Preventive Services in Palos Heights
Proper preventive treatment now can build the foundation for your child’s future dental health. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we can provide you with information and tools to protect your child’s health, save you money, and prevent future dental hassles.
With our prevention-based techniques, we focus on the preservation of your child’s teeth and gum health. Dr. Facko is skilled in identifying problems in their early stages, making treatment more affordable, and helping your child take a proactive role in his or her dental care.
Our dental office team knows how to communicate with kids. We help them understand how dental procedures will go and calm them so they will be relaxed and cooperative. We love working with children and their parents to support overall health and wellness, and we like to partner with parents to help instill good oral care habits in children at home, too.
If you would like to schedule an exam for your child, or if you have any questions about preventive dentistry in Palos Heights, IL, contact our child-friendly team today at (708) 263-6708.
We also invite you to read through the questions below. These are the questions we hear most frequently from parents just like you.
- At what age should my child first see the dentists?
- What is the difference between preventive and general dentistry?
- How do you make children feel relaxed during preventive dentistry exams and cleanings?
- What is a fluoride treatment?
- What is a protective dental sealant?
- How do I care for my child's teeth?
- Do you offer any after school appointments?
- Do you take my insurance?
- How can I schedule a new patient exam?
At what age should my child first see the dentist?
At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we begin seeing kids around their first birthday. By getting started early, we can follow your child's dental health right from the beginning and help instill good habits from the first visit.
Dental visits for infants can also help them to become accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office. Our team works hard to make dental instruments and the chair fun for kids. We understand that “fun” is what kids are looking for, and it helps them want to visit the dentist.
Dr. Facko is a friend to children, and our young patients enjoy visiting him and showing off their smiles. Regular dental cleanings and exams in Palos Heights, IL also allow Dr. Facko to detect any dental problems that arise. He strives to identify conditions as soon as possible because early detection minimizes treatment. Minimizing treatment means fewer visits for your child and less money spent by you.
What is the difference between preventive and general dentistry in Palos Heights?
Preventive dentistry represents the steps taken to help your child have healthy teeth for life. These steps include in-home and in-office care.
Preventive dentistry best practices include:
- Brushing at least twice per day
- Flossing at least twice per day
- Avoiding acidic and sugary snacks and beverages
- Visiting our Palos Heights, IL dental office twice per year for exams
- Allowing professional teeth cleanings every six months
- Periodic x-rays to make sure your child has no underlying oral health issues
General dentistry, on the other hand, has to do with maintenance and may include dental fillings or specific treatments to remedy a dental problem discovered during a preventive exam.
How do you make children feel relaxed during preventive dentistry exams and cleanings?
Our team works with children daily, and they understand how to communicate with kids to put them at ease. We familiarize children with our instruments and work hard to concentrate on the fun aspects of children’s dentistry in Palos Heights, IL. This includes a ride in the dental chair and other incentives.
We are a patient team and always try to instill trust in the children we treat. We also make children feel like this is “their place”—DVDs in our treatment rooms, a kid-friendly environment with a play area, and a team who greets every child with a smile.
What is a fluoride treatment?
People of all ages get cavities, but children may be especially prone. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth to stand up to cavity-causing bacteria.
Fluoride can be beneficial in the prevention of cavities. While fluoride treatment may not be necessary for every child, the anatomy of your child’s teeth and their history of tooth decay will help us determine whether your child could benefit from this inexpensive and effective preventative tool.
What is a protective dental sealant?
Dental sealants are a clear plastic coating placed over the grooves of your child’s teeth to prevent decay. Sealants are a fraction of the cost of fillings and can last up to five years. Children with particularly deep grooves in their teeth, a history of decay, or who consume foods containing high acid or sugar levels can benefit from getting sealants. Once sealants wear off, they can be replaced if continued protection is necessary.
How do I care for my child's teeth?
When children are small, we provide parents with instructions on the proper care for their child’s teeth. We show you how to brush properly and teach you about what to expect when it comes to your little one’s dentistry.
