Author: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Dry Mouth: What You Need to Know

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Have you ever had a dry mouth? It can be irritating. After all, a dry mouth can make it difficult to swallow and difficult to speak. But what about chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia? It’s important to recognize what chronic dry mouth is, be able to identify causes and side effects, and understand what treatment options are available.


What causes dry mouth?

There are many possible causes of dry mouth:

  • Medications: Over 400 commonly prescribed medications list “dry mouth” as a possible side effect
  • Dehydration
  • Cancer treatment: Radiation and chemotherapy can cause temporary dry mouth and in some cases permanent damage to the salivary glands, leading to chronic dry mouth.
  • Autoimmune disease: Sjogren’s syndrome, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
    Diabetes

Side effects of dry mouth

The side effects of dry mouth may include:

  • Burning sensation in the mouth
  • Mouth sores
  • Cracked lips
  • Halitosis (aka bad breath)
  • Cavities
  • Yeast infections
  • Gingivitis

When chronic dry mouth goes untreated, over time it can become difficult to taste, swallow and even speak. Also, without adequate saliva to rinse your mouth of food and plaque, gingivitis can set in. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to tooth loss.

Treatment options

Dry mouth can often be alleviated by treating underlying conditions and restoring saliva production. For medication-induced dry mouth, changing medications can help. In other cases, saliva production can be increased through a variety of means: moisturizing gels, special toothpastes and mouthwashes and prescription medications.

Staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum and sucking on sugar-free candies are a few other easy options for keeping your mouth lubricated. 

If you’re serious about combating dry mouth, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and stay away from salty, dry and sugary foods.

If you’re dealing with dry mouth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff. They can help you get to the root of the problem, experience relief and protect your smile. Call our office at 651.482.8412!

A New and Improved Smile with Veneers – Katie’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Katie came to our clinic looking for options to help improve her smile. As a child, Katie had crowding in her mouth and her recommended “orthodontic plan” at that time was to have 4 teeth pulled. Growing up in the United Kingdom, braces were not common, and as a result, she was feeling the effects as an adult – her bite didn’t match up well, she was getting gum recession, and her teeth were wearing at an accelerated pace. When Katie was 16, she was involved in a trampoline accident that led to an injury to her tongue and chipping of her lower front teeth. Katie was ready to take the steps to a healthier, more beautiful smile. She noted “I don’t look at my front teeth much, in fact I can’t see them that well when I talk. I think they should be longer. I guess I could do veneers, but I am most interested in what is the best thing I can do health-wise and what will be the most stable for the long-term?”

What was involved?

Katie and Dr. Elizabeth talked about how she could improve her smile and her function. Katie was willing to undergo orthodontic treatment, which was the best way to stabilize and improve her bite and it was also the best way to help position her teeth back to where they were before they started wearing down. Due to the wear, once Katie’s teeth were in a better position, it would be important to place restorations and build the teeth back to their original proportions. It was likely that Katie would need 2-6 veneers after orthodontics to give her a natural smile. Katie was also interested in lighter teeth so she wanted to bleach before having the veneers done. Katie patiently underwent orthodontic treatment with Dr. DeVoe for nearly 2 years before she was ready for bleaching and her veneers. After her teeth were in a better position, she underwent Zoom bleaching, and in the end, it was decided that 4 veneers could give her the look she wanted.

What does Katie think?

Katie is very happy with her new smile! In the beginning Katie said she was a little apprehensive as to what the procedures would be like. After Katie’s journey was over, we asked her what kind of advice would she give to someone considering going through this process? Katie told us “Just do it! Forget how long it takes and focus on the end results. Don’t delay and just do it!” Katie also said, “I’m so happy I got it done! I may even consider doing my canines, then I won’t have to worry about bleaching them!” Katie told us how much she appreciated the teamwork between Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. DeVoe. Katie raved about her new smile, she also said that she never realized how self-conscience she was about her smile until everything was done and she no longer had any reason to be.

