Category: Cosmetic Dentistry

Preparing for Crown Success: A Guide to Your Dental Procedure at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Are you scheduled for a dental crown procedure at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN? Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are renowned for their commitment to delivering top-notch dental care and preparing adequately for your crown procedure can contribute significantly to your success and your overall comfort during recovery.

Understanding the Crown Procedure

Before delving into the preparation, it’s beneficial to have a brief understanding of the dental crown procedure.  Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-designed to fit over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, functionality, and appearance.  At Eggert Family Dentistry, we often complete crowns in one visit using our CEREC procedure.

Preparing for Your Crown Procedure

  1. Consultation and Treatment Planning:  Before the actual procedure, Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth will have completed an exam to diagnose the condition of your tooth and will have talked with you about the reasons why a crown is recommended for you.
  2. Ask Questions:  Feel free to ask any questions or express concerns during your exam or before scheduling for your procedure.  Any one of our magnificent team members will be able to help you understand your condition.  Understanding the procedure, potential discomfort, and aftercare instructions will help alleviate anxiety and ensure you are well-informed.
  3. Oral Hygiene Routine:  Maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine leading up to the procedure.

Day of the Procedure

  1. Eat Before Your Appointment:  Have a nutritious meal before your appointment as you will likely want to avoid eating until the local anesthetic needed for the appointment wears off.
  2. Comfortable Clothing:  Consider wearing loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, as this can enhance your overall comfort during the procedure.
  3. Consider an Anti-inflammatory:  We will definitely recommend an anti-inflammatory if it is appropriate for you after your dental crown procedure, but if you take your first dose about one hour prior to your appointment time, the medicine has time to kick in and your muscles and tooth can be that much happier! 

What’s Next?

Preparing for a dental crown procedure at Eggert Family Dentistry involves a combination of proactive steps and open communication with your experienced dental team.  By taking these measures, you set the stage for a successful procedure and a speedy, comfortable recovery, ensuring your smile remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.  Call us at 651-482-8412 to schedule your dental crown procedure today!

Do I Need a Dental Crown? [Answered]

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A beautiful smile is a key indicator of youth and good health. Over time, however, our teeth begin to weaken due to physical stressors, acidic foods, and other factors. This makes our teeth more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, and discoloration.

That’s where dental crowns come in. This common dental restoration can solve a number of problems and bring your smile back to its former glory.

Are you wondering whether or not a dental crown can help restore your smile? Then you’ve come to the right place! Let’s take a deeper look at dental crowns to help you determine when this restorative treatment is right for you.

What are Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that restores a decayed, broken, weak or worn-down tooth. Crowns are about 1.5 mm thick and cover the entire tooth like a little hat. This cap replaces the structure, support, and look of the original tooth.

These days, crowns are typically made from the strongest all-porcelain materials. However, in the past crowns have also been made from porcelain fused to metal, or even full gold. For the most natural look and feel, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert recommend all-porcelain crowns as the strength of these materials can’t be beat and they can best match the shade of your natural teeth.

When Do You Need a Crown?

Crowns can serve several different purposes. Dental crowns can be used to:

  • Strengthen a weak tooth: If your tooth is experiencing extensive decay or has a large filling, a crown can fortify your tooth to prevent it from breaking.
  • Protect and support a cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can be quite painful, especially when chewing. If the crack is too deep, a crown can be used to prevent the crack from deepening.
  • Restore a worn-down or broken tooth: Whether your worn-down tooth is bothering you cosmetically or functionally, a crown can restore your tooth and allow you to feel and look like yourself again.
  • Hold a dental bridge in place: Crowns can serve as supporting structures for dental bridges. They are placed on the natural teeth on either side of a gap, providing support for the artificial tooth or teeth that bridge the gap.
  • Cover a severely stained or discolored tooth: If your tooth is too stained for traditional whitening, you may consider getting a crown that’s made to match the color of your smile.
  • Protect a root canal-treated tooth: After a root canal procedure, a crown is often placed over the tooth to provide strength and protection. Crowns also seal the treated tooth preventing re-infection.
  • Cover a dental implant: When dental implants are used to replace a tooth, a crown is attached to the implant in order to make sure the solution appears natural.

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Elizebeth Eggert will evaluate your teeth and be able to determine if any of your teeth are experiencing any of the above problems and if a dental crown is the appropriate solution for you.

