Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, absolutely! At Palatine Complete Dental, we’re always excited to welcome new patients to our practice. Whether you’re new to the area, looking for a fresh start with a new dental team, or just overdue for a checkup, we’re here to make the process easy and comfortable.

What to Expect at Palatine Complete Dental

As your trusted dentist in Palatine, IL, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate dental care. From your very first visit, you’ll notice that we focus on building real relationships with our patients. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and create a custom plan that fits your unique smile.

Getting Started Is Easy

Scheduling your first appointment is simple. Just give our friendly team a call or request a visit online. We’ll help you find a convenient time that fits your busy schedule. During your first visit, we’ll complete a comprehensive exam, take any necessary x-rays, and discuss any treatments or recommendations to keep your smile healthy.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

At Palatine Complete Dental, we offer a full range of services, from preventive care to cosmetic and restorative treatments, all under one roof. If you’re searching for a dependable dentist in Palatine, IL, we’d love to meet you! Give us a call today at (847) 359-7520. 

Palatine Dental is conveniently situated at 235 North Northwest Hwy, in Palatine, IL, 60067, just minutes from some of the community's favorite landmarks. Our centrally located office is near the Palatine Park District Community Center and Palatine Library District, in the vibrant heart of Palatine, with ample, hassle-free parking just moments away to ensure your convenience.

Driving Directions to Palatine Dental

If you’re driving to our office from the Palatine Library District, start by heading south on North Benton Street for about half a mile until you reach Northwest Highway. Turn right onto Northwest Highway, and continue until you find our office on your right, just past the Palatine Park District Community Center.

For patients coming to us from Harper College, travel north on Roselle Road until you reach Northwest Highway. Turn left onto Northwest Highway and continue for approximately 3 miles until you see our office on the left, near the Palatine Park District Community Center.

Whether your appointment is scheduled after a trip to the library or if you’re coming from another part of town, Palatine Dental is here to serve you. We are conveniently and centrally located in a beautiful part of town, and can’t wait to welcome you with warmth and compassion!

Finding the Best Dentist in Palatine, IL

If you’re looking for a top-quality dental practice in Palatine to help you and your family achieve a lifetime of bright, beautiful, and healthy smiles in comfort and convenience, contact Dr. Michael Unti and the excellent Palatine Dental team to schedule an appointment!

Dental crowns are a versatile and durable solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. At Palatine Complete Dental, Dr. Michael Unti uses custom-crafted crowns to strengthen, protect, and improve the appearance of your smile. A common question our patients ask us before treatment is: Are dental crowns covered by insurance?

So, Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?

In most cases, dental insurance at least partially covers crowns. This typically depends on the specifics of your plan and the reason for your treatment. If the crown is considered medically necessary, like when restoring a tooth after a root canal, protecting a broken tooth, or replacing a large filling, your insurance typically covers a portion (usually 40–80%) of the cost. Your annual maximum, deductible, and waiting periods may also affect your out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, if your reason for getting a crown is primarily (or purely) cosmetic, coverage may be limited or unavailable.  

If you have questions specific to your case, our friendly team here at Palatine Complete Dental is happy to review your benefits, discuss your options before treatment begins, and submit claims on your behalf!

Durable, Natural-Looking Dental Crowns in Palatine, IL

If you’re in Palatine and want to restore your smile with strong, beautiful dental crowns, contact Dr. Michael Unti and the trusted team at Palatine Complete Dental to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you achieve lasting results with comfort and confidence.

Unfortunately, a porcelain crown will not respond to whitening. Just like you would with your natural teeth, it's best to avoid tooth-staining foods to protect the brightness of your porcelain restorations, whether they're crowns, veneers, or bridges. 

Some of the culprits for tooth stains are:

• Black coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Dark colas
• Curries
• Soy sauce
• Dark berries, like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries

You don't have to remove these items from your diet completely. Instead, drink plenty of water while consuming them and brush your teeth 30 minutes after, if you can, for the best results.

