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Neal Nealis, D.D.S.

Dentist

Neal Nealis, DDS is a top Dentist in Chicago, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Neal Nealis, DDS is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Neal Nealis, DDS is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Neal Nealis, DDS is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Chicago, IL, Neal Nealis, DDS is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Learn More About Me
51 years Experience
Neal Nealis, D.D.S.
Specializes in:
  • Dentist
  • General Dentistry
  • Oral Health
  • Chicago, IL
  • University of Illinois -Urbana
  • Accepting new patients

Is jaw surgery painful?

Jaw surgeries vary greatly. I would ask these questions of the person doing the surgery.

Are there any warning signs of gingivitis?

First of all, gingivitis isn’t a big deal. The word “gingiva” means gums. If your gums bleed, you have gingivitis. For most people, not flossing for a few days will cause their READ MORE
First of all, gingivitis isn’t a big deal. The word “gingiva” means gums. If your gums bleed, you have gingivitis. For most people, not flossing for a few days will cause their gums to bleed because the undisturbed germs organize and create ulcers in the gums. Blood leaks out through those same ulcers the germs pass through into the underlying tissues. The bone senses the germs and breaks down. Now what began as gingivitis has progressed into periodontitis, and periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss. So, where gingivitis in and of itself is no big deal, if you don’t take it seriously and start flossing, it will progress into something that is a big deal. So, which would you prefer, floss daily or one day experience gum surgery? Hmm, flossing sounds much better. 

My tongue is white. Is this really bad?

The white coating on your tongue could be as simple as a plaque build-up similar to what accumulates on your teeth following a meal. Do you ever brush your tongue? If not, you READ MORE
The white coating on your tongue could be as simple as a plaque build-up similar to what accumulates on your teeth following a meal. Do you ever brush your tongue? If not, you should. In fact, you should also brush the roof of your mouth and the insides of your cheeks to remove dead skin cells.

Neal Nealis, DDS

What can sensitive teeth mean?

Sensitive teeth can mean many things. Assuming that you get your teeth checked and cleaned regularly you probably do not have cavities and your sensitivity is most likely related READ MORE
Sensitive teeth can mean many things. Assuming that you get your teeth checked and cleaned regularly you probably do not have cavities and your sensitivity is most likely related to your 'bite' in which case you would need an "occlusal adjustment". If you do not see a dentist regularly, then you might have cavities and be on the verge of needing a root canal, and if this is the case, get an examination immediately.

What procedures require anesthesia at a dentist's office?

Local anesthesia (shots) are used to prevent pain. No one likes to feel pain. Today's local anesthetics are extremely effective. General anesthesia where you are put to sleep can READ MORE
Local anesthesia (shots) are used to prevent pain. No one likes to feel pain. Today's local anesthetics are extremely effective. General anesthesia where you are put to sleep can be used for more advanced surgical procedures like removing impacted wisdom teeth or surgically breaking and realigning a jawbone.

Is a broken tooth a dental emergency?

If you don't get that tooth restored, it will decay and become worse requiring more treatment and cost. If you play hockey, wear a mouthguard.

How can I prevent tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion can be a difficult problem. First, identify why the erosion is happening. Acid reflux? Aggressive brushing? Clenching the teeth? The treatment will depend upon the READ MORE
Tooth erosion can be a difficult problem. First, identify why the erosion is happening. Acid reflux? Aggressive brushing? Clenching the teeth? The treatment will depend upon the cause.

Does an impacted tooth require surgery?

If a tooth is impacted in the bone deeply enough, then often it does not require removal. You will need an x-ray and opinion from a dentist/oral surgeon.

Why do I need to go to an oral surgeon for my tooth extraction?

Wisdom teeth can be impacted in a variety of different ways. Some are more difficult to remove than others. An oral surgeon has the most experience at removing these difficult READ MORE
Wisdom teeth can be impacted in a variety of different ways. Some are more difficult to remove than others. An oral surgeon has the most experience at removing these difficult teeth. A general dentist is capable of removing the tooth, but he will take more time and your recovery will be more painful.

If I have mild tooth pain, should I be going to the dentist?

Sounds like you might have a cavity. You should visit a dentist twice yearly to prevent advanced problems. If you do have a cavity, it will get worse, damage more of the tooth READ MORE
Sounds like you might have a cavity. You should visit a dentist twice yearly to prevent advanced problems. If you do have a cavity, it will get worse, damage more of the tooth and become much more costly to repair. If you do not have a cavity, then you need an "occlusal adjustment".

Can a normal dentist replace my braces and filling?

