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Affordable Dental Implants in Litchfield MN
Dental implants have been in use now for several decades since they were invented in 1952. In fact, many dental professionals consider them as the standard of care for tooth replacement. Though their placement involves a surgical procedure, the treatment has become largely affordable so that patients can enjoy the many benefits of dental implants, including:
So, how much will it cost you to get a dental implant?
The cost of one dental implant placement depends on a variety of factors, including the position of the implant site in the mouth, the experience of the oral surgeon performing the procedure, and the location of the dental practise. This amount accounts for the surgery for placing the implant, cost of all components involved in the procedure, and the cost of the replacement crown.
A dental implant placement procedure may involve the following:
- Tooth or teeth removal – This is usually the first step of your dental implant surgery. Any tooth fragments must be completely removed to allow for proper site preparation before placing the dental implant.
- Site preparation – If the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting or sinus augmentation to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant.
- Implant placement – When the site is ready, a dental implant (titanium post) will be placed into the bone using a special drill and tools. The surgeon will then place a “healing cap” over the implant before stitching up the gum.
- Healing – You will have to wait for 2-6 months for the site to heal and the implant to integrate with the bone tissue. A temporary denture will be placed at the site for aesthetic purposes. You will need follow-up visits for the oral surgeon to track the healing
- Abutment placement – After successful integration of the implant to the bone, an abutment will be connected to the implant using a screw. A general dentist can then take an impression of the abutment and send it to the dental lab to fabricate your custom-made crown.
- Tooth replacement – When the crown is ready, it will be secured to the abutment by cementing or with a screw. Keep in mind that the choice of material for your crown will also affect the cost of your dental implant treatment.
How much will the insurance pay?
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover dental implant placement. This is because most insurance providers consider dental implants as an elective surgical procedure, although they have become widely known as the standard of care for tooth replacement. However, some dental insurance providers cover the cost of getting a custom crown.
For more information on dental implants in Litchfield MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact our office.
Dental Cleanings Near Me, Litchfield MN
While many dental procedures can be dreadful, teeth cleanings are easily tolerated by most people because they’re not only simple and painless, but also an important part of maintaining your long-term oral health. Ideally, dental cleanings should be performed every 6-12 months to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar that can cause oral problems such as bad breath, cavities, gum disease, loose teeth, and so on. But your dentist may recommend shorter intervals if you’re at greater risk due to pregnancy, your lifestyle habits, or your general health.
So what exactly happens during a regular dental cleaning?
1. Tartar and Plaque Removal
The actual teeth cleaning process involves the use of specialized tools, such as scalers to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of individual teeth, between the teeth, and around the gum line. This step may take longer if it has been a long time since your last cleaning.
2. Polishing
When all the plaque and tartar has been removed from your teeth, the hygienist will use a special brush with a soft rubber cup. This not only removes any surface stains, but also makes your tooth surface smooth and shiny to make it harder for plaque to form.
3. Expert Flossing
This step helps to thoroughly clean the area between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste from the previous steps.
4. Rinsing
The dental hygienist uses a mouth rinse with liquid fluoride to remove any debris and clean your mouth.
5. Fluoride Treatment
As the final step, your dental hygienist may apply flavored fluoride by putting it in flexible trays that are then placed over your teeth for 30 seconds. This helps to strengthen your teeth and enhance the protection against plaque and calculus.
Following the cleaning, your mouth may feel fresher and your teeth appear brighter. This is because teeth cleaning helps to prevent and treat gum disease and maintain tooth health, but also enhance the appearance of your smile. To learn more about what to expect from a routine dental cleaning in Litchfield MN, please contact our office today.
Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams in Litchfield MN
Dental cleaning is a simple, painless, and non-invasive preventive dental procedure that seeks to reduce the risk of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by removing built-up plaque and tartar. Patients often experience some mild vibrations, cooling mist of liquid, and a bit of pressure during scraping, though this doesn’t cause any discomfort. On the contrary, the feeling can be quite satisfying in knowing that you can keep enjoying your healthy teeth and smile for longer.
Ideally, dental cleanings should be performed every six months, but your dental hygienist may recommend shorter intervals if you’re at greater risk due to pregnancy, your lifestyle habits, or your general health. Moreover, if you have gum disease, your dental hygienist may recommend deep scaling – as opposed to regular dental cleaning – to remove plaque from your tooth roots as well.
Generally, the first step before any dental cleaning is an examination of your mouth. The dental hygienist needs to physically check your teeth, gums, tongue, and the entire mouth for any concerns using a small mirror. If there are no problems, then the procedure for dental cleaning may be as follows:
1. Plaque and Tartar Removal: A scaler is used to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of individual teeth, between the teeth, and around the gum line. This step may take longer if it has been a long time since your last cleaning.
2. Polishing: A high-powered brush with a soft rubber cup and gritty toothpaste helps to gently scrub and polish your teeth. This not only removes any surface stains, but also makes your tooth surface smooth and shiny to make it harder for plaque to form.
3. Expert Flossing: This step helps to thoroughly clean the area between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste from the previous steps.
4. Rinsing: The dental hygienist uses a mouth rinse with liquid fluoride to remove any debris and clean your mouth.
5. Fluoride Treatment: As the final step, your dental hygienist may apply flavored fluoride by putting it in flexible trays that are then placed over your teeth for 30 seconds. This helps to strengthen your teeth and enhance the protection against plaque and calculus.
To learn more about what to expect from a Cleaning and Exam in Litchfield MN procedure, please contact your dental office today.
Dental Implants – Associated Costs | Litchfield MN
Many dental professionals today consider dental implants as the standard of care for tooth replacement. Yet, most dental insurance products do not cover the entire cost of dental implant placement because they consider dental implants as an elective procedure. That said, your insurance provider can cover the cost of getting a replacement crown depending on the material you choose for fabrication.
During your consultation, your dental team will discuss with you the expected treatment plan and total cost of getting dental implants. Generally, there is a variety in the price range for a single dental implant. The actual amount depends on:
- The position of the implant site in the mouth
- Experience of the oral surgeon performing the procedure
- The location of the dental practise
- Cost of the replacement crown
- Complexity of your case – affects cost of dental services and dental materials consumed
Costs Associated with Complex Dental Implants
The standard procedure for performing a dental implant includes:
- Tooth or teeth removal and site preparation before placing the dental implant.
- Implant placement – A dental implant (titanium post) is placed into the bone using a special drill and tools. The surgeon will then place a “healing cap” over the implant before stitching up the gum.
- Monitoring visits – You will have to wait for 2-6 months for the site to heal and the implant to integrate with the bone tissue. A temporary denture will be placed at the site for aesthetic purposes. You will need to visit your oral surgeon or dentist to track your recovery and make sure that there is no infection.
- Abutment placement – After successful integration of the implant to the bone, an abutment will be connected to the implant using a screw. Then an impression of the abutment is taken and sent to the dental lab to fabricate your custom crown.
- Tooth replacement – When the crown is ready, it will be secured to the abutment by cementing or with a screw.
But if the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting or sinus augmentation to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. This takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement. During this time, you will need to make regular dental visits for tracking your healing.
Get Dental Implants Today
Although dental implants are expensive, and the treatment takes several months before you can start enjoying your investment, the final result is extremely satisfying. Dental implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, and after treatment, you won’t need to see your dentist for follow-up visits, except for routine professional cleaning.
For more information on dental implants in Litchfield MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.
Types of Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN
Dental crowns or caps are a common dental prosthesis used to restore decayed, damaged, or missing teeth. When repairing a tooth with dental crowns, the dentist has to first file down the decayed or damaged tooth structure so it can accommodate the dental crown without it being over size as this could affect your bite. Dental impressions of the prepared tooth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory to aid in fabricating your custom permanent crown.
There are different materials that can be used to fabricate the crown, including:
All Porcelain
This is a tooth-colored material that gives the restoration a natural look, which makes them a popular choice for repairing front teeth in order to preserve the aesthetics of your smile.
All-Resin
Dental composite resin is another tooth-colored material that can give you an aesthetic restoration. All-resin materials don’t contain any metals. They are highly affordable, but are arguably the weakest material for crowns since they’re prone to chipping, cracking, and rapid wear.
Metal
Crowns made from metal are the strongest and most durable option, plus they’re not abrasive to opposing teeth like all-porcelain. This makes them a suitable choice for back teeth. Different metals can be used to fabricate crowns, including gold, platinum, stainless steel, copper, and alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium. Stainless steel crowns are typically used for temporary applications, like for the repair of primary teeth for children.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
These crowns are generally fabricated with a metal base and porcelain coating, which gives them the strength of metal crowns and the aesthetics of tooth-colored crowns. However, porcelain-metal crowns tend to be abrasive to opposing teeth, which increases their wear rate. The metal ring on the crown may also become visible in the event of gum recession.
Zirconium
This is a fairly new dental material that produces crowns that are as strong and durable as metal crowns and natural-looking for an aesthetic restoration. As a result, zirconia crowns have become increasingly popular. Another advantage is that they’re biocompatible, and won’t cause allergic reactions. Additionally, Zirconia crowns can be fabricated at the dentist’s office for same-day crown restorations.
The Right Material for Your Dental Crown
Each dental crown material has various pros and cons that should be carefully evaluated before choosing your permanent crown restoration. Your dentist will help you make the right choice based on your specific dental needs.
To learn more about Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN please contact us today.
Dental Check Ups & Teeth Cleaning in Litchfield MN
Many people today know about the importance of oral health and how it affects your overall health. Optimal oral hygiene requires a combination of proper and consistent daily oral hygiene practices at home and routine professional dental cleanings. This helps to protect your teeth from decay and keep the gums healthy, while keeping your smile bright.
However, one thing that may not be clear is why the American Dental Association recommends dental cleanings every six months. Generally, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day should help to remove most of the harmful bacteria from your teeth and mouth. But the small quantity of bacteria that remains may still pose a threat to your oral health over time, if it’s not removed.
Some of the risks include:
- Excessive tooth wear and cavities from the acid produced by plaque
- Bad breath from improper teeth cleaning
- Teeth discoloration from the colored foods you consume and calcification and mineralization of plaque in the form of tartar or calculus, which attracts more harmful bacteria
- Minor gum infection or gingivitis, which is characterized by gum inflammation, swelling, and reddening. Due to sensitive gums, you may also notice some blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing your mouth after brushing.
- Advanced gum infection – If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious case of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It affects the foundation of your teeth – the bone tissue connecting your teeth to the jaw.
- Exacerbated health issues – the infection can spread from your mouth to other tissues, making it harder to manage other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia
Cleanings for Optimal Oral Health
Fortunately, most of these problems can be successfully treated or managed with professional dental cleaning and an improved oral care regimen at home. That said, periodontitis is a chronic, progressive, and episodic gum infection. If not treated promptly, periodontitis can cause severe bone loss that loosens your teeth with some even falling out. Though it’s irreversible, dental professionals can help you manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.
Please visit your dentist today to examine the condition of your teeth and gums and determine the best type of dental cleaning in Litchfield MN to improve your oral health and reduce the risk of advanced gum disease and cavities.
Do I Need A Deep Cleaning for Teeth? Litchfield MN
Dentists recommend different types of dental cleanings to aid in the prevention and/or treatment of dental cavities and/or gum disease. Your dental professional will assess your mouth and recommend the right cleaning for your individual case, as well as the ideal interval for your regular cleanings.
For people with healthy teeth and gums, your dentist may recommend prophylaxis cleanings using fine hand instruments, as well as an ultrasonic scaler and a polishing cup and paste if there are no signs of gum disease. Generally, a good candidate for prophylaxis should have firm, pink gums with no bleeding or gum pockets over 3mm. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends these cleanings every as part of your preventative dental care to maintain optimal dental health and minimize the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Full Mouth Debridement
Prophylaxis should be performed every six months, though some people may require more frequent cleanings depending on their risk factors. In addition, there are some cases where prophylaxis may not sufficiently clean your teeth. If you haven’t been to the dentist in more than a year, heavy plaque and tartar (calculus) may build-up on your teeth.
A full mouth debridement using hand tools and a micro-ultrasonic scaler can be recommended to remove the plaque and calculus from your teeth and gums, and restore the health of your mouth. This procedure is typically performed before an oral examination and diagnosis to ensure good visibility of the actual condition of your mouth
Scaling and Root Planing and Periodontal Maintenance
If you’re suffering from gum disease, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning, which is also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure is for patients who exhibit signs of periodontal disease, such as deeper gum pockets (over 3mm), inflammation and bleeding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and/or loss of bone tissue supporting the teeth.
Following your treatment for advanced gum disease, which is a chronic condition, your dentist will recommend periodontal maintenance, which is a specialized cleaning that should be done every 8 – 12 weeks as part of your periodontal treatment follow up to reduce the risk of gum disease recurrence.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
Receiving dental cleaning is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy as a preventive treatment, or as a treatment for gum disease. Please visit your dentist to discuss your dental cleaning in Litchfield MN today.
Dental Cleanings & Checkup in Litchfield MN
At your six-month dental checkup, your dentist should perform dental cleaning as a preventive procedure to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Professional teeth cleaning is necessary to remove accumulated plaque and tartar from in between your teeth and gums, which may be responsible for various oral issues such as cavities, gum disease, bad breath, oral cancer, and so on.
During your routine dental visit, which should be every 6 – 12 months, your dental hygienist will first examine your teeth before cleaning them. The examination involves physical assessment of your teeth, gums, tongue, and the entire mouth for any concerns using a small mirror. If there are any noticeable problems, the dental hygienist will consult the dentist to determine whether it’s safe to proceed with the cleaning. But in some cases, it may be necessary to first clean your teeth and then perform the examination in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Your dental professional will determine the right sequence for your specific case.
What to Expect
Routine dental cleaning takes about 30 minutes depending on how long it has been since your last cleaning. This is because plaque will continuously calcify and mineralize on the surface of your teeth to form tartar. During this time, the dental hygienist will:
- Use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of individual teeth, between the teeth, and around the gum line.
- Polish the teeth using a high-powered brush with a soft rubber cup. This not only removes any surface stains, but also makes your tooth surface smooth and shiny to make it harder for plaque to form.
- Perform professional flossing in order to thoroughly clean the area between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste from the previous steps.
- Rinse your mouth using a solution containing liquid fluoride to remove any debris and clean your mouth.
- Apply flavored fluoride by putting it in flexible trays that are then placed over your teeth for 30 seconds. This helps to strengthen your teeth and enhance the protection against plaque and calculus.
Schedule Your Appointment
While many dental procedures can be dreadful, teeth cleanings are easily tolerated by most people because they’re not only simple and painless, but also an important part of maintaining your long-term oral health. To learn more about what to expect from a routine dental cleaning in Litchfield MN, please contact our office today.
Why Teeth Cleanings in Litchfield MN are Vital To Your Health
Studies show that as many as 90% of adults experience some form of periodontal disease at one point in their lives. Gum disease is caused by the unchecked build-up of bacteria in your mouth. In severe cases, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream and make its way to various body tissues and exacerbates diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. Your dental professional can help you manage your oral health and prevent bacteria buildup through dental cleanings.
What Happens When You Don’t Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
The warm and moist environment in your mouth is very hospitable for the growth of bacteria, which manifests as either plaque, a biofilm formed by bacteria colonies living in your mouth, or calculus (tartar), which is the calcified and mineralized form of plaque when it stays on your teeth for too long.
Without professional cleaning, the bacteria in your mouth can accumulate to a point where it becomes active and destructive, resulting in:
- Cavities – plaque is responsible for producing acid that can erode tooth enamel causing uneven tooth wear and even cavities
- Tooth discoloration – tartar is a hard substance that forms on your teeth and attracts more harmful bacteria, ruining the appearance of your smile.
- Gingivitis – this is the first stage of gum infection, which is characterized by gum inflammation, swelling, and reddening. Due to sensitive gums, you may also notice some blood on your toothbrush or when rinsing your mouth after brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be successfully treated with professional dental cleaning and an improved at-home oral care routine.
- Periodontitis – If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious and chronic case of gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. It affects the foundation of your teeth – the bone tissue connecting your teeth to the jaw. If not treated promptly, periodontitis can cause severe bone loss that loosens your teeth with some even falling out. Though it’s irreversible, dental professionals can help you manage the symptoms and improve your oral health.
Your dentist can check for cavities during routine visits, and diagnose periodontal disease by measuring the depth of your gum pockets (space between the teeth and gums), which should be between 1 and 3 mm for a healthy mouth. The dentist will also check for bleeding sites, and assess the extent of bone loss through digital X-rays and clinical observation. Based on the results, they will recommend the best type of dental cleaning in Litchfield MN to solve any issues and improve your oral health.
Best Candidate for Dental Implants | Litchfield MN
Dental implants refer to a biocompatible fixture that is surgically placed into the jawbone underneath an area with missing teeth, so it can fuse with the bone to provide a strong and sturdy artificial tooth root that can support the replacement tooth. Your dentist may recommend dental implant placement for a replacement tooth in order to:
- Prevent the teeth adjacent to the gap from tilting or shifting, which may misalign your bite and cause other problems
- Prevent teeth on the opposing jaw from growing irregularly because there’s no mate to make contact with, which may cause you to injure the gum tissue in that area. This can create a chronic sore spot and discomfort every time you bite
- Prevent the bone tissue under the gums from shrinking away (resorption) due to lack of stimulation during chewing, causing your face to appear aged
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits compared to the alternatives such as dentures and bridgework, including:
- No allergic reactions – The implant is made from biocompatible materials like titanium
- Highly successful – Dental implants surgical placement has a success rate of over 98%
- Conservative restoration – Dental implants stand on their own without depending on the support of surrounding natural teeth
- Natural look and feel – Since implants integrate to the underlying bone tissue, they are so stable that they look and feel like your natural teeth.
- No changes to your lifestyle – You can continue to eat your favorite foods without any worry and practice your usual oral care routine.
If you’re considering getting a dental implant, you should visit your dentist to find out whether you’re a suitable candidate for the treatment. This will depend on the position of the missing tooth in your mouth; the quality and quantity of jawbone in the area with the gap; and your general health. But most adults can successfully get implants if the necessary preparations are made through additional dental procedures and/or a change in your lifestyle habits.
Please visit your dentist to learn more about dental implants in Litchfield MN and how they can help to restore the function and aesthetic of your mouth.
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