Bonding/White Fillings

Orland Dental and Wellness is able to offer individuals with cracks or gaps in their teeth, dental bonding and white fillings as the most effective answer to restoring your smile. Dental bonding is non-invasive and quite simple to complete.

 

After matching your teeth to a shade guide to match your bonding treatment to your current tooth color, Dr. Kim will begin the bonding process. He will first roughen the surface of the affected tooth. The tooth will then be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid. This liquid will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Once your tooth is prepared, Dr. Kim will simply apply the tooth-colored putty and mold it to the proper shape and size. The material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light. The final step is polishing the area to give you a fresh, vibrant smile.

 

Receiving a white filling is a similar procedure. The first step is deciding what type of filling you want. Dr. Kim will present you with options and guide you to the right one. A local anesthetic is often utilized for these procedures to numb your tooth and the area around it. Dr. Kim will then drill out the area to remove the decay. A composite resin is used on the affected tooth or teeth. It is molded and sculpted over an adhesive gel that is placed on the tooth. After the resin has been applied an ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, which is then polished to give you a perfect smile!

 

Dental bonding and white fillings are great solutions for you if your teeth are chipped or have large gaps. Realigning your teeth through these procedures is a great way to avoid possible periodontal problems that can lead to tooth loss. When teeth have large gaps, they tend to drift and when teeth drift they become harder to brush.

 

For more information about bonding and white filling, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Wook Kim by calling 708-460-6666. 

CEREC

With CEREC technology, we are able to fully restore decayed, cracked or chipped teeth quickly and effectively. This chairside device is an incredible solution when it comes to creating full crowns, inlays/onlays and veneers. We do not have to send out molds out to a third party laboratory, you can have a complete restoration in just one visit.

 

CEREC restorations are made of compressed porcelain. It is not necessary for you to wear a temporary solution while your restoration is being crafted because it can be completed in a matter of minutes! Our patients are extremely comfortable throughout the procedure and the results have been incredible.

 

Before we use the device, Dr. Wook Kim will thoroughly clean the area, removing any plaque or decay. Once that is complete, the process is quite simple. The area of the restoration will be sprayed with a fine powder which allows the digital camera to take an accurate image. Once taken, the 3D image will appear on chairside screen where Dr. Kim is able to design the restoration right in front of you. Once the proper adjustments have been made, the system will begin to construct the restoration piece.

 

One of the coolest aspects of this system is that you can literally sit and watch as your veneer, crown or inlay/onlay is being created. The manufacturing process takes around 15 minutes. Upon completion, Dr. Kim will touch up the restoration by painting, polishing or glazing it before cementing it into your mouth. Most dental facilities have to send molds out to laboratories and will receive the restoration 1-2 weeks later. All in all, the procedure takes about an hour with CEREC!

 

Call Orland Dental Wellness today at 708-460-6666 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wook Kim and see how CEREC can work for you!

Dental Implants

Need a tooth replaced or restored in full? Here at Orland Dental Wellness Center, we provide dental implants to recomplete and enhance our patients’ smiles.  They serve as a realistic and long lasting restorative solution for teeth that have been extracted, accidentally lost or severely damaged.

 

Dental implants are as close as you can come to turning back the clock on a tooth. They provide a real look and feel that exceeds the results of surface prosthetics like bridges and full dentures. Since dental implants are rooted directly in the jaw, there’s no need for external framework or to modify healthy teeth to serve as support. They also require no special maintenance beyond proper brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.

 

Missing teeth causes structural damage to the mouth and jaw when left untreated. Dental implants can be a durable solution in restoring missing teeth. Dental implants offer patients a solid foundation, and prevent progressive bone atrophy. They are aesthetically pleasing and help restore a natural, bright smile.

 

Dental implants offer a range of other benefits. To find out if they’re right for you, please arrange a consultation with us here at Orland Dental Wellness Center.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are perfect for patients hoping to redesign and reshape their smile with a simple, non-invasive procedure. Those with misaligned, chipped or broken teeth are great candidates for this procedure. We will provide you with the opportunity to repair their smile with dental veneers. 

