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FAQ’s
Have a question? We’ve gathered answers to our customers’ most frequently asked questions here to help you get the information you need quickly and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental crown is a custom-made cap used to completely cover a compromised tooth above the gum line to restore its strength and appearance. While traditional options exist, porcelain crowns are highly preferred because they beautifully mimic the strength and translucency of real teeth. Learn more about how we use these fabrications to restore your smile on our main Restorative Dentistry enhancements page.
A crown is required when there is insufficient healthy tooth structure remaining to safely hold and support a standard dental filling. Unlike fillings, which are applied directly in a single visit, a crown is meticulously sculpted in a lab to fit your unique bite. If you have minor decay, read about our Pain-free Dental Fillings options.
Getting a custom crown at our Chicago office typically requires two visits to prepare the tooth, take an impression, and bond the final piece. For cases where tooth damage is limited but still too advanced for a standard filling, we also provide custom indirect fabrications like inlays, onlays, and Veneers.
Yes, crowns can be attached to dental implants to create a standalone, natural-looking replacement tooth that doesn’t compromise neighboring enamel. Alternatively, traditional dental Bridges can bridge gaps by bonding artificial teeth directly to the surrounding natural teeth for support.
If a tooth has experienced extensive decay or trauma and cannot support a crown, a safe extraction followed by an implant or bridge is the healthiest choice. If you are experiencing severe pain or suspect a tooth cannot be saved, read about our gentle protocols for Dental Extractions.
We specialize in tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a durable, invisible restoration. If a tooth has extensive damage that a standard filling can’t fix, we also offer custom Dental Crowns to fully protect the tooth structure.
Not at all; we use advanced local anesthetics to completely numb the area so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. For patients who experience anxiety about dental work, our team provides gentle care options through our comprehensive General Dentistry services.
With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, composite fillings generally last between 5 to 10 years. Keeping up with routine Dental Exams & Cleanings is the best way to monitor your fillings and prevent new decay from forming.
Yes, we frequently replace old, dark silver fillings with modern, tooth-colored composite restorations for a cleaner look and better structural bond. If the old filling was very large and its removal leaves the tooth weak, we may recommend Inlays & Onlays to properly reinforce it.
If decay passes through the enamel and reaches the tooth’s inner pulp, a simple filling will no longer be enough to save it. At that stage, you will likely need Root Canal Therapy or an extraction to stop the infection from spreading.
The American Dental Association recommends a routine visit every six months to successfully prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and bad breath. If you haven’t had a checkup recently, you can easily request a convenient time through our Appointment Request portal.
While daily brushing removes soft plaque, only a dental hygienist can safely scrape away tartar – a hardened mineral buildup that traps bacteria against your teeth. For areas underneath the gumline where a standard cleaning can’t reach, we also provide specialized, deep Gum Disease Treatment to protect against bone loss.
Digital X-rays allow us to detect invisible dental issues beneath the surface, such as bone loss, impacted teeth, and deep decay between tooth surfaces. Catching these problems early ensures we can fix them with a quick filling rather than complex Root Canal Therapy.
Yes, every comprehensive exam at our practice includes a meticulous screening for oral cancer, TMJ jaw disorders, and structural bite issues. If we identify minor tooth deterioration or functional alignment problems during your checkup, we can discuss restorative options like custom Dental Crowns to reinforce your smile.
Yes, our hygienists use a specialized polishing compound during your cleaning that successfully lifts surface stains caused by food, coffee, and tobacco. If you are looking for a more dramatic shade transformation after your cleaning, ask our team about our advanced Cosmetic Dentistry smile makeovers.
A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically inserted into your jawbone to act as a permanent replacement root for a missing tooth. Once the implant fuses with the bone, a custom porcelain tooth is attached, matching the natural beauty of your surrounding Cosmetic Dentistry enhancements.
Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone density and healthy gums are excellent candidates for implant surgery. If severe bone loss has occurred due to long-term tooth loss, we may recommend bone grafting or alternative solutions like custom Bridges to successfully restore your bite.
With proper brushing, flossing, and regular professional care, the titanium post of a dental implant is designed to last a lifetime. The visible crown attached to it is incredibly durable, but it can be replaced over time if it experiences standard wear, much like traditional Dental Crowns.
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you feel completely numb and comfortable throughout the appointment. Our team at Kenwood Dental Group prioritizes patient comfort across all of our advanced surgical and restorative General Dentistry procedures.
For extensive tooth loss, implants can be used to securely anchor full arches, partials, or custom prosthetics so they never slip or shift. To explore your options for a complete smile transformation, we recommend scheduling a personalized evaluation through our online Appointment Request system.
