veneers

Cosmetic Dentist

LEARN MORE FROM OUR MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL COSMETIC DENTIST

If you have experienced tooth loss or extreme dental decay, you may be eligible for dental implants. Our Minneapolis-St. Paul cosmetic dentist recommends dental implants for anyone looking to restore the look and function of their smile. Every smile is unique, so our team will need to perform a thorough evaluation of your dental health needs in order to recommend the appropriate treatment. Keep reading to learn more about dental implants, and schedule a consultation to find out if an implant would be right for your smile.

veneers

Not Everyone Is Eligible for Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent option for anyone who requires restoration as long as they have a healthy foundation. That means a candidate should be free of gum disease, dental decay, and any oral health issue that may threaten the success of their dental implant. People who have a history of smoking may not be eligible because they are more at risk for developing some oral health issues such as dental decay and even oral cancer. Anyone going through radiation therapy in the head or neck area is not eligible for this procedure. People with chronic conditions or anyone who lives with diabetes or heart conditions will need to speak to a doctor prior to undergoing a dental implant procedure. For patients with gum or bone recession, we may recommend additional treatments prior to the implementation of dental implants.

Schedule a consultation with our Minneapolis-St. Paul cosmetic dentist to find out if dental implants would be a good option for your smile. We can help you understand all of your treatment options so that we can find the right plan to suit your specific needs.

Dental Implants are a Lifetime Investment

Some patients may be wary of dental implants because they are a high cost upfront. However, dental implants are a lifetime investment. By far, implants are the highest quality of smile restoration. This is because the implant will fuse to your jawbone over time and will become part of the facial structure. Implants require several appointments to complete, but they do not require additional visits once the treatment is finished. Other restorative dental treatments may cost less initially, the price will add up when they need to be repaired or replaced. Dental implants provide a secure and durable restoration that looks and functions just like a natural tooth. That means that they won’t require extra visits or adjustments, and you can get back to having a confident smile as quickly as possible. We highly recommend dental implants for any patient in need of a smile restoration because they provide the most value for your investment.

Implants Look and Function Like Natural Teeth

Dental implants are inserted directly into the jaw using a titanium screw. This screw acts as a tooth root that holds the implant in place. A porcelain crown is attached to the screw and creates a natural-looking restoration. Over time, the implant will become a part of your facial structure and provide a secure new tooth. This also helps to promote a more youthful appearance because it offers more support to the facial muscles. Dental implants can be an excellent way to give you your beautiful, strong, and confident smile back. Our Minneapolis-St. Paul cosmetic dentist recommends this method of restoration for anyone looking to achieve the best restoration possible.

To learn more about dental implants, call our office to schedule a consultation. Our team can help identify all of the options available to you and find the right option to suit your needs. You can reach our team by calling (651) 687-0789 or by filling out an appointment request form directly on our site. We look forward to seeing your beautiful smile, so call today!

child with tooth brush

Caring for the teeth of a school-aged child

CARING FOR THE TEETH OF A SCHOOL-AGED CHILD

Once children begin school, parents tend to have less influence over what they are eating and doing during the day. That’s why it’s more important now than ever to set a good example for dental health. Here are some tips from Children’s Dentist Eagan, that can make your job easier as a parent and prevent cavities in your children’s mouths.

child with tooth brush

Be the Best Example

This is the best way to get your child to care for their teeth. By watching you make your oral hygiene a priority, they’ll want to follow suit. Brush and floss daily and make sure you attend your bi-annual checkups. You also want them to see you eating a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dairy. You think that your child doesn’t notice these things, but they do. That’s why you also need to avoid destructive habits like smoking.

Give Them a Healthy Diet

What a child eats has a lot to do with how healthy their teeth are. Give them access to lots of fruit, whole-grain foods, and vegetables. Refrain from giving them sugary drinks and snacks. These are the top reasons that children suffer from tooth decay. Instead, offer them fluoridated water.

