Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Meet Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Michael Furey!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Michael Furey is passionate about dentistry, a calling that is both profession and craft. Here’s your chance to get to know Dr. Furey in his own words, including something most of his patients don’t know about him.

Why did you choose to go into dentistry?

I went into dentistry for two main reasons. First, for the opportunity to help and to heal. Secondly, for the chance to apply my penchant for workmanship and creativity. For me, dentistry affords the best aspects of both a profession and a craft.

What sets you apart from other dentists?

There’s no single thing that sets me apart. Instead, I have a unique combination of experience, expertise, and talent, which I combine with sincere passion and a strong set of values. I bring all of this to my practice of dentistry. This allows me to relate to my patients with a high level of professionalism but on a very personal level.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my wife Kathi for 29 years. Kathi has taught at Crocus Hill Preschool for more than 20 years. Our daughter Erin recently moved back to the Twin Cities to work for Target. She had been living in New York City and working for Martha Stewart.

What are some of your hobbies outside of dentistry?

These days, we spend as much time as we can at our cabin in Ely enjoying the outdoors and keeping up with projects. I also enjoy golf and sailing.

What is something most of your patients don’t know about you?

As a kid, I was terrified of going to the dentist. My early dental experiences were traumatic and my fear of going to the dentist lasted well into my teens. These early negative experiences have made me a very compassionate dentist and very understanding of my patients’ dental anxieties.

Dr. Furey’s Hours at Eggert Family Dentistry

Tuesday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Wednesday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Thursday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Schedule your appointment today!

Disclaimer: Dr. Furey is only a participating provider for some HealthPartners dental plans and Medical Assistance. Patients within other dental insurance networks are able to see him under a non-participating provider status.

Meet Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Jeff!

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Jeff loves being able to have a positive, personal effect on his patients’ lives. Here’s your chance to get to know Dr. Jeff in his own words, including something most of his patients don’t know about him.

Why did you choose to go into dentistry?

The main reason I went into dentistry was to have a hands-on, personal, positive impact on people’s lives. Before dentistry, I worked as a chemical engineer at a small medical device company. Designing devices had a positive impact on people’s lives, but I did not have the opportunity to build relationships with the people I helped.

What sets you apart from other dentists?

The one thing that sets me apart from other dentists is that I always try to listen to any concerns people have and make sure these concerns are addressed. I spend the time to thoroughly answer my patients’ questions, whether it is a question about a filling or something more complex that might have multiple treatment options. I like to make sure patients’ questions are answered and that they are comfortable with the treatment they receive.

Tell us about your family.

I grew up in Spring Lake Park and attended Spring Lake Park schools. I have one younger brother who teaches there, and my parents still live there. Dr. Elizabeth and I will be married 17 years in July. We have five boys who seem to be growing like weeds. They attend school in the Mounds View district.

What are some of your hobbies outside of dentistry?

I enjoy reading and trying to stay in shape (keyword: trying!). I spend a lot of time in basketball gyms and at baseball and soccer fields watching our boys play sports. I like to help out with their sports teams when and where I can. Lastly, along with many other Minnesotans, I like to cheer for teams that often don’t do very well (for me, that’s the Vikings, the Twins, and the Gophers).

What is something most of your patients don’t know about you?

I worked a number of years as a chemical engineer before becoming a dentist. I’m proud to call myself a math and science geek. I’m also a big Star Wars fan and can’t begin to count how many times I’ve seen all the movies.

Dr. Jeff’s Hours at Eggert Family Dentistry

Monday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday: by appointment

Friday: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Schedule your appointment today!

Meet Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Elizabeth!

Eggert Family Dentistry owner, Dr. Elizabeth, has been practicing dentistry for more than 13 years. She was recognized in 2014 by Minnesota Monthly Magazine as a Top Dentist. Here’s your chance to get to know Dr. Elizabeth in her own words, including something most of her patients don’t know about her.

Why did you choose to go into dentistry?

I’ve always enjoyed science and was earning a chemistry degree in college. But after two years of summer research at the University of St. Thomas, I knew I needed more contact with people day in and day out.

