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Summertime officially beings on June 21st and that means three months of festivals and outdoor activities that are jam-packed with family-friendly entertainment options for kids from age 1 to 100.

Chicagoans are lucky that we live in such a diverse city. There’s no shortage of exciting cultural events and activities that will provide a day’s worth of entertainment and get you and your family outside the house.

Open up the calendar on your cell phone and start jotting down these dates. We’ve picked the top five can’t-miss events for this summer. Pack your family into the car and head on down for a day filled with fun and memories!

Grant Park Music Festival

If there’s one thing that Chicago is known for in the summertime, it’s the plethora of outdoor music festivals. The Grand Park Music Festival is the granddaddy of them all. For over 80 summers, Chicagoans and tourists alike have spent a fun day sitting on the grass and listening to classical music performed by some of the best artists of the day.

The festival runs for ten consecutive weeks. From Vivaldi to Tchaikovsky, treat your family to a day of culture and classical music appreciation. The event is free, but it’s highly recommended that you get to the venue at least 1 hour early to secure a good lawn seat.

When: The 2018 season opens on June 13th and runs through August 18th.

Where: This event is held at multiple venues. Be sure to check the Grant Park Music Festival official website for times and dates.

Cost: Public seating is free. Season memberships and one-night passes are offered at reasonable prices. Check website for times, dates, and prices.

World's Largest Block Party

This annual festival delivers everything that its name promises, and then some! The Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party has been a time-honored tradition for over 34 years. This family-friendly event will feature some of the most popular food trucks in all of Chicago as well as bounce houses, face painting, and live music.

Saturday afternoons feature plenty of activities for family and kids. Get there early because it will be packed and your chance of finding local parking will be slim-to-none.

It’s recommended that you take public transportation to get to the event. A list of schedules and preferred parking areas are on the event website.

When: June 22nd from 5 PM to 10:30 PM and June 23rd from 2 pm to 10:30 pm

Where: Old St. Pat’s Church campus in Chicago’s West Loop

Cost: Free from 5 pm to 6 pm on Friday and $10 admission all other times.

Irish American Heritage Festival

Celebrate all things Irish at the Irish American Heritage Festival being held at Irish American Heritage Center. From bangers and mash to authentic Irish music, you and your family will experience a day full of cultural events and fantastic food at this three-day festival.

In addition to the good grub and music, the event also features lots of children’s activities, a genealogy workshop, kilting, quilting, and spinning demonstrations. If you’re of Irish descent or you appreciate all things Irish, there’s no better place to enjoy a weekend of fun and food that celebrates Irish heritage in Chicago!

When: July 6th – 8th

Where: Irish American Heritage Center: 4626 N Knox Ave. Chicago, IL 60630

Cost: $10 advance purchase through July 5th and $15 after. Children 12 and younger get in for free. You can buy tickets online, over the phone, or at the door.

Taste of Chicago

Billed as the world’s largest food festival, the Taste of Chicago celebrates all of the cultures and foods that make up Chicago. There’s something for everyone at this massive food festival.

There will also be two concert venues features some of the performers from Chicago’s music scene. The George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic band and the Flaming Lips will be headlining at the Petrillo Music Shell.

If you attend just one outdoor food festival this year, make it the Taste of Chicago. The event has grown over the past 38 years from a humble street fair to a massive celebration that can only take place in Grant Park.

When: Wednesday, July 11th to Sunday, July 15th.

Where: Grant Park

Cost: Free!

Chinatown Summer Fair

Experience a taste of the Orient at the Chinatown Summer Fair held on Wentworth Ave. Come join over 40,000 Chicagoans as they experience authentic Chinese culture, food, and music.

The festival opens with a traditional lion dance procession and features kung fu demonstrations, street vendors that sell both food and merchandise, as well as various Asian performances on the stage. This family-friendly event also features a petting zoo and pony rides for the little ones.

When: Sunday, July 15th 10 am to 7 pm

Where: Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place in Chicago

Cost: Free!

Summertime Family Fun!

Chicago is a culturally diverse city that’s known for its many different fairs and events held throughout the summertime. Instead of sweltering in your house or running up the electricity bill as you run the a/c, join tens of thousands of your fellow Chicagoans as they celebrate living in our fantastic city!

