General Dentistry Procedures

Are you generally satisfied with the way your smile looks and feels? Perhaps you brush and floss diligently, and very rarely experience tooth pain or other symptoms.

Even so, you should still see Dr. Jack Manikowski and our LPS Dental team regularly for professional visits. Here’s why:

We know there is a strong connection between overall health and oral health. The American Dental Association refers to the mouth as “a window into the health of the body.” What they mean is that the mouth can show signs of systemic diseases and infection sooner than any other area of the body. However, a layperson may not be able to spot signs of disease or infection on his or her own, or may not feel any symptoms. Therefore, it’s critical to stay on top of your oral health with the assistance of a trustworthy Chicago general dentist.

Dr. Jack is committed to spreading the message of the importance of oral health. He strives to empower and educate his patient base about ways to keep their mouths and bodies in their peak physical condition. Given the link between oral and overall health, preventing dental problems is important to maintaining a healthy body.

You may occasionally hear the term “preventive dentistry” used; this refers to actions taken to avoid cavities, gum disease, excessive wear of the tooth enamel and other dental problems. Being diligent about oral health care will minimize the need for complex, costly dental treatment in the future.

There are certain measures you can take on your own to prevent dental problems (e.g., daily brushing/flossing and eating a well-balanced diet), while other tasks require the attention of an experienced dentist like Dr. Jack.

Exams and Cleanings

Dr. Jack will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and oral structures. If he identifies a potentially problematic area, he will review possible treatment options and help you make a decision about your care.
Our hygienists will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth, accessing all the nooks and crannies that your toothbrush or floss cannot reach. Our hygienists are a bit like personal trainers — for your teeth! After a visit with our hygienists, our patients always seem to pick up a few dental care tips to take home with them.

Dr. Jack will recommend the frequency of visits that is best for you based on your dental history, current dental health and risk factors for disease. Scheduling regular exams and cleanings at LPS Dental can help you avoid serious dental problems in the future.

Depending on your dental needs, our team may recommend one or more of the following services:

VELscope Oral Cancer Screenings

Almost 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and throat cancer this year, per the American Dental Association; however, when detected through a screening in its early stages, oral cancer may be easier to treat. Oral cancer screenings with VELscope technology play a critical role in maintaining oral and overall health. VELscope uses a special kind of lamp that shines bright blue light into the mouth to identify precancerous and cancerous cell changes that are undetectable by the naked eye. Performed during a routine oral examination, the screening is painless and noninvasive.

DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detection

DIAGNOdent is a tool that Dr. Jack uses to detect surface cavities (also known as dental caries). The unobtrusive DIAGNOdent instrument scans the teeth to measure fluorescence within the tooth structure; higher levels of fluorescence signal tooth decay. Like VELscope oral cancer screenings, cavity detection with the DIAGNOdent system is painless, noninvasive and may be performed during a dental check-up.

Digital X-Rays & Cone Beam CT Scan

Dental X-rays are helpful for establishing a baseline of your oral health and helping detect changes that may later occur, such as cavities, changes in the gums and the growth and development of your teeth. Digital X-rays are less obtrusive and emit considerably less radiation than conventional X-rays. They are also easier to magnify to point out potential problems.

Cone Beam CT Scan is a form of computerized tomography that provides a three-dimensional view of your jaw’s anatomy. The technology is especially helpful when planning dental implant treatment; using the images enhances the precision and predictability of implant placement.

Fillings

Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, Dr. Jack can now treat decayed, damaged or worn teeth with tooth-colored fillings, which balance the functional and aesthetic needs of the teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are crafted from porcelain or composite resin materials that are both strong and beautiful, making the fillings highly preferable to their outdated silver predecessors.

Contact a Chicago General Dentist for a Dental Check-Up

If you’d like to schedule a dental check-up, professional cleaning, or even have questions about sleep apnea problems, please contact us today at 312-337-1665. Serving Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Gold Coast, Logan Square, Old Town, and Wicker Park, IL.