Litchfield Dental Dental Blog

5 Questions to Consider Before Scheduling your Teeth Whitening Treatment | Litchfield MN

If you’re planning to get your teeth whitened, it’s important that you do your research to find the right dentist and dental practice. The bleaching procedure is generally safe and effective when done by a dentist during the first visit, and under a dentist’s supervision for subsequent treatments. That said, everyone should first visit a dentist for a thorough examination and diagnosis to ensure you’re a good candidate for a safe, brighter, whiter smile.

Here are some questions to help you choose the right dentist:

Can teeth cleaning and polishing brighten my teeth without bleaching?

Professional teeth cleaning and polishing is done in order to remove calculus and surface stains caused by colored drinks like tea and red wine, tobacco products, foods, and so on. However, this will not change the color of stained or yellowing teeth. Teeth cleaning can help you remove deep stains and discoloration that won’t go away with routine cleaning and polishing.

How is in-office teeth whitening done?

The dentist applies a bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide) on the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly on your teeth. The trays stay in place for a short period of time to break down the agent into oxygen, which then penetrates tooth enamel to change the shade of your teeth.

Will I achieve the results I want?

Yes. Most cases of tooth whitening are successful. That said, the treatments work differently depending on the extent of discoloration or staining at the start of the procedure. Fortunately, your dentist will discuss with you about your treatment plan and inform you beforehand about the best way to whiten your teeth, any difficulties, and even the expected results.

Can teeth whitening be done outside a dentist’s office?

It’s recommended that you consult a dentist to design your bleaching plan that can then be done in the office or at home with a customized teeth whitening kit. This is important because dentists are trained to choose the best treatment plan for your case; estimate the improvement in shade that you will achieve; and inform you how long your treatment will last.

In which situations might tooth whitening be unsuccessful?

Tooth whitening only helps to improve the shade of your natural teeth. This means that it may not be successful when used on unhealthy teeth, teeth with exposed roots, or teeth that have been restored with fillings, crowns, veneers, or have received root treatments. 

Please consult your dentist to discuss your bleaching plan and the expected results of your teeth whitening treatment.

Infected Tooth Pain- Do I Need An Extraction? Litchfield MN

It is normal to have bacteria in your mouth covering the teeth, tongue, and other oral tissues. However, tooth infections can occur when bacteria penetrates the exterior of your tooth (enamel and dentin), and reaches the tooth pulp, or settles in deep gum pockets where it can’t be reached with regular brushing.

Poor dental hygiene, tooth injury, and dental procedures can lead to cavities and fractures that trap bacteria and allow plaque to build up. Although these injuries are usually not painful, the tooth should be filled or crowned promptly to stop bacteria from eroding the tooth any further. If left untreated and the infection reaches the pulp, a condition known as pulpitis may result, causing you to experience a toothache or sensitivity that is aggravated by hot and cold liquids and foods. If the infection continues to spread through the tooth, it may form a pocket of pus known as an abscess.

Treatment options for tooth infections

If you have pulpitis, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy to remove the infection and preserve your natural tooth. Since the tooth will be weakened after the procedure, it will need to be crowned or capped to restore its strength and stability.

Once an abscess forms, the pus has to be drained to treat the tooth. If the tooth can’t be saved with root canal therapy, it may have to be extracted. Pus removal can occur before or after the extraction. If your dentist finds that extracting the tooth before treatment may allow the infection to spread and cause other complications, such as compromising the healing process after tooth extraction, then your dentist may recommend treating the infection before tooth removal to reduce these risks.

Generally, you will need to take pain medication and some antibiotics for a few days before your surgical tooth removal to remove bacteria in the area, as well as after tooth extraction to prevent infection when healing.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a tooth infection, please visit your dentist as soon as possible to save the tooth or schedule an extraction.

What are the Benefits of Tooth Colored Fillings? Litchfield MN

Tooth colored filling is a common dental treatment used to fill cavities or restore decayed and damaged teeth. It requires the dentist to choose a filling material that has the same shade as your natural teeth when filling the cavity. This allows you to discreetly repair your teeth and restore them to their full form and function, while enhancing the beauty of your smile.

