Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

While people often use the names for these two types of dental annoyances interchangeably, canker sores and cold sores are actually quite different. 

Canker Sores

Canker sores develop inside the mouth, most commonly on the sensitive areas of the cheeks and inner lips. Unfortunately, no one knows exactly what triggers these painful sores, and they tend to periodically pop up again and again after their first appearance. 

Cold sores have a pale white border with a small red or pink center. Many patients complain of canker sores after eating large amounts of acidic foods, such as pineapple and oranges, or after consuming a lot of sugar. Canker sores will typically remain painful for several days before beginning to heal on their own.

Cold Sores

Cold sores, on the other hand, are painful blisters typically found near the mouth. A viral infection, known as herpes simplex virus, or “HSV,” causes cold sores. These blisters are typically more irritating and more serious than canker sores, and an infected individual may experience cold sore flare-ups for the rest of their life.

Meet With Your Aurora IL Dentist

Thankfully, both of these conditions are manageable, and the symptoms will eventually subside on their own. If you’re experiencing a particularly painful canker sore or cold sore in Montgomery, IL, however, it’s best to have a dentist take a look and recommend any potential remedies that can help.

You can schedule a dental appointment here at Prairie Dental Care with Drs. Christine Wang and Xiaoyu Ma to examine your cold sore or canker sore. Our dental office is even open on Saturdays for your convenience! 

We serve all locations, including North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery.

At Prairie Dental Care, we take measures to make dentistry convenient and accessible for our patients. Drs. Christine Wang and Xiaoyu Ma not only offer Saturday dental hours in Aurora, IL, but they also run a dental office with team members who speak various languages, including:

• Cantonese
• Mandarin
• Spanish
• English

Welcoming Dental Office

We want all patients to feel at home in our dental office, and this can mean speaking freely in their native language, hearing their exam results bilingually, calling up for an appointment with our emergency dentist in Aurora, IL on Saturday, or reaching out to a team member if they have questions or concerns about our dental treatments.

Your family dentist in Aurora also sees patients of all ages and offers the services patients need to maintain healthy smiles.

Whether you’re looking for professional teeth cleaning in Aurora, IL or advanced cosmetic services, we are here for you.

Contact Your West Aurora Dentist to Schedule Your Next Exam and Teeth Cleaning

If you’re looking for a dentist who speaks your language, a Saturday appointment, or even preventive dentistry in Aurora, IL, reach out to a friendly team member today.

We serve patients in all locations, including North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, Montgomery.

Dental decay does not usually start with a painful tooth. Your nerve spans the center of your tooth under protective enamel and dentin. The outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, does not have any nerve endings, so no signal to the brain that a problem exists. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and provides protection for your nerve. 

When a cavity starts, it can be completely non-symptomatic as it makes its way into the interior of your tooth, so you will never notice that it is there. That is why routine x-rays are so important! They help us to identify and treat dental decay before it progresses and becomes painful.

In fact, most of the time, when someone starts to have a toothache, it has gotten very deep and may require a root canal, crown, or even an extraction instead of a simple filling.

How to Prevent Cavities in Aurora IL?

This is why it's important to have regular checkups even if everything feels fine. We also offer preventive treatments such as fluoride and dental sealants to give you added protection against decay. When you combine regular dental exams, cleanings, good home care, and a healthy diet, you could enjoy a healthy smile with your natural teeth for a lifetime!

Contact us for your next dental appointment!

Professional teeth cleanings are essential to your long-term oral health. It allows a dental professional to rid your teeth and gums of the bacteria and tartar that lead to tooth decay and gum disease—your toothbrush and floss alone are not enough.

Here’s what happens during a routine dental cleaning in Aurora, IL.

A Thorough Dental Exam

Your hygienist starts by checking your teeth and gums for signs of decay or inflammation, respectively. If an issue is noted, your hygienist alerts the dentist. If everything looks good, we move on to the next steps.

Tartar and Bacteria Removal

Your hygienist relies on special instruments to get rid of the very ingredients that cause common oral health conditions, including gum disease and tooth decay. This is a noninvasive—even relaxing—undertaking.

Following this, your hygienist may brush your teeth and provide you with comprehensive flossing.

The final step is a thorough rinse to rid your mouth of all the freed debris from your teeth and gums.

If you’re prone to cavities, your hygienist may provide a fluoride treatment to lower your risks.

Is It Time for Your Teeth Cleaning in Aurora, IL?

Your Aurora, IL dentist recommends two dental checkups and teeth cleanings per year. If you’re due, reach out to a team member today to schedule an appointment.

We recommend our patients come into our dental office twice a year for a dental cleaning and check-up. During the business of life, it is easy to put off your routine cleanings, and many patients wonder how important they actually are.

What Cleanings Can Do for You

The benefit is twofold. Firstly, routine cleanings will remove built-up plaque that has hardened onto the sides of teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are not sufficient to remove plaque, and the build-up of plaque over time can lead to many dental issues, such as periodontal disease. 

The second benefit is that it allows the dentist to conduct an exam. They can recreate a profile of your dental health and monitor your mouth for small changes between appointments.

This allows dentists to catch issues early to help mitigate and prevent them before they become even larger issues. During your check-up, the dentist may recommend things like routine x-rays to get a full picture of your dental health.

