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5 Questions to Consider Before Scheduling your Teeth Whitening Treatment | Watertown MN
If you’re planning to get your teeth whitened, it’s important that you do your research to find the right dentist and dental practice. The bleaching procedure is generally safe and effective when done by a dentist during the first visit, and under a dentist’s supervision for subsequent treatments. That said, everyone should first visit a dentist for a thorough examination and diagnosis to ensure you’re a good candidate for a safe, brighter, whiter smile.
Here are some questions to help you choose the right dentist:
Can teeth cleaning and polishing brighten my teeth without bleaching?
Professional teeth cleaning and polishing is done in order to remove calculus and surface stains caused by colored drinks like tea and red wine, tobacco products, foods, and so on. 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.
How is in-office teeth whitening done?
The dentist applies a bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide) on the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly on your teeth. The trays stay in place for a short period of time to break down the agent into oxygen, which then penetrates tooth enamel to change the shade of your teeth.
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. Fortunately, your dentist will discuss with you about your treatment plan and inform you beforehand about the best way to whiten your teeth, any difficulties, and even the expected results.
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. This is important because dentists are trained to choose the best treatment plan for your case; estimate the improvement in shade that you will achieve; and inform you how long your treatment will last.
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.
Are You Looking for the Best Dentist in Watertown 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.
What are the Benefits of Tooth Colored Fillings? Watertown MN
Tooth colored filling is a common dental treatment used to fill cavities or restore decayed and damaged teeth. It requires the dentist to choose a filling material that has the same shade as 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 short and takes about an hour, so you don’t have to miss a full-day of work to repair your teeth. That said, the actual time taken to get the white fillings depends on different factors, including the cavity size, its location, and the number of fillings required.
Are White, Tooth Colored Fillings Right for you?
To determine whether white tooth colored filling is right for you, it is important that you consider your dental treatment requirements. This will require you to visit your dentist for a thorough examination of the damaged or decayed tooth, followed by customization of the tooth-colored fillings to match your enamel so it blends in when you smile. Please call our office to book your consultation appointment.
Contact Us Today!
White tooth colored filling remains an excellent option 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.
Infected Tooth Extraction Near Me, Watertown MN
There are different levels of tooth infections, ranging from cavities to pulpitis and eventually an abscess. Poor dental hygiene can allow plaque to build up and form cavities on the surface of your teeth. Tooth injury and dental procedures can also lead to tooth fractures that trap bacteria and allow plaque to build up. Cavities are usually not painful, and many people tend to ignore them unless they cause discomfort or become a cosmetic concern.
If the cavity is not filled or the tooth crowned promptly, bacteria may continue to erode the tooth until it reaches the pulp, resulting in pulpitis. This is when people begin to experience a toothache or sensitivity that is aggravated by hot and cold liquids and foods. At this point, the infection can be removed and the tooth restored via root canal therapy. But if left untreated and the infection continues to spread through the tooth, it may form a pocket of pus known as an abscess. Successful treatment of an abscess requires the pus to be drained and the administration of antibiotics to manage the infection.
When is tooth extraction recommended?
Tooth extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too damaged to be saved, such that it has to be pulled out in order to drain the abscess. But if you’re dealing with an impacted tooth that has become infected, it might be more suitable to treat the infection before performing oral surgery to remove the tooth. This is because extracting the tooth before treatment may allow the infection to spread and cause other complications, including compromising the healing process after tooth extraction. So your dentist may recommend treating the infection before tooth removal to reduce these risks. Moreover, treating the infection will reduce the symptoms and enhance your comfort before, during, and after tooth extraction.
Keep in mind that you may have 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.
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Options in Watertown MN
People can tell a lot from the shade of your teeth, including your age, state of oral health, and even your good and bad habits. And since everyone wants to look young and well groomed, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry.
Advancements in teeth cleaning technologies have made the treatment more comfortable, predictable, long-lasting, and affordable for all people. Although there are many effective ways to whiten your teeth, they vary depending on the treatment time and frequency, type of stain that can be removed, and the level of whitening that can be achieved.
Some of the teeth whitening options available include:
Professionally applied bleaching:
With in office tooth whitening, the dentist applies a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) to the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly around your top and bottom teeth. After the in-office treatment, your dentist may give you some hydrogen peroxide gel and custom-made trays to continue your treatment at home for a specific period of time to maximize the teeth bleaching results
Dentist-prescribed treatment:
Your dentist will give you a custom-made whitening kit for home use. This kit includes custom-made trays and some hydrogen peroxide gel. Teeth whitening at home is a gradual process that usually takes at least two weeks.
Which is the best option?
It’s best to consult a dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth so your treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. During your first appointment for professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth carefully, review your oral health history, and then determine whether bleaching is right for you. Please visit your dentist today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and smile concerns.
Tooth Abscess Treatment Near Me, Watertown MN
An abscessed or infected tooth is a dental problem caused by bacteria penetrating through your tooth enamel and dentin to reach the pulp (pulpitis), such that pus begins to collect within. It can also occur when bacteria gets trapped in deep gum pockets. This results in a number of unpleasant symptoms, including:
- Throbbing pain in the tooth
- Pain in the surrounding areas, such as the ear, lower jaw, and neck
- Soreness of infected tooth and surrounding area when biting
- Pain in the teeth when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Fever and general feeling of being unwell
- Difficulty opening your mouth and swallowing
Types of tooth abscesses
If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, you should visit your dentist immediately for diagnosis and/or emergency treatment. Your dentist may discover one of two types of tooth infections:
- Periapical abscess – It is the most common type of tooth infection. It happens when you have a hole in the tooth enamel, which allows bacteria to enter and make its way to the pulp. The bacteria infects the pulp and spreads to the bone surrounding the tooth, causing a pocket of pus to form at the tip of the tooth root
- Periodontal abscess – This type of abscess is the result of untreated gum disease. The infected gum tissue becomes inflamed and begins to move away from the bottom of your tooth. This creates a gap that is difficult to clean, allowing bacteria to build up. Ultimately, a pocket of pus forms at the side of the tooth root to form a periodontal abscess.
