Richard Pape, DDS - Orland Park, IL

What Are My Dental Filling Options? – Orland Park, IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:53:03 +0000

Dr. Richard Pape of Orland Park, IL is an experienced dentist and offers plenty of options for you to choose from when it comes to dental fillings. Many patients are confused by what kinds of dental filling options are available for their procedure. The options vary depending on the patient’s health, where and how the filling is placed, the amount of chewing pressure the tooth will have to bear, components of the filling material and the number of visits needed to prepare and accommodate the tooth. Some of the choices include amalgam, composite and ionomers. Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials. Since amalgam fillings can sustain very heavy chewing loads, they are usually used to restore molars. Some of the disadvantages of amalgam fillings are that the silver tone is not as natural looking, possible short-term sensitivity, and more tooth structure is removed to conform the filling. Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, this mix produces a tooth colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations where there is moderate chewing pressure. Because less tooth structure is removed when using a composite, a smaller filling can be used than one using amalgam. Some downsides of composite fillings are that they are moderately more expensive than amalgam depending on the size of the filling and technique used by Dr. Richard Pape, procedure time is generally longer than when using amalgam, and they tend to stain and discolor over time. Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders. Ionomers are usually utilized to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance since they have low protection against fractures. As with any procedure, Dr. Richard Pape suggests to call us today at (708)403-9848 or come into the office where she can fully discuss which option is better and most efficient for you.

Content Received from ADA

Invisible Braces – Invisalign – Orland Park, IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:45:51 +0000

Dr. Richard Pape of Orland Park, IL knows that having a healty and straight smile is very important to his patients. However, many of those patients want a healthy and straight smile, but do not want to deal with the bothers of braces; when that is the case, Dr. Richard Pape advises the use of Invisalign. Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. Whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have shifted, Invisalign may be right for you.

Upon an initial examination, Dr. Richard Pape will decide if Invisalign is right for you. He will then write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth. Thanks to the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates Dr. Richard Pape instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. The aligners will move your teeth gradually week by week until you achieve the smile you have always desired. For more information about Invisalign, please call Dr. Richard Pape at (561) 689-0872 and we will be happy to give you more information.

Understanding Oral Cancer – Orland Park, IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:29:23 +0000

Cancer is not to be taken lightly and neither is oral cancer. It can be very hard to detect but to the trained dental professional eye, it can be found. There are several types of cancers and in several different locations including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat. How can they be found? Well, at routine dental visits Dr. Richard Pape will thoroughly examine your mouth, head and neck for any abnormal lumps, or tissue that looks out of the ordinary. If anything looks suspicious, further examination can be performed in the office or be referred to specialists. More likely than not unusual, areas are nothing or benign.

The symptoms of oral cancer can be tricky because they can come and go or may go unnoticed. The most common symptoms are swelling, lumps, bumps, rough spots, or eroding on lips, tongue, or any area in the mouth. There can also be difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores lasting longer than two weeks and severe weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, it does not always mean “the big C,” but you should always have them examined. It is important to be responsible for your own health as well. Self checking every month is a good way to be aware. Simply, being familiar with your own mouth can help you notice if something is suddenly different.

A good defense to oral cancer is being educated and prepared. Early detection is key for Dr. Pape and thus offers a test that can detect cells that can be precancerous. This is another great way to offer great care for patients. If you have questions about it, you can always ask Dr. Richard Pape at your appointment or call our office at (708)403-9848 and one of our staff members will be glad to assist you.

Look After What You Eat After Teeth Whitening Procedures – Orland Park, IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:52:04 +0000

Following a teeth whitening procedure, Dr. Richard Pape will advise you to watch what you eat since many types of food and drink can stain your teeth. Consumption of products such as tobacco, soy sauce, soft drinks and wine will eventually stain teeth, thus consumption should be limited or avoided if white teeth are desired. However, there are certain foods and drinks that can actually help you maintain white teeth. For example, firm fruits such as apples, green beans, cauliflower, carrots and celery will scrub your teeth while you chew as well as promote the flow of saliva which protects teeth. Dairy products high in calcium will keep teeth white and the lactic acid in those products will help prevent tooth decay. Call Dr. Richard Pape today at (708)403-9848 to schedule an appointment and keep your teeth radiant and healthy.

