Our Practice Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

A Magical Tradition: Celebrating Tooth Fairy Day

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you have ever tucked a tiny lost tooth beneath your pillow and awakened the next morning to discover a surprise in its place, you have experienced one of childhood’s most magical traditions: a visit from the Tooth Fairy! In honor of Tooth Fairy Day, celebrated in August, you can take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history behind this beloved character. While the modern Tooth Fairy is especially popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries, the idea of doing something special with a child’s lost tooth is much older. In fact, traditions surrounding baby teeth have existed for centuries. One early influence may have come from Norse customs, in which children’s teeth were sometimes kept as good-luck charms. Over time, stories, superstitions, and family traditions evolved, eventually helping create the winged, gift-giving Tooth Fairy you know today.

Around the world, however, you may discover that not every child leaves a tooth beneath a pillow! In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, children may look forward to a visit from Ratoncito Pérez, a small mouse who collects lost teeth and leaves a gift or coin behind. France has La Petite Souris, or “the little mouse,” while similar tooth-collecting mice appear in traditions throughout other parts of Europe and Latin America. In some countries, children may throw a lost tooth onto a roof, bury it, place it in a special location, or even toss it toward the sun while making a wish or saying a traditional rhyme. No matter how the tradition is celebrated, losing a baby tooth is often treated as an exciting milestone—and a reason to make childhood just a little more magical.

You can also keep the Tooth Fairy tradition alive through books that turn the experience of losing a tooth into an adventure. Some fun children’s titles to explore include The Night Before the Tooth Fairy by Natasha Wing, How to Catch the Tooth Fairy by Adam Wallace, The Tooth Fairy by Peter Bently, and Dear Tooth Fairy by Alan Durant. Reading a Tooth Fairy story with your child can make a wiggly tooth feel exciting rather than scary, while also giving you an opportunity to talk about why baby teeth fall out and why taking care of the new permanent teeth is so important. After all, while the Tooth Fairy may only visit when a tooth comes out, your child’s smile needs attention every single day!

As your child grows, you can help make each stage of dental development a positive experience. From that first tiny tooth to the arrival of permanent teeth, regular dental visits, good brushing habits, flossing, and a healthy diet can all play an important role in protecting a growing smile. And when that baby tooth finally becomes loose, you can celebrate the milestone together—whether your family follows the traditional Tooth Fairy, a tooth-collecting mouse, or a completely unique tradition of your own. The magic is often found in the memories you create and in helping your child feel proud and excited about growing up.

This fun Tooth Fairy Day blog comes to you from Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, where you and your family can receive comprehensive dental care for every stage of life. From a child’s first dental visits and those exciting Tooth Fairy years to caring for adult and lifelong smiles, our goal is to help you enjoy healthy teeth and a smile you can feel good about. Our motto says it best: “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!” So, whether you are waiting for the Tooth Fairy’s next visit or simply helping your family keep their smiles healthy, we hope you have a magical—and cavity-free—Tooth Fairy Day! Call or text us to set up your next appointment today – 651-482-8412!

Looking Beyond Your Teeth: How Modern Dental Technology Can Help You Breathe and Sleep Better

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

It may seem strange that your dentists, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, could play a role in helping you understand how well you breathe, but advances in dental technology have created exciting opportunities to improve your overall health. One of the most valuable tools available today is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), a specialized 3D imaging system that allows dentists to see far more than just your teeth. While dentists are not Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medical specialists and do not diagnose or treat many airway disorders, CBCT imaging can sometimes reveal signs that suggest your airway may be compromised. In many cases, this information helps you become a stronger advocate for your own health and seek the specialized care you need.

CBCT imaging — An example of the most narrow area of the airway, can see the airway lacks space for air!

If you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, wake up with headaches, experience jaw discomfort, or struggle with poor sleep, your teeth may be trying to tell a bigger story. For years, dentistry focused primarily on repairing the damage caused by grinding and clenching. While protecting and restoring your teeth remains important, Drs. Eggert now recognize that airway compromise can sometimes be an underlying contributor to these habits. When your body struggles to get adequate airflow during sleep, it may unconsciously respond by shifting your jaw position or activating muscles that contribute to grinding and clenching. Simply repairing worn or broken teeth without addressing the underlying cause leads to ongoing damage and frustration, both for your teeth and your overall health!

tooth root compromise — This patient has worn his teeth and we can see a tooth root compromising his sinus space.

This is where CBCT technology becomes such a valuable tool. The detailed three-dimensional images allow your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry to evaluate structures that may influence your breathing and airway function. While the scan itself does not replace a medical evaluation by a medical professional, it can provide important clues that warrant further investigation. In some cases, you may discover that enlarged tissues, anatomical restrictions, narrow airways, or other factors could be contributing to your symptoms. Having this information empowers you to ask informed questions and seek appropriate care from medical professionals who specialize in airway health and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Examples of sinus anatomy that may be compromising airway flow – a mass in the sinus and deviations in the septum.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are passionate about helping you understand the bigger picture behind your oral health. They recognize that healthy teeth do not exist in isolation from the rest of your body. When they identify potential airway concerns, their goal is not to replace your ENT physician, sleep physician, or other medical specialists. Instead, they work collaboratively with those providers, helping ensure that you have the information necessary to pursue answers. This team-based approach often leads to better outcomes because everyone involved is focused on the same goal—helping you breathe better, sleep better, and enjoy better overall health.

