Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you go for a dental check-up?
The answer to this question depends on your oral health history and current dental condition. Most people should go for a dental check-up at least once every six months.
Is it necessary to make an appointment for a dental check-up?
There are many reasons why it is necessary to make an appointment for a dental check-up. One reason is that if there are any problems with your teeth, your dentist will be able to catch them early and provide treatment. Another reason is that if you have a dental check-up on a regular basis, your dentist will be able to keep track of your oral health and look for any potential problems. Otherwise, you may not realize that there is a problem until it is too late and the damage has been done.
Are there any dental services that are typically covered by insurance plans?
There are many dental services that are typically covered by insurance plans. Services that are typically covered include routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fillings. In addition, some insurance plans may cover more extensive dental work, such as root canals or crowns. However, it is important to check with your specific insurance plan to find out what services are covered. Chicago Loop Dentistry also Offers a membership plan for routine Dental Services.
What is the best way to prevent cavities?
The best way to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth regularly with toothpaste, and to floss at least once a day. You should also visit your dentist at Chicago Loop Denisty for a check-up and cleaning every six months.
What can I do if I have a toothache?
If you have a toothache, you can take over-the-counter pain medication and rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You should also visit your dentist at Chicago Loop Denisty as soon as possible.
How do I know if I need braces?
If you are unsure whether you need braces, you can consult with your dentist at Chicago Loop Denistry. Generally, braces are recommended for people who have crooked or misaligned teeth.
What should I do if I chip my tooth?
If you chip your tooth, please call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We will be able to fix it in our office. We would want to address your chipped tooth right away to prevent infection.
What should I do if I lose a filling?
If you lose a filling, you should call us right away. You might think you will be able to wait until your next appointment, but it's best to call us right away and have us look at it. Depending on the severity, we may just replace the filling or might need to do a more extensive repair.
What should I do if I get a cavity?
If you get a cavity, contact our office immediately, and we will work to make your visit as comfortable and convenient as possible. We offer a variety of dental fillings, including the composite resin. We will address the cavity and look at your overall oral hygiene, and recommend to you when your next checkup should be.
What happens if I haven’t had routine cleaning or dental services performed in a long time?
As hard as it may seem, the best thing you can do is take the plunge by scheduling an appointment. Chicago Loop Dentistry makes that easy, as you can even book an appointment online! During your appointment, be honest with Dr. Mehta and tell her your concerns you may have after not having services performed in a while. She and her wonderful team are there to help, and will set up a plan going forward to get you back on track with routine cleaning and other dental services.
What can I expect to happen during my dental cleaning?
After you arrive at Chicago Loop Dentistry, you’ll be greeted by wonderful receptionists and be checked in. After you’re taken back to a room by the lovely dental assistants, they’ll explain to you what services are going to be performed and when. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Dr. Mehta or any of the dental assistants.
What if I am nervous about certain services being performed during my cleaning?
Be open with Dr. Mehta about your concerns and any questions you may have. She’ll be able to work with you to come up with a game plan that ensures your comfort.
If I want cosmetic dental services (i.e. veneers) where does that process start?
At your next routine cleaning appointment, tell Dr. Mehta the cosmetic services you’re interested in. From there, she’ll help you establish a timeline and next steps so you have the smile of your dreams. Chicago Loop Dentistry is here to help!
What should I do if I notice my gums receding or bleeding more than normal?
Feel free to call Chicago Loop Dentistry at (312)-548-7795 and we’ll help you get an appointment set up with Dr. Mehta that fits your schedule. Receding gums and unusual bleeding don’t always point to needing immediate care, but can point to underlying conditions that should be treated as soon as possible.
How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?
During regular dental check-ups, Dr. Mehta or your dental hygienists will keep an eye on how your wisdom teeth are developing with X-Rays and other procedures. They’ll discuss with you if you need to get your wisdom teeth removed, and if you do, will guide you every step of the way through the extraction and healing process.
I have bad anxiety when going to the dentist’s office. Will this be an issue when I go in for my routine cleaning?
Your anxiety should never be an issue or thought of as a burden. Dr. Mehta has plenty of tools to help get around your anxiety during your dental visit. You can listen to music or white noise, have diffusers turned on for aromatherapy, and take breaks during your appointment. Chicago Loop Dentistry wants your appointment to go as seamless as possible, and we strive to make you as comfortable as we can.
Do you offer emergency dental appointments?
We always want to accommodate you as best as we possibly can. If you need an emergency appointment, first start by scheduling an appointment on our website here to see if there are immediate openings. If you don’t see any openings, call us at (312)-372-3323 so we can try to get you in as fast as possible.
Can my whole family have dental services performed on them?
You bet! Here at Chicago Loop Dentistry, we want to welcome your whole family with open arms. Whether you have children, teens, adults, or senior citizens that need dental work performed, we’re here to help you out.
What do I do if I think my teeth are starting to decay?