Preventive Teeth Cleanings Protect Your Smile

Visiting your dentist every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and exams is another way to maintain a bright and white smile. Your dental hygienist can remove a lot of the stains and bacteria from your teeth that you might've missed at home. Your hygienist will also have recommendations for tips, techniques, and products that can protect your smile from discoloration.  

Your dentist will inspect your teeth and restorations for any signs of wear or breakdown that could become problematic in the future, ensuring your smile remains in optimal condition. 

Do You Have Questions about Dental Crowns in Palatine, IL?

Contact your Palatine "dentist near me" at (847) 359-7520 for more information. 

At Palatine Complete Dental, we offer in-office whitening if you are on a tight timeline for a big event like a wedding, reunion, or big job interview. Otherwise, we recommend customized take-home whitening kits that you use to whiten at home over a two-week period.

Effectiveness of Professional Teeth Whitening in Palatine

If you’re considering using store-bought whitening kits, you should know that professional teeth whitening offers several significant benefits. Since your treatment is monitored by a dentist, we can prescribe a higher strength whitening gel that’s more potent than those you purchase over-the-counter. We take impressions of your teeth to create a whitening tray that’s customized to cover all surfaces of your teeth evenly to ensure beautiful, consistent results.

We’ll instruct you to place the whitening gel in the trays and wear them for about 20-30 minutes a day for two weeks. Since the gel is in contact with your teeth for a longer period than it is during in-office whitening, custom trays tend to produce more brilliant, longer-lasting results.

Brighten Yellow and Stained Teeth

With professional teeth whitening in Palatine, we can whiten yellow teeth and lift stains and discoloration. If your tooth staining is resistant to whitening, we can also talk to you about using bonding or veneers to conceal stains and brighten your smile.

Please call Palatine Complete Dental to schedule a dental cleaning so we can determine which treatment approach is right for you.

Dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that can repair teeth or enhance the appearance of your smile. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the target area, shaping it, and then hardening it with a special light to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Dental Issues Dental Bonding Can Fix

• Chipped or Cracked Teeth — Dental bonding can repair chips, fractures, and cracks.
• Gaps Between Teeth — Dental bonding can fill gaps or spacing between teeth, creating a more uniform smile.
• Worn Teeth — If you grind your teeth at night or your teeth are worn down, dental bonding can build up and strengthen your teeth. 
• Stained or Discolored Teeth — Dental bonding can cover stains and discoloration, giving you a whiter smile.
• Uneven Tooth Surfaces — Dental bonding can smooth out irregularities and improve the overall texture and appearance of your teeth.

Does Dental Bonding Hurt?

Dental bonding is generally painless. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the process, and it typically can be completed in one visit. 

We Offer Customized Dental Bonding in Palatine

If you want to improve your smile, please contact our dentist in Palatine to see if dental bonding is right for you! You can call us at (847) 359-7520! 

Dental implants have changed the lives of many of our Palatine patients for the better. An implant is different from other types of tooth replacement because it is a standalone unit that doesn’t rely on healthy teeth for support.

Dental Implant Procedure

A dental implant is an artificial titanium tooth root that Dr. Unti places surgically in your jawbone. During healing, a process called osseointegration occurs. This means that the biocompatible implant naturally fuses with the bone and tissue around it.

When healing is complete in about 4-6 months, the implant has the same stability that the natural tooth root did. The presence of the artificial root also helps prevent jawbone loss that occurs after tooth loss.

Importance of Gum Health

Because the implant relies on healthy bone and gum tissue to hold it in place, you must commit to being diligent with your gum health. Without conscientious brushing and flossing, you can develop inflammation around the implant called peri-implantitis that leads to bone loss. Without sufficient bone to support the implant, it will eventually fall out.

How to Care For Your Dental Implant

When planning dental implant placement at our Palatine dental office, we will discuss what’s involved with caring for it, so you know what to expect. With just a little extra effort on your part, you will be rewarded with many years—possibly a lifetime—of use for your implant.

If you are considering dental implants and have questions, please call Palatine Complete Dental, and we will be happy to assist you.

If you’ve been considering dental implants in Palatine, IL, you may have heard about “same-day dental implants.” While traditional dental implant treatment usually takes several months, advances in technology now make it possible, in certain cases, to place an implant and attach a temporary crown in just one appointment.

