It is extremely important to Dr. Sundberg and Dr. Beversdorf that you understand exactly what is involved when it comes to the extraction of you or your child’s wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are extracted for two general reasons: either the wisdom teeth have already become impacted, or the wisdom teeth could potentially become problematic if not extracted.

 

What are impacted wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last teeth to erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth are unable to erupt. They may have grown in at an awkward angle or are blocked by another tooth or even your jawbone. Over time, your impacted tooth could cause problems such as decay, damage to other teeth or pain.

 

Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17 and 21. However, they may begin causing problems years earlier. There is not always enough room at the back of your jaw for your wisdom teeth, this can lead to inflammation, pain and difficulty opening your jaw.

 

Potential problems caused by the presence of properly grown-in wisdom teeth include infections caused by food particles easily trapped in the jaw area behind the wisdom teeth where regular brushing and flossing is difficult and ineffective. Such infections may be frequent, and can cause considerable pain and medical danger. Another reason to have a wisdom tooth removed is if the tooth has grown in improperly, causing the tongue to brush up against it.

 

Dr. Sundberg and Dr. Beversdorf will always suggest saving a tooth whenever possible. Other than wisdom teeth, you may have other problematic teeth that have decay, have been traumatized or need to be extracted to make room for other crowded teeth.

 

There are ways to save your original teeth from extraction and we suggest that you speak with Dr. Sundberg or Dr. Beversdorf before you decide which course of action is best for you.

Maintaining proper oral health is about more than just caring for your teeth; it's about tending to the needs of your gums as well. Whether you're suffering from gum disease or are simply concerned about the state of your gums, you've come to the right place. At our Mendota, IL practice, we offer a number of diagnostic, preventative, and treatment services in the field of periodontics.

 

At West Side Family Dentistry, we understand that you may have questions about gum disease and its impact on your overall oral health. That's why we'll take the time to evaluate your condition thoroughly and offer you the treatment or follow-up care options that will best serve your needs. We're committed not only to the health of your gums, but to your health as a whole.

 

Untreated gum problems can escalate all too quickly, so don't put off a visit to West Side Family Dentistry. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Let Dr. Sundberg Give Your Child the Gift of a Beautiful Broad, Healthy Smile!

Dr. Sundberg loves kids! And most certainly loves to help them have the straightest, healthiest smiles possible. Dr. Sundberg has been extremely well educated on the benefits of offering early orthodontic care for children.

 

Give your child the gift of a beautiful, healthy smile! Here at West Side Family Dentistry in Mendota, Dr. Sundberg and the team of dental professionals offers early orthodontic care for children. By treating your child’s problems early, you save money and may prevent the need for more extensive future treatment. Dr. Sundberg can get your child’s smile off to a healthy start by treating your child early! Parents want the best for their children; straight teeth, properly sized jaws, straight profiles and beautiful smiles.

 

75% of 12-year-olds need orthodontic treatment, yet 90% of a child’s face has already developed by that age!  Here at West Side Family Dentistry in Mendota, Dr. Sundberg guides your child’s facial development early with functional appliances. Up to 80% of your child’s treatment can be corrected before the adult teeth are present!

 

Many children who need orthodontic treatment due to a bad bite have underdeveloped lower jaws. Dr. Sundberg utilizes functional appliances which can reposition the lower jaw forward, improve your child’s profile and correct the bite problem within 7 to 9 months!

 

Why are functional appliances so important?

Dr. Sundberg utilizes functional appliances which can help correct and can often prevent: Bite problems, underdeveloped jaws, narrow arches, crowded teeth, deep overbites, jaw joint problems, airway problems and thumb-sucking habits.

 

Many children with narrow jaws, deep overbites or receding lower jaws have unhealthy jaw joints which can cause:

• Headaches and neck pain

• Dizziness and fainting

• Earaches or ringing in the ears

• Clicking and locking jaws, or difficulty opening jaws

 

Deep overbites and receding lower jaws may cause earaches, stuffiness or ringing in the ears. If infection has been ruled out, functional appliances can eliminate these symptoms effectively.

 

Mouth breathing can lead to orthodontic problems as well, leading to problems such as poor sleep habits. This can leave children prone to daytime fatigue, an inability to concentrate in school and headaches. Mouth breathing can cause narrow arches and unattractive smiles. By using functional appliances while children are actively growing, Dr. Sundberg and the team here in Mendota can help them achieve a broad, beautiful smile and prevent many issues.

 

Due to the fact that younger children between the ages of 8 and 11 are often much more cooperative than children between the ages of 12 to 14, the use of functional appliances becomes very smart! As well, early phase one treatment with functional appliances will probably mean that your child will need to wear fixed braces on their adult teeth for less time.

 

Crowded teeth are caused by narrow arches. Developing the arches at an early age may prevent or eliminate the crowding of permanent teeth and often eliminates the need to remove any adult teeth. Narrow jaws can confine the tongue and interfere with normal speech. Functional appliances help ensure proper growth and greatly enhance your child’s ability to speak normally.

 

Dr. Sundberg and the dental team’s early use of functional appliances can prevent or eliminate the need for the removal of adult teeth and lengthy use of braces, speech difficulties and crowding.

 

Early phase one treatment with functional appliances, (ages 5 to 12), should be initiated for habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking, a constricted airway due to swollen adenoids or tonsils, mouth breathing or snoring problems, a bad bite or narrow or underdeveloped jaws. Dr. Sundberg suggests that it is critical to correct any functional or jaw problems as soon as they are diagnosed. During phase two, (ages 12 to 14), your child’s teeth are straightened with braces, which usually take about 1½ to 2 years.

 

A functional appliance may provide your child with improved appearance and speech. Dr. Sundberg takes great pride in helping children to have the healthiest most beautiful smile possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with one of our West Side Family Dentistry team members today.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when one’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Those affected by sleep apnea may stop breathing many times during their sleep which means that the body and brain may not be getting enough oxygen. There are two types of sleep apnea, Obstructive sleep apnea and Central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form, occurs when a person’s throat muscles relax not allowing the body to basically breathe in. Central sleep apnea occurs when one’s brain does not send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.

 

What Are the Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea?

Patients who suffer from sleep apnea could experience many common symptoms. People who experience loud snoring, waking up with a very sore or dry throat, or waking up with a choking or gasping sensation could have this disorder. In addition, sleep apnea has been known to cause morning headaches, restless sleep, and lack of energy during the day. Dr. Sundberg and Dr. Beversdorf recommend patients with symptoms related to sleep apnea seek care from our team immediately to prevent further health risks.

 

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when one’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Those affected by sleep apnea may stop breathing many times during their sleep which means that the body and brain may not be getting enough oxygen. There are two types of sleep apnea, Obstructive sleep apnea and Central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form, occurs when a person’s throat muscles relax not allowing the body to basically breathe in. Central sleep apnea occurs when one’s brain does not send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.

 

Did You Know?

Over 40 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, and 20 million suffer from obstructive sleep apnea? Only 93% of women and 82% of men with moderate to severe OSA remain undiagnosed. Take this short questionnaire to determine your risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

 

Treating Sleep Apnea & Snoring?

Treating sleep apnea is extremely important. Left untreated, this disorder could cause stroke or heart failure. Some of the ways to treat sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure, and a custom made sleep apnea device that can be made for you here at Westport Family Dental.

 

At West Side Family Dentistry, Dr. Sundberg and Dr. Beversdorf are very happy to answer any questions you may have concerning snoring and sleep apnea.