general dentistry Archives - Page 13 of 17 - Sheehan Dental Clinic in Palos Park

What to Expect During Your Visit to Sheehan Dental in Palos Park

Sheehan Dental is more than pleased to offer dental services and assistance for every age group, from toddlers to adults; we are your one-stop dental shop in Palos Park. There are three things we take very seriously at Sheehan Dental, and that is the prevention of tooth-related problems, quick and easy fixes, and education of the importance of proper dental care. From the first visit to our dental clinic in Palos Park, you will feel right at home.

It goes without saying that the dentist’s office is not everyone’s cup of tea, but we take a personal approach that helps every age of patient look at going to the dentist as something they should do more than something that they have to do. Each member of the Sheehan Dental team is available to respond to any questions and inquiries while delivering the best dental services in Palos Park. We offer a variety of services to satisfy each member of your family’s needs, keep reading to see what you can expect during your visit to Sheehan Dental!

Welcoming Environment

Going to the dentist can be scary, stressful, and unsettling, no matter the patient’s age, but being in a welcoming environment makes all the difference. At Sheehan, we provide a beautiful clinic setting in a wonderful location so that you can feel a bit at home during your treatment.

During those times when tooth pain and problems are unbearable, you can be at ease knowing that you are in a place that truly represents how much care will be put into your treatment.

Trusted Dental Team

As we mentioned before, a trip to the dentists isn’t exactly what you think as a fun day out of the house, but the important thing that we can do is make sure you and your family feel relaxed during your time with us, and that starts with our team. From the moment you arrive at the clinic, you will be welcomed by a friendly receptionist who will take down your info, and after you will be able to enjoy a cozy waiting area to make you feel comfortable.

Our highly trained dentist, dentist assistance, and dental hygienists will walk you through what they will be doing, making sure to be extra sensitive should they be treating a younger patient and adjusting to their needs and limits. Comfortability is a priority for us, so during your visit should you require anything, just let your dentist know!

Highly Trained Dentist

Dr. Sheehan has been practicing in Palos Park since 2001 and has proven to be a well-trusted dentist with extensive experience over a wide range of dental services, such as Dental Crowns, Braces, Root Canals, and Regular Dental Checkups. Dr. Sheehan is also trained in new and innovative dental treatments such as Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Veneers, and Invisalign.

At Sheehan Dental, we are always looking for better ways to provide services for each of our patients. So no matter your dental need, come into Sheehan Dental in Palos Park and see the magic from the best hands in Illinois!

Family Friendly Dentistry

One of the biggest things that you can expect at Sheehan Dental is a family-friendly environment. We welcome and provide services for the little ones while taking extra care so that they will be left wanting to come back instead of hating another trip after their treatment.

Do you know the best advantages of a family dentist? You can say goodbye to looking for multiple dentists to treat each of your kids and yourself. Our services, team, and dentist are trained in providing care and assistance for everyone.

Personal Approach

We pride ourselves on the time each member of our team takes to get to know each of our clients to ensure that they feel at ease in and out of the clinic. At Sheehan Dental, we don’t treat you like just another patient, the moment you arrive, we guarantee nothing less than kindness, respect, and professionalism. We don’t just make good first impressions; we strive to continue impressing you during every visit.

Contact Sheehan Dental Today

We hope that we gave you a clear representation of what exactly you can expect during a visit to Sheehan Dental. But don’t just take our word for it, if you are in need of dental services, do not hesitate to come and see the extra mile we go to ensure any dental issues that you may have are corrected immediately.

You can also expect to have a team available to help you with anything you need even outside of the office; all you need to do is call! We are here for you through every step of the way; For any questions, appointments, or inquiries, contact us today.

Beyond The Brush: What You Can Do To Prevent Dental Plaque

Having the perfect smile is something all of us strive for, whether it be going to work, going out with friends, or visiting with family, there is no situation where a good smile isn’t wanted. Unfortunately, there are a few things that can happen that deter you from having the perfect smile, but if you have the right people in your corner, you can get easy and fast solutions to any kind of dental emergency!

Dental plaque is something that a lot of people will experience sometime in their lifetime. It is a very real problem, and over time it can really affect the health of your teeth. Photo perfect teeth are something you want, and it is something that we can help you achieve, no matter the problem, Sheehan Dental will always be here to serve you!