Who Qualifies for Same-Day Implants?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate. To be eligible, patients need healthy gums, sufficient bone density, and no active oral infections. For some, additional procedures, like bone grafting, may still be required before an implant can be placed securely.

Same-Day Dental Implant Benefits

Same-day implants can immediately restore your appearance and function, allowing you to leave the office with a new tooth right away. This option also reduces the number of visits and waiting periods, which is appealing to many patients.

Of course, it is crucial to keep in mind that, while a temporary crown may be placed the same day, the implant still needs time to fully integrate with your jawbone via osseointegration. Once the implant fuses permanently with the jawbone, a permanent crown will be attached to ensure long-term stability.

Quick, Convenient Dental Implants in Palatine, IL

At Palatine Complete Dental, Dr. Michael Unti evaluates each patient carefully to determine the best implant approach, same-day or traditional. Contact Dr. Unti and the caring and helpful team here at Palatine Complete Dental to schedule a consultation.

If you’re considering dental implants in Palatine, visiting Palatine Complete Dental is the first step toward restoring your smile. During your consultation, you’ll learn about the benefits of dental implants and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Keep reading to learn what to expect from your dental implant consultation with Dr. Michael Unti at Palatine Complete Dental.

The Dental Implant Evaluation in Palatine

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of your consultation:

• Initial discussion — We’ll discuss your dental history and smile goals. Dr. Michael Unti will inform you about dental implants.
• Comprehensive oral exam — Next, we’ll use our advanced imaging technology to assess your gum and jawbone health. We’ll use this information to plan your treatment.
• Treatment plan review — We’ll explain your treatment plan in detail, including the treatment timeline and what to expect.
• Next steps and scheduling — Once you agree to the treatment plan, we’ll schedule your procedure.

Need a Dental Implant Consultation in Palatine, IL?

When you’re ready to restore your smile with dental implants in Palatine or want to learn more about the process, we will happily assist you!

Our dental office is conveniently located at 235 North Northwest Hwy. We combine expertise with state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care. Dr. Unti and his team are committed to providing a seamless, comfortable experience.

With incredible strength, feel, function, and durability, dental implants are miracles of dental science. These tiny titanium marvels—fused permanently with your jawbone via osseointegration—are unrivaled in restoring the feel and function of natural roots. They restore biting and chewing functionality, preserving jawbone density and facial structure after tooth loss.

Unfortunately, implants aren’t an appropriate solution for every patient. An individual’s health history is vital in determining whether they're a good candidate for dental implants. Strong candidates for dental implants are individuals who:

• 18 years of age or older
• Aren't suffering from gum disease
• Have a strong, fully formed jawbone

After an implant placement procedure, patients should establish a rigorous at-home oral health routine. Also, eating a balanced and healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, calcium, and whole grains can help ensure long-term success.

In short, the most significant factor in assessing dental implant candidacy is an individual’s specific medical history and current oral health.

Precision-Placed Dental Implants in Palatine, IL

If you’re in Palatine and looking for a caring and skilled dental team to assess whether you're a good candidate for dental implants and guide you through the entire process, contact Dr. Michael Unti and the outstanding Palatine Complete Dental team to schedule a consultation!

The honest answer is: it depends on your individual situation. At Palatine Complete Dental, Dr. Unti uses advanced 3-D imaging technology to assess your jawbone density and determine whether you have sufficient bone to support dental implants in Palatine.

Some patients don't have enough dense jawbone for successful implant placement, but this doesn't mean you can't have dental implants. Bone grafting is a proven procedure that regenerates jawbone growth using bone material from animals, donors, or bone substitutes.

Common situations requiring bone grafting include prolonged tooth loss, previous extractions that didn't heal optimally, gum disease damage, or natural variations in jawbone density.

The Bone Grafting Process

Dr. Unti completes the entire dental implant process at our Palatine office, including bone grafting when necessary. The procedure involves placing graft material where additional bone density is needed. 

The healing process typically takes several months, allowing the graft to integrate with existing bone and create a strong foundation for dental implants.

