A clean, healthy office starts with the doors, countertops, and furniture you come in contact with well before you ever reach the treatment area.  While we have medical-quality cleaning services for all of our offices, you will notice our clerical and business staff taking time throughout the day to clean and disinfect high volume surfaces such as reception desks, doorknobs, chairs and keyboards.  This protects our patients from illness-causing germs, as well as protecting our staff from getting or spreading illnesses.

Our treatment areas are protected by top-notch sterilization techniques.    You will notice that all clinical employees wear gloves and masks to protect both the patients and themselves.  After each patient, the treatment rooms go through a step-by-step process to prepare for the next patient.  The rooms are thoroughly wiped down with a medical-quality disinfectant, and disposable plastic is placed on overhead light handles and electric or water-based instrument handles that are not capable of being sterilized.  Dental instrument sets are placed in self-sealing sterilization pouches with an internal indicator strip.  After going through the sterilizer, the strip will indicate that the instruments are, in fact, sterile.  The instruments are then transferred to the treatment rooms in the sealed pouch and opened at the time treatment begins with each patient. 

At Grove Dental, each week we test all of our sterilizers.  We utilize an outside company, North Bay Bioscience, to review the tests and ensure that our equipment is always up to proper sterilization standards. We pride ourselves in our rigid sterilization processes.  We are so proud of this standard in our offices, that our sterilization areas are custom designed with a window, so that patients may look in and see the process at work.

If you ever have any question regarding sterilization or any dental related questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We would love to answer your questions and share any information.  We want you to be completely comfortable being treated at Grove Dental! Patient safety and comfort is our goal.

Dental assistants are valuable members of our Grove Dental team, as they make significant contributions to the oral health of our patients.  Without our dental assistants, our day-to-day tasks would not run as smoothly as they do now. The role and importance of a dental assistant is not always seen; however, at Grove Dental, we want to publicly thank each of you for your part in making Grove Dental a more pleasant dental practice for both patients and staff.  

We invite and encourage our patients to show their appreciation for our dental assistants, just as we currently are. Let’s all come together and show our appreciation for our dental assistants during Dental Assistants Recognition Week.

Confused about insurance?  Don’t worry—we accept all traditional insurance plans. We will even file your insurance for you. With our staff completing on-going customer service training, we are committed to making your experience at Grove Dental special. 

If an emergency occurs don’t worry, our team of providers offer excellent coverage in the event your doctor is out of town.  With exceptional coverage and unique benefits at each of our neighborhood Grove Dental locations, why would you look elsewhere?

Our dedicated team of over 30 experienced dentists is available to help your family smile with confidence this year.  From routine cleanings and teeth whitening to crowns, implants and Invisalign, take the next step toward an outstanding smile in 2013.

From our family to yours, we wish you all the best in 2013.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Over the holidays, Grove Dental’s normal business hours will be altered slightly.  On Christmas Eve and New Years Eve we will be open from 8 am – 12:30 pm, and we will be closed on December 25^th and January 1^st.  All other days, Grove Dental will remain open for our normal business hours.   Rest assured that if you have a dental emergency over the holidays while our offices are closed, our answering service will be able to assist you.

From our Grove Dental family, to your family, we wish you a healthy and happy holiday season!

By giving a Grove Dental gift certificate, you are offering a practical, life-changing gift for patients of all ages who have always desired a new, enhanced smile year after year.  With a gift certificate, you can make a difference in the life of a spouse, teen, niece, nephew, parent or special friend.  No matter the reason, a gift certificate can be used toward any of Grove Dental’s professional services.

Gift certificates fit perfectly into stockings or cards, and can be purchased in any amount for the complete holiday gift.  Pick up a Grove Dental gift certificate today to help someone special in your life smile bigger and brighter just in time for the New Year!

Call or stop by one of our four locations today to pick up your Holiday gift certificates.  And if time is of the essence, please call one of Grove Dental’s offices to pay over the phone, and we will gladly mail the certificate to you—just in time for the holidays.

Grove Dental proudly attended the 2012 Bonfield Express 5K race in Downers Grove on Thanksgiving morning as one of the Premier Corporate sponsors. We chose to participate in this event, not only because of its location in Downers Grove—where Grove Dental first started—but also because both the Bonfield Express and Grove Dental share common values promoting family, health, wellness, and character. With the company logo displayed on the left sleeve of the 5,500 race shirts, Grove Dental encouraged our employees and their families to participate in the race to represent our corporate sponsorship for the event.    