Here are some reasons to get white, tooth-colored fillings:

  • They provide a strong and durable material that can help restore decayed teeth, repair chipped teeth, and close unsightly gaps between your teeth.
  • They look natural compared to your own teeth. This is because the filling material is matched to your natural tooth color and then bonded directly to the tooth, giving you a restoration that is both discrete and understated.
  • The procedure is short and takes about an hour, so you don’t have to miss a full-day of work to repair your teeth. That said, the actual time taken to get the white fillings depends on different factors, including the cavity size, its location, and the number of fillings required. 

Are White, Tooth Colored Fillings Right for you?

To determine whether white tooth colored filling is right for you, it is important that you consider your dental treatment requirements. This will require you to visit your dentist for a thorough examination of the damaged or decayed tooth, followed by customization of the tooth-colored fillings to match your enamel so it blends in when you smile. Please call our office to book your consultation appointment. 

Contact Us Today!

White tooth colored filling remains an excellent option to restore your teeth because of the numerous benefits it offers. If you still have more questions about white tooth colored filling, contact our dental practice today. Our dentists will be available to discuss with you and provide suitable answers to your questions and concerns.

Affordable Family Dentist in Litchfield MN

As an affordable dental practice near you, our aim is to put a smile on as many faces as we can. From the moment you arrive at our doorstep, our friendly and compassionate team will look after you, ensuring that your experience outstanding customer service and access to the highest quality of dental care within your budget – all in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Choice of Treatments 

Getting affordable dental care across the spectrum is important to help you save costs on taking care of your dental health and oral hygiene. We provide a full range of dental treatments, including dental hygiene, general family dental care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency care, and so on, allowing your entire family to receive their dental care under one roof. This means that you can book your appointments at the same time to save on time and money that would be spent moving between different practices. That said, each treatment plan is individually tailored around every patient’s needs, so you receive the level of care that is best suited to your needs. 

Innovative Treatment Options 

We boast a range of state-of-the-art dental equipment that allows us to provide you with innovative treatment options that are customized to address your specific needs to your satisfaction. This has offered our clients several benefits, including:

  • The ability to identify possible dental problems in their earliest stages and introduce simple and low-cost interventions in time
  • Design of complete treatment plans for serious problems to restore the optimal function and aesthetic of your mouth
  • Providing a comfortable experience
  • Focus on minimal intrusion and maximum preservation of your natural tooth
  • Faster healing and quick recovery time
  • Long-lasting dental work

Call Us Today for Affordable Dental Services 

When in search of an affordable dentist, consider our practice. We are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care and high-quality services without compromise. We will help keep your bright smile and offer excellent dental care. From dental exams to routine teeth cleanings, teeth whitening, and other dental procedures, we offer quality treatments at an affordable price. 

Call our office today to discuss possible payment plans and financing options.

Dental Veneers Treatment in Litchfield MN

Before veneer placement, you will consult your dentist to discuss the best options for your case, and the number of veneers that should be placed depending on the condition of your teeth and budget. In some situations, it may be necessary to undergo other treatments before getting veneers, like using braces to correct uneven or crooked teeth. 

Dental veneers refer to thin shells of tooth-colored material that are permanently bonded to the front surface of damaged teeth to enhance their appearance. They’re typically made from resin-composite or porcelain materials, and can be recommended to treat a range of cosmetic dental concerns including:

  • Chipped or broken teeth 
  • Discoloration or staining that can’t be fixed with whitening 
  • Smaller-than-average teeth 
  • Gaps in the teeth 
  • Crooked teeth 
  • Unusually shaped or pointed teeth 

Who is the ideal candidate for dental veneers?

Veneers are a common cosmetic dental treatment for creating a bright, beautiful, and balanced smile. Typically, the application of dental veneers requires tooth preparation by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to attach the veneer. 

Your qualified dentist can recommend several varieties of porcelain and alternative dental materials to customize your smile makeover. This can help you regain confidence in your smile and improve the quality of your life. 

