Preventive Dentistry Arlington Heights

Dental Cleanings & Checkups

Attending regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings is one of the most important steps patients of all ages can take to protect their oral health. Our staff recommends scheduling at least two appointments each year, or one every six months. During these visits, our doctors and staff members will thoroughly review teeth, gums, bite, jaw, existing restorations, and other important areas, utilizing digital X-rays to form the most comprehensive understanding possible. This information will allow us to identify problems as soon as they develop and prescribe the ideal treatment options to combat them simply and comfortably.

Routine hygiene appointments are also very important when it comes to preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious issues. One of our talented hygienists will clear away any dangerous plaque and tartar that has formed in your mouth, leaving you with a nicely refreshed, squeaky-clean smile.

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Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is a dangerous and destructive disease, affecting tens of thousands of new patients every year. It can be treated successfully, but most cases aren’t actually correctly diagnosed until the damage has been done, resulting in a five-year survival rate of only around 50%. At Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence, we’re determined to improve that number. We rely on the state-of-the-art VELscope device to help us identify changes in your oral tissue that could suggest the presence of cancerous or even precancerous cells. If we locate a suspicious area, our doctors will work fast to help you take the next steps toward a biopsy and further treatment.

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) may seem relatively mild at first, but it quickly progresses if left untreated, leading to jawbone deterioration, tooth loss, and other serious consequences. At Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence, we’re dedicated to diagnosing and treating this condition as early as possible. Our plan of action will differ depending on the severity of your case – if you have gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease), frequent professional cleanings and more diligent brushing and flossing at home may be enough to solve the problem. If you’ve already reached advanced levels, root scaling and planing, antibiotic therapy, and other extensive procedures could become necessary. Whatever the situation is, our team is here to provide valuable guidance, skill, and support to patients from Barrington and surrounding areas.

TMJ/Bruxism Treatment with Nightguards

Many patients, especially those who experience constant stress in their day-to-day lives, can fall victim to the destructive act of grinding and clenching teeth (also known as bruxism). Common consequences of bruxism include constant headaches, significant dental damage, and even the development of a painful jaw condition known as TMJ disorder. Thankfully, nightguards can help treat this issue. Our doctors will provide patients with an appliance that has been custom-designed to fit their smile comfortably and securely. The guard protects teeth and reduces the severity of grinding/clenching for patients as they sleep.

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Sleep Apnea Treatment

Do you snore at night? You might be suffering from sleep apnea, a breathing condition that occurs when the patient’s air passage becomes partially or fully blocked while resting. Other common symptoms include:

• Waking up constantly throughout the night
• Daytime exhaustion
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Dry throat
• Morning headaches
• Choking, gasping, or becoming completely silent while sleeping (check with a bed partner)

So how can a dentist help treat sleep apnea, you may wonder? This answer is simpler than you think – instead of having to rely on a bulky CPAP machine, patients may be able to find the relief they need with a personalized oral appliance. This device should adjust the jaw and/or tongue just enough to keep air flowing freely, allowing you to rest without worry.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry

If you or a member of your family suffer from mild dental anxiety, we make visits to the dentist possible and more enjoyable thanks to nitrous oxide sedation dentistry. Also known as laughing gas, this solution allows for a more comfortable and relaxed visit, keeping you at ease while our team administers the necessary dental services. Inhaled through a nasal mask, you can expect to remain calm and undeterred by your surroundings, and the best part is that the effects wear off almost immediately following your treatment.