Ridgeland Dental

Directions Website

Ridgeland Dental General and Airway Dentistry Bartz and Bartz Dental was founded by our Father, Raymond A. Bartz, in 1947. Denis Catholic Church for four decades.

Dad opened his practice in the Chicago Lawn area and served that community for more than 40 years. Dad also worked with The Knights of Columbus, Holy Cross Hospital Advisory Board and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and served as an usher at St. He passed away in 2000, leaving his wife of 56 years and four children. Dad loved his family, worshiped his Lord and would sing songs of joy while he worked at the profession he cherished. We are grateful for his legacy and we honor it-and our patients-by working diligently to meet our Practice Mission Statement:

To promote the finest state-of-the-art dental treatment that we can provide utilizing seminars, workshops and dental courses to keep our skills highly honed. To give each patient the education and guidance to obtain optimum dental health. To strive for perfection, focus on excellence and dedicate ourselves to service. To serve the aesthetic needs of our patients, helping them to develop an attractive, healthy- looking smile. To practice in an atmosphere of happiness and friendship, each day celebrating the gift of life. To build a quality relationship with our patients based on trust, understanding and mutual health values.

HALLOWEEN MYTH: Only the amount of sugar matters for cavities. 🎃FACT: How often teeth are exposed matters too. Frequent ...
10/22/2026

HALLOWEEN MYTH: Only the amount of sugar matters for cavities. 🎃
FACT: How often teeth are exposed matters too. Frequent snacking keeps the mouth in an acidic cycle longer.

Enjoy treats with a meal, drink water afterward, avoid slowly grazing all day, and return to your normal brushing and flossing routine.

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, Halloween dental tips]

Why does your jaw click when you chew or yawn?A click can happen when the jaw joint and its cushioning disc move slightl...
10/20/2026

Why does your jaw click when you chew or yawn?

A click can happen when the jaw joint and its cushioning disc move slightly out of sync. An occasional painless click may not require treatment, but pain, locking, limited opening, swelling, or a change in your bite should be evaluated.

If your jaw symptoms are new or getting worse, bring them up at your next visit.

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, jaw clicking]

10/15/2026

Cold sores always seem to show up at the worst time.

In some cases, dental laser treatment may be used to support comfort and healing when started early. It is not appropriate for every situation, and timing matters—so an evaluation is important.

Feel the familiar tingling of a cold sore starting? Call Ridgeland Dental to ask whether laser treatment may be an option.

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, cold sore laser]

10/13/2026

Botox at the dentist? Yes — and it’s not always about aesthetics. 💉🦷

When used appropriately, Botox may help relax overactive facial muscles associated with jaw tension, clenching and grinding. For some patients, this can ease discomfort around the jaw and temples while complementing other treatments, such as a custom nightguard.

Every case is different, so a thorough evaluation is essential to determine whether Botox may be a helpful part of your treatment plan.

[Chicago dentist, Palos Heights dentist, dental Botox, jaw tension, teeth grinding, clenching, TMJ discomfort]

10/06/2026

“Are you breathing through your mouth while you sleep—and would you even know? 😴

Nighttime mouth breathing may be connected to dry mouth, snoring and disrupted sleep. It can also affect your oral health because reduced saliva leaves teeth more vulnerable to decay and gum irritation.

If we notice signs that could point to an airway or sleep concern, further monitoring may help us better understand what is happening overnight. Your dental visit can reveal more than you might expect about the quality of your sleep and we might even send you with a kit!

[Chicago dentist, Palos Heights dentist, sleep dentistry, mouth breathing, dry mouth, airway health, oral health]”

Happy World Smile Day! 😁A healthy smile can brighten your day, build confidence, and create a little more connection whe...
10/02/2026

Happy World Smile Day! 😁

A healthy smile can brighten your day, build confidence, and create a little more connection wherever you go.

Celebrate by sharing a smile—and showing yours some love with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.

What’s something that made you smile today? Tell us below! 💙

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, World Smile Day]

MYTH: If nothing hurts, my teeth must be healthy.FACT: Cavities, gum disease, cracks, and other concerns can begin quiet...
09/24/2026

MYTH: If nothing hurts, my teeth must be healthy.
FACT: Cavities, gum disease, cracks, and other concerns can begin quietly. Pain is not always the first warning sign.

Regular exams and cleanings help catch changes before they become more complicated. Feeling fine is great—prevention helps keep it that way.

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, dental mythbusters]

09/22/2026

A cavity near a wisdom tooth can be easy to miss—and difficult to keep clean. 🦷

In this case, the X-ray revealed decay that had progressed deep into the affected tooth and close to the nerve. Because a filling alone would not adequately address the damage, the patient was referred for root canal treatment.

A root canal removes the infected or inflamed tissue inside the tooth, helping relieve discomfort and preserve the natural tooth when possible.

This case is a good reminder that cavities do not always cause obvious symptoms right away. Regular exams and appropriate X-rays can help catch problems before they become more complicated.

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, cavity, root canal, wisdom teeth]

Does your mouth frequently feel sticky or unusually dry?Thick saliva, frequent thirst, and a sticky mouth can all be clu...
09/17/2026

Does your mouth frequently feel sticky or unusually dry?

Thick saliva, frequent thirst, and a sticky mouth can all be clues that your saliva flow may be reduced. Dry mouth can be related to dehydration, medications, certain health conditions, mouth breathing, or other factors.

Because saliva helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles, and protect teeth and soft tissues, persistent dryness can increase the risk of cavities and irritation.

Sip water regularly, consider sugar-free gum to encourage saliva flow, and let us know if the dryness continues so we can help identify possible causes.

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, dry mouth, oral health]

09/15/2026

What is your dentist checking after the cleaning is complete?

Beyond looking for cavities, the exam may include the gums, existing dental work, bite, jaw comfort, soft tissues, and any changes since your last visit. It’s also the time to discuss sensitivity, pain, sleep, or other concerns.

[Chicago dental care, Chicago dentist, Palos Heights, dentistry, dental exam]

Address

12500 S Harlem Avenue
Palos Heights, IL
60463

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ridgeland Dental posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share