Benefits of a Crown

When compared to other restorative treatments, dental crowns have many benefits, including:

  1. Natural look: Porcelain crowns are very discreet, blending in and appearing just like one of your natural teeth.
  2. Protective solution: Because the entire tooth is covered, the tooth is less likely to fully fracture or split than with other restorations like veneers or fillings.
  3. Comfortable: Crowns feel very much like your own teeth, so it won’t take long to get used to.
  4. Quick process: Crowns can be fitted in just 1-2 visits.

Process of Getting a Crown

As we said above, the process of installing a crown is relatively quick. It typically takes 1-2 visits to Eggert Family Dentistry, and then you’ll be enjoying your new smile for years to come.

One Visit: When you come in for your CEREC crown, you will first be given local anesthetic so that you do not experience any discomfort. Then your tooth will be reshaped so that the crown can be placed over it. Once the tooth has been reshaped, we can often take a CEREC scan of your tooth and make your crown right in our office, allowing us to place it that same day. That means you can leave with your final crown after just one visit!

Two Visits: Occasionally, we are not able to take a CEREC scan, and instead we will have your crown made by a dental lab. In that case, the process will require two visits. On your first visit, a mold will be taken of your affected tooth and your surrounding teeth. We will still reshape your tooth and fit you with a temporary crown to protect it until your porcelain crown is ready. If your crown is being made at the dental lab, it takes about 2 weeks to be returned.

After your final crown has been made, you’ll come in for your second appointment to have it placed. At this appointment, the crown will be fixed to your tooth using cement to ensure it remains in place, and voila, you can enjoy your new smile! Crowns are very durable, and with proper hygiene, your new crown can last 10-15 years or longer!

Think You Need a Dental Crown? Call Eggert Family Dentistry Today

If you’re still wondering whether or not you need a dental crown, call Eggert Family Dentistry today at 651-482-8412 or simply book a recare appointment online. We would be happy to answer any questions you still have about how dental crowns can help restore the appearance and function of your natural teeth. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

No one’s smile is perfect, and you should love your smile no matter what! But sometimes having crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth can negatively impact your self esteem. Additionally, this kind of malocclusion can make it harder to floss, chew, and even speak.

If you or someone in your family wants to straighten their teeth, whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, there are mainly two orthodontic treatments they can choose from: the traditional solution of braces, or the newer method of invisible aligners, commonly called Invisalign.

But which is best? At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, both Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have years of experience helping patients obtain the smiles they’ve always dreamed about. Dr. Elizabeth is well-trained in the Invisalign system and is even able to help patients at Eggert Family Dentistry undergo this type of orthodontic tooth movement right in our own office! Still, it makes sense to learn about the pros and cons of both types of treatment to determine which one is right for you.

Braces

What are Braces?

Traditional braces are orthodontic appliances made with metal brackets. These brackets are attached to the teeth using a non-toxic dental cement and held together by a metal wire and rubber bands that wrap around the brackets.

For hundreds of years metal braces have been used to safely and effectively straighten teeth into their correct positions, and modern day braces are extremely comfortable, reliable, safe, and effective!

Nowadays, there are multiple kinds of braces to choose from. Patients can now opt for ceramic brackets, which are less noticeable than metal, or lingual braces, which are bonded to the backs of your teeth (on the tongue side).

How Do Braces Work?

Braces use mild, constant pressure to shift your teeth into their proper positions over time. The treatment can last anywhere from 12 months to three years, depending on the severity of your misalignment. Though, the average treatment time for adults is two years.

We rely on one of our amazing local orthodontists to complete traditional braces for our patients.  Typically, you would have an adjustment appointment  every four to six weeks.

Pros of Braces:

  • They’re the most powerful solution:  It doesn’t matter how badly your teeth are crowded, braces will effectively anchor onto the teeth and pull them into the desired position. They are able to generate more force than Invisalign, making them an effective treatment for even the most severe cases of misalignment.
  • Multiple types of braces to choose from:  As we mentioned earlier, you can choose from either the traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces.
  • Faster treatment time:  When it comes to closing gaps and straightening teeth, braces tend to be the faster solution. This is because the braces put more pressure on the teeth causing them to move more quickly.
  • They stay on your teeth: This can be seen as a pro or a con, but for those who are prone to losing items or maybe not the most compliant, it’s definitely a pro: braces stay attached to your teeth for the duration of your treatment, so there’s no chance of them being lost or the treatment not progressing!