First Things First: What is Dental Plaque?

Dental Plaque is a sticky yellowish film that forms on your teeth. It is the direct combination of saliva, foods, and liquids producing bacteria and, in turn, causing plaque that forms on and in between your teeth as well as along the line of your gums.

Dental plaque can form fast and act quickly; that is why taking the appropriate measures to prevent plaque from forming is extremely important at any and every moment you can!

How can Dental Plaque Affect My Teeth?

Unknown by many, but dental plaque can be the root cause of a variety of different oral health issues. Bacteria that are found in plaque produce different acids that can degrade tooth enamel leading to complex dental problems like cavities. Plaque can also cause different problems like gum disease, bad breath, and a yellow stain on your beautiful smile.

Fight Back Against Dental Plaque

Now you may have a question that people from across the world are constantly asking when regarding their dental health: how do I prevent plaque from forming on my teeth? The answer is simple, clean them.

If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth, your teeth can develop an unattractive yellow/brown color caused by an excessive build-up of plaque. As we mentioned before, plaque can form on your gums, between your teeth, and on them, so it is important that you both brush and floss at least twice a day. But you shouldn’t stop there!

Here are some Sheehan Dental Tips to cleaning your teeth on your own:

Always floss first. Flossing will remove any pieces of food, liquids, and plaque build-up that lay between the teeth, on the teeth, and in hard to reach places,
After you have finished flossing, it is time to trust in your toothbrush. Brush your teeth, starting in the back of the mouth using a short and circular motion. Brush both the front and back on the front teeth first and then switch to your back teeth.
After all is said and done, rinse your mouth with a dentist-approved mouthwash. This will release any bacteria remaining in your mouth.

We can only do so much to clean our teeth; we can take every precaution but still find ourselves being the victim of dental plaque. After a lot of plaque build-up, tartar forms, and tartar can be very difficult to remove. That is why we highly recommend coming into Sheehan Dental to have regular professional cleanings for your teeth. It’s fast, easy, and can stop plaque directly in its tracks!

Beyond The Brush: What You Can Do To Prevent Dental Plaque

Keeping up with dental hygiene both inside and outside the clinic is something we should always do, but there are a few other things we can do to prevent the build-up of plaque. This is usually done by changes in our diets and cutting back on things like sugar, starch, and acidic foods. For example:

Desserts

Candy

Bread

Chips

Sodas

Juices

Sports drinks

You don’t need to cut out all of the foods that you enjoy, but to prevent dental plaque, try to avoid consuming the foods mentioned above in high excess.

Preventing and Treating Dental Plaque with Sheehan Dental

Regular dental checkups and cleanings with our team can increase the prevention of dental plaque while also helping other oral problems. During your checkup, we will examine the entire mouth, checking for any indications of tooth decay and gum disease while also removing any plaque or tartar that is situated on your teeth. We will also recommend different brands of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes so that you can reduce your time in the dental clinic!

We are here to serve you, so for any information or appointments, don’t hesitate to contact us today to get the answers and results that you are looking for! We want your smile to glow, so contact Sheehan Dental today for all of your dental needs!

Let’s Do Our Part: COVID-19

To ensure the safety of our patients, communities and dental team members, ISDS recommends the following measures that align with Gov. Pritzker’s mandates to limit the spread of COVID-19 through dental offices for the two-week period beginning Tuesday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020:

Treat only patients requiring emergency dental procedures.
Postpone elective dental treatment and procedures.

In the next two weeks, we anticipate that the Centers for Disease Control, American Dental Association and Illinois Department of Public Health may establish additional safety measures above and beyond our already comprehensive universal standards of infection control.

Therefore, to ensure the safety of our staff and our patients the office will be closed: March 17 – March 31, 2020.

If you have an emergency, please call. We will be seeing emergency patients, if necessary.

Pregnancy Dental Care: Comprehensive Guide to Dental Health When Expecting

Pregnancy brings on a whole new world of responsibilities, and it can be a very stressful process to be in the know about everything that you should do to have a healthy transition into motherhood.

One of the things that doesn’t come to mind when you think pregnancy is the importance of dental health, but it is something that all expecting mothers should take very seriously! The ins and outs of dental hygiene when pregnant can be a bit complicated, so we have made it easy with a comprehensive guide to proper dental well-being while expecting.