Keep them Equipped

As your child gets older, they need to have the freedom to pick out their own oral hygiene gear. Let them choose fluoridated toothpaste accepted by the ADA that they can use. There’s also plenty of toothbrush options they can choose from, just make sure it’s soft-bristled. Their toothbrush needs to clean adult teeth and baby teeth with ease, so don’t neglect to buy them a high-quality option.

When children get to pick out their own supplies, they are more likely to use them. If you need further guidance, speak with the dentist at your kid’s next dental checkup.

Avoiding Tooth Erosion

EAGAN FAMILY DENTIST HELPS PATIENTS AVOID TOOTH EROSION

If you think that sweets and soft drinks are the only threats to your teeth, you need to know that there are other foods and beverages that can cause cavities—and more. One common problem for many people is what is known as tooth “erosion.” In the dental sense, erosion means that the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, has been worn down over time by a chemical process. In this case, the chemical process results from the by-products of certain food and drink. It goes without saying that erosion is bad for your teeth, but it can present a host of various symptoms and potential problems.

How Erosion Can Affect Your Teeth

Erosion most commonly affects the enamel since it is the outer layer of the tooth. Once the enamel has been lost, it does not regenerate. Some of the ways that this process can further affect your teeth are:

-Sensitivity to hot, cold, and occasionally sugar
-A yellowing of the teeth that results from the inner dentin being exposed, which naturally has a darker shade than enamel
-Discoloration of tooth-colored fillings
-Increased risk of developing cavities
-Tooth infections requiring root canal treatment
-Loss of teeth, in advanced cases

Treatment for tooth erosion depends on the tooth and the severity of the erosion. For instance, front teeth which have lost enamel from their front surfaces are often candidates for veneers. Veneers can protect the teeth and restore the proper shape and form to the damaged tooth. Conversely, back teeth may need crowns to keep their strength; without enamel, teeth become much weaker.

Common Food and Drink That Can Cause Erosion

The types of foods and beverages that cause erosion generally have one thing in common: acidity. An acidic environment in the mouth encourages the breakdown of tooth enamel. The body attempts to keep the mouth at a neutral pH with a healthy salivary flow, but sometimes our diets can overwhelm this process, resulting in a constant state of acidity. Some of the biggest culprits include:
-Soft drinks
-Lemon juice/lemonade (citrus juices in general)
-Sports drinks
-Flavored waters

How to Prevent Erosion

Aside from avoiding erosion-causing beverages, there are steps you can take to protect your teeth.
Don’t sip on acidic drinks all day. Drink them as quickly as possible.
When finished, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Wait an hour before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic beverages. The breakdown process has already started and the brushing action may hasten erosion. Your saliva needs time to neutralize the acid.

By being aware of your diet and following these tips, you can help avoid the pitfalls of tooth erosion.
Still have questions for your Eagan family dentist? Call Northwood Dental today at (651) 687-0789.

dental-xray

Prolonged Dental Visits

EAGAN MN DENTIST DISCUSSES PROLONGED DENTAL VISITS

There might be a time when you miss your dental appointment. It happens to the best of us. Life tends to get busy and our duties get in the way. It’s unavoidable sometimes to push back the appointment, but dangerous when you keep avoiding it.

What you might find after a long absence is that you get nervous about going back. Don’t let your time away keep you out of the office even longer. Here’s what to expect.

dental-xray

The Visit

The appointment will last about an hour or a little longer. That’s important to keep in mind when you make your schedule. At the beginning of the visit, you’ll have the chance to talk about what’s going on inside your mouth. This is your chance to talk about any concerns or questions.

Then, the dentist updates your medical history with you. This is followed up with some x-rays so the dentist can see deeper into your mouth. Then, there will be a screening for periodontal disease and oral cancer.

After that is complete, the hygienist will give you complete cleaning. This is the best time to look for any decay, cracked teeth, or broken fillings. The dentist then makes one last look in your mouth and you’re ready to go on your way.