As a corporate sponsor, we were genuinely pleased to offer our support for such a great foundation. Thank you to all who participated or came to cheer the runners on.  We hope you enjoyed the 2012 Bonfield Express 5K run as much as we did!

It’s that time of year again when family and friends gather to share a meal and reflect.  Thanksgiving is a season of gratefulness, and here at Grove Dental, we are truly grateful for you, our patients.

Thank you for the trust you place in us by choosing Grove Dental as your dental professional. We are thankful for all our patients and will continue to serve you and your family with exceptional customer service and care. We are truly honored that you have chosen us to be your partner in healthcare—a privilege that we recognize and work hard to maintain. 

From our Grove Dental family to your family, we wish you a very special holiday season!

At the event, Grove Dental offered free basic dental care to active and inactive members of the military.  This special event was also available to immediate family members of those who are currently serving our country.  We had a wonderful turnout and were able to treat over 70 members of military families from our community. 

We would also like to thank the following companies for their generous donations:

• Patterson Dental
• Lilac Bakery
• Cinnabon
• Sal’s Pizza Pub in Lombard
• Jimmy Johns

We would like to thank everyone who joined us on Veterans Day to honor those veterans in our community, as it was an extremely worthwhile event.  Our veterans were grateful for the services received, and our Grove Dental employees enjoyed volunteering and giving back service to those who sacrifice for our freedom.

When a patient needs treatment that requires specialized knowledge or skill, such as dental implants, a general dentist may recommend a specialist. Specialists receive additional schooling and certification—sometimes five years longer than general dentists—in providing more focused oral health care.

Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist. Dental specialists include the following:

• Pediatric dentists
• Orthodontists
• Periodontists
• Endodontists
• Oral Surgeons

Grove Dental Has It All!
At Grove, we are proud to offer full, comprehensive dental care under one roof. As a multi-specialty practice, our office can provide experienced general dentists and licensed specialists in every area of dentistry without having to refer you to other specialists. This saves you time and allows you to receive complete dental care from a single practice.  Big family with busy schedules? No problem. We can coordinate your appointments so that you are seeing the general dentist at the same time your children are receiving care from their pediatric dentists.  

With more than 30 experienced dentists on staff and many with advanced training in their specialized fields, you can count on Grove to have the answer for whatever your dental need may be.

If you don’t use them, you’ll lose them. Here are a few reasons to schedule outstanding treatments before the end of the year.

1. Yearly Maximums- Unused benefits don't typically rollover, so use your yearly maximum and maximize your benefits.
2. Premiums - Insurance is paid for through premiums; make sure those dollars are not being wasted. 
3. Prevention is key to good oral health - Know your coverage and take advantage of the services covered. A specified number of regular cleanings and check ups to keep your teeth and gums healthy are usually covered services in the preventative section of coverage. Visits to your dentist and other preventative services, such as x-rays, will help detect and prevent more serious, extensive treatments down the road.
4. Complete any outstanding treatment –You may not have dental insurance next year, or you may have additional procedures to cover. If your dentist has suggested treatment, now is the time to schedule it.

Contact Grove Dental today to schedule treatment that your 2012 insurance may cover:

• General exams and cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Sealants
• Fillings
• Dental implants
• Crown or Bridge work
• Orthodontics
• Oral Surgery
• Periodontics
• Dentures
• Root Canal Therapy

Questions about how much you have already paid on your deductible this year? Contact the member service department of your dental health plan for assistance. Grove accepts insurance from many of the top providers and is dedicated to giving you and your family the dental care you deserve.

Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your little, trick or treater has a healthy and happy Halloween.

• Stay visible.  Avoid trick or treating in unfamiliar neighborhoods or homes that are poorly lit. Have your child wear light colors and apply reflective tape to their costume so that they are easily visible to traffic. To keep their path lit at all times, children should carry a flashlight.   
• Costume considerations. Avoid cumbersome masks that make it difficult to navigate sidewalks and large crowds, and apply fun makeup instead. Kids should also avoid long costumes that drag the ground to avoid tripping.
• Safety in numbers. Children should always trick or treat in groups and never alone. Younger children should be accompanied by a grown up.
• Inspect your treats.  Before you let your kids dive into their bag of goodies, check for signs of tampering. Torn wrappers or candies not in their original packaging should be thrown away.
• Consider healthy alternatives.
  With so many treats in your child’s bag, it may be tempting to overindulge. It’s important to remind your child that sugary candies can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Encourage your child to eat a small amount of candy in one sitting rather than grazing on candy throughout the day. Limit hard, chewy candies, such as taffy, lollipops or caramels that stick to the teeth, damage dental work and increase the period of time in which teeth are exposed to sugar. Opt for soft candy that can be eaten quickly, such as chocolate instead. Follow candy consumption with a glass of water and thorough tooth brushing.

