Bayberry Dental Care

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Types of Fillings at Bayberry Dental Care

Dental fillings are used to repair teeth that have chipped, broken, or fractured. They can also be used to fill cavities that have been caused by tooth decay. At Bayberry Dental Care, we offer a variety of dental fillings that accompany our patient’s needs and we’d like you to learn more about them.



  • Amalgam Fillings – Amalgam fillings have been safely used in the dental industry for over 150 years. Dental amalgam is a liquid mercury and metal alloy mixture used to fill cavities caused by decay. This option is less expensive and usually more durable than tooth-colored fillings due to their longevity factor.



  • Porcelain (Tooth Colored) Fillings – Porcelain fillings are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to amalgam fillings because they are made to match the color of the tooth. Though they can be more fragile and usually require more than one visit to the dental office, they can help a patient maintain their natural appearance.


If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, 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.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Oral Cancer Screenings

We want you and your family to be aware of the risk of oral cancer, and encourage you to ask about an oral cancer screening with each dental checkup.  Heavy smoking and drinking of course increase the risk of oral cancer, but oral cancer can still occur if someone never smokes.  In fact, the human papilloma virus (HPV) was recently found to be responsible for most oral cancers that originated in the back of the mouth. 


To screen for oral cancer, our doctors perform a visual exam and use an ultraviolet light device to detect any cancerous irregularities in tissue.  This exam can be done in a short length of time and in addition to any dental appointment.  Regular screenings are the best way to protect you and your family, but always contact us if you notice any inexplicable pain, swelling, or numbness in your throat or jaw.


To learn more about oral cancer screenings 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. 

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Mouth Guards

Athletes participating in any contact sport are advised to wear some kind of mouth protection.  You may not have a professional athlete in your family, but a mouth guard is an easy precaution to take to be safe during school sports and activities. Wearing a mouth guard during sports helps prevent damage to the teeth, jaw, cheeks, and even the tongue and lips!


Most sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but they are generic in size and fit.  These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, leading to child and teenage athletes in particular not wearing the protection at all. An ill-fitting mouth guard can even interrupt breathing and speaking.  Come see us and have a dentist perform a custom mouth guard fitting.  You’ll get a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects your teeth and still fits comfortably, and you can go right back to playing your best!


To learn more about mouth guards 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. 

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Nocturnal Bruxism

If you’ve ever caught yourself clenching your jaw, or grinding your teeth, you may be labeled a bruxer – a person who has fallen victim to bruxism. Bruxism is a dental condition that causes these actions and becomes a habit when awake or asleep. Sleep bruxism, also known as nocturnal bruxism, occurs during sleep and may cause the patient to wake up with facial pain. To protect your teeth from damage, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care may suggest a night guard.


The severity of nocturnal bruxism symptoms can vary, but typically include worn down teeth, headaches, earaches, and a sore jaw. Dr. Falsey can diagnose this condition by examining your teeth for signs of wear and tear. Often, teeth clenching and grinding is a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety. A night guard, or a mouth guard, can reduce strain on the jaw muscles and alleviate pressure to protect teeth from damage.


If you have questions about bruxism, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, 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.