Perhaps the most exciting part of modern dentistry is that your dental visit can now provide insights that extend far beyond cavities and gum disease. By using advanced technologies like CBCT imaging, your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry can help identify concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed for years. If you have been struggling with grinding, clenching, poor sleep, fatigue, or other symptoms that seem difficult to explain, a conversation about your airway may be worthwhile. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert love helping you advocate for yourself and connect with the right healthcare professionals. Together, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting not only your smile, but also your long-term health and quality of life.

Call Eggert Family Dentistry at 651-482-8412 today for insights into your TOTAL health!

Small Light, Big Benefits: How Diode Lasers Improve Your Dental Care

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you think about lasers, dentistry may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, diode lasers have become a valuable tool that can help make many dental procedures more comfortable and efficient. A diode laser uses a concentrated beam of light energy to precisely treat soft tissues in your mouth. Because the laser can target specific areas with exceptional accuracy, it often allows your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN to perform certain procedures with less bleeding, reduced swelling, and improved healing compared to traditional techniques.

You may be surprised by the variety of ways a diode laser can be used during your dental care. For example, it can help reshape gum tissue, expose partially erupted teeth, treat areas affected by gum disease, reduce bacteria around infected tissues, and even assist in managing canker sores or other oral lesions. In some situations, laser treatment can make procedures more comfortable and may reduce the need for extensive surgical intervention. The laser’s ability to simultaneously cut and cauterize tissue often leads to a cleaner treatment area and a more comfortable recovery experience.

The Biolase Diode Dental Laser, Available at Eggert Family Dentistry

Another exciting benefit of diode lasers is their ability to support better long-term oral health. By helping reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation, laser therapy can be a useful adjunct to periodontal treatment. If you have gum disease, laser therapy can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to improve gum health and support the structures that hold your teeth in place. The technology is not a replacement for good oral hygiene and regular recare dental visits, but it can be a valuable tool when specific conditions require additional treatment or especially when certain sites stay inflamed despite your best efforts!

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are committed to providing you with modern and high-tech treatment options that enhance your comfort and care. We use diode laser technology when appropriate to help achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you need soft tissue treatment, assistance with gum health, or management of certain oral conditions, laser dentistry may offer advantages that help make your experience more comfortable and efficient. If you have questions about whether laser treatment could benefit your specific situation, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert would be happy to discuss your options during your next visit. Call or text us today – 651-482-8412!

How High-Tech Dentistry Is Changing the Patient Experience

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

You’re supposed to go to the dentist regularly — whether it’s for unexplained tooth pain, TMD causing breathing issues, a child still sucking their thumb past the typical age, or simply your routine six-month checkup. But for many people, life gets in the way. And, if we’re being honest, going to the dentist kind of has a “bad reputation.”

🦷 If you have trouble setting (and sticking to) your dental goals, check out Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s article for some helpful tips: How to Set Dental Health Resolutions That Actually Stick.

But modern dentistry looks very different today — especially at Eggert Family Dentistry.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota, high-tech dentistry helps patients feel more informed, more comfortable, and far less anxious about getting the care they need. Tools like intraoral cameras and intraoral scanners let patients follow along in real time, while 3D CBCT imaging lets Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert look deep beneath the surface.

Patients are leaving with clearer answers and greater confidence than ever before.

The Clinical Benefits of High-Tech Dentistry

While high-tech dentistry certainly improves comfort and communication, it also plays an important clinical role behind the scenes. High-tech dentistry supports clinical care in several important ways:

It allows Drs. Elizabeth Eggert and Jeff Eggert to gather more detailed diagnostic information
It improves accuracy during treatment planning (fitting for braces, retainers, veneers, etc.)
It may reduce the need for certain traditional impression methods
It can allow for more efficient appointments

Of course, technology alone doesn’t create great dental care. But when advanced tools are paired with the experience and patient-focused approach of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert, they can make a truly meaningful difference in how patients experience dentistry.

Let’s Dive In

Some people assume all this technology is just about adding more gadgets to the dental office, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The truth is, high-tech dentistry’s benefits are two-fold. It creates a better overall experience for patients, yes, but it also helps Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert make more informed decisions about treatment recommendations and care. Advanced imaging and digital scanning technology can give a more detailed view of teeth, gums, bone, bite alignment, and overall oral health — often allowing concerns to be identified earlier and evaluated more thoroughly.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of high-tech dentistry in Eggert Family Dentistry’s toolkit.

Digital Scanning

Digital scanning is a great example of how high-tech dentistry can improve comfort while helping Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert provide some of the most modern and precise care possible.