At that time, I happened to have a job working with a woman whose husband was in dental school. It sounded perfect for me: some science, a lot of contact with people, working with my hands, and the ability to run my own business.

From that point on, I learned everything I could about dentistry and was accepted to start at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry right after graduation

What sets you apart from other dentists?

I am a woman dental business owner and have been since the age of 29. I love getting to know my patients and their families—it is a great feeling to come to work and see the friends I have built relationships with over the years. I seek out the highest caliber of continuing education courses and love sharing my knowledge and skills with my patients.

Tell us about your family.

I’m the oldest child of three. My two younger brothers are now both married. My parents live nearby in Blaine, Minnesota. Dr. Jeff and I have been married nearly 17 years. We live in Roseville with our five amazing boys: Peter (13), Luke (12), Charlie (9), Grant (6), and Zachary (3). Our kids attend school at Highview Middle School, Valentine Hills Elementary School, and St. Odilia preschool.

What are some of your hobbies outside of dentistry?

I’ve been playing handbells since 1999. Currently, you can find me playing at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Blaine. We are especially busy playing during Christmas and Easter. I spend a lot of time gardening and grow both flowers and vegetables, and I enjoy working on landscaping projects in my yard.

I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and have been known to get my kids to eat things such as gnocchi and kale. Otherwise, our boys keep us busy driving to and cheering at various sporting events.

What is something most of your patients don’t know about you?

With the addition of Dr. Jeff last year, I was fortunate enough to take a two-week vacation—my first one ever! I took my oldest kids, Peter and Luke, and joined my parents on a whirlwind European tour. My parents were celebrating their retirement. I had never been to Europe before and got to hit the highlights: London, Paris, Lucerne, Venice, and Rome. I loved Paris—that came as a surprise to me—it was a beautiful city!

Dr. Elizabeth’s Hours at Eggert Family Dentistry

Monday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Tuesday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Wednesday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Thursday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Schedule your appointment today!

Keeping an Eye on the Tooth Fairy Price Index

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

On average, the price of teeth has gone up since 2000. Over the years, the tooth fairy and her international cohorts have been compelled to leave behind more and more money in exchange for baby teeth.

It turns out the tooth fairy adjusts her gifts according to the strength of the US economy. When the US is doing well, her gifts get more valuable. In 2016, the official Tooth Fairy Index predicts tooth prices will stagnate around $4. In 2014, the price for a tooth was just under $4.50.

Tooth economists track tooth price inflation by polling caregivers. To contribute to their research, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll.

About the Tooth Fairy

The impish international phenomenon kids in the United States know as the Tooth Fairy manages a team of tooth traders around the world. These traders visit the homes of children who have recently lost baby teeth. In exchange for teeth, they leave behind cash or small gifts. A visit from the Tooth Fairy helps celebrate your child’s transition to adolescence.

Different countries around the world have different customs. In the United States, children leave their teeth under their pillows for the Tooth Fairy. Kids in Europe do the same thing, but they are visited by the Tooth Elf.

In Argentina and Sweden, the Magical Mouse sniffs out baby teeth in glasses of water. He drinks the water, takes the tooth, and leaves a little money behind. The Magical Mouse also visits children in South Africa. But instead of looking in a drinking glass, he sniffs out teeth under pillows and in slippers.

Magical Mouse’s cousin, Tooth Rat, visits kids in the Philippines. He’s a busy fellow and asks children to leave their teeth on windowsills so he can grab them easily. In return, he leaves a little cash.

The Tooth Fairy isn’t just for kids. She also gives parents and caregivers advice on how to keep their kids’ teeth healthy. You can visit the Tooth Fairy Pinterest page for tips.

Eggert Family Dentistry is proud to support the Tooth Fairy in her quest for beautiful baby teeth. We help kids keep their smiles healthy and gleaming so the teeth they lose will become some of the Tooth Fairy’s most prized possessions. To schedule your child’s appointment, contact Eggert Family Dentistry today.

Got Cavities? Your Genetics May Be (Partially) to Blame.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

First things first: regular, preventative oral hygiene is essential for avoiding cavities, and gum disease.

