The Philosophy of Our Dental Practice

Dr. Vincent Romanelli, DDS located in Algonquin, is in the business of keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible for your entire life. The dentist and his professional staff enjoy working with patients of all ages and above all love to see dazzling smiles!

Their commitment to the health of its clients has helped form the philosophy of the entire practice. Their highly trained, friendly and experienced staff believes in treating all patients like family. Since sometimes work needs to be completed quickly, the office is open for emergencies and is available for same day appointments and free consultations.

Dr. Romanelli and the staff does all it can to keep patients as comfortable as possible. Blankets, headphones and cushions are available to ensure a pleasant visit. During your procedure you can even choose to watch a movie or listen to music so you can be completely at ease. Because many are averse to dental work, topical anesthesia and nitrous oxide are options for patients who need sedation.

The practice also believes in preventive dentistry to keep from developing problems in the first place. The entire staff is highly trained and up to date on all the latest techniques and uses the very best materials and tools. All your concerns will be addressed, and you can count on having your issues resolved in an immaculately clean and sterile environment.

The office is conveniently located in Algonquin at 2401 Harnish Dr. Suite 102, so it is very easy to find. Dr. Romanelli strives to always offer fair prices and will work with all insurance types and plans. Easy and extremely affordable financial arrangements are available to all clients and all major credit cards including AMEX, Discover and VISA are accepted.

In the greater Algonquin area, please call Dr. Vincent Romanelli at (847) 458-7122 for any questions about any dental health concerns. The dentist and his caring staff are there to keep your mouth looking and feeling its very best.

Some Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies like an accident involving your teeth or gums can be potentially serious. These types of situations should never be taken lightly. They need to be addressed and resolved as soon as possible. Overlooking a dental issue just increases the likelihood of permanent damage and the possibility of more expensive treatment in the near future.

So, what specific actions should be taken during a dental emergency? The first thing is to rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Use floss if you have stuck food or debris. Apply a cold compress or an ice bag if your mouth is swollen. If there is pain or discomfort, take an over the counter medication such as Advil or Tylenol.

Knowing What to do is Key to Saving a Tooth

If a tooth has been broken or chipped, do your best to save any pieces. Then rinse with warm water and apply gauze to help stop any bleeding. Use an ice bag to decrease swelling. If a tooth has been knocked out, attempt to retrieve the tooth and rinse it off well to clean. Do not scrub or wipe with any force. Then try to put the tooth back in the socket, but never use undue force. If it cannot be replaced, put the tooth in a small container of milk. Then see your dentist as soon as you can. Teeth that are put back in the socket within an hour have the greatest possibility of being saved.

When a filling is lost, head to the dentist with the filling if you have it saved. The same advice applies for a loose crown. If you are in pain, try applying some clove oil to the area with a cotton swab. If it is possible, place the crown back over the tooth using dental cement before you see your dentist.

In the greater Algonquin area, please call Dr. Vincent Romanelli at (847) 458-7122 for any questions regarding addressing dental emergencies. The dentist and his experienced staff can help keep your mouth healthy and assist you with all your oral needs.

Just What are Dental Implants?

Many patients needing a tooth extracted due to infection or other condition may be advised to get a dental implant. Implants are a great solution because they fill in the missing area in the mouth and look very natural. Replacing the missing tooth makes it much easier to speak, eat and greatly enhances one’s appearance.

Implants Provide Patients Many Advantages

But just what is a dental Implant? It is a titanium post surgically positioned into the jawbone. It is located below the gum line and allows the dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge. An implant is a great option because it won’t come loose like a denture. Dental implants also benefit general oral health, because unlike a bridge, they do not have to be anchored to your other teeth.

Before having an implant, your dentist needs to check the state of your gums. Healthy gums and adequate bone tissue are needed to begin the implant. If your bone is too thin or soft, it may not be able to support the implant. In this case, a bone graft before the procedure may be necessary.

