Our Practice Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

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!

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of Smiles at Eggert Family Dentistry! 🎉

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

October 2005 – October 2025

You’re invited! This October, we are celebrating 20 incredible years of serving the North Oaks and Twin Cities community. Back in October 2005, our founder, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, opened the doors with the intention to provide “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles.” Fast-forward 20 years and Eggert Family Dentistry is recognized as a warm, caring, family-friendly, and high-tech dental practice. And, after two decades and we’re so grateful for patients like you — the friendships, the trust, the daily smiles.

To honor the milestone, we’re turning this month into a fun celebration — and you’re part of it!

What’s happening on our Facebook page

We’ve been posting special content all month on our Facebook page. In honor of Eggert Family Dentistry’s 20th anniversary, we’re posting daily trivia all October! To enter, comment to the Facebook post with the correct answer for a chance to win a “Night in Stillwater!” Everyone is eligible to submit one answer each day, which means up to 31 chances! Correct answers revealed throughout the month as an edit to the original post. We will accept answers/guesses until the answer is posted. Good luck!

The comments have been rolling in – it’s fun seeing how many of you remember our 20 year journey. Check these posts at Eggert Family Dentistry’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Eggert.Family.Dentistry//. Here are a few highlights:

On October 14:
“What is a favorite hobby of Dr. Jeff?”

On October 18:
“Dr. Elizabeth is on a quest to do what?”

On October 21:
“Who was one doctor that covered Dr. Elizabeth’s maternity leave when Grant was born in 2009?”

Join the Trivia Fun — & Win a “Night in Stillwater”

Here’s how you can participate and win:

Visit our Facebook page and look for the daily trivia post.
Comment on the trivia post with your answer.
Each correct entry gets you a chance to win a “Night in Stillwater” — our fun way of saying we’re giving away a little local stay-cation (details in the post).
Don’t worry if you miss a day — we will accept answers/guesses until we post the answer so there are still plenty of chances to play throughout October and November.

So yes — you’re absolutely invited to join in the fun, test your Eggert Family Dentistry knowledge, and maybe walk away with the prize. It’s a win-win: you get to reminisce, we get to celebrate, and we all get to smile together.

👍 Stay connected — follow our Facebook page

If you haven’t already, here’s how to stay in the loop:

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Thank You for the Past 20 Years!

You’ve trusted us — whether it’s your first check-up, treatment for your kids, a cosmetic smile enhancement, or simply routine recare visit and cleaning. We appreciate the opportunity to care for you and your family’s smiles.

Here’s to the next 20 years of wellness, technology, warm visits, and big-hearted dental care. And in the meantime — dive into our trivia, join the celebration, and let’s mark this milestone together.

See you on Facebook!

Warmly,
The Team at Eggert Family Dentistry
700 Village Center Drive, Suite 120, North Oaks MN 55127
(651) 482-8412

Scaling and Root Planing:  A Deeper Clean for Better Health

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you visit our office regularly, you’re already educated about the threat of gum disease. We make it a priority to teach our patients how to care for their teeth and prevent its harmful effects. Unfortunately, it can sometimes develop despite our best efforts, and when it does, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN address it directly.

In this article, we’ll provide a concise overview of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, and explain how scaling and root planing can help stop—and in some cases even reverse—its effects before it leads to tooth loss or other systemic health issues.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, typically starting as gingivitis—the mild, reversible stage marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. Without treatment, it can progress to a more serious form of periodontal disease, often referred to as periodontitis, where the infection damages the bone and connective tissue, leading to gum recession, loose teeth, and often tooth loss.

Gum disease develops when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on teeth and hardens into tartar, irritating the gums and causing inflammation. Common signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, swollen or tender gums, receding gums, and shifting teeth. Good oral hygiene at home and regular dental visits are key to preventing and treating gum disease.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning treatment used to address gum disease. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line, where regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings can’t reach. Root planing smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to cling and helping the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert typically recommend this procedure when gum disease has advanced beyond gingivitis and deep pockets have formed between the gums and teeth. Unlike a routine cleaning, which focuses on the visible surfaces of teeth, scaling and root planing targets the deeper areas where infection has taken hold, especially below the gum line, helping to stop disease progression and protect your smile.

The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing delivers lasting benefits that protect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health. By targeting the bacteria and tartar that contribute to gum disease, this treatment can improve healing, prevent further damage, and support a healthier mouth.