 

Help Your Child Maintain a Healthy Smile

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

As good parents, we aim to raise healthy children who, when the time comes, go out into the world and make healthy choices. And we recognize that setting good habits for life begins during the formative years of childhood. Here are some tips for helping your child maintain good oral health:

Create a dental routine

Children thrive in environments where routines are followed. With routines, children feel safe and learn their boundaries. So, start off on the right foot by establishing a dental routine with your child. Incorporate morning and evening brushing and flossing into their day when they’re young and they won’t view these tasks as optional as they grow.

Make dental care fun!

It can also be beneficial to reward young children for consistent, thorough dental hygiene. For example, after a week of twice-daily brushing and flossing, reward your child with stickers or other little trinket.

Also, letting children choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste helps keep dental care fun and motivating!

Teach healthy lifestyle choices

Do you bring sugary beverages or processed foods into your home? Consider switching them out for water and whole foods. If your kids grow up unaccustomed to foods that can cause tooth decay, they will be more likely to make healthy food and beverage choices as they get older – an enormous investment in lifelong dental wellness.

Normalize dental visits and set a positive tone

Making regular trips to the dentist from an early age will normalize dental visits, and over time, reinforce their importance. You can also make “dentist day” into a special day by following it up with a fun activity or going out for a healthy snack or lunch afterward.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are parents too so we know how to make your child feel comfortable and make their visits to our office fun! If you’d like to learn more about how you can help your child develop healthy habits around dental care, we’d love to connect. Give us a call at 651.482.8412.

Occlusal Equilibration: Is it Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

An improper bite – often the result of a misaligned upper and lower jaw – can lead to pain, joint problems and accelerated wear on the teeth. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with this condition. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff specialize in occlusal equilibration, a procedure that helps restore correct mouth structure and alleviates the irritating and painful symptoms associated with misaligned jaws.

What is occlusal equilibration?

Occlusal equilibration is the process of adjusting the biting surfaces of teeth in order to achieve the proper bite and the proper positioning of the jaws.

What should I look for?

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you may benefit from occlusal equilibration:

The diagnostic process

If you’re concerned about jaw misalignment, you can schedule a diagnostic appointment, also known as the Records Process, with us. At this appointment, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will assess your mouth structure and will look at a 3D model of your teeth. After analyzing how your teeth move against each other, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff determine if adjusting the biting surfaces of your teeth could help reposition your upper and lower jaws properly. A lot of times, equilibration won’t be recommended until after completing splint therapy.

Occlusal equilibration

If Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff determines that occlusal equilibration is right for you, you will come to a separate appointment for this procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will gently reshape the biting surfaces of your teeth in a specific manner. The precise altering of the biting surfaces of your teeth will allow them to bite together properly and allow your jaw, muscles, and teeth to work in harmony.

The end result

Our patients are pleased with the results of an occlusal equilibration and often remark that they can feel the difference in their bite right away. It helps them feel more relaxed and like it is easier to chew.

If you think you may benefit from occlusal equilibration, you can schedule a consultation with us at Eggert Family Dentistry at 651.482.8412!

Crowns vs. Veneers – What’s the Difference?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Cracked, discolored, misshapen and decaying teeth can dramatically impact a person’s self-confidence. If you’re considering redoing your smile, but aren’t sure which route to go, read on! We’ll discuss dental crowns and veneers and highlight some of the differences so together, we can help you determine which option is best for you.

What are crowns?

Made from porcelain, ceramic or metal, crowns are about 1.5 mm thick and cover the entire tooth. Crowns are an excellent choice for teeth that are structurally compromised and need additional support.

What can I expect from the crown process?

If your tooth is decaying, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will start by removing the decay. Then they will reshape your tooth to create space for the crown. Next, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will take a digital image or putty impression of your prepared tooth which helps to ensure that your crown is a perfect fit. Depending on whether you’ll have your crown fabricated same-day in the office with the CEREC crown procedure or if your crown will be made at the dental lab, there will be some wait time. With a CEREC crown, you’ll go home with your final crown on the same day. With a laboratory fabricated crown, a temporary crown will be placed on your tooth initially to help protect it during the 2 weeks the crown is being made. Ultimately, your final crown is cemented into place and should last many years.

