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What is an Oral Examination? | Watertown MN
An oral examination is done by your dentist or dental hygienist to collect information about your oral health. The material collected from your exam depends on factors such as:
- Whether you’re a new or returning client
- Length of time since your last dental checkup
- Whether your visit is due to a specific dental condition or ongoing treatment
Dental hygienists must perform the oral evaluation before teeth cleaning, as it may reveal that you need a full-mouth debridement (cleaning above and below the gums), as opposed to standard teeth cleaning of the exposed part of the teeth (above the gumline). During a routine oral evaluation, you can expect:
During the checkup, the dentist will:
- Inspect the teeth for signs of decay
- Determine the need for tooth repair, such as fillings or crowns
- Check gums for any inflammation or bleeding and measuring your gum pockets
- Review x-rays of your teeth to check for internal tooth damage or weakening
- Depending on the health of your gums, the hygienist may need to inspect your roots for abnormalities. If you’re suffering from bad breath (halitosis), then gingival irrigation may be necessary to remove foot debris and accumulated bacteria.
- Check for signs of certain medical conditions and diseases, such as nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, hormonal irregularities, and so on, and recommend the appropriate action to help manage them and correct the problem.
During the oral evaluation, you can ask your dentist about any medical or financial concerns you may have.
Do you need X-rays?
X-rays are not necessary during routine dental cleaning. But your dentist may recommend them to assess the extent of decay inside or between affected teeth. Depending on the results, you may need to schedule for scaling and root planing in addition to teeth cleaning.
The types of dental x-rays used include:
- A bitewing
- An FMX
- A periapical radiograph
- Panoramic radiograph
The early detection of tooth decay and other problems can save time, money, and your teeth. Moreover, six-month dental checkups and cleaning will help to maintain your beautiful smile. Schedule your oral examination with your dentist in Watertown MN today to get started.
What is Family Dentistry? | Watertown MN
All dentists receive the same education and training, but family dentists can treat patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. Family dentistry professionals are not only conversant with the development and changes of baby teeth and the needs at various stages, but also realize the fear and anxiety that children may have about visiting the dentist. As such, they are gentle and patient when dealing with their young patients in order to develop a positive attitude towards dental checkups, and establish proper oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child for a dental checkup as soon as the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday. This is important to prevent the most common dental problem for children, early childhood cavities, and other oral issues that can affect your child’s smile, especially by the age of four years.
As you prepare for your child’s first visit to the family dentist, you should:
- Create a list of any medical conditions, current medications, and allergies your child has. You should also note down your pediatrician’s contact information in case the dentist needs more information.
- Note down any harmful dental habits. Some habits that your child has picked may appear harmless at first, but may affect his/her smile in the long run. Sucking habits, whether it’s a finger, bottle, or pacifier may adversely affect the development of primary teeth and the jaw, and should be corrected as early as possible.
- Take the opportunity to learn about best oral hygiene practices. Depending on your child’s age when visiting the family dentist, there are different things you may want to learn about taking care of his/her mouth. This is an important time to find out about preventative oral care, including proper brushing technique, flossing, diet, the use of sealants, fluoride treatments, and so on.
It’s important to prepare your child for the dental appointment depending on their age. You can make brushing a fun activity so he/she will be less anxious when opening the mouth for the dentist.
Schedule your family dentistry appointment by contacting your dentist in Watertown MN today.
Scheduling Your Child’s First Visit to the Family Dentist in Watertown MN
Family dentists are different from general dentists in that they are capable of addressing most dental issues for people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and adults. So if you already have access to a quality family dentist in Watertown MN, then all that’s left is to introduce your children to the dental office so they can also start their journey for professional dental care.
When to Schedule Your Child’s Visit
While your child’s teeth erupt slowly over the first couple of years, and they’re seemingly easy to clean and take care of, you may be putting your child’s smile at risk if you wait too long before taking him/her to the family dentist. Studies suggest that pre-school aged children are more likely to develop cavities if their first dental checkup is delayed. Moreover, an estimated 25 percent of children develop cavities by the age of four years.
To prevent this and to ensure optimal oral health for your child, the American Dental Association recommends that you schedule your child’s first appointment with your family dentist in Watertown MN as soon as the first tooth erupts. The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry further claims that visiting a family dentist by the age of two years can help reduce the risk of early childhood cavities.
