of continuous hygiene and dental care is supposed to be to help you avoid serious dental issues and the need for extensive treatment to address them. However, if your… Read more »
Part of the beauty of modern cosmetic tooth bonding is its simplicity. The procedure involves simply bonding tooth-colored composite resin to a specific area of your tooth, then shaping, hardening, and polishing it to match your tooth’s natural appearance. Cosmetic tooth bonding works by concealing or rebuilding blemished tooth structure, but its simplicity is only… Read more »
Do you want to avoid a root canal for your entire life? Sounds like a dumb question but so many people get them. Cavities are common, but because they cause teeth to ache, most patients seek treatment for them in their mild to moderate stages. With a tooth-colored filling, patients can restore their teeth and… Read more »
You may have heard of bruxism, but if you don’t realize how often you grind your teeth, then you might not think it’s something you should worry about. However, for many patients, there’s more to their teeth grinding habit than they realize, and if they ignore it, they could be exposed to a host of… Read more »
The good news about modern preventive dental care is that you can largely avoid the most common and destructive dental health issues, like cavities and gum disease. However, even the most advanced dental care can’t always help you prevent an emergency situation. If your tooth is significantly damaged, compromised, or knocked out of its socket,… Read more »
When your tooth exhibits the type of cosmetic blemish that can’t be erased with teeth-whitening, improving your smile might seem challenging. However, in many cases, cosmetic tooth bonding can successfully fix tooth blemishes almost as quickly and conveniently as teeth-whitening. Bonding is the process of using tooth-colored composite resin to correct issues with your tooth’s… Read more »
Dental crowns are so common that you likely know at least one person who has one, if you don’t have one yourself. Today’s crowns are often so lifelike that you may never notice just how many people you know with one, unless they want you to know. A dental crown is called such because it’s… Read more »
Much of cosmetic dentistry focuses on the size, shape, and appearance of your teeth. Yet, your smile’s appearance is also significantly affected by the shape and appearance of your gum line. Excessive or uneven gum tissues that cover a disproportionate amount of your tooth structure can make your smile seem “off” somehow. Fortunately, modern cosmetic… Read more »
When it comes to improving your smile, the good news is that you have options. If you need to brighten your smile, then teeth-whitening might be the best treatment. If you need to fix a chipped tooth, then bonding or a dental crown may be better options. However, when you have a few different issues… Read more »
Do you have tooth sensitivity? Does it hurt to chew, drink hot or cold beverages, or to brush? About 1 in 8 people complain to their dentists about sensitive teeth. Adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are 3.5 times more likely to have sensitive teeth than older adults, and women are 1.8 times… Read more »
Most people are aware that wisdom teeth can frequently cause trouble. However, did you know that unlike the rest of your teeth, you don’t really need them for your bite to function properly? Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are remnants of a time past, when our ancestors needed more biting and chewing power to eat… Read more »
The good thing about dental hygiene these days is that keeping your smile healthy is simpler than it’s ever been. For instance, brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, along with flossing every day with tooth-friendly floss, can be enough to keep plaque from clinging to your teeth. However,… Read more »
When you’re faced with substantial dental treatment, such as tooth extraction, you may wonder if it’s really the best treatment or if an alternative option may be better for your oral health. At our office, providing expert second opinions is one of the many things that sets us apart, and for patients facing tooth extraction,… Read more »
Why do we take out wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most frequently problematic types of teeth. By the time many people reach their late teens and early twenties, they’ve already begun to grow their last four molars. Unlike the other 28 permanent teeth, third molar extractions are done frequently… Read more »
Do you have a toothache? Do you know the causes of toothaches? Given their role in everything from processing your food to enunciating your words, your teeth go through a lot every day. Though they’re the covered in the most resilient substance your body produces (enamel), your teeth are not indestructible. If you haven’t already,… Read more »
