Dentistry is the treatment and prevention of disorders and diseases of a patient’s teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Properly performed dentistry is necessary for complete oral health and it has a significant impact on the health of a patient’s entire body.
A dentist is a specialist who has been trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health conditions and dental problems. Dr. Jackson has completed many years of medical schooling in order to practice dentistry. After schooling, a dentist can receive either a DDS or DMD degree. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Some doctors specialize in pediatric dentistry as well, which means they work with children from infancy up through their teenage years. There are other specializations that a dentist may go to school for:
- Oral and maxillofacial (includes pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Endodontics (specialization in root canals)
- Periodontics (specialization in gum disease)
- Prosthodontics (specialization in dental implants)
Here at Jackson Family Dentistry, we know how busy life can be. Fitting a dental appointment into a busy schedule can feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily will keep many oral health problems away; however, it’s not a complete guarantee. Scheduling regular cleanings at Jackson Family Dentistry is highly recommended to maintain proper oral hygiene and catch problems before they become costly and painful.
It’s very important to schedule regular cleanings here at Jackson Family Dentistry. Dr. Jackson can make a recommendation on you how often you should be coming in to best suit your dental health needs. Not all dental problems have obvious symptoms at first. Not only can we identify problems before they become painful and expensive, we can also help to keep your smile looking fantastic. We know how important it is to feel comfortable with your smile. This is why we offer many treatments to help improve patient aesthetics.
At Jackson Family Dentistry, an appointment will include a full oral examination, oral cancer exam, professional X-rays to catch cavities, and a full cleaning by our amazing hygienists. Your cleaning will remove tartar, debris, and plaque from your mouth.
Dr. Jackson will coordinate with your hygienist and recommend a treatment plan for any problems that are found. We’ll also recommend any aesthetic and cosmetic treatments to improve your smile. Please call our office at (630) 963-6750 to schedule an appointment or for any additional questions.
Professionals throughout the dental industry as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agree that a child’s first dental appointment should happen as early as six months of age. This is when the first baby teeth usually begin to show. Dr. Jackson will be able to assess the health of your child’s first few teeth and make recommendations for things like navigating teething periods, reducing the risk of decay, and good cleaning techniques.
Dr. Jackson recommends at least every three months. If you’re using an electronic toothbrush, make sure to check the recommendation for the type of toothbrush because you may not have to change the head of the brush as often. Other factors like gum disease might require changing toothbrushes more often. Also, after brushing, it’s very important to wash and rinse your brush out with hot water, then store it upright somewhere it can dry between uses. This will kill germs and bacteria and keep your toothbrush clean.
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria build up continually in our mouths. When this buildup is not treated in the early stages, it can result in gum disease. Risk factors that increase susceptibility to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of periodontal disease can cause permanent damage in the form of bone and tooth loss. Dr. Jackson recommends brushing and flossing every day as well as scheduling regular dental appointments as the best way to fight gum disease. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are the following:
- Abscessed teeth
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth and/or loss of teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gumline
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us as soon as possible. You can reach us at (630) 963-6750 or email us to schedule a consultation. Your dental health is our highest concern.
We work with all PPO insurance plans that allow you to choose your own dentist, which means many of our patients are able to use their dental benefits right here at Jackson Family Dentistry.
While we are considered out-of-network with all insurance providers, this allows us to provide care that is truly centered on you—not on the limitations of insurance policies that haven’t changed much since the 1970s. We believe your dental health decisions should be made between you and your dentist.
Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and file claims on your behalf to make the process as smooth as possible. We also offer a variety of convenient payment options to help fit dental care into your budget.
We’re committed to helping you access the care you need in a way that works for your budget. Jackson Family Dentistry accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, personal checks, cashier’s checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Apple Pay. We also offer third-party financing through CareCredit, and for patients who qualify, we have an in-house 0% interest financing option available. This allows eligible patients to spread out the cost of treatment while receiving the care they need without delay.
If you don’t have dental insurance, our Kleer Membership Plan might be a great fit. This annual subscription can be paid upfront or over a 10-month period—and it includes discounts on many services throughout the year.
Patients age 65 and older also receive a special senior discount. If you have any questions, just give us a call at 630-963-6750—we’re happy to help you find the best option for your needs!
Dental hygienists are vital members of our dental team, playing a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing your oral health. They specialize in preventive care, which is the foundation of our approach to dentistry.