While there is still a place for traditional dental impressions, it is true that the gooey putty doesn’t make for the most popular procedure at the dental office.

Luckily, at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert often use advanced scanning technology— including Primescan and iTero scanners — to create detailed 3D images of your teeth and bite without the messy molds many patients would rather avoid.

How Does It Work?

A small handheld scanner moves comfortably around your mouth, capturing thousands of data points to create a highly accurate digital 3D “model” of your teeth and bite. These digital scans are then used alongside Eggert Family Dentistry’s CEREC technology to help design and create custom restorations. Or, in some cases, these scans can be sent to the dental lab for restoration fabrication or to Invisalign for orthodontic treatments.

Digital scanning also improves the overall experience by making appointments:

More comfortable for patients with sensitive gag reflexes
Faster and cleaner than traditional impressions
More convenient for patients’ schedules, as CEREC technology allows for crowns to be created and installed in just one visit
More precise for customized treatment planning
Simpler to store and share digitally when needed

To learn more about the specific pieces of digital scanning technology at Eggert Family Dentistry (and to learn more about how Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use them to improve patient care), check out this blog: The Importance of Dental Technology and What You Can Expect at Eggert Family Dentistry.

3D CBCT Radiographic Imaging

One of the most advanced forms of dental imaging used today is CBCT (cone beam computed tomography). Unlike traditional dental X-rays that capture flat images, CBCT technology creates a detailed 3D view of your teeth, jaws, bone structure, root canal spaces, airway, joints, and surrounding structures.

This is different from the digital scanning previously discussed; digital scanners create highly accurate images of the surfaces of your teeth and gums … which is incredibly helpful for things like Invisalign, crowns, veneers, dentures, but not so helpful for issues lurking beneath the surface. CBCT imaging goes deeper.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use CBCT technology to help diagnose and plan treatment for a wide range of dental concerns, including:

Dental implants
Wisdom teeth evaluations
Root canal treatment
TMJ or TMD-related issues

Patients are often surprised by how quick and comfortable the process feels. The scan itself only takes less than a minute You simply stay put while the machine rotates around your head and captures detailed images in seconds.

🦷 For patients dealing with symptoms related to TMD, this type of imaging can be especially valuable. The temporomandibular joints are small, complex joints with a lot going on in a very compact space. Learn more here: How CBCT Technology at Eggert Family Dentistry Can Help with TMD Diagnosis and Treatment.

While 3D imaging may sound futuristic, at Eggert Family Dentistry, it’s simply part of making dental visits smarter, more efficient, and a little easier on everyone involved.

Intraoral Cameras

At Eggert Family Dentistry, intraoral cameras are one of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s and Dr. Jeff Eggert’s favorite high-tech dentistry tools. It’s hard for you to see inside your mouth – even with a mirror, you just can’t get the correct angle on your own.

Well, intraoral cameras fix that.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use intraoral cameras to help patients see what they see, which changes the whole conversation. Instead of hearing, “There’s a small crack on this tooth,” you can view the image on a screen right beside you.

It’s a little easier to understand why a tooth feels sensitive when it suddenly appears on a monitor looking like it lost a fight with a popcorn kernel.

So, while some high-tech dental tools are designed to improve clinical procedures, intraoral imaging is really about education and connection. It allows Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert to show patients exactly what’s happening in real time, helping them feel more informed and confident about their dental care.

Experience the Difference for Yourself

Modern dental technology is helping transform the patient experience in meaningful ways. From digital scanning and 3D imaging to intraoral cameras and beyond, high-tech dentistry allows patients to experience care that is more precise, more informative, and more comfortable than ever before.

If you’ve been wondering what modern dentistry looks like today, we invite you to schedule an evaluation. Call 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment at Eggert Family Dentistry.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Celebrating the Women Who Shape Your Smile: A Women’s History Month Tribute

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you think about your dental care, you might picture your next cleaning or checkup—but behind every healthy smile is a long history of pioneering women who helped shape the profession you rely on today. During Women’s History Month, you have a special opportunity to reflect on the trailblazing dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants who broke barriers and elevated the standard of care you experience every time you sit in the dental chair.

You can trace the roots of modern dentistry to influential women like Lucy Hobbs Taylor, the first woman to earn a dental degree in the United States. She paved the way for women to enter the profession at a time when it was overwhelmingly male-dominated. You also benefit from the work of Irene Newman, one of the first dental hygienists, who helped establish preventive dental care as a cornerstone of oral health. These women didn’t just participate in dentistry—they transformed it, helping shift the focus toward education, prevention, and patient-centered care that you still experience today.

As you continue to explore the history of dentistry, you’ll find that dental assistants have also played a vital role in advancing patient care. Early pioneers in dental assisting helped create more efficient, comfortable, and supportive clinical environments, allowing dentists to focus more fully on your needs. Their contributions helped shape the team-based approach you benefit from today, where every member of the dental team plays an important role in your overall experience.

