Category: Featured Articles

Finding a dentist you trust can be a daunting task. Many people feel like referrals from friends and family are always the way to go. Dr. Dean D. Dietrich, DMD takes the time to deliver the highest level of patient care, and many of his patients have come to him from referrals. If you are looking for a trustworthy, reliable, and experienced dentist who cares about making dental care affordable and accessible, come to our office to meet Dr. Dietrich.

The doctor treats each patient as an individual and believes that visiting the dentist can be a comfortable and gentle experience. He performs a wide range of services from root canals and crowns, to teeth whitening and implants, all in his Dolton office. His goal in opening his practice was to make sure the rising cost of dental care didn’t keep patients from seeking the treatment they need and deserve. His biggest pride is delivering quality care at a great value.

At Pleasant Dental, we focus on prevention as the key to good oral health. Dr. Dietrich takes the time to educate all of his patients on the importance of proper at-home dental care and checkups every six months. Staying proactive about visiting the dentist ensures any issues will be caught early when treatment is less invasive and less expensive.

Many patients come to Dr. Dietrich because they are experiencing problems. This might range from missing one or two teeth to the need for full dentures. Whatever the issue, Dr. Dietrich offers restorative treatments such as bridges, implants, and dentures that will dramatically improve the appearance and functionality of your mouth.

Dr. Dietrich takes the time to talk with patients about their needs and goals for their oral health, and he explains all procedures in an easily understandable way. You will never feel like just another dollar sign when you are in his office. To him, keeping his patients happy and healthy is his number one priority. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean D. Dietrich, DMD and learn more about the team and services provided at Pleasant Dental.

Smiling is essential to a good first impression. No matter how put together you are, discolored or dingy teeth can detract from your smile and have you leaving the wrong lasting impression. At Pleasant Dental, we offer teeth whitening services that can rejuvenate your smile and give you the bright, sparkling smile that you desire.

Let’s first look at the biggest culprits for dull or stained teeth.

 

• Food – A good rule of thumb to follow is that if the food would stain a white tablecloth, it will stain your teeth. The main offenders are tea, dark colored sauces such as soy or tomato, wine, berries, and other brightly colored fruits, soda, candy, acidic foods.
• Tobacco –Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even smokeless tobacco can all stain your teeth in addition to being bad for your overall health.
• Hygiene – Improper brushing and flossing can cause a plaque build-up on the teeth that can leave stains.
• Excessive Fluoride – Water with excess fluoride can cause a brown discoloration of the teeth.
• Aging Dental Work – Silver fillings, old crowns, and bonding can all leave teeth stained.
• Medication – Certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications can discolor teeth.
• Heredity – It is true that some people are just prone to thinner enamel or darker teeth that are not bright and shiny white.

So what can you do about dingy teeth? Some solutions are easy, limit foods and beverages that cause staining, quit smoking, brush properly, and discuss with your dentist the benefits of in office teeth whitening.

Whiter teeth can boost your confidence, help you look younger, and encourage you to maintain proper oral hygiene to keep your smile looking brilliant.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available. Dr. Dietrich offers a variety of professional grade bleaching options that can leave your teeth sparkling. While almost all teeth whitening kits work to some extent, the bleaching agents used in professional treatments are much more potent and effective than over the counter alternatives. To find out more about the solutions offered at Pleasant Dental, call today and schedule an appointment.

 

At Pleasant Dental, we focus on providing comprehensive dental care in a professional and welcoming environment. You can guarantee that you will receive gentle treatment, personal attention, and the highest level of professionalism from everyone in our office. From the initial visit through the entire course of your treatment plan, we give every patient our best.

A few of the dentistry services provided by our friendly and helpful team in Dolton, IL:

Root Canals

Root canals have long been one of the most dreaded dental procedures. The truth is, the procedure is quite routine, and most patients leave the office saying it was nowhere near as bad as they thought. If you have a tooth that is tender when you put pressure on it, swelling of your gums, or a large cavity in a tooth, you may need a root canal.

Dentures

One of the best parts of our job at Pleasant Dental is restoring our patients’ smiles. Dentures can give you a natural smile and help restore your ability to eat and speak normally. If you are missing some or all of your teeth, dentures or partial dentures may be a good option.

Crowns

Crowns are a way to restore teeth that have been damaged or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. A cap is placed over the impaired tooth to protect it from further damage or decay. Crowns can also be effective to make cosmetic modifications to a misshapen or discolored tooth.

