If you’re anxious, afraid or embarrassed about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. An estimated 15% of adults avoid seeing the dentist altogether because of anxiety or fear. Here at Westgate Dental Care, we understand this and pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, lecture-free, and no judgment zone for all patients, especially those with anxiety.

We like to think that when you visit us, it's like visiting a member of your family. Somewhere you know you'll be well cared for. We listen and observe your body language, trying our best to provide a caring, personal approach that will put you at ease and make you feel comfortable.

“We’re patient-centric,” says owner Dr. Peter Kics. “We try to make the dental experience the best it can be for our patients with excellent dental care. It’s the experience our patients remember when they leave. We are well staffed, expect excellence from our entire team, and use the best technology available to ensure our patients are comfortable and well-cared for.” 

Part of the patient experience is to provide "comfort items" for all patients at every visit. These include heated and massage dental chairs, noise-reducing headphones, overhead tv’s, and comfy, sterilized blankets. For our patients with high anxiety, we offer sedation options including nitrous oxide and IV Sedation. 

Sedation is appropriate for people with such a high level of anxiety that it prevents them from going to the dentist. A person may fear the dentist because of a past experience or they may have extensive dental problems that would take several visits to remedy. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning, depending on the level of a patient’s anxiety. ”This has been a game-changer. Patients who have put off work for years are finally getting the dental treatment they need to be healthy without the fear they experienced before,” says Dr. Kics. 

In addition to dental anxiety, many patients are nervous because they are embarassed. Embarassed that they haven't been here in a long time, or that their mouth isn't in great shape. “A big part of easing dental anxiety is to let patients know that we provide a lecture-free, judgment-free zone,” Dr. Kics says. “We know it takes a lot to get your foot back in the door, and our team is here to welcome you, listen to your concerns, and make you as comfortable as possible to get your oral health back on track. This is always our goal."

If you've put off your regular dental check-up or have unschdeduled treatment because of anxiety or embarassment, we're here for you. We understand and are want to provide a comfortable, welcoming experience. Give us a call today at 847-577-7171.

We are excited to welcome Kenan Tufo, D.M.D. to our Westgate Dental Care team!

Local to the area, Dr. Tufo received his B.S. from Loyola University and his D.M.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Before joining Westgate Dental Care, Dr. Tufo was an associate dentist at various practices in the Chicagoland area and is very excited to now be part of our Westgate Dental Care family.

Dr. Tufo joined our team in August and has already had the pleasure of treating many of our patients. We know you will be in excellent care with Dr. Tufo, along with the rest of our outstanding team of dentists. Welcome Dr. Tufo!

Get to Know Dr. Tufo:

Why You Love Being a Dentist

"Being a dentist is a privilege that gives us the opportunity to serve people in a variety of ways. It’s one of the only fields where in the same day you can both take one patient out of pain and restore another patient’s smile. We help people get their lives back by fixing the things that prevent them from eating, sleeping, and socializing. Getting to be a part of that is extremely rewarding."

Your Patient Philosophy

"My patient philosophy centers around the individual patient. Dentists don’t treat teeth, we treat people. I strive to find solutions that work for that individual in my chair to make sure they can function at the highest level while also loving how they look. Ultimately, I want to make sure that my patients can share meals and laughs with their loved ones."  

Outside of the office, what do you like to do?

"I’m actually local to the area and have been here almost my whole life. I enjoy spending time with my wife, family, and friends. Whether we’re watching sports, eating a good meal, etc… if the company is good, I’m going to have a great time." 

Thank You for Donating Your Candy!

Thank you for helping us support Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops.

This year at our Halloween Candy Buy-Back we collected 440 pounds of candy!!!

We shipped off 12 large boxes to Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops.

Our troops will be touched to receive the many kind notes of gratitude that our young patients wrote, too. Thank You.

Have you noticed lately that your jaw seems to pop and click when you open and close your mouth? Perhaps you have tried to ignore the issue, but you may wonder if something is wrong with your jaw joint (also called the TMJ).

Should you be worried about popping or clicking in your jaw? In some cases, popping in the jaw is normal and not a major cause for concern. It can happen if you open your mouth too wide. When you close it, you may experience a popping sensation.

In other instances, though, jaw popping and clicking is the direct result of TMJ disorder, which is also known simply as TMD. TMD occurs when the jaw joint is stressed or injured. It can lead to displacement of the cartilage-like disk inside the joint, which in turn leads to a popping and clicking sensation that can be quite annoying. Often, it is also uncomfortable or even downright painful.

Read more about TMD and what you should do about it here.

It's hard to believe that the end of 2023 is quickly approaching. Be sure to take advantage of your unused dental benefits by scheduling any incomplete dental treatment or your routine continuous care visit before the end of this year.

Helpful Benefit Reminders:

• Most dental benefits operate on an annual basis, from January 1 to December 31. 
• Preventative services are available to you with no co-pay, so take advantage of continuous care dental cleanings!
• If you've already satisfied your deductible, now is the time to get in those last minute treatments, especially in you're in need of treatment that is costly.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a use-it-or-lose it type benefit. If you fail to use the money you deposited into the account before the year is up, you'll forfeit the fund.

This is our busiest time of year, so be sure to schedule your visit as soon as possible! Call us today at 847-577-7171.

Another Happy Smile! This patient received a dental bridge for her upper teeth and is so pleased. It is incredibly rewarding to help our patients love their smiles.

Advantages of a dental bridge include:

• Being fully customizable to ensure they match the size, shape and shade that will suit your smile and unique facial features best.

• Preventing your teeth from drifting out of place and causing alignment issues.

• Offering an effective and attractive treatment for patients who have lost teeth but are not eligible candidates for dental implants, or who do not wish to undergo the treatment for implants.

• Providing a permanent, non-removable treatment for a smile you'll love to show.

Using the most advanced practices and technology available, you'll be surprised at how easy and comfortable it is to get a dental bridge. Give us a call and we'll gladly schedule a complimentary consultation.

Congratulations to our most recent Team Member of the Month, Nicole! As one of our amazing insurance coordinators, Nicole "works with diligence and poise to deliver exceptional service and care to our patients and team, always stepping in where needed!"



As part of our mission of philanthropy, our Team Member of the Month selects a charity that is meaningful. Nicole selected The National Alliance on Mental Illness, and we donated $100 on her behalf.

Our FALL Referral Contest is underway.

You could win a $500 Amazon gas gift card! 

(Just in time for those last minute gifts!)

Refer a New Patient. Receive an Entry. It's that Simple.

We sincerely thank you for recommending Westgate Dental Care to your friends and family. It's the highest compliment our team can receive.

Learn more about our Referral Program perks in the video below.

We are proud to be your partners in oral health.

Thank you for your trust and confidence in our care.