expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Leo Don Morton, D.D.S.

Dentist (Pediatric)

Dr. Leo Morton is a Dentist practicing in Glenview, IL. Dr. Morton specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
45 years Experience
Dr. Leo Don Morton, D.D.S.
  • Glenview, IL
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Accepting new patients

When will my child's teeth get loose?

Average age is 6, but as early as 4 1/2 or as late as 7.

Why does my son keep getting cavities?

Tooth decay is a multifactorial disease and is influenced by Diet, Hygiene and individual resistance.

Should my child have a pediatric dental consultation for fillings?

The short answer is yes. Tooth decay is an infectious process and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. Primary teeth are lost between the ages of 5 and 12 so depending READ MORE
The short answer is yes. Tooth decay is an infectious process and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. Primary teeth are lost between the ages of 5 and 12 so depending on the child's age, tooth in question and extent of decay appropriate treatment alternatives can be explained by your Pediatric Dentist.

Can you floss around a crown?

Absolutely you should floss.

Does the dentist clean your teeth after braces?

Yes you should have the teeth cleaned and have a fluoride treatment after braces

How can I fix a gap in my front teeth without braces?

An alternative could be composite or porcelain veneers to close the gap depending on the bite and size of the teeth.

How do you floss when you have braces?

iT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO FLOSS WHILE UNDER ORTHODONTIC CARE. THERE ARE AIDS TO FLOSSING WITH BRACES. FLOSS THREADERS; BRIDGE CLEANERS; AND PLATYPUS ORTHODONTIC FLOSSERS.

Can you get braces with missing teeth?

You can absolutely get braces with missing teeth.

How to lessen a child's fear of the dentist?

The first thing to know is why your son is fearful? What were his previous dental experiences. Based on that it is important for the dentist to be honest and compassionate with READ MORE
The first thing to know is why your son is fearful? What were his previous dental experiences. Based on that it is important for the dentist to be honest and compassionate with your child and tailor his experience based on that information.

What are the treatment options for a cracked tooth?

It really depends on what tooth it is. If it is a primary tooth then at 12 it should be removed. It is a permanent tooth then one has to determine the extent and location of READ MORE
It really depends on what tooth it is. If it is a primary tooth then at 12 it should be removed. It is a permanent tooth then one has to determine the extent and location of the fracture.

It could need anything from a restoration to a crown and root canal.

Can anyone get dental implants?

I would not recommend an implant at this age. I would wait until he stops growing. In the interim, your dentist could provide transitional options. Additional thing to consider READ MORE
I would not recommend an implant at this age. I would wait until he stops growing. In the interim, your dentist could provide transitional options. Additional thing to consider is whether there are any orthodontic needs.

Does tooth decay in baby teeth affect adult teeth?

Decay in his primary teeth doesn't directly affect his permanent teeth. However, untreated tooth decay in his primary teeth can cause space loss which can affect permanent tooth READ MORE
Decay in his primary teeth doesn't directly affect his permanent teeth. However, untreated tooth decay in his primary teeth can cause space loss which can affect permanent tooth eruption and spacing. Also, decay untreated in a primary tooth could lead to infection which could affect his permanent teeth depending on age.

How painful is a tooth extraction?

Tooth extractions are no more or less painful for children than anyone else. With proper local anesthesia this can be managed quite well.

What kind of doctor should I see for TMJ?

My recommendation for TMJ is to see an orthodontist who treats this and who should evaluate with a CBCT scan.

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Yes, a toothache can go away on its own depending on the cause of the discomfort. Yes, your son should see the dentist to thoroughly evaluate the cause of the toothache.

Can I use dental floss for my 4 year old?

Absolutely! Flossing is encouraged.

Are bleeding gums in kids a cause of concern?

He should have a comprehensive dental evaluation to determine cause of bleeding. Once the cause is determined then recommendations can be made to get the gums to a healthy state. READ MORE
He should have a comprehensive dental evaluation to determine cause of bleeding. Once the cause is determined then recommendations can be made to get the gums to a healthy state.
Bleeding gums indicate there is a problem either locally such as inadequate hygiene or systemically such as an infection or some other issue. A comprehensive evaluation and medical history review is the best approach to diagnose the cause(s)

How can I help my child stop grinding his teeth?

Grinding of teeth at night is quite common in young children who are actively growing. It often occurs when they are very deeply asleep and there jaws are in the most relaxed READ MORE
Grinding of teeth at night is quite common in young children who are actively growing. It often occurs when they are very deeply asleep and there jaws are in the most relaxed position.

No treatment is indicated unless significant wear is noted of the teeth. A comprehensive dental evaluation will aid in any recommendations.

Are dental CT scans for infants dangerous?

A dental CT scan is not indicated to monitor growth of the child.