Cons of Braces:

  • Aesthetics: Traditional braces are more noticeable when you smile or speak. While some people don’t mind the look of braces, many people wish they weren’t so visible.
  • Cleaning your teeth can be difficult: Patients need to take great care to make sure they’re brushing and flossing well while they’re wearing braces. With the metal wires, flossing can be particularly challenging.
  • Changing your diet: Hard and sticky foods have the potential to break your metal brackets. If this happens, your braces treatment will be ineffective until the bracket has been fixed. So, while you’re wearing braces, you’ll want to avoid foods like hard candy, caramel apples, corn on the cob, etc.

Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are a set of plastic trays (aligners) that slowly shift your teeth into the desired position. These clear aligners function much like traditional braces, but they’re much more discreet.

How Does Invisalign Work?

As we’ve said, Invisalign gently and subtly repositions your teeth over time, just like braces do. The entire treatment involves many sets of aligners that are changed out every couple of weeks. Each new set of aligners is designed to move your teeth 0.25 mm until your teeth are completely straight.

Pros of Invisalign:

  • Cleaning your teeth is easy: In contrast to traditional braces that are permanently attached to your teeth, Invisalign aligners are easily removed for brushing and flossing!
  • No need to change your diet:  Because they can be removed, there is no need to alter your diet to accommodate your aligners. But remember, for the best results, Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 22 hours per day, so don’t forget to put them back on when you’re finished eating!

Cons of Invisalign:

  • Can be lost:  Because Invisalign aligners are removable, that means they can be easily lost if you’re not careful. If you lose your aligners, you’ll need to contact Eggert Family Dentistry to get replacements right away.
  • Teeth won’t move:  If you aren’t compliant with wearing your aligners, your teeth won’t move. This can be very frustrating for both the patient and the dentist! If you aren’t willing to commit to 22 hours of wear each day, Invisalign isn’t the right treatment for you.
  • May not be suitable for severe cases:  If the patient is experiencing severe malocclusion, crowding, or jaw issues, Invisalign may not be the most appropriate form of treatment.

Interested in hearing more about Invisalign? At Eggert Family Dentistry we can create a customized Invisalign treatment plan for you and your family. We’d be honored to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile! Call us today at (651)482-8412!

Elevating the Patient Experience: Eggert Family Dentistry’s Technological Marvels in North Oaks, MN

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In the heart of North Oaks, MN, Eggert Family Dentistry stands as a beacon of exceptional dental care, where cutting-edge technology intertwines seamlessly with compassionate patient service.  Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, a husband and wife team, have integrated technology into their practice to revolutionize the patient experience.

Meet the Visionaries Behind the Innovation

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, has been working with our community for nearly 20 years and Dr. Jeff Eggert has been here now for over 10 years.  Together, they form an unbeatable pair, especially when surrounded by their amazing team!  Their vision extends beyond traditional dental care, striving to create an environment that calms patients and utilizes modern tech tools to enhance comfort, accuracy, and communication.

A Visual and Tech-Forward Approach to Care

With unwavering commitment to providing the best possible experience for their patients, Eggert Family Dentistry has embraced technological advancements that make dental visits more efficient, precise, and pleasant.  State-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as digital x-rays that reduce radiation exposure and enhance diagnostic accuracy, have been a cornerstone of their practice for years!

In addition, the utilization of intraoral cameras grants patients a virtual tour of their oral health, aiding in understanding diagnoses and treatment options.  You will love to learn about your oral health this way!

Revolutionizing Communication

The Eggert Family Dentistry team knows that communication is key to a successful patient-practitioner relationship.  By leveraging technology, they have streamlined communication channels, making it easier for patients to schedule appointments, access information, and receive timely reminders.

The Future Beckons

As technology continues to evolve, so does Eggert Family Dentistry’s commitment to pushing boundaries in patient care.  Our unwavering dedication to integrating technology harmoniously into our practice sets an inspiring example of a dental practice striving to enhance their patients’ experiences!

Call or Text Us!

We look forward to sharing our technology with you and!  Call or text us for an appointment soon!  651-482-8412.

The Importance of Dental Technology and What You Can Expect at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Technology is constantly evolving.

We can see this in every area of life: from the cars we drive to the ways we communicate; things have changed quickly in our lifetimes. Even family movie night looks much different now than it did just a few decades ago!

Technology in the dental field has significantly evolved as well. We have vastly more powerful tools at our disposal than we once did, which has translated to much more efficient and effective dental care.

In this blog, we’ll explore why technology is important to your dental health and introduce some of the equipment you can expect to see used in the Eggert Family Dentistry office.

Why Is Dental Technology Important?

