Modernize your approach to restorative care by eliminating the logistical burden of multiple dental appointments and the discomfort of temporary restorations. By leveraging CEREC® One-Visit Crowns, our practice provides high-strength ceramic repairs that are designed, milled, and permanently placed during a single clinical session.

Time is our patients’ most valuable asset in the Eagan and Apple Valley areas. Traditional restorative methods typically require a two-week waiting period where patients must wear a fragile temporary cap while a third-party laboratory fabricates the final piece. Northwood Dental removes this frustration by utilizing onsite CAD/CAM Restoration technology to handle the entire process within our walls. Dr. Loren Taple integrates this high-efficiency methodology to ensure that every crown is mapped to the micron using digital impressions. This digital workflow not only saves time but also yields a superior marginal fit, which is critical for protecting the underlying tooth structure against future bacterial infiltration. By combining decades of clinical experience with the latest in dental robotics, we provide a restoration that is as durable as it is beautiful.

I was bracing myself for weeks of sensitivity with a temporary crown, but being able to walk in with a broken tooth and walk out two hours later with a permanent fix was incredible. The team at Northwood made the technology feel easy, and the results look completely natural.

The Structural Integrity of CAD/CAM Restorations

Precision is the hallmark of the CEREC system used at our Dakota County hub. Because we utilize 3D imaging to capture the unique topography of your bite, the final ceramic block is milled to harmonize perfectly with your opposing teeth. These restorations are carved from a solid block of lithium disilicate or zirconia, materials known for their exceptional biocompatibility and lifelike translucency. Unlike older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, our one-visit solutions do not leave a dark grey line at the gum line and are far less likely to fracture under pressure. We prioritize these advanced materials to ensure that your investment in your oral health provides a foundation for full masticatory function for years to come.

Common Questions About Same-Day Crowns

• Is the quality of a same-day crown lower than that of a lab-made one? Not at all. In fact, because digital scans are so accurate, the fit is often better than with traditional impressions. The materials we use are the same high-end ceramics used by the best labs in the country.
• Does it cost more to get a crown done in one day? We find that most patients actually save money because they do not have to take time off work for a second appointment or pay for a temporary crown.
• How long do I have to stay in the chair? The actual “work” time is short. While the machine mills your crown in the office, you can relax, check your emails, or enjoy a coffee for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Schedule Your Same-Day Crown Consultation

Reclaim your schedule and your smile with the restorative experts at Northwood Dental. Contact our Eagan office today to see if a CEREC one-visit restoration is right for you.

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Serving the Dakota County Region: Eagan | Apple Valley | Inver Grove Heights | Burnsville | Rosemount

OUR EAGAN COSMETIC DENTIST RECOMMENDS DENTAL IMPLANTS!

Are dental implants worth the investment? Our Eagan cosmetic dentist believes they are! Dental implants can help patients get a beautiful, natural-looking smile that is durable enough to perform daily activities without damage. Implants are durable and sturdy, so you can chew and speak just like you would with natural teeth. If you are in need of smile restoration, call our office to schedule a consultation! We can walk you through your restorative treatment options so that you can find the right one for your smile. Investing in dental implants can provide you with your ideal smile at an affordable cost. Keep reading to learn more about how dental implants stand against other restorative options when it comes to affordability.

Other methods of smile restoration may require frequent repairs or replacements. This may start to add up over time and lead to multiple appointments to complete repairs. Dental implants can typically be completed in just a few appointments, and then will likely never need to be altered. While you may need to pay more money upfront when you choose to get dental implants, you will most likely not need to revisit our Eagan cosmetic dentist again for future repairs. This option is truly an investment in the longevity of your smile. Many patients like this option because it is secure and durable, so you never need to worry about breaking or damaging them. This means you can eat whatever you want without fear of harming your smile. If you are searching for convenient and sturdy smile restoration, dental implants would be the right option for you.

Dental implants are the most natural-looking option when it comes to restoring your smile. This is because they look totally natural, just like your real teeth. You can choose your ideal color, shape, and size for your custom dental crowns. Other restorative treatments may not allow as much flexibility when it comes to creating your new smile. When we perform your initial consultation, we can talk with you about your smile goals. That could mean a natural-looking implant that blends in with your smile, or even an enhanced version of your natural teeth. Whatever you are hoping for when it comes to your smile, we can find the right treatment path for you. Unlike other restorative options, dental implants can be completely customized. This investment in your smile can help you get the smile you have always dreamed of! Talk to our Eagan cosmetic dentist about your smile goals so that we can help you get one step closer!

Overall, dental implants are an excellent option for any patient who is seeking a smile restoration. If you have suffered from extreme dental decay or tooth loss, dental implants may be the right choice for you. call our Eagan cosmetic dentist to schedule a consultation and find out if dental implants would be the right choice for your smile.

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.

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.

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.