Glen Ellyn Dentist

Comfort Options–The Quest for Painless Dentistry and a Painless Dentist

Dr. Gibbs — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:23:54 +0000

Does the thought of an upcoming dental visit cause you anxiety? Have you ever avoided dental cleanings or routine dental care due to fear? Apprehension towards dental treatment is a fairly common phobia; fortunately we have a number of stress reducing options to make your visits comfortable. Please feel open to discuss any special needs or concerns you may have regarding your care.

We find that with the special care we are able to give patients that many, especially our very busy patients, elect to have longer comfortable visits rather than repetitive short choppy visits experienced in other offices.

For the most comfortable and pleasant visit you have ever experienced, we offer:

Tooth Whitening

Dr. Gibbs — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:00:39 +0000

I never thought a smile could be so important. But after meeting the woman of my dreams, I have more confidence in myself than ever before. Thanks for everything! Ken S., Lombard, IL

At 72 years old I didn’t think I would need my smile “fixed” until my grand-daughter looked up and asked why my teeth were so yellow. Oh, do children ever speak the truth! I had everything done and I now feel and look 15 year younger. I can’t tell you how many of my friends were envious! Florence H. Oak Brook, IL

Cosmetic Dentistry

editor — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:13:12 +0000

For years I walked around with my hand over my mouth and smiling with pursed lips. Now that I have my front teeth lightened and the old filling and crowns replaced I can smile with confidence. The staff and Dr. Gibbs explained everything so well and NOTHING HURT! Thank You many times over. Jane P. Glen Ellyn IL

My co-workers were amazed at how quickly I went from having a hideous mouth to the perfect smile almost instantly! It seemed like magic and it didn’t hurt a bit Edward W. Lombard IL

I always felt everyone noticed my teeth, as I was always noticing everyone’s smile. I felt odd and like I was from the bad side of town! Since the work I had done I feel good about myself. I now smile without worry thank you for the “Million Dollar Smile Makeover” you gave me. My life is now much better and I am so much more confident! Robert B. Wheaton IL

Implants & Dentures

editor — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:36:21 +0000

I couldn’t smile without my teeth falling out and was embarrassed with the way they looked. I was terrified of the surgery as well. Fortunately, Dr. Gibbs’ sedation techniques got me through everything with ease. Now with my implants and cosmetic teeth I’m smiling and getting my social confidence back. My dating life has improved too! Linda L. Chicago IL

I had worn my dentures for many years and the teeth had worn off from chewing. They had become loose and would fall down when I tried to eat and speak due to age of the dentures and recent weight loss. Everyone at the office was very nice. At my first visit with Dr. Gibbs he asked me about what I wanted to be changed about the fit and looks for the new dentures, (I did not want the gaps). We were able to get started with the first step toward my new dentures that very same appointment!
After a few visits I got my new teeth! I wore them for a few days and got some sore areas that needed some attention. The dentures now fit great and look good too! I recommend anyone who needs some teeth Go see Dr. Gibbs! John P. Lombard

Imagine chewing with your gums for 19 years. I tried a denture for my bottoms and food would always get caught beneath them. Dr. Gibbs placed 6 implants and a few months later “bolted new teeth” down there. I was able to chew steak again for the 1st time in 19 years! Mary T. Lombard

It was devastating to think that I would have plastic and goo all over my mouth for the rest of my life. I felt so old and embarrassed. It was like the door to the nursing home was opening and I was going for a “short visit!” Dr. Gibbs first put in a couple of implants so my denture would stop flying out. Six months later I opted to have “the works” and more implants placed so I could have teeth that stayed in for good. It is so wonderful to be able to talk without worrying about losing my teeth. Mostly—I’m able to taste food and smile wide again! Thank you many times over. Angie S. Naperville IL

My first thought—no way am I going to have someone place a screw into my jawbone! Dr. Gibbs placed 3 implants in and there was almost no discomfort. Just a couple of Advil was all that was needed that day. It’s nice not getting all that food caught under more old bridge. Julie N. Hinsdale

My mother was 92 when she had her mouth restored with dental implants by Dr. Gibbs. I had been a patient of Dr. Gibbs for years when I asked him about my mother. She had complained for years about not being able to eat the foods she once loved to eat, about the sores in her gums, and mostly about the embarrassment of having her teeth fall out almost at will.
She lived to be just shy of 96. I remember her saying many times what a wonderful decision she made having those implants placed! Imagine being able to chew, talk without fear, and smile as big as you can! It was truly a “quality of life” versus “mere money” decision. So many times she said how much she wished she could have the implants placed much earlier. (She was happy that in the end she could take them with her!!) Thank you Dr. Gibbs for my Mother’s peace of mind in her last years of life! Karen F. Winfield IL

Digital Tomography for 3D Implant Planning

editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:56:12 +0000

The increasing use of osseo-integrated implants has created a wider demand for radiographic techniques in the pre-surgical and post-operative evaluation of the patient. Correct tomographical information is required on the prospective site for planning the implant location. Dr. Gibbs uses digital volumetric tomography x-rays that has effective programs which meet these demands. This technology combine several imaging modalities into one intelligent X-ray unit.

Panoramic radiography for general diagnostics of the tooth arch and the jaw.

Advanced panoramic radiography for specific diagnostics of the tooth arch, the jaw, maxillary sinuses and temporo-mandibular joints.

Dental tomographic slices for detailed morphologic diagnostics of facial bones.

Cephalometry for imaging of the skull

The Instrumentarium Volumdtric Tomography offers four tomography systems: linear tomograpphy and true linear tomography for film tomography and digital volumetric tomography and Transtomography for digital systems.