 

There are many types of veneers available. Dr. Wook Kim utilizes ceramic veneers. Ceramic veneers cover the existing tooth structure. The process by which veneers are installed takes two to three visits. In the first visit, Dr. Kim will consult with you to determine whether or not you are a candidate for veneers. Once approved, Dr. Kim will present a set of options such as what size, shape and color the veneers will be. The molding process will then begin. This process consists of removing half a millimeter of the enamel from the tooth surface so the veneers are flush with the gum line. A mold will then be taken of your teeth and we will have the veneers structured at an outside dental lab. Creation of the veneers takes approximately 10-14 days.

 

Once the veneers are ready, we will fit them in your mouth to see if the shade and size is correct. The veneers will then be trimmed to assure a permanent fit. We will then thoroughly clean the area and etch the teeth before applying the bonding agent. Once the bonding agent is applied, the veneer will be placed in your mouth and the bonding agent will be activated by a UV light source. The final step in the process involves an inspection by Dr. Kim. He will examine your bite, remove any excess cement and make any final adjustments. You may be asked to return for a follow-up visit to evaluate how the gums are responding to the new veneer.

 

Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Wook Kim!

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you have stained, broken or uneven teeth, you may want to turn to cosmetic dentistry to improve your oral health. Procedures vary from small repairs such bonding and white fillings to a complete restorations like dental veneers. Our competent staff, led by Dr. Wook Kim has trained extensively in cosmetic dentistry to perfect each and every procedure they offer.

 

Common procedures in cosmetic dentistry include teeth whitening, bonding/white fillings, crowns and veneers. Whether a patient needs a major repair or just a subtle change, Dr. Kim is able to provide a cost-effective option that will suit your needs.

 

Whitening is a common and popular way to whiten teeth quickly and effectively. Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and smoking. Dr. Kim provides both a take-home and in-office procedure. The take-home system utilizes custom-made trays, filled with a whitening gel to whiten teeth 4-8 shades in just a few days. His in office procedure, ZOOM! whitening is a hydrogen peroxide based system that whitens teeth 6-10 shades in less than an hour. Bonding and white filling is another procedure that can improve the cosmetic appeal of teeth. Using tooth-colored material, Dr. Kim will fill in gaps or even change the color of teeth.

 

Outside of surgically placed dental implants, crowns have the longest life expectancy. A crown is essentially a “cap” that covers the damaged tooth; a crown can be used to improve appearance, shape or alignment. Veneers are a great option for patient’s hoping to completely change their smile. These thin pieces of porcelain are placed over the existing teeth to create a brand new smile. They cover the front sides of the teeth to change their color and/or shape. Dental bridges are a great option for patients who have lost one or more teeth. Bridges use existing teeth to create a bridge to cross the area where the tooth is missing. They are made from gold, metal, alloys or porcelain to ensure they are strong and durable.

 

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, visit www.orlanddental.com. 

Bonding/White Filling

Orland Dental and Wellness is able to offer individuals with cracks or gaps in their teeth, dental bonding and white fillings as the most effective answer to restoring your smile. Dental bonding is non-invasive and quite simple to complete.

 

After matching your teeth to a shade guide to match your bonding treatment to your current tooth color, Dr. Kim will begin the bonding process. He will first roughen the surface of the affected tooth. The tooth will then be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid. This liquid will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Once your tooth is prepared, Dr. Kim will simply apply the tooth-colored putty and mold it to the proper shape and size. The material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light. The final step is polishing the area to give you a fresh, vibrant smile.

 

Receiving a white filling is a similar procedure. The first step is deciding what type of filling you want. Dr. Kim will present you with options and guide you to the right one. A local anesthetic is often utilized for these procedures to numb your tooth and the area around it. Dr. Kim will then drill out the area to remove the decay. A composite resin is used on the affected tooth or teeth. It is molded and sculpted over an adhesive gel that is placed on the tooth. After the resin has been applied an ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, which is then polished to give you a perfect smile!

 

Dental bonding and white fillings are great solutions for you if your teeth are chipped or have large gaps. Realigning your teeth through these procedures is a great way to avoid possible periodontal problems that can lead to tooth loss. When teeth have large gaps, they tend to drift and when teeth drift they become harder to brush.

 

For more information about bonding and white filling, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Wook Kim by calling 708-460-6666. 

CEREC

With CEREC technology, we are able to fully restore decayed, cracked or chipped teeth quickly and effectively. This chairside device is an incredible solution when it comes to creating full crowns, inlays/onlays and veneers. We do not have to send out molds out to a third party laboratory, you can have a complete restoration in just one visit.