Pros and cons of crowns

Because the entire tooth is covered, the tooth is less likely to fully fracture or split than with other restorations like veneers or fillings. Porcelain crowns can look and feel good and can be color-matched to blend with your natural teeth. Crowns generally feel very natural.

Crowns do require more tooth preparation than veneers and sometimes this can put the tooth at higher risk of tooth sensitivity or nerve damage.

What are veneers?

Manufactured most commonly from porcelain, veneers are less than 1mm thick and cover the front of a natural tooth. Veneers can also be made directly from composite resin, or plastic. These typically need to be repaired or replaced more frequently than porcelain veneers.

What can I expect from the veneer process?

Similar to the crown preparation process, the veneer preparation process requires Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff to reshape your tooth to create space for the veneer. Next, a putty impression of your prepared tooth is taken which helps to ensure that your veneer is a perfect fit. While you’re waiting for your permanent veneer to be manufactured, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will place a temporary veneer on your prepared tooth to protect it. Ultimately, your final veneer is bonded to your tooth and the cement is hardened with a bright blue curing light.

Pros and cons of veneers

Porcelain veneers are an excellent choice for cosmetic restorations and are a conservative way to help correct misshapen teeth. Veneers can also be color-matched so they blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth or they can be made in a lighter shade to give you the bright smile you’ve always dreamed of.

If you’re thinking about dental restorations and would like to know more about your options, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert would love to speak with you. Call our office at 651.482.8412!

 

 

We’re Hiring!

Are you or anyone you know interested in joining in on the fun at Eggert Family Dentistry?  Candy is looking to retire this February and we are working to hire someone to start training as soon as possible.  Carolyn will be moving into Candy’s role as Account Manager and Insurance Specialist so we are hiring for the following:  

 

Patient Care and Marketing Coordinator

Do you love working with a great team? Do you have a keen eye for details? Are you able to connect with others on a personal level? We’re growing and we need you. A family-focused, cosmetic group practice in North Oaks seeks an experienced, pleasant, highly motivated, and hardworking team member with excellent interpersonal skills to serve as a patient care and marketing coordinator 4-5 days per week.

Responsibilities include: greeting patients, answering phones, scheduling, billing, collections, insurance claims, and practice marketing.

High school degree required with four- year college degree preferred. Course work in administrative assisting, dental assisting, and business will be looked upon favorably. Previous dental office experience preferred, but candidates with customer service backgrounds as a personal assistant or in event planning or sales and retail should consider this exciting opportunity in the dental field.

Candidates must have proficient computer skills and experience with websites, social media, and marketing campaigns is a plus.

Please email your resume AND cover letter describing how you are a great fit for this position to info@eggertfamilydentistry.com.

Smile Your Way into a More Confident 2020!

As 2019 wraps up, you probably have your sights on goals for the new year. And one thing those goals require is confidence in your ability to achieve them. Is a less-than-perfect smile impacting your self-esteem and keeping you from going after things that are important to you? At Eggert Family Dentistry, we understand how crooked, decaying, chipped, discolored or missing teeth can have this effect. Fortunately, we offer many cosmetic dentistry procedures that can restore your smile…and your confidence.

Teeth whitening: Over time, teeth become stained from certain foods, beverages, medications and smoking. Eggert Family Dentistry has many great options to help restore your pearly whites. We provide professional-grade strips and whitening trays that are more effective and gentler on your teeth and gums than their over-the-counter counterparts. We also offer the Zoom and Kor Whitening procedures. Zoom is performed in a single, two-hour appointment, we apply a professional whitening gel to your teeth and activate the gel with an LED light which allows the gel to better penetrate the teeth. Kor bleaching is the most effective whitening system known and is backed by scientific research to bleach even the previously-thought-impossible-to-bleach tetracycline stained teeth.

Veneers: Porcelain dental veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth. Veneers dramatically transform chipped, misaligned, discolored or worn teeth. They can also be used to close unsightly gaps. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff custom make dental veneers that compliment your skin tone, facial features and personality and feel just like your natural teeth. This process takes two or three visits and the results last for many years.

