Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the teeth and sculpting the gum line.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS removes gum tissue from patient’s mouths for aesthetics and for function.  At our practice we see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile.  When gum tissue is removed for function it is typically for making room to affix a restoration like a crown to a tooth.

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile!  If you think your smile would benefit from crown lengthening, please contact us.

To learn more about crown lengthening 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. 

Sedation Dentistry

Whether you desire to take the edge off of a professional cleaning, or if the thought of visiting the dentist gives you anxiety, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care has a sedation option for you. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different levels of sedation and it’s helpful to schedule a consultation with Dr. Falsey before your appointment to discuss which level is best for you.

Minimal sedation that usually involves nitrous oxide, requires the patient to be awake, but leaves them in a relaxed state, mentally and physically. Moderate sedation, also known as conscious sedation, uses a sedative that causes patients to slur their words, and not remember much of the procedure. Deep sedation involves a patient being on the edge of consciousness, but can still be awake. General anesthesia involves the patient becoming completely unconscious, but is more commonly used during oral surgery procedures.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation options, please 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.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If wisdom teeth are impacted and embedded into the bone, this simply means that they don’t have room to emerge normally inside the mouth. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth may try to emerge, but if they succeed, they will grow at an angle that keeps them from fully erupting. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care will likely suggest extraction for impacted wisdom teeth because keeping them will only result in pain, and/or infection.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause serious periodontal issues and can make brushing and flossing both painful and difficult. As the condition worsens, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain in the jaw, as well as frequent headaches, and even cysts. If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you fear that they may be impacted, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please 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.

Pacifiers and Teeth

Parents often struggle with weaning their child off a pacifier.  Infants are soothed to a sense of security by pacifiers, and when the time comes it is one of the hardest habits to break.  It can require a great deal of persuasion, but because of the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth children should stop using pacifiers by the age of two.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS welcomes pediatric patients, even those who have yet to wean off of the pacifier.

Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth, and create problems with tooth alignment.  Narrowing of the roof of the mouth and misalignment of the jaws can also occur.  Using a pacifier too long can also lead to a variety of complications including tilting in of the bottom teeth, and slanting in of the top and front teeth. Until the age of two, any alignment problem with the teeth or developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use has stopped.  We can help and support parents having any trouble weaning their child off a pacifier before that age.

If you have questions about pacifiers and teeth development, 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. 

Losing the First Tooth

If your kid is turning into a big kid, losing the first baby tooth is on the horizon.  It’s an exciting sign of growing up, but many kids still feel anxious or uncomfortable dealing with the unfamiliar sensation of a loose tooth.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS wants kids and parents to be prepared and understand why this pain occurs so your child can still have a positive tooth loss experience.

Before a baby tooth is lost, it begins to break free of its nerve endings.  This is the natural process that makes the tooth feel loose and wobbly at the gums, and the area will become swollen and red.  It can be painful, and for kids a great way to soothe tooth pain is applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth in the affected area.  Children may complain that they find it hard to bite or chew with loose or missing teeth.  It’s still important to keep eating healthy while they grow new teeth so encourage soup, pureed fruits, and cooked vegetables.  A few tales of the tooth fairy can usually ease a little pain, too!

If you have questions about pediatric oral care, 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. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease and though it’s treatable, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care hopes your oral hygiene habits are never this poor. Periodontitis is caused by lack of oral care, as well as untreated gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible, so if you notice a bit of blood in the sink, floss at least twice a day for one week straight (and continue to do so) to reduce it. If you don’t, you may need a deep cleaning of the gums, called scaling and root planing.

Periodontal disease comes from plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth from the foods that we consume. When plaque is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it can form pockets in the gums. The plaque will then get trapped in these pockets and will need to be removed by scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, while root planing smoothes the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth. After this deep cleaning, you may experience gum sensitivity, but you will have a healthier smile overall.

If you have questions or concerns regarding scaling and root planing, please 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.

Measures to Take Before Oral Surgery

Oral surgery procedures can range from tooth extractions to receiving dental implants. Just like there are precautions to take after surgery, you’ll need to prepare yourself for your appointment. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care is here to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout this entire process.

If you have an illness, such as a cold, flu, or an upset stomach, please notify the office of your appointment. If you take routine oral medications, please notify us of these as well. If you are ready to have a tooth removed, or dental implant surgery, you may not eat or drink anything (including water) eight hours prior to surgery. There is also no smoking up to 12 hours before. Because oral surgery requires heavy anesthesia, a responsible adult will need to accompany you to your appointment to drive you home. When arriving at the office, please be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes, no nail polish, and no makeup. If you are wearing jewelry, it will need to be removed during the procedure.

If you have questions about oral surgery, 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.