Dentists and patients alike benefit from advances in dental technology. Updates to procedures, treatments, and instruments make it easier for dentists to identify and address problems and improve outcomes for patients.

Modern technology has improved oral health in many ways. For example, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can identify and treat dental problems more effectively and conveniently than ever before. And patients benefit from a wider range of available treatment options as well as more efficient, less painful procedures.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide improved treatment options using a number of technological advances in our clinic.

The Technology We Use at Eggert Family Dentistry

We routinely use advanced technologies in our offices including the iTero scanner, the Primescan with CEREC, digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and electric handpieces. Here is a little more about these advancements and how they help us provide you with the best in oral care.

iTero Scanner

The iTero Element 5D Plus Lite is an intraoral scanner that gives us a fast, high-definition color 3D image of a patient’s mouth.

An intraoral scanner consists of a handheld camera wand, a computer, and software. Here’s how it works:

  1. We use the wand to scan your mouth, gently moving it over the surface of the teeth and gums.
  2. The iTero captures the size and shape of each tooth and displays a real-time 3D image on a touch screen.
  3. This image can be magnified and manipulated to enhance details in the areas we want to examine more closely.
  4. If appliances are needed, we can send the necessary scan information directly to the lab.
  5. iTero is perfect for scanning for Invisalign cases.  In fact, this is why we invested in the iTero scanning unit, because we started doing so many Invisalign cases, it was much more convenient for everyone to use the scanner.

Primescan and CEREC

We have been using the Primescan with CEREC in our office for a number of years. This equipment allows us to create restorations like full crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers right in our office…in a matter of minutes.

Traditionally, when you need a crown, it has always involved two appointments. The first is to prepare the tooth for the crown, take an impression of the tooth to have the crown made, and attach a temporary crown. Then, at the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the customized crown is permanently affixed.

With Primescan and CEREC, we are able to condense all of this down into one visit.

First, we’re able to take a digital impression of the tooth (rather than using the traditional putty method). Then, we can create your customized restoration while you wait and affix it right away. There’s no need for a temporary crown or to come back for a second appointment. We are proud to say that we are able to fabricate over 85% of our crowns at Eggert Family Dentistry using this one-visit method.

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays allow us to instantly take x-rays of your teeth to gather the information we need to quickly determine treatment and procedure options.

With the digital x-ray, we take an image of your teeth and view it in an imaging program. That program contains a number of tools that allow us to take a close look at your teeth and surrounding structures with incredible accuracy.

What’s more, the digital x-ray also uses nearly 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray, making it much safer for you.

Intraoral Camera

An intraoral camera is a diagnostic tool that enables us to view different angles in the mouth that are difficult to see with a hand mirror. We use an intraoral camera to take photos of your teeth and gums and to show you any problem areas in your mouth. It is a great education tool!

The camera allows us to view the entire mouth on a monitor so we can get a closer look at any potential issues or problems that may arise and treat things before they become more serious. In addition, you are able to see for yourself what we are seeing in your mouth.

Electric Handpieces

There are two types of handpieces commonly used in dentistry: air-driven handpieces and electric ones.

Electric handpieces are much stronger than air-driven ones because a motor spins the bur rather than air. This allows us to remove decay more quickly, reducing the time you need to be in the dental chair.

One example of where electric handpieces provide a great deal of benefit is in performing root canals. In Rotary Endodontics, we use a specialized electrical handpiece to perform a root canal, making the process faster and more effective and allowing us to perform the procedure with greater ease.

Enjoy a Better Dental Experience Thanks to Technology and Eggert Family Dentistry

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our patients enjoy efficient, successful, and more comfortable procedures thanks to the latest in dental technology, along with the compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert.

No matter your dental needs, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will use their expertise to evaluate your oral health and determine the best treatment options for you. Contact our office in North Oaks, MN at 651-482-8412 to schedule an appointment today.

All I Really Want Is My New Front Teeth- PC’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

PC (name withheld by patient request) has been a long-time patient of Eggert Family Dentistry and was having issues with headaches and some trouble sleeping.  She was interested in fixing her “two front teeth.”  “My two front teeth are too big!  One is longer than the other, the color bothers me and one front tooth is father forward.  I had bonding done years ago and it doesn’t look good anymore.”

After many years, PC decided to undergo the records process with Dr. Elizabeth’s encouragement.  During the records process, Dr. Elizabeth used models, x-rays, and photos of PC’s teeth, gums, and bite to better understand the options and to help PC understand any risks that may occur with treatment due to underlying functional issues.    