As you leave, you’ll be able to make the next appointment. Just be sure you don’t go so long without making your next visit. It needs to be a priority in your life. While at the desk, this is the best time to discuss any concerns you have with your dental insurance coverage.

Comfortable

No matter how long you’ve been away, your dentist wants you to be comfortable during the visit. Feel free to speak up about your anxiety so your Eagan, MN dentist, and their team can help you through it. You’ll find that you really had nothing to worry about in the first place.

No matter how long it has been, there’s never been a better time to make an appointment. Pick up the phone and call today.

What are dental sealants?

CHILDREN’S DENTIST IN EAGAN DISCUSSES DENTAL SEALANTS

If you have children, it’s a great time to think about using sealants on their teeth. This easy solution goes a long way to giving your kid a healthy mouth. Many people don’t know what sealants are, so let’s take a closer look at this amazing innovation.

Sealants Protect the Teeth

Sealants protect your children from getting cavities in their teeth. They aren’t a substitute for flossing and brushing but are great to use in conjunction with proper oral hygiene.

The sealant is a thin coating that protects teeth. It’s made from plastic or sometimes other materials and applied by the dentist. Normally, they go on the back teeth, otherwise known as the molars, just on the chewing surface.

Once sealants are on the teeth, they keep the tooth from coming in contact with any cavity-causing debris or bacteria. They also keep food from getting into the tiny crannies of the tooth where it’s hard to brush.

This prevents your child from ending up with small spots of decay which quickly grow into full-blown decay.

When Should They be Applied?

It’s estimated that sealants protect from decay up to 80% of the time. That’s a pretty significant level of security and well worth the small cost. The best time to apply sealants is right after your child gets their permanent molars. This normally occurs around the age of six and then again around twelve.

Most of the time, they last for years, so it’s wise to get them put on right away and then again in the future. At each checkup, the dentist ensures they are still holding strong and protecting the teeth.

This small step goes a long way to keeping your child from having cavities. It’s the best way to help them reach adulthood with a beautiful white and healthy smile. One day, they’ll thank you.

Complete Guide to Mouth Rinses

MINNEAPOLIS DENTIST SHARES COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOUTH RINSES

Most people incorporate mouthwash into their dental care routine. Some rinses kill germs to prevent bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. Others just freshen your breath. If you want to use a mouth rinse, here are some things you should know.

When to Use a Mouth Rinse

Many dentists say that fluoride toothpaste is enough for the majority of people looking to battle cavities. With that said, an anti-cavity rinse is proven to fight up to an additional 50-percent of bacteria. They also fight bad breath.

The downside is that mouth rinses are capable of masking signs of serious conditions or diseases that require you to visit the dentist.

Using a Mouth Rinse

First, you want to make sure that you’ve brushed and flossed properly. Then, ensure that you measure the appropriate amount of rinse in the container. Keep your lips closed tightly and allow your teeth to split apart gently. Swish your rinse around in the mouth just as forcefully as you can while keeping the mouth closed.

You should swish for a minimum of 30 seconds. When it’s done, simply spit the liquid into the sink. Then, don’t eat anything, smoke, or drink for another 30 minutes afterward.

Side Effects of Rinses

If you use mouthwash with high levels of alcohol, it could lead to a burning feeling in your cheeks, teeth, or gums. Alcohol can also lead to root sensitivity, numbness, mouth ulcers, soreness, stains on the teeth, and decreased taste.

Other rinses that contain sodium fluoride have the potential to cause toxicity when swallowed. That’s why children should never be allowed to rinse without your adult supervision. In fact, it’s often best that children don’t use mouthwash at all.

Mouthwash is a great way to add to your dental care routine, but it should only be done once you’ve already taken the necessary steps of flossing and brushing. If you are unsure which rinse is best, ask your Minneapolis dentist for a recommendation. They will know which is best for your specific dental needs. With tools like mouthwash, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful white smile.

