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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.