Share The News

Finding out that you are going to be welcoming a new human into the world is a very exciting time, but letting the right people know is crucial! Of course, those who mean the most to you are on the top of your list, your family and friends are going to be ecstatic, but don’t forget about your dentist!

Keeping up with your dental care is extremely important at every moment in your life, pregnant or not, but while expecting, dentists need to be in the know of all the details so that you can be properly treated with the highest care and safety! You should let your dentist know what Month you are in, and if it is a high-risk pregnancy when booking, this can determine just what treatments are safe for you and your baby and postponing any appointments that may pose risks!

Check With Your Obstetrician

palos park dentist for expecting mothers

Dentists are highly trained professionals prepared and experienced for every and any type of dental treatment, but it is crucial that you check with your obstetrician before your dental appointment to learn about any precautions/instructions that the dentists should be aware of.

This can help your dentist know just precisely what options are available for you when undergoing any kind of dental treatment. While pregnant, you can never be too safe!

The More Information, The Better

When considering dental care while pregnant, the more information you give to your dentist, the better! This includes a complete list of all medications and dosages that you are taking. Considering your specific information, your dentist may need to alter your care to suit you in this exciting time!

The Effects of Morning Sickness

One of the not so pleasant things about being pregnant is when you get morning sickness. One day you may wake up, and the thought of a particular food or flavor may be off-putting and make you sick. But don’t let that stop you from keeping up with your dental hygiene!

We recommend that you switch to a toothpaste that doesn’t have any flavor. This will help you not look at brushing your teeth as something that will make you sick; the flavorless toothpaste is the perfect option to keeping those teeth pearly white and welcoming your newborn with a healthy and vibrant smile!

Never Stop Your Dental Hygiene

There are a lot of essential things that you have to do and prepare for while being pregnant, but don’t let other responsibilities take over your dental health.

Due to hormonal change, while pregnant, you can become increasingly susceptible to periodontal disease, and if you have tender gums that bleed easily, also a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Don’t miss out on your dental check-up just because you are pregnant, the healthier you are, the better it is for the special someone that will be entering your life!

Tips For Maintaining a Healthy Mouth During Pregnancy

Because you are pregnant, it doesn’t mean making massive changes in your everyday dental health, just remember to:

Brush

Brushing your teeth should never stop, just make sure that you choose an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and brushing your teeth no less than twice a day is crucial for proper dental cleanliness!

Floss

Don’t forget about flossing and getting rid of any plaque or food build-up, trust us, flossing thoroughly between your teeth daily is going to help keep you comfortable and fresh!

Eating Right

Pregnancy may bring upon some unexpected cravings, be aware of the negative effect some snacks can have on your teeth. So, if you snack, it’s best to do so in moderation.

Frequent Dental Visits

You can never be too sure when it comes to your teeth. So make sure you keep up with your visits to the dentist.

The Unique Benefits of Going to the Dentist While Pregnant

There is absolutely no doubt, being pregnant is special. As you go through the process of transitioning into motherhood, every person that is involved in your journey has a long-lasting effect on you and your baby!

While expecting, it can create deep bonds, and that includes those with your dentist. As you experience care during this time, it will give you the trust you need to know that when your baby is growing up, they will have dental care to the highest standard!

Pregnancy Dental Care in Palos Park: The Sheehan Dental Difference

Throughout this unique time, you should be surrounded by those who want to go the extra mile to promote your health and happiness! The personalized experience at Sheehan Dental allows you to feel at home while receiving the dental care you need. Serving all types of dental needs in Palos Park, IL, our extensive personnel and expertise are the perfect fit for you while expecting!

This is a special time, and putting the trust of you and your baby is not an easy thing to do. At Sheehan Dental, our number one goal is to show you why you should confide in us to give you the dental care that you require. See for yourself here, why we are one of the most trusted dental services in Palos Park, IL. If you are expecting and are in need of a dental center that has you and your baby’s dental needs in mind, don’t hesitate to contact us online at https://sheehandental.com/find-us/ or by calling us at 1 708-671-1510.

