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General and Preventive Dentistry in South Barrington, IL
Routine cleanings, exams, oral cancer screening, emergency care, and protective appliances. The foundation of long-term oral health for patients across the Northwest Suburbs.
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General dentistry is the backbone of any dental practice
At South Barrington Dental Care, our general dentistry services focus on prevention first: catching small problems before they become expensive ones, keeping your gums healthy, and screening for oral cancer at every visit. Our registered dental hygienists and Dr. Allison Bartley work together to build a long-term plan for your oral health rather than reacting to emergencies as they come up.
Patients across South Barrington, Inverness, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Arlington Heights rely on us for comprehensive general care, from routine cleanings to same-day emergency appointments. Below is an overview of what general dentistry at our office includes.
General and Preventive Dentistry
From a routine cleaning to a smile makeover to full-arch implants — our team handles it in-house with modern technology and an unhurried approach.
Cleanings & Exams
Comprehensive twice-yearly checkups including digital X-rays, oral cancer screening, a full clinical exam by Dr. Allison Bartley, and a professional cleaning by one of our hygienists. Most adults should come every six months; some patients need more frequent care depending on periodontal status.
Emergency Dentistry
Same-day appointments for severe toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, soft tissue injuries, and post-operative concerns. Call (847) 382-0700 as early in the day as possible.
Occlusal & Sports Guards
Custom-fit night guards to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and custom sports mouthguards for patients who play contact sports. Both are fabricated from digital impressions for a precise, comfortable fit.
Oral Cancer Screening
Visual and tactile examination of the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of mouth, palate, and throat at every comprehensive exam. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, and screening takes only a few minutes.
Teeth Cleaning
Professional cleaning by our registered dental hygienists. Routine prophylaxis for healthy gums, or scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) if gum disease is present. All cleanings include polishing, fluoride application on request, and personalized home care coaching.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Most dental problems are preventable or can be caught early when they are easy and inexpensive to fix. A small cavity treated at a routine checkup may cost a fraction of what the same tooth would cost to treat after it has progressed to a root canal and crown. Gum disease caught early is manageable; gum disease that has progressed to bone loss is much harder to reverse.
The return on preventive care is enormous, which is why insurance companies cover most or all of preventive services at little to no cost to you. See our insurance and financing page for how coverage works.
What to Expect at a General Exam
Digital X-rays (frequency depends on dental history, typically annual bitewings and periodic panoramic images) Intraoral photos if any area needs documentation Comprehensive exam covering teeth, gums, bite, existing restorations, TMJ, and soft tissues Oral cancer screening at every exam Professional cleaning with scaling, polishing, and flossing Review of findings with Dr. Allison Bartley and any recommended follow-up
Plan for 60 minutes for a recall visit, or 60-90 minutes for a new-patient comprehensive exam.
Serving the Northwest Suburbs.
Our office is conveniently located in South Barrington, welcoming patients from surrounding towns across northwest Cook County.
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Technology We Use for General Care
Digital X-rays (up to 90% less radiation than film), intraoral cameras to show you what we see, and 3D Scanning for Digital Impressions when impressions are needed. No messy impression material, no unnecessary radiation.
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Common Questions
How often should I come in for a checkup?
Most patients benefit from twice-yearly cleanings and exams. Patients with periodontal disease, high cavity risk, or complex restorations may need three or four visits per year. Your hygienist will recommend a schedule based on your specific oral health.
Does insurance cover preventive care?
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover routine preventive care (exams, X-rays, cleanings) at 100% or close to it. We verify benefits before your visit so you know what to expect. See our insurance page.
What if I have not been to the dentist in years?
Many of our patients come to us after a long gap. We do not lecture. We start with a comprehensive exam, build a priority-ordered treatment plan, and phase the work so you can move forward at a comfortable pace.
Do you see children for general dentistry?
Yes. We treat patients of all ages and are experienced with first dental visits for young children. For children with complex needs, we may coordinate with a pediatric specialist.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is for patients with gum disease and involves cleaning below the gum line to remove bacteria that have caused inflammation and bone loss. Your hygienist will recommend the right type based on your periodontal exam.
South Barrington Dental Care has been serving patients in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for years and has built a strong local reputation for comprehensive, patient-centered care. Dr. Allison Bartley leads the practice and the all-female clinical team.
Schedule A Checkup at South Barrington Dental Care
Serving patients across South Barrington, Inverness, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Arlington Heights.
Office Hours: Monday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday closed, Saturday by appointment only, Sunday closed.
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