Litchfield Dental Dental Blog

Common Questions: Teeth Whitening Treatment in Litchfield MN

If you want to get your teeth whitened, it’s important that you research the right dentist and dental practice. The procedure is safe and effective when done by an experienced dentist during the first visit and supervised by a dentist for subsequent treatments. Yet, before you get your tooth whitening procedure done, it is important that you visit a dentist for an examination and diagnosis to ensure you are a good candidate.

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

Can teeth cleaning and polishing make my teeth whiter without bleaching?

Professional teeth-cleaning and polishing is done to remove tartar that’s caused by drinks like tea and red wine, tobacco products, foods, and more. 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.

What is in-office teeth whitening?

The dentist applies a bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide) on the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly on your teeth. The tray sits in place for a short period of time to break down the agent, resulting in an oxygen compound that penetrates tooth enamel.

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. Your dentist will discuss your treatment plan with you and inform you of the best ways to whiten your teeth, as well as any difficulties that may arise, and what the expected results are.

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. The best dentists will lay out your options, the expected time(s) for improvement, and the duration of treatment if you want to undergo dental whitening.

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.

When Do I Need White, Tooth-Colored Fillings? Litchfield MN

Tooth-colored fillings are used to treat cavities or weakened teeth. To get a tooth-colored filling, your dentist chooses a material that matches the shade of 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 brief and generally takes about an hour, so it doesn’t require you to miss a full day of work. However, the amount of time taken for the white fillings depends on different factors including cavity size, location and number needed.

Are White, Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for you?

To determine if white tooth colored fillings are right for you, it is important to know your requirements before beginning the procedure. You should visit a dentist for an examination of the teeth that need filling followed by customization of the tooth-colored fillings made with composite so they match your enamel and blend in when you smile. Please call our office to book your consultation appointment. 

Contact Us Today!

White tooth-colored filling is an excellent restoration choice 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.

Most Recommended Dentist Near Me, Litchfield MN

Your natural teeth should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. That is why you need a reliable dentist near me to help provide adequate care for your dental health, treat dental issues, and adjust your overall dental hygiene routine as your needs change. But before choosing a new dentist, it is important that you carry out detailed research. If you need a top rated dentist near me, our dental practice is the ideal place to turn to. 

We are a reputable dental practice committed to offering top-class dental services and solutions to both young and adult patients. At our dental practice, we work with a dedicated team with several years of experience in various dental procedures. We offer dental exams, routine cleanings, and other advanced dental procedures at our deluxe dental office.

Preventative Dental Care 

We firmly believe in preventive dental practices, such as proper at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits for professional teeth cleaning. Our dentist can help you with this to reduce the risk of dental problems in the future. Moreover, with regular checkups, we can restore damaged teeth at the earliest stage possible to reduce the discomfort and tooth deterioration associated with untreated dental problems.

Restorative Dental Services 

Dental emergencies can arise any time. As such, it’s important to have ready access to a top rated dentist near you to provide the necessary treatment. Our experienced dentist and dental team performs a wide range of dental procedures using state-of-the-art dental equipment, the newest techniques, and advanced technology. Whether it is a minor or major issue with your teeth or gums, our dentists will offer a fast, efficient, and lasting solution.

Cosmetic Dental Services 

A bright and healthy smile exudes confidence. This is our responsibility to our patients to create beautiful, healthy, and confident smiles through our restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. Our compassionate cosmetic dental services and procedures will help you achieve the healthy gums and brilliant smile you always wanted.

Contact Us Today!

Call our dental practice today to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists. We offer affordable, reliable, and highly professional dental services. Our trusted dental team will be happy to meet with you and discuss your available dental options.

When is Whitening Not Advisable? Litchfield MN

Your smile is your most distinct feature when interacting with people. But over time with aging, the use of tobacco products, drinking colored beverages like wine and coffee, using some spices, taking antibiotics like tetracycline, consuming excess fluoride in water, and other factors can cause your teeth to discolor or darken, affecting the appearance of your smile. 

Fortunately, patients above the age of 10 years can consider the different methods of teeth whitening for their permanent teeth. Your dentist will determine whether your teeth are healthy enough to have a successful whitening procedure. There are some stains, such as those caused by tooth developmental conditions or medications that cannot be completely removed with whitening. Any dental restorations, including fillings and crowns, also do not respond to bleaching. To create uniformity in your smile, your dentist can recommend several alternatives or complementary teeth whitening options. 