Composite Bonded Veneers: Composite bonded veneers can be completed in a single appointment. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff apply composite resin to your tooth and cure it with intense blue light. Then they sculpt and polish the tooth for a transformational effect. Composite bonded veneers are popular since they are a more cost-effective option than porcelain veneers.  However, they don’t last as long, but can typically be expected to last upwards of 10 years.

Invisalign: A low-profile alternative to metal braces, Invisalign uses retainer-like tooth aligners made from BPA-free medical-grade polyurethane thermoplastic to move teeth. While this option isn’t for everyone, it can be an excellent choice for people with mild to moderate gaping or crowding and helps to discreetly straighten your smile.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we don’t think anything should keep you from achieving your goals. Are you dissatisfied with your smile and want to explore which cosmetic dentistry options are right for you? Give us a call at 651.482.8412 to set up an appointment. We would love to help you regain that beautiful smile and set you off on a more confident path in 2020!

Icon Resin Infiltration Restores Uniform Color to Teeth

A fairly common cosmetic concern among our patients is spotting on their tooth enamel.

Sometimes, the enamel of a tooth gets demineralized, resulting in white or brown spots. These spots are called white-spot lesions (WSLs), hypo spots or enamel bruising, and often result from trauma or infection. Sometimes they appear when braces are removed, and sometimes they are a developmental characteristic.

The good news is that the white spots aren’t harmful. However, many people would prefer to have teeth with a more uniform color.

More good news: There’s an easy, painless and fast procedure to erase this discoloration and restore your tooth enamel to a brilliant white.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff recommend the Icon procedure for patients who want to get rid of these white spot discolorations.

Icon is the resin infiltration treatment we prefer at Eggert Family Dentistry. It’s a minimally invasive restorative treatment that penetrates existing enamel and helps restore the minerals, thereby fading the spots.

Advantages of Icon Resin Treatment

Icon resin treatment is fast, simple and non-invasive. It takes place in a single visit and requires no shots, no anesthesia, and no drilling. After a painless rubbing of the surface in question to remove the spots, we apply a drying agent and then the resin infiltrant. After about three minutes, we remove the excess resin and cure the resin with light. We complete the process a second time to ensure a protective coating on the surface, polish the tooth, and you are ready to go home with a brand new-and-improved smile – after only 45 minutes to an hour in the chair!

How Does the Icon Treatment Work?

The white spots result from demineralization and subsequent remineralization on the surface of the tooth. Icon reconstructs the collapsed architecture of the tooth caused by demineralization. When applied to the tooth, the Icon resin has similar optical properties to those of natural enamel, so it replicates the natural shade of the tooth.

Benefits of Icon

It’s far less invasive, less expensive and faster than alternatives like fillings or veneers. It can easily be completed on patients young and old. With other treatments to correct white spots, like veneers, it is important to wait until the patient’s growth is complete. Even better, teeth that have undergone Icon treatment still respond to bleaching.

If you’re curious about this very conservative, non-invasive, same-day procedure, call Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff at Eggert Family Dentistry to learn more, 651-482-8412. We’d love to talk to you about your options for improving your beautiful smile by transforming spotted teeth to a consistent, uniform color.

Full Mouth Reconstruction, Explained

FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION, EXPLAINED

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our comprehensive approach means that we focus on your overall oral health. Instead of regarding your teeth in isolation, we take a holistic and comprehensive perspective on how your mouth functions as a whole, and how it functions in relation to your whole body.  

In some cases, patients exhibit a constellation of issues that are best resolved by a full mouth reconstruction. This typically is caused by trauma to the jaw or teeth, significant decay, long-term erosion from acid or tooth grinding, or long-term structural issues such as a misaligned bite. 

In these cases, restoring and rebuilding all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws may be the best strategy. 

A full mouth reconstruction is likely to involve a number of phases and specialties, including:

  • General or restorative dental procedures such as crowns, bridges, and veneers with Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth
  • Periodontal attention to the gums
  • Oral surgery
  • Orthodontics to address tooth movements and positions

What to Expect When Considering a Full Mouth Reconstruction

When you are considering a full mouth reconstruction, here’s what you can expect at Eggert Family dentistry. 