Gum Disease Treatment

If left untreated, gum disease can cause you to lose some or all of your teeth, and the key to keeping this from happening is early detection. Regular 6-month checkups with Dr. Dietrich will ensure that any potential gum disease is caught early. Treatment, when needed, is generally started with a deep cleaning, called scaling, that will remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.

Emergencies

Anyone who has experienced a severe toothache knows the pain can be excruciating. We allow room in our schedule every day to handle dental emergencies, so make sure to call our office at the first sign of one.

For quality dentistry services from a caring and trusted office, call us at Pleasant Dental today. [phone].

A dental crown is an economical and durable way to repair a damaged tooth. It fits like a cap, covering all sides. Crowns may be needed for broken, worn down, or weakened teeth. They are used to protect teeth after root canal procedures and those with large cavities. The process only takes a few weeks to complete, and your tooth will be as good as new again.

Most patients want to know how long that wonderful result will last. The short answer is about five to fifteen years. However, that is simply a commonly quoted number, based on averages. The reality can be much longer, or, in unfortunate cases shorter. What you really want to know is how long your crown will last. That depends on several factors, namely the crown, the dentist, and you.

Type of crown

Cosmetic dentistry is all the rage these days, and Dr. Dean Dietrich is exceptionally talented at it. He is also realistic about the potential pitfalls. Crowns are a perfect example. A gold crown might last 40 or 50 years; many people never need to replace them. Of course, (in most people’s opinion) a gold tooth doesn’t look as nice as a white one. If done right, a porcelain crown should last over a decade, but it’s not likely to hang in there as long as gold.

Porcelain fused to metal is a good compromise for some situations. It’s not quite as strong as all metal, but it is close. Similarly, it looks almost as natural as a porcelain crown, but there may be a slightly dark line around the base.

Technique

Dr. Dietrich has an excellent record of success with dental crowns, because he has extensive training and experience. To begin with, he will perform a comprehensive examination to determine if you are a good candidate. Most teeth can be saved, but not all. If a tooth is so loose, chewed up with cavities, or otherwise damaged that it can’t support a crown, he won’t recommend one.

If a crown is right for you, the first step is choosing the type. Dr. Dietrich will help you choose the best option. All-porcelain may last for a very long time on a front tooth, but it may crack quickly on a back tooth, especially if you grind your teeth. He will explain this, and other oral health issues such as malocclusion, which can affect the best materials. Additionally, the technicalities of how the tooth is prepared and the crown is seated can have a significant impact on its longevity.

Good habits

If you choose a skilled dentist, such as Dr. Dietrich, and made a wise decision about the type of crown for your situation, you have an excellent chance of a long-lasting restoration. The rest is up to you. Great oral hygiene is imperative. Dentists are fond of saying, “only brush and floss the teeth you intend to keep.” That goes double for any tooth with a restoration. If plaque builds up around the edges, bacteria can chew into the tooth supporting your crown. Getting cavities in that tooth is the fastest way to lose a crown! For the same reason, don’t skip your regular teeth cleaning appointments.

Are you are looking for a great restoration that fits your budget and your cosmetic concerns? Call Pleasant Dental in Dolton, Illinois at [phone] and schedule an appointment with Dr. Dietrich today.

Dental implants are a hot topic in dentistry right now. If you’ve been looking into options for replacing teeth, you have probably read about them. You might already know that implants can last a lifetime, protect your jawbone, and stabilize a replacement tooth like no other restoration can. Of course, you may have also heard a few concerning things, like the word “surgery.” Don’t worry; it’s not as bad as it sounds. In fact, it is a very gentle, predictable procedure – in the right hands.

The process only requires a tiny incision in the gums. A dental implant is a very small cylindrical piece of titanium. It is inserted through the incision and implanted into the jawbone. Naturally, the area is completely numbed before any work begins, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. If you are worried about recovery, don’t. Most people compare getting a dental implant to having a tooth pulled, and the extraction is often said to be the more difficult of the two.

The failure rate of implants is virtually non-existent, around two percent when performed correctly. It is a very minor, but very technique-sensitive procedure. The secret to having a great experience is finding the right doctor. Some general dentists place implants, which might sound convenient. However, implants are just a slice of a large pie in general practices. A dentist might perform a few from time to time, along with cleanings, fillings, and toothache treatments. A dedicated oral surgery may garner as much experience in a month as a general dentist would in a year.