Visit Your Family Dentist Today
Even if the first tooth is yet to appear, it’s never too early to visit a family dentist for your child so you can discuss oral hygiene, a healthy diet, fluoride options, and so on to give your child a dazzling and healthy smile. Keep in mind that your loved one’s smile is vulnerable from the moment the first tooth sets in, and even before that.
With a good family dentist, your child will be comfortable and fearless about dental visits in the long-term, which will make it easier to maintain optimal oral hygiene. In addition, you can have peace of mind that your entire family will have convenient access to quality, essential dental care under one roof.
Schedule your child’s appointment by contacting your dentist in Watertown, MN today!
How to Spend Less on Your Dental Fillings | Watertown MN
Dental fillings are a procedure used to restore the form and function of a mildly damaged tooth, following a chip, fracture, or decay. The dentist starts by removing any infected tissue and cleaning the tooth, and then fills the gap with dental filling material of your choice to restore the size and shape of the tooth and prevent further damage.
It’s important to ask about the cost of your treatment so you can take the appropriate measures to save as much as you can. Here are some ways to pay less for dental fillings:
Discuss Different Types of Filling Materials
There are different types of dental filling materials, and your choice of material will also impact the cost of treatment.
The safer and more common and cost-effective option is the placement of composite resin fillings. These tooth-colored fillings cost a little more than amalgam fillings depending on other factors. But they are preferred because of their aesthetic result.
Check the Extent of Your Insurance Coverage
Dental fillings are mostly used in dental emergencies, so your dental insurance may cover it. That said, you may also need to pay some or all of the cost out-of-pocket. The dental team will examine your insurance plan to determine whether you’re covered for dental fillings, whether there’s a waiting period for the cover to kick in, and for how much you’re covered each year.
Request a Price Match
Lastly, during your appointment, ask your dentist in Watertown to give you an estimate of the cost of dental fillings in your area. You can also investigate the pricing yourself, and then choose the most reliable and cost-effective dentist in your area.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Bridgework | Watertown MN
Large gaps left behind by lost teeth can negatively impact the function of your mouth and aesthetic of your smile. For people missing one or more teeth in a row, your dentist can recommend dental bridgework as a cost-effective treatment option. Dental bridges are a common dental procedure that is performed within two appointments, giving you a permanent restoration.
During your consultation, the dentist will assess whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment, and discuss the factors that may affect your cost of dental bridgework treatment, including:
1. The Type of Dental Materials
Bridges can be made using different materials, including gold, metal alloys, and porcelain. Porcelain or zirconia are the most common materials, and can be nearly as expensive as gold. But the materials are tooth-colored and look like your natural teeth, which makes them a popular option. Moreover, they’re very tough and durable, giving you a long-lasting replacement tooth.
2. The Type of Dental Bridge
The common types of dental bridges include traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland or resin bonded, and implant-supported bridges. Cantilever bridges are only supported by one tooth, whereas traditional bridges will be supported by at least two teeth, which can affect the cost. But they’re the cheapest bridgework option. Although resin-bonded bridges don’t require abutment crowns or preparation of adjacent teeth to support the pontic, they are more expensive than the other two options. Implant-supported bridges are also expensive because of the additional cost of placing dental implants.
3. Complexity of the Placement
Replacing two or more teeth will obviously cost more than replacing a single tooth. Moreover, certain situations can cause complications, such as unhealthy adjacent teeth, the need for implants, gaps in different areas of the mouth, and so on, all of which add to the complexity and cost of treatment. The need for additional procedures in order to restore your complete smile can add to the total cost of treatment. For instance, you may incur extra costs if you need to visit a dental surgeon for the placement of dental implants. Any other dental specialists that you visit will increase your total cost of treatment, but it may be necessary to ensure optimal results.
If you have a dental insurance plan, you should find out how much coverage is provided for tooth replacement via dental bridgework and other options, then consult your dentist in Watertown MN to identify the most suitable treatment for your case and budget.
5 Things You Should Know About Dental Bridgework in Watertown MN
Dental bridgework in Watertown is a common, affordable, low-risk, and proven treatment for one or more missing teeth. The word “bridge” is used because the replacement tooth (pontic) literally bridges the gap between your teeth, and is supported by the adjacent tooth on either side of the space.