When you crack a tooth, it usually hurts enough to make visiting your dentist an obvious priority. However, not all cracked teeth are immediately painful, and if you neglect to fix one, it can quickly become even more severely damaged. The good news is that, if you maintain a regular schedule of checkups and cleanings,… Read more »
No parent wants to find out that his or her children are suffering from pesky dental cavities. They can be uncomfortable or downright painful, and left unaddressed they can lead to painful tooth infections or even the need for extraction. Unfortunately, nearly 1/3 of school-aged children in America will struggle with dental decay, like cavities…. Read more »
Ever wondered what would happen when you don’t see a dentist regularly? In other words, have you ever felt tempted to skip out on routine preventive visits with your general dentist? If so, there are many compelling reasons to reconsider. General dental appointments are key to maintaining a healthy smile, particularly as one ages. From… Read more »
How does coffee affect your teeth? What is your favorite part of waking up? Is it smelling a fresh pot or French press of coffee brewing? Is the smell, and first sip of a new cup of coffee also your favorite part of each afternoon? When you meet with friends, is it always over lattes,… Read more »
Did you recently chip a tooth chewing on a piece of ice or hard candy? Perhaps you suffered a mouth injury during an athletic event. Are you struggling with a painful infection due to an untreated cavity, concerned about a visible crack in your tooth, or have recently lost a tooth or scheduled an extraction?… Read more »
It has affected over 90% of adults in America, and it is the most common chronic disease among school-aged children, yet many people do not even consider it a disease. Nevertheless, once tooth decay causes cavities to form in one or more of your teeth, seeking relief from the discomfort can become top priority fairly… Read more »
As you enter the holiday season, are you feeling a bit insecure about showing off your smile? Holiday parties and family get-togethers are great for catching up with one’s friends and family. Unfortunately, this quality time together can also heighten insecurities about one’s teeth. Fortunately, noticeable imperfections, such as deep staining, discoloration, or disproportionate teeth,… Read more »
Preventive dentistry is one of the most important forms of dentistry. There’s a reason why dentists are constantly reminding patients to brush, floss, and to come in for biannual checkups. But why are those things so important to oral health, and how can you take better care of your teeth at home? Those are great… Read more »
We can all learn to floss better. Particularly for individuals who have porcelain crowns or veneers – or individuals who have brightened their teeth with teeth whitening – daily hygiene means a healthy smile as well as maintaining a sparkling smile. If you have a solid handle on brushing your teeth and you schedule dental cleanings… Read more »
You may have heard of dental veneers. You may even know someone who has them. Dental veneers are usually made of porcelain and are ultra-thin shells that are bonded to the front of your natural teeth. The removal of tooth structure is required to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. This allows the veneer to… Read more »
Did you know that nearly one-third of American adults have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay can be painless and unable to detect in its earliest stages accept with dental x-rays or during a dental exam. By the time the cavity becomes painful it is usually at a point where it may need more complex treatment… Read more »
There was a time when you would brush, floss, and gargle because you wanted white teeth and fresh breath. Today, you brush, floss, and gargle to maintain your health. Not just your oral health, but your overall health. Research has determined that your oral health affects your overall health and those people suffering from periodontal… Read more »
Your smile is important. Not only does a nice smile make you feel good about yourself, it affects the public’s perception of you. People with a great smile are perceived as more intelligent, more successful, friendlier, more outgoing, more honest, more brave, more, more, and more. A healthy, esthetic smile can get you more job… Read more »
You’ve heard the saying “You are what you eat,” well, that goes the same for medications. You are what medicines you take, and some of them have side effects that are still unknown. For people with implants or who may be considering an implant, the following information may be helpful. Doctors remain aware of the… Read more »
Do you wear dentures? If so, do you wear them to bed? Recent research tells us that if you do, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Wearing dentures to bed can have ill effects on your oral and physical health. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest Dentist, Dr. Fondriest, explains why denture wearers should beware.