Key benefits include:

Halting the progression of gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from deep beneath the gums
Reducing inflammation and bleeding, allowing gums to heal and stay healthy
Helping prevent tooth loss by stopping the infection that can loosen teeth
Supporting bone and gum tissue regeneration, promoting recovery of oral structures
Improving breath and overall oral hygiene by eliminating bacteria and plaque buildup

What to Expect from Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is typically done over one or more visits, depending on the extent of the gum disease. During the procedure, the magnificent hygienists at Eggert Family Dentistry will use specialized instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Then they will smooth the tooth roots to help the gums reattach. Often both a water treatment, using a Cavitron, and hand instrumentation is used. A local anesthetic is generally used to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.

After the procedure, proper healing and maintenance are essential. Our patients are encouraged to continue diligent oral hygiene at home—brushing, flossing, and using antimicrobial rinses, as recommended. Follow-up appointments allow our team to monitor your progress and, in some cases, prescribe antibiotics to support healing. At Eggert Family Dentistry, patient comfort and personalized care are a top priority, ensuring each visit is as gentle and effective as possible.

Addressing gum disease early on is one key to protecting your teeth, gums, and overall oral health, and advanced treatments like scaling and root planing can make a significant difference in halting its progression and promoting healing.

During routine recare visits, we can spot potential issues early—before they become serious. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or want to learn more about how scaling and root planing can support your oral health, give Eggert Family Dentistry a call at 651.482.8412 to set up an appointment!

How Dental Insurance Works, Common Coverage Gaps, and Why Dental Procedures Are Worth the Investment

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Dental insurance can be a valuable tool in helping you manage the cost of maintaining a healthy smile. However, many patients are surprised to learn that dental insurance doesn’t always cover the full cost—or in some cases, any of the cost—of the treatments recommended by Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry. Understanding how dental insurance works, where coverage gaps occur, and why it’s worth investing in procedures not covered by your plan can help you make informed, confident decisions about your oral health.

How Dental Insurance Plans Work

Unlike medical insurance, dental insurance is designed more as a benefit than a comprehensive health care plan. Most dental plans follow a cost-sharing model between the insurer and patient, which includes deductibles, copays, annual maximums, and coinsurance.

Deductible: A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance begins covering costs. Preventive services like cleanings and exams often don’t require a deductible. But, unfortunately in this changing market, some new plans WILL require deductibles before they provide any benefits.
Copay: A copay is a predetermined dollar amount that patients must pay upfront for a medical or dental service. These can vary depending on the type of service you receive.
Annual Maximum: Most plans cap how much they’ll pay per year—commonly around $1,000–$1,500. Once you reach that limit, you pay for additional treatments out of pocket.
Coinsurance: After meeting your deductible, you typically share in the cost of treatments. For example, your plan might cover 80% of a procedure, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we do a lot to help you understand your insurance plan and how these terms apply to you. However, we always need you to understand that we have nothing to do with the makeup of your plan, we do not determine your coverage, and we cannot do anything to “make your insurance company pay.” Your plan is decided by the agreement between your employer and the insurance provider, or by the plan you purchase individually. As always, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert may recommend a procedure because it’s best for your health, but that does not necessarily mean that you will have benefits from your insurance company for the procedure and your insurance may not agree to pay for it for you.

Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover Everything?

Most dental plans do not cover all procedures. Typically, they provide:

100% coverage for preventive care, such as exams, cleanings, and x-rays
80% coverage for basic procedures, such as fillings and simple extractions
50% coverage for major procedures, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures

Some procedures—such as dental implants, orthodontics, or cosmetic dentistry—may not be covered at all. Why? Insurance companies are a big business and many of them are out to maximize their profits. This means they often opt for the least expensive alternative treatment (LEAT). For example, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert may recommend a dental implant for its durability and long-term benefits, but your plan might only cover a partial denture because it costs them less.

Other common coverage limitations include:

Pre-existing conditions: Your plan might not cover treatments for conditions you had before enrollment.
Frequency limits: Your plan may limit the number of times they will pay for a procedure, like cleanings or exams per year, even if you need more to keep your oral health in tip-top shape.
Downcoding: Your insurance may change the procedure to a less expensive one, and you may be responsible for the difference.
Bundling: Multiple procedures may be combined into one “bundle” by the insurer, reducing your benefits.

Remember: Your dental plan is a financial agreement, not a treatment guide. It’s designed to manage costs, not dictate what care you receive. The most accurate way to think of it is like a good pre-paid coupon.

What to Do if a Procedure Isn’t Covered

If Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert recommends a procedure that isn’t covered, you have a few options:

Look for covered alternatives: Sometimes, there’s a less expensive procedure that may at least partially address your dental issue and is covered by insurance. However, cheaper isn’t always better. Discuss with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert whether the alternative is a good fit for your situation.
Ask us about payment options: At Eggert Family Dentistry, we want you to be able to receive the care you need. Please ask our business team about payment options, which can include credit cards or medical financing options like CareCredit, which let you spread out payments over time, often with little or no interest.
Appeal insurance decisions: If a claim is denied because the procedure was deemed “not dentally necessary,” you can appeal. Kristina in our office works hard for you, appealing insurance company decisions every day. If she needs you to get involved, she’ll let you know and a phone call by you can also help move things along. Your insurance company wants to maintain a good relationship with you as you are their customer (often through your employer).