What Do Our Hygienists Do?
- Preventive Care: They perform thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Early Detection: By examining your teeth and gums, they can identify early signs of oral health issues, allowing for timely intervention.
- Patient Education: Our hygienists provide personalized advice on oral hygiene, helping you maintain a healthy smile between visits.
- Support for Overall Health: Oral health is closely tied to your overall well-being. Our hygienists play a key role in reducing the risk of health conditions linked to poor oral hygiene.
Personalized Care That Respects Your Preferences
At Jackson Family Dentistry, we’re proud to have a diverse team of highly skilled dental hygienists. We understand that each patient has different needs and preferences when it comes to their dental experience. Some patients may prefer a gentle touch, while others prioritize a more thorough cleaning. Some may enjoy conversation during their visit, while others prefer a quieter environment.
We are happy to accommodate your personal preferences whenever possible. When you call to schedule your appointment, we encourage you to let our team know what matters most to you. Our goal is to match you with the hygienist who best fits your comfort and care preferences, ensuring a positive and personalized experience every time you visit.
No, Jackson Family Dentistry is not part of a DSO, which stands for Dental Service Organization. DSOs—also known as corporate dental groups—are companies that manage multiple dental offices, often prioritizing efficiency, production goals, and profit margins.
Jackson Family Dentistry is proudly family-owned and operated. Since the beginning, our mission has been to provide high-quality, compassionate dental care that puts patients first—not production numbers.
What’s the Difference Between a DSO and a Family-Owned Practice?
DSO-affiliated practices are typically:
- Production-driven: Focused on meeting business benchmarks and quotas
- Staffed with rotating providers: Patients may not see the same dentist or hygienist from visit to visit
- Corporate-managed: Policies & procedures decisions are often made by the corporate owners (who are sometimes non-clinical executives)
- Standardized in care: Treatment plans may be less tailored to the individual patient
In contrast, Jackson Family Dentistry is:
- Patient care-driven: Every decision is made in the best interest of your health—not to meet a target
- Relationship-focused: You’ll see familiar faces who know your story and care about your well-being
- Locally operated: All decisions are made in-office, by the people who care for you directly
- Personalized care: We take time to listen, understand your needs, and build treatment plans that work for you
Why That Matters
When you choose Jackson Family Dentistry, you’re choosing a team that’s rooted in your community, not a corporate structure. We believe in doing what’s right for our patients—always. That’s the heart of family dentistry, and it’s what sets us apart.
Maintaining a consistent oral care routine at home is essential for protecting your teeth and gums between dental visits. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, spending about two minutes each time to ensure all surfaces are cleaned effectively. Daily flossing is equally important, as it removes plaque and food debris from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach, significantly reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Additionally, incorporating an antiseptic mouthwash into your daily routine can help eliminate bacteria, freshen your breath, and provide extra protection against tooth decay and gum inflammation. It’s also crucial to limit sugary snacks and beverages, which can contribute to tooth decay, and avoid tobacco products, which are harmful to both oral and overall health.
Lastly, supporting your oral hygiene efforts with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can strengthen your teeth and gums from within. Regular water intake, especially after meals, can help rinse away leftover food particles and sugars, further protecting your smile. Combining these habits with regular dental checkups at Jackson Family Dentistry will ensure your smile stays healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Dental X-rays are a vital component of comprehensive oral care, enabling dentists to detect issues not visible during a standard examination. These radiographs can reveal cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, and other conditions that, if left undiagnosed, could lead to more serious health problems. They also assist in monitoring the development of teeth in children and planning treatments like implants or orthodontics.
Modern dental X-rays are safe, employing digital technology that minimizes radiation exposure. The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) principle, ensuring that X-rays are only used when necessary and with the lowest possible radiation dose. Recent ADA guidelines have even updated safety protocols, indicating that protective lead aprons and thyroid collars are no longer routinely required due to advancements in X-ray technology.
X-rays are essential for dentists to conduct thorough evaluations and develop accurate treatment plans. They provide critical insights into areas beneath the gums and inside the teeth, which are not accessible through visual examination alone. This comprehensive approach ensures that any underlying issues are identified early, allowing for timely and effective interventions.
The ADA recommends that the frequency of dental X-rays be determined based on individual patient needs, considering factors such as age, oral health status, and risk for disease. For more detailed information on these recommendations, please visit the ADA’s official guidelines on dental radiographs.