There are very few things in life more unsettling than losing an adult tooth. One minute you’re biting down on dinner, the next you feel a “cruuuunch” inside your mouth along with the accompanying sensation that you just bit down on something very hard.

Whether it’s from tooth decay, bad genetics, or a physical injury, losing an adult tooth can leave you in a subconscious state of mind as you desperately try to cover up the gap by not smiling. If you’re fortunate, the lost tooth will have come from the back of your mouth – where it’s harder to see when you smile.

No matter how you lost your tooth, there’s a good chance that it’s salvageable. Here are the first few steps you should take if you want to attempt to salvage it:

Tooth Recovery Steps

After the initial shock wears off, do your best to recover the missing tooth. Sometimes the tooth will have a flesh-like substance at the bottom – this is the root of the tooth and should be protected at all costs from dirt and damage.

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the hard white surface) and make sure you take care when handling it. Human teeth are relatively small, and it won’t take much to accidentally drop it again and lose it for good.

Clean the Tooth

Once you have your lost tooth in your possession, clean it as best you can. Don’t scrub it too hard and try to be as gentle as possible. A glass of milk or your saliva will help preserve it. If a cup isn’t nearby, you can always store the tooth inside your cheek pocket.

Put the Tooth Back in Your Mouth (If You Can)

Protecting the tooth root should be your utmost concern if you wish to salvage the tooth. The best way to preserve it is to put the tooth back into the empty socket. This is often easier said than done, and sometimes the tooth refuses to go back in the cavity.

If the tooth doesn't go back in easily, don’t force it. Put the tooth in a glass of milk or saline solution and make a beeline to Water Tower Dental Care for an emergency appointment. If it’s after-hours, try to keep the tooth in a cool, moist area until our offices are open during regular business hours.

After-Hours Tooth Loss

If you lose your tooth on a Saturday night and the dentist office doesn’t open until 8 am Monday morning, you’re going to need to become the guardian and protector of your missing tooth for the next day. Keep it in a warm bag of milk, saliva, or saline solution – don’t use water as it could make the re-insertion more challenging.

If you’re in an area where you don’t have access to milk or saline solution, then you can always store the tooth inside your cheek pocket as a last resort. The goal is to keep the tooth (and roots) moist, so they don’t dry out.

For dental emergencies, give our offices a call any time of the day, night, weekends, or holidays at (312) 787-2131. At Water Tower Dental Care, we’re committed to the safety and well-being of our patients. We realize dental emergencies can happen anytime or anywhere and we’re here for you when you need us most.

Tooth Replacement Options

Once you’re in the dental chair at Water Tower Dental Care, the dentist will give you one of several options to replace the lost tooth. It’s impossible to know what option will work best for you until the dentist has had the opportunity to examine the area in your mouth where the tooth fell out. Here are several tooth replacement options that are available:

Replant the Original Tooth – If you’re fortunate enough, the dentist will be able to pop the tooth right back into your mouth. Sometimes a splint will need to be made out of composite material or soft wire. It will need to remain in place for a few days until the root has taken hold.

Once your tooth is back in your mouth, and the dentist removes the splint, you should make a follow-up dental appointment in three to six months so that the dentist can check up on the healing progress.

Bridge – If the dentist was not able to save the tooth, or if the tooth was too cracked/chipped to be put back in your mouth, you can opt for a dental bridge. The dentist will make a bridge by using nearby teeth as support for a fake (but very real looking) tooth. Bridge technology has advanced over the years to the point where they look, feel, and work just like the real thing.

Dentures – While dentures are not an ideal permanent solution, they can be an option for people who are on a budget or are wanting to save up to get dental implants.

Dental Implants – If the original tooth can’t be saved, then the next best option is to get a dental implant. Out of all the tooth replacement systems, dental implants cost the most money, but they are meant to be permanent. If you take care of your dental implants, they can last you a lifetime.

It can take upwards of six to eight months to get a dental implant, and in some cases, the dentist might recommend a temporary denture while your body heals up from the multi-step process of getting dental implants.

Lost Teeth Solutions in Chicago

If you’ve lost an adult tooth, follow the above steps to preserve it and give our offices a call at (312) 787-2131 or schedule an appointment. At Water Tower Dental Care, we specialize in helping patients who have lost a tooth and can provide many options to help you regain your smile and confidence!