This exam can catch early cavities, signs of gum disease, and even some oral cancers. 

Dental cleanings are about more than your oral health. Having a strong set of teeth and healthy gums are foundational for a strong and healthy body.

North Aurora Dental Cleanings

Visit Prairie Dental Care and see why our patients love Dr. Christine Wang and Dr. Xiaoyu Ma for their expert care and friendly service. Contact us today to schedule a time for a cleaning.

When it comes to teeth cleanings, Drs. Christine Wang and Xiaoyu Ma follow recommendations established by the American Dental Association. Their guidelines call for dental checkups and teeth cleanings every six months.

Of course, if you’re diagnosed with periodontal disease, we adjust this schedule to better meet your needs and save your teeth.

The reason your Aurora, IL dentists recommend professional teeth cleanings is because your toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach all areas of your mouth, and they are not sufficient for removing stubborn tartar and bacteria.

When we remove these ingredients from your teeth, it’s like a do-over for your oral health. The components that collect between dental visits are removed. This significantly lowers your risks for cavities and other complications.

The teeth cleaning itself is noninvasive and even relaxing. You simply recline in one of our cozy chairs while our hygienist takes care of your smile.

For Professional Teeth Cleanings in Aurora, IL, Contact Us

Our dentists serve all locations, including Aurora, North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery, IL. Our team members also speak fluent English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Reach out today to arrange your next checkup and teeth cleaning and talk to a team member about third-party financing through CareCredit and our Saturday hours by appointment.

If you’re tempted to opt for store-bought teeth whitening kits over professional teeth whitening treatments, don’t! Professional teeth whitening in North Aurora is the safer, faster, and smarter way to whiten yellow teeth. 

Faster Than Boxed Treatments

Many patients are surprised to learn that in-office professional teeth bleaching is actually very fast and efficient. Because professional teeth whitening allows you to customize your results and control the strength of the whitening gel used, the time you spend in the dental chair will be more efficient than repeatedly doing at-home whitening treatments using materials from the drugstore. 

When you choose in-office teeth whitening in Sugar Grove, IL, you can expect your bleaching appointment to last approximately 30 to 60 minutes. You can visit us during your lunch break, after work, or even on a Saturday morning! After just one session of professional teeth whitening with Dr. Christine Wang or Dr. Xiaoyu Ma, you will notice a significant improvement, and your teeth will look several shades whiter and brighter. 

Maintaining Your White Smile

After your initial visit, you can come in for touch-up teeth whitening appointments a few times a year to maintain your pearly whites. By spending approximately one hour in the dental chair every few months, you can improve the look of your stained teeth and take your smile from yellow to white! 

If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening in Geneva, IL, please give our dental team a call today at (630) 907-0330.

We whiten smiles in North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery.

Everyone wants a brighter smile, and professional teeth whitening will give you the long-lasting results you deserve. Dr. Wang and Dr. Ma are cosmetic dentists in Aurora, IL that can masterfully whiten your teeth and restore your smile. 

Risks of DIY Teeth Whitening 

People tend to flock to DIY whitening kits, but these kits aren’t nearly as effective or safe as professional teeth whitening provided by your dentist. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are often unreliable, resulting in a spotty, uneven whitening job. If not properly applied, these bleaching gels can also cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Several DIY whiteners boast they can give you the same radiant smile as Hollywood stars who walk the red carpet; however, professional teeth whitening performed by your dentist can lift hard stains, polish your teeth, enhance your smile, and can generally achieve the results you're looking for faster. 

Professional Teeth Whitening in Aurora, IL

Bleaching gels contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, chemicals that remove stains and correct discoloration. Dr. Wang and Dr. Ma safely use professional-grade bleaching agents without harming your enamel or gums.

Get a Brighter Smile Today!

If you want brighter, healthier teeth, our team at Prairie Dental Care can help you enhance your smile with high-quality cosmetic dentistry. We serve the surrounding areas of North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery, IL. 

For your convenience, we are open Monday through Saturday. We also have staff members who are fluent in Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. To learn more about professional teeth whitening or book an appointment, please call us at (630) 907-0330. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should be seen by a dentist around his or her first birthday—or six months after you notice the first tooth erupting through the gum. Teeth generally begin coming in when your child is around six months of age.  

What Will Happen During A Child's First Visit?

Your child will be made to feel relaxed and comfortable while we examine his or her mouth for the first time. At this initial visit, we’ll be looking at your child’s teeth, gums, and bite. We may opt to do a cleaning and topical fluoride application. Following this, we’ll offer you practical advice on how to maintain your child’s oral health. 

We’ll show you how to brush your child’s teeth and tell you the best toothbrush to use. We’ll offer dietary tips to keep cavities at bay, and we’ll recommend the best products to help your child through teething. 

Caring Children's Dentistry in 60506

At Prairie Dental Care, we have a lot of experience with children’s dentistry and spend a lot of time with parents during their child’s first visit to the dentist. We want to answer all your questions and address your concerns. Our goal is to make you and your child feel relaxed in our Aurora, Illinois office. Give us a call today!

If you have a tooth that is broken or weakened, your dentist in Aurora, IL, may suggest a dental crown as the best way to preserve your natural tooth. Dental crowns cover your entire tooth and are designed to support the tooth and help it function. Although dental crowns are an excellent treatment option, you should be aware of potential complications.