Treatment options
Cases of dental abscess are treated by draining the pus and resolving the infection by removing the damaged tissue from the pulp. Additional remedies may include:
- Over-the-counter medication to help with the pain
- Antibiotics to stop the spread of the infection
- Root canal therapy and then capped with a dental crown to strengthen it
- Tooth extraction and replacement with a partial denture, bridgework, or dental implant.
Please visit your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dental Crowns Cost in Watertown MN
When it comes to repairing tooth damage, your dentist will likely present two options: a filling and a crown. The best restorative treatment depends on the type of damage, severity, and location in your mouth.
In general, fillings are used to repair tooth damage that affects less than 50% of the tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, can be used to repair all kinds of tooth damage, but are mostly recommended for broken teeth, large cavities, and to fill gaps between your teeth, by either adding volume to a natural tooth or as part of a dental bridge or implant.
Getting Dental Crowns
Although fillings are easier and more affordable to place, they cannot be used interchangeably with dental crowns. The cost of getting a crown varies depending on the material used and the amount of tooth preparation needed before placement. Naturally, a severely damaged or infected tooth that requires a core build-up will increase the overall cost of the procedure.
Unlike fillings, dental crowns are a long-lasting restorative treatment. That means you get value for your money, even if you spend a little more. However, it should be done by a skilled and experienced dentist. So when considering the cost of dental crowns, it’s best that you don’t simply choose the least expensive dentist without fully understanding the reasons for the low cost treatment.
You don’t necessarily have to pay the total cost of treatment out-of-pocket. Many insurance providers cover about 50% of the cost, though this also depends on your type of insurance and the specifics of your case. For instance, insurance companies are unlikely to cover the cost of a cosmetic crown placement. But if it’s needed to restore a fractured tooth or strengthen a tooth following root canal therapy, then your insurance plan may cover some of the cost. Your insurer will likely only work with professional dentists.
To find out the actual cost of your crown placement procedure, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist first. Your dental team will then help you workout how much of the cost can be covered by your insurance plan, and what you need to pay out-of-pocket.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Improve Your Confidence, Watertown MN
There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to you today that can improve your smile. A simple change in your smile, such as aligning teeth or repairing chipped teeth with veneers, can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. It also changes how others perceive you!
Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. It helps you feel confident, happy, healthy and attractive; it makes you appear successful in various pursuits including professionally. If on the other hand for any reason like cracks or stains or gaps in your teeth you are feeling shy about smiling with others then look into visiting a cosmetic dentist.
When scheduling your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:
- What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
- Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
- Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
- What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.
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.
Dental Cleanings: Regular (Prophy) vs Deep Cleaning | Watertown MN
There are several types of dental cleanings that may help to remove accumulated plaque and tartar in your mouth, and improve your overall oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that prophylaxis cleanings be performed every six months by your general dentist as a part of your preventative dental care. Prophylaxis is also referred to as “teeth cleaning”, and involves the removal of accumulated plaque from the surface of your teeth above the gumline, as well as tooth polishing.
Prophylaxis is performed using fine hand instruments, as well as an ultrasonic scaler and a polishing cup and paste if there are no signs of gum disease. Generally, a good candidate for prophylaxis should have firm, pink gums with no bleeding, and the gum pockets should be within the healthy range of 1 – 3mm. Though the ADA recommends prophy cleaning every six months, people at high risk of gum disease and other oral issues may require more frequent cleaning at 8 – 16 week intervals.
Will Prophylaxis Cleaning Work for Me?
There are some cases where regular prophylaxis cleaning may not be enough to improve your oral health. Your dental professional will examine your teeth and gums and then determine the best type of alternative cleaning for your individual needs. The other types of dental cleaning include:
- Full Mouth Debridement – it is recommended for people whose teeth have not been professionally cleaned for more than a year, resulting in heavy plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up. This procedure is typically performed before an oral examination and diagnosis to ensure good visibility of the actual condition of your mouth
- Scaling and root planing – commonly referred to as “deep cleaning”, this procedure is recommended for patients who exhibit signs of periodontal disease, such as deeper gum pockets (over 3mm), inflammation and bleeding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and/or loss of bone tissue supporting the teeth.
- Periodontal maintenance – following treatment for periodontal disease, your dental professional may recommend this specialized cleaning every 8 – 12 weeks as part of your ongoing treatment for chronic periodontal disease to reduce the risk of adverse symptoms.
Please visit your dentist to discuss your dental cleaning in Watertown MN today.
Dental Crowns FAQs in Watertown MN
A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, is used to strengthen a tooth’s structure, return its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. A tooth crowned fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, resulting in a new outer surface.
Common Applications of Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a permanent tooth repair option that can be used to restore different kinds of dental damage, including:
- Missing tooth – can be used to support bridgework or paired with a dental implant
- Large cavity that would otherwise require a large filling
- Weakened tooth due to excess wear or cracks – to support and protect the remaining structure
- Decayed tooth – can be used to strengthen a tooth restored with root canal therapy
- Poorly shaped or severely discolored tooth – to conceal the imperfection and improve your smile
Tooth Colored Dental Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, is used to strengthen a tooth’s structure, return its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. A tooth crowned fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, resulting in a new outer surface.
The most natural tooth appearance can be achieved with tooth-colored crowns, which blend in with your natural teeth to make the repair unnoticeable, resulting in an even, white smile.
To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re right for you, please schedule a visit with our office.
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