If you live in Tinley Park or Orland Park, you have plenty of places to take your child to the dentist. So why do so many families from your towns end up at our office on 127th Street in Palos Heights? I’m Dr. Richard Facko, and I wanted to answer that question directly.
Quick answer: Families make the drive because we focus only on children, local doctors and dental offices send their patients to us, and we understand what active kids need, from mouthguards to urgent visits.
Why Do Local Doctors and Dentists Refer Families to Us?
When another provider sends a child our way, they are trusting us to treat that child the way they would want their own patients treated. We take that seriously.
We regularly care for children referred by pediatricians and family doctors in both Orland Park and Tinley Park, as well as by other dental offices. If your pediatrician mentioned us, you’re in good company.
What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different?
A pediatric dentist has extra training focused on children, from toddlers to teenagers. That means we are used to working with nervous kids, tiny mouths, and growing teeth.
Our team offers preventive care, behavior guidance, sedation options when needed, and care for children with special needs. If you’re not sure why a children’s dentist matters, read why your child needs a pediatric dentist, not just a general dentist.
How Can You Protect Your Child’s Teeth in Sports?
Ask your child’s dentist about a mouthguard that fits their sport and age. I coach hockey myself, so I see the dental side of youth sports up close. Mouthguards get forgotten, and front teeth take hits.
If your child plays hockey, baseball, soccer, or any sport with a ball, stick, or lots of contact, a mouthguard is worth the habit. We’re happy to talk through the right one at any visit. You can read more in our post on why mouthguards are a must-have.
What Should You Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth?
Call us right away. If it’s a permanent tooth, the American Dental Association says to keep it moist, place it back in the socket if you can without touching the root, or hold it in milk, and get to a dentist quickly. Read the full steps in the ADA’s dental emergencies guide.
Baby teeth are different, and we don’t try to put them back. If something happens at a game or practice, we want to be the first call you make. Learn more about our emergency care.
What Do Tinley Park and Orland Park Families Love to Do?
Both towns put effort into family events. In Tinley Park, there’s the Irish Parade and Music in the Plaza and Parade of Lights. In Orland Park, families enjoy the concerts at Centennial Park West and the Taste of Orland Park.
Festival food and summer treats are part of the fun, and a few simple habits help your child’s teeth. Drink water after sweets, and keep up with checkups.
What Should You Know Before You Make the Drive?
We are at 6446 W 127th St, 2nd Floor, Palos Heights, IL 60463. Our hours are Monday and Tuesday 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 8 am to 5 pm, Thursday 8 am to 4 pm, and Friday 8 am to 3 pm. We are closed on weekends.
Ready to Meet Us?
We would love to meet your family. Schedule an appointment or call (708) 263-6708. We also welcome families from Oak Forest; you can read about our Oak Forest patients.