Dental Veneers Treatment Near Me – Contact Us Today! 

Are you interested in dental veneers? Contact our office today and schedule your appointment to discuss treatment options.

Common Questions About Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN

Crowns are one of the most popular restorative and cosmetic treatments in dentistry. They provide a strong and durable cap that holds together a tooth that has been severely damaged and weakened by trauma or decay, helping to save a tooth that may otherwise have been extracted. 

Other benefits of tooth crowns include:

1. Prevent Tooth Loss from Decay  

The crown protects the remaining natural tooth so you are not forced to extract it. Crowns can be used to save decayed teeth, where the cavity has formed on more than 50 percent of the tooth, such that a filling cannot be used. To save the tooth, the dentist needs to remove the decay, clean the site, and cement the custom crown in place, restoring the complete function of your mouth. 

2. Save Damaged Teeth 

Crowns are typically recommended for severe tooth damage, where other options are not sufficient to provide a strong restoration. Some of the common applications of crowns include:

  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • To repair broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 

3. Cosmetic Repairs 

If dental crowns are the only way to save your tooth, your dentist may recommend tooth-colored materials so the restored tooth is barely noticeable compared to adjacent teeth. In fact, tooth-colored materials reflect light just like natural teeth, which makes it hard to distinguish the restoration from tooth enamel. This allows you to both restore and improve your smile. 

If you have any questions or concerns about dental crowns, please visit your dentist today. 

Gentle Dentist Near Me, Litchfield MN

In our modern world, dentistry has evolved and advanced. Today’s dental practices can be very different from how they were in the past. 

There are many people who feel apprehensive about visiting their dentist. If you’re one of them, then you’ll be happy to know that there are some great gentle friendly dentists out there. 

Dentistry is an important part of your overall health. 

Every six months, you should visit the dentist to have a dental cleaning, check for signs of decay, and to see if anything is becoming loose or causing pain. You should also have regular visits to a dentist as part of your routine health care. If you have any concerns about your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact us right away. We’d be happy to help!

The largest cause of tooth loss is decay. This can be caused by cavities, which are holes in teeth caused by bacteria that eat away at the underlying protein. Decay can also be caused by gum disease, which can lead to bleeding and swelling in the gums. Teeth grinding and bruxism from stress or anxiety are other possible causes of tooth decay. A healthy mouth requires daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular checkups with your dentist.

Not all oral health issues are visible. Some of them are quite subtle, requiring only a few minutes of your time. In order to detect the signs of oral health issues, you will need to know what to look for. We hope that this article has been helpful to you! If you are still unclear about any aspect of your oral health, please contact us by email or phone. We are happy to help!

Are You Looking for a Dentist Near Me?

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

FAQs – In-Office Teeth Whitening in Litchfield MN

White teeth are associated with beauty, increased confidence, and a healthy lifestyle. However, smoking and chewing tobacco, drinking black tea or coffee and wine, using medications such as tetracycline, swallowing too much fluoride, and aging can cause your teeth to become stained.

Teeth whitening or bleaching involves the use of simple and non-invasive treatments designed to change the color of your natural tooth enamel to give you a dazzling smile. Having white teeth is the leading aesthetic concern for most dental patients. Fortunately, there are multiple ways – including home and in-office – to whiten teeth, with varying degrees of effectiveness. 

Reasons to Consider Teeth Whitening 

Some of the reasons why people consider teeth whitening include:

  • To improve their smile
  • To increase their confidence
  • To prevent discoloration from worsening

Teeth whitening can be used to stop the progression of tooth discoloration, especially in combination with lifestyle adjustments

Since improving your smile is an investment, the last thing you want to see are signs of discoloration on your pearly whites coming up only a few months after treatment. To maintain your newly achieved bright smile, you should:

  • Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks – Many colored foods and drinks can stain your white teeth. So, reduce or avoid your intake of tomatoes, berries, grape juice, red wine, coffee, tea, sports drinks, cola, and grape juice. 
  • Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking – Every time you indulge in items that can stain your mouth, it is important that you rinse your mouth with clean water right after. Swishing a little water after eating or drinking can help reduce staining. 
  • Stop smoking – Smoking is not only bad for your health, but also your teeth. The nicotine, tar, and tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes will stain your teeth.
  • Practice proper oral hygiene – Daily brushing, at least every morning after breakfast and at night before bed, and daily flossing will help remove food debris and plaque, and keep your mouth clean and stain-free.  

