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NEW We’re now welcoming new patients.

Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

#1 Chicago Pediatric Dentist | Dr. Melissa Connell , DMD

Drs. Melissa Connell and Megan Davenport – work together to ensure your child has a pleasant, happy experience at each visit!

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Frequently Asked Questions

See the questions below along with related answers to questions we often hear by parents at our practice.

Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?

Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist has two to three years of additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health needs.

Kid playing t-ball

My child plays sports. How should I protect my child’s teeth?

A mouthguard should be a top priority on your child’s list of sports equipment. Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic and fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth. They protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums from sports-related injuries. Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard, but a custom-fitted mouthguard fitted by our dentist is your child’s best protection against sports-related injuries.

If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, but they also aid in forming a path those permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some of them are necessary until a child is 12 years old or older. Pain, infection of the gums and jaws, impairment of general health, and premature loss of teeth are just a few of the problems that can happen when baby teeth are neglected. Also, because tooth decay is really an infection and will spread, decay on baby teeth can cause decay on permanent teeth. Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of your child.

At what age should my child have their first dental visit?

“First visit by 1st birthday” is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears – usually between 6 and 12 months of age – and certainly no later than his/her 1st birthday.

How should I clean my baby’s teeth?

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for babies. Brushing at least once a day, at bedtime, will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.

Can thumbsucking be harmful to my child’s teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits that go on for a long period of time can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. If children are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when their permanent teeth erupt, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist. Most children stop these habits on their own.

What is baby bottle tooth decay, and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding and/or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced, and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottles.

What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

First of all, remain calm. If possible, find the tooth and hold it by the crown (top) rather than the root. Replace the tooth in the socket, and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk or water, and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist. Time is essential, so the faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Smiling child running

How can I help my child through the teething stage?

When teeth erupt, sore gums are part of the normal eruption process. The discomfort is eased for some children by the use of a teething biscuit, a piece of toast, or a frozen teething ring. Your pharmacy should also have medications that can be rubbed on the gums to alleviate the discomfort.

Two kids

Rupal Naik, DDS, MS
Zesheng Chen, DMD, MS
Melissa Connell, DDS, MS

Contact Us

1611 N. Wolcott Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
Click for Map & Directions
Welcoming New Patients
(312) 957-8131
Existing Patients
(312) 281-4860

Office Hours

Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

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Home
Patient Offers
Contact Us
Patient Info First Visit
FAQ
Common Problems
Emergencies
Decay Prevention
Glossary of Terms
Treatment Early Dental Care
Pediatric Dentistry
Teething
Thumb Sucking
Fluoride Treatment
Pregnancy and Child’s Teeth
Nitrous Oxide
Treatment Space Maintainers
Sleep Apnea in Children
Orthodontics Starting Age 7

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Following her graduation from dental school, Dr. Karras moved to Milwaukee, WI to complete a 26-month specialty training program at Marquette University, where she earned a certificate and Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Her research, which focused on the efficacy of the Invisalign system and its attachment types, was accepted for publication in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO), the world’s leading orthodontic journal. Dr. Karras feels fortunate to be a part of a profession where she can transform people’s smiles but also their self-confidence.

Outside of the office, Dr. Karras enjoys traveling, amateur photography, skiing, exploring Chicago’s food scene, and spending time with her “big fat Greek family.” She is fluent in English and Greek and speaks some Spanish as well.

Dr. Anna will be providing pediatric dental care at Magnolia on Friday afternoons and Saturdays and working side by side with Dr. Z, our awesome orthodontist to offer more opportunities for pediatric and orthodontic collaborative visits. Like all of us at MPDO, Dr. Anna enjoys providing a high level of comprehensive care to our patients. She can’t wait to meet you soon and help take care of your smile!

Dr. Davenport is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She was awarded the Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award for scoring in the top 3% across the nation on her written board examination. Dr. Davenport is on staff at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and maintains active memberships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society.

When she’s not at work, Dr. Davenport stays busy chasing around her two young kids with her husband, Kevin. She enjoys baking, college football (Go Irish!), hand lettering, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She looks forward to meeting you and your family at your next visit!

When she’s not providing excellent care to her patients and their parents, Dr. Connell loves spending time with her husband, Bob Burger, a Keller Williams real estate broker, and their three kids. As a family, they frequently embark on adventures both local and abroad, and they especially like the Pacific side of Costa Rica.