Baking soda is a household product that has many uses at home. It can eliminate smells and clean carpets. Baking soda can be found in many toothpastes and teeth-Bleaching products. Using it to remove stains from teeth is common practice. When mixed with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide, it does an excellent job at removing… Read more »
Although modern man is highly advanced in technology, medicine, and the dental arts, the oral health of today is worse than oral health of ancient humans. Although you, as everyone else, would like to believe that modern man has the best oral health in human history, it’s not true. If you’re wondering why, read on.
Do you take vitamins for your gum health? There are various reasons people choose to take vitamins. Some take vitamins to keep their minds sharp, some take vitamins for energy. Women who are expecting are prescribed vitamins to keep them and their baby healthy. Has it ever occurred to you to take vitamins to keep… Read more »
Your dentist has been well trained on the oral-systemic connection. Mouth microbes can enter the bloodstream and affect other areas of your body. Your body is made up of many different systems. But no one system exists in and of itself. Each system is dependent on the others. For instance, your brain (nervous system) tells… Read more »
It has been estimated that 64 million Americans-almost half of the adults in the Unites States-are suffering from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is on the rise due to our aging population. It occurs more in mid to later life because it takes time to develop. An interesting fact, according to one Ontario… Read more »
Every smile is unique, and very few of them are naturally perfect. Teeth are prone to stains and discoloration, and thanks to a wide range of varying factors, they can also chip, crack, break, leave odd spaces between each other, or otherwise detract from your smile’s cosmetic appeal. Fortunately, with the advanced techniques and materials… Read more »
Although protected by the most resilient substance found within the human body, your teeth aren’t indestructible. In fact, teeth crack and break all the time, which begs the question, just how strong are they, really? The answer is “very strong” if you take proper care of them, meaning more than just brushing and flossing your… Read more »
For a lot of people, the thought of candy automatically invokes thoughts of cavities, and with good reason. Loaded with sugar and sometimes acidic substances, candy is a common contributor to cavities—the holes that form in your teeth when they’re infected with harmful bacteria. Your mouth is an ecological wonderland, with over 600 different identifiable… Read more »
Dental crowns are among the oldest and most popular dental restorations today. A dental crown can improve a smile’s appearance, reinforce its structure, protect it from damage, and in some cases, replace a tooth that’s lost or has to be extracted. Considering the prevalence of dental diseases and damage, there’s a good chance that you… Read more »
You might recognize how poor oral hygiene can affect your everyday life. Cavities can cause to severe toothaches, gum disease can lead to tooth loss if not treated, and the excessive gathering of bacteria can chronically foul your breath. What you might not realize, however, is how neglecting your teeth and gums to lead to… Read more »
How often do you visit the dentist? Regular dental care is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Without routine dental care, your smile may become susceptible to a number of serious dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even TMJ disorder. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, we provide the latest in quality… Read more »
Imagine this: you’re in the teeth cleaning aisle of the local drugstore trying to pick out a few items. Toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss, and mouthwashes bombard your vision. Which to choose,is the question, yet the correct answer doesn’t come to mind. To help his patients avoid situations, such as the one described above, Dr. James Fondriest… Read more »
Gum disease is a serious oral illness that tends to become aggressive rather quickly, which is why the proper treatment must begin as soon as the first indicators of gum disease surface. If not, the consequences can wreak havoc upon your overall and oral health. Dr. James Fondriest explains the dangers of untreated gum disease with… Read more »
If you feel a toothache when you chew or at random times throughout the day, you could be the victim of cavities that are so advanced that they are opening up your dental nerves to sensations. Untreated tooth decay can spread enough to cause a serious infection called an abscess. Your tooth could literally die and… Read more »
While a bright smile can boost our confidence, we shouldn’t forget to pay attention to what’s happening to our teeth below the gum line. The roots and cementum of our teeth help keep our smile healthy and beautiful. Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of our less visible tooth structure.
What is the Right Shade for Your Smile? Choosing the color of your teeth is one of the most important parts of doing cosmetic dentistry. A bright, gorgeous smile can boost your confidence. Dr. James Fondriest understands what a beautiful smile means to our patients. Which is why we offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dental procedures to… Read more »
Keeping your teeth bright and free of stains doesn’t just make your smile sparkle. Regular dental hygiene also protects an important part of your teeth that you can’t even see. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains he importance of protecting your dental pulp.