What Complications Can Occur With Dental Crowns?

Keep in mind that dental crowns are incredibly safe, but there are several potential risks you should keep in mind, including the following:

• Sensitivity – If your dental crown doesn’t fit correctly over your entire tooth, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Bite issues – If your crown doesn’t fit properly, you may have trouble biting down normally.
• Tooth decay – Even with a dental crown, your natural tooth can still develop a cavity.
• Chipped crown – Today’s dental crowns are made of strong materials, but you could still potentially chip your crown and need your dentist to repair or replace it.
• Loose crown – Over time, your dental crown could become loose, so pay attention to any movement you feel in the crown area.
• Gum irritation or recession – Dental crowns can cause your gums to be red, inflamed, or recede.
• Allergic reaction – Although rare, you could be allergic to one of the materials used in dental crowns.

If you experience any issues with your dental crown, it’s essential to call your dentist as soon as possible so they can help.

Are You Considering Dental Crowns in Aurora, IL?

If you would like to speak with a member of our dental team about dental crowns or any other dental needs, please get in touch with us at (630) 907-0330 for more information

How long your tooth crown will last depends on multiple factors, including how excellent your oral hygiene is and the type of material that makes up your crown.

Dental crowns cannot decay like your regular teeth, which means you don’t have to worry about cavities or root canals for the tooth crown itself. Your artificial crowns are still susceptible to damage, such as fracturing and cracking, however, and it’s still possible for your remaining natural tooth structure underneath the crown to decay. 

When Do Dental Crowns Need to Be Replaced?

When it comes to the lifespan of a dental crown, a rough average is approximately ten years. In reality, tooth crowns can last anywhere from five years to more than twenty years—occasionally even lasting a lifetime for patients who are meticulous with their dental care. 

The life of your tooth crown will depend on:

• How well you brush and floss
• Whether you stay current on your six-month dental checkups 
• Your diet
• Whether you experience any facial trauma that could damage the crown 
• How quickly you seek treatment after you notice a fracture or problem with your dental crown
• Whether your tooth crown is made of metal, porcelain, resin, or another material

If you have a question about the lifespan of your dental crown in Aurora, IL, our knowledgeable dentists can provide the answers. Feel free to call Prairie Dental Care during our business hours Monday through Saturday at (630) 907-0330.

Restorations restore the structure of your teeth, but they do not prevent decay. While you can’t get a cavity on the actual filling or crown, the margins and the rest of your tooth can still sustain decay.

Secondary Decay

When you have a filling or crown on a tooth and decay occurs, this is called secondary decay. It usually happens around the margins of a crown, near your gumline. It can also happen if your crown has been damaged due to an accident or because of teeth grinding. It only takes a microscopic break to allow bacteria in.

In the case of a filling, secondary decay can occur anywhere on the tooth. It might be near your filling, or it could be between your teeth or on another part of your tooth.

Discovering the Extent of the Cavity on Tooth  

We will take a digital x-ray so that we can determine the extent of the decay, and that way, we will know how best to treat you. You may need an additional filling or a whole new crown, depending on the damage. Your treatment options will depend on your situation. Either Dr. Wang or Dr. Ma will discuss this with you. Even with a filling or crown, good home care with brushing and flossing is essential. Contact our dentist office in Aurora, IL for more information. 

For the most part, yes. 

Dental implants are incredibly strong, and they mimic your natural teeth better than any other dental restoration out there. Dental implants in Aurora, IL restore your ability to chew properly and enjoy the foods you love. 

If you have dental implants in your smile, you aren’t limited to only a soft or liquid diet once your mouth has healed. You can eat a regular diet and chew all your favorite foods, but you need to be extra careful with hard, sharp, or especially chewy foods.

Dental Implant Problems 

Even though your dental implants are highly durable and can withstand significant force, they are not invincible. While you can eat all sorts of foods with dental implants, our Aurora, IL dentists advise you to avoid relying on your dental implants for tough, hard foods. When you’re eating a meal that has potentially problematic foods such as steak or hard vegetables, you don’t need to be afraid—just make sure not to bite down using only your dental implants. Chew your food as you usually would, and rely on your strong back molars to work through any tricky items. 

Dental implants make it possible for you to eat a wide range of foods without fear or hesitation. If you treat your dental implants with care and respect while eating, they will take care of you for years to come. Contact our dentist office in 60506 for more information on dental implants in Aurora, IL. 

Most dentists, including Aurora dentists, Drs. Xiaoyu Ma and Christine Wang, consider dental implants the highest standard—even the gold standard—in tooth replacement. There are many reasons why implants have earned this distinction:

• Natural look and function
• Stability and durability
• Maintenance-free

If you’re considering dental implants near Montgomery, IL, you may be wondering about the process.

Steps to Getting Dental Implants

First, we have you in for a comprehensive evaluation. At this visit, your dentist checks the integrity of your jawbone and learns more about your health history and smile goals. If you and your dentist determine that dental implants are the best option for you, we book you for implant placement.

Implant placement means your dentist surgically implants a tooth root replacement that integrates to the jawbone across several months. We cap the implant post with a restorative tooth at the end of this process. We can also place up to six implants to secure a dental bridge or other prosthetic.   

Afterward, you brush and floss your new tooth just like your natural teeth.

