Friday, December 27, 2013

Sinus Augmentation

Sinus Augmentation


Here at Orland Dental Wellness Center, we provide dental treatments our patients need for a variety of conditions. One of the treatments we offer is sinus augmentation, also called sinus lift. This is often needed in patients that have lost their posterior teeth and therefore have pressure being placed on the teeth that are remaining. In some cases, they can get a dental implant to help with the problem, but if there is insufficient room for implants, a sinus augmentation procedure is performed.


Dr. Wook Kim uses the sinus augmentation procedure to reposition the sinus floor and create enough room for a dental implant. He uses grafting materials to allow the bone to grow more efficiently and at a faster pace, encouraging enough room and growth for an implant in this area of the mouth.


Sinus augmentation is a simple and routine procedure performed often in our dental practice. Patients that want to get a dental implant are encouraged to get the sinus augmentation so they have a chance at a permanent replacement. Visit us in Orland Park, IL to discuss getting the sinus augmentation before getting your dental implant.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Extractions

Extractions


Many patients here at Orland Dental Wellness Center are in need of having one or more teeth pulled, which we refer to as extractions. There are several reasons a patient might visit us for an extraction, which include having an overcrowded mouth, wisdom teeth or impacted teeth, severe periodontal disease, or severe infection.


Dr. Wook Kim performs the following steps to complete an extraction:



  1. A local anesthetic is applied to the area to numb it, or general anesthesia is used for more serious extractions, like wisdom teeth or impacted teeth. The latter lets the patient sleep during the procedure.

  2. For impacted teeth, the gum and bone tissue is cut away before grabbing the tooth with forceps and pulling it out.

  3. A back-and-forth motion is often used to loosen the tooth before pulling it.

  4. Once it is removed, the dentist makes sure a blood clot begins to form. Gauze is packed in the socket and occasionally self-dissolving stitches are needed.


If you are in need of an extraction, visit Dr. Wook Kim in Orland Park, IL. We make sure patients feel as comfortable as possible with this intimidating procedure.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Mini Implants with Dentures

Mini Implants with Dentures


Dentures replace multiple missing teeth, but can be frustrating for patients when they are constantly moving and shifting. This can be embarrassing because it may happen while talking or eating a meal. By getting mini implants with dentures, our patients have more stability as the denture is placed securely over implants in their jaw bone.


The great thing about mini implants are that require less bone for implantation than regular size implants. Mini implants are smaller than traditional implants and include a titanium post being installed in the jaw bone of the missing teeth. They also can be placed by Dr. Wook Kim in a much shorter time than traditional dental implants. In fact, mini implants can be affixed in one procedure. Once the mini implants are placed, the dentures can be snapped right on the top of the post to hold them in place.


Mini implants with dentures are provided here at Orland Dental Wellness Center as a convenience to our patients. They allow the patient to wear their custom-made dentures without worrying about them shifting or falling out while eating or talking. The mini dentures are permanent and stable as the bone has closed around the post to hold it securely. Learn more about mini implants with dentures by visiting our clinic in Orland Park, IL.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Partial Dentures

Partial Dentures


At Orland Dental Wellness Center, we offer options when it comes to dentures. One of these options is partial dentures, which are great if you don’t need to have all of your teeth removed.


The main difference between a partial denture and a bridge is that the bridge is not removable as it is connected by two crowns, while the partial is removable and similar to full dentures. Not all patients need to have all their teeth removed, making partial dentures an excellent alternative.


Like full dentures, partial dentures are made with a flesh-colored base to go over the gums. The teeth in the dentures are made to match the patient’s natural teeth as well. In the beginning, they take a little adjusting to, but in time eating and talking with them becomes natural and automatic.


Patients that receive partial dentures from Dr. Wook Kim are encouraged to take good care of their dentures like they would with their teeth, including soaking them daily. If you have questions about partial dentures and whether or not they are for you, call our dental clinic at 708-460-6666.