Some common signs of tooth decay include darker staining around your teeth, pain when drinking, eating, or biting down, tooth sensitivity, and random toothaches. If you consistently experience these symptoms and are concerned about tooth decay, contact Chicago Loop Dentistry as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Dr. Mehta will identify what’s happening and provide proper treatment so you’re feeling as good as new again.
If I need teeth replaced, how do I choose from removable dentures, dental implants, or other options?
Dr. Mehta understands how hard it can be to make a decision about your new teeth. If you have questions about either option or can’t make a final decision, don’t hesitate to contact Chicago Loop Dentistry for more information about each. While you need to make a final decision, we’ll provide you information about both dentures and implants to help you be better informed about your options.
I notice I grind my teeth a lot when I sleep. Is that bad?
Depending on the severity and duration of your teeth grinding, you could chip, loosen, or break your teeth. If you’re concerned about teeth grinding, inform Dr. Mehta about your teeth grinding habits at your next appointment so she can help you with next steps and further guidance.
How do I floss my teeth with braces or retainers?
Threaders are inexpensive tools you can use to floss with braces or retainers. Simply thread a piece of dental floss through the eye of the threader. Insert the small, plastic needle under the wire of your braces, and floss like you would without braces. You can order threaders online and find them in many stores in the oral hygiene aisle.
When is jaw pain or soreness bad?
Mostly everyone experiences jaw pain or soreness at one point in their lives or another. However, if your jaw pain is consistent, doesn’t go away, and gets worse with time, make an appointment with Dr. Mehta as soon as you can. She’ll figure out what’s going on and offer treatment options if they’re needed.
What happens if I get a tooth knocked out?
If one or more of your teeth get knocked out, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta as soon as you can. We’ll assess the current state of your teeth and provide swift treatment so you’re feeling back to normal as soon as possible.
What is TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) pain?
Your TMJ is like a sliding hinge that connects your skull to your jawbone. TMJ pain happens when ligaments and muscles around your jaw become inflamed and otherwise irritated. If you think you may have TMJ pain, contact Dr. Mehta to get an appointment as soon as possible.
Do you offer assistance for injuries sustained on the job?
Chicago Loop Dentistry is proud to provide dental services to workers who get injured on the job. Dr. Mehta and her team recognize how stressful the entire worker’s comp system is, and they have the necessary knowledge to help you every step of the way. Chicago Loop Dentistry is here to help you out!
Do you accept new patients or walk-ins?
Dr. Mehta encourages anyone and everyone who needs dental work to schedule a dental appointment. No one is excluded from treatment, which especially includes walk-ins and new patients! The caring staff at Chicago Loop Dentistry encourages you to call our number at (312)-548-7795 to set an appointment today.
What happens if my insurance provider changes?
As soon as you experience a change in insurance, contact the staff at Chicago Loop Dentistry. We will change your insurance we have on file and notify you of any coverage changes.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
That’s not a problem! Dr. Mehta and the rest of the caring team at Chicago Loop Dentistry still offers dental services to you. We even have a Membership Plan you can apply to so you can still get benefits of having insurance without paying steep prices for routine appointments.
What’s involved in your membership plan?
We have two membership plans at Chicago Loop Dentistry. The first is a general plan you can apply for that includes X-rays, 2 comprehensive exams, 1 problem-focused exam, a full periodontal assessment, 2 routine cleanings or periodontal maintenance, and 2 fluoride treatments. The other is a TMJ plan specifically for folks with TMJ pain. With this plan, you buy 4 treatments and get your 5th completely free!
What’s the best way to prevent plaque and calcium forming on my teeth?
The best way to prevent plaque and calcium buildup is to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. If you’re worried about too much buildup or can’t seem to remove it, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta and she’ll get you taken care of as soon as possible.
Is it bad if my teeth aren’t purely white?
Your teeth can be perfectly healthy and not 100% white. However, there may be room for concern if you notice dark discoloration or teeth that change in color quickly. If you have any questions about the health of your teeth, don’t hesitate to make an appointment here at Chicago Loop Dentistry and get them checked out!
Can drinking too much of a colored liquid be bad for my teeth?
Drinking excessive amounts of colored liquids or heavily acidic liquids can stain your teeth and even etch away at your enamel over time. To prevent staining as much as possible, always remember to brush twice a day.
What happens if my removable retainer doesn’t fit anymore?
If your removable retainer doesn’t fit anymore, it’s a sign that your bite is changing. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta as soon as possible and she’ll assess your bite and talk about your retainer options.
What happens if my bonded tooth chips again?
Repaired teeth tend to chip over time, especially if you’ve had that bonded material on your natural tooth for many years. If you notice a chip in your repaired tooth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta as soon as possible to get that tooth back in tip-top condition.
What’s the difference between teeth whitening and veneers?
Both teeth whitening and veneers help restore the color of your teeth to the way you want them to look. Teeth whitening is far less invasive than veneers and doesn’t alter the current shape of your teeth. Veneers, on the other hand, are a cosmetic treatment designed to change the shape, appearance, and color of your teeth. If you have any questions about your cosmetic dental options, don’t hesitate to give Dr. Mehta a call! She’ll answer any and all questions you have.