Dr. Dietrich believes the fine-tuned skills that come with experience are indispensable with a delicate surgery. He works with exceptionally talented periodontal and oral surgeons to provide his patients with exceptional quality, comprehensive treatment. After the implant is in place, and the bone has healed around it, the next phase is Dr. Dietrich’s area of expertise. A brand new porcelain tooth (called a crown) is fabricated and placed atop the implant. He will consider the aesthetics, function, and optimal alignment to ensure that your new smile is just as healthy and durable as it is beautiful.

If you are looking for a Chicago dentist who has your best interest at heart, and designs your treatment accordingly, call Pleasant Dental at [phone] and schedule an appointment with Dr. Dietrich today.

At Pleasant Dental, we encourage patients to take the time to learn about all we have to offer. Our practice is dedicated to helping others in achieving healthy smiles that are beautiful and will last the test of time. However, even when patients take good care of their smiles, they may experience a dental emergency. Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental in the Chicago area encourages patients to visit before the unexpected occurs. Our practice doesn’t just offer emergency dentistry, but also a wide range of general, cosmetic, and restorative options.

The primary benefit of an emergency dentist is that someone is here to help and provide same-day care in many instances. Whether you have knocked out a tooth, chipped a tooth, or are struggling with a denture or other restoration that is not fitting properly, patients can call our practice and book an appointment. If we are in the office during business hours, we can often get patients in for a same-day visit.

We understand that the cost of emergency dental work can be overwhelming, especially since patients often haven’t planned for the expense. We work with dental insurance companies to get the best possible coverage and greatly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for our patients. Additionally, we provide financing options that allow our patients to pay on a monthly basis for the care they received the day of their emergency.

Dr. Dean Dietrich can help when problems arise, but he encourages patients to visit his practice well beforehand and consider his team for conventional dental work. Our office team is reachable by calling [phone]. We can schedule patients for a tour of the practice or for general dental work to start building a positive relationship. Call today and make an appointment to see what sets Pleasant Dental apart from the competition!

Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental in Dolton, IL provides many services to patients in the community. He is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving the smiles they’ve always wanted, whether they require general, cosmetic, or restorative procedures. Pleasant Dental offers all these solutions and encourages patients to take the time to learn about what can be done.

Below is a small sampling of the procedures available through Pleasant Dental:

• Root canals – root canal therapy, also referred to as endodontic therapy, is a great way to restore a natural tooth that has been infected. It requires the removal of the dental pulp from inside the tooth to eliminate the nerves and blood supply.
• Dental crowns – a crown, which some patients call a “cap,” is a restoration made of porcelain that is bonded over a tooth to cover it and offer an extra layer of protection. Crowns may also be used in restoring dental implants or creating a dental bridge.
• Aligner teeth straightening – step aside traditional braces! Invisalign offers patients the opportunity to realign their smiles with clear aligner trays instead of brackets and wires.
• Dentures – full and partial dentures can be made for patients who are missing teeth. Both are available in our state-of-the-art practice.
• Bridges – dental bridges can be used as an alternative to dental implants or dentures, and provide a replacement option for missing teeth.
• Teeth whitening – bleaching the teeth with a professional-grade whitening solution is the best way to achieve a brighter smile.
• Dental implants – replacing a single tooth can be done with dental implants. Implants may also be utilized for stabilizing full dentures or anchoring a dental bridge.
• Lumineers®/Veneers – covering imperfections is done simply in our practice with dental veneers. These thin facings blend in with the smile and provide an affordable way to disguise issues on the anterior teeth.
• Snap-on-Smile® – using a restoration that is worn over the dental arch such as the Snap-on-Smile® is a fast, easy way for patients to have a smile-ready appearance for every day or just special occasions.
• Deep Bleaching® – the smile’s brilliance can impact the overall look, which is why our team offers professional-grade bleaching solutions right in our office for a natural yet amazing appearance!

Dr. Dean Dietrich is dedicated to helping others improve their smiles, and encourages patients to contact his practice to learn more. Call [phone] to book an appointment. During the initial consultation and evaluation, patients can speak with their dentist about the concerns they have in regards to their smiles and discuss possible solutions. We also provide ways to save on dental care including applying insurance coverage and developing affordable financing plans to meet your budget.

If you are seeking the best dentist in the Chicago area who provides patients with a wide selection of services, now is the time to contact Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental. Patients know when they visit his practice that they can enjoy a number of treatments that are utilized in addressing general, cosmetic, and restorative aspects of the smile.