What was recommended?

Through the records process and with information from Dr. Elizabeth, it was determined that the position of PC’s front teeth and the existing wear (flattened edges of her front teeth) likely are at least partially due to airway compromises, both at night and during the day.  Before restoring her teeth, it was recommended that PC undergo the Seattle Protocol to help determine if we could decrease the damage being done to her teeth and help protect her new restorations for the long-haul.  However, it was difficult for PC to coordinate this as she travels out of the country to help her family multiple times each year.  She and Dr. Elizabeth also discussed the option of talking with an ENT to improve nasal breathing, but PC declined this as well.

Therefore, PC elected to move forward with tooth restorations to address her esthetic concerns.  Yet, PC’s tooth positions due to crowding caused some esthetic hurdles.  Dr. Elizabeth talked with PC and recommended orthodontics to improve tooth spacing and gingival levels.  PC also declined this so Dr. Elizabeth had to think outside the box, encouraging PC to minimally seek treatment with a periodontist (gum and tissue specialist) to level out her gingival architecture.

What did she want?

PC was the most concerned about her front teeth.  She understood that by declining treatment to address her airway and tooth positions, we would be somewhat limited in our options and this was a risk she was willing to take.  She really wanted her front teeth to be the same color and same shape.  She wanted to minimize the number of restorations, but didn’t want to have to rely on bleaching to maintain the color of the upper front teeth.

What was involved?

After deciding that she would do bleaching to improve the color for her bottom front teeth and that she would do 6 upper front tooth restorations to give the best symmetry and color options, while still limiting the number of restorations, PC started by consulting with the periodontist so she could level her gingival architecture.  PC had this minor surgery completed and after 6 weeks of healing, we were ready to plan for her restorations.

At the time that impressions were taken to develop a wax-up or “blue print” for her restorations, PC underwent the in-office Zoom Whitening procedure to brighten her natural teeth.  PC was happy with the color and happy with the wax-up and so her teeth were prepared and the restorations were fabricated.

What does she think?

Once the restorations and bleaching were all completed, we asked PC what she thought about the process.  She noted there were a lot of things she hadn’t thought about.  She hadn’t realized how interconnected all the pieces were.  “I thought it would be so simple, just put a little cover over my teeth.”  She said she was amazed at how complex it really was and she was really impressed with Dr. Elizabeth’s knowledge, skills, and attention to detail.  She is really pleased with how everything turned out.  Thanks, PC,  for putting your trust in us!  We love serving you as our patient.

Root Canal Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Many patients have a great deal of anxiety around root canals. This is usually because they’ve heard stories over the years about the pain and suffering others have had to undergo before, during, and after their root canal treatments.

Luckily, that’s all they are: stories. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we want to dispel the root canal myths and give you the facts. Without further ado, let’s break down the most common root canal myths so you can put those anxieties to rest and feel good about your upcoming root canal treatment.

6 Common Root Canal Myths

Myth #1: Root Canal Treatment is Painful

Fact: While this may have been true decades ago, we are pleased to report that modern medicine and anesthesia has come a long way since then! As such, a root canal procedure shouldn’t be any more disagreeable than a filling. Furthermore, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth are very experienced in pain management and will make sure your procedure is as comfortable as possible.

Myth #2: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness

Fact: Be careful what you read on the internet or see on the streaming networks! This misinformation is based on a poorly researched study conducted about a century ago that claimed root canals could cause illnesses, and has since been debunked. Currently, there is no scientific evidence linking root canal treatment with the development of disease in other parts of the body.

Myth #3: If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, I Don’t Need a Root Canal

Fact: While it’s true that most infected teeth cause toothaches, there are cases in which an infected tooth presents with no pain. That’s why it’s important to make regular appointments with Eggert Family Dentistry—Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are trained to be able to test the tooth and detect when a root canal is needed to save the tooth, even if there is no initial pain.

Myth #4: It’s Better to Pull a Tooth Than Have a Root Canal Treatment

Fact: Saving the natural tooth is always your best option, as no artificial tooth replacement, even implants, will truly be able to look or function as well as a natural tooth. Root canal treatment has a high success rate and once treated, it’s highly likely that your tooth will continue to last a lifetime! Furthermore, root canal procedures only take a couple short appointments, while implants can be a larger time commitment.

Myth #5: Root Canals Remove the Roots of the Tooth

Fact: The root is what anchors your tooth to the jawbone, and so the root is never removed during a root canal treatment. Instead, the infected or inflamed pulp of the tooth is removed so that the root of your tooth can be healthy again.