Right here in North Oaks, MN, you are supported by a truly exceptional, women-led team at Eggert Family Dentistry, even though we have Dr. Jeff Eggert, every other member of our magnificent team is a woman! From the highly skilled Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to our compassionate hygienists – Lea, Anna, and Lisa, as well as our dedicated dental assistants – Tracy and Heather, you are surrounded by professionals who embody the same spirit of care, innovation, and leadership as the women who came before them. Of course, we can’t forget our amazing administrative team as well – Kristina, Bekah, and Rebecca, without them the clinical skills would fall to the wayside and we might just break apart!

When you visit, you can feel confident knowing that each team member is committed to helping you achieve your best oral health in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our passion, expertise, and teamwork make every visit a positive one—and that’s something worth celebrating.

So as you honor Women’s History Month, why not celebrate by prioritizing your own dental health? You deserve to be cared for by a team that reflects the very best of dentistry’s past and present. Go ahead and call Eggert Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment—because honestly, who wouldn’t want to be around such an amazing group of women (plus Dr. Jeff) while taking care of their smile? Call or text us today – 651-482-8412!

Why Professional Recare Appointments Do What Your Toothbrush Can’t

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Give Your Smile the Spring Cleaning It Deserves

Spring has a way of making us notice what we’ve been ignoring — the dust in the corners, the smudges on the windows, the cluttered drawer we meant to organize months ago. So we roll up our sleeves and give everything a proper refresh.

Your smile needs that same kind of care.

Brushing and flossing are your daily tidy-up routine, but even the most consistent at-home care can’t replace a professional cleaning and maintenance appointment. Over time, plaque collects in hard-to-reach places and hardens into tartar; once it does, your toothbrush simply can’t remove it.

A professional recare appointment targets that pesky buildup that hides beneath the gumline, in between teeth, in deep grooves, and around existing dental work. It’s like pulling the furniture away from the walls — Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff and their amazing hygiene team can reach the places your daily routine just can’t.

Skipping that professional cleaning? That’s when dustbunnies and tartar start collecting in all the places you can’t see.

Periodontal Disease: The Real Risk Lurking Beneath the Surface

When you skip spring cleaning at home, dust and grime don’t appear overnight. They build up gradually. You may not notice the impact until allergies flare or something starts to break down.

Periodontal (gum) disease works much the same way.

It often begins sneakily: slight inflammation. Occasional bleeding. Maybe a bit of tenderness. Like seasonal allergies, it’s noticeable, but easy to brush off. It doesn’t seem quite urgent enough to rearrange the furniture or call your dentists … even though that’s exactly when you should.

Meanwhile, beneath the surface, real damage is unfolding. Harmful bacteria accumulate below the gumline, breaking down the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth.

Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to:

Gum recession
Bone loss
Loose teeth
Tooth loss

And the effects don’t stop there. Chronic gum inflammation has been linked to heart disease, complications from diabetes, and other systemic health concerns throughout the body.

Professional recare visits are one of the most important tools Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff have for catching periodontal disease early. Skipping these visits gives the condition time to progress — often without obvious symptoms.

👉If you’d like a deeper look at why consistent exams matter, read Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s post, Worried About Periodontal Disease? Don’t Skip Your Regular Dental Check-ups!

So, if you haven’t dusted behind the couch — or scheduled your recare appointment — consider this your reminder. Spring cleaning prevents small messes from turning into costly repairs.

So does preventive dental care.

When a Deeper Clean Is Needed: Scaling & Root Planing

When a spill on the carpet sits for too long, a quick pass with the vacuum just won’t cut it anymore. You need a more targeted treatment to fully restore the surface.

The same is true for periodontal concerns. When bacteria and hardened deposits collect beneath the gums, a standard recare cleaning can’t reach deeply enough to resolve the problem.

That’s when Drs. Elizabeth and Jeff Eggert may recommend scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning — a focused therapeutic cleaning designed to remove buildup below the gumline and gently smooth the root surfaces of your teeth. By eliminating the bacteria and creating a cleaner surface, the gum tissue can begin to heal and reattach properly.

When identified early, periodontal disease is highly manageable. That’s exactly why routine recare appointments matter so much. Even if more targeted treatment — like scaling and root planing — becomes necessary, those regular visits allow Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff to catch concerns early, when they’re easier to treat and far less likely to require extensive intervention.

If you’d like a clearer understanding of what scaling and root planing involves and why it’s sometimes necessary, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert explains it in more detail in her post, Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: What Does It Mean?

“But If I Brush Really Well … Do I Still Need Professional Recare?”

Daily brushing and flossing do absolutely matter. They remove plaque, freshen your breath, and maintain your smile between visits. In fact, avoiding common mistakes (like the ones Dr. Elizabeth Eggert outlines in her post, 8 Bad Brushing Habits) can dramatically improve your at-home results.

That being said, it’s important to understand that even the most consistent brushing routine has limits.

Imagine trying to deep clean your entire home with only paper towels. You could wipe down the counters every day, sure … but you wouldn’t be able to shampoo the carpets, reseal the grout, or inspect the wiring behind the walls.