When is Whitening Not Advisable?

If your tooth enamel is damaged and you are already sensitive to cold and hot foods and drinks, then bleaching or any other whitening procedure may aggravate your sensitivity. That said, there are lower strength whitening treatments that can be recommended to people with worn/eroded enamel or tooth sensitivity. The treatments can also be used less frequently to reduce sensitivity. In addition, your dentist can recommend a way to reduce sensitivity after the whitening procedure. 

Keep in mind that, there are many different whitening options for different teeth requirements, including those with very thin enamel. It is essential that you follow your dentist’s instructions for your specific treatment. 

Final Note 

Although teeth whitening leaves your teeth looking impeccably white, the longevity of the results will depend on your diet and habits. The amount of time that you can enjoy your sparkling smile depends on multiple factors. If you drink tea, coffee, wine, or use tobacco products, your teeth will stain again sooner, and you will need more subsequent whitening procedures.  

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

Cosmetic Dentistry Specialist in Litchfield MN

Today, there are many dental procedures for cosmetic purposes that can significantly enhance your smile. Even subtle changes to your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. 

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialization of professional oral care that aims to improve the appearance and health of your teeth. A beautiful smile can help you in whatever life path you choose- whether it be professionally or socially. It also gives you great confidence when smiling with other people, which helps give them faith in what they do as well! But if your teeth are damaged from cracks, stains, or gaps then visiting a cosmetic dentist may be the best idea for improving things.

Here are some of the most common cosmetic teeth problems: 

  • Stained or Discolored Teeth – There are many things that contribute to tooth discoloration, including age, food, drinks, medications, smoking, and other lifestyle factors
  • Tooth Decay – Decay occurs due to the buildup of plaque, causing it to eat away your tooth structure and create cavities. Depending on the extent of damage, your dentist will remove the infection, treat the site, and then fill the cavity to stop further deterioration.
  • Chipped or Fractured Teeth – Teeth can break due to any kind of trauma in an accident, due to a sports injury, or even bad habits such as chewing ice or opening soda bottles with your teeth. Broken teeth can be repaired in a simple in-office procedure to restore the aesthetics of your smile. 
  • Crooked, Overcrowded, or Misaligned Teeth – The dentist will recommend the appropriate custom dental appliances to gradually move your teeth to the desired position. 
  • Missing Teeth – There are several options for replacing missing teeth depending on the health of adjacent teeth, the health of the gum and jawbone tissues, age, and personal preferences, among others. 

Anyone who has been shy or hesitant about smiling or laughing with other people because of fractures, cracks, stains, or gaps in their teeth is a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit a cosmetic dentist near you to discuss your case. 

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.

Are You Looking for the Best Dentist in Litchfield MN?

At our dental practice, we are dedicated to providing excellent and top-class dental services and solutions. Our goal is for you and your family to achieve an outstanding level of dental hygiene and oral health. Our dentists are experienced and qualified professionals in a variety of dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and advanced procedures.

In addition, we offer general dentistry, cleanings, veneers, crowns & bridges, among other dental procedures. Our compassionate team will work diligently to perform the dental procedure and offer a lasting solution to your dental issues. When you need the best dentist near you for dental cleaning, treatment, or procedures, our dental practice remains the ideal place to visit. 

What Every Patient Can Expect at Our Dental Practice

Our dental office understands the importance of understanding each person’s unique needs. For this reason, we offer customized care for any member of your family.

When you visit our dental practice, you can expect:

  • Excellent and prompt dental services.
  • Dental procedures performed with the latest techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment.
  • A comfortable and serene environment.
  • Professionalism that will surpass your expectations.

We believe that our patients deserve only the best, which is why we provide excellent and reliable dental services. We are proud to be the preferred choice of many individuals and families since we realize that it’s not just about teeth but also about a caring and compassionate environment.

Looking for the Best Dentist Near Me? Contact Us Today!

Looking for the best dentist in your area? Call our dental practice to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified dentists. Our experienced team will be available to speak with you and help you understand your possible dental treatment options. We will recommend a dental procedure or solution that works best for you.

