Intrinsic Staining

Bayberry Dental Care offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures to fight even the deepest stains. While bleaching is a powerful tool, the etiology of extrinsic and intrinsic stains is different, and sometimes, different methods are needed to get rid of intrinsic staining.

Extrinsic stains are the ones on the outer layers of the teeth caused by smoking and drinking dark liquids such as cola, coffee, and red wine. They are the kind whitening procedures are meant to reduce. Intrinsic stains are caused by the use of tetracycline antibiotics, overuse of fluoride, and inflammation of dental pulp. While intrinsic stains can be covered with veneers or bonding, tooth inflammation is a serious health hazard which must be addressed for the patient’s comfort and safety, as much as for aesthetic reasons. The Panorex machine in our office can be used to detect the location of an infection in preparation for a root canal. Following the root canal, patients may opt for the tooth to be reshaped and given an entire new crown.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Tooth Sensitivity in Children

As a practice that serves entire families, Bayberry Dental Care regularly uncovers the causes of tooth sensitivity in children. The reasons why children get toothaches differ somewhat from the reasons commonly seen in adults and it’s important when making a diagnosis to try to get them to be as specific as possible about what they are experiencing.

It may be that there is no problem at all. New teeth are often sensitive when they first erupt through the gum line and for a while afterward while they are first exposed to the air. This soreness will dissipate in time. However, since children are the demographic which most often gets cavities (also known as caries), a cavity is the most obvious problem to look for. Children can easily develop cavities by not brushing properly, but improper brushing itself can cause sensitivity if it damages the gums.

Another possible cause of dental pain is a sinus infection. This most commonly affects the upper back teeth. Children with diabetes are also at a high risk of developing gum disease, and gum recession leaves teeth’s roots exposed. Lastly, the misalignments common in children’s teeth often cause them to engage in tooth grinding, which erodes the teeth and causes jaw pain.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Restorative Crowns

Dental crowns are a restorative option for teeth that have a significant amount of decay or are at risk of being chipped.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS uses crowns to repair patient smiles and restore function to the mouth.  When a tooth needs a crown, the process can be completed in as little as two visits.

To prepare a tooth for a crown, your dentist will remove the decay from the tooth, and may reshape the remaining tooth to ensure a great fit for the new crown. Once the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will take an impression of the area.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where the crown is fabricated.  Ask us about temporary options to wear while your new crown is being made.  On your final visit, the crown will be cemented into place by your dentist.  The crown fits over the tooth like a little cap, and completely covers the tooth.  It will blend right into your natural smile and can last a lifetime!

To learn more about crowns and all the services we provide, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300. 

Dental Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Dental sealants are the best defense against early tooth decay.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS applies sealants for pediatric patients to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel, and get them on track for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.  Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, and sealants protect these surfaces so food and bacteria won’t get trapped in the pits and grooves.

Molars first appear around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14.

Sealants work best when applied to the molars when they first come in to protect them early.  A dentist applies sealants to surfaces of these molars just like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and then hardens.  Then the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  With a sealant, tooth enamel is also protected from plaque and acids.  Sealants can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years and can be reapplied if necessary.

To learn more about dental sealants and all the services we provide, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.