Valentines Day

Did you know the actions leading to the beginnings of Valentine’s Day were actually centered on the avoidance of war? A Catholic priest named Valentine defied the orders of the Emperor Claudius II and secretly married young men and their brides after the emperor had declared it illegal because only single, young men could be sent to war. Rather than lose potential soldiers to fight his war, Claudius attempted to hoard them by proclaiming marriage illegal.

Valentine continued to marry young couples anyway and, eventually, was put to death for it in 270 AD. Before his death, he sent a letter to a secret love and signed it “From your Valentine”. Nearly 1,800 years later, people are still signing letters and cards in this manner. This year, carry on the tradition started long ago, while adding your own twist. Here are a few suggestions.

Simple and Creative Valentine’s Day Ideas

• Memorialize it with a Photo. Couples often have photos taken around Christmas, but Valentine’s Day photos allow you to capitalize on romance. Famous couple Julia Child and her husband, Paul, had their picture taken together every Valentine’s Day and included their sense of humor with silly props.
• Return to Your First Date Location. Even if your first date together was at a local hotdog stand, its sentimental value can make it a fun part of your Valentine’s Day agenda. Be creative and make a treasure hunt with clues that lead your partner to the original date location, where you can express your love with flowers or a gift.
• “From Your Valentine” Messages. Deliver your message in a creative way to make this Valentine’s Day stand out from the others. Bake your partner’s favorite treat and write a message on it with a tube of icing, or draw a note on the steamed up mirror so it shows up when your partner takes a shower.

Although Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, it doesn’t have to be a special day only for couples. If you’re single, use this special day to shower yourself with love, because you’re worth it! After all, the priest Valentine believed so strongly in the sanctity of love that he was willing to risk his life for it. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, young or old, romantic or not, Valentine’s Day is for you. Happy Valentine’s Day from the dental and cosmetic dental office of Metro Square Dental Associates , Metrodental.com, Vernon Hills, IL 847-680-7171

Oral Cancer Facts and Figures

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Oral cancer is largely viewed as a disease that affects those over the age of 40, but it can affect all ages, even non-tobacco and alcohol users. Oral cancer can occur on the lips, gums, tongue, inside lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and the floor of the mouth. Our team at Metro Square Dental Associates  recently put together some facts and figures to illustrate the importance of visiting our Vernon Hills office.

Our friends at the American Cancer Society recommend an oral cancer screening exam every three years for people over the age of 20 and annually for those over age 40. Because early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment, be sure to ask the Drs. at  Metro Square Dental Associates and our team to conduct an oral exam during your next visit to our Vernon Hills, IL office.

• Symptoms of oral cancer may include a sore in the throat or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal, a red or white patch that persists, a lump or thickening, ear pain, a neck mass, or coughing up blood. Difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaws are often late symptoms.
• The primary risk factors for oral cancer in American men and women are tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol use. Risk rises dramatically (30%) for people who both smoke and consume alcohol regularly.
• Oral cancers are part of a group of cancers commonly referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck cancers they comprise about 85% of that category.
• Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer among men.
• Oral cancer is more likely to affect people over 40 years of age, though an increasing number of young people are developing the condition.
• Death rates have been decreasing over the past three decades; from 2004 to 2008, rates decreased by 1.2% per year in men and by 2.2% per year in women, according to the American Cancer Society.
• About 75% to 80% of people with oral cavity and pharynx cancer consume alcohol.
• The risk of developing oral cavity and pharynx cancers increases both with the amount as well as the length of time tobacco and alcohol products are used.
• For all stages combined, about 84% of people with oral cancer survive one year after diagnosis. The five- and ten-year relative survival rates are 61% and 50%, respectively.
• It is estimated that approximately $3.2 billion is spent in the United States annually on treatment of head and neck cancers.

Cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the lip, tongue, mouth, and throat. Through visual inspection, The Drs. at Metro Square Dental Associates  can often detect premalignant abnormalities and cancer at an early stage, when treatment is both less extensive and more successful.

Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health either during your next scheduled appointment, by giving us a call at 847-680-7171 or asking us on Facebook.

Cerec, How does it work ?

CEREC is a technology that restores damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to our convenient  Vernon Hills, IL office. CEREC makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful, all while keeping your teeth looking natural. This is the finest restorative material available today, and is available in just one appointment by  JEFFREY T. COHEN D.D.S. AT METRODENTAL.COM, METRO SQAURE DENTAL ASSOCIATES

How does CEREC work?

First, The Doctors at Metro Square Dental Associates will meet with you to discuss the details of what you can expect. During the procedure, our doctors will apply a thin layer of reflective powder directly on the tooth’s surface. Next, a digital photo of your tooth is taken using a special camera. The image is then sent to the CEREC computer in our office, where your tooth’s restoration is designed using three-dimensional imagery. Once the design is complete, a blank ceramic block is placed into the CEREC computer-automated milling machine. A few minutes later,  The Drs. at Metrodental.com will cement or bond the milled restoration directly to the tooth, leaving you free to smile again.