But have you ever noticed that some people get away with not flossing or brushing regularly with nary a cavity, while you might brush and floss daily and still can’t avoid a trip to the dentist’s chair? That’s because genetics do play an important role in your oral health.

According to Dr. S. Michele Robichaux at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, “almost all disease and disorder that affects the…mouth has a genetic component.” We couldn’t agree more. The severity of your tooth decay and gum disease could be blamed on your genes.

Genetics and Mouth Bacteria

Your mouth is home to several different communities of bacteria—the microbes on your tongue are different from those on your teeth and those under your gums. Your genes determine how susceptible you are to these microbes. That’s how genetics directly affects your chances of getting a cavity or acquiring periodontal disease. In fact, a study out of the University of Pittsburgh found genetics may be responsible for up to 60 percent of your tooth decay risk.

Genetics can also indirectly affect your oral health. Some genetic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Diabetes, for example, can increase the chances of thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth), decrease the amount of saliva you produce, and cause wounds to heal more slowly. All of these conditions make it easy for bacteria to wreak havoc in your mouth.

The biochemistry of your saliva also plays an important role in your susceptibility for dental disease. Some saliva is inherently more acidic, putting the teeth at higher risk for decay. Some saliva is more ropey or stringy and it is thought that this type of saliva doesn’t do as an effective job in washing the oral microbes away.

Preventative Care Still Matters

If you think you can put full blame for your cavities and gum disease on your genes, think again. If genetics are responsible for about 60 percent of your risk, your oral hygiene habits account for the other 40 percent. Even people who won the genetic lottery can get cavities and gum disease if they don’t brush, floss, and visit us regularly.

The best approach to a healthy mouth is to combine knowledge of your family oral health history with excellent preventative care. Let us know if your mom or dad struggled with cavities and gum disease. For our part, we will always help you determine a solid preventative approach in regards to brushing, flossing, and regular visits. For expert dental care, contact us at Eggert Family Dentistry today.

Trauma to a Front Tooth – Sarah’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Sarah came to us first as a new patient with her parents before Christmas. They were looking for a solution for her front teeth. Sarah experienced trauma at 13 years old and her left front tooth fell out at that time and was re-implanted. Sarah had a root canal done within a couple weeks of the trauma, which was the recommended course. As with many trauma cases, over the years Sarah has noticed that tooth and her other front teeth are starting to turn dark because of the trauma. When Sarah was seen in our office, her tooth was showing signs of significant external root resorption. The long term prognosis of the tooth is poor but at the time of her visit with us she was not experiencing any pain or swelling.

What did Sarah want?

Sarah is currently a senior in high school and wanted to improve the look of her front teeth for graduation and prom. Sarah and her parents weighed different options for restoring her front teeth and ultimately decided to keep her natural teeth for now since they aren’t causing her any pain. They chose a treatment option that will buy Sarah some time and improve her esthetics and also let her finish growing.

What was revealed during the comprehensive records process?

Some questions Sarah and her parents needed to decide were – how to address the uneven gum tissue levels? How to address the uneven tooth edges? How to improve the color on potentially dying teeth? Save the left front tooth for now or not? How long would they allow treatment to take? What was their budget at this time?

What was involved?

To help Sarah and her parents answer some of those questions, Dr. Elizabeth designed different blueprints out of plastic to try directly in Sarah’s mouth to help Sarah and her parents see the results of some of the different treatment options available.

In the end, Sarah decided to split the difference on the length of her teeth. She decided not to change her gum tissue levels at this time. She wanted to keep the left front tooth for now. And, she wanted to do as much as we could to improve the color with composite filling material. We all decided to add composite veneers to three of her front teeth and to bleach her remaining teeth for a cost effective way to improve the esthetics for a few years.

What does Sarah think?

Sarah and her parents were thrilled with the results! It was a low cost way to keep her smiling through her graduation and into the future! Sarah 4

Spring Cleaning for Your Teeth

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

The American Dental Association recommends a dental check-up minimally every six months. Do you know why? Regular dental visits are very important to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

There are two parts of our regular dental check-ups – the examination and the cleaning.

