- Dental ExaminationTh grade? Have they had their mandated school dental exam yet? If not, contact Growing Smiles today! At the link below, you can download the form you’ll need for the visit – just fill out the section that’s labeled for parents, and one of our doctors will handle the rest during your son or daughter’s visit. We look forward to helping them start their new school year on the right foot!
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer is a very dangerous disease that often isn’t correctly identified by doctors until it’s already reached advanced, destructive stages – that’s why routine screenings are so critical for patients of all ages. During check-ups, our doctors will carefully scan the mouth for any tell-tale signs that could indicate the presence of cancerous cells, including white or red patches, lumps and thickened areas, or sores that aren’t healing properly. If we locate something suspicious, a biopsy can be arranged to determine a diagnosis and whether any further treatment is needed.
- Teeth CleaningYour child deserves a great support system as they learn to care for their growing teeth, and our doctors and our team members are here to provide that important assistance with quality preventive care. In-depth check-ups will reveal any potential problems or developmental concerns that need treatment as soon as possible, and gentle cleanings will give little smiles a nicely fresh feeling while getting rid of pesky plaque. Fluoride treatments, dental sealants, nightguards, and much more are also available! Our Preventive options
- Fluoride TreatmentThe typical infant oral health exam (occurring around the age of one) provides valuable information about how to take care of your baby's teeth, how to keep them healthy and cavity free, and how to assess normal dental development. At this first visit, we will perform an exam to evaluate your child's dental growth, complete a cleaning and apply topical fluoride treatment. We will also review proper brushing and flossing instructions, as well as bottle/sippy cup use, oral habits, and nutrition.
- Dental SealantsEvery mouth has difficult spots that can’t be reached easily through routine brushing – this is especially true for children, who are still learning how to properly care for their teeth outside of the dentist’s office. When certain areas on the teeth are missed and left uncleaned from day to day, tooth decay is able to take hold, resulting in cavities. Thankfully, our pediatric doctors at Growing Smiles can provide an extra touch of valuable protection for your loved ones with dental sealants. Contact our Chicago, IL practice today to schedule your child’s first check-up, or if you have any questions for our team.
- FillingsMany parents remember the days of having their cavities treated with noticeable, dark-colored amalgam fillings – thankfully, our pediatric practice offers a much-improved alternative here in Chicago. With tooth-colored fillings, your child’s cavities can be treated quickly, comfortably, and seamlessly. The high-quality material we use is precisely shaded to match their natural enamel, allowing them to smile with complete confidence while enjoying a healthier, happier smile. Learn more About Fillings
- Resin CompositeOur direct fillings are crafted from composite resin, which is shaded to seamlessly match natural tooth enamel and then sculpted to look like the original tooth over a single appointment. In addition to its beautiful appearance, composite resin is also more conservative than traditional amalgam fillings (which means we can preserve more of your child’s remaining healthy dental structure) and less sensitive to changes in temperature (which means more overall comfort for your little one). Nitrous Oxide can be provided during the service to ensure your child’s comfort and relaxation.
- CrownsDo you still have the permanent tooth? If so, take care to only touch the crown (the white portion) of the tooth as you rinse it carefully with water. Then, if possible, place the tooth back into your child’s mouth where it once was and hold it in place with a towel. Alternatively, place the tooth in a container of milk and proceed immediately to our office or the nearest hospital. Time is of the essence in these situations; the sooner you and your child reach help, the greater chance that the permanent tooth can be successfully replanted.
- Restorative DentistryDental injuries and pain can be a frightening experience for children, but our pediatric team is here to provide a safe place where they can feel welcomed and well taken care of. At Growing Smiles, our available restorative services cover a wide range of needs, including customized, high-quality restorations for damaged and missing teeth, tooth-colored fillings for cavities, and much more. Contact our Chicago, IL area practice to schedule a first appointment with Dr. Kristin, Dr. Reena, or one of our other accomplished doctors.
- Root Canal TreatmentHowever, if more extensive work is required, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions, we strive to provide the highest quality dental care possible. To help maintain healthy, esthetic smiles, we try to utilize tooth-colored restorations whenever possible. We are also able to offer a variety of behavior management techniques to put your child at ease and have an enjoyable dental experience. Additionally, we screen patients of all ages for orthodontic care at each six month examination.
- Deep CleaningAlong with cleaning and sanitizing during the day, we take things to another level at night with a thorough top-to-bottom scrub down.
- Oral SurgeryEvery dentist undergoes the same initial educational process, but those looking to become specialists in certain fields (such as orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, or, of course, pediatric care) must then enter into additional years of advanced training so that they’re fully prepared to provide their patients with the best care possible. Here in Chicago, parents can rest assured that our doctors know how to handle the unique challenges that come with treating children and ensure healthy, happy results that last for years to come – in fact, all four are certified by the Illinois State Board and are Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Better yet, because our office is geared towards young patients, our fun atmosphere and amenities will be sure to make your child smile!
- Tooth ExtractionsAt Growing Smiles, we always strive to preserve your child’s healthy, natural teeth through the years – but sadly, there are situations where a restorative solution just isn’t possible. If we find ourselves faced with an extremely problematic baby tooth or an adult tooth that’s become severely damaged by infection or injury, our doctors may recommend an extraction procedure to better preserve your child’s oral health and overall wellbeing. Also, orthodontists often recommend primary or permanent tooth extractions as part of their treatment plan, in which case, all of our doctors are able to extract the prescribed teeth. Nitrous Oxideis available to help keep your son or daughter completely comfortable throughout the process.
- Orthodontics
- General DentistryDr. Reena is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and has been practicing in the Chicago area since 2000. Originally from Michigan, she received both her Bachelor of Science degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan. After dental school, Dr. Reena moved to Chicago to complete a General Practice Residency in a joint program with the University of Illinois and University of Chicago. She practiced general dentistry for the next four years before returning to Northwestern University to complete her pediatric dental residency at Children's Memorial Hospital.