A general dentist can place braces; however not all general dentists have taken the advanced training necessary to provide this service. So check with the dentist and investigate READ MORE
A general dentist can place braces; however not all general dentists have taken the advanced training necessary to provide this service. So check with the dentist and investigate his training and experience.

How often should I be going to the dentist?

The rule of thumb is to see the dentist twice a year. Some patients are more resistant to dental problems than others and once a year seems to be okay. Others need to be seen more READ MORE
The rule of thumb is to see the dentist twice a year. Some patients are more resistant to dental problems than others and once a year seems to be okay. Others need to be seen more often. One important consideration to remember is that as we age our bodies change, and where once a year visits are okay in the beginning, eventually more frequent visits become necessary due to aging. Exactly when your metabolism will change is impossible to predict. One thing is for certain having an extra visit yearly will do no harm.

I grind my teeth while I sleep. Should I get a mouth guard?

Grinding is nature's way of milling a better function in our teeth. It actually is a good thing; however when the grinding becomes excessive, you can cause damage to the teeth READ MORE
Grinding is nature's way of milling a better function in our teeth. It actually is a good thing; however when the grinding becomes excessive, you can cause damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues. Often an "occlusal adjustment" will eliminate the places on the teeth which are triggering the grinding. Sometimes, not often, but sometimes an adjustment isn't possible. Those are the people who need night guards.

What should I do for a toothache?

If you have a nasty toothache, it's nature's way of telling you something is seriously wrong. If you don't treat the tooth, the pain will probably get much worse. There are not READ MORE
If you have a nasty toothache, it's nature's way of telling you something is seriously wrong. If you don't treat the tooth, the pain will probably get much worse. There are not any over-the-counter medications that will deal with this type of pain.

When is a periodontist preferred over a dentist?

Periodontists specialize in damaged bone surrounding the teeth which becomes the number one cause for tooth loss. If you have serious periodontal disease, you might want to see READ MORE
Periodontists specialize in damaged bone surrounding the teeth which becomes the number one cause for tooth loss. If you have serious periodontal disease, you might want to see a periodontist before the bone loss becomes worse.

How are overbites treated?

Overbites are difficult to treat. Orthodontia can usually move the teeth to create a better appearance. If you go this route, you want to be sure that after the teeth move, they READ MORE
Overbites are difficult to treat. Orthodontia can usually move the teeth to create a better appearance. If you go this route, you want to be sure that after the teeth move, they function properly in addition to just looking better. Make sure the dentist/orthodontist understands occlusion. Then once the overbite is corrected, you will need to wear a retainer the rest of your life. Discuss this with the dentist/orthodontist.

Will asprin help my tooth pain?

Something is causing the tooth pain. Nature is causing the pain because it is telling you that something is seriously wrong. Aspirin will help mask the symptoms but do nothing READ MORE
Something is causing the tooth pain. Nature is causing the pain because it is telling you that something is seriously wrong. Aspirin will help mask the symptoms but do nothing for the cause. The longer you wait to see a dentist, the greater chance that the problem becomes worse and more expensive to treat. Good luck. My advice is to see a dentist immediately.

Is TMJ genetic?

First of all let's get our terminology right. TMJ means "Temporomandibular Joint" and everyone has two of them; however when they don't function correctly, it's then termed Temporomandibular READ MORE
First of all let's get our terminology right. TMJ means "Temporomandibular Joint" and everyone has two of them; however when they don't function correctly, it's then termed Temporomandibular Dysfunction or TMD. The most frequent cause of TMD is an impact to the chin while the mouth is open, and the lower jaw bone (the Mandible) is forced backward stretching the ligaments that hold the joint tightly together. This will cause the joint to click which is a sign that it is damaged. Sometimes TMD is not really the joint but the muscles that control jaw movements, and this can be related to tooth position. This is easier to fix than damage in the joint. Tooth position can be genetic. Joint damage usually isn't genetic.

Does bottle feed impact the teeth in a baby?

Bottle feeding can damage the teeth if the baby eats too frequently after teeth have erupted because not only does the baby eat the food but so do all the germs in the mouth. If READ MORE
Bottle feeding can damage the teeth if the baby eats too frequently after teeth have erupted because not only does the baby eat the food but so do all the germs in the mouth. If you feed the baby formula or milk four times daily and plain water the other times, the baby should be okay.

What causes cold sores in a person?

Cold sores are caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex. In the old days it was called the "kissing disease" because a parent with an ulcer would kiss a child and transfer the virus. READ MORE
Cold sores are caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex. In the old days it was called the "kissing disease" because a parent with an ulcer would kiss a child and transfer the virus. The virus then becomes part of the nucleus of the skin cell, and when the cell divides, it also replicates the virus. Acyclovir is a medication designed to treat these infections.