Tooth Sectioning

We at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, IL, take pride in educating our patients about all things dental. We know that having a tooth pulled is far from fun, but sometimes it’s a necessary step before a bigger procedure or treatment, such as wisdom teeth removal or orthodontic treatment. A routine tooth extraction doesn’t have to be painful or scary, especially if you pick the right oral surgeon and are explained the whole process beforehand. 

The fact is, some teeth are more difficult to extract than others. Teeth are unique from individual to individual. They can be multi-rooted, impacted, or just larger than average. Tooth sectioning is a common procedure for teeth that are too firmly anchored in the socket or when the root is curved and the socket cannot expand enough for the tooth to be removed. To work around this, an oral surgeon cuts the tooth into sections. Each section is removed one by one.

Since less force is required for the extraction, tooth sectioning makes the procedure less painful for the patient and easier for the oral surgeon to remove the tooth. In addition to less pain, another major benefit of tooth sectioning is a smaller wound. A smaller wound means a shorter healing time!

Not sure if you need a tooth pulled? We can lead you in the right direction. Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.

 

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

If you’ve ever had an issue inside your mouth, you’re probably aware of the varying degrees of pain that come with it. Sometimes it can feel like your whole head is exploding just from a toothache and tenderness. Bayberry Dental Care is committed to helping you correct whatever problem is going on inside your mouth and help you manage any pain associated with it. This includes Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist also takes pride in educating patients about how to prevent future oral problems. 

MPS commonly occurs in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The pain is caused by tension, fatigue, or spasms in the jaw muscles. MPS is usually triggered by bruxism, a condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep. Nightguards are a great way to prevent bruxism and ultimately the jaw soreness that is felt in the morning. MPS is not limited to just the jaw muscles, it can occur anywhere in the body including the back and neck muscles. 

Other treatments/preventions of MPS include:

- Splint guard, mouthguard, or nightguard

- Mild analgesics

- Physical therapy modalities

- Anxiolytic before bed

Are you experiencing Myofascial Pain Syndrome? We will pinpoint the problem and get you started on a treatment plan! Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.

 

Root Canals

One of the most notoriously known procedures in endodontics is the root canal. Endodontics focuses on the nerves of the teeth. As you may know, anything that affects a nerve in the body is quite painful. It is vital that steps are taken toward the prevention of ever needing a root canal. We at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, IL, are committed to educating our patients about proper dental hygiene at home and the importance of regular dental cleanings. 

When bacteria infect the root canal of a tooth, a root canal procedure is required to eliminate this bacteria, prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth. When a patient undergoes a root canal, the inflamed pulp caused by the bacteria is removed, then the inside of the tooth is disinfected, filled, and sealed carefully. If the natural tooth is saved with a root canal, there are many advantages for the patient. Benefits include protection from the other teeth getting worn or stained, normal biting force and sensation, natural appearance, and better chewing.

Signs that you might need a root canal include:

- Swollen or tender gums

- A chipped or cracked tooth

- Pimples on your gums

- Pain while chewing or biting

- Darkening of your gums

- Sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been physically removed

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? We will diagnose the problem and get you started on a treatment plan! Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.

 

Impacted Canines

Did you know that our canine teeth are also known as “eye teeth?” It may sound strange, but there’s a logical explanation for the nickname: the canines are simply aligned with the position of our eyes. Our canines are important for biting and guiding the rest of the teeth in position when you close your mouth. Canines also have the longest root compared to the rest of your teeth, making them the last to erupt. Sometimes canines fail to erupt properly, which causes problems for the capacity and appearance of your mouth. We at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, IL, take pride in educating our patients about everything dental!

An impacted canine simply means that the tooth has failed to erupt through your gums. Some causes of impacted canines include:

- Cysts: abnormal growths on the gums

- Overcrowding: when teeth are squished together from lack of space in the mouth

- Extra teeth: when an additional tooth occupies the space where the canine is supposed to erupt

- Ankylosed: when the canine tooth root is intertwined with the surrounding bone

There are some additional signs of an impacted canine to look for. This includes the presence of a palatal lump, the delayed eruption of the canine (usually after 15 years old), and the absence of a labial canine lump. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s possible that you have an impacted canine.

Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.

 

Tongue-Tied

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as Tongue-Tied, is a medical condition that appears at birth. Dr. Kathleen Falsey of Bayberry Dental Care can help new parents with a diagnosis and treatment. It’s apparent almost right away if a baby is tongue-tied. A newborn will struggle to eat, swallow, and breastfeed. Without quick intervention, the child will struggle to thrive. Contact our office in Tinley Park, IL, to schedule an appointment.

 

First things first, you need to understand what exactly this condition is. The tip of the tongue is connected to the floor of the mouth through a strand of tissue called the frenulum. When a baby is tongue-tied, the frenulum is either too thick or short. Every human needs its tongue to eat. Babies need their tongue to properly breastfeed. Without a tongue that functions properly, they can’t suck or swallow milk. A tongue-tied baby will stop gaining weight and meeting milestones. They’ll eventually stop eating, latching, or even bonding with their mother. You’ll also notice problems with their indigestion and sleep schedule.

 

The nursing mother is also greatly affected. Many physical problems come with nursing a tongue-tied infant. It is a very painful process. The mother’s nipples become damaged, chapped, and prone to bleeding. With severe cases, the milk ducts are blocked, distorting the nipples. Many mothers experience both mental and physical anguish.

 

Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist offers treatment. The best thing to do is to remove the unnecessary tissue. This is a quick procedure with a surgical laser. If Dr. Falsey doesn’t perform this in-office, she can always recommend someone for you.

 

Dr. Kathleen Falsey is a top-tier dentist in the Tinley Park, IL, area. To schedule an appointment with Bayberry Dental Care, call 708-802-8300 or visit https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/.

Sjorgen's Syndrome

Many systemic medical conditions affect your dental health. A common one is Sjorgen’s Syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the tear and saliva glands. After a while, the glands stop working entirely. If you notice that your mouth is chronically dry, no matter what you do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey right away. Bayberry Dental Care works with you to manage your symptoms. Learn more by contacting our office in Tinley Park, IL.

 

There is a large list of symptoms that accompany Sjorgen’s Syndrome. Here are the ones that commonly affect your dental health:

 

-Chronic cough

-Difficulties swallowing

-Dry lips, throat, and mouth

-A hoarse or scratchy voice

-Frequent cavities or oral infections

-Swollen salivary glands in the face and neck

 

There is no known cause for Sjorgen’s Syndrome. Research points towards an individual’s genes or the body’s reaction to certain germs. Don’t give up hope! Just because we don’t know the cause doesn’t mean we don’t offer a cure. A diagnosis is the first step. Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist will measure your salivary flow and glands. Dr. Falsey also treats any other issues like cavities.

 

Treatment depends entirely upon you and your symptoms. Certain medications control your body’s immune response. Your dentist focuses more on helping your oral symptoms. For your dry mouth, you need to increase your salivary production. Talk to your dentist about Artificial Saliva, which keeps your mouth moist. Over-the-counter products like toothpaste and mouthwash also target dry mouth.

 

Bayberry Dental Care is located in Tinley Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, call 708-802-8300 or visit her website at https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/.

Fluorosis

Bayberry Dental Care, located in Tinley Park, IL, is a family-friendly dental establishment. Dr. Kathleen Falsey treats patients of all ages, big and small! That’s why shes experienced with the condition known as Fluorosis. This happens when a child ingests too much of the mineral known as Fluoride. It ends up staining the teeth with thin, white streaks. This won’t hurt your child, but it does point to a nutritional imbalance.

 

Children are the only ones at risk for fluorosis. That’s because it only affects baby teeth. Before the teeth erupt from the gumline, fluoride can change their appearance. Talk to your Tinley Park, IL, dentist if you notice a change in your child’s appearance.

 

The main introduction of fluoride to a child’s system is through the water supply. It naturally occurs in our water sources, keeping it both clean and healthy! One of the many perks of breastfeeding is the avoidance of fluoride. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding a child until the age of three. Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs. When it comes to most brands of formula, water is added to it. This puts your baby at risk for fluorosis. Another possible risk is through everyday dental products. Toothpaste contains fluoride. It’s why you need to monitor how much is used. It’s recommended you start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. Never use more than a grain of rice for children under three.