Since implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide artificial teeth the stability needed for the procedure. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t  move or shift in your mouth — this is a very important benefit for eating or speaking. This secure fit helps the repaired teeth feel much more natural than dentures or bridges.

After receiving implants, it is important to keep all mouth areas very clean, particularly between the teeth and above and under the gum line. Brush at least twice daily and floss regularly. Also, if you are a smoker, quitting is highly recommended. Additionally, avoid chewing hard candy or ice to prevent damaging the implants. With proper care, implants can last for many years.

In the Algonquin area, if you are considering dental implants or any other dental procedure, please call the office of Dr. Vincent Romanelli at (847) 458-7122. He and his friendly staff can answer all your questions you may have about implant dentistry and keeping your mouth as healthy as possible.

Flossing Is Important to Dental Health

In today’s society, first impressions really matter. Flashing a healthy confident smile goes a long way in promoting ourselves. Partly because of this, most people make sure to brush their teeth regularly. But what about flossing? Those who avoid flossing are skipping a very important tool that is essential for oral health. Why? Well, for some, measuring out a piece of floss, wrapping it around their fingers and flossing is too much of a hassle. It’s unfortunate many feel this way because the role of flossing should not be overlooked. Flossing helps remove food and plaque that brushing alone often misses.

Not Flossing Has Many Negative Impacts

By not flossing you make yourself more susceptible to gingivitis. This gum disease causes the tissue to bleed easily and become red and inflamed. It is the result of bacteria irritating the gum tissue due to the presence of dental plaque. When a person does not floss it is not possible to remove all the bacteria causing the plaque. It is important to keep in mind that gingivitis, if it is not treated, can lead to periodontal disease. This may eventually lead to issues with your heart and respiratory tract, aggravate diabetes and other general health problems.

Another risk of not flossing is increasing the likelihood of forming cavities. The same plaque that leads to the development of gingivitis can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria that eventually destroys the enamel between your teeth, resulting in the formation of a cavity.

So, what does all this mean? To keep your oral and general health in good condition it is recommended you take the time to floss your teeth at least once a day. The optimal time is right before you go to bed to remove any plaque or bacteria between your teeth or on the gumline. Waxed floss is the easiest type to use since it does not shred like unwaxed floss can.

Motivate yourself to begin flossing today or continue of you do so already. The benefits are wide ranging and go well beyond your dental health. For any questions regarding flossing or other dental issues please call the Algonquin office of Dr. Romanelli at 847-458-7122 today. The dentist and his experienced staff can help keep your teeth looking their very best!

Dealing with and Treating Sensitive Teeth

All of us have experienced a jolt of pain when eating ice cream or drinking hot coffee. We all know how much discomfort this can cause and leave us ailing for a few minutes or a couple hours. Many people are unaware this sensation is not that unusual. In fact, tooth sensitivity is a one of the most common dental problems many dentists treat.

Due to age, the enamel that covers a tooth gradually erodes. This exposes the tooth and provides less defense against acids and other substances.  At the same time, the gums may begin to recede, which exposes the roots and tooth surfaces even more. Dentin in the teeth have tubes running from the outer tooth to the center. This is where the nerve is located. As the dentin wears away, teeth become susceptible to changes in temperature in foods and beverages.

A few common causes of dentin exposure are brushing too vigorously and gum disease. Consuming large amounts of acidic beverages, like juice or soda, or using an abrasive toothpaste may also lead to tooth sensitivity.

What Can Be Done to Alleviate the Pain of Sensitive Teeth?

The most important thing is for patients to realize the cause of the sensitivity. Asking your dentist is the first step. If you discover the sensitivity is due to exposed dentin you have a couple courses of action to choose from.  You may want to switch to a soft bristle toothbrush or begin using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitivity. This will help to help de-sensitive the affected areas causing pain.

The discomfort of sensitive teeth afflict many people, but this condition is treatable. Regular dental exams play a key part in keeping our teeth and gums in top shape. Give Dr. Romanelli a call today at 847-458-7122 to set up an appointment in his Algonquin office. His friendly and knowledgeable staff can assist you with all your dental concerns.