That’s the difference between daily at-home care and professional recare.

Your toothbrush:

Removes soft plaque
Helps prevent surface stains
Maintains your basic oral health between visits

Your professional recare appointment:

Removes hardened tartar that cannot be brushed away
Measures gum pocket depths to detect early signs of periodontal disease
Cleans above and below the gumline with precision instruments
Evaluates existing fillings and restorations
Screens for cavities and oral cancer

In other words, it’s not “just another cleaning.” It’s a comprehensive evaluation and preventive service designed to protect your long-term health.

👉If you’re curious about the details, here’s exactly what to expect at your next recare appointment: What to Expect at Your Next Recare Visit: It’s More Than Just a Cleaning

Together, your toothbrush and your dental team form the ultimate cleaning partnership — keeping your smile healthy not just this season, but year-round.

P.S.: To answer the age-old question … yes, your dentist can tell how consistent your brushing and flossing have been.

While some patients wonder if they can skip professional cleanings as long as their at-home routine is solid, others take the opposite approach — assuming that regular dental visits make daily brushing and flossing optional.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how dentists always seem to know, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert has the answer in her post, Let’s Get Real: Can My Dentist Actually Tell if I’m Brushing and Flossing?

You need consistent at-home care and regular professional recare appointments. One cannot replace the other.

How Often Should You Schedule a “Smile Reset”?

For many patients, professional recare appointments are recommended every six months.

But just like some homes need more frequent upkeep, some smiles need more frequent care.

Patients with …

A history of periodontal disease
Diabetes
Dry mouth
A higher risk for buildup

… may benefit from visits every three months or less.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we personalize your recare schedule based on your specific needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all cleaning plan, because no two patients are alike.

Schedule Your Next Professional Recare Appointment

Spring inspires us to reset our homes — to clear out what’s been collecting and create a cleaner, healthier space. Why not give your smile the same attention?

Clear out the buildup.
Catch small issues early.
Protect your overall health.
Start fresh.

Whether it’s been 6 months or a few years since you’ve been to the dentist, you can schedule your next professional recare visit now. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff and the amazing hygiene team, call our office at 651-482-8412.

Give your smile the deep clean it deserves — because even the best toothbrush can’t move the couch!

How Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert Care for Growing Smiles

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

One of the reasons families trust Eggert Family Dentistry is that care goes beyond “just checking teeth.” Drs. Elizabeth and Jeff Eggert take a personalized, child-focused approach that supports long-term health and development from the very beginning.

Setting the Foundation Early

Children’s visits are designed to be supportive, educational, and calm. The goal is to help kids develop healthy habits that actually last. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert welcome young patients as early as age one — the ideal age to begin monitoring growth and setting the foundation for lifelong oral health. (Of course, with emergency concerns before age one for your child, we encourage parents to reach out as well.)

A Bigger-Picture Approach to Children’s Oral Development

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks MN, the focus is not only on preventing cavities. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert also evaluate the bigger picture of your child’s development, including:

Bite patterns
Oral habits (thumb-sucking, pacifier use)
Facial development
Signs of mouth breathing, snoring, or airway concerns

This proactive approach helps families understand what’s happening now and what to watch for as their child grows. It can also help identify concerns early, before they become bigger issues. Left unnoticed, the issues may go on to affect your child’s sleep, breathing, and long-term development. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff strongly believe in early interventions if appropriate because why allow children to develop on a path that could lead to long-term skill deficets? We all want our children to be the best they can be!

Some benefits of early intervention programs can lead to diminution of allergies, colds, sore throats, and ear infections. We see improvement in the nasal airway and nasal breathing over mouth breathing, which all lead to positive psychological benefits and healthier children.

Partnering with Parents Every Step of the Way

Families are always part of the conversation.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert work closely with parents to create supportive plans without adding stress. Clear guidance and shared decision-making will ensure you feel informed, involved, and confident every step of the way.

Learn more about their family-centered approach here:
Why Your Children Deserve Expert Dental Care at Eggert Family Dentistry

A Healthier Smile Starts Early

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m still not sure if this is a big deal …” we don’t blame you. These topics can feel confusing, especially when pediatricians don’t usually spend any time doing these evaluations OR even recommend families talk with dentists about them. Not to mention how the internet has a way of making everything sound urgent. The simple truth is, early awareness is powerful and the right guidance can make all the difference. Having an evaluation by age one for your child is KEY.

Thumb-sucking, pacifiers, and snoring are often normal in very early childhood, but when these habits last too long, they can have serious consequences to your child’s long-term oral health.

Children’s Dental Health Month is the perfect time to check in, ask questions, and feel confident you’re supporting your child’s healthiest development. If you’d like expert support, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry are here to help you navigate every stage of children’s oral development with reassurance and personalized care.

Call or text us at 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment. We can’t wait to see you soon!