For Dental Implants in Aurora, Contact Us

Our team members speak fluent English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin to help each patient feel at home. We are also happy to work with CareCredit and offer Saturday hours for your convenience.

We proudly serve all locales, including Aurora, North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery, IL. Contact us for an appointment!
 

Dental Implants Feel, Look, and Function Like Natural Teeth

Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant replaces the entire tooth structure, from the supporting foundation of the root to the natural shape and contour of a crown. The implant surface fuses with your bone to create a bond that results in a strong solid tooth you can use to eat virtually any food.

You Can Never Get Cavities on Dental Implants

Since dental implants are not made with biological material, it can not be penetrated or degraded by bacteria that cause dental cavities on natural teeth. However, bacteria living in the mouth can cause bone loss around both implants and natural teeth if proper hygiene is not achieved. That is the reason why the same level of care for your natural teeth need to be followed for implants.

Dental Implants Have a Very High Success Rate

It has actually been more than 50 years since the first dental implants were placed in humans. Many advances have been made since then to improve the design and outcome. Today, dental implants have become very predictable and routine solutions to replacing missing teeth with a success rate of over 95%.

Implant-Supported Dentures in 60506

Dental implants can be used to replace one, multiple or even all missing teeth. If you currently have full dentures, the biggest complaint is probably dentures becoming loose over time as the bone and gum recede. Not only can it be frustrating having a denture moving around in the mouth as you are trying to chew up your favorite food, but it is also embarrassing to worry about the denture coming out when you cough, sneeze, or even just to talk. With as few as only two dental implants placed, an entire denture can be stabilized and these worries will no longer be an issue. Call us today for a free implant consultation to see how it can benefit you.

Gentle Dentistry in Aurora, IL

Both Dr. Wang and Dr. Ma take patient comfort seriously and provide the most gentle dentistry possible. We want to make it easy for our patients to choose the care that will best support their oral health and ensure that you have a positive experience while you are with us.

Placing dental implants is actually a relatively minor surgery. Our dentists are experienced in the placement of single and multiple implants, as well as implants for securing dentures.

What to Expect During A Dental Implant Procedure

Most patients who receive dental implant treatment have minimal post-op pain for a day or two that can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory brand. We will discuss which will work best for you. Often times, there is less discomfort compared to an extraction, and healing times are generally faster.

We will go over how to care for your dental implant as it heals so that you can enjoy an optimal outcome.

Within a few days, you should begin to feel significantly better as your body’s natural healing process takes over. If discomfort persists, we recommend that you contact our office right away. We are here to make sure that your dental appointment and the healing process go smoothly.

When you think of dentures, you probably picture the removable set of false teeth you’ve seen in the movies or advertised on TV. While these classic dentures may be the go-to model that comes to mind, modern dentistry also offers different options for replacing missing teeth. 

Implant-Retained Dentures in Aurora

For patients looking for a solution that’s a little more permanent than traditional dentures, we offer implant-retained dentures in Aurora, IL. These dentures stay put in your mouth while locking in place to create a sturdy, stable set of teeth. 

We consider implant-retained dentures more “permanent” than classic dentures because we must first place dental implants into your jaw bone before you can wear this type of denture. Dental implant posts last forever, so your ability to wear your implant dentures is completely permanent. 

Contact Prairie Dental Care

Here at Prairie Dental Care, we offer complete dentures and partials for you to wear with your implants. No matter how many missing teeth you have, we can create a set of dentures to complement your smile. 

Our Aurora, IL dentists see patients six days a week, including Saturdays, for your convenience. If you need to communicate with us in a language other than English, we have Mandarin, Spanish, and Cantonese speakers here in our dental office. 

Patients who are missing many or even all of their teeth can benefit from dentures. A partial denture allows you to retain a large number of healthy teeth while replacing multiple missing teeth throughout your smile. A full denture restores an entire arch of missing teeth, giving you back your smile and your ability to eat and chew the foods you love. 

Full Dentures in 60506

A full denture is made of acrylic, and it's designed with your facial structure and skin tone in mind, so it looks like your natural smile and provides the best fit possible. You can easily remove a traditional denture for cleaning, and it relies on a secure fit and suction to your jawbone to stay in place. 

Implant-Supported Dentures

An implant-supported denture uses dental implants to secure a denture, so there is no movement or slippage when you talk or eat. Dental implants also keep your bone healthy, which give you better longevity for your denture.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is removable and uses metal clasps to anchor to healthy teeth. It has prosthetic teeth attached to fill in the open spaces, restore your ability to eat and chew, and complement your smile.

Contact our Aurora Dentist Office

If you are considering a partial or full denture, Drs. Wang and Ma are happy to help you determine the right treatment for your needs.

Yes, we are available for walk-in emergency dental appointments. Dental emergencies can be painful and scary, and we would never want to prolong your fear or pain by making you wait around for a dental appointment down the line. We are here to assist you during your dental emergency, even if you are not a current patient.

If you experience a dental emergency, the best course of action is to contact our emergency dental office as soon as you can. With advance notice, we can be prepared to receive you in our dental office, in addition to offering advice on any steps to take to reduce pain until you arrive at our location. When you visit us during an emergency, we will work to quickly eliminate any pain you are experiencing, stabilize your tooth, if necessary, and plan follow-up care or procedures with you, if that’s required. 

