expert type icon EXPERT

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.
51 years Experience
Neal Nealis, D.D.S.
Specializes in:
  • Dentist
  • General Dentistry
  • Oral Health
  • Chicago, IL
  • University of Illinois -Urbana
  • Accepting new patients

Why do I have a thick white coating on my tongue?

Try brushing your tongue. Also tongue scrapers are available at pharmacies.

Can antibiotics cause mouth ulcers?

Antibiotics will not cause mouth ulcers.

What is the best way to treat dry mouth?

Dry mouth can be an enormous problem leading to rampant tooth decay. Make sure you get plenty of fluids and extra fluoride protection. Dry mouth is a side effect of many medications READ MORE
Dry mouth can be an enormous problem leading to rampant tooth decay. Make sure you get plenty of fluids and extra fluoride protection. Dry mouth is a side effect of many medications and cancer therapies. As average age of the population increases, people are taking greater numbers of drugs and this side effect is becoming more common. Talk to your dentist.

I have tooth loss at the age of 34. Is it normal?

Definitely be concerned and see a periodontist immediately. You do not want to lose all your teeth by age 40.

After a root canal do I need a follow up?,

You should have a followup x-ray six months to a year after a root canal is completed. Also you should get a crown on the tooth ASAP to prevent it from cracking.

My daughter's milk teeth have still not fallen. What is the normal age?

This is probably a good thing. There is no way of predicting when primary teeth fall out, but the older the child, the more mature and capable of cleaning the permanent tooth replacement. READ MORE
This is probably a good thing. There is no way of predicting when primary teeth fall out, but the older the child, the more mature and capable of cleaning the permanent tooth replacement.

My lower back teeth are starting to decay. What should I do?

If you are feeling pain, then the decay is deep into the tooth and affecting the pulp which is in the core of the tooth. You need to first treat the cavities and then figure out READ MORE
If you are feeling pain, then the decay is deep into the tooth and affecting the pulp which is in the core of the tooth. You need to first treat the cavities and then figure out why you are getting cavities. Cavities do not just happen. Frequently they are related to your diet, and how often you eat carbohydrates is very important.

How can sore gums be treated?

Treat sore gums with a thorough professional cleaning. At home use an electric tooth brush and floss daily.

Every time I change my toothbrush, my gums bleed. Why?

Soft brushes clean better than stiffer brushes unless you are over 90 years old. If you aren't also flossing, then the gums between the teeth can be infected because the brush READ MORE
Soft brushes clean better than stiffer brushes unless you are over 90 years old. If you aren't also flossing, then the gums between the teeth can be infected because the brush cannot reach there. Floss at least every other day and see a dentist at least twice a year.

Other than braces, is there a better way to close the gap between my teeth?

Depending upon the size of the gap and the teeth you might be able to place some type of filling/veneer on the tooth to close the space.

Are there any home remedies to treat gingivitis?

Yes, a great way to treat gingivitis at home is with a brush and floss. You have to use both. The bleeding is nature's way of telling you something's wrong, and if you ignore the READ MORE
Yes, a great way to treat gingivitis at home is with a brush and floss. You have to use both. The bleeding is nature's way of telling you something's wrong, and if you ignore the bleeding the infection will progress into the bone. When that happens, you then have serious trouble. Go see your dentist to determine if the bone is infected.

How bad is teeth grinding?

Grinding in our sleep is called "bruxing" or "bruxism". It's nature's way of milling a better bite. Our brain wants our teeth to fit together in a very specific way, and when it READ MORE
Grinding in our sleep is called "bruxing" or "bruxism". It's nature's way of milling a better bite. Our brain wants our teeth to fit together in a very specific way, and when it senses a flaw in the ideal fit, the brain instructs the muscles to chew away whatever is in the way. This is actually a good thing unless the grinding becomes excessive. Excessive bruxing can cause broken teeth, bone loss, headaches, sensitive teeth as well as other symptoms. So if you are grinding you should have your bite adjusted to polish away those tooth interferences and possibly wear a night guard.

Are there any natural ways to whiten your teeth?

The only way I have found to whiten the teeth is with custom trays made by a dentist. I have never found an over the counter alternative that is as effective or as safe.

Mouth Ulcers Keep Coming Back

You are talking about fever blisters or aphthous ulcers. I've heard that they are related to stress, caffeine, chocolate and nuts.

I have a pain coming from my back tooth. What should I do?

This could be a fractured tooth. It could be an infected pulp. It could be a deep cavity. You should see a dentist immediately before it becomes worse.

Why does my dental filling keep coming off?

Fillings come off when either there is not enough tooth structure remaining to hold the filling in place, when the adhesives are weak or there is something off in the bite (occlusion). READ MORE
Fillings come off when either there is not enough tooth structure remaining to hold the filling in place, when the adhesives are weak or there is something off in the bite (occlusion).

Is a root canal safe for a 3 year old?

What the dentist means is a "pulpotomy" which is the equivalent of a root canal but on a baby tooth. Make sure you understand why the cavity happened in the first place.

Can a cavity spread to the next tooth?

A cavity will not spread, but whatever caused the cavity to happen in the first place can cause cavities on other teeth. Figure out what is causing your cavities and fix the cause. READ MORE
A cavity will not spread, but whatever caused the cavity to happen in the first place can cause cavities on other teeth. Figure out what is causing your cavities and fix the cause.

Fear of local anaesthetic allergy

Allergies to local anesthetics are extremely rare and when the do occur, they are usually related to the preservative rather than to the anesthetic itself. For those people there READ MORE
Allergies to local anesthetics are extremely rare and when the do occur, they are usually related to the preservative rather than to the anesthetic itself. For those people there is carbocaine which has no preservatives and no other additives. Unfortunately the numbing effect only lasts 30-60 minutes; so find a fast dentist if that is the route you take.