We’ll start by doing a detailed evaluation of your muscles, jaws and teeth, and their relationships with each other. We’ll talk about all health considerations relating to your mouth, including information about sleep and airway, and we’ll ask you about your esthetic goals. Next, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will take you on a tour of your mouth, explaining different treatment options. They’ll explain everything carefully and answer questions so you can make excellent decisions, and together we’ll come up with a treatment plan.

These are the kinds of procedures that are often part of a full mouth reconstruction:

  • Initial deep cleaning of your teeth and gums. 
  • Ensuring a stable bite so your restored teeth will not suffer undue wear. This might require orthodontics or a bite reprogramming orthotic/splint. Your occlusion, or how your teeth contact, must be addressed before we perform additional restorative procedures.
  • Tooth restorations, which can include porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays or onlays, bridges, and implants.

A Big Commitment with Big Rewards

A full mouth reconstruction is an ambitious endeavor with huge rewards. Many patients feel transformed when treatment concludes and they have an attractive smile and a healthy mouth, free of pain or discomfort. In many cases, even severe TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD) pain can be relieved by the comprehensive approach and comprehensive reconstruction. 

This treatment is a long-term project, involving multiple visits, but Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff are happy to walk you through every aspect of your treatment plan, so you have a very clear idea of the timeline and what to expect. 

If you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort in your mouth or jaw, or if you want a new improved smile which you’re excited to share with people, or if your teeth are broken down and need to be rebuilt, please contact Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth at Eggert Family Dentistry, 651-482-8412. We love to help people experience the transformation in oral health and confidence that can accompany a full mouth reconstruction.

The Impact of a Little Time Well Spent – Mary’s Story

How did this start?
Mary had been considering Invisalign for quite some time, and when she noticed her teeth beginning to crowd more, she decided to initiate treatment with Dr. Elizabeth. To begin, Mary came in for a records appointment with Dr. Elizabeth where she took impressions, photos, and x-rays of Mary’s teeth to send to Invisalign in preparation for her case. Using these records, Invisalign then created a 3D simulation of how Mary’s teeth could move with Invisalign treatment. Mary was happy with the results of the 3D simulation and decided to proceed with treatment. Dr. Elizabeth discussed with Mary that because the shape and size of her two upper front teeth didn’t match each other, it would be best to plan for veneers on these two teeth once her Invisalign treatment was complete.

What was involved?
Mary’s Invisalign treatment consisted of 22 total aligners that she wore for 1-2 weeks at a time. As part of Mary’s Invisalign treatment, Dr. Elizabeth slenderized some of Mary’s teeth to create more space for her teeth to better alleviate her crowding. Mary was diligent in wearing her aligners and was able to complete her treatment as anticipated. After completing her Invisalign treatment, Mary indicated she was interested in whiter teeth and asked about bleaching. Mary’s bleaching therefore needed to be done prior to the veneers on her upper front teeth. Dr. Elizabeth recommended the Zoom! Whitening in-office procedure to get Mary the whiter smile she wanted. After her two-hour session, Mary was happy to see that her teeth had lightened by four full shades!

With her teeth at her desired shade, Mary was ready for her final restorations. In preparation for the final restorations, Dr. Elizabeth made minor alterations to the biting surface of some of Mary’s teeth to remove interferences and perfect her bite. This process is called equilibration and helps to prevent Mary’s new smile from further wear. Once this was done, Dr. Elizabeth created a wax model of the veneers so Mary could make sure she was happy with their size and shape before having the final ones placed. With her approval, the final porcelain veneers were fabricated, then placed by Dr. Elizabeth.

What does Mary think of her results?

From the beginning, Mary was excited about her treatment and felt like she was well-prepared for it. She appreciated the opportunity she had to discuss her treatment plan with Dr. Elizabeth ahead of time so she knew what to expect as far as timing and the procedures themselves. Now that her treatment is complete, Mary says she feels more confident and relaxed about her smile. “I feel better about the future of my teeth. I know I have a better chance of keeping them longer.” When asked what she would say to someone considering similar treatment, Mary said “It’s worth it!” Mary was able to finish her treatment just in time for her son’s wedding. Congratulations Mary, what a beautiful result!

If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!