When discussing dental care, most people focus on their teeth. While bright, healthy teeth are vital for good dental health, don’t overlook the tongue. Caring for the tongue is important. In addition to being one of the strongest and fastest healing muscles in the human body, the tongue helps maintain good oral hygiene. In today’s… Read more »
Often, in the name of politeness, we find ourselves faking a smile. People may force a smile during a bad joke or to mask a bad mood. For years, researchers believed one could easily distinguish a genuine smile from a fake one. In fact, many considered it impossible to fake a genuine smile, also… Read more »
Have you ever heard of dentin in teeth? Few people realize the importance of this layer of inner tooth structure. Learn the importance of protecting your dentin and preventing tooth decay.
Do you have reduced immunity against gum bacteria? In the United States, over 75% of adults exhibit symptoms of gum disease. Literally millions of Americans suffer from the affects of periodontal disease. Recently, researchers discovered a new clue as to why this disorder is so widespread. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how the… Read more »
When caring for their smiles, few people consider the importance of a healthy jawbone. In fact, your jawbone helps keep your teeth strong, healthy, and holds them in place. But when a patient fails at replacing missing teeth, they leave their jawbone vulnerable to bone loss. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how to… Read more »
Did you know that dental health and heart health are related? This February medical professionals across the country are observing American Heart Month. The goal is the raise awareness about heart disease prevention. In America, one out of every three deaths is a result of heart disease and stroke. Many people don’t realize that a few… Read more »
Did you know that losing a tooth can promote bone loss in your jaw? In addition, traditional dentures can actually make the problem worse, further degrading the bone around the missing teeth. Your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how dental implants influence jaw bone retention and provide seamless tooth replacement.
When you sustain damage to a tooth, you face several restorative treatment choices. Deciding between procedural options may prove daunting. Understanding the subtle but important differences that distinguish dental restorations can help you work with your dentist to choose the right treatment plan. What current dental restorations can you choose from to correct a damaged… Read more »
Damaged or missing teeth can cause pain, irritate gums, and make your smile unsightly. Maybe a popcorn kernel cracked your tooth, or your mouth took the brunt of a fall. Whatever the case, a broken tooth may expose nerves and heightens the risk for infection. Gaps between teeth cause remaining teeth to drift and leads… Read more »
Have you lived with swollen or infected gums? The experience isn’t fun. Infected gums can swell, bleed, and cause pain. During advanced stages of gum disease, gums can also excrete pus while fighting bacterial infection. When these problems develop, your oral health obviously needs attention. You might wonder what is happening in your mouth and how to… Read more »
We have all heard about the importance of brushing teeth regularly since we were children. But a lifetime of minty toothpaste may get a little boring. While there are different varieties of mint, and even bubblegum, flavors to choose from, our options aren’t vast. Since we should never stop our brushing routine, maybe some investigation… Read more »
There is a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Taking care of oral health can delay or reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairments. In honor of Alzheimer’s awareness month, Dr James Fondriest would like to discuss how taking care of your oral health can help delay or reduce the risk entirely of developing cognitive impairments… Read more »
Have you ever heard of a condition called barodontalgia? No, it’s not some exotic location in Europe, but you do have to fly in an airplane to experience it. Unfortunately, unlike a vacation, you probably don’t want barodontalgia. In laymen’s terms, this condition is simply a high-altitude toothache. Similar to a scuba diver experiencing decompression… Read more »
If asked what the worst thing that could happen to your oral health is, many people may respond that the loss of teeth must be the worst case scenario. The truth, however, is that even the loss of all of your teeth does not compare to the destructive damage of one of the worst threats… Read more »
Do you have broken teeth? Has your smile’s brightness gradually dimmed over the years? Are your chipped or discolored teeth embarrassing you? Do you have deep smile lines that make you frown? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you could benefit from a smile makeover. What do you do when you… Read more »
