Empowering Your Best Smile
For Your Overall Health & Well-Being.

Modern Dentistry for Patients of All Ages

At Southland Smiles, Ltd, we pave the way towards a lifetime of health and wellness by empowering bright and beautiful smiles, one patient at a time.

As a premier dental practice in Flossmoor, IL, our dentists provide personalized, state-of-the-art general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services for patients throughout the Chicagoland area.

Arrive as a patient & leave as a friend, achieving a healthier & brighter smile for years to come.

General & Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry - Flossmoor, IL
The journey to a beautiful smile starts with good oral hygiene habits and bi-annual visits to the dentist. By detecting decay and oral health issues sooner, the better and faster we can administer treatment, maintain your smile, and prevent further health problems.

Utilizing modern dental technology, we provide the following general and preventative services:

 

If it’s time for a routine cleaning, or if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office.

What are the best practices for healthy gums & teeth?
In addition to visiting the dentist twice a year for routine teeth cleanings and examinations, there are a lot of practices you can integrate into your daily oral hygiene regimen.

Brush your teeth twice a day, and avoid going to bed without brushing your teeth. When brushing, use gentle, circular motions to remove plaque from the grooves of your teeth and tough-to-reach areas. Remember to brush your tongue, floss, and consider using mouthwash, fluoride toothpaste, or an electric toothbrush.

You should also limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods, as these can erode the enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities. Staying hydrated, getting enough calcium, and eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help your teeth.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

A buildup of bacteria and plaque can cause gum (periodontal) disease. In the early stage, this condition is called gingivitis, and if left untreated, it can develop into a more serious and advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis.

The signs of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen, tender, puffy, or red gums
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gum line

As gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, patients can experience the following symptoms:

  • Tooth & bone loss
  • Swollen & bloody gums
  • Abscesses & pus between teeth & gums

If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, we encourage you to request an appointment with our licensed periodontist, Dr. Zaid Atarchi, today.

What is root canal therapy?
When a tooth becomes severely injured, damaged, or infected, root canal therapy can help to preserve and protect the tooth. During this procedure, we’ll remove the innermost layer of the tooth (the pulp) and clean the area. After disinfecting the area, we’ll place a composite filling or dental crown over the tooth.

Are you experiencing persistent toothaches, sensitive teeth, swollen gums, or tooth discoloration? If so, you may need root canal therapy. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

When should your child first visit the dentist?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends children visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, and no later than their 1st birthday. By bringing your child to the dentist as early as possible, you can help prevent cavities and give your child a proactive start to a lifetime of good oral health.

At Southland Smiles, we take a gentle approach to your child’s first visit with us. We want all of our pediatric patients to have a calm and comfortable experience and enjoy going to the dentist throughout their life.

If you’d like to schedule a pediatric visit for your child, call 708-794-4253 today.

What are the signs & symptoms of TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull. When the TMJ becomes misaligned, whether due to an injury, bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), stress, or arthritis, it can cause a painful and uncomfortable condition known as TMJ disorder (TMD).

You may have TMJ disorder if you experience the following:

  • Frequent jaw or facial pain
  • Lockjaw
  • Frequent headaches
  • Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
  • Pain or difficulty speaking, chewing, or yawning
  • Radiating pain in the neck, shoulders, or ears

There are several TMD treatment options, which include mouth splints/guards, prescription medications, and Botox® injections.

Our dentists will work closely with you to determine the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder. We’ll then personalize a treatment plan to help you better manage your symptoms and make adjustments to your lifestyle, which may contribute to your TMD pain.

If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, contact us today.

Are you new to Southland Smiles?

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry - Flossmoor, IL

Tooth loss can be a life-altering event that changes the way a person speaks, chews, and feels about themselves. If you’re at risk of tooth loss or currently have missing or damaged teeth, the dentists at Southland Smiles are here to restore the health, beauty, and integrity of your smile.

Advanced technology and minimally invasive procedures have made it easier than ever to restore smiles and maximize patient comfort.

We provide the following restorative dental services:

  • Composite Dental Fillings
  • Dental Crowns & Bridges
  • Dental Implants
  • Partial & Complete Dentures

 

Are you ready to restore your confidence & the health & integrity of your smile?

Composite Dental Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings: Which Is Better?
With the development of tooth-colored composite fillings, traditional amalgam fillings have become a thing of the past. Because they’re made from acrylic and ceramic, composite fillings are custom-blended to match the natural color of a patient’s teeth. No more unsightly silver fillings or exposure to harmful mercury and metals. Plus, composite fillings preserve more of a tooth’s structure than silver fillings.

At Southland Smiles, we also utilize CariVu™ laser-based technology to detect cavities in the earliest stages, allowing us to diagnose and treat cavities sooner and more efficiently.

If you suspect you have a cavity, call 708-794-4253 today.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements made from tiny, screw-like titanium rods. After surgically placed in the root of the missing tooth, the implant begins to heal along the jawbone. Once the implant has fused to the jawbone, it provides a stable foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or a complete/partial denture.

Dental implants not only replace missing teeth ‒ they restore the health, function, and integrity of your smile. If you have one or more missing teeth and would like to learn more about dental implants, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What are dental crowns & bridges?
A dental crown is similar to a cap, which covers, protects, and restores a damaged or decaying tooth. There are several instances where dental crowns can be beneficial. They’re often placed over teeth following root canal treatment, large cavity fillings, or when a tooth is fractured or weakened.

Dental crowns are often placed on dental implants once they’ve healed. They also anchor and attach to dental bridges, which replace and restore multiple missing teeth that are adjacent to one another or in the same row.

Not sure if you’d benefit from a dental crown? Call 708-794-4253 to schedule an appointment.

What’s the difference between partial & complete dentures?
A complete denture replaces all missing teeth along the bottom or top dental arch, while a partial denture replaces multiple missing teeth when there are still some remaining natural teeth.

Removable complete and partial dentures require an adhesive to stay stable. Permanent partial and complete dentures attach to dental implants. Contact us to schedule a consultation for dentures. Our dentists are here to help you choose the right denture for your smile and oral health needs.

Prepare for your first appointment & contact us at 708-794-4253 today!

Business Hours

Monday
8:00 AM ‒ 4:00 PM

Tuesday ‒ Thursday
7:00 AM ‒ 7:30 PM

Friday
8:00 AM ‒ 2:00 PM

Saturday
8:00 AM ‒ 2:00 PM

Sunday
Closed

Only open 1st three Saturdays of every month

Chicago Dental Society - Southland Smiles - Flossmoor, IL Illinois State Dental Society - Southland Smiles - Flossmoor, IL
American Dental Association - Southland Smiles - Flossmoor, IL