Dr. Cohen and the other Drs at Metro Sqaure Dental Associates are your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations. Give us a call today at Vernon Hills  Dental office to learn more or schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Teeth Grinding: Not Just a Bad Habit, But a Dental Problem

Perhaps you don’t even know you grind your teeth. Maybe a spouse or loved one woke you up in the middle of the night and made you aware of what was happening.

For many people, teeth grinding is a habit and a mechanical reflex; when they’re awakened and informed they were grinding their teeth, they have no recollection of it at all. According to the American Dental Association, this is the nightly situation for roughly ten percent of Americans. From young children to the elderly, teeth grinding, known in the dental community as bruxism, is a serious concern.

Many people who grind their teeth in their sleep have no idea they’re doing it. In fact, when they wake up in the morning they feel no jaw pain and their teeth are fine: if it hadn’t been for someone telling them about it, the teeth grinding would have gone unnoticed.

There are other people, however, who wake up with jaw pain, shoulder and neck pain, and headaches. Teeth grinding can cause a host of dental complications. From cracked teeth and receding gums to a misaligned jaw, teeth grinding is not something to take lightly.

Preventive measures are the key to combating bruxism, and a visit to Metro Square Dental Associates can set you on the path to a healthy and safe night sleep.

The Reasons for Teeth Grinding

There are many reasons for teeth grinding. For some people, it’s a habit they acquired when they were a child and never grew out of. On the other hand, some research claims that the condition is related to stress, anxiety, or some other type of psychiatric issue.

Still other studies point to everything from poor muscle control or over-eating before bed to gastro-esophageal issues. However, the root cause of the teeth grinding is less important than identifying preventive measures against it.

Common solutions to teeth grinding include:

• Wearing a protective nightguard
• Stress management techniques
• Medications and muscle relaxers

When you make an appointment with Metro Square Dental Associates, Vernon Hills, IL  office, we will assess your situation and determine what the best course of action is. Teeth grinding is a dental concern that can cause serious health issues down the road, so be sure to take preventive measures today.847-680-7171, 10 West Phillip Road Vernon Hills, IL 60061 

Common Emergency Visits

You never know when you’re going to experience a dental emergency, but if you do, it should give you peace of mind to know that emergency dental care is available at our office 24/7. Whether you chip your front tooth playing softball, or your child knocks out a couple of teeth in a playground fall, receiving the emergency dental treatment you need is accessible and convenient.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, our team at Metro Square Dental Associates is here to help you any time of the day or night. Dental emergencies should not be taken lightly, so don’t delay. Contact our office as soon as possible. Common dental emergencies include the following:

Lost Fillings and Crowns

Fillings are used to repair cavities. Crowns, on the other hand, are used to cover broken or damaged teeth. Over time, it’s possible for both of these items to loosen and fall out. A lost filling or crown can be painful, because the exposed tissue may be sensitive. Hot and cold temperatures will cause discomfort. While a lost filling or crown might not be as severe a dental emergency as a broken or chipped tooth (most people respond quicker to pain than self-consciousness about their looks), you need to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Broken Dentures

If your dentures are broken, everyday tasks may become trying and arduous. If you can’t chew, swallow, or eat properly, the situation calls for emergency care. Depending on how damaged your dentures are, Metro Square Dental Associates may need to send out a mold of your mouth in order to have the manufacturer make a new pair. On the other hand, if the dentures are not damaged too badly, then we may be able to fix them in-house. If you’re having problems with your dentures, you should give us a call as soon as possible.

From chipped and cracked teeth to lost fillings and broken dentures, dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. Emergencies are unexpected, but we want you to know that treatment is available, day or night. When your dental health is at risk, we are here to help. In the case of a dental emergency, don’t wait; contact our Vernon Hills,IL office at your earliest convenience. 847-680-7171, www.metrodental.com

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR CEREC ?

CEREC is a technology our team at Metro Square Dental Associates uses for restoring damaged teeth. The procedure involves Dr. Cohen and Dr. Goodzey  digitally scanning the area in your mouth that needs restorative work and then creating a replacement using three-dimensional imagery and a milling machine. The best part? All of this takes place in just one appointment!

Using CEREC’s proprietary software, your restoration will be designed according to your tooth’s appropriate form and function. There are many advantages of CEREC over traditional crown technology. Here are a few:

• Less time spent in the dental chair: We know our patients lead busy lives. CEREC crowns are made in one visit, saving you considerable time away from the office, your loved ones, and other activities.
• More comfort: With CEREC, there is no need for a temporary crown, which eliminates potential discomfort.
• Appealing on the eyes: CEREC’s tooth-colored ceramic materials help restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function. They also closely match the composition of natural tooth structure.
• Durability: Milled ceramic is stronger than the traditional method of layering and pressing porcelain to metal, meaning your smile will be stunning for years to come!

Dr. Jeffrey T. Cohen and Dr. Sharon Goodzey  are your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations. Give us a call today at MetroDental.com at 847-680-7171 in Vernon Hills, IL  to learn more or schedule an appointment at our convenient Vernon Hills, IL office. We look forward to seeing you!

Dentistry Love Song - Valentine's Day

This is a Great Song for a Laugh !!!













Metro Square Dental Associates, 847-680-7171Vernon Hills, IL www.metrodental.com