Call Us if You Have Implant Questions

Don't let concerns about bone grafting prevent you from exploring dental implants. Contact Palatine Complete Dental at (847) 359-7520 to schedule your consultation and learn whether dental implants are right for you.

You finally got that crown, and now you’re thinking, “What if it falls off?” It’s a common fear, and yes, it can happen, but it’s not the end of the world. At Palatine Complete Dental, we believe in honest answers and calm reassurance.

We’re here to guide you through what to expect, how to prevent it, and how to get your smile back on track.

Can a Dental Crown Fall Off or Come Loose?

There are several reasons a crown can come loose or fall off, including the following:

• Decay — If the tooth under your crown develops decay, it can cause your crown to loosen.
• Cement failure — If the cement used to hold the crown in place deteriorates over time, it can loosen or fall off.
• Trauma — If you sustain an injury, it can dislodge your crown.
• Bruxism — If you grind your teeth, your crown could break or come loose.
• Diet — If you eat hard, chewy, or sticky foods, it could loosen your crown.
• Hard objects — Biting on ice or other hard objects could cause your crown to come off.

Questions about Dental Crowns in Palatine, IL?

We will happily assist you if you need a dentist in Palatine, IL! At Palatine Complete Dental, we aim to help you achieve optimal oral health and keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Please call us at (847) 359-7520 to schedule an appointment.

Yes, you can eat normally with a crown, but we urge you not to do the following:

• Bite directly into sticky taffy or similar foods with a capped tooth 
• Chew on hard objects like pens or ice
• Use your crowned teeth as tools to open bottles or packages
• Ignore loose or damaged crowns

With smart habits, regular oral hygiene, and dental visits every six months, you can extend the life of your dental crown, which typically lasts a decade or longer.

Reasons You May Need Dental Crowns in Palatine, IL

Dentists recommend crowns for various reasons, and sometimes patients choose them for cosmetic purposes. If you need a dental crown or similar restoration, the dentist will discuss it with you.

Reasons you may need a dental crown include:

• Capping a weak or previously treated tooth
• Capping a damaged tooth
• Lengthening a short tooth
• Conceal cracks, chips, or other abnormalities
• Connect the bridge teeth to healthy teeth
• Capping a single dental implant

Schedule a Consultation with the Dentist Today

If you have a broken tooth or are considering tooth replacement or cosmetic dentistry, tooth crowns may play a role. To get started, please get in touch with a dental team member today at (847) 359-7520 or request an appointment online. 

We are happy to work with LendingClub. 

Dental anxiety affects millions of people around the world and is nothing to be embarrassed about. If there’s some aspect of your dental care that concerns you, please let us know. Communication is essential so that we can understand your underlying fears and tailor your treatment accordingly.

Experienced and Gentle Palatine Dentist

Dr. Michael Unti has over 30 years of experience in delivering comfortable, stress-free dentistry at his Palatine dental office. A combination of gentle care and sedation dentistry is usually all it takes for our patients to relax and get the care they need. 

Nitrous Oxide for Dental Anxiety

We offer nitrous oxide, a gas that you inhale comfortably through a small mask. Nitrous makes you feel a little drowsy and delivers sensations of calmness and well-being. You will be fully conscious throughout your appointment but will feel pleasantly detached from the activity around you. There are no lingering side effects with nitrous, so when your procedure’s finished, you can safely drive yourself home.

Oral Sedation Available 

Oral sedation is helpful for patients who have deeper dental anxiety. Dr. Unti prescribes a sedative to take before your dental appointment, so you’ll arrive at our office feeling very calm and relaxed. We will make sure you’re comfortable with soothing amenities like neck pillows, blankets, and TVs in our treatment rooms, and your appointment will seem to fly by. However, since the effects of the sedative stay in your system for several hours, so you will need a friend to get you safely to and from your appointment.  

Contact Palatine Complete Dental

Please don’t let anxiety or nervousness prevent you from getting the oral health care you need. Call Palatine Complete Dental so we can help calm your fears and help you maintain a healthy smile.