For many children, Halloween is one of the best nights of the year. But trick-or-treating can be dangerous if kids and parents don’t make safety a priority. Take these safety tips from Grove Dental into consideration before you send your youngsters out for a night of Halloween fun!  Happy Halloween from your doctors and staff at Grove Dental!

Now, Grove Dental is recommended by our patients online! We are proud to be one of the best rated dentists on Angie's List—a website that aggregates verified reviews from more than 1.5 million members who currently use it to find high quality companies and health care professionals.

We invite all of our patients to check out our testimonials—and even leave us a review—on Angie’s List by visiting: www.AngiesList.com

Thank you to our valued patients for your referrals, continued confidence and entrusting your dental needs to our care.

Dr. Smith is widely known by his patients for his caring attitude and gentle nature.  An extremely qualified, oral surgeon, Dr. Smith is very passionate about his profession and provides uncompromised quality and personalized attention to his patients.  His many patient testimonial letters attest to the excellent care that he delivers.

Patient care and education are some of Dr. Smith’s highest priorities.  He exceeds the required amount of continuing education every year, and more recently, he completed a program with Kellogg Business School of Management. This was a 3-week intensive business education program designed for dentists to learn the core principles of an MBA program.  The program included topics in business, strategy, organizational leadership, marketing, finance, accounting, economics, statistics and operations. Currently, he is enrolled in an advanced MBA program, making this his fifth post graduate degree!

We’re proud to have Dr. David Smith on our Owner Board, and know you’ll feel confident in his care, too!

“When you visit, you’ll not only be treated using the latest surgical equipment and techniques, but you’ll be treated with respect and consideration. These two principles, along with my staff, are the foundation of the care I provide."- Dr. David Smith

A genuine passion to care for children runs deep in his family with both his father and brother being local pediatricians.  In addition, Dr. Cabana is a father to two small children which enlightens his role more than all of his formal education!  Dr. Cabana understands that going to the dentist might be scary for some young patients, and he makes it his professional goal to make the children comfortable and at ease – even having fun – during their dental visits.

We invite you to get to know Dr. Cabana and our entire team of Pediatric Specialists!  Click on a name below to learn more.

• Bob C. Stone, DDS, MS
• Mark D. Cabana, DDS
• Mina H. Chung, DDS, MS
• Diana K. Lee, DDS
• Nicholas C. Woodward, DDS

“It warms my heart to see a child go from being afraid of the dentist to actually looking forward to their next visit. That’s what keeps me practicing.”– Dr. Mark Cabana

We understand that kids are often apprehensive about going to the dentist, and our staff is dedicated to making it a positive experience for them by creating an inviting, fun atmosphere. Our welcoming reception room features a child’s play area, video games and kid-sized furniture, and our pediatric dentists use specially designed equipment that are arranged and decorated to appeal to children. By making visits enjoyable and relaxed, we can give kids a solid basis for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

To save you time, parents can be seen with their general dentist at the same time their child is being treated by the pediatric dentist. This is just one of many benefits of having multiple doctors and specialists in a single practice. Schedule all the kids’ cleanings at the same time, no need to come back – we can do it all at once.

We have specialists in pediatric dentistry at all four office locations -- Wheaton, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook and Lombard. Because of our long-standing reputation for providing quality, gentle dentistry for kids, many of our patients are referred to us by local pediatricians. Click on a doctor’s name below to learn more. Our greatest compliments come from our patients and professional referrals.

• Bob C. Stone, DDS, MS
• Mark D. Cabana, DDS
• Mina H. Chung, DDS, MS
• Diana K. Lee, DDS
• Nicholas C. Woodward, DDS

Our pediatric dentists will work with you and your child toestablish a good oral hygiene regimen. We also provide children with the necessary knowledge and treatment to promote healthy smiles and positive dental experiences into adulthood.