Infected Tooth & Dental Extractions Near Me, Litchfield MN

It is normal to have bacteria living on various parts of the teeth and mouth, but tooth infections can happen when bacteria penetrates the outer surfaces of the teeth-that contain enamel or damaged dentin. The infection typically settles in deep pockets as it cannot be reached through brushing alone.

Poor dental hygiene, tooth injury, and dental procedures cause cavities and fractures that trap bacteria and allow plaque to build up. A dentist may fill or crown a cavity immediately to stop the erosion of teeth. 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 advise root canal therapy to remove the infection and preserve your natural tooth. After the tooth has been treated, it will need to be headed or capped in order to restore its strength and stability.

Once an abscess from tooth decay forms, the pus needs to be drawn out of it. If you can’t save the tooth with root canal therapy and if there is pain or continued infection, often the tooth has 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 have any of these symptoms, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible to save the tooth or schedule an extraction.

Teeth Whitening Near Me, Litchfield MN

Your smile is your most distinct feature when interacting with people. But over time with aging, the use of tobacco products, drinking colored beverages like wine and coffee, using some spices, taking antibiotics like tetracycline, consuming excess fluoride in water, and other factors can cause your teeth to discolor or darken, affecting the appearance of your smile. 

Fortunately, patients above the age of 10 years can consider the different methods of teeth whitening for their permanent teeth. Your dentist will determine whether your teeth are healthy enough to have a successful whitening procedure. There are some stains, such as those caused by tooth developmental conditions or medications that cannot be completely removed with whitening. Any dental restorations, including fillings and crowns, also do not respond to bleaching. To create uniformity in your smile, your dentist can recommend several alternatives or complementary teeth whitening options. 

When is Whitening Not Advisable?

If your tooth enamel is damaged and you are already sensitive to cold and hot foods and drinks, then bleaching or any other whitening procedure may aggravate your sensitivity. That said, there are lower strength whitening treatments that can be recommended to people with worn/eroded enamel or tooth sensitivity. The treatments can also be used less frequently to reduce sensitivity. In addition, your dentist can recommend a way to reduce sensitivity after the whitening procedure. 

Keep in mind that, there are many different whitening options for different teeth requirements, including those with very thin enamel. It is essential that you follow your dentist’s instructions for your specific treatment. 

Final Note 

Although teeth whitening leaves your teeth looking impeccably white, the longevity of the results will depend on your diet and habits. The amount of time that you can enjoy your sparkling smile depends on multiple factors. If you drink tea, coffee, wine, or use tobacco products, your teeth will stain again sooner, and you will need more subsequent whitening procedures.  

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

Natural Looking Fillings Near Me, Litchfield MN

If you’re suffering from cavities, your dentist may recommend that you get tooth colored fillings to restore its size, shape, and even shade. Tooth colored fillings are designed to not only repair decayed or damaged teeth, but also help you improve your smile and restore your confidence. As such, they are particularly suitable for repairing front teeth, and can help treat cavities or decays affecting your lower and upper front teeth. 

Steps for getting tooth-colored fillings 

Step 1: Consultation appointment

If you think that you’re a suitable candidate for tooth-colored fillings, because of a chipped, cracked, fractured, or decayed tooth, then your first step should be visiting a dentist for proper diagnosis and design of your custom treatment plan. The dentist will examine the issue with your teeth and recommend the right dental procedure. If a tooth colored filling is right for you, the dentist will use the latest techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment to repair the tooth.

Step 2: Local anesthetic application 

The tooth filling will be carried out on your next visit in a single appointment. The dentist will start by applying a local anesthetic to make you feel comfortable and ensure that the procedure is pain-free.

Step 3: Cleaning the tooth

Next, the dentist will remove any cavities, bacteria, plaque, and all signs of tooth decay, sterilize the tooth and the surrounding areas, and apply a bonding agent.

Step 4: Choosing the right shade of tooth-colored material 

The dentist will select a shade of tooth-colored filling matching your teeth’s natural color and carefully place it on the tooth structure. 

Step 5: Filling and fine-tuning 

The dentist will use a special curing light to harden the material in-between the teeth layers. After filling the cavities completely, the dentist will smoothen and polish the tooth-colored filling to achieve a flawless outcome. You can start chewing with your fillings immediately after the procedure is completed. 

Contact Us to Schedule a Dental Appointment

If you would like to know whether tooth colored filling for front teeth is right for you, contact our dental practice today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly, professional dental specialists will be happy to meet with you.

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