Does the thought of going to the dentist stress you out so much that you’ve been putting off getting that much-needed work done?

If so, you’re not alone. Around 40% of Americans admit to having some level of fear or apprehension when going to the dentist. Symptoms can range from an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach all the way to a major panic attack.

Odontophobia is the medical term given to people who suffer from fear of the dentist. It’s a severe condition that can lead a person to prolong or entirely avoid visiting the dentist altogether. The longer that person waits, the worse off their dental problems become.

Fortunately, there is a solution that can benefit many people who suffer from fear of the dentist. It’s called Sedation Dentistry and has helped millions of people get the dental work they need.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is used to make people feel more comfortable when going to the dentist. It is comprised of different types (or levels) of sedation that a dentist might use to help their patients feel more comfortable. The end goal is to prevent anxiety and make you feel relaxed – as if you were sitting on your living room couch.

Levels of Oral Sedation Dentistry

There are varying degrees and levels of sedation dentistry that can be used to help you feel more relaxed during your procedure or surgery.

Nitrous Oxide – This is the lowest level of oral sedation dentistry. It’s mainly used to calm your nerves and give you an overall sense of general well-being. Nitrous is a safe gas that is administered to you via a small mask that’s placed over your mouth or nostrils.

Sometimes called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide only works when you inhale it. It helps to relax your mind and calm you down. You might feel a bit giggly or very slightly groggy. It won’t put you to sleep, and your dentist can control the exact amount that you’re receiving. Once the dentist turns the gas off, the effects will wear off quickly, and you’ll be 100% sober and safe to drive yourself home.

Oral Sedatives – The next step up from nitrous oxide are oral sedatives. Oral sedatives are usually taken in the form of a pill an hour or so before your dental procedure. While each dentist is different, most dentists will prescribe a type of anti-anxiety medication such as: Triazolam, Xanax, or Valium. They’re generally used for such procedures as root canals, fillings, or other general dentistry work.

When taking oral sedatives to help relieve anxiety about the dentist, you must make sure that you do not drive yourself to your dental appointment. These prescription medications will cause you to feel intoxicated, sleepy, and render you unable to drive. You will also need a ride home as the effects can last for a few hours after your procedure is finished.

Intravenous Sedatives – IV sedation is the highest level of sedation dentistry. An IV is inserted into your arm, and powerful sleeping drugs are administered. You will be completely asleep during the procedure and wake up a short while afterward. There are also various levels of IV sedation – some that will put you in a deep sleep, and others that will put you in what’s known as a “twilight sleep,” which will result in semi-consciousness.

Risks of Sedation Dentistry

As with any sedation procedures when undergoing surgery, there exists a slight chance of medical complications. Very young, very old, and people with pre-existing medical conditions can be susceptible to the risks of sedation dentistry. It’s essential to let your dentist know of any health conditions you might have before being sedated.

The overall risk is lessened when you undergo sedation dentistry in the office of a qualified dentist. If you travel out of the country to get dental work done to save money, you could be putting your life at risk. Other countries don’t have the same medical standards as we do here in America.

How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

The overall cost will depend on what kind of sedation dentistry you get. For example, nitrous and oral sedatives are usually the least expensive. Sometimes your health or dental insurance will cover the cost of the oral sedatives. IV sedation is often the costliest, because a trained and licensed anesthesiologist will need to be present during the procedure.

Some dental offices might not offer all of the above sedation procedures. This could be due to personal preference of the dentist, or insurance reasons. It’s best to call the dental office first and see what sedation options are available. The receptionist can also give you an estimated cost over the phone.

Sedation Dentistry in Chicago

The good news is that the techniques used in dental procedures nowadays are far more advanced than what they were 20 short years ago. On average, patients experience less pain and less discomfort due to the advanced techniques and medical instruments that the dentists and oral surgeons use.

However, if you still feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, give us a call at (312) 787-2131. At Water Tower Dental Care, we cater to self-proclaimed “dental chickens.” We want you to feel just as relaxed in our dental chair as you would if you were sitting on your living room couch. Contact us to learn more about the various sedation options available to you.

After another long winter, it’s finally feeling like summer in Chicago. Why not celebrate the warmer weather by enjoying one of our city’s iconic views while sipping something special?