Summer is a great time to get children in for those mandatory dental check ups. Schedule your kids’ back-to-school exams today!

Make sure you’re prepared to take action immediately should your child suffer a dental injury. Keep the following tips in a prominent place to reference quickly in the event of a dental emergency.

Tips from Grove Dental Pediatric Dentists for handling your child’s dental emergency:

• If your child’s tooth is dislodged and it is a permanent tooth, locate the tooth and rinse it gently with water. If possible, place the tooth back in the child’s socket. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or water.  Call Grove Dental right away for further instructions.
• If your child chips or fractures a tooth, experiences facial swelling or pain, or breaks his braces or oral appliance, call the Pediatric Department at Grove Dental.
• Keep Grove Dental’s number on hand so that you are always prepared if your child sustains an oral injury. Grove Dental:  Bolingbrook 630-759-8940, Downers Grove 630-969-5350, Lombard 630-627-4680, Wheaton 630-653-8899

Take extra precaution and teach your kids the importance of safe outdoor fun. This should include how to play safely on playground equipment, why kids should not run at the pool, and what it means to play nicely with other children to avoid injuries.

One highly effective way to prevent injuries to the mouth caused by sports and other physical activities is with a mouthguard. At Grove, we offer custom-fitted mouthpieces for kids that help protect the teeth and gums from rough play, hard falls and contact sports.  Mouthguards should not only be worn for organized sports, such as football, basketball and soccer; they are also recommended and helpful for bicycling, roller blading and skateboarding as well. Mouthguards have been shown to significantly reduce trauma to the teeth, gums and surrounding jaw bone.

Remember, many dental injures require immediate attention. Always call Grove Dental’s Pediatric Department for further instructions. We’re open six days a week and are here to take care of you and your children! 

At Grove Dental, we offer several options to help you eliminate discoloration and whiten your teeth. These include:

Zoom! whitening
If you want dramatic results that are fast, then you may want to consider Zoom! whitening. Zoom! is performed in one of our four offices in just a single visit.  Just sit back and relax while the whitening agent is applied to your teeth and activated by a special light. The whitening solution and light work together to eliminate stains caused by staining agents such as, coffee, tea and tobacco and can whiten your smile almost instantly! Visit today, brighter whiter smile this evening! (With Zoom whitening, you receive a free at-home whitening kit so you can touch up any time.)

At-home teeth whitening
If time isn’t a factor, or if your stains are only mild, then an at-home whitening treatment may be the best option for you.  After your Grove doctor custom designs whitening trays for your mouth, you simply apply the bleaching solution to the trays and wear them on your teeth for the required amount of time. The entire whitening process can be done from the comfort of your home, and you’ll notice a gradual improvement in the whiteness of your smile with continued wear.

Veneers
For a complete smile makeover, porcelain veneers are the perfect solution for enhancing the color, shape and size of your teeth. The procedure works by bonding strong, ultra-thin shells to the front of your teeth, and can be completed in just a few appointments. Veneers are made of strong, tooth-colored materials and are perfect for treating gaps between teeth, teeth that are chipped or worn, poorly shaped teeth and teeth that are permanently stained. Because veneers are highly stain-resistant, they will last many years with proper care.

Put some extra shine in your summer with a whiter smile! Talk to any of the Grove doctors to learn more about whitening your smile and the best options for you.

All-on-4 is one of the latest dental implant technologies available that gives patients a complete upper and/or lower set of teeth using only four implants.  Unlike traditional implant procedures that involve multiple appointments and months of healing time, All-on-4 patients receive custom-designed teeth in the same day. The result is a beautiful, new smile that looks natural, improves self-esteem and allows patients to experience the foods and activities they enjoy most.

Benefits of All-on-4

• Permanent solution, lasting many years with proper care
• Designed for immediate function with minimal discomfort and recovery time
• Only 4 implants are used to achieve a permanent set of teeth, so the entire procedure can be completed in just one visit
• Relieves the many frustrations of removable dentures by offering stability, durability and functionality in terms of eating foods and maintaining oral hygiene
• Less costly than the traditional approach of replacing all of your teeth

Why wait weeks or months to receive replacement teeth?  At Grove Dental, we offer All-on-4 dental implants, and our dental specialists can help you achieve a beautiful, new smile in just one appointment.

Find out if you’re a candidate for All-On-4 Dental Implants. Contact Grove Dental today for a consultation.