When Memory Fades, Advocacy Matters: Why a Trusted Companion Makes Dental Care Safer and Smoother

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you or a loved one begins showing signs of cognitive decline, even routine dental appointments can become more complicated. Clear communication, informed consent, and follow-through on care instructions all depend on accurate recall and good decision-making. Having a consistent advocate—such as a trusted family member or friend—attend dental appointments with you can make a meaningful difference in both safety and quality of care.

If your recall ability is questionable, attending appointments alone can be challenging for everyone involved. You may have difficulty remembering medical history details, understanding treatment options, or accurately reporting symptoms. Important conversations about risks, benefits, timelines, and home care can be misunderstood or forgotten. This can slow down progress, lead to repeated explanations, or even result in delays in necessary treatment.

A consistent advocate helps bridge these gaps. When someone familiar with your health history and preferences is present, your dental team at Eggert Family Dentistry can communicate more effectively and confidently. Your advocate can help ask questions, clarify instructions, and ensure that recommendations are understood and followed. This teamwork allows your care to move forward more efficiently and reduces unnecessary stress for you.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take patient privacy very seriously. They work diligently to protect your personal health information and follow all privacy regulations. At the same time, they recognize that there are situations where collaborating with a trusted advocate is not only appropriate, but essential to providing safe, ethical, and compassionate care.

When it’s clear that you may struggle to make complex healthcare decisions alone, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert thoughtfully involve family members or friends—with your permission or when legally appropriate—to support your best interests. This balanced approach respects your dignity while ensuring that important decisions are made with clarity and care. Their goal is always to protect you, not just your smile.

Ultimately, sending a patient with cognitive challenges to a dental appointment alone can create confusion and slow down care that could otherwise move forward smoothly. By bringing a consistent advocate with you, you help your dental team provide better, safer, and more personalized treatment. At Eggert Family Dentistry, you can trust that your well-being, privacy, and long-term health are always at the center of every decision. Call us today for your next appointment – 651-482-8412.

Considering a Career in Dentistry? Here’s What You Need to Know

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Considering a career in dentistry? We at Eggert Family Dentistry want to encourage others to share in this amazing career. Let’s go through an overview of the education, training, and skills necessary for a dental career, as well as some of the benefits of working in this field.

Why Choose a Career in Dentistry?

A career in dentistry offers a wide array of benefits and rewarding experiences. Dentistry is a unique blend of science, art, and meticulous hands-on care, requiring dentists to master techniques unique to their profession.

Dental professionals improve the lives of their patients, helping them smile with confidence. In each visit, a dentist can experience the satisfaction of positively impacting a patient’s life, whether that’s through preventative care, restorative procedures, pain reduction, or esthetic correction.

As a dentist, you have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with your patients—many dentists have the privilege of serving multiple generations within a single family! You also help contribute to the overall public health of your community.

In addition to these rewarding experiences, a dental career offers career stability, flexibility, and independence. In fact, dental careers have consistently appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s “100 Best Jobs” rankings.

Most dental school graduates choose to go into private practice, which offers independence and the ability to set and reach individual business and career goals.

Beyond private practice, the field of dentistry offers a wide range of clinical, research, and academic opportunities as well. For example, by engaging in dental education, you have the chance to help shape the future direction of oral healthcare. And in dental research, your work to discover new techniques and technologies can help advance the profession and create better oral health outcomes for millions of patients.

No matter which area of dentistry you choose, you will find a rewarding, challenging career that helps to make the world a better place.

Available Career Paths in Dentistry

The field of dentistry offers a variety of career paths, allowing you to choose a career that best suits your individual skills and interests. Each role in a dental office—whether you’re the dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, administrative team member, office manager, or lab technician—helps contribute to patient care in its own way.

Dentist: As the primary dental care provider, dentists care for and manage a patient’s overall oral health and often play a vital role in running the business of the dental office. Dentists help patients with preventative education, as well as restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures and surgical procedures like root canals, extractions, implants. In addition, they routinely check patients for signs of oral, cranial, lymph, and neck-related health issues, such as cancer or gum disease.
Dental Hygienist: A dental hygienist is able to have a lot of one-on-one time with patients. They work closely with dentists to provide important aspects of oral care, such as cleanings and periodontal treatments as well as educating patients on maintaining good oral health.
Dental Assistant: Dental assistants support dentists in a variety of tasks, including preparing patients for and walking them through procedures, sterilizing instruments, taking x-rays and tooth impressions. Dental assistants work closely with the dentist during dental procedures and occasionally do help the dental office with administrative tasks.
Dental Lab Technician: Working behind the scenes, dental lab technicians are the ones who design and fabricate dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, dentures, mouth guards, and other dental appliances according to the dentist’s specifications. Most dental lab technicians work outside of the dental office, often at a dental laboratory.
Dental Administrative Team Member: No dental office is complete without capable and friendly administrative team members. These workers keep the office running smoothly by helping patients schedule, coordinating payments and with insurance companies, and maintaining relationships with each patient.