To provide a wide range of availability, we are open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in addition to our workweek hours. To better serve our community, we have a bilingual staff that includes Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish speakers. 

Emergency Dentist in Aurora, IL

As an emergency dental office in Aurora, IL, Prairie Dental Care provides emergency walk-in appointments for patients in the Aurora area and surrounding communities, including North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery. Contact our dental clinic today.

Toothaches may sometimes seem trivial but ignoring your tooth pain can be dangerous to your wellbeing. Untreated cavities or injuries due to trauma can lead to severe oral and overall physical health issues. 

Don't Wait for Necessary Dental Care  

A toothache is your body’s way of telling you that something may be wrong. Listening to your body’s signals can save your oral health and even your life. If you have a toothache, you may have a cavity, abscess, or infection that requires immediate dental treatment. 

Waiting too long to get treatment could result in requiring a dental crown, root canal, or dental extraction. These procedures may be necessary to prevent tooth loss or the spread of infection. 

Depending on your unique situation, some of these restorative procedures can be costly, which is why we like to emphasize the importance of immediate care and preventive dentistry. It's better to be safe than sorry! 

Your Safety Comes First 

We understand accidents happen, and we want to provide you with the emergency dental care you need to retain a healthy smile. Our team is here to help you solve any oral health issue you may experience, whether it's a gum infection or a broken tooth. We always tailor each treatment to fit your individual needs so you can receive the compassionate, prompt care you deserve. 

Call Your Trusted Emergency Dentist in Aurora, IL

Your safety is our highest priority. At Prairie Dental Care, we provide emergency dentistry for anyone who experiences tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, or other dental health concerns.

Dr. Wang and Dr. Ma proudly serve families in North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, Montgomery, and beyond. We are also open on Saturdays for your convenience, and our team members speak Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish. 

If you need an emergency dentist in Aurora, IL, please call Prairie Dental Care at (630) 907-0330.

A dental emergency can mean many things, including injuries or trauma to the teeth or mouth. But the most common dental emergency is probably tooth canal infections.

In most cases, canal infections are characterized by a toothache with swelling. Occasionally, your dentist catches the emerging infection during your routine checkup before it causes significant discomfort.

A tooth canal infection requires root canal therapy to save the tooth and prevent infection spread. But don’t worry! We offer gentle root canal treatment in Aurora, IL.

Root canal therapy is about numbing the treatment area with anesthesia and ridding your tooth of the infection that’s causing you pain and putting your oral health at risk. We then rinse the canal and seal it temporarily. At a future appointment, we typically crown the tooth to restore stability and function.

Lowering Your Risks for Tooth Infections

Be sure to do the following to mitigate your risks:

• Visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and dental cleanings.
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly—no less than twice daily.
• Report oral health concerns to your dentist as soon as possible.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist in Aurora, IL

If you have a dental emergency, you must see your dentist as soon as possible. Reach out to a helpful team member to arrange your visit today.

Anytime you have an urgent dental problem that concerns you, the first step is to call your emergency dentist in Aurora, IL. You may be upset or have severe tooth pain that can make it difficult to think clearly. Just call Prairie Dental Care, and a caring member of our team will listen to your concerns, provide reassurance, and determine whether or not we need to see you right away.

Common Dental Emergencies 

• Mild to severe tooth pain
• Broken or fractured tooth
• Lost dental crowns or filling
• Infected tooth or dental abscess
• Broken or damaged denture
• Food stuck between teeth
• A tooth that feels loose
• Trauma, including knocked-out tooth

Of all of these, severe tooth pain, dental abscesses, and knocked-out teeth are the most critical and require immediate attention. A throbbing toothache can be a sign of a deep cavity or infection that requires a root canal to relieve your pain and save your tooth. With a knocked-out tooth, we have only a couple of hours in which we have any hope of successfully re-implanting it.

Contact Our Aurora Dental Clinic

While dental emergencies like a mild toothache, broken tooth, or lost crown are not urgent, our emergency dentists in Aurora, IL need to address them as soon as possible. Call us at (630) 907-0330, so we can evaluate your needs and schedule you for our next available appointment.

If we provide treatment without determining the cause of your pain, we can create more damage than good. For example, if you have a toothache and we place a filling over the infection, your symptoms and the infection are likely to worsen over time and require an extraction. If we place a filling when a crown is your best option, your tooth may break. Proper treatment from the start will save you more time and money in the long run.

Emergency Dentist in Aurora, IL

Before we start working on a tooth, we examine it clinically and use x-ray images to determine the extent of the problem. Knowing the condition of your tooth before we begin treatment will give us a much better idea of what you require. 

Part of our dental philosophy here at Prairie Dental Care is always to provide the appropriate and best treatment to give you a healthy, comfortable smile.

Contact us to Book your Emergency Dental Appointment Today

Depending on your symptoms and how large or deep the cavity is, a filling is not always enough to take away the pain. We will always plan for the most appropriate treatment based on the circumstances of the tooth and outline your options so that you can choose the right treatment for your oral health and your lifestyle. 

At Prairie Dental Care, we place patient comfort first. Dental extractions should not be painful. Though patients may feel pressure as the dentist performs the extraction, the mouth will be under local anesthetic, preventing the patient from feeling any pain.