When your child is old enough, we will teach them how to brush their own teeth. Until your child is around eight years old, they will not have the dexterity to brush alone and will require assistance from you. When kids are ready to brush by themselves, we will check in with them at each exam about their habits, helping them to stay on track.
Do you offer any after school appointments?
We understand that raising a family takes up most of your day. We also understand that you may not want your child to miss school unnecessarily or have to take off work to bring him or her to the dentist.
At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we offer evening hours to help families get the care they need without rearranging life schedules.
Contact our Palos Heights, IL dental office to schedule an evening exam for your child today.
Do you take my insurance?
At Palos Heights Pediatric Dentistry, we take most PPO dental insurance plans to make it easier for your children to get the care they need. Additionally, we know that bills add up for families, which is why we promote preventive dentistry and good oral habits to help stave off potentially expensive dental issues down the road. You can check out a more detailed breakdown of costs here.
We recommend contacting our office to discuss your insurance benefits and always get in touch with us if your insurance changes.
Our top Palos Heights, IL dentist wants your child to receive the best dental care, which is why we also offer:
- Four Payment Option—this plan works for a service exceeding $500.00
- Thirty-Six Month Payment Option—this plan is for a dental service exceeding $1000.00
Contact our office to learn more about our service payment options today.
How can I schedule a new patient exam in the Palos Heights Area?
We look forward to meeting you and your family. Our Palos Heights pediatric dental team knows how important your child is to you, and that is why we treat each child like our own. You can rely on Dr. Facko to be up-front and honest when it comes to your child’s care. Call us for an evaluation. We look forward to welcoming you to our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric Dentistry in Palos Heights, IL
Dental x-rays serve a very important purpose for children. They allow us to detect cavities between the teeth early, when fixing these cavities is less complicated. Also, x-rays can help us to assess your child’s growth and development. However, we use x-rays sparingly and only when indicated. We prescribe x-rays based on your child’s risk for developing cavities, not by universal rules.
Fluoride is typically applied to your child’s teeth after cleaning. Using fluoride after a cleaning helps replace the fluoride-rich layer of enamel that was removed during the cleaning.
Contact Us
Contact our children's dental office in Palos Heights, IL to schedule a preventive dental appointment for your child. Frequent dentist visits are one of the best way to prevent cavities and help your child maintain their oral health.
It might seem like an unnecessary step to take your child to a completely separate dental office for their dental care. However, children’s dentists received the skills and training necessary to treat the unique needs of your child. In fact, children’s dentists often go through several additional years of training and residency in order to provide your little ones with the best care possible. Dr. Facko is no exception! He completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry and earned his Master’s Degree on Oral Science.
Dr. Facko understands children!
In addition to his specialized training, Dr. Facko has children of his own and intimately understands the expectations from his patients’ parents. He knows that they want high-quality, gentle care for their kids. They also want to know all of their options so they can make the best decision for their child.
What are your services?
We offer preventative, restorative, and orthodontic services as well as additional services including sedation and dentistry for kids with special needs. We know how to communicate in a way that will put your child at ease and help them learn about their dental treatment in a way that they can understand.
Children’s dentistry is never one-size-fits-all because each child is completely unique. That is why we customize your child’s dental care to meet their needs and to provide a foundation for a lifetime of excellent oral health.
Yes! If you search the web for a “children’s dentist near me,” look no further. We are always happy to welcome new kids into our Palos Heights dental practice.
At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we enjoy nurturing children through oral health changes and introducing age-appropriate dentistry as their dental needs evolve.
We would love to hear from you if you’re new to the area or are simply looking for children’s dentistry.
About Palos Pediatric Dentistry
Our dental practice specializes in pediatric dentistry, even seeing infants. At this early stage, we establish care and help make the best choices for your child, even before the first tooth erupts. This could mean nutrition counseling and information about gum health, pacifier use, teething, and more.