Here are some other facts about dental bridgework in Watertown, MN:
- Dental bridges can be fabricated from different types of materials, including porcelain, gold, and metal alloys. Tooth-colored porcelain is the most common material of choice, especially for replacing front teeth, because of the strong and aesthetic result.
- The false tooth is designed to have a similar form (shape, size, and shade) to that of the missing natural tooth. The crowns attached to the pontic help to hold the replacement tooth firmly in the right place. These crowns can be attached to either the adjacent healthy, natural teeth, or by dental implants if the gap is caused by several missing teeth.
- There are different types of dental bridges, though the most common one comprises a pontic that is attached to abutment crowns on each side. These crowns are bonded to the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap, forming a permanent tooth restoration.
- Traditional permanent bridges can be used in any position in your mouth, including missing molars, provided you have strong adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap. Moreover, this approach can be used to replace up to 6 missing teeth using 6-unit bridgework.
- If you’ve lost multiple teeth in a row, then implant-supported bridges can help to stabilize the bridgework. The pontics are secured to one or more implant-supported crowns spread across the gap, giving you a restoration that is just as strong as if the bridgework were anchored to your natural teeth.
With proper oral hygiene, your dental bridgework should last for seven to ten years or even longer. Please consult your dentist in Watertown to learn more about dental bridgework and your suitability for the procedure.
How to Replace Teeth with Dental Bridgework | Watertown MN
Gaps between your teeth not only affect the beauty of your smile but also interrupt your speech and ability to chew your food. If left unfilled, the teeth adjacent to the gap can begin to shift out of position, creating smaller gaps between your teeth that are hard to keep clean. This can lead to bacteria buildup that makes you susceptible to gum disease, decay, bad breath, and other oral issues. Moreover, the moving teeth can affect your bite, causing malocclusion and jaw problems. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you should consult a dentist to determine whether dental bridgework is the best restorative option for you. Here are the steps to getting a dental bridge:
Step 1: Consultation
During your first appointment, a complete oral exam and dental x-rays will be done to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, you will proceed to choose the type of bridge and dental material for the bridgework depending on the size and location of the restoration, as well as your overall oral health, budget, and lifestyle.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
Next, the dentist will proceed to prepare the abutment teeth to support the crowns that will hold the pontic in place. They’re prepared by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to place the crown over them without changing the shape or size of the tooth.
Step 3: Create Custom Bridgework
After abutment tooth preparation, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth and use it to create an exact model of your teeth, which will be used to fabricate your permanent bridge in a dental lab. This process takes several days, so a temporary bridge will be placed over the prepared teeth to protect them in the meantime.
Step 4: Fitting the Bridgework
When your permanent custom bridge is ready, you will be asked to return to the dentist’s office to have the temporary crowns removed and replaced with the permanent restoration. The dentist will check and adjust the fit of the abutment crowns before cementing them in place. Next, the dentist will assess the patient’s bite and adjust the bridgework accordingly.
Final Note
It takes a few days to get used to your new set of teeth, so your dentist in Watertown may use temporary cement when fixing the bridge to give you time to adjust and ensure a perfect fit before making the restoration permanent.
3 Things to Consider Before Paying for Porcelain Veneers | Watertown MN
Porcelain veneers are a permanent, cosmetic tooth repair option that can be recommended to correct a number of issues affecting your smile. Veneers refer to thin shells that are permanently bonded to the front and sides of the damaged or stained teeth to cover up the blemishes while protecting the tooth from further damage.
Since they are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, veneers are usually not covered by dental insurance policies. Your dental plan can, however, pay for professional teeth cleaning, which is necessary before veneer placement.
Before you proceed with getting your porcelain veneers, you should consider the following:
1. Different Types of Materials
Porcelain is a popular material for dental veneers, though it’s more expensive than composite resin, which can be placed on the same day without fabrication in a dental lab. If you want same-day veneers, you can also opt for Lumineers, though they are even more expensive than the porcelain.
