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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.
Professional Teeth Cleaning for Optimal Oral and General Health | Watertown MN
Every person deserves to have a smile they can be proud of. While brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day can help to prevent most dental problems, your home oral hygiene routine is not sufficient to get rid of hardened plaque or tartar. This can only be removed during your six-month preventive dental checkup with professional teeth cleaning. Your dental hygienist will also recommend ways to keep your teeth healthy and bright for life.
The Mouth as a Breeding Ground for Bacteria
Your mouth is exposed to a myriad of health risks unlike other parts of the body. Besides the helpful and unhelpful bacteria living in your mouth, you’re exposed to other dangers in the food and drinks you consume. You need to take special care of this environment to avoid any problems. This is the reason why people clean their teeth, to get rid of food particles, stains, and dental plaque from the teeth, which in turn reduces the risk of getting cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral issues.
Constant Fight Against Bacteria in Your Mouth
Since your mouth contains harmful bacteria and useful bacteria, your immune system is actively fighting the harmful bacteria to prevent it from causing harm. Professional teeth cleaning helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria to such an extent that it overwhelms your immune system and causes disease.
Once the buildup of plaque and tartar is uncontrollable, it causes gum inflammation and bleeding, which is known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, the severity of gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the infection spreading to other parts of your body through the bloodstream. This increases the risk of diabetes going out of control, as well as heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
Final Note
Cleaning your teeth at home using good brushing technique and flossing can help to prevent most oral issues. Daily brushing and flossing help to remove plaque on the surface of your teeth. But it is also important to visit a dentist at least every six months for professional cleaning and the removal of hardened deposits known as tartar that cannot be removed through regular brushing. This prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria in your mouth that may lead to decay, gum disease, and other oral and body issues.
Contact your dentist in Watertown, MN to schedule your routine dental visit today!
Dental Implant Dentist Near Me, Watertown MN
Dental implants are arguably the best solution for missing teeth. When you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be saved with a crown or root canal therapy, then your dental implant dentist in Watertown may recommend that it be completely removed.
Unfortunately, any spaces left unfilled between your teeth cause adjacent teeth to shift towards the gap, causing bite misalignment and other problems. In addition, without the tooth root to stimulate the underlying bone tissue, the jawbone may begin to lose mass and strength (bone atrophy), which makes your face shrink and look older. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, he/she will also suggest an appropriate tooth replacement option to prevent this from happening.
What to Expect
A dental implant is surgically placed in the jawbone and allowed to fuse with your natural bone, creating a firm foundation for the replacement tooth. Singular implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or to support bridgework for 2 or 3 missing teeth. Multiple implants can also be placed at appropriate intervals to support dentures and keep them from slipping when eating and talking.
Dental implants are the only restorative option that stops bone atrophy after tooth loss. A dental implant comprises three parts:
- Titanium post – that is surgically placed into the jawbone
- Abutment – used to attach the post to the crown
- Crown – section of the tooth above the gum line that is connected to the post via the abutment
Who is the Right Candidate for Dental Implants?
Although the success rate of dental implants is high, at over 96%, the right candidate should:
- Have good overall health with no signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or jawbone degeneration
- Have sufficient jawbone tissue to support the posts
- Have no conditions that put you at risk of surgical procedures, like over bleeding
If you don’t have enough bone tissue to support an implant, the dental dentist in Watertown may recommend a bone regeneration procedure to build up the base for the implant. This will, however, increase the duration of your dental implant treatment from the usual 4-6 months.
It is important that you discuss with your cosmetic dentist in Watertown about your candidacy for dental implants.
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