Here are our 10 favorite places to take advantage of everything this beautiful metropolis has to offer, while also savoring some of the finest wines, cocktails, and brews in Chicago.

Streetervile Social

Streeterville

Surround yourself with the Chicago skyline by imbibing at the Streeterville Social, located just off the Magnificent Mile atop the Loews Hotel. Inspired by all-things summer, expect creative cocktails, delicious eats, and even boozy freezer pops to send you right to childhood.

The perfect balance of a casual and classy, relax on one of their many couches while sipping a Bee’s Knees (made with local honey) while nibbling on delicious small plates, or play lawn games like giant Jenga or cornhole. What sounds more like summer than that?

North Pond

Lincoln Park

Located literally inside gorgeous Lincoln Park, this Michelin star restaurant promises a date night to remember. Dine on some of Chicago’s top cuisine paired perfectly with high-quality wines, all while overlooking the park’s iconic—you guessed it—North Pond.

320 RiverBar

Near North Side

Searching for an incredible happy hour with a distinctively Chicago view? Located right along the River, 320 RiverBar is an absolute can’t miss! Soak up that sunshine and enjoy drink (or three) al fresco with insanely affordable local beers, cocktails and wine every day from 3:20–6:20.

With gastropub fare like burgers, flatbreads, and salads, this casual eatery is the perfect people pleasing destination.

Apogee

River North

Now for something a little different. With their ridiculously creative cocktails served in quirky “glasses” like bamboo shoots or ceramic mushrooms, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all gimmick. The master mixologists at Apogee serve some of the best drinks in the city all on the rooftop of the Dana Hotel.

A true treat for all of your senses, be sure to try the Fibonacci, served in an actual seashell, or the refreshing vodka-based Nymph with an elegantly floating flower. With a cozy firepit and ample space indoors, Apogee is a great even when the temperature dips and a perfect spot for groups, because why not share the spectacle?

Cindy’s

The Loop

Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, Cindy’s is the place if you want to truly feel like you’re in middle of it all.

Sip on one of their signature cocktails like the refreshing Grey Gardens or the aromatic Kotodama and take in everything the Second City has to offer. Steps from Millennium Park, overlook some of Chicago’s most iconic sights including the Bean, Maggie Daley Park, Lake Michigan, and our iconic skyline.

City Winery

RiverWalk

If people watching is your favorite kind of view, City Winery is a can’t miss. Located right on the Chicago River in the West Loop, casually sip your favorite rosé while watching yachts cruise by and pedestrians wander down the Riverwalk.

And don’t let winter keep you from enjoying a glass. As the temperature dips, City Winery sets up climate controlled “igloos” allowing guests to enjoy outdoor dining, no matter the season.

Deveraux

Gold Coast

Smack dab in the heart of the Gold Coast sits this intimate, swanky lounge. Take in unparalleled 18th floor views day or night while sipping impeccably crafted classic cocktails poolside. Or with floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy everything this gem has to offer even if the weather decides to be fickle.

The Up Room

Wicker Park

Sometimes the best skyline views are from the outskirts. Cue the Up Room — a trendy rooftop bar located a few miles from the Loop in Wicker Park.

Situated on the 35th floor of the Robey Hotel, this cozy space not only boasts expertly crafted cocktails and a long wine list, but also never-ending vistas of the entire Chicagoland area from the downtown cityscape, all the way to the neighboring states.

Signature Room at the 95th

Streeterville

There’s no debating the epic view that the Signature Room offers. High atop 875 North Michigan, dining here promises a romantic evening that impossible to replicate. Offering classic cocktails, elegant plates, and a diverse wine list, look down on Chicago from your own classy perch in the sky.

Castaways Bar & Grill

Lincoln Park

Who says you can’t enjoy a great seaside bar in the Midwest? Just head to North Avenue Beach, look for a boat docked in the sand, and you might as well be lounging in Mexico.

With a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and water so close you can smell it, Castaways is perfect for a fun, casual summer day. This isn’t the place for top-shelf martinis. Instead, order a piña colada or beer bucket, soak in that lake breeze, and transport yourself back to spring break.

Now that summer has started to move in to Chicago, these outdoor bars and restaurants are a great way to spend a nice evening in the city.