Myth #6: Root Canals Require Multiple Long Appointments

Fact: At Eggert Family Dentistry, you can expect the entire root canal procedure to take about 90 minutes with a total of two visits. The first visit will be the main root canal procedure, and the second visit will be when we will fit a permanent crown or other restoration to protect the treated tooth and restore your bite.

Need a Root Canal Procedure? Schedule an Appointment

If you believe you have an infected tooth, it’s important that you have it treated as soon as possible to relieve your discomfort and prevent the spread of infection. At Eggert Family Dentistry, our patients enjoy successful, comfortable root canal procedures thanks to the compassionate care of Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 651-482-8412, today!

Understanding Tooth Loss: Common Risk Factors and How to Protect Your Smile

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

No one wants to lose their teeth. Unfortunately, many people lose at least one adult tooth in a lifetime for a variety of reasons. But, seeing as it can impact both oral health and quality of life, it is helpful to understand the factors that contribute to tooth loss in order to adopt proactive strategies that help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Let’s explore the common risk factors associated with tooth loss, as well as some practical tips on preventing tooth loss. We’ll also take a look at the various treatment options available at Eggert Family Dentistry to restore and replace missing teeth.

What Is Tooth Loss?

Tooth loss refers to the condition in which a person loses one or more of their natural teeth. Tooth loss can have significant effects on a person’s oral health, as well as their ability to bite, chew, and speak properly. It can also impact one’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. Treating and preventing tooth loss is important not only for maintaining a healthy smile, but also for preserving oral function and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Tooth Loss

  • Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common risk factor for tooth loss. When plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, bacteria can infect the gums, leading to inflammation and loss of the supporting bony structures for the teeth, eventually causing tooth loss if left untreated.
  • Cavities (Tooth Decay): Untreated tooth decay can result in cavities, which, when left untreated, can progress and reach the inner layers of the tooth. Severe tooth decay can cause tooth infection or abscess, leading to tooth loss.
  • Teeth Grinding: The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, known as bruxism, can exert excessive pressure on the teeth, leading to enamel wear, fractures, and tooth loss over time.
  • Injury or Trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or other forms of trauma to the mouth can cause immediate tooth loss, or damage that may eventually lead to tooth loss if not promptly treated.
  • Dry Mouth: Saliva plays an important role in neutralizing acids, remineralizing teeth, and washing away bacteria. Not having enough saliva in the mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
  • Diabetes: Poor blood sugar caused by uncontrolled diabetes weakens the immune system. A weak immune system will find it harder to fight off infections of the gums, accelerating gum disease and potentially leading to tooth loss.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease by reducing blood flow to the gums, making smokers more susceptible to tooth loss.

How to Prevent Tooth Loss

Hygiene Habits

Make sure you brush and floss and floss your teeth regularly. That means brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Additionally, make sure you’re maintaining a regular schedule of dental appointments with Eggert Family Dentistry so Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can monitor your oral health.

Lifestyle Choices

It should come as no surprise that you need to avoid tobacco consumption in all forms if you want to have a healthy mouth. Other lifestyle changes might include wearing a night guard for bruxism, consuming fewer sugary/acidic foods and drinks, and talking to your medical doctor about treatments for diabetes or high blood pressure to make sure your overall health is being taken care of.

Protective Measures for Sports

If you or a loved one engage in any kind of contact sports, mouth guards are a must. A properly fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from trauma and prevent tooth loss if an accident happens. Additionally, if your sport allows it, wear a helmet! [DO WE HAVE A PREVIOUS MOUTHGUARD BLOG YOU COULD LINK HERE?]

Treating Tooth Loss

Thanks to modern dentistry, tooth loss doesn’t have to be permanent! At Eggert Family Dentistry, we can recreate the look and feel of your natural teeth using implants or dentures.

Implants are anchored in the bone and they help preserve bone mass in the jaw. Once they are established, you can care for them just as you would your normal teeth, with brushing and flossing. The feel of chewing and speaking will all feel completely familiar. Implants are built to last a lifetime, and they almost always do.

Bridges use the neighboring teeth as anchors to fill in a “tooth” where the natural tooth is missing. Bridges can be a good option if the neighboring teeth also need reconstruction or if the bone isn’t healthy enough for an implant.

Dentures or Partial Dentures are another solution and can be less expensive than implants, however, they may need to be replaced multiple times in a lifetime as the shape of the jaw, mouth and adjacent teeth change over time.