As your child grows, we implement regular checkups, teeth cleanings, and orthodontic evaluations to ensure oral health stays on track. We can also assist with brushing and flossing, which are best practices for home care.
We also offer special needs dentistry and prompt emergency care.
We are a compassionate and patient dental team and want to ensure your child feels at ease and cared for in the dental environment. This helps prevent issues like dental phobia and fear of the dentist.
Are You Looking for Pediatric Dentistry in Palos Heights, IL?
Contact a dental team member today to learn more about our treatments and services or to schedule an appointment for your child.
Your dental health is essential for your quality of life, and the journey starts as a child. It may seem like a chore when it comes to convincing little ones to get ready, taking time off work, and being on time for your dental appointments.
However, it's essential that you and your child both see the value in their oral health investment. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Richard Facko takes the time to explain the importance of clean and healthy teeth and gums. We know that dental cleanings may not be something your child looks forward to, which is why we make our appointments fun and gentle.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Even if you and your family brush and floss every day, there is still plaque and particles of food that love to get into hard to reach spaces that only a dental professional can reach, especially if any teeth are crooked.
When plaque builds up, it can lead to gum disease or infection, which can lead to premature tooth loss. Children can have a difficult time fully reaching or cleaning all surfaces of their teeth, which can make dental cleanings very important. We reach spots that children cannot reach with special tools and skills to prevent tooth decay.
We recommend visiting your Palos Heights children's dentist at least twice a year to minimize plaque buildup and food deposits. If your son or daughter is at a higher risk for cavities, we may recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants to keep their teeth healthy.
Call Us to Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Cleaning
We love keeping your child's teeth and gums strong and healthy, and it starts with our gentle and thorough dental cleanings. Call Palos Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule your next dental visit.
Your child should actually visit their Palos Heights dentist every six months for preventive care, just like you do. These early visits to the dentist help them feel safe and acclimate to the dental team. It's also an excellent way for them to build rapport and a positive relationship with their pediatric dentist.
Early visits help us monitor their oral development and inform you of any potential concerns before they become more significant problems.
Infant Oral Health
Did you know that infant oral care starts even before your baby gets their first tooth? Wiping your infant's gums after feeding helps remove bacteria buildup and gets them used to having oral care.
When their first teeth arrive, you can begin brushing with an infant-sized toothbrush with soft bristles. You can also incorporate a smear of toothpaste that's safe to swallow so they get used to toothpaste.
Your little one can have their first dental visit when their baby teeth arrive. We'll count and examine their teeth during their first few visits and eventually incorporate teeth cleanings and x-rays as they get older and more comfortable in the dental chair.
Contact your team at Palos Pediatric Dentistry at (708) 263-6708 if it's time for your child's first dental visit.
Meet Our Doctor:
Richard Facko DDS, MS
Meet Dr. Richard Facko: Your Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Richard Facko, DDS, is the founder and Pediatric Dentist at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, PC. Since founding the practice in 2013, he has been dedicated to providing a high level of care for the families in his hometown. Dr. Facko has been a pediatric dentist since 2012 and loves guiding child patients toward finding the confidence in themselves to experience the dentist without fear.
Education & Certifications
Dr. Facko's roots are in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, where he grew up and attended Palos 128 and ...
Featured Blog Posts - Preventive Services
New Year, Healthy Smile: Children’s Dental Resolutions for 2026
The start of a new year is a great opportunity for families to reset their routines, including those supporting kids’ oral health. Creating simple, achievable children’s dental resolutions for 2026 in Palos Heights can help kids build habits that protect their smiles all year long. The key is that, when ...
Why Baby Teeth Matter? More Than Just a Temporary Smile
When kids flash those adorable, gummy grins or show off their first tiny teeth, it’s easy to think baby teeth are just “practice teeth.” After all, they fall out… right? But at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we love reminding families that baby teeth play a big role in your child’s growth, ...
Choosing the Best Children’s Dentist in Palos Heights
Updated on September 16, 2025
Choosing a dentist for your child is a big decision. As a parent, you want a provider ...