Arlington Heights, IL dentist Dr. Brent Engelberg offers a full range of general dental services, from routine dental cleanings to dental fillings and periodontal therapy. General dentistry is the foundation of helping patients maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. Our dentist office puts an extra focus on gum disease prevention.
Dr. Engelberg and our experienced dental care staff at AH Smiles also consider patient education an important part of our preventive care protocol. We take the time to provide personalized hygiene tips for each patient, tailored to their unique oral health needs.
General Dentistry Services At AH Smiles
Dr. Engelberg is dedicated to helping you maintain lasting dental health with advanced techniques, materials, and oral hygiene products. Your routine dental visits will include:
- dental examination
- professional cleaning
- periodontal screening
- oral cancer screening
- diagnostic x-rays (as needed)
Routine visits to our Arlington Heights dentist office allow Dr. Engelberg to spot dental problems in the early stages when conservative treatment options can be most effective. We may notice subtle changes in your gum tissue, the appearance of the tongue, or overall dental health that can indicate a larger health concern. Certain medical conditions may show early warning signs in the mouth, and early treatment can offer the best prognosis or avoid complications.
Dr. Engelberg considers himself a partner in your overall health care, emphasizing the important role that oral health plays in overall health and well-being. Routine visits enable us to get to know you, understand your concerns, and monitor your dental health.
You know that you should see the dentist at least once every six months to maintain optimal oral health. Outside of this, you should visit your local dentist office should any worrying symptoms develop that could indicate a potential problem. There are many reasons to see a dentist, from persistent toothaches to unexplained jaw pain.
Reasons to See a Dentist
Tooth sensitivity and/or toothaches: When your teeth hurt, this could result from injury or even a sinus infection. However, other causes of tooth pain or sensitivity may include a dental cavity or an infection. If you notice any discomfort in or around your tooth, we suggest seeing a dentist for a thorough exam and diagnosis.
Sore jaw: If you notice soreness in your jaw or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, you may need to see the dentist. If ignored, TMJ disorder and bruxism can lead to soreness in the jaw and serious complications. The doctor can examine your jaw to see if you need treatment for either of these issues.
Chronic headaches: Along with a sore jaw, persistent headaches can also indicate jaw joint strain, such as caused by TMJ disorder, or teeth grinding (bruxism). As we mentioned above, the doctor can diagnose the cause of your discomfort and recommend the appropriate treatments if he discovers TMJ issues with bruxism.
Missing teeth: Don’t delay treatment even if you lose a single tooth. Over time tooth loss can lead to misalignment, problems eating and speaking clearly, and if you lose multiple teeth, you could even develop an older appearance due to facial collapse.
Damaged teeth: If you chip or break a tooth, always schedule a visit to our dentist office. A damaged tooth exposes the sensitive inner structure to harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and infection.
Common Questions About Dental Checkups
Have you recently scheduled a dental checkup? We’ve found that many people underestimate the importance of routine checkups and dental cleanings. While you may take good care of your smile at home, you still need these preventive visits to promote good oral health. Avoid the onset of serious issues, such as gingivitis or tooth decay. If you’re ready for a checkup, then schedule one today.
How often should my teeth be examined?
We agree with the American Dental Association: You should have your smile examined every six months. No matter how old you are or how well you brush and floss, you should let our team examine your teeth, gums, and jaw twice a year.
If I brush and floss, do I really need a checkup too?
Yes. Otherwise, indicators of serious oral health problems (cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, TMJ disorder, and bruxism) can remain unnoticed until the issues have progressed to a later stage, threatening your oral health and causing uncomfortable symptoms.
What does the dentist look for?
The dentist looks for any changes in your oral health. Changes can include redness or soreness in your gums, signs of tooth decay, or damage to the teeth that may result from bruxism (teeth grinding). From there, the doctor can discuss possible treatment options to address the issue immediately.
Are cleanings performed in the same visit?
Yes. We may perform a cleaning, which removes all plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, in the same visit. A cleaning promotes brighter smiles and fresher breath and helps reduce the risk of gum disease.
Schedule a Comprehensive Dental Exam Today
Looking for a new dentist in Arlington Heights, Illinois? We welcome new patients from all of Chicago. We work with patients who have been away from the dentist due to anxiety and fear, helping them to restore a healthy, functional smile. AH Smiles serves many local communities, including Long Grove, IL, Deerfield, IL, Northbrook, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL, and surrounding communities near you. We accept most dental insurance and offer financing to help patients budget their dental care.
Call our office at (847) 230-9703 or request a dental appointment online today.