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

Is numbness normal after wisdom teeth removal?

Numbness isn’t normal, but a possibility. Reports say that numbness when it occurs, typically lasts less than a year. You should call your surgeon and make him aware of your situation.  READ MORE
Numbness isn’t normal, but a possibility. Reports say that numbness when it occurs, typically lasts less than a year. You should call your surgeon and make him aware of your situation. 

Should I still have pain 5 days after my tooth extraction?

If your discomfort is not improving five days post-surgery, contact your dentist. 

Can oral cysts go away on their own?

Cysts will not go away on their own, but will continue to enlarge. 

How should I deal with the pain of a wisdom tooth?

You certainly need to see a dentist immediately and not risk the spreading of the infection. 

Is Invisalign painful to wear?

Invisalign is not usually painful at all. The first aligners can cause minor discomfort for a day or two. Overall much more comfortable than wires and brackets. And the results READ MORE
Invisalign is not usually painful at all. The first aligners can cause minor discomfort for a day or two. Overall much more comfortable than wires and brackets. And the results are wonderful. 

Can a dentist remove coffee stains?

The best way to remove coffee stains or any other tooth stains is to have a dentist make custom fitting trays that precisely fit the teeth. A carbamide peroxide gel is applied READ MORE
The best way to remove coffee stains or any other tooth stains is to have a dentist make custom fitting trays that precisely fit the teeth. A carbamide peroxide gel is applied into the trays, which are then inserted over the teeth and worn for a minimum of two hours. The process is usually repeated a dozen times on average. 

What is the fastest way to heal swollen gums?

First, you need to see a dentist to find out why your gums are swollen. Causes can range from tartar trapped below the gum line due to a lack of flossing and a need for a professional READ MORE
First, you need to see a dentist to find out why your gums are swollen. Causes can range from tartar trapped below the gum line due to a lack of flossing and a need for a professional cleaning to leukemia. Depending upon the cause consequences of not treating would range from losing your teeth to losing your life. Preventive dentistry really works to save you money and protect your health, but you absolutely need to see a dentist regularly. 

Is it too late to straighten my teeth?

It's never too late to straighten teeth. 

Why does it hurt to wear my retainer?

Retainers can have a variety of designs, and without seeing yours, I cannot know what type you have. However, I can say that the most common cause for retainer discomfort is that READ MORE
Retainers can have a variety of designs, and without seeing yours, I cannot know what type you have. However, I can say that the most common cause for retainer discomfort is that the teeth have moved when the retainer is out of the mouth. These are concerns best answered by your orthodontist. 

Can I drink coffee with braces?

You can drink coffee with brackets and wires, but not with removable clear aligners such as Invisalign. 

Can very stained teeth be whitened?

Stained teeth can occur by a variety of causes. Extrinsic stains such as tobacco, coffee, tea, berries, etc., are easily removed. Intrinsic stains such as ones caused by medication READ MORE
Stained teeth can occur by a variety of causes. Extrinsic stains such as tobacco, coffee, tea, berries, etc., are easily removed. Intrinsic stains such as ones caused by medication like tetracycline are more difficult to remove but can be lightened. The most effective method is to use carbamide peroxide in custom fitted trays made by a dentist. On average, a dozen applications are necessary. Power bleaching methods are costly and not very effective. 

What is the cause of my bad breath?

Bad breath or halitosis can have many causes. The most common is bleeding gums. They don’t have to bleed so much that your spit is red. Any bleeding will involve hemoglobins, which READ MORE
Bad breath or halitosis can have many causes. The most common is bleeding gums. They don’t have to bleed so much that your spit is red. Any bleeding will involve hemoglobins, which contain iron which has a noticeable odor. This odor is nature’s way of telling you something is wrong. Do you floss regularly? Do you use an electric toothbrush? Do you maintain semiannual checkups with professional cleanings? 

Will I need anesthesia for a root canal?

Some root canals can be performed without anesthesia and there was a time when I recommended no anesthesia for certain situations. But why risk pain unnecessarily? Local anesthesia READ MORE
Some root canals can be performed without anesthesia and there was a time when I recommended no anesthesia for certain situations. But why risk pain unnecessarily? Local anesthesia is so simple and wears off in a few hours. Take the anesthetic is my advice. 

Why do my gums bleed often?

Bleeding gums are one sign from nature that something is wrong. See a dentist immediately. 

How many times a day should I floss my teeth?

Flossing is an important part of oral disease prevention. Daily brushing preferably with an electric toothbrush and regular preventive visits to the dentist and hygienist are equally READ MORE
Flossing is an important part of oral disease prevention. Daily brushing preferably with an electric toothbrush and regular preventive visits to the dentist and hygienist are equally as important. If you are doing all those things, then flossing once daily should be adequate. 

How long is a root canal procedure?

Root canal treatment varies between thirty minutes and two hours depending upon the location, age, and shape of the tooth. 

What could be the cause of my dry mouth?

The most common side effect of medications is dry mouth. Also drinking alcoholic beverages in the late evening dehydrates the body. 

Is a mouth cyst removal painful?

Cysts can develop in a variety of places in the mouth. Removal is done surgically and any surgery will involve some pain which can range considerably depending upon many factors. READ MORE
Cysts can develop in a variety of places in the mouth. Removal is done surgically and any surgery will involve some pain which can range considerably depending upon many factors. However, the pain is usually not very great and lasts only a short time. The alternative is to allow the cyst to grow larger and risk a more involved surgery and greater pain. Your best option is to have it removed as soon as possible and limit the post surgery discomfort. 

How many dental x-rays are safe per year?

Over the past twenty years the process for taking dental X-rays has evolved from an analog to a digital process which has reduced the amount of radiation to nearly zero. Of course READ MORE
Over the past twenty years the process for taking dental X-rays has evolved from an analog to a digital process which has reduced the amount of radiation to nearly zero. Of course it isn’t zero which provides a slight risk. The consideration is to the benefit from the X-rays. They allow a dentist to see inside the body and detect problems such as cavities, abscesses, cysts and cancer before the problems become advanced and difficult to treat. So the safe amount of X-rays for a person depends upon their individual likelihood of developing such problems. I would recommend finding a dentist whom you trust and allowing him to decide. 

How long does a wisdom tooth extraction take?

I’ve removed hundreds of wisdom teeth. Some were out in five minutes while others took an hour. So many variables. Best to have an oral surgeon review a CBCT type of X-ray.  READ MORE
I’ve removed hundreds of wisdom teeth. Some were out in five minutes while others took an hour. So many variables. Best to have an oral surgeon review a CBCT type of X-ray.