5 Signs Dental Implants Might Be the Right Fit for You

EAGAN DENTIST SHARES 5 SIGNS DENTAL IMPLANTS MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Dental implants are at the forefront of dental technology and have helped many patients restore form and function to their smiles. Dental implants are unique among all dental treatments and are unmatched in their ability to replicate and replace natural teeth. If you’ve been considering dental implants or are simply wondering what situation necessitates them, here are 5 signs you may benefit from implants.

Missing Teeth

Having missing teeth is the most obvious and most common reason to get dental implants. Obviously, there are many options for replacing missing teeth, but dental implants are considered by the dental industry to be the best treatment available. Generally speaking, implants do very well when replacing just one tooth, particularly in the lower jaw.

Bone Loss

Bone loss in the jaw occurs due to periodontal disease or the loss of teeth. Periodontal disease destroys bone via invasive bacteria. Tooth loss, on the other hand, leads to bone loss because having teeth promotes continual formation and strengthening of bone in the jaw. When teeth are absent, the body no longer makes bone. Unfortunately, dentures rely on good bone levels and structure in order to be retentive in the mouth. Dental implants are much more flexible. In fact, having dental implants can stimulate the production of new bone.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth requires a root canal to be cured. But it is known that teeth treated with root canal therapy are weakened and may not last as long as non-root canal treated teeth. If you have an abscessed tooth, you may be able to forgo the root canal by having the tooth extracted followed by implant placement. In some cases, the implant can be placed immediately after the extraction.

Broken, Worn, or Severely Damaged teeth

If the majority of your teeth have significant structural deterioration, dental implants may be a good option for you. The implant itself is extremely stable and, when combined with a strong porcelain crown, can stand up to wear and tear much better than natural teeth.

Broken of Poorly-Fitting Dentures

Ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable and lead to bone loss. There are cases in which implants can be used to replace all the teeth in the mouth. If you have a denture but just wish it were more stable or retentive, you may be able to have implants placed that will allow your denture to “snap” in place in the mouth, making it much more functional and easier to wear.

Dental implants have a wide variety of applications and the list of problems they can solve is nearly limitless. If you have any of the problems listed, ask your Eagan dentist about dental implants. You may be surprised to learn how dramatically they can change your smile.

Womens Dental Health

EAGAN DENTIST SERVING HIGHLAND PARK, MN DISCUSSES WOMEN’S HEALTH

Is it possible that a woman’s dental health could be affected by circumstances that men don’t face? Absolutely! In fact, recent studies suggest that women’s hormones can play a big part in their overall oral health.

Hormones in Women

While it is natural for women to experience hormonal changes throughout life, there are certain times when they are more severe. During puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause, hormone levels can create changes in your oral health.

When hormone levels fluctuate, you become more susceptible to diseases such as gingivitis. It is natural for the gums to become swollen or red during this time. They could even start to bleed. During menstruation, in particular, it is possible to develop cold sores. You might even notice this occur during every cycle.

When a woman is experiencing menopause, there are a number of oral complaints that are common. The first is a dry mouth while others include:
• Distorted taste
• Burning feeling in the mouth
• Unusual pain

During Pregnancy

Most important are the changes that take place in a woman’s mouth during pregnancy. Gingivitis is one of the most common occurrences during this time. In addition, the composition of the saliva can change during pregnancy. Overall, this might reduce the antimicrobial ability of the saliva to fight disease and infection. Another common complaint is a dry mouth. When you produce less saliva, you are more likely to have cavities.

While it is important that you discuss these issues with your dentist, many pregnant women will still avoid making an appointment. Sometimes it’s because they are fearful that the treatments could hurt the baby. The reality is that letting issues go untreated are more harmful to the health of mom and her unborn baby.

In addition, pregnant women should drink plenty of water to ensure the mouth remains hydrated. You may also want to check your toothpaste for the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate. This product can lead to additional drying inside the mouth. Pregnant women will also want to steer clear of any mouthwash that contains alcohol as this can exasperate dry mouth conditions. More than anything, it is critical that women consult with their dentist no matter what symptoms are occurring. Prevention is always a better option than treatment.

