Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Chicago, IL

How often should I see my dentist?

The American Dental Association, along with our team at United Dental Centers of Chicago, recommends visiting your dentist in Chicago every six months, or twice a year, for a dental checkup and cleaning to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. These professional visits will allow us to spot and treat the small issues before they have a chance to grow.

Will I need a referral for dental implants?

At United Dental Centers of Chicago, we’re able to complete the entire dental implant process with one team—so, to answer the question, no!

Our office in Whiting, Indiana is where we do the placement part of the process. Fortunately for you, our Whiting, Indiana office is located 3.5 miles (only about a 10 minute drive) from our Chicago practice. Once your implants have been placed, we’ll be able to finish off your treatment at our Chicago dental practice that’s closest to you.

Are bleeding gums a serious problem?

Bleeding gums on their own isn’t necessarily a sign that you need a dentist right away, but it is a warning to potentially be better about sticking to your oral hygiene routine. One of the first symptoms of gum disease that people often experience is bleeding gums whenever they brush or floss. To reverse this early-stage effect, you can be more diligent about brushing twice a day and flossing daily, causing the bleeding to stop with time.

The bleeding can also be caused by brushing and flossing too hard, which could lead to damage to your teeth and gums if it’s not controlled moving forward.

How often do I need to swap out my toothbrush?

There are countless bacteria in your mouth that can transfer to your toothbrush, and when you’re sick germs and viruses can do so, too! How long they stay there is another story, but you’ll need to change it out for a new one every three months to keep bacteria accumulation from happening. It’s a good idea to change it right after you get over being sick as well to avoid re-infecting yourself.

Do you accept my dental insurance?

We accept all PPO dental insurance plans at United Dental Centers of Chicago, meaning we’ll file claims on your behalf and help you get the most out of your benefits. We’re in-network with many PPO dental insurance plans as well, which will allow you to save even more from out-of-pocket costs. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to learn whether we’re in-network with your plan.

How can I afford dental care if I’m uninsured?

Our dental team is happy to offer additional financing through CareCredit, a trusted, third-party financer that specifically helps patients with healthcare costs. They provide low-to-no interest monthly payment plans, making it easier for uninsured patients to fit the cost of dental treatment into their monthly budget.