 

CEREC restorations are made of compressed porcelain. It is not necessary for you to wear a temporary solution while your restoration is being crafted because it can be completed in a matter of minutes! Our patients are extremely comfortable throughout the procedure and the results have been incredible.

 

Before we use the device, Dr. Wook Kim will thoroughly clean the area, removing any plaque or decay. Once that is complete, the process is quite simple. The area of the restoration will be sprayed with a fine powder which allows the digital camera to take an accurate image. Once taken, the 3D image will appear on chairside screen where Dr. Kim is able to design the restoration right in front of you. Once the proper adjustments have been made, the system will begin to construct the restoration piece.

 

One of the coolest aspects of this system is that you can literally sit and watch as your veneer, crown or inlay/onlay is being created. The manufacturing process takes around 15 minutes. Upon completion, Dr. Kim will touch up the restoration by painting, polishing or glazing it before cementing it into your mouth. Most dental facilities have to send molds out to laboratories and will receive the restoration 1-2 weeks later. All in all, the procedure takes about an hour with CEREC!

 

Call Orland Dental Wellness today at 708-460-6666 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wook Kim and see how CEREC can work for you!

Rotary Endodontics

Rotary Endodontics

Endodontics is a specialty provided to our patients as a way of treating infections and conditions of the nerves or roots of the teeth. In many cases, this means performing a root canal, which removes the tooth's pulp and nerves due to a deep infection. Rotary endodontics is a method of performing a root canal where an electric handpiece is used for a more effective, quick, and relaxing procedure.

 

Our dentist, Dr. Wook Kim, uses the electric tool for rotary endodontics in order to remove the infected tissues. A hole is drilled into the tooth, after which the tool helps remove the nerves, roots and tooth pulp. Afterward, it is filled with a material called gutta percha, and the tooth receives a crown after about 2-3 weeks.

 

Our patients find that getting a root canal is a much more comfortabl process without the sounds, vibrations, or smells of a traditional dental tool. What’s more, the combination of the technology of rotary endodontics with a local anesthetic enables us to provide a virtually painless root canal procedure for our patients. It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete the entire procedure, after which the patient can return home.

 

Call Orland Dental Wellness Center today at (708) 460-6666 to learn about having a root canal performed with rotary endodontics.

Diagnodent

Diagnodent

Here at Orland Dental Wellness Center, we utilize advanced dental technology and tools, including the Diagnodent. The Diagnodent is a tool that uses lasers to locate cavities underneath the surface of the tooth. Many cavities are hidden from examinations and even x-rays, but the Diagnodent can help find them with its fluorescent laser.

 

There are many reasons we use the Diagnodent for finding cavities or investigate other dental problems, including the following:

 

1. It is minimally invasive and performed without any probing or poking into the teeth. It simply glides over the tooth surface to find cavities or decay. This provides a painless experience for patients.

2. It is highly accurate. The Diagnodent detects cavities at any stage, whether they are in the first stage and not seen by X-rays or years old.

3. It finds cavities on the roots of the teeth, in the tooth surface or between the teeth, where they are very hard to find with other resources or x-rays.

4. It is done quickly. The Diagnodent is glided over the teeth and completed very fast.

 

If you fear you may have hidden cavities, the Diagnodent can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wook Kim at 708-460-6666.

Electric Handpieces

Electric Handpieces

The original handpieces for dentistry were invented in the 1800's, and have come a long way since then. From handpieces that were controlled by food treadles to modern electric handpieces, the new dental technology provides the easiest cleanings and procedures ever.

 

Here at Orland Dental Wellness Center, we choose to use electric handpieces, as opposed to air-controlled, because of their many benefits. Electric handpieces are stronger and more stable, without vibrations or heat that some other devices often use. It is best for our patients with dental anxiety who have a hard time with the vibrating sensations of drills.

 

Our patients that need decay removed or cavities filled often visit our Orland Park dental practice simply because we use these electric handpieces. Electric handpieces don’t rely on vibration or smoke, and clear decay much more quickly. There aren’t loud and uncomfortable sounds while filling cavities either.

 

The electric handpiece is plugged in and uses an internal motor to spin the bur instead of air. This gives a precise treatment process, which improves the effectiveness for our dentist Dr. Wook Kim. Moreover, our patients have an easy, anxiety-free procedure.

 

If you are interested in having your dental procedures performed using electric handpieces, visit Dr. Wook Kim in Orland Park, IL.