Why Would I Need An Extraction?

Extractions are usually done as a last resort to prevent health risks. We might also extract teeth to make room for things like implants and dentures. Typically we will do everything in our power to protect and save a natural tooth to keep it in the patient's mouth. 

We do this because teeth are essential for the mouth's function and do important things like keep other teeth straight.

If an infected or damaged tooth cannot be saved, then extraction is preferable to leaving the damaged tooth in the mouth, where it can cause infection in the gums and jaw.

Tri-lingual Dental Extraction Professionals

Dr. Xiaoyu Ma, Dr. Christine Wang, and their professional team provide pain-free dental extractions to the greater North Aurora area, including Sugar Grove, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery. 

We happily serve the Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese-speaking communities of IL. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

Most dentists will do whatever they can to save a tooth, and extraction is always a treatment of last resort. But sometimes dental extractions are necessary to protect the health of the rest of the teeth in your mouth, and this is not something we take lightly at our Aurora, IL dental office.

Why a Dentist Might Recommend Dental Extractions

• Gum disease. Teeth that have become loose because of gum disease that has been left untreated often need to be extracted.
• Trauma. Anyone who suffers a blow to the mouth or who is involved in an automobile or sporting accident might need an extraction if a tooth is badly damaged.
• Deep decay. If tooth decay is too far gone for either a dental filling or dental crown, extraction may be the only answer.
• Wisdom teeth. These third molars, which most people get when they are in their late teens or early twenties, are no longer necessary for our modern lifestyles. When they are problematic, such as impacted or decayed, extraction is the best solution.

Contact Our Aurora, IL Dental Office

Find out more about dental extractions at our Aurora, IL dental office, Prairie Dental Care. Give us a call at (630) 907-0330 or contact our 60506 office online to get in touch with a member of our team. Our dentists are experienced in providing gentle extractions.

What Are the Requirements for Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are a good solution for most patients with great dental health.

There are a few things the dentist will want to check before proceeding with Invisalign. 

First, you will need a clean bill of dental health, which will require an in-depth check-up with your dentist to ensure that there aren't more pressing issues that need to be addressed. 

The dentist may want to update your x-rays if necessary and ensure that your teeth are cavity-free and that you are not suffering from a condition like periodontal disease. If a patient has periodontal disease, this can keep them from using Invisalign until the condition is treated. 

Local Invisalign Provider

To know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, it is necessary for you to come into our North Aurora office for a consultation and examination. During this time, Dr. Chrstine Wang or Dr. Xiaoyu Ma can work with you to answer any of your questions and help you get the best treatment for your situation. We proudly serve Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Montgomery, IL, and all their neighbors.

To provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, we also speak and happily accommodate patients in Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Invisalign near Sugar Grove, IL has a few user-friendly advantages over traditional orthodontics, and the ability to eat comfortably is one of them.

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that correct a variety of orthodontic issues like crooked and overlapping teeth. They also promote a healthier bite by fixing overbites, crossbites, and other alignment issues.

You can remove Invisalign aligners when eating and cleaning your teeth. So, you'll never have to worry about food getting stuck under your trays or damaging your aligners through chewing and biting. However, we recommend rinsing or cleaning your mouth before putting your aligner back in to keep debris from collecting.

Invisalign's other benefits include ease of wear and easier brushing and flossing sessions.

For More on Invisalign in Aurora, IL, Contact a Friendly Team Member

We have staff members who speak fluent English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin, allowing each patient to feel at home. Our dentists also accept CareCredit and offer Saturday hours to help you get the care you need.

If you're ready to schedule your Invisalign consultation or if you have questions, give us a call today.

Our dental team serves patients everywhere, including Aurora, North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery, IL.

If you have been feeling down or self-conscious about your smile, you are not alone. Many of our patients come to us seeking a way to straighten their smile and improve the feelings they have toward their teeth.

One of the easiest and most popular ways to straighten your teeth is through Invisalign clear braces. Invisalign technology works in a way similar to that of traditional braces, allowing wearers to gradually move and reposition their teeth, resulting in a straighter smile.

Invisalign or Braces in Aurora, IL 

Dr. Wang and Dr. Ma offer initial consultation appointments to help determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign is typically best for patients who have all of their permanent teeth and who do not have complex orthodontic concerns such as severe overcrowding. We will go over all of your options with you.

Because Invisalign focuses on correcting problems mostly with your front teeth, most patients who qualify for Invisalign treatments will find that they can complete the course of treatment in less time than with traditional braces.

Invisalign Orthodontics in 60506

We are excited to help you transition toward a smile you love. If you have questions about straightening your teeth and want to meet with a caring orthodontist in Aurora, IL, call us today!

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and it can be cured with the help of your dentist. Routine preventive dental appointments help keep your teeth and gums healthy and disease-free. Your dentist checks for signs of developing harmful oral health conditions during each check-up, including gum disease. 

Though gingivitis is curable, the advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis) is not. However, it can be treated and controlled. Ongoing periodontal disease must be carefully regulated with excellent oral hygiene and regularly scheduled dental cleanings. 

How to Prevent Gum Disease

To prevent gum disease, one must brush their teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily. Brushing and flossing remove plaque buildup and keeps the teeth and gums healthy.