Looking to schedule an appointment with your Eagan dentist servings Highland Park, MN? Please call 651-687-0789 or click here.

Thumb Sucking & Your Child’s Teeth

MINNEAPOLIS DENTIST SHARES TIPS ON PREVENTING THE HABIT

Sucking is a natural reflex for pretty much every child. Whether it is sucking on a thumb, finger, pacifier or any other object, this reflex helps babies feel happy and secure.

It is also a way in which children soothe themselves and often, helps them fall asleep.

How Does Thumb Sucking Affect My Child’s Teeth?

Once your child’s permanent teeth have come in, sucking can cause problems with the growth and alignment of the teeth. It can also have an effect and cause changes to the roof of your child’s mouth
Essentially, the intensity of the sucking will determine whether it is enough to have any negative effects.

If you’re child simply rests their thumb in their mouth, they are not as likely to develop any issues related to it. However, aggressive thumb sucking can even have a negative effect on your child’s primary or baby teeth.

Between the ages of 2 and 4 is when most children stop sucking their thumbs. If you have any concerns about your child’s baby teeth or thumb-sucking, it is a good idea to consult with your dentist. They will be able to give you a better idea of where your child is at in terms of development.

How to Prevent Your Child from Sucking Their Thumb

• Children often use thumb-sucking to help cope with feelings of insecurity and when they need comfort. It is a good idea to focus on correcting to cause of your child’s anxiety and providing them with other forms of comfort.

• Provide your child with praise for not sucking their thumb.

• If the child is a bit older, get them involved in choosing a method to help them drop the habit.

• A visit to your dentist is also a great way to offer encouragement to your child. Your dentist will explain what could happen to their teeth. This is a great way to give your child confidence that quitting the habit is the right thing to do.

If you still have trouble getting your child to stop sucking their thumb, continue to remind them about their habit and the importance of stopping. You can also try bandaging their thumb or putting a sock over their hand at night.

Encouraging Children to Brush

EAGAN, MN DENTIST HELPS ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO BRUSH

While it usually takes about 6 months before your child’s first teeth will erupt, some babies are born with one or two teeth that have already broken through the surface. And, as soon as these teeth begin to show, it is important that they are looked after and brushed every day.

Many believe that since these are baby teeth, they are not as important. However, this is not true and not taking care of them could cause your child to have difficulty chewing or speaking properly. Baby teeth, or milk teeth, also play an important role in providing the framework for adult teeth to grow in later.

Some reports estimate that nearly 40% of children get cavities in the baby teeth, which is why it is so important to teach your children about the importance of proper oral care at a young age. Let’s look at a few different ways you can help encourage your children to brush their teeth.

Playing Copycat

All children learn by observing and then imitating behavior. Therefore, one good way to encourage proper brushing is to brush your teeth at the same time as your child to show them the correct way to brush. During this time, make sure to show them how to brush the surface of each tooth including the back molars. Another suggestion is to ask your child to brush your teeth for you. They will find this quite amusing and will be learning at the same time.

Using a Rewards Chart

Many children respond quite well to bribery and this can work to your advantage if you set up a dental reward chart. You can set up a monthly chart and reward your child with a sticker every time they brush their teeth. Then, at the end of the month, you can offer them a small prize such as a certificate commending them for being outstanding at brushing their teeth regularly.

Watch Videos and Read Stories About Brushing

There’s an abundance of videos online about brushing your teeth that promote proper oral hygiene. There are also many great songs that will encourage your children to brush their teeth. Children react well to music and having a song to sing along with while brushing will make the experience that much more enjoyable for them. It’s important that your child thinks this is fun and not a chore. You can also buy toothbrushes that light up and flash, which is sure to capture your child’s attention during brushing.

Please call Northwood Dental at (651) 687-0789 to schedule an appointment with your Eagan, MN dentist.