Services provided

Pleasant Dental communicates with patients and provides effective treatment plans for their needs. This includes services such as:

• Root canal – endodontic therapy is often needed to restore a tooth after infection has affected the dental pulp within a tooth.
• Dental crowns – crowns are porcelain restorations that offer protection for individual teeth that have been compromised.
• Invisalign – this alternative to traditional orthodontics allows patients to realign the teeth and enjoy a more attractive smile.
• Dentures – full and partial dentures are used to restore the smile’s appearance and function.
• Dental bridges – a bridge replaces one or more teeth in a row and is a wonderful middle-of-the-road option for patients considering permanent solutions.
• Teeth whitening – a brighter smile is just an appointment away! Dr. Dean Dietrich offers professional bleaching that can make the smile outshine the rest!
• Dental implants – replacing missing teeth can be achieved with versatile restorations such as dental implants which are available for placement right in our office.
• Gum disease – prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease is performed here at Pleasant Dental by Dr. Dean Dietrich.

Make an appointment

The team of Pleasant dental want to meet you! If you are ready to work with one of the best dentists in the area of Chicago, a phone call to Dr. Dean Dietrich is in order. Contact the practice today at [phone] and visit our conveniently located facility at 609 E. Sibley Blvd (147th) in Dolton, Illinois.

If you are new to the area, it can be a mess finding a new dentist. If you want a dentist who is there to guide you through dental anxiety, a dentist who makes it a goal to turn your dental dread into a sense of enjoyment and a fan of us, we can help! Pleasant Dental, located in Dolton, IL, is built around delivering you a positive and gentle dental experience. Your search for “dental services near me” is done.

Our responsibility as your dental office:

We strive to make your care comfortable and even enjoyable! We utilize compassionate care, take extra time, provide distractions (like tvs in our exam rooms), humor and courtesy to guide you through any dental treatment you see us for.

Some of the services we offer:

• Cosmetic dental treatments: We use KoR Deep Bleaching system to whiten your smile quickly. We use Lumineers, an innovative alternative to veneers which correct an array of cosmetic issues. Snap-On Smiles are available to those searching for easier cosmetic solutions.
• Dental bridges and dentures: We provide our patients with high-quality and natural looking dentures.
• Dental implants: This gold standard for tooth replacement provides our patients with natural looking restorations.
• Invisalign: This clear alignment system provides adults with the straight smile they’ve always dreamed of.
• General dental services: We provide our patients with their twice yearly cleanings, fillings, root canal treatments, and crowns.
• Gum disease treatment.
• Family dentistry: We provide dental care for the whole family.

Why choose us?

• Dr. Dietrich has been practicing since 1986. He believes in affordable, gentle, patient-centered dental care.
• We help those suffering dental anxiety to get the dental care they need and deserve.
• We are happy to help our patients maximize their insurance benefits to ensure they utilize all of the coverage they pay for.
• We never rush your care! We take the time to get to know you, your dental goals and how we can help make your treatment a pleasant experience.

Call immediately to get started on your smile! [phone].

Comprehensive literally means all or nearly all elements of something. Thus, a practice that promotes “comprehensive dentistry,” should ethically offer a range of services most needed by the average patient to prevent dental problems, maintain oral wellness, and enhance the smile. Today, that means most internet searches for “dental care near me​” in the Dolton, IL​ area reasonably expect to find implant services.

Why are implants important?

Historically, a missing tooth was replaced with a dental bridge. It sits on top of gum tissue, anchored in place by crowns on teeth adjacent to the gap. A bridge goes a long way toward restoring chewing function and appearance. Yet a dental implant has significant advantages:

• The implant becomes firmly fused in jawbone, supporting a porcelain crown. The result feels normal, cannot be visually distinguished from a natural tooth, and has the same chewing function.
• No special care is required. Just brush and floss the implanted tooth.
• A dental implant is the only tooth replacement method that helps to preserve facial bone. Each time you bite down, it stimulates strong bone that keeps the lower portion of the face from collapsing.
• For a patient with good oral habits, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
• Though upfront cost of a dental implant is a bit higher, longevity makes implantation a cost-effective choice for the long term.

Can dental insurance cover implants?

While that question has become more difficult to answer in today’s changing healthcare landscape, the response is still yes. Most plans use their own research methodology to determine usual and customary fees. This schedule outlines what the insurer considers to be a fair cost for treatment to resolve the patient’s issue. Thus, the insurance plan may pay the lowest cost alternative (a partial denture or bridge) toward a dental implant, subject to deductible and annual maximum provisions in the policy. Diagnostics and extraction may also be covered. The remainder is the patient’s responsibility. In addition, medical insurance could pick up some of the cost of bone grafting, or cover tooth replacement that results from work-related accidents.

Call Pleasant Dental at [phone] for assistance in obtaining a coverage estimate from your insurer.