It’s also vital to one’s sustained oral health to receive preventive dental exams and cleanings. 

Another tip for preventing gum disease is to lower your individual risk. Common risk factors include smoking and chewing tobacco and practicing poor oral hygiene.

Periodontal Treatment in Montgomery, IL

Your smile deserves the best, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. The lead dentists at Prairie Dental Care, Dr. Christine Wang and Dr. Xiaoyu Ma, can help you prevent gum disease or help you control the symptoms.

Our team speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish to accommodate our patients. We serve North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery, IL. 

Dental professionals treat gum problems, including your English and Cantonese-speaking dentist in Aurora, IL. And at Prairie Dental Care, we concentrate on prevention, treatment, and maintenance.

Gum issues include problems like recession, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

Gum recession without gingivitis or periodontal disease may result from brushing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush—hard bristled instead of soft.

Gingivitis is a precursor to gum disease and presents with periodontal infections. For your part, you may notice bleeding gums and recession. Your dentist can eradicate gingivitis and restore your gums to total health.

When gingivitis graduates to periodontal disease, the condition is merely treatable. However, with regular dental care and a new at-home routine, we can typically prevent tooth loss and other complications associated with gum disease, including:

• Heart health problems
• Lung health problems
• Pregnancy-related issues
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis

While we can treat gum disease and gum problems, our primary goal is prevention. You can substantially mitigate gum health risks by visiting your dentist twice yearly and brushing and flossing regularly.

We also recommend quitting smoking.

Looking for Gum Treatment in Aurora, IL?

If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, our team will support you every step of the way, offering gentle and compassionate treatment.

To get started, give us a call today.

Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the periodontal ligaments and tissues that support your teeth. Without treatment, periodontal disease typically leads to tooth loss and, in some cases, systemic health issues.

Gum Disease Treatment

Fortunately, periodontal treatment is designed to treat and improve periodontal disease and save your smile. With comprehensive periodontal treatment in Aurora, IL, our patients with gum disease have enjoyed improved oral health. Tooth loss is far less likely with treatment and compliance.

Compliance means you follow guidelines put forward by your dentist to treat your condition. This may include specialized teeth cleanings and gum treatments in conjunction with an optimal oral health routine at home.

If you have early periodontal disease—gingivitis—this is often reversible as opposed to only treatable.

To lower your risks for periodontal disease, we recommend visiting your dentist twice yearly for exams and teeth cleanings. You should also brush and floss your teeth at least two times each day.

If you have periodontal disease, you are not alone. Our team will rally to help improve your oral health and your peace of mind.

Contact Our Dental Team for Periodontal Treatment in Aurora

If you notice a bad taste in your mouth, bleeding gums, or an elongated appearance to your teeth, you should be evaluated in our dental office. Call today to schedule.

If you do a great job of staying current on your dental exams and dental cleanings, you’re probably used to the “standard” cleaning that your hygienist performs. This dental cleaning typically lasts about 30 minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia or special follow-up care.

These standard teeth cleanings are the norm for most patients, and the odds are they are the only type of cleaning you’ve ever had. For some patients, however, this treatment is not enough. If you find yourself with inflamed gums or other periodontal disease signs, it may be time for a deep dental cleaning. 

Deep Cleaning Process

These deep cleanings, also known as “scaling and root planing,” involve your dental team thoroughly cleaning the tooth surface underneath the gum line. Deep cleanings become necessary when a buildup of tartar gets beneath your gums and causes painful and dangerous swelling or infection. 

During a deep cleaning, your Aurora, IL dentist or dental hygienist will numb the section(s) of your mouth they are working on before using special instruments to remove all traces of plaque and calculus from your teeth.

Then, they will smooth your tooth roots’ surfaces to help restore your smile to good health. Your dentist may request that you come back for follow-up cleanings soon, and they may also choose to prescribe a round of antibiotics to discourage bacterial growth or infections while your mouth heals.

Contact Our Aurora Dental Office

If you need to schedule a dental exam and dental cleaning, our dental office is open on Saturdays for your convenience! We also have treatment staff members on site who speak Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or periodontitis, is a gum infection that damages soft tissue. Without treatment, periodontal disease can ruin the bone that supports your teeth, called the alveolar bone.

What Is Gum Disease?

Periodontitis can be painful and make teeth mobile, resulting in tooth loss. Gingivitis is the mildest stage of gum disease and can be reversed with excellent oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. 

Ongoing gum inflammation causes pockets to develop between the teeth and gums. Plaque and bacteria collect in these pockets and lead to deep infections, loss of bone and tissues, and other health concerns.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Healthy gums are pale pink, firm, and fit snugly around the teeth. Common signs and symptoms associated with periodontitis include:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Bright red or darkening gums 
• Tender gums 
• Bleeding gums 
• Chronic bad breath 
• Loose teeth or tooth loss 
• Painful chewing 
• Bumps on the gums 
• Gum recession 
• An altered bite

What Causes Gum Disease?

The most common cause of periodontal disease is plaque buildup. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help remove the plaque. 

If plaque stays on the teeth, it hardens under the gumline (tartar) and irritates the gums.

Other risk factors are:

• Genetics 
• Crooked teeth 
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Prescription medications 
• Hormonal changes 
• Smoking and chewing tobacco 

Contact us today to schedule your preventive dental appointment with Dr. Christine Wang or Dr. Xiaoyu Ma. We speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish. 

