Welcome to our Palos Heights Pediatric Dental Practice!
At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we meet kids where they are, whatever their age, temperament, or needs. And we keep parents in the room and in the loop every step of the way. We treat your kids like we'd want our own treated.
I'm Dr. Rich Facko, and I've been practicing pediatric dentistry in Palos Heights for over a decade. I'm also a dad of four, so when you bring your child in, I understand what's at stake from both sides of the chair.
Our goal isn't just healthy teeth. It's to give your child an experience positive enough that they'll actually want to come back. That starts with going at their pace, keeping things calm and low-pressure, and making sure you always know what's happening and why.
We Keep You in the Loop and in the Room
At most dental offices, parents drop their kids off at the door and wait for a summary on the way out. That's not how we work.
We believe parents are part of the care team. You know your child better than anyone, their anxiety triggers, their sensory sensitivities, their history. We want that information, and we want you involved. Every visit ends with a real conversation, not a pamphlet.
Pediatric Services We Provide in Palos Heights, IL
Preventive dentistry helps your child to avoid cavities or tooth infections and gum disease. Our special pediatric dental services can treat all levels of oral needs. Some of our comprehensive pediatric dental services in Palos Heights include:
- Preventative dental treatments like dental sealants
- Infant oral health to help assist our youngest patients
- Pediatric restorative dentistry to treat cavities, decay, infection, and more
- Silver diamine fluoride to arrest and stop tooth decay
- Behavior guidance for treating dental anxiety and fear
- Orthodontic treatments to straighten crooked or overcrowded teeth
- Sedation dentistry like nitrous oxide to help keep your child comfortable and relaxed
- Special needs dentistry to treat your child’s unique needs
Good dental health habits start as young as possible and can last for your child’s whole life.
We See All Kids, Even Ones Who’ve Had a Tough Time
Some kids are easy. Some kids need more time, more patience, or a different approach. Some have sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, or dental anxiety from a past experience.
We've built our practice around handling all of it. From our first baby tooth visits through the teenage years, we adjust our approach to fit your child, not the other way around. And when treatment becomes necessary, we explain every option clearly so you can make the decision that's right for your family.
Keeping Your Child Comfortable
At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how critical it is to provide a comfortable and minimally invasive environment for our young patients. For children with anxiety, we may utilize sedation dentistry or general anesthesia to aid Dr. Facko during a dental procedure.
Children with extreme dental anxiety can make it difficult for Dr. Facko to safely complete a dental procedure if they move too much. Special needs patients may need extra attention in treating phobia and nervous behaviors. Dr. Facko can observe your child and recommend the most conservative approach in treating your child gently.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an incredibly reliable and secure mild sedation therapy. After inhalation, your child immediately feels relaxed, and anxiety melts away. Once the dental procedure is completed, the mask is removed, and your child awakens quickly without any side effects or lingering grogginess.
Nitrous oxide is mild and safe, allowing your child to experience a dream-like state that will enable them to remain awake and communicative without any feelings of stress or fear. While they are aware during their procedure, they will be able to relax enough to allow Dr. Facko access to their mouth without any tension.
Pediatric Special Needs Dentistry Is a Priority, Not an Afterthought
Caring for children with special needs requires more than good intentions, it takes training, patience, and a practice genuinely set up to support them. We partner closely with families to build care routines that work at home and in the office, and we'll never push treatment beyond what your child is ready for.
We'd Love to Meet Your Family
We're located in Palos Heights and serve families throughout the southwest suburbs: Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, and beyond. If you're looking for a pediatric dentist you'll actually feel good about, we'd love to be that for your family.
New patients are always welcome!