Tag: Minnesota Dentists

6 Ways to Help Ease Dental Phobia

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

As we covered in our previous post, people experience varying levels of anxiety about going to the dentist. There is, however, a percentage of the population that experiences dental phobia and avoids the dentist altogether. Fortunately, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff of Eggert Family Dentistry recognize this struggle and work hard to ease patients’ fears.

Ways to ease dental phobia

According to the Dental Research Journal, 5-14% of people battle dental phobia. If you count yourself among this group and avoid routine dental care on account of irrational fears and feelings of terror, you will be relieved to learn that there are some excellent ways you and our dentists can work together to ease your phobia:

  1. Music: Routine cleanings and most procedures are conducive to headphones. If you want to play music to calm your nerves, please do. We have overhead music, but if you prefer to listen to your own, bring your personal music device along. We have headphones available or you can bring your own.
  2. Cable TV: It is also possible to watch your favorite TV shows as we have cable TV available with headphones in every procedure room.
  3. Calming techniques: Sometimes the best way to ease your nerves in our chair is by practicing a variety of calming techniques. Deep breathing and visualization are two great go-to’s! Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff, as well as their assistants, Tracy and Heather, are very good at recognizing when you might need help with your breathing and are great at coaching you through any difficulties.
  4. Hand signals: If feeling like you have no control when you’re in the dentist’s chair feeds your anxiety, speak with us about the use of hand signals. Communicating with us by simply raising your hand when you need a break or if you are experiencing any pain during your appointment can be enough to take the edge off that helpless feeling.
  5. Communication: Talk about your fears with Dr. Elizabeth, Dr. Jeff, and our team. Sometimes, just having those fears validated is enough to quell them. This also gives us an opportunity to offer you updated information about the impending procedure and correct any misconceptions.
  6. Medications: If you struggle with dental phobia, there are some sedatives available, but often aren’t needed when the techniques above are implemented. We also can use nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) as an especially safe and effective in-office choice.

Our Comforts

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we work hard to make sure our patients are physically comfortable and mentally at ease. That’s why we have available a variety of comforts:

  • Warm neck and hand wraps
  • Spa hand treatments
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Comfy blankets
  • Headphones
  • Coffee, tea, water
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cable TV in every treatment room
  • State-of-the-art technology, including:
    -Intraoral cameras – Your dentist or hygienist can take pictures of what they are seeing in your mouth to help them explain to you why they are recommending certain treatments.
    -Laser dentistry – It’s typically more comfortable and less invasive than traditional methods.
    -Digital x-rