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Dental Exam & Cleanings in Litchfield MN
Dental professionals agree that you should schedule a dental assessment at least once a year. This is an important examination that aids in the early diagnosis of potential oral problems, such as chips and cracks, cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Besides evaluating your dental health, dentists also perform professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and calculus or tartar, which are responsible for most common oral problems.
A dental cleaning is typically performed by a dental hygienist. But before the cleaning commences, they will first physically check 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.
A typical professional teeth cleaning procedure involves the following five steps:
Step 1: Plaque and Tartar Removal
Your dental professional uses a scaler to remove plaque and calculus from the surface of each tooth, targeting the area above the gums, between the teeth, and around the gum line. The duration of this step depends on how long it has been since your last cleaning.
Step 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.
Step 3: Expert Flossing
Professional flossing helps to thoroughly clean the area between your teeth to remove any leftover plaque and toothpaste from the previous steps.
Step 4: Rinsing
The dental hygienist uses a mouth rinse containing liquid fluoride to remove any debris and clean your mouth.
Step 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.
Keep in mind that this is the standard dental cleaning process. If you have gum disease, your dental hygienist may recommend deep scaling to remove plaque from your tooth roots as well. To learn more about what to expect from a routine dental exam & cleaning in Litchfield MN, please contact your dental office today.
Teeth Cleaning Near Me, Litchfield MN
There are both beneficial and harmful bacteria in your mouth. The beneficial bacteria aids in digestion, while the harmful kind is associated with gum disease, dental caries, bad breath, and many other oral issues. Through daily brushing and flossing at home, you can maintain a low level of harmful bacteria in your mouth to such a level that it doesn’t adversely affect your oral health in the short-term. Unfortunately, there are areas in your mouth that are hard to clean with a toothbrush, where bacteria may build up in your mouth and cause harm.
Professional cleaning helps to prevent this by targeting every corner of your mouth to remove built-up plaque and calculus. This offers many benefits, including:
- Reduced tooth wear and cavities from acids in the mouth – plaque, the biofilm formed by bacteria colonies living in your mouth, is responsible for producing acid that can erode your teeth, cause cavities, and damage your gums.
- Maintaining your bright smile – when plaque is not removed properly, it may calcify and mineralize into a hard substance (tartar) that not only changes the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, but also attracts more harmful bacteria. Tartar or calculus can only be removed during dental cleanings using specialized tools.
- Reduced risk of gingivitis – bacteria in your mouth can accumulate to a point where it becomes active and destructive, resulting in gum infection. The first stage of gum infection is known as gingivitis, and 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.
- Prevention of periodontitis – If there are no interventions, gingivitis can advance to a more serious, chronic, and irreversible 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.
Schedule Dental Cleaning Today
Professional dental cleaning can help you enjoy a healthy mouth and smile. Please visit your dentist for a thorough examination of your mouth and to determine the best type of dental cleaning in Litchfield MN to improve your oral health.
Laser Dentistry in Litchfield MN
Laser dentistry is one of the newest, revolutionary innovations in the dentistry. Our high-tech office is pleased to offer this state-of-the-art technology to our patients.
Laser dentistry is a safe technique that uses extremely focused beams of light to remove or alter small amounts of tissues. This mode of treatment has been used in clinical dental practice since 1989, though it started to become popular in 1994 after FDA approval. Many dental patients today prefer laser dentistry because it:
- Is minimally invasive
- Delivers more precise treatments
- Reduces or completely eliminates pain during the procedure
- Eliminates the need for anesthesia which in turn reduces recovery time.
- Reduces damage to surrounding tissues which leads to faster healing
- Promotes blood coagulation at treatment sites to eliminate or minimize the need for sutures
- Is highly effective for cavities, gum surgery, orthodontics, and many other oral issues
How laser dentistry works
If you’re a candidate for laser dentistry, the dentistry will use laser equipment to perform the procedure instead of a scalpel or other common dental tools. The artificial, amplified light energy released as a laser beam is used to separate tissue by a process known as thermal ablation. Unlike a scalpel that slices, thermal ablation causes the temperature of the target tissues to rise rapidly. As a result, those cells instantly undergo a micro-explosion referred to as spallation.
This process can be used to:
- Perform gum surgery without the need for needles and no bleeding or stitches, allowing patients to eat, drink and talk right after surgery with minimal discomfort.
- Fill teeth without the need for needles, allowing you to eat and talk and chew right after receiving dental fillings.
- Remove decay from small fillings and replace them with the natural color of your tooth.
- Perform dentistry without the need for a drill!
- Sterilize your restoration and gum tissue as it’s healing.
Schedule your laser dentistry consultation today
Compared to the use of a scalpel or drill in traditional dentistry, lasers allow for gentle and virtually painless treatment, eliminating the anxiety associated with dental treatments. Contact your dentist in Litchfield MN today for a personal consultation.
Tooth Implant Process in Litchfield MN
What tests are carried out during dental implant consultation?
1. Physical examination – The dentist will physically examine the gap in your mouth where you’re planning to get a dental implant placed
2. Digital imaging – X-rays, CT scans, and/or panoramic films are required to assess the quality and quantity of jawbone
3. Medical history review – Your dentist will also review your medical history by assessing any infections, allergies, bleeding disorders, existing medical conditions, and medications before proceeding with the treatment.
How do you manage pain during the procedure?
During all your surgical procedure appointments, the dental surgeon will administer a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site, as well as any sedatives that you may require to calm your anxiety and make you comfortable.
Can I switch from another tooth replacement to dental implants?
The other tooth replacement options are dental bridgework and removable dentures. Dental bridgework is a permanent restoration that should serve you satisfactorily for many years. But if your removable dentures keep slipping due to a poor fit, then you may consider getting implant-supported dentures to improve their stability.
If the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend bone grafting to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. If grafting is to be done in the upper jaw at the back where the sinus cavity is located, the procedure is known as sinus augmentation. Bone grafting takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement.
Can problems occur during implant placement?
The 98% success rate of dental implants is attributed to careful planning, which involves making sure that the patient is healthy enough to undergo dental surgery and heal and recover properly. But whenever a surgical procedure is involved, there is always an element of risk and potential complications to the success of the treatment or the patient. Your dentist will work with you to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
For more information on dental implants in Litchfield MN and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.
Dental Crowns for Tooth Replacement & Cosmetic Purposes | Litchfield MN
A dental crown is a customized tooth cap designed to cover a damaged tooth in order to restore its shape and size, enhance its strength, and improve its appearance. When successfully cemented in place, a dental crown encases the portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing total protection.
Dental Crowns for Tooth Repair
This may be necessary if you have extensive tooth damage that has compromised the structure of your natural teeth. For instance, your dentist may recommend dental crowns to:
- Protect a chipped, broken, or fractured tooth and prevent further damage
- Repair large cavities that cannot be successfully repaired with dental fillings
- Replace previously placed fillings and strengthen the tooth.
- Encase a tooth restored with root canal therapy to strengthen it and cover up the filler material for an aesthetic finish
Dental Crowns for Tooth Replacement
If you want to replace one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend either bridgework or implants. A dental bridge refers to an artificial tooth that is anchored to the teeth adjacent to the gap, holding it firmly in place. The artificial tooth is bonded to the adjacent teeth through dental crowns so it stays suspended in the gap. If you opt for dental implants, a titanium post will be implanted into the jawbone to serve as the tooth root. Once it heals, a crown will be connected to the post via an abutment, becoming your replacement tooth.
Dental Crowns for Cosmetic Purposes
Dental crowns are custom-made to restore the shape, size, and even shade of a damaged tooth if you use a tooth-colored crown. As such, your dentist may recommend crowns to enhance the appearance of imperfect teeth such as:
- Excessively or unevenly worn down – resulting in very short teeth
- Badly shaped teeth
- Severely stained teeth
- Widely gapped teeth
Learn More about Dental Crowns
Depending on your specific case, your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate material for your custom dental crowns, restoring the function or aesthetic of your mouth, or both. To learn more about Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN please contact us 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 in 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.
Is Visiting a Family Dentist Necessary? | Litchfield MN
Family dentistry offers your loved ones the best dental care in Litchfield MN. A family dentist understands the dental needs of children, adults, and seniors while providing convenient care all in one office. Many families choose a family dentist to ensure maintaining proper dental health continues in every season of life.
Why Visit a Family Dentist in Litchfield MN?
For many families, the atmosphere of the dental practice is a significant factor for choosing their dentist. With a family dentist, you can expect
- Latest high-quality dental equipment
- Professional and welcoming dental care
- A relaxing waiting room
- A warm, friendly staff
With your family dentist, you can trust that patient satisfaction is their top priority. With this in mind, most dentists will happily provide oral hygiene demonstrations for members of your family from the youngest to the oldest to ensure your family is familiar with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Overall family dentistry offers your family the opportunity for convenient, professional dental care that is especially aware of the unique needs of each age group.
Individualized Dental Care For Kids
Many family dentists have special training to meet the dental needs of the youngest members of your family. Children are often anxious about visiting the dentist. The team at a family dental practice will be aware of this fact and work with your child to help them feel relaxed and comfortable during their visit.
To learn more about what to expect with family dentistry, contact your dentist in Litchfield MN to schedule an appointment. There you can ask questions, express concerns, and get to know the family dentist near you. The dentist will also explain more about the services provided and how your family can benefit from family dentistry.
Tooth Colored Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN
Dental crowns are a fairly common type of tooth repair option that works by encapsulating a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength, while improving its appearance.
A few years ago, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were the preferred option because they combine the benefits of both porcelain and metal crowns (strength and aesthetics). However, the metals used to fuse with porcelain have become expensive in recent years, forcing patients to consider alternative materials. Moreover, either of these materials can be used individually to craft crowns of a satisfactory standard.
Types of Metal Crowns
Crowns made from metal are the strongest and most durable option, plus they’re not abrasive to opposing 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 or for temporary crowns as adult patients wait for the fabrication of their permanent crown.
Most metal crowns are made from a blend of metals, like gold and the base metal alloys. They are primarily used to repair back teeth because they’re strong and highly resistant, and they’re not visible when smiling, which makes aesthetics less of a concern. But they may not be suitable for people who’re allergic to metals or those with aesthetic concerns.
Tooth-Colored Crowns
Dental crowns that are fabricated entirely from porcelain are referred to as all-porcelain crowns, while those made entirely from ceramic are known as all-ceramic crowns. These tooth-colored materials give the restoration a natural look, which makes them a popular choice for repairing front teeth in order to preserve the aesthetics of your smile.
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.
Zirconium is a biocompatible dental material that produces crowns that are as strong and durable as metal crowns and natural-looking for an aesthetic restoration. Zirconia crowns don’t cause allergic reactions, and can be fabricated at the dentist’s office for same-day crown restorations.
The Right Material for Your Crowns
Please discuss the pros and cons of each material with your dentist to determine the most appropriate one for your permanent crown restoration.
To learn more about Dental Crowns in Litchfield MN please contact us today.
Dental Checks 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.
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