Suffering from Tooth Loss?

If you’re experiencing tooth loss, booking an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry can be the first step towards restoring your smile. With our compassionate care and expertise, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will evaluate your oral health and determine the best treatment options for you. Whether it’s dental implants, bridges, dentures, or other restorative solutions, we can tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Give us a call today at (651) 482-8412!

Replacing Maryland Bridges – Kate’s Story

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Kate works in the medical field and came to us as a new patient in 2019.  At her new patient exam, Dr. Elizabeth noted that Kate was congenitally missing her upper lateral incisors.  The lateral incisor is the small tooth next to the central, front tooth. Missing lateral incisors are most commonly caused by a condition called hypodontia, in which someone is born with missing teeth.  This situation is more common than you realize.  Kate had her lateral incisors replaced by “Maryland” bridges over 30 years ago and she had some issues with them staying bonded in the past.  Maryland bridges aren’t used much anymore, but can be a decent way to replace teeth (temporarily) for patients that are young because over time tooth and gum changes are expected.

Kate had a bridge on her lower right side as well that came out due to the fracture of one of the abutment (anchor) teeth.  After this occurred, Kate decided it was time to work on her bite since she wanted implants to replace her lower teeth and once implants are placed, it is more difficult to idealize a bite since the implants can’t be moved with orthodontics like teeth can.

Patient Story - Kate

What did Kate want?

Kate wanted to complete her treatment as soon as possible, but she understood that changing her bite would include orthodontic treatment.  Kate worked with Dr. Brian DeVoe and had traditional brackets and wires placed.  Luckily, Dr. Elizabeth was able to section Kate’s original Maryland bridges so the teeth could still be moved, but Kate would not have to go without teeth in the front during her orthodontic treatment.  Kate was hoping to replace her missing teeth with implants so she would not have to use her adjacent teeth as anchors, however, due to the fact that Kate had been missing her lateral incisors her whole life, there wasn’t enough bone for implants without serious bone grafting interventions.  Even with surgical interventions, Kate still only would have had a guarded prognosis for implants.  Therefore, Kate decided to complete her case with conventional bridges.

Patient Story - Kate

What was involved?

Kate spent approximately 18 months in braces.  After she completed orthodontics, Kate came to our office for the pre-planning phase for her new conventional bridges.  We took impressions for a wax-up so Kate could preview her new restorations.  With the wax-up, we were able to complete a mock-up in Kate’s face so she could really see how the new bridges would look.  Kate also spent some time bleaching of her natural teeth so she could use a white porcelain for her new bridges.  This helped to brighten her smile.  One interesting thing occurred while Kate was bleaching.  She had purchased bleach online from the Amazon store, but ended up with a severe ulceration of her tissues from that bleach.  After reviewing techniques for healing, her tissue did heal and we were able to continue on with her treatment plan.

After Kate approved the mock-up and her gingival tissue healed, she returned to our office for the preparation of her teeth for conventional bridges.  We placed temporary bridges for a couple of weeks and then the final bridges were cemented.  She finished her treatment by having new orthodontic retainers fabricated.

Patient Story - Kate

What does Kate think?

When we asked Kate what she thought about the treatment once completed, she said that she didn’t understand everything that would go into correcting her bite and planning for new restorations.  She initially thought it would be a shorter process.  She was surprised at all the detail that went into the planning and the treatment.  “I am just amazed at the precision and every single thing that was considered.  Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s skill and ability to do what she does truly amazes me.”  When asked what she would tell someone thinking of getting this done, she said, “I would tell them to trust the process and to trust Dr. Elizabeth.  It may not be the easiest to live through or it may seem long and tedious, but the end results are so worth it!”  Thank you for putting your trust in us to complete your care, Kate!  We love your new bright smile!

Patient Story - Kate

My New Smile – “It was Necessary:” ML’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

ML (name withheld by request of patient) has been a patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for over 10 years.  When ML first came as a patient, Dr. Elizabeth had been working to do a complete oral reconstruction for his mother.  His mom urged him to seek Dr. Elizabeth’s council as she was concerned for the long-term health of his teeth.  When ML came to us, he mentioned that he knew he had a lot of tooth wear.  In interviewing ML, he noted he had difficulty sleeping and said it would take up to 45 minutes for him to fall asleep.  He also didn’t think he had a stable bite, despite being in orthodontics on and off for 14 years of his childhood and teenage years.  He did have 4 teeth extracted for his first orthodontic treatment (2 upper bicuspids and 2 lower bicuspids).  You can note from the BEFORE photos that ML had tooth wear and his upper teeth were stuck inside his lower teeth – this is a condition called “crossbite.”