A dental crown that is well-cared for can last 10-15 years or longer. Crowns are a dental restoration that we use at Palatine Complete Dental to restore function to a decayed or broken tooth. A crown is a customized, tooth-shaped porcelain jacket that Dr. Unti places on a damaged tooth to protect it from chewing forces and improve the aesthetics of your smile.

While the porcelain crown won’t decay, the underlying tooth can, and you can also develop periodontal disease around its base. Treatment for either may require removal of the crown, and it’s not always possible to reuse the crown after we’ve resolved the issue. 

How to Care For Your Dental Crown

To get the most longevity out of your crown as possible, you need to take excellent care of your oral health. Brushing twice a day and flossing once removes plaque buildup that leads to cavities and gum disease. If you’re unsure about the best way to clean around your dental work, one of our hygienists will be happy to demonstrate the proper technique.

Dental exams every six months allow Dr. Unti to examine the crown tooth to make sure it’s healthy and also check the condition of the crown itself. You can also protect your crown from damage by avoiding hard, crunchy foods or sticky foods like gummy candies that could loosen it or cause it to come off.

Contact Our Palatine Dental Clinic

If you would like us to check the condition of existing dental crowns, or think you might need to have one placed on a broken or decayed tooth, please call our Palatine dental office to schedule an appointment.

Most healthy patients can maintain their smiles with two dental cleanings and checkups per year, every six months.

Patients struggling with managing periodontal disease may need additional teeth cleanings throughout the year to help them keep their condition under control. Dr. Unti may recommend three or four teeth cleanings throughout the year for patients with gum disease. 

What Happens During My Teeth Cleaning?

When you get your teeth cleaned, your dental hygienist removes the excess plaque buildup from your teeth with special tools. Plaque can sometimes be hard to reach during your regular brushing at home, and plaque buildup can result in tooth decay or gum disease. So it's important to have your hygienist perform regular teeth cleanings to help you protect your smile.

Your dentist will perform a thorough examination during this visit to check for tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease. They will also ensure that your current dental fillings and crowns are not breaking down.

Your preventive teeth cleanings and checkups are a great time to discuss your goals and concerns about your smile with your dentist. Your hygienist can also give you tips for effective brushing and flossing at home.

Contact Your Palatine Dentist

Let us help you make the most of your smile! Contact your Palatine dentist today at (847) 359-7520 to schedule your next teeth cleaning and checkup.

One reason that many people experience dental anxiety is because of a fear of injections. We understand that nobody likes shots; however, they’re a necessary part of dental treatment, and we do our best to make them as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Warm and Welcoming Dental Office

It helps to have a team of friendly professionals around you who have decades of experience in calming our patients’ fears. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a kind word, or a hand to hold, we are here to do whatever it takes to ensure your comfort in every aspect of your dental care.

Experienced Dentist in Palatine

As a dentist in Palatine with over 30 years of experience, you can be confident that Dr. Michael Unti knows how to ensure your comfort! He has learned and developed many techniques to deliver pain-free injections that our patients say are the most comfortable they’ve ever had.

We Can Help You With Your Dental Anxiety

If you are anxious to the point of skipping an appointment, please let us know. We don’t want anxiety to stand between you and your oral health care, and Dr. Unti may be able to prescribe a calming medication to help you relax before your appointment.

At Palatine Complete Dental, we have helped many of our patients overcome their dental anxiety and fear of injections. If you need an appointment or have dental work scheduled and have questions, call us, and we’ll provide the comfortable, stress-free care you need.

Invisalign treatment can take several months or longer than two years, depending on the complexity of your orthodontic issues. On average, patients spend about 18 months in treatment.

Invisalign treatment can correct the following orthodontic issues:

• Crooked, crowded, and overlapping teeth
• Bite misalignment issues, including the overbite
• Unusual gaps or spaces between the teeth

The Invisalign® Treatment Timeline and You

Your Palatine dentist first evaluates your orthodontic needs and discusses your smile goals before moving forward with treatment. We can determine how long you’ll need Invisalign aligners at this initial consultation.

