Building Healthy Smiles from the Start
At our Glenview office, dental cleanings are about more than simply polishing teeth. They’re an opportunity to get to know your child, follow their growth and development, support the habits you’re building at home, and help the dentist become a familiar, comfortable part of their life.
We believe positive dental experiences start early. Dr. Lynna Gripentrog, Dr Carly Adajian, and our pediatric dental team follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, including establishing a dental home when the first tooth appears or by your child’s first birthday.
Those early visits give us a chance to look at your child’s teeth and development, talk through brushing, feeding, fluoride, and cavity risk, and answer the questions that naturally come up as your child grows.
And just as importantly, they give your child time to become comfortable with us.
Some children hop into the chair ready to go. Others need a little more time, a slower introduction, or simply the chance to watch and get familiar with the space first. We meet them where they are and adjust the visit to what feels appropriate for them.
Regular dental cleanings and preventive visits also allow us to notice small changes early and tailor recommendations to your child’s individual needs and cavity risk. While many children are seen about every six months, we believe the right schedule should be based on the child in front of us rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
We also know that home routines are rarely perfect. Brushing can be a battle, bedtime bottles can be hard to phase out, and some days simply go better than others. Our role isn’t to judge—it’s to help you understand what matters most, find realistic next steps, and build small habits your family can actually maintain.
Our goal is for your child to grow up seeing dental care as a normal, positive part of taking care of themselves—so healthy habits and comfortable dental visits can continue well into adulthood.
Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry
It's important to keep baby teeth healthy because problems with baby teeth can affect how permanent teeth grow later on. If you neglect your child's cavities, they can cause pain and infection, leading to problems with their developing permanent teeth.
We understand that your child's first dental visit can be stressful for you as a parent as well. Our Glenview team is always happy to answer any questions you have and to give both you and your child the best dental experience possible.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin film that is applied to the biting surfaces of teeth, usually the molars and pre-molars.
Even children who brush properly may not be able to get into all the pits and grooves between these teeth, and they are particularly susceptible to decay between the ages of 6 and 14. We recommend sealants as soon as a child's molars and pre-molars grow in for the best protection.
We may also recommend sealants for younger children depending on the condition of their teeth.
For baby teeth that are pitted or grooved, sealants can provide protection, allowing the baby teeth to do their job until a child's permanent teeth come in. Premature loss of baby teeth may lead to crooked or crowded permanent teeth that require orthodontic intervention.
Fluoride Treatments
For our younger patients, we recommend regular fluoride treatments and supplementation in accordance with AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) guidelines.
Fluoride can strengthen developing teeth and help prevent cavities.
Regular fluoride treatments help strengthen teeth by replacing minerals that are removed by acids and bacteria. Fluoride can even reverse early stages of decay in some patients, helping to avoid fillings.
Meet Your Provider
Meet Dr. Lynna Gripentrog, DMD
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Dr. Lynna Gripentrog completed her undergraduate education at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, IL with a major in psychology and minor in chemistry.
She went on to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois. She continued her education by completing a two year hospital based, pediatric dental residency at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
There, she received specialized pediatric dental clinical training in:
- Behavior management using non-pharmacological and pharmacological techniques to manage the apprehensive patient
- Comprehensive dental care using general anesthesia
- Comprehensive dental care for special needs patients
- Comprehensive dental care for medically compromised patients
- Comprehensive care for patients on the Craniofacial Team
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Dr. Lynna is committed to providing excellent care to her patients.
She is an attending in the department of dentistry at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where she also holds medical staff privileges. She is the clinical director at the Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's outpatient center in Northbrook, IL.
Dr. Lynna is a member of:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD)
- Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists (ISPD)
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
Dr. Lynna was born and raised in Northbrook, IL and now lives in Deerfield, IL with her husband and three daughters. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new recipes, staying active and spending time with family.
Special Care For Children
With Special Needs
Our team is highly trained and experienced in treating a wide range of patients, from children to adults and the elderly, who require specialized care. We understand that every patient is unique, and we strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment for everyone.
Dr. Lynna Gripentrog brings specialized expertise in treating patients with complex medical needs, gained through rigorous training and ongoing roles as an attending at Ann & Robert H Lurie's Children Hospital.
We partner with board-certified anesthesiologists for deeper sedation and general anesthesia, ensuring the highest level of safety and comfort.
At Gallery Park Dental, we're dedicated to ensuring that all children receive the personalized, compassionate care they deserve, no matter their medical or dental needs.