Dental Examination

During the exam, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff will assess many things:

How your oral health relates to your whole body’s health
The status of your face, neck, bite, teeth, and gums
A check of your lymph nodes, saliva, and throat, as well as an oral cancer screening
The movement of your jaw joints (TMJs) and muscles
A close look at your dental x-rays

In order to closely screen you for any signs or symptoms of gum disease, special attention is paid to the coloring and firmness of your gums, as well as any signs of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria and if not removed, can harden to become tartar. Unfortunately, tartar can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone. We also use a special measuring tool to help us measure your gum tissue pocket depths. The measurements clue us into your gum health: shallow pockets mean healthy gums, but deeper pockets often need special attention and treatment for gum disease.

As we thoroughly inspect your teeth, we look for loose and broken teeth, cracked teeth, worn or chipped teeth, damaged fillings, and visual evidence of tooth decay.

Our final examination assessments include close inspection of how your teeth, muscles, and joints all fit together, as well as any tissue inside or outside the mouth that looks out of the ordinary.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Another important aspect of your dental check-up at Eggert Family Dentistry is the care taken by April and Joanna, our wonderful hygienists, during your professional dental cleaning. They will:

Scale your teeth (removing plaque and tartar to reduce inflammation-causing bacteria)
Polish your teeth (removing surface stains)
Floss between your teeth
Review how to properly brush and floss
Introduce any additional tools you can add into your oral hygiene routine at home, like a rubber tip or proxy brush

We want to help you do what’s best for your oral health. By following good oral hygiene practices and a good diet at home, and by seeing us regularly at Eggert Family Dentistry, we can help you fulfill our mission of “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles.” Give us a call today to schedule your teeth for some spring cleaning!

Straight Teeth Effortlessly & Invisibly? It’s Possible with Invisalign

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we see many teenage and adult patients who wish their teeth were straighter or their bites were more comfortable, but who don’t want the hassle, cost, and look of braces. We’re proud to be able to offer these patients Invisalign®, a solution that straightens teeth and corrects malocclusion without metal brackets and the nuisance that accompanies them.

What Is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a teeth straightening system that’s been around for nearly 20 years. It’s a series of computer-customized, clear aligner trays you wear in succession over a period of time to move your teeth. They are an alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign® aligner trays are made of clear, thin, BPA-free plastic. Unlike metal braces, it’s nearly impossible for people to spot Invisalign® trays while you’re wearing them. Every tray gently moves your teeth into proper alignment. We then fit your Invisalign® aligner trays and monitor your progress.

Can Invisalign® Fix My Dental Issue?

Good candidates for Invisalign® include people who suffer from crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth or those who suffer from poor bite, including:
-open bite
-crossbite
-underbite
-overbite

If you suffer from one or more of these issues, Invisalign® may be a great solution for you.

I’m Interested! How Do I Get Started?

The first step is to speak to us at Eggert Family Dentistry. Dr. Furey has been treating patients with Invisalign® for many years, and Dr. Elizabeth will be undergoing the course work in the near future. We will help you determine if Invisalign® is a good choice for your particular dental needs. If so, we will take pictures, x-rays, and impressions of your teeth to create 3D images that will be used to make your aligner trays.

Once your first trays are fitted, you’ll want to try to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, taking out the trays only to eat and brush and floss your teeth. You’ll switch the trays out every two weeks as your teeth gradually move into their new and improved position. Adults usually wear Invisalign® for a year, while the time range for teens is comparable to that for braces.

If you’ve always wished your teeth were straighter, your bite was better, or if your teeth have migrated since you had braces as a kid, ask your Eggert Family dentist about Invisalign®. We can help you investigate your options and discover if you’re a good candidate. Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today.

Prepare for the Sugar Wars!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time when dentists across the country spend some extra time with our younger patients to teach them about the effect sugar has on their teeth and how to keep their teeth healthy and strong with regular brushing, flossing, and healthy foods. It’s a great time to remind adults to fight the good fight in the Sugar Wars, too. Here are your Sugar Wars marching orders.