Surgical Dental Microscope

Surgical Dental Microscope

Among the many advanced dentistry tools used at Orland Dental Wellness Center, the surgical dental microscope is one of the most helpful. The microscope lets us see up to 20x magnification better than what the naked eye can see. It is used in various surgical applications, including extractions, periodontal surgical procedures, and restorations.

 

The surgical dental microscope is used by our dentist Dr. Wook Kim to get better resolution and magnification while performing surgeries and treatments, using a zoom-style optic and seeing areas he would not otherwise be able to see. Its use also helps patients have shortened dental visit times.

 

There are several surgical treatments that the dental microscope can be used for, including restorations. Here are some of the top benefits for restorations specifically:

•  Close inspection of the tissues.
• Better lighting and magnification.
•  Detection of root fractures or other abnormalities.
• Better cord placement.
• Improved inspection for impressions.
• Helps with polishing and finishing margins.
• Final evaluation.

The microscope goes from 3x magnification up to 20x magnification, with a halogen bulb, and fiber optic cabling. It is an advanced piece of dental equipment that makes patients feel more at ease with their procedures.

 

Call us at 708-460-6666 to schedule a consultation and realize the multitude of benefits of the surgical dental microscope.

Intraoral Camera

Intraoral Camera

The intraoral camera is one of the many types of modern technology used here at Orland Dental Wellness Center. We use the intraoral camera to find hidden dental problems in our patients, as well as for valuable dentist-patient interaction.

 

The intraoral camera is a handheld diagnostic and imaging tool that fits into different angles of the mouth. It is comfortable for the patient and easy for our dentist to use.

With the intraoral camera, Dr. Wook Kim is able to see a lot of problems with the patient’s dental health, including:

• Broken teeth
• Broken fillings
• Dental lesions
• Cavities
• Plaque
• Tartar
• Worn fillings
• Teeth arrangement

When we place the intraoral camera into the patient’s mouth, it begins taking pictures of their teeth, including looking for lesions, cavities, fillings that are broke, and the arrangement of their teeth. It is small, approximately the size of a dental mirror. It also provides an educational tool as we can show the patient what we are looking at when the images come up on the connected computer screen.

 

Visit us in Orland Park, IL to make use of the innovative intraoral camera in our high-tech dental practice.

Galileos 3-D Cone

Galileos 3-D Cone

Here at Orland Dental Wellness Center, we utilize technology that provides higher quality results for our patients, which includes using the Galileos 3D Coneimaging system. This awesome technology gives us a 3D view of the jaw area in order to create a treatment plan for dental implants and provide quality and accurate diagnosis for other dental situations.

 

The Galileos 3D Cone is a scanning machine to capture 2D and 3D images of the jaw and teeth arrangement. We use it in our practice when a patient is looking to get dental implants to replace missing teeth. With dental implants, a metal post is implanted into their jaw bone, so we need to provide a plan based on these images. The images we get are of the jawbone, gum lines, teeth and the roots of the teeth.

 

Benefits of using the Galileos 3D Cone imaging system include comfort, efficient diagnoses, and accurate implant treatment planning.  Instead of relying only on traditional 2D mages, the 3D images can be zoomed in and adjusted with the computer program, providing a look at the final results for the patient.

 

Call Dr. Wook Kim at 708-460-6666 to discuss the unique advantages of the Galileos 3D cone.

Bad Breath

Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common complaint many of our patients have. Bad breath is actually a medical condition called halitosis, and is often due to improper oral hygiene and many other causes. Everything from the food and drinks the patient enjoys daily, to their teeth cleaning habits and not visiting us often enough, can all add to their bad breath.

Dr. Wook Kim provides a variety of recommendations for the treatment of bad breath, including:

1. Brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day, plus using a mouthwash containing fluoride, but not alcohol.

2. Scheduling regular dental visits for a professional cleaning.

3. Getting gum disease or periodontal disease treated.

4. Drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated and keep the teeth clean between meals.

5. Avoiding breath mints as they contain high amounts of sugar which can add to the problem.

6. Reducing alcohol and coffee, both of which make the situation worse.

7. Cleaning dentures if the patient has them.

8. Eating healthy foods and avoiding garlic and onions.

By visiting our dental practice twice a year for a check-up and cleaning, our patients can improve their bad breath and have a healthy, clean mouth. Call Orland Dental Wellness Center at 708-460-6666 to schedule an appointment and get help with your bad breath.