What was recommended?

ML went through the Records Process and it was determined that the wear on his teeth was increasing at an accelerated rate and the current position of his teeth would put them at high risk for continued wear, chipping, cracking, breaking, and potentially even tooth loss.  The recommendations were to get ML’s teeth into a more idealized position, keep bone support for the teeth, and restore the teeth where they have worn in order to build back to normal tooth proportions.

Years ago when ML underwent orthodontics for the first time, we didn’t know as much as dental professionals about airway and jaw constriction.  It was fairly common for patients like ML to undergo extractions in order to “gain space” and “alleviate crowding.”  We know more now as a profession about how this affects sleep, breathing, and tooth wear over time.  Instead of extractions to “gain space” it is much more common now to encourage the bones to grow into positions that can support all the teeth.  We are much more likely to recommend expansion or expanders.  This solution works very well in growing children.  As an adult, this was still possible for ML, but would require jaw surgery to make the corrections.  Therefore, orthodontics, jaw surgery, and restorations were recommended for ML.  Dr. Elizabeth also talked to ML about the alternative treatment of restoring all of his teeth and rebuilding to a different bite, but ML wanted to limit the number of restorations and Dr. Elizabeth told ML that she preferred to see a wider arch for his teeth anyway.

What did ML want?

“My lifetime goal for my teeth is to keep them.”  He reported he has never been happy with the appearance of his teeth.  He didn’t want “nuclear” white teeth, but he said if he was going to improve his bite, he wanted his teeth to look nicer too.  ML started the process with Dr. DeVoe (orthodontist) to change his bite without any surgical correction.  Dr. DeVoe did a nice job improving ML’s crossbite and moving the teeth into a position where restorations could be done to rebuild tooth proportions.

Second Round

However, even after this second round of orthodontics (ML’s first round as an adult), it was still difficult to even out his bite forces without doing a large number of restorations.  Also, there was an “elephant in the room:”  ML’s tongue.  Dr. Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice how much space ML’s tongue wanted.  As you can see in the photo above, ML’s tongue wanted lots of room and would spill over his teeth with his teeth apart.  It was also always very visible in photos and very active when working on ML.

While doing the consultation after this second round of orthodontics, ML said “Well, there is always still the option of jaw surgery.”  While ML had not been set up orthodontically for jaw surgery, Dr. Elizabeth told ML that he was correct, there still was that option, if he was willing to undergo more orthodontics.  She also shared with him the story of her mom’s journey with jaw surgery and orthodontics.

What was involved?

ML went back into orthodontics.  He had 2 different surgeries with Dr. Andreasen of Momenta Oral Surgery.  One to open his upper arch and expand that space and another to move his upper and lower jaw bones forward.  This extended his treatment time frame, but after this third round of orthodontics, he was ready for restorations.  ML felt his teeth were disappearing, it was time to rebuild them back to visible proportions.

Third Round

It is easy to see how ML’s oral space improved after his jaw surgeries.  His tongue is happy to have so much more room!  For color and tooth proportion corrections, Dr. Elizabeth recommended a minimum of 14 restorations (8 upper teeth and 6 lower teeth) along with equilibration to finalize the bite.  ML wanted whiter teeth, but it was decided that since he was doing 14 restorations, his back teeth wouldn’t show in his smile so bleaching was not needed before the restorations were done.  Therefore, we did a wax-up so ML could see what the final restorations would look like and after he approved the wax-up, we prepared the teeth for restorations and a few weeks later seated his restorations.                  

What does he think?

When we asked ML what he thought about doing the procedure before we started he stated, “This was necessary; I never saw this as elective, but I wasn’t really looking forward to it.  The thought of something happening to my teeth was a little uncomfortable.  I don’t think anybody likes doing something to their body that is irreversible.”

However, ML is very happy he completed the procedures and ended up doing the jaw surgeries after all.  He is surprised at how much bigger his airway is and that he no longer makes sounds at night when sleeping.  He always believed he could not breathe through his nose because of allergies, but that does not seem to be the case after this treatment, it appears that he needed expansion of his oral spaces.  (Note there is NO tongue visible in ML’s AFTER photo.)  ML says it was a long road and he learned a lot along the way, but it was necessary!

Congratulations on your amazing results ML and thank you for putting your trust in us!  We were delighted to help you through this journey!

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