Final Note 

Tooth bleaching only works for natural teeth, and the results don’t last forever. Artificial dental treatments, including crowns, fillings, and veneers are resistant to stains, which means that these won’t respond to the whitening agents. Moreover, you need a touch-up every year or sooner – as advised by your dentist –  depending on your diet and lifestyle to maintain your bright smile

Please schedule your consultation today to discuss ways to improve your smile.

Top Rated Dentist in Litchfield MN

Whether you’re a busy parent with little time, or just not a fan of the dental chair, finding a dentist near you is important for your oral health. Luckily, with the rise in mobile technology and online services like Google, it’s easier than ever to find a dentist who meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for a general dentist near you or need help finding an affordable dentist near your work, please read further on and consider our office. 

Are you looking for a new dentist? 

If so, it’s important to research the practice before making an appointment. Ask for recommendations from friends, family members, and coworkers. It’s also a good idea to check out online reviews from past patients. By doing this, you can get a better sense of what the practice is like and whether or not you would feel comfortable there.

Whom you choose as your new dentist should depend on a few different factors, including location, availability, and personal preference. 

Keep in mind that not all dentists are created equal: some have more experience, while others have more up-to-date technology. When looking for a new dentist, don’t be afraid to ask questions! You’re likely to find one who is excited to talk with you and eager to help you achieve your dental goals.

We make every effort to ensure that all of our patients are treated as well as possible. Proven by our track record, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Our team of dental professionals is highly experienced and will give you the best care possible.

Top Rated Dentist Near Me

You can rest assured that selecting a top-rated dentist like us will put your mind at ease. We invite you to call or email us for more information about our dental services and to schedule an appointment to find out how our services can help you.

Are You Looking for a Dentist Near Me?

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening in Litchfield MN

Proper brushing and flossing every day can help to keep your smile bright and breath fresh. Factors such as aging, consuming colored foods and drinks, and lifestyle habits such as chewing or smoking tobacco products can cause your teeth to discolor and get darker. 

Fortunately, there are several options for teeth whitening to help improve the shade of your teeth and maintain the shade with follow up treatments as recommended by the dentist. Before treatment, the dentist will examine your teeth to establish the cause and severity of the discoloration, and then propose various whitening options that will be most suitable for your case to ensure that you get the desired results and the smile of your teeth. The results may fade with time depending on your diet, age, and lifestyle choices, so subsequent treatments may be necessary to maintain a white smile. 

Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is most effective on surface stains, and while anyone from the age of 10 years and above can be a good candidate for bleaching, there are a few cases when your dentist may prevent you from proceeding with the treatment. These include: 

  • Tooth and gum sensitivity – Sensitivities may disqualify you from using certain whitening techniques 
  • The natural color of your teeth – Intrinsic stains are harder to bleach compared to extrinsic stains
  • The presence of crowns, fillings, bridges, or veneers – These do not bleach the same as natural teeth, which means that you may have to replace them after whitening your teeth to achieve a uniform look 
  • Exposed roots – These surfaces are harder to whiten effectively compared to tooth enamel, which means that you may have to consider alternative methods. 

Your dentist will assess your teeth and mouth during your first visit to determine your suitability. 

Final Note 

Teeth whitening is not permanent, and people who expose their teeth to tobacco products and colored foods and beverages that cause staining may realize faster fading of the results. The more you exercise proper oral hygiene after bleaching, the longer you will stay without requiring touch-up whitening treatment. 

Please contact your dentist to discuss ways to improve your smile with teeth whitening.

Litchfield Dental Dental Offer

6 Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.

Learn more