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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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  • Treatment +
    • Early Dental Care
    • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Teething
    • Thumb Sucking
    • Fluoride and Your Child
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    • Nitrous Oxide for Children
    • Space Maintainers
    • Sleep Apnea
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Tooth Decay Prevention

Keeping your children healthy is our top priority and this starts with home care. Controlling their diet to keep their body and teeth healthy is a great start, and we’ll add other services and products to make their teeth strong.

Mother and Child

Fluoride

Teeth become stronger and more resistant to decay when we drink fluoridated water, along with flossing and brushing daily. The city of Chicago fluoridated our drinking water, which can reduce cavities. The doctors at Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can evaluate the levels of fluoride in your drinking water and recommend supplements if necessary. Many kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes, and dental floss contain fluoride.

Regular Dental Visits

It is vital to have professional cleaning and regular check-ups to maintain a healthy smile. At Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we recommend you visit your dentist every six months. At each appointment, Dr. Connell, Dr. Davenport or Dr. Chen will examine your teeth and provide a personalized plan for you or your child’s current dental problems and possible treatments.

Tooth Decay Prevention

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to avoid a sugary diet. Tooth decay is damage to the tooth’s surface, caused by acids that are produced from sugars consumed in your diet reacting with naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth. These acids decay the enamel in your tooth which results in cavities. At Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we remove the decay and complete the treatment with a filling or crown, depending on your unique situation. A strict hygiene routine is the best way to avoid unnecessary decay, including brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, a healthy diet, and fluoride treatment.

Diet Control

Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones, and soft tissues in the mouth require a well-balanced diet to stay healthy. Certain foods from the five food groups can help avoid cavities and other dental issues. Healthier foods, like vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and cheese can help promote stronger teeth. Sugary and starchy foods, like cookies, candy, chips, and crackers should be minimized.

Sealants

Tooth sealants can help protect against cavities and enamel breakdown caused by the acids and bacterias found in the mouth. Molars and grooves in the teeth are extremely difficult to clean and over time the enamel can get worn out. Sealants are resin materials designed to protect your teeth from bacteria and decay. Sealants are applied directly to your teeth and last several years but should be checked during your regular appointments.

Melissa Connell, DDS
Megan Davenport, DDS
Anna Harvey, DMD
Nicole Oparaeke, DMD
Zesheng Chen, DMD, 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: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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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.