Dr. Romanelli Has Saturday Office Hours

Most people today are short of one thing – free time. Today’s world is increasingly busy, especially for parents. It has become the norm for most to have a schedule booked solid for days. Job responsibilities and looking after their children take up most of the week. That’s why being able to schedule a dental appointment on Saturday can be very convenient.

Extended Hours for Your Convenience

Dental and doctor exams are vital to maintaining our good health. Neglecting our well-being and that of our children is never an option. Dr. Romanelli in Algonquin knows the importance of regular dental check-ups. He and his experienced staff are aware of the difficulty many people have finding time to see their dentist. This is one reason the office is open every Saturday. This enables parents to work regular hours and allow their children to participate in after school activities.

The office of Dr. Romanelli is open every Saturday from 9 am until 2 pm. An appointment not during the week is a terrific alternative for many. Not having to rush after work or take your child out of school are just a couple of the advantages. A visit to the dentist early on a Saturday also allows patients to still have most of their weekend available. There is still plenty of time to enjoy hobbies, picnics or anything else.

For those who have more time during the week, Dr. Romanelli also has hours to accommodate them as well. The office is open to 6 pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. You can check out a full listing of hours and services by visiting Dr. Romanelli’s website.

Of course, the best part of all may be the knowledge you are taking an important step to ensure your good dental health.  Clean teeth and gums are vital to our overall well-being, and dental exams play a key part in keeping us well. Give Dr. Romanelli a call today at 847-458-7122 to set up an appointment time convenient for you!

Tobacco Use is Also Bad for Your Dental Health

Most people are already aware of the dangers tobacco use can have to our health. Its detrimental effect on our lungs and heart have been well documented for years. However, some people are not as aware of the harmful effects that chewing tobacco and cigarettes can have on oral health. Among other things, tobacco use can lead to bad breath, but that is only one negative outcome.

Tobacco Use Causes Many Problems

Using tobacco products can cause a myriad of problems, including stained teeth and a dirty tongue. It may also dull your sense of smell and taste. It can also slow the healing process after oral surgery. As if these problems were not bad enough, tobacco has a direct link to causing gum disease and even oral cancer.

Avoiding tobacco or quitting is the only way to decrease the risk of these health problems. Since nicotine is highly addictive, this can be very difficult to accomplish. Have a friend or family member help by lending support and encouragement. Also, exercising and keeping yourself busy can help you quit. It is a good idea to speak with your dentist to see if medications would help you to stop using tobacco.

Smoking and tobacco use is a widespread problem in the United States. In fact, according to the Surgeon General, over 20 million Americans have died because of smoking since 1964. Most of those deaths were of adults who smoked, but 2.5 million were of nonsmokers who died because they breathed secondhand smoke—air that was polluted by other people’s cigarette smoke.

Abstaining or quitting tobacco is vital for one’s oral health. If you currently smoke or chew tobacco it is strongly recommended you quit as soon as possible. If you have any questions about ways to quit or other dental questions, please give the office of Dr. Romanelli in Algonquin a call at 847-458-7122.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, smile and entire mouth area.  Typical work done is fairly simple, however, others may be a bit more  involved and complex. A few of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed are teeth whitening, dental implants, veneers and inlays.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

Inlays are one of the most popular and commonly used cosmetic procedure.  When the patient has a mild to moderate amount of decay, the best course of action is usually inlays. Best of all, they are simple to use. In most cases they are applied directly to the surface of the tooth and provide improvement almost immediately.

Cosmetic dentistry makes use of veneers for improving oral health.  Some of the more common problems veneers help improve include crooked teeth and damaged enamel.  The procedure is quite simple, with the dentist applying a veneer to the front of each tooth using an adhesive. The treatment involves very little in the way of discomfort.