In addition to these roles, there are several specialized areas of dentistry that require additional education and certification. These specialists include orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pediatric dentists, facial pain specialists, and oral radiologists.

Education and Training Requirements to Be a Dentist

Becoming a dentist involves rigorous academic requirements as well as several years of practical education. Anyone interested in a dental career must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. It can be in any field, but most aspiring dentists opt for fields that help them complete the prerequisite courses they’ll need for dental school, such as biology or chemistry.

In addition, you must also complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) to be accepted into dental school. It’s generally recommended for students to take the DAT at least a year before applying to dental school. In addition, you’ll need to have a good GPA, some experience shadowing a dentist, and excellent recommendation letters.

Dental school is typically a four-year program, with the first two years consisting of basic instruction and lab work, and the final two years focusing on clinical studies.

Once you’ve completed dental school and receive either your Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree, you’ll need to pass the accepted licensing board examinations accepted by the state where you want to practice. There are both requirements for knowledge based written board examinations and clinical skill examinations like the CRDTS exam. Depending on the state you plan to practice in, there may be additional licensure requirements as well and you may even have to go before the Licensing Board of the state.

From there, you can either begin practicing dentistry or go on for additional schooling to become a specialist. To enter a specialty program, you’ll need to complete a residency after dental school, which can take anywhere from two to six years, depending on the specialty area you choose.

Continuing Education: Staying Current in a Changing Field

If you choose to enter the dental field, be prepared for a lifetime of learning. Even once you’ve completed your initial schooling, your dental education is not complete. The field of dentistry is constantly growing and changing, so there is always more to learn.

Taking regular workshops and CE courses (online or in-person)
Joining professional dental associations
Attending conferences
Participating in mentorship opportunities
Pursuing certification programs

These are all great ways to stay current on dental advancements, industry trends, and best practices. Through continuing education, you’ll gain valuable insights to better serve your patients, including learning the latest techniques and technologies available to you. Most states have a continuing education requirement each year to maintain a dental license. In Minnesota, dentists are required to log at least 50 hours every 2 years. Did you know, your dentists, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert in North Oaks, MN log more than double that amount?

You’ll also have important networking opportunities that help you understand the broader dental landscape so you can make informed decisions for your practice and stay up-to-date on regulatory and licensing requirements. Being part of a strong network of other dental professionals can bring new opportunities and offer invaluable advice to inform your career path.

Building the Right Skill Set

Working in the dental field requires a unique skill set consisting of a blend of technical skills and “soft” person-based skills.

Dental professionals need to be skilled in precision, dexterity, and attention to detail to properly care for their patients’ teeth. Whether you’re cleaning in between a patient’s teeth, filling a cavity, removing stains, or fixing bigger oral issues with bridges, crowns, or surgery, these skills are crucial in helping patients maintain good dental health.

In addition to these technical skills, soft skills like communication, compassion, and creativity are vital to ensure happy patients and a well-run dental office. Effective communication is necessary to deliver your expertise to patients in a way they can understand and apply it to their dental health. Clear communication also helps ensure effective collaboration with your dental team.

Treating patients with compassion is an important element as well. The dental office is often an anxiety-inducing place for patients of all ages, and your job is to reassure them, building trust and rapport so they feel comfortable seeking dental treatment. Listen actively, explain procedures clearly, and show empathy for their fears. Building positive patient relationships like this leads to better treatment outcomes for the patient and increased patient loyalty for your practice.

Finally, a creative mindset is useful in a dental practice, as you will often need to come up with creative solutions to a patient’s dental concerns. This may involve adapting a treatment plan to suit a patient’s lifestyle, designing dental appliances, or finding creative ways to make treatment more comfortable for the patient. No two patients are the same; your approach to their problems needs to follow suit.

Ready to Explore a Career in Dentistry?

If a career in dentistry sounds like something you’d like to pursue, spending some time with others in that field is a great first step.

Look for opportunities to intern, volunteer, or shadow a local dentist. This will give you an opportunity to explore the field further and determine if it’s something you’d like to pursue long-term. Plus, dental schools like to see applicants with experiences like these, because it shows they understand what is involved in practicing dentistry.

If you’re interested in mentorship or observation opportunities with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, Dr. Jeff Eggert, or another member of the Eggert Family Dentistry team, please feel free to reach out.

Healing After Oral Surgery: What To Expect and How To Speed Up Recovery

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Oral and maxillofacial surgery can help correct disease, injury, or defects in the hard and soft tissues. But for proper healing and lasting results, a successful recovery from surgery is essential.

Here, we’re sharing some practical tips for healing after oral surgery—including pain management, diet, and oral hygiene—to help you have a smooth recovery.

What To Expect When Healing From Oral Surgery

Within the first few days after surgery, you can expect to experience some or all of the following:

Intermittent bleeding and oozing from the surgical site for up to 24 hours (possibly longer if you are taking blood thinning medication).
Pain or discomfort. It’s normal to feel more soreness on day two or three after surgery than on the day of surgery itself. In most cases, pain should reach its peak within 48-72 hours, then gradually begin to improve.
Nausea. Pain medications may cause nausea. Taking them with food and sipping on carbonated beverages can help.
Swelling at or near the surgical site. This can last for several days—swelling typically peaks around the 48-hour mark, then begins to improve.