Promax Digital Tomography for 3D Implant Planning

editor — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:50:36 +0000

The increasing use of osseo-integrated implants has created a wider demand for radiographic techniques in the pre-surgical and post-operative evaluation of the patient. Correct topographical information is required on the prospective site for planning the implant location. Dr. Gibbs uses Planmeca ProMax digital x-rays that has effective tomography programs which meet these demands. Planmeca Promax combines several imaging modalities into one intelligent X-ray unit.

Panoramic radiography for general diagnostics of the tooth arch and the jaw.

Advanced panoramic radiography for specific diagnostics of the tooth arch, the jaw, maxillary sinuses and temporo-mandibular joints.

Dental tomographic slices for detailed morphologic diagnostics of facial bones.

Cephalometry for imaging of the skull

Planmeca ProMax offers four tomography systems: linear tomograpphy and true linear tomography for film tomography and digital linear tomography and Transtomography for digital systems.

Planmeca ProMax tomography system produces straight tomographic slices of any part of the maxilla,mandible or temporomandibular joints. The tomograms can be cross-sectional or longitudinal and are adjustable to any specific angle. Adjustable and uniform image thickness of 1, 3, 6, 9, 18, or 36 mm maximizes the diagnostic value and provides excellent details.

Invisalign

Dr. Gibbs — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:57:20 +0000

Invisalign/Orthodontics

Straighten your teeth with clear invisible braces from Invisalign. Dr. Gibbs now offers Invisalign.
Invisalign is the greatest technological advancement in orthodontics in the past 50 years. This amazing straightening product is custom manufactured to suit your individual dental needs. Whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have moved since wearing braces, Invisalign offers a virtually undetectable solution that does not interfere with your day to day activities. No metal wires, brackets and mouth irritation generally associated with straightening teeth. Getting the perfect, beautiful smile you have always desired is now so much easier with Invisalign.

How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign utilizes state-of-the-art 3-D technology in order for you to attain the perfect smile. Computer imaging depicts the complete treatment plan from the initial positioning of the teeth to the final position. From here a series of custom-made Aligners are created, made of a strong, clear medical plastic. Each of the Aligners is worn for approximately two weeks, before being replaced with the next until the teeth reach their desired position.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?
The benefits of Invisalign are outstanding. Being nearly invisible, Invisalign enables you to straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing. It is also removable allowing patients to eat and drink what they wish and brush and floss their teeth to continue good oral hygiene. Invisalign is comfortable and causes less mouth irritation during treatment. Finally patients are able to view what their teeth will look like at the end of the procedure with their own virtual treatment plan before they even begin.

Does Invisalign really straighten teeth?
Yes, Invisalign has been clinically proven to effectively straighten teeth.

Is Invisalign treatment painful? ?
No! Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign® is working sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new Aligner in the series. Compared to traditional braces, which can sometimes be very painful, Invisalign is virtually pain free.

Will Invisalign affect my speach?
Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear. Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing. About 22 hours of wear per day.

Will Invisalign afect the types of foods I can can eat?
Unlike traditional wires & brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your Aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods.

Will my teeth remain straight after Invisaign treatment is completed?
In order to prevent your teeth moving after treatment is completed some patients might need a positioner, or a conventional retainer like those patients that have had braces. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign® makes. Removable retainers are only worn while sleeping. Every patient is different and the most suitable retainer will be discussed with you

What are Dental Implants?

Dr. Gibbs — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:41:33 +0000

Dental implants are available in several different forms. The most common dental implants are called “root form implants”. Root form implants are similar to teeth in that they mimic the roots of teeth.

The implants are placed in the bone on the first clinical appointment. The dental implants are allowed to heal for a period of three to six months. After this healing time the implants are examined to ascertain their “osteo-integration”, or degree of fusion to the bone. The implant then can be prepared to accept the final prosthetic components.
Implants are made of a highly biocompatible material called titanium, which cannot decay and does not need root canal therapy. An advantage of implants is that they stimulate bone growth and thus prevent future bone loss. Bone behaves similar to muscle. When the muscle is stimulated and active, it will grow. If the muscle stops being active, it shrinks. The same events occur with bone, however if bone disappears, it can only be replaced with a bone graft.

In cases where multiple implants need to be placed or in areas where the bone topology is difficult,, advanced technology such as Simplant Planner or Nobel Biocare Nobel-Guide can be used to very accurately place the implants. This software uses CT scans to very accurately visualize the bone in 3-dimensions for accurate implant placement. See our Advanced Technology section for more information!

Periodontal (Gum) Disease and Cardiovascular Disease or Stroke

guest — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 13:30:21 +0000

How can an infection in your mouth affect your heart? It sounds like an unlikely connection, but researchers have found precisely such a link.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and the bone that surrounds the teeth. Most people who have periodontal disease aren’t even aware of it. It’s rarely painful, especially in the early stages.

Cardiovascular disease affects the heart or blood vessels. Heart disease and stroke are the principal components of cardiovascular disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death.

So what is the link between these two different conditions?

guest — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:32:17 +0000

According to one study published in the journal Circulation, higher levels of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease are associated with thicker carotid arteries in older adults. This thickening of the arteries often sets the stage for a heart attack or stroke.

Another study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that cardiac patients had periodontal disease more often than did non-cardiac patients. According to the study, periodontal disease appears to worsen the severity of coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries become hardened and narrowed, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Why does periodontal disease have such a profound effect on the health of your heart? Some researchers believe that bacteria from the periodontal infection may enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty proteins in your arteries. This causes the artery walls to thicken and may lead to blood clots. As these clots obstruct the flow of blood, they can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Periodontal infections may also raise the numbers of inflammation-fighting agents in your blood. This may increase the build-up of fatty proteins in your arteries as well, causing them to swell.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease, we’d be happy to talk with you about it. Just give us a call or ask at your next appointment. Also, you might find the following website useful:

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research