Ultimately, never skip a medically necessary procedure due to insurance limitations. Dental issues don’t resolve on their own—they worsen. Treating problems early can prevent pain, infection, and higher costs down the line.

Why Investing in Dental Procedures Is Worth It

While it’s natural to focus on cost and insurance coverage, sometimes it’s smarter—and more cost-effective—to invest in a procedure not fully covered by insurance. Here’s why:

Durability: Procedures like dental implants may cost more upfront but last for decades, unlike dentures or bridges that may need to be replaced.
Functionality: Higher-quality restorations often look, feel, and function like natural teeth, improving comfort and confidence.
Preventive Value: Early treatment can stop issues from escalating, saving you time, money, and discomfort later. It is also less likely that you will need to have things replaced as quickly if done right the first time!

Make Treatment Decisions Based on Your Health, Not Just on Coverage

Dental insurance is a helpful tool, but it should not be the only factor in deciding your treatment. Your oral health has lifelong impacts on your comfort, nutrition, self-confidence, and even overall health. When facing a treatment decision, talk openly with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert about your options, insurance coverage, and financing solutions.

Do you still have questions about what your plan covers or how to afford the treatment you need? Contact our team at Eggert Family Dentistry at 651.482.8412! We’re here to help you understand your options and get the care you need to stay healthy.

Breathe Easier: How to Improve Your Nasal Breathing During Allergy Season

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’ve found yourself constantly sniffling, sneezing, or feeling congested lately, you’re not alone. Spring and early summer are peak times for seasonal allergies, as pollen levels surge in the air. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 25% of adults and nearly 19% of children in the United States suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis—commonly known as hay fever. This increase in allergens can make breathing through your nose a daily struggle, but the good news is, you have several effective options to help clear your nasal passages and breathe more easily.

What Are Your Triggers?

The first step to improving nasal breathing is identifying your triggers. Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds is one of the most common culprits this time of year. If you know you’re allergic to certain types of pollen, it’s helpful to track local pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when counts are high—typically in the early morning or on windy days. Keeping windows closed and using an air purifier can also help minimize exposure indoors. By reducing your contact with allergens, you make it easier for your nose to stay clear and function normally.

What Can Be Done For The Nose?

One of the simplest and most natural ways to combat nasal congestion is to use a saline nasal spray every day. These sprays can even be used multiple times a day to rinse allergens and irritants out of your nasal passages. They’re non-medicated and safe for regular use, making them a great first line of defense. For a deeper clean, consider using a neti pot—a small device that flushes warm saline solution through your nasal cavity. Just be sure to use distilled or sterile water and clean your device after each use to avoid introducing bacteria.

If saline sprays and rinses aren’t enough, you may benefit from over-the-counter allergy medications. Nasal corticosteroids like Flonase (fluticasone) are particularly effective at reducing inflammation inside your nasal passages. When used daily during allergy season, these medications can significantly improve your ability to breathe through your nose. Antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine can also help, especially if you have other symptoms like itchy eyes or sneezing. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what options might be best for you!

Why Breathing Through Your Nose Is So Important?

Improving your nasal breathing isn’t just about comfort—it’s also important for your overall health. Breathing through your nose helps filter, humidify, and warm the air you inhale, which can reduce your risk of respiratory infections and improve sleep quality. When nasal congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth, you may experience dry mouth, snoring, and even disrupted sleep patterns, leaving you feeling groggy and irritable during the day. From a dental perspective, we also see a lot more decay and periodontal disease in patients that breathe through their mouths because the saliva is affected and diminished.

By staying proactive and using the right combination of strategies—whether it’s saline rinses, allergy medication, or avoiding high-pollen environments—you can take control of your nasal health. As allergy season ramps up, don’t wait until you’re completely congested to act. Start incorporating these tools into your daily routine now, and you’ll be breathing easier in no time.

Why Do We Care?

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, our goal for all our patients is whole-body, overall health. We see patients every day who struggle to breathe through their noses. This not only makes their dental treatments more difficult, but keeps our patients from obtaining their ultimate health. We coach patients on breathing techniques and can make suggestions specific for you. We also have adjunctive services like Nitrous Oxide (Laughing) Gas and myofunctional exercises we can suggest to improve your ability to breathe through your nose. Call us today at 651.482.8412 and come in for your customized comprehensive exam! We look forward to helping you improve your health!