If you experience these symptoms within the timeframes listed, please know that this is normal and should improve as you heal. Keep reading for tips to manage these symptoms, as well as what symptoms to watch for that could indicate a need to contact Eggert Family Dentistry.

Pain Management and Swelling Control

Most oral and maxillofacial surgery will be accompanied by some pain or discomfort. In many cases, some form of pain reliever will be prescribed or recommended during your recovery period.

This could be an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin; or a prescribed stronger pain medication. In either case, make sure to follow the instructions from our office for how much medication to take, and when and how long to take it. Note that it is rare that we would prescribe a narcotic medication, however, if prescribed, this medication will cause impaired judgment and reflexes, so you will need to avoid driving or operating other heavy machinery while you’re taking it.

Swelling is another part of the body’s normal reaction to oral surgery. It should gradually decrease within five days. In the meantime, keeping your head elevated with extra pillows when lying down can help minimize swelling. You can also apply ice packs or cold compresses to your face during the first 48-72 hours (30 minutes on/30 minutes off). After that point, a warm compress (30 minutes on/30 minutes off) can be used until the swelling subsides.

Smart Eating: Post-Surgery Diet Tips

While it may be more difficult to eat after surgery, eating regular nutritious meals will give your body the fuel it needs to recover.

For the first 24 hours, stick to cool or room-temperature liquids and soft foods, such as:

Ginger ale, milk, or other cool beverages
Milkshakes or Protein shakes
Mashed potatoes (cooled)
Soup (cooled)
Oatmeal (cooled)
Yogurt or Jell-O^® (without fruit pieces)
Ice cream, sherbet, or frozen yogurt (without fruit, nuts, or other hard or chewy pieces)
Apple sauce or other pureed food

This is not an exhaustive list—it’s just meant to give you an idea of what kinds of foods are best. Stick to cool or room temperature beverages and foods until all numbness wears off. In addition, avoid foods that contain nuts, seeds, rice, corn, or chips, as well as those that are hot, spicy, tough, or chewy.

When chewing, chew softly and away from your surgical site. Make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. After the first 24 hours, you can gradually begin to add in more solid foods and warmed foods and beverages.

Dental Hygiene While Healing After Oral Surgery

Maintaining good dental care while recovering from oral surgery will help you avoid infection and ensure your surgery site heals properly.

On the day of surgery, you will likely have gauze pads in your mouth to help stop the bleeding. Change these gauze pads regularly until the bleeding stops or slows to a minimum. The day after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water three or four times per day for a couple of days. You should also start gently brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush beginning the day after surgery, taking care to avoid the surgery site.

Note: The dental care instructions you receive may vary depending on the type of surgery. Make sure to always follow the instructions given by Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert.

Tips for a Speedy Recovery

While recovery from oral surgery will take time, there are a few simple things you can do to ease pain and swelling, prevent infection, and speed up your recovery time.

Rest. This is one of the most important elements of recovery. Your body is working hard to heal itself, so you need to support it with plenty of rest. Try to take it easy for at least the first 48-72 hours.
Take medication as directed. If we prescribe a pain reliever, antibiotics, or anti-nausea medication, take it as directed, for as long as directed.
Keep your head elevated. For the first day or two, keep your head slightly elevated when you’re lying down to help reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding.
Use cold and warm compresses. For the first 48-72 hours, apply an ice pack or cold compress to your face near the surgical site for about 30 minutes at a time to help bring down swelling. If you develop bruising within the few days after surgery, applying a warm compress can help speed up the healing process.
Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, and exercising for at least a week after surgery.
Don’t use a straw and don’t spit for a week after surgery, as these actions may disrupt the blood clot in the surgical site and cause bleeding.
Avoid smoking and alcohol for a week after surgery. Smoking restricts blood flow, and alcohol can conflict with your medication. Both will delay healing.
Attend all your follow-up appointments and follow all instructions given to you after your surgery to ensure you heal well and avoid complications.

When To Contact Eggert Family Dentistry

As you heal after your oral surgery, there are a few symptoms you should watch for that could indicate a problem:

Persistent pain, swelling, or nausea that lasts longer than your post-op instructions state
Pain that radiates to other areas of the jaw, teeth, or ear. This could indicate a dry socket (loss of the blood clot in the surgical site) and needs to be addressed
Fever or pus. This could signify an infection
Heavy bleeding or bleeding that continues for more than 24 hours
Rash, itching, or trouble swallowing or breathing. This could indicate an allergic reaction to your anesthetic or your antibiotics

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Eggert Family Dentistry right away. Prompt care can prevent any complications and get you back on the road to recovery.

If you have an upcoming oral surgery or questions about recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Eggert Family Dentistry. We’re here to help you heal comfortably—and get back to your best smile!