Step 1: Understand Your Enemy
Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay in the United States and around the world. Sugar helps bacteria form plaque on your teeth, a sticky substance that’s tough to remove and causes cavities if allowed to linger.

Americans eat an overabundance of sugar, consuming on average 22 teaspoons every day. That’s nearly half a cup! Teens eat 34 teaspoons daily on average, or nearly ¾ of a cup. Sugary foods not only wreak havoc on your dental hygiene, they can cause you to gain weight and become at risk of weight-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes and heart disease. That’s why the American Heart Association recommends limiting kids’ sugar intake to 3 to 4 teaspoons a day, and teens’ between 5 and 9 teaspoons a day.

It is important to read the Nutritional Labels on the foods you and your family eat. Sugar is clearly labeled in grams. The Nutrition Labels uses the conversion of 4 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon. Even some foods typically thought of as “healthy,” such as yogurt and health food bars, can contain an excessive amount of sugar.

Step 2: Fight the Good Fight
In addition to reducing the sugary foods you eat and drink, you can help your kids combat the effects of sugar with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Eggert Family Dentistry also recommends sealants to protect your kids’ teeth against cavities. We apply sealants to the hard-to-reach back teeth when the first set of molars comes in between 5 and 7 years of age and again for the second set between 11 and 14. Sealants typically last for about 10 years and can be reapplied.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Eggert Family Dentistry – Feed My Starving Children

The Eggert team also believes it’s important that all kids have access to healthy food. That’s why we volunteer at Feed My Starving Children to pack meals for malnourished children across the globe. We’re committed to helping kids all of over the world keep their teeth healthy with good oral habits and healthy eating.
Help your kids fight in the Sugar Wars by arming them with a good and regular brushing and flossing routine, and healthy, low-sugar snacks. For an ally in the fight, contact Eggert Family Dentistry today.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Child’s Anxiety about Going to the Dentist

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

little kid patient afraid of dentist while visiting dental clinic Nearly a fifth of children are afraid of going to the dentist’s office. What about your child? If your kids are scared or anxious about going to see the dentist, here are some tips to help them overcome their fears and confidently take a seat in the dentist’s chair.

1. Start Them Young

The best way to reduce or eliminate fear of going to the dentist is to make it part of your child’s wellness routine early. We recommend your child’s first visit happens before his or her first birthday. When a visit to the dentist is a normal and expected part of your child’s life, anxiety and fears dissipate. Plus, regular preventative dental care can help reduce emergency trips to the dentist down the road.

2. Start a Conversation

Kids do best when they can predict what’s going to happen to them. Before you leave for your child’s visit to the dentist, start a conversation. Describe what will happen during the visit and who they’ll meet. Talk about what they may see, feel, hear, or taste. You don’t have to be overly specific, but provide enough information so your child feels comfortable, not apprehensive. Explain to your kids why your family goes to the dentist and how it’s necessary for a healthy life.

3. Encourage Them to Relax

Once you’re at the office, help your kids relax. Practice taking deep breaths and remind them to breathe while they’re in the dentist’s chair. Use positive words instead of focusing on the negative. Dr. Elizabeth, Dr. Jeff, and Dr. Furey are great at using positive phrases like “I’m going to check your smile” or “I’m going to count your teeth” to put kids at ease.

4. Bring Some Distractions

Favorite toys or comfort items can be helpful as long as they don’t interfere with the dentist’s work. Tell your dentist what your kid likes to do so he or she can tailor conversation to your child. Some dentists may even give kids a game to do while their teeth are being cleaned, such as counting the ceiling tiles. Of course, the cartoons the kids can watch at our office are always a hit.

5. Reward Them for a Job Well Done

We don’t recommend bribing your kids to come to the dentist, but it can be effective to reward them for brave behavior. Stickers, pencils, and temporary tattoos are fun and inexpensive rewards. If your child is particularly fearful, reward your child throughout the visit, not just at the end. Fear and anxiety can make a trip to the dentist miserable for you and your kids. That’s why it’s important to prepare kids for their visit before you even step in the door. It’s also important to find an experienced dental team, like those of us at Eggert Family Dentistry. To book your child’s next visit, request an appointment today.