Teeth whitening is one of the most common and basic cosmetic procedures and can usually be performed in one visit at your dentist’s office. The dentist will apply a protective gel to your gums. A specially made bleach for whitening is then applied to all tooth surfaces. There are many different types of special teeth whitening toothpastes your dentist can recommend to use at home after the office procedure to keep your teeth looking white and clean for as long as possible before having another treatment.

If you have a missing tooth, dental implants are necessary.  The tooth that needs replacement will have a titanium screw placed in the jawbone. This gives the required support for the crown.  Following treatment, it is extremely important for patients to be extra vigilant with their hygiene to prevent infection.

Dental offices use cosmetic dentistry to improve oral health and appearance of their patients. If you have any questions regarding  procedures or treatments, please give the office of Dr. Romanelli in Algonquin a call at 847-458-7122.

Choosing the Proper Toothbrush

Most people know that regular brushing is one of the most important habits to keep gums healthy and ensure a great looking smile. Many varieties of toothpastes are available in any drugstore or supermarket. However, when it comes to brushing, most people do not spend nearly as much time looking for the proper toothbrush to use.

Most dentists advise looking for certain characteristics in a toothbrush. Size and bristle variety are the two main features to consider. Also, if you are using a manual brush it is recommended you replace it every three to four months. More often if you have just recovered from a cold or other illness.

You should make sure the head size allows access to all tooth surfaces. Although larger toothbrush heads may be available, it might be too bulky or difficult to maneuver to clean certain hard-to-reach areas. Also ensure the toothbrush has a handle long enough to comfortably hold in your hand.

The second consideration when purchasing a brush is bristle type. You will have the choice of a toothbrush with soft, medium or hard bristles. Most people will find a brush with soft bristles to be the most comfortable option. For a vigorous brusher, a medium or hard-bristled brush may damage your gums, roots, or your tooth’s enamel. For greater tooth protection, the majority of dentists recommend bristles with rounded tips.

It’s Important to Check for Approvals of Quality

Additionally, it is prudent to make sure your toothbrush has undergone numerous quality control tests for cleaning effectiveness and safety. You can also look for toothbrushes that have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. Keeping these tips in mind will help you make the smart choice the next time you purchase a toothbrush.

In the Algonquin area, if you have any questions about choosing the best brush for you, contact Dr. Vincent Romanelli at 847-458-7122. His friendly and professional staff can answer all your dental questions or other concerns.

Gum Grafting for Periodontal Disease

As important as it to pay attention to the condition of your teeth, patients should also realize diligent care for the gums is also necessary. Gums can gradually begin to recede, making the teeth more sensitive to hot or cold food and expose the roots and nerves.

What Causes Gum Tissue to Recede?

Periodontal disease is a common cause of gum recession. Poor oral hygiene, genetics or diabetes and other illnesses all increase your risk of infection. Additionally, smokers are four times more likely to develop gum disease compared to nonsmokers. This is another solid reason to kick the tobacco habit.

Other reasons for gum recession include poor brushing habits, tooth grinding or clenching and occasionally the unusual forces brought on by misaligned teeth. Also, tongue and lip piercings can cause the gum tissue to erode.

Receding gums that are not treated will only worsen and can eventually lead to tooth loss. If you have receding gums you may want to graft the gum tissue.

Grafting for Receding Gums

What options does a patient have for receding gums? One of the top options is the use of gum grafts. Connective-tissue grafts are the most widely performed procedure. They are used to treat one or more areas that are receding. The tissue is taken from a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth and then stitched over the area of exposed root.

The Advantages of Gum Grafts

Gum grafting can halt the process of gum recession and bone loss. It may also reduce tooth sensitivity and protect the roots of your teeth. Additionally, gum grafts help to even the gum line, giving a patient more confidence due to a more attractive looking appearance.

Preventing Gum Disease

Obviously, it is much better to avoid gum disease in the first place. Be very vigilant with your oral care between regular dental appointments. Remember to floss and brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.

Preventing gum recession is important for your overall oral health. If you have any questions regarding gum disease or tooth loss, please give the office of Dr. Romanelli in Algonquin a call at 847-458-7122.