Prairie Dental Care proudly serves patients from North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery, IL. 

We recommend deep cleanings when tartar collects deep beneath your gum line and causes an infection, irritation, or swelling. This typically occurs due to poor home care or missed dental cleanings, and it may be worse for patients with a poor diet. We know that patients all have different access to have dentistry, and no matter what your current oral health status is, our team at Prairie Dental Care will help you get back on track to healthy teeth and gums.

What to Expect From a Deep Cleaning

A deep dental cleaning addresses areas where brushing, flossing, and even a regular dental cleaning cannot reach. Because tartar calcifies on your enamel, removing it requires a special type of dental cleaning, advanced techniques, and sometimes medications to improve your oral health. When tartar is allowed to remain in place, the result is the accumulation of more tartar that attaches deeper to the root surface and causes chronic inflammation of the gum tissue.

Gum Disease Treatment in 60506

Advanced gum disease often takes many years to progress to the point where you suffer tooth loss, but it can affect other aspects of your overall health, such as heart health and diabetes. Gum disease during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight in babies. The end result is a loss of the bone that surrounds your teeth, loosening of your teeth, and lost teeth. Tooth loss leads to many other oral health problems including a misaligned bite and ongoing tooth loss.

Root canals have an untrue reputation for being invasive or painful. The reality is much different. In our dental office, we rely on the latest techniques to provide you with an easy root canal experience.

If you need a root canal, it means you have trauma or deep root decay putting your tooth at risk. Without a root canal treatment, you’ll need a tooth extraction to prevent the spread of infection and eliminate your pain.

We Consider Toothaches Dental Emergencies

In some cases, your dentist finds an emerging root infection during your routine exam—before it has caused you pain. But most of the time, unfortunately, patients experience a toothache and one or more of the following symptoms:

• Blister on the gums
• Gum swelling
• Ongoing sensitivity

If you have any of these symptoms, we encourage you to contact our dental office to schedule an emergency appointment—mild pain can graduate to agony with little notice!

Remember, a root canal treatment can save your tooth and eliminate the need for dental extraction in Aurora, IL.

The Root Canal Process in Aurora

Your dentist numbs the treatment area, gently extracts the infected tissue from the root of your tooth, and then closes with a transient filling. This process promotes healing, and most patients report feeling better immediately.

When the anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild tenderness for a day or two, but this is easily treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

In about two weeks, you return to our dental office and receive a permanent filling or a quality dental crown in Aurora, IL.

Our Dentist Is Here on Saturdays

Your oral health is always our top priority, which is why we are here for you, even on Saturday.

In our dental office, we speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish. And we treat patients in all locations, including North Aurora, Sugar Grove, Geneva, Batavia, Oswego, and Montgomery. Contact us today!

Root canals relieve pain from an infected tooth and relieve symptoms associated with inflammation caused by infection.  

Root Canal Procedure

We complete root canals under local anesthesia and keep your tooth completely numb throughout your procedure. We use precision rotary endodontic instruments, resulting in the least invasive treatment possible. Both Dr. Wang and Dr. Ma are experienced with root canal therapy and with providing gentle dentistry for every procedure.

What to Expect After a Root Canal Procedure

It is normal to have some post-procedure discomfort or sensitivity for a couple of days after treatment, and this can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain medicine. Within a few days, sensitivity should subside dramatically, and within a week, you should feel like yourself again. After proper time for healing, we will have a follow-up appointment and place a restoration to seal and protect your tooth.

If swelling or pain persists, we are here to help! Call our dentist office in Aurora, IL right away and we will evaluate your condition and make sure your tooth is healing properly.

Sedation Dentistry at Our Aurora, IL Dentist Office

If you feel nervous about having a root canal, you are not alone. Many patients feel the same way you do. We offer nitrous oxide sedation to promote relaxation during your appointment. Let us know if you would like nitrous oxide for your procedure.

At Prairie Dental Care our top dentist understands the dangers of untreated obstructive sleep apnea, which often presents as snoring. This is why we offer oral appliance therapy in Aurora, IL.

Left untreated sleep apnea, which means you stop breathing for brief periods throughout the night, can lead to:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Irregular heartbeat

The symptoms include:

• Snoring
• Daytime sleepiness
• Mood issues

Many sleep apnea patients also grind and clench their jaw during sleep, so you may also have worn teeth or experience jaw pain. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment in 60506

Our Aurora dental office takes this disorder seriously and works to help patients overcome breathing cessation while sleeping with custom oral appliance therapy in Aurora, IL. Our oral appliance therapy has been approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Our patients are happy that the results of this treatment allow them to finally get a restful night's sleep.

Your oral appliance is customized to fit your mouth and works by gently thrusting your jaw forward to keep your airway open throughout the night. For patients who qualify, this appliance is a great alternative to the often-prescribed CPAP machine, which many feel is cumbersome and uncomfortable for sleeping.

Our Oral Sleep Appliance Therapy Helps You Sleep Safely and Comfortably

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or if you have symptoms of the sleep disorder, we recommend a sleep study and an appointment with Prairie Dental Care.

We can provide a custom oral sleep appliance, which helps with snoring and the dangers associated with untreated obstructive sleep apnea.