2. The Price Can Range Depending on Various Factors
The cost of standard veneers ranges per tooth. If you’re looking to get multiple teeth treated, you will have to pay a lot more. Veneers should only be used to improve the appearance of teeth with visible damage, rather than all visible teeth to reduce the cost of treatment. You should pay less per tooth if you’re getting two or more teeth repaired using veneers. You’re likely to get bigger discounts for more teeth, so make sure to shop around and choose the most cost-effective option for you.
3. Get an Experienced Dentist
Make sure that your dentist gives you a few photos of previous clients who have repaired their teeth using the materials of your choice. An experienced dentist may ask for more money, but this is preferable to choosing an inexperienced dentist who places the veneer poorly, resulting in multiple trips for repairs that will cost you more time and money in the long run, even if the repairs are free.
Final Note
Dental veneers can be used to cover stains, chips, gaps, and crooked teeth to make them look better. But before choosing this mode of treatment, you need to consult with your dentist in Watertown to consider whether it’s the right treatment for your specific case, and whether your budget allows it.
What are No-Prep Dental Veneers? | Watertown MN
If you’re looking to improve your smile, your cosmetic dentist may recommend that you place thin coverings over the visible surface (front part) of the tooth to conceal any damage. These coverings are known as no-prep dental veneers and are fabricated from tooth-colored materials for aesthetic reasons.
Dental veneers can be used to correct different cosmetic dental problems, including:
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth that won’t respond to bleaching
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Uneven gaps or spaces between your front teeth
Veneers are typically made from porcelain material, which requires intensive tooth preparation by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to attach the veneer. This method is used because porcelain veneers measure about 0.5 mm in thickness. Grinding down the tooth helps to maintain its natural size.
No-Prep Dental Veneers
Lumineers, Vivaneers, and composite resin veneers that are thinner at 0.3 mm don’t require any tooth preparation before placement. These no-prep veneers are less invasive to apply and take less time, which makes them a popular choice for correcting minor aesthetic defects.
No-preparation veneers offer several advantages over traditional porcelain veneers, including:
- Easier to place since no tooth preparation is needed
- Don’t require fabrication in a dental lab, which makes them cheaper
- Can be used if you have thin tooth enamel to prevent the risk of tooth sensitivity
- Maintain the natural tooth structure for greater strength of restored teeth
- Placed in a single appointment
However, you’re limited to the amount of layers you can add to reduce the risk of creating a thicker tooth that may create hard to clean spots along the gumline, putting you at risk of gum disease. Traditional veneers are easier to smooth for a better fit and optimal oral hygiene. Your dentist will examine your teeth and thickness of tooth enamel in order to decide the best material for your veneers. Lumineers may be appropriate.
Please visit your Watertown cosmetic dentist to discuss ways to improve your smile with dental veneers.
Reasons to Use Dental Veneers to Correct Your Smile | Watertown MN
There are many reasons why your teeth and smile can seem to be unattractive. Fortunately, dental veneers can solve most of your cosmetic dental problems if you’re a suitable candidate. The dentist will take X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. This step is necessary to identify signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other tooth defects that may need to be addressed before getting veneers.
Dental veneers can be used for:
- Whitening your smile – dental veneers can be used to conceal unattractive teeth that have turned yellow from smoking cigarettes or brown from consuming pigmented foods. They’re made from tooth-colored material that reflects light like your natural teeth, allowing them to beautifully blend with your smile. Moreover, they’re stain resistant, which means that normal dental care routines are sufficient to maintain your bright smile.
- Fixing minor cosmetic concerns – dental veneers can be used to treat slightly crooked or gapped teeth by camouflaging the problems. Though the defect will still be there, no one will be able to notice it when you smile.
- Replacing damaged enamel – tooth enamel is tough, but it can still wear down from consuming highly acidic items, grinding and clenching your teeth, or brushing your teeth too vigorously. Veneers can conceal the damage, giving you an even and symmetrical smile.
Before getting your veneers, you should 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.
Final Note
Keep in mind that getting veneers requires the dentist to trim down about 0.5 mm from your tooth enamel using a grinding tool before taking impressions (mold) of the teeth. If you don’t have sufficient tooth enamel, your dentist may recommend no-prep veneers that measure less than 0.3 mm, and are directly bonded to the tooth without grinding it. Please consult your cosmetic dentist in Watertown to find the best dental veneers for your case.
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