If you proceed with Invisalign, we take impressions, and the Invisalign lab uses our results to craft your custom aligners. You wear each set for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next. You visit us only periodically for progress monitoring. At the end of Invisalign treatment, your Palatine dentist provides a custom retainer to prevent orthodontic relapse.

For predictable results, following your dentist’s instructions throughout treatment and after is vital.

Invisalign Treatment with a Dentist Near Me

If you’re looking for Invisalign in Palatine, call (847) 359-7520 to schedule your orthodontic evaluation today. You can also contact us if you have questions about our treatments and services.

We work with financing through Lending Club.

Invisalign in Palatine, IL is a fantastic way to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to treatment. In other words, it is orthodontics without brackets, wires, and metal!

Invisalign is the most popular clear aligner system, and it is ideal for patients who want straight teeth discreetly.

Issues Invisalign Can Correct

The initial step calls for a consultation in our dental office. Your dentist assesses your teeth to make sure Invisalign will provide the desired results. The treatment can correct the following issues:

• Crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth
• Bite issues, including overbite
• Gaps or uneven spacing between teeth

If Invisalign is a good choice for your smile objectives, your dentist lets you know how long treatment will last and what to expect. We also take impressions of your teeth, and the Invisalign lab uses these to create your custom aligners. You change aligners based on your dentist’s instructions and move through your kit until you’ve exhausted the supply. Then your treatment is finished!

The benefits of this system include removable aligners to enjoy your meals, ease of wear, and discretion.

Who Can Use Invisalign?

Invisalign is ideal for teens and adults, but your dentist determines whether you can wear the orthodontic system based on exam findings and your specific smile goals.

Contact our dental office if you would like to schedule an Invisalign consultation.

Here at Palatine Complete Dental, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments to help our patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles and more robust bites. The two popular options include traditional braces and Invisalign®. Let’s take a closer look at each!

Palatine Complete Dental's Orthodontic Offerings

• Traditional braces — Metal brackets bonded to the fronts of teeth and connected by wires. Over time, an orthodontist gradually adjusts and tightens the wires, moving the teeth into the desired position. Traditional braces are effective for complex cases like severe crowding, overbites, underbites, and misaligned jaws.
• Invisalign — A discreet option that employs several sets of virtually invisible, removable mouthpiece-like aligners that gently shift teeth over time. Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate alignment issues like spacing, crowding, and minor bite problems. Since the aligners are removable, they offer flexibility for activities like eating and cleaning.

We also offer additional orthodontic solutions, including retainers and clear braces, which provide personalized care based on each patient’s needs.

Your Top Choice for Orthodontics in Palatine, IL

If you’re in the Palatine area and want to learn more about your orthodontic treatment options and which is best suited for you, contact dentist Dr. Michael Unti and the excellent Palatine Complete Dental team to schedule a consultation!

Whether you’re dealing with crowding, gaps, or bite issues, the right orthodontic treatment at Palatine Complete Dental can correct these problems and improve overall dental health!

Your mouth is very sensitive and has a dense blanket of nerve endings, so it’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness right after your procedure. In most cases, this clears up in a few hours and is nothing to worry about.

At Palatine Complete Dental, our goal is to do everything we can to minimize any discomfort. We will also inform you about any ways to reduce your pain during and after your procedure.

Gentle Dental Care in Palatine

We make procedures like root canals, implant placement, or bone grafting very comfortable, but you can expect to feel some soreness for a day or two following your appointment. This is common, and most of our patients find relief with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen that also helps reduce inflammation.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

If you have a tooth extraction, there are several steps you need to take following your procedure, and we will provide instructions for self-care at home. It’s essential to follow these steps carefully to minimize discomfort, speed healing, and prevent complications.

With any procedure we provide at our Palatine dental office, Dr. Unti will answer all your questions and explain what’s involved beforehand, so you know what to expect. You can also take comfort in the fact that you are receiving your treatment from genuinely caring professionals who empathize with your concerns.

Contact Palatine Complete Dental

Our patients are like family to us, and we’ll make sure that you get the comfortable, stress-free care you need to maintain a healthy smile. Please call us with your questions or to schedule an appointment.