Oral Health Tips – Best Practices for Healthy Teeth & Gums

5 Best Oral Health Practices for Healthy Teeth & Gums

From maintaining a healthy body to achieving a radiant smile, there are many important reasons to strive for healthy teeth and gums. If you want the confidence to smile without worry over the appearance of your teeth or wish that you had fresher breath or a reduced risk of gum disease, then the secret lies in taking better care of your teeth and gums.

We’re going to cover five of the best oral health practices for healthy teeth and gums that’ll help you to prevent problems and enjoy a lifetime of better dental health.

You may be surprised by the amazing results that can come from simple changes to your daily habits and regular visits to the dentist!

Become an Expert at Brushing Your Teeth

Most people are aware that they need to brush their teeth twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Yet, there’s more that you need to know to make this practice as beneficial as possible.

Firstly, the toothpaste you use can have a big impact on the quality of your brushing.

Ideally, you should use fluoride toothpaste, which provides essential protection against tooth decay. This type of toothpaste will fight germs and strengthen enamel for a big boost in tooth defense.

When it comes to brushing, be sure to use small, gentle strokes and clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth. You also need the correct size of toothbrush for your mouth, and preferably one with soft bristles. A toothbrush won’t last forever, you need to replace it every 3-4 months!

The more you learn about the correct way to brush your teeth, the more effective the twice-daily practice will be!

Clean the Entirety of Your Mouth

Brushing only goes so far to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. For the best care, you need to clean other areas of your mouth and areas that your toothbrush is unable to reach. This includes using your toothbrush to softly brush your tongue after brushing your teeth. Brushing your tongue will help to prevent plaque buildup and keep your breath smelling fresh.

Floss, mouthwash and sugar-free gum all have a role to play in keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You should rinse with mouthwash daily to reduce acid and prevent tooth decay. If you suffer from gum disease, a therapeutic mouthwash could be very beneficial in reducing it, as well as reducing tartar and plaque development.

You should also floss your teeth daily to remove debris, reduce inflammation and lower the amount of plaque in the mouth. Chewing gum is another way to remove debris and it also increases saliva, which i neutralizes the acid in the mouth and gets rid of bacteria.

Make Good Food and Drink Choices

Dental & Oral Health Tips - Dentists in Palos

The food you eat affects your overall health. One of the best practices for healthy teeth and gums is to be mindful of the damage that certain foods can do to your oral health and the benefits of others.

Sugary foods are especially bad for your teeth, as they can lead to enamel erosion as the sugar breaks down in the mouth. To protect your teeth, it’s crucial to limit how much sugary food you eat and how frequently you eat snacks – eating snacks is more harmful to teeth than meals, as there’s not as much saliva to get rid of acid. Also be wary of acidic foods, which can cause similar damage to your teeth.

Eating a balanced diet is important. If you lack certain nutrients in your diet you may be more prone to mouth infections and gum disease. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy will help you to maintain good oral health.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Water will ensure that your mouth stays hydrated by contributing to saliva creation. More saliva means less risk of tooth decay and less food debris in the mouth, so your teeth stay healthy and your breath stays fresh.

Protect Your Teeth When Playing Sports

The best practices for healthy teeth and gums don’t all revolve around cleaning and eating habits at home, you also need to be mindful of your dental health when you’re playing sports or partaking in any activity where there’s a risk of tooth damage or loss.

The practice of protecting your teeth from impact damage when playing sports is as simple as buying a mouthguard and remembering to wear it.

You can buy mouthguards at sporting stores, or for more effective protection, talk to your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard.

Visit Sheehan Dental for Regular Dental Checkups

Last but by no means least: you need to visit your dentist twice a year for healthy teeth and gums! Your dentist has a wealth of knowledge about the best practices for healthy teeth and gums, all you need to do is ask.

Visiting your dentist every six months will ensure that you’re getting the advice and treatments you require to keep your mouth in the best condition. There are many ways your dentist can help you, including regular dental cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar, and examinations to identify the signs of gum disease and oral cancer as soon as possible.

You can talk to your dentist about restorative treatment to improve your bite and speech, cosmetic treatment to give you a dazzling smile or advice on brushing your teeth in the most effective manner – you can avoid most problems with expert dental care!

By taking the time to look after your teeth and gums properly, you can achieve a smile to be proud of and ensure that problems are identified and treated quickly to minimize their impact on your life. It’s time to take your dental health seriously, by reaching out to the expert dental team at Sheehan Dental today.