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Advantages of Single Tooth Anesthesia in Watertown MN
For many patients, avoiding necessary dental procedures because of the treatment process is more common than you think. Some patients may find having part of their mouth numbed with anesthesia uncomfortable or too invasive. Fortunately, advancements in dentistry offer dentists the ability to use single tooth anesthesia to numb only the tooth that needs treatment.
What to Expect
Your dentist will use a computer-assisted system for local anesthesia called The Wand. It carefully guides your dental professional as they are performing dental injections. Patients who experience this new technology will find it offers less pain and more contained numbness for the area that is being treated by using single tooth anesthesia (STA). Additional benefits include:
- Modernization – With STA, your dentist is using the newest one-of-a-kind technology that allows a single out a tooth to be numbed.
- Protection – The patented computer system releases the anesthesia in a painless way but also in a dose that is secure for the patient. Using this procedure, you will not run the risk of receiving too much anesthetic.
- Effectiveness – STA eliminates any guessing as your dentist applies the anesthetic. The effective delivery of anesthesia means the effects are felt faster and last longer.
- Less Pain. This treatment option removes the discomfort out of the anesthesia delivery and protects the surrounding areas of the mouth.
To learn more about what to expect with single tooth anesthesia, please contact your dentist in Watertown MN today!
What to Expect with Six Month Smiles System in Watertown MN
As an adult, straightening your smile is essential for clear communication and a confident appearance in social and professional situations. Many patients find a newfound boost in their self-esteem and finding themselves smiling and laughing more in crowds because they are no longer afraid to show their smiles. Fortunately, with the Six Month Smiles System, your orthodontist can help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile quickly and discreetly.
What is the Six Month Smiles System?
Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. For many adults, this alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment. On average, Six Month Smiles treatments last just six months which makes it an attractive dental solution for many patients.
What Are the Advantages of Six Month Smiles Treatment?
Although the process is accelerated, the aligners are designed to make sure patients feel comfortable and confident throughout the treatment. Advantages of this treatment include:
- Clear brackets and tooth-colored wires that are virtually undetectable on the surface of your teeth.
- The aesthetic appearance of the brackets that are ideal for many adults.
- Custom fabrication to move your teeth into the desired position in minimal time.
- A possible convenient and often more affordable alignment solution.
Overall Six Month Smiles is a suitable solution for many adults who wish to straighten their smiles for a more confident and radiant appearance. Patients are often surprised by how quickly they begin to see results and how straightening their teeth improves their longterm oral health.
Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about the benefits of straightening your smile, contact your orthodontist in Watertown MN to schedule your consultation today. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile and enhance your oral health!
Advantages of Orthodontics in Watertown MN
Orthodontics is intended to improve both the function of your teeth and the aesthetics of your smile by considering your profile, bone structure, face, and muscular function, and balancing these elements precisely using advanced technologies. Successful treatment can transform your smile to boost your confidence and self-esteem while giving you an efficient bite and healthy teeth.
The Benefits of Orthodontics Include:
- Reduction of uneven wear of tooth enamel caused by unbalanced forces on the teeth
- A great smile that improves your appearance. This results in greater confidence and improved self-esteem
- Straight teeth that are easier to clean. This translates in healthier teeth and gums, resulting in reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Correction of jaw and joint problems. Misalignment can strain the jaw joints, resulting in TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular jaw disorders (TMD) make it difficult to open and close the mouth, sometimes causing clicking and popping in the jaw, facial pain, and chronic headaches.
- To hold or create space to replace missing teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting. Your orthodontist can also work with your general dentist or specialist to install dentures, implants, or bridgework to give you the best result.
- To reduce bruxism. Malocclusion can strain your jaws, causing you to grind your teeth or clench the jaws (bruxism). Over time, the increased pressure can damage your teeth and jaws. Straightening your teeth can reduce the risk of bruxism.
Final Note
Orthodontic treatment is beneficial to all people irrespective of your age. That said, the ideal orthodontic result is not simply a product of fitting your mouth with braces or aligners. It requires the patient to be proactive in their treatment by following the routine guidance and advice of your orthodontist throughout your treatment.
The more interest, enthusiasm, and dedication you show towards your orthodontic treatment, the sooner it will be complete with better results. It’s important that you attend appointments regularly, keep your braces or aligners clean and safe, and avoid hard and sticky foods that can interfere with a successful outcome.
To learn more about the advantages of orthodontics, contact your orthodontist in Watertown MN to schedule your consultation.
What Are the Benefits of My Dentist Using an Intraoral Camera During Exams? | Watertown MN
Dental technology continues to advance to better serve the dentist and patient. With the ongoing advancements, your dentist can focus their attention on providing the best quality and personalized dental for patients. An intraoral camera is the latest technology that allows the patient and dentist to get an in-depth look at the appearance of a patient’s teeth and gums during exams.
What Makes an Intraoral Camera Unique?
An intraoral camera is a tool used by dentists to examine a patient’s mouth in the most detailed way possible. The device which may resemble a large pen uses a camera to high-resolution footage of a patient’s teeth and gums in real-time. The footage is a view on a high-tech monitor for both the dentist and you to view during an exam.
Advantages For Both Dentists and Patients
The advanced technology features give the dentist the best ability to view your teeth and gums during an exam. The high-quality LED light, rotating head, and high-powered magnifying capabilities allow your dentist to see the inner workings of your mouth with extreme detail. The dentist has a greater ability to accurately examine your mouth during a routine visit resulting in state-of-the-art dental care every visit.
For patients, the use of an intraoral camera allows them to see exactly what the dentist sees in color and in real-time. It advances the communication ability between the dentist and patient because the image is more precise than that of an x-ray and the dentist can show the patient directly what the issue being discussed.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are looking for top-notch, advanced dental care, contact your dentist in Watertown MN to learn more about how advanced imaging technology helps provide you with accurate information to make the best decisions to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Cost of Dental Exam & Teeth Cleaning in Watertown MN
A dental exam and professional cleaning are quite inexpensive, and should be performed regularly as recommended by dental professionals, every six months, to ensure your optimal oral health.
The cost of prophylaxis or dental cleaning partly depends on the age of the patient, with children possibly having a different rate. Primary teeth in children are also prone to stains, plaque, and calculus, which means that professional cleaning is also important for their oral health.
Associated Costs
To determine whether deep cleaning is necessary, that is scaling and root planing below the gumline, x-ray may be necessary to assess the extent of periodontal disease. That said, you don’t necessarily need to incur the extra cost of X-rays to go through a preventive procedure like deep cleaning.
Your dentist will determine which of these preventive procedures are necessary based on your dental exam, after which they will be done in a single appointment together with your dental cleaning.
Paying for Dental Cleaning
Most people with dental insurance are fully covered for up to two cleanings per year, as well as X-rays and a dental exam for new patients. For additional preventive visits, perhaps due to pregnancy, smoking, or other condition, you should reach out to your provider to determine whether they will cover the cost fully or partially. Combined with a proper at-home oral care routine, these visits help you maintain optimal dental health, reducing the risk of tooth loss and expensive dental procedures.
Schedule your dental exam by contacting your dentist in Watertown MN today!
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.
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Invisalign
With advances in dental technologies, it is now possible to straighten your teeth discreetly without the use of traditional metal braces.
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