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is an inflammatory illness that can lead to more than tooth loss. Researchers have established a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, as well as uncontrolled blood sugar. In a more disturbing development, a recent study has revealed a connection between advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and… Read more »
It’s estimated that 80 percent of all dental injuries involve at least one of the front teeth. With warm weather and lots of spare time, summer is a prime time for playing sports. Then, when summer is over, school sports will be in full swing. Dr. James Fondriest, would like to offer some tips about… Read more »
Mouthwashes or gargling rinses are useful additions to your arsenal in the fight against oral health problems. However, it is a mistake to believe that mouthwash can replace manual plaque and debris removal, such as brushing your teeth and flossing. Dr. Fondriest and his team clarify a few interesting facts about mouthwashes and rinses and… Read more »
What is geographic tongue? This oral health condition reflects its name by showing map-like lesions on the tongue. Tastebuds create “island-shaped” red sores where papillae are missing. While some people experience discomfort with geographical tongue, it has not been linked to any serious health conditions. The exact cause of geographic tongue is still unknown but… Read more »
The modern consumer now has the option of hundreds of flavors, colors, brands, textures, sizes, and health claims of contemporary toothpastes. Just like most hygiene products, the history of toothpaste had its dark days. Here is brief history of the evolution of toothpaste into the booming industry it has become today. The earliest forms of… Read more »
Do you have tooth discoloration? Does your smile appear dull or discolored? Did you know that stains and discoloration can involve both the external parts of your teeth and internal tooth structures? Understanding the cause of tooth discoloration is an important part of assessing your oral health and improving the appearance of your smile. Some… Read more »
The average person has about six to eight distinct types of smiles, each one different depending on your mood and situation. Dr. Fondriest can make all your types of smiles look beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that they “can’t read you?” Some people are very readable, meaning their emotions, thoughts, and mood show in… Read more »
Did you know that using straws can protect your teeth? This simple invention can help protect your smile from beverages that can stain or erode your teeth. Drinking from a straw can limit highly acidic drinks from contacting your teeth. It also prevents staining of your front teeth from coffee and tea. Americans drink an… Read more »
Have you ever asked your dentist to do one of the following? Give your dog braces To let you keep the teeth you have extracted To have an emergency dental cleaning because you’re going to see an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend Give you local anesthesia in your lips to ease the pain during permanent lipstick tattoos… Read more »
Research suggests that over half of the American population is affected by cold sores, but not all show symptoms or know they have contracted the virus that causes these unsightly, painful blisters. With the cold and flu season quickly approaching, cold sores will be showing up on faces even more frequently. Few know the facts… Read more »
Do you brush before bed? Get home, check the mail, exercise, eat dinner, watch some TV or read, then shower, brush your teeth, and hit the sack. This is the routine for most Americans between 5 and 11 pm, Monday through Friday. It seems like a good routine. There’s a balance of exercise, fueling the… Read more »
What would you do to find the fountain of youth? These days, it seems like many people would do anything, including going under the knife, to shave a few years off of their appearance. One of the many benefits of smiling is that it will make you look younger instantly. So go ahead and smile!! It’s… Read more »
We all remember how the terror of a loose tooth was offset by the subsequent visit from the Tooth Fairy. However, we only get one set of adult permanent teeth, and losing one is hardly a cause for celebration. Proper oral hygiene is the most important part of caring for your teeth, but minimizing and… Read more »
Do you look older than you feel? If you’ve tried anti-aging products but something is still missing, you might need to look at your teeth. Changes in your body when you age can affect your teeth, as can the accumulation of daily wear. Have you thought about addressing your age related dental health changes? Dr…. Read more »
You know how to properly brush your teeth. You go in for regular dental checkups and cleanings. So you’re doing all you can to protect your teeth, right? Wrong. If you are practicing bad habits or eating the wrong foods, you may unknowingly hurt your teeth. These habits can cause damage to your teeth: Grinding… Read more »