Month: March 2015

A Quick Look at the History of Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Chicago

You might think of dental implants as a modern innovation in dental care, but the benefit of replacing lost teeth has been recognized for thousands of years, as there is evidence of dental implants in artifacts of ancient civilizations dating back to 600 A.D. These early, primitive implants were made from all types of materials—including filed down stones and seashell fragments. Surprisingly, some of these were even fused to the bone despite the limited surgical technologies available at the time.

Dental implants that would be more recognizable today are a byproduct of the post-WWII era, during which artificial implants throughout the body were performing great feats in anatomical reconstruction. The official foundation of implant dentistry took place in 1948 when two physicians successfully created the first sub-periosteal implant. From this point forward, the changes seen in dental implants have been variations on the method of crafting a metal implant to be fused with the jawbone and capping the exposed metal post with a synthetic crown, often made from ceramic. Through the decades, surgical methods have become more refined to reduce the risks and discomfort of treatment and ensure a long-lasting restoration that closely matches the function of the natural teeth.

To discover the benefits of modern dental implants for yourself, schedule a consultation at University Associates in Dentistry, where you will find exceptional care with the Dental Implant Institute of Chicago. You can make an appointment with us online or call (312) 704-5511.

Exploring Some Lesser Known Facts About Oral Health and Dentistry

Dental Implants in Chicago

Did you know that the rise of dental technology and knowledge of the importance of oral health is a significant contributor to the increase in the life expectancy of humans over the past 200 years? Your dental health may be more important than you realize, which is why it is essential to maintain regular appointments with your dentist to keep your teeth clean and sparkling. Below you can learn about more of the interesting and lesser known facts of your oral health that may motivate you to get to the dentist’s office.

Nearly 75% of Americans suffer from gum disease.
Despite the many advances that have taken place in dentistry over the past several decades, there are still about 3 in 4 American adults with some form of gum disease. One of the biggest contributors to this statistic is poor at-home care. While the recommended guideline for brushing is 2-3 minutes twice daily, most people only spend 48 seconds brushing their teeth each day. Improper flossing may also be to blame, as many adults do not floss enough or floss correctly, so plaque and tartar are allowed to build up between the teeth.

About 300 different bacteria species can live in dental plaque.
The human body is crawling with bacteria, many of which are beneficial to your health. Still, there are some not-so-friendly species of bacteria that can do significant damage in the body. 300 such species can live in the plaque on your teeth, which is what makes dental plaque so destructive. Regular flossing and rinsing can keep these bacteria at bay, but they are quick to multiply and return with a more lax oral hygiene routine.

The dental profession is only about 200 years old.
As recently as the 1800s, there was no such thing as a dentist. It was likely that you would visit a blacksmith or barber to address a toothache, which was primarily handled by removing the tooth, and in some cases, replacing it with something else .

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
Tooth enamel is an incredibly durable material, harder than any bone in your body. However, it can still sustain damage from habits like using your teeth to open containers or brushing too hard and wearing down the enamel over time. Because tooth enamel is so strong and functional, efforts have been made to create synthetic teeth in the body, though the science is still a few years off from practical applications in humans.

If you are due for a dental checkup or you need more extensive restorative care to achieve a healthy smile, call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. Our high-tech Chicago practice can care for your smile, whether you are seeking preventive, restorative, or cosmetic services.

Get to Know Dr. Rauf Yosuf

Dental Implants in Chicago

At University Associates in Dentistry, we always want to give our patients the best care. Thanks to our team of dentists in Chicago, we are able to offer just that. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Rauf Yosuf and how he contributes to the practice:

As a periodontist, Dr. Rauf specializes in diagnosing and treating issues in the gums. He is skilled at soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, dental implants, crown lengthening, and reconstructive periodontal surgery. He graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1995. After a one-year fellowship in the Illinois Masonic Hospital, he went on to do additional periodontal training at Indiana University School of Dentistry. He also has a Masters degree in Oral Biology from Indiana University.

Come to University Associates in Dentistry to work with Dr. Yosuf and some of our other dentists in the Chicago area. Our staff is committed to helping our patients get healthy, beautiful smiles. To learn more about our services, visit us online or call (312) 704-5511.

Reasons to Replace Your Missing Teeth

Dental Implants in Chicago

If you are missing even one tooth, it can throw off the aesthetic appeal and the function of your entire mouth. Dental implants in Chicago are a great option for replacing missing teeth. Keep reading to find out why you should talk to your dentist about getting dental implants to replace missing teeth:

To Prevent Further Bone Loss
When you are missing one tooth, it can cause the jawbone to start shrinking. This resorption process starts almost as soon as the tooth is removed and will continue over time. If you want to prevent this bone loss, it is important to replace missing teeth with dental implants that help you maintain the rest of your jawbone .

To Improve Your Smile
A beautiful smile helps boost your confidence. It also gives other people a better first impression of your personality. If you are missing even one tooth, it throws off the aesthetic appeal of your smile and might even make you ashamed of your teeth. Talk to your dentist about getting dental implants to replace these missing teeth and restore the aesthetic appeal of your smile.

To Improve Your Oral Health
When you are missing teeth, there are more places for food and plaque to gather, which can increase your risk of developing cavities or periodontal disease. When you get dental implants, though, you can fill in these holes and reduce your risk for these oral health issues. As long as you brush and floss your teeth regularly and continue to visit your dentist twice a year, you can significantly reduce your risk for cavities and periodontal disease.

If you are interested in dental implants, come to University Associates in Dentistry , home of The Dental Implant Institute of Chicago (DIIC). At DIIC, Dr. Russell Baer not only performs implant procedures, he trains fellow dentists and prosthodontist in the field of implantology. As one of the top dental centers in Chicago, we make it easy to get the treatment you need to perfect your smile. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, visit us online or call (312) 704-5511.

University Associates in Dentistry