Most people can pinpoint the exact moment they realized something was wrong with their teeth. Maybe you bit into an apple and felt a sharp crack. Perhaps you noticed bleeding every time you brushed, or you’ve been avoiding cold drinks for months because of the shooting pain they cause. These moments matter because they’re your body’s way of telling you it needs help.
At Floss Lincoln Park, we see patients every day who’ve been putting off dental care because they weren’t sure what was wrong or felt anxious about treatment. Our team understands dental problems rarely show up at convenient times, so we’ve built our practice around making care accessible and comfortable. Whether you need a simple filling or more complex restorative work, our comprehensive services give you options that fit your situation and help you move forward with confidence.
Common Dental Issues and How We Fix Them
Recognizing dental problems early gives you more treatment options and often prevents more serious complications down the road. The most common issues we see in our practice and the solutions that can help you find relief and restore your smile include the following:
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Cavities remain one of the most common dental problems across all age groups, with nearly 90% of all U.S. adults having decay in their teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce acids when you eat or drink sugary foods, and these acids attack your enamel over time, potentially forming cavities. You might notice sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, visible holes or pits in your teeth, or pain when biting down.
The solution depends on how advanced the decay has become. Small cavities typically require composite fillings to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage. For more extensive decay, we may recommend dental crowns to protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure.
Gum Disease and Inflammation
Your gums provide the foundation for healthy teeth, but they’re vulnerable to inflammation and infection. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, causes redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone supporting your teeth.
Early-stage gum inflammation often responds well to improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings. More advanced cases may require specialized periodontal treatments to remove bacteria below the gum line and promote healing. You should never ignore bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, as these symptoms often indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sharp, sudden discomfort when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee isn’t something you should accept as normal. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective enamel wears down or when gums recede, exposing the tooth’s inner layers. This exposure allows temperature changes and certain foods to reach the nerve endings inside your teeth.
Solutions range from using desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride treatments to more comprehensive approaches like gum contouring for receded gums. Sometimes sensitivity signals a cavity or cracked tooth, which requires different treatment. During your appointment, we’ll identify the cause of your sensitivity and create a treatment plan to restore your comfort.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Teeth can crack or chip from biting hard foods, grinding your teeth at night, or experiencing trauma. Even small chips deserve attention, as they can lead to bigger problems if bacteria enter the damaged area. You might notice rough edges, sensitivity, or pain when chewing.
Minor chips often benefit from teeth bonding, where we apply tooth-colored resin to restore the tooth’s shape and appearance. Larger cracks or breaks may require dental crowns or veneers to protect the tooth and prevent further damage, as they cover more of the tooth’s surface.
Missing Teeth
Losing one or more teeth affects more than your appearance. It can change how you eat, speak, and even how your remaining teeth align. Gaps in your smile allow neighboring teeth to shift position, potentially creating bite problems and making it harder to maintain good oral hygiene.
Modern dentistry offers several solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants provide a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth by replacing the tooth root. Dental bridges work well when you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap. For those missing multiple teeth or all teeth on an arch, dentures offer an effective way to restore function and appearance.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Pain
Many people grind or clench their teeth without realizing it, often during sleep. Over time, this habit wears down enamel, causes jaw pain, and can lead to headaches. You might wake up with a sore jaw, notice your teeth look shorter or more worn, or experience unexplained facial pain.
If you’re dealing with jaw discomfort or suspect you grind your teeth, we can evaluate your symptoms and discuss TMJ/TMD treatment options. A custom night guard protects your teeth from further damage and often reduces associated pain. Addressing grinding early prevents more serious complications and helps you maintain your natural tooth structure.
Discolored or Stained Teeth
Teeth naturally darken with age, but coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods accelerate staining. Some medications and lifestyle habits also contribute to discoloration. While stained teeth don’t necessarily indicate a health problem, they can affect your confidence and how you feel about your smile.
Professional teeth whitening removes surface stains and brightens your smile several shades in a single appointment thanks to high-concentration formulas. For more dramatic transformations or teeth with intrinsic staining, veneers or complete smile makeovers provide comprehensive solutions. We’ll evaluate your teeth and discuss which approach makes sense for your specific situation and aesthetic goals.
Misaligned Teeth and Bite Issues
Crooked teeth or bite problems affect more than appearance. They can make cleaning your teeth properly difficult, lead to uneven wear, and contribute to jaw pain. You may even avoid smiling because you feel self-conscious about your crooked teeth.
We offer comprehensive orthodontic solutions to address alignment issues at any age. Invisalign provides a discreet option for straightening teeth without traditional hardware. We also offer treatments like early intervention orthodontics for children and adult orthodontics for those who never received treatment earlier in life. Even complex cases often respond well to modern orthodontic approaches.
Address Your Dental Problems With Exceptional Care at Floss Lincoln Park
Dealing with dental problems doesn’t have to be overwhelming or painful. Our team at Floss Lincoln Park combines advanced training with genuine compassion to provide comfortable, effective solutions for whatever concerns bring you to our office. Dr. Delone Jouja and Dr. Martha Silva bring years of experience to every patient interaction, ensuring you receive care that addresses both your immediate concerns and long-term oral health.
We’ve designed our practice around your convenience and comfort, offering extended hours, digital systems, and comprehensive services under one roof. From routine cleanings to complex restorative work and cosmetic improvements, our team has the skills and technology to meet your needs. Contact us to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward resolving your dental concerns and maintaining your healthiest smile.
