CEREC®

CEREC® is an advanced tool that uses computer technology to allow us to provide patients with same-day crowns. This is a less time-consuming option than traditional crowns while still offering the same tooth-restoring benefits. CEREC® utilizes CAD/CAM technology to computer-generate crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. This allows for the efficient yet accurate creation of custom tooth restorations!

One of the best benefits of CEREC® is the convenience for patients of only having to schedule one appointment to receive a crown. In addition, with traditional crowns, the process of creating an impression for the crown is gooey and messy. With CEREC®, we create quick and easy digital impressions, without the mess. Plus, CEREC® restorations strengthen the teeth and improve their appearance!

Regular Checkups

We encourage regular checkups for everyone age three and up. Regular checkups are important to:

• Check for problems that you might not see or feel
• Find early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early, while they are still manageable

Dr. Guebert will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. He will also check your existing fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to fail, chip, or crack. An oral cancer screening will also be done to detect any suspicious lesions or bumps. During your exam Dr. Guebert will thoroughly discuss with you any issues or concerns that need to be resolved. If applicable, you will be offered a complimentary consultation to discuss multiple treatment options and any financial questions you may have.

Professional Dental Cleanings

We recommend that you see us at least every six months so that your teeth can be professionally cleaned. At your appointment our dental hygienists will gently remove the hard and soft deposits (calculus and plaque) from your teeth that can cause cavities and gum disease and then polish your teeth for that fresh “just cleaned” feeling.

Fluoride

To help prevent tooth decay our office recommends periodic fluoride varnish treatments for patients of all ages. It’s a simple and quick process that can be done during your exam. Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel so your smile will be as strong as ever.

Sealants

Sealants are protective “plastic-like” coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent posterior teeth to seal off the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start. Sealants are a very efficient and successful method that can provide protection from decay for years. While sealants are typically placed on back teeth as they erupt in a child’s mouth we recommend sealants for adults as well. The application of sealants is a simple procedure that requires only a short appointment.

Periodontal Services

At your regular dental exams Dr. Guebert and our hygiene team will routinely check for the presence of an infection around your gums called periodontal disease. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults and, because it is virtually pain free, the disease may go unnoticed while causing irreversible damage. Our office routinely checks for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums.

The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can usually be treated with a more dedicated brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleaning regimen. If left untreated, gingivitis will likely develop into periodontal disease where damage can lead not only to tooth loss but the creation of complications with other overall health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weight babies.

Our team is well trained to provide non-surgical periodontal therapy and maintenance for those with early or moderate disease. We collaborate closely with specially trained periodontists to provide a higher level of care for patients with advanced periodontal disease.

Extractions

Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove a tooth. Decay, infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can be some of the situations that lead to the need for an extraction. Following an extraction it is important to replace the tooth as recommended by Dr. Guebert.

Bridges

Dr. Guebert may recommend a bridge to close a gap caused by missing teeth. Bridges look and act like natural teeth and help to maintain the position of your teeth. With bridges dental crowns are placed on the teeth at each end of the open space and new teeth are fabricated and attached to the crowns to replace the missing ones.

Digital X-Rays

We are happy to offer our patients the benefits of better diagnostic images and less radiation with digital x-rays. In addition our patients appreciate the conveniences of digital x-rays. Digital x-rays allow us to communicate quickly and efficiently with your insurance company as well as dental specialists to provide you with the best and most convenient care possible.

Velscope Oral Cancer Screening

Our office is dedicated not only to your smile, but to your overall wellness. In addition to the visual oral cancer screenings that are a part of routine exams we also offer an annual enhanced screening that allows us to potentially discover oral lesions earlier. This technology is called Velscope. It is painless, takes only minutes, is very affordable, and could save your life. We include this as part of your comprehensive new patient exam, and we recommend this advanced screening annually thereafter.

The Velscope screening system consists of a specialized blue light source and viewing scope that makes it easier to look closely at the tissues inside your mouth. Normal tissues will almost glow a bright green color. Abnormal tissue shows up much darker under the special light. With the Velscope system lesions become visible that would not have been seen with the naked eye.

Dentistry for Children

We go the extra mile to make sure your child’s first visit to our office is comfortable and fun. We want you and your child to feel at ease from the moment you arrive. Of course you have questions about your child’s dental health and that’s why Dr. Guebert and our team take the time to be sure that you get thorough answers. Whether you have questions about brushing, what kind of toothpaste to use, or whether your child needs orthodontics, we can help!

We believe that the more our young patients know about their dental visit, the better! Your child will feel reassured by our use of simple words and explanations. We will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing technique and point out areas that may need more attention when they brush at home.

At our office every child patient is a member of Dr. Guebert’s All-Star team. Children enjoy using our ipad app to decorate their photo for our All-Star wall of fame. Finding the perfect “treasure” from our Treasure Box is certain to bring a smile as well.

As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts it is time to start brushing. Using a soft bristled brush and a drop of toothpaste the size of a pea, parents should assist children until the child develops proper brushing habits and technique. We recommend that children start visiting a dentist at the age of three and then every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. These exams are important to check for decay and positioning of teeth and to instill good habits.

NOTE TO PARENTS: The Illinois Department of Public Health requires that children in kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grades show proof of a dental exam during these school years. We keep these forms on hand and are happy to help you process this document. If you forget to ask for the exam form while in the office just let us know. For your convenience, and with your permission, we can complete a form and forward it to you or your child’s school.

Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance that serves as a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Dentures are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. A complete denture may be recommended when all of the teeth on either the upper or lower arch are missing. A partial denture may be an option when some of the natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

Traditionally dentures and partials were held in place by the jaw, gums, and anatomy of the mouth. Now dentures and partials (bridges) can be supported or retained by implants to give more stability. Call us with any questions you have about replacing missing teeth.

Natural Looking Crowns

Decayed or damaged teeth need protection and our beautiful, natural-looking crowns offer that protection with the added bonus of improving the appearance of your smile. We recommend crowns to restore function, strength, and aesthetics in teeth that can not be fixed with a filling alone. Look at our gallery for before and after cosmetic treatments performed in this office.

Tooth Colored Fillings

A dental filling may be used to restore a tooth that has been affected by decay, fractures, or cracks. Unlike the unsightly metal fillings of the past we use composite fillings that are matched to the color of your existing teeth and bonded to restore your teeth to a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. We like to refer to implants as the “closest thing to getting back the tooth you lost”. Implants are safe and look and feel like natural teeth. Another advantage of implants is that they are permanently anchored into a patient’s jawbone with no preparation of adjacent teeth required. It is important to replace missing teeth, because if left with spaces, your teeth can shift and cause a variety of other dental and medical problems. Our office has extensive experience in implant treatments and designing solutions that are custom tailored for each individual patient.

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful and may require prompt treatment to alleviate pain and ensure the patient’s oral and overall health. So that you can be seen as quickly as possible we reserve time in our schedule for patients in a pain or emergency situation. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call us immediately at (618) 942-3733.

Call today to schedule an appointment!