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

Are home remedies for teeth whitenings safe?

Yes, those home remedies are safe. They are also absolutely not effective. Crest White Strips are not very expensive and will whiten teeth. The ones sold over the counter are diluted; READ MORE
Yes, those home remedies are safe. They are also absolutely not effective. Crest White Strips are not very expensive and will whiten teeth. The ones sold over the counter are diluted; so they will take longer, but they will work. Even hydrogen peroxide rinse will whiten teeth, but might take decades.

What are the rubber bands on braces for?

The rubber bands hold the wire onto the brackets. Without the rubber bands the wire would fall off.

My heart won't stop beating after my extraction. Is this because of the anesthesia?

The anesthetic should have completely worn off by now. You should call your dentist.

What should I expect from my first periodontist visit?

You should expect an examination and consultation. I am surprised that your dentist did not check for periodontal disease. It's pretty easy to find.

Is tooth sensitivity a sign of decay?

Tooth sensitivity can be the sign of decay. It also can be a sign of an interference in your bite. Visit a dentist who understands occlusion.

What will be done if my crown falls off?

That all depends upon why the crown fell off. If it's because of recurrent decay, then you might lose the tooth. If the crown were well made, it should last a lifetime. Be sure READ MORE
That all depends upon why the crown fell off. If it's because of recurrent decay, then you might lose the tooth. If the crown were well made, it should last a lifetime. Be sure to properly care for it by flossing, brushing and avoiding between meal snacks on carbohydrates. Also get your teeth checked and cleaned twice yearly.

Is general anesthesia sometimes used for wisdom tooth extractions?

General anesthesia can be used for oral surgery. Be sure to listen to the potential side effects before deciding.

What tooth implants are used?

Dental implants are most often made of titanium though there have been a few recently made of zirconium and zirconium/titanium blend.

How often should I mouthwash?

First let me state that in my practice, often I give exams on patients of record for an entire month without finding a single cavity. My patients simply do not get cavities. It READ MORE
First let me state that in my practice, often I give exams on patients of record for an entire month without finding a single cavity. My patients simply do not get cavities. It is not by accident. My team and I spend an enormous amount of time teaching prevention because we believe that nature is the best dentist. What I tell them is this: 1. Use an electric toothbrush two minutes daily, 2. Floss at least every other day, 3. Avoid carbohydrates between meals including fruits, grains, dairy and starches, 4. Have your teeth cleaned and examined twice yearly. Typically I only mention mouthwashes in unusual situations. For example patients who have had dental implants should rinse with an antibiotic mouthwash daily. This would be either chlorhexidine or Tooth and Gum Tonic. For patients with uncontrolled tooth decay such as those with diabetes or prediabetes I recommend a mouthrinse with fluoride such as Fluorigard, ACT or Listerine purple. For all others who want to use mouthwashes I suggest after you have done the above prevention routine, rinse once or twice daily or as needed for fresher breath.

What calcium supplements do you recommend for my son's calcium deficiency?

Calcium deficiency will have a minimal effect on his gums and teeth; however, the following foods are rich in calcium: Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, turnips, and collard READ MORE
Calcium deficiency will have a minimal effect on his gums and teeth; however, the following foods are rich in calcium: Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, turnips, and collard greens; fortified cereals such as Total, Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes (they have a lot of calcium in one serving); fortified orange juice, soybeans, fortified soy milk (not all soy milk is a good source of calcium, so it's best to check the label). Enriched breads, grains, and waffles will not have an affect on his gums and a minor effect on his teeth.

How can I strengthen my teeth?

Absolutely, the most important way to strengthen tooth enamel is to avoid carbohydrates between meals. Your teeth actually absorb calcium when there is no sugars in the mouth healing READ MORE
Absolutely, the most important way to strengthen tooth enamel is to avoid carbohydrates between meals. Your teeth actually absorb calcium when there is no sugars in the mouth healing any damage caused during a meal. Interfering with these healing periods too frequently will lead to those holes in the teeth that we call 'cavities.' The whole point is frequency, not quantity. Eat whatever you want at meal time. Between meals, avoid all carbohydrates including fruits, dairy, grains, and starches. This will include beer, wine, and any other form of alcohol.

Can drinking water prevent tooth decay?

The frequency of carbohydrates causes cavities. Not only do you not want to drink sugary beverages between meals, but you also do not want to consume fruits, dairy, grains or starches READ MORE
The frequency of carbohydrates causes cavities. Not only do you not want to drink sugary beverages between meals, but you also do not want to consume fruits, dairy, grains or starches because they are all basically sugar in hidden forms. At meal time eat anything you desire, but between meals avoid carbohydrates. This is because our teeth actually heal between meals, and consuming carbohydrates during these healing periods interfere with healing.

How can a toothache cause a headache?

Your aches could come from a variety of causes; however the most likely is that there is something in the fit of your teeth that your brain does not like. The brain then instructs READ MORE
Your aches could come from a variety of causes; however the most likely is that there is something in the fit of your teeth that your brain does not like. The brain then instructs the muscles to chew away that interference with enormous forces while you are asleep. This is called 'bruxing' and it can cause sore teeth and sore muscles. Have your teeth checked by someone who understands "occlusion".

Why is my child's tongue white?

She most likely has an overgrowth of a fungus called 'candida albicans' which affects the very young, the very old and those with compromised immune systems. Best to have her checked READ MORE
She most likely has an overgrowth of a fungus called 'candida albicans' which affects the very young, the very old and those with compromised immune systems. Best to have her checked by a dentist.

Should I wait to have my wisdom teeth extracted?

Go see a dentist and get some x-rays of these wisdom teeth. The answer to your question really depends upon the shape of your mouth and the angle that the impacted teeth are at. READ MORE
Go see a dentist and get some x-rays of these wisdom teeth. The answer to your question really depends upon the shape of your mouth and the angle that the impacted teeth are at.

What can cause gingivitis?

First of all most everyone has gingivitis. It isn't a serious problem; however if you don't treat it, then it will progress into periodontitis and that is a huge problem because READ MORE
First of all most everyone has gingivitis. It isn't a serious problem; however if you don't treat it, then it will progress into periodontitis and that is a huge problem because it involves bone loss. If you were to floss three days in a row and use an electric toothbrush for two minutes daily, your gingivitis should go away.

Should my child be wearing their headgear every night?

He should wear it every night if you want the teeth to move. Not wearing it can prolong treatment and even possibly damage the teeth.

How long should I not eat before my procedure?

If you are only having local anesthetic, which should be adequate, eating before the visit should not be a concern.

What's done to prepare for porcelain veneers?

Preparation of teeth for veneers vary considerably depending upon the various problems being corrected. For most porcelain veneers an egg shell thick layer of enamel is removed, READ MORE
Preparation of teeth for veneers vary considerably depending upon the various problems being corrected. For most porcelain veneers an egg shell thick layer of enamel is removed, molds are taken and provisional veneers are placed. The molds are sent to a dental laboratory where a technician will make the veneers with his specialized equipment. Good luck. Some dentists make better looking veneers than others.