Content Received from USA Today

Pediatric Dentistry in Orland Park, IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:20:44 +0000

Dr. Richard J. Pape of Orland Park, IL recommends starting an oral regimen on children even before teeth appear by wiping a baby’s gums or using a baby toothbrush and water. As toddlers, it is a good time to begin brushing and flossing since teeth are in contact with each other and can begin to develop bacteria as well as plaque. Considering not all children need their teeth flossed at this age, it is a good idea to ask Dr. Richard J. Pape for advice. When children reach age two, foster them to brush their own teeth, but make sure to follow up to make sure they are clean. Using fun games or a themed toothbrush can make children more willing to follow a positive oral hygiene routine.

Call us today at (708)403-9848 to learn more.

Content Received from Oral B

Inlays and Onlays – Orland Park, IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:16:23 +0000

Inlays and onlays are frequently used to restore teeth that are severely damaged by decay or wear. They are usually applied to the chewing surfaced of the back teeth. They provide more strength than a filling and are more conservative than a full crown.

A porcelain onlay is fabricated to fit your tooth precisely and is bonded tightly in place to strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Like a crown, an onlay covers and protects the tooth’s biting surface. Where a crown covers the entire tooth, an onlay fits inside the tooth cusps and covers only the biting surfaces. Because an onlay is fabricated in a dental laboratory, it takes two or more appointments to restore a tooth with a porcelain onlay.

Bonding for Chipped or Broken Teeth – Orland Park, IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:58:06 +0000

Bonding is a great way for you to regain confidence in your smile if you have chipped or broken one (or more) of your teeth. Bonding is a process of directly applying a tooth-colored composite to your tooth. Once the composite is applied, our dentist will sculpt and shape it to make a perfect looking tooth. A high-intensity ultraviolet light is then used to harden the composite and is finished off by a fine polishing.

Not only is bonding useful for chipped and broken teeth, but it is great for stained teeth that are resistant to professional whitening treatment.

Although bonding does not last as long as veneers or crowns; with proper care, bonding composites can last for years.

For more information, please contact our offices.

White Composite Fillings provide a tooth colored filling

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:45:12 +0000

White Composite Fillings provide a tooth colored filling vs. amalgam fillings. White composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be “bonded” or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. Dr.Richard Pape DDS in Orland Park can provide expert white composite fillings for your teeth.

In Office ZOOM! Teeth Whitening – Orland Park IL

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:09:52 +0000

How In Office ZOOM! Teeth Whitening Works:

The ZOOM! light activated gel was developed after years of research by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional take-home tooth whitening. The gel is scientifically formulated, pH balanced Hydrogen Peroxide that, when activated by the Zoom! light, gently penetrates the teeth only to remove deep stains and discoloration, while leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged. With proper care and on occasional touch up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for years.

Tune into Zoom!
Ask your dental professional how the Zoom! In-Office Whitening System will work for you. Take your first step to feeling good, looking great and making a memorable impression every time you smile. You owe it to yourself!

A Note of Assurance
Tooth whitening is a well established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen Peroxide, the active ingredient in Zoom!, has also been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue.

The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, are more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth.

Porcelain Veneers are Great for Chipped, Broken, Crooked, or Discolored Teeth

Richard Pape DDS - Orland Park Dentistry — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:00:49 +0000

Why Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers may be used to modify or enhance the color, size, and shape of your teeth. Porcelain veneers provide an excellent alternative to crowns, bonding, ineffective tooth-whitening procedures, and in some cases, orthodontia. Porcelain veneers require at least two office visits and are fabricated by a skilled dental laboratory technician.

Advantages and Benefits of Veneers:

The procedure takes only two appointments
A conservative amount of tooth structure is removed during the procedure
Veneers are the most biocompatible material you can use next to the gingiva (part of the gum tissue that immediately surrounds the teeth and alveolar bone)
A healthy “natural” look is achieved; in fact, porcelain veneers are the most aesthetic restoration in dentistry

Richard Pape DDS in Orland Park IL is an expert in Porcelain Veneers.