 

Children over the age of three should brush their teeth twice a day. Just because they are baby teeth doesn’t mean you can neglect their health. Children don’t need a large amount of toothpaste, nothing larger than a pea. When teaching children to brush, make sure they understand not to swallow it afterward. Using too much toothpaste or ingesting it puts them at risk for fluorosis.

 

Bayberry Dental Care is located in Tinley Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, call 708-802-8300 or visit https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/

Cleaning Your Child's Tongue

When Dr. Kathleen Falsey talks about cleaning your child’s mouth, she isn’t talking about soap and water! There are many ways to keep their mouth clean, including cleaning their tongue. At Bayberry Dental Care, we believe that teaching strong dental hygiene habits now will follow a child into adulthood. Try having your child brush their tongue daily. Contact our office in Tinley Park, IL, to know more.

 

Baby teeth, because they are meant to fall out, are much softer than their adult counterparts. This puts children at a higher risk of tooth decay. Tongue cleaning is a great way to reduce unwanted cavities. Tongues are naturally very sticky, letting them hold onto large amounts of bacteria and debris. Tongue scraping or cleaning removes these. Brushing and flossing can only do so much. Tongue scraping is the last step in a healthy everyday routine.

 

Your child can use their toothbrush to clean their tongue. Did you know that there is an even better solution? Grocery stores and supermarkets sell dental appliances specifically for tongue cleaning. These are sold for children too. Make sure that any appliance purchased matches your child’s age range. The right-sized tongue scraper perfectly matches the width of the tongue. Have your child wait until they are at least five years old before attempting to clean their tongue.

 

You’ll want to demonstrate and show your child how to use their tongue scraper. Stand the child in front of a mirror. Ask them to stick out their tongue. While watching in the mirror, guide their hand and tongue cleaner towards the back of the tongue. Help them scrap it gently down to the tip. Rinse the appliance off each time and do it again.

 

Every parent wants what’s best for their child, including their dental health. When you schedule an appointment at Bayberry Dental Care, you’re getting the best! To contact Dr. Kathleen Falsey at her office in Tinley Park, IL, call 708-802-8300 or visit her website at https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/.

Pediatric Sealants

Did you know that cavities are common in kids ages five to fourteen? With baby teeth falling out and adult teeth coming in, deep grooves and gaps make it difficult for kids to brush their teeth thoroughly. We at Bayberry Dental Care take pride in educating our young patients about proper oral hygiene. Sometimes, though, certain procedures are required to help young patients prevent cavities. Sealants prevent food from getting stuck in grooves and gaps, which ultimately prevents the process of tooth decay. Your Tinley Park dentist is committed to helping your child stay cavity-free!

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, dental sealants are applied in an effort to keep out tooth decay. Sealants are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. Your Tinley Park dentist fills in the grooves that are hard to reach while brushing, with the thin plastic material. This added layer of protection greatly lowers your child’s chances of developing a cavity.

When you help your child prevent cavities at an early age, they are less likely to have oral health problems as an adult. The way they take care of their baby teeth directly affects how taking care of their adult teeth will be. Solidify good dental hygiene habits now by encouraging your child to take care of their teeth properly, and they will be rewarded with a lifetime of good oral health.

Do you think your child could benefit from dental sealants? We are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have! For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300. Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477.

 

Oral Cancer Screenings

Bayberry Dental Care is dedicated to catching a potential problem in the mouth before it manifests into something worse. This is why we offer oral cancer screenings to check for any precancerous or cancerous conditions in the mouth. With the advances in modern technology, dentists are now able to treat a problem prior to it becoming irreversible. 

An oral cancer screening is completed with an ultraviolet light that allows your Tinley Park dentist to view issues that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Precancerous lesions identified under this light are much easier to be removed and are more likely to be cured.

Causes of oral precancer/cancer include:

- Tobacco use of any kind, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip and vaping

- Heavy alcohol consumption

- Family history of cancer

- Human papillomavirus (HPV)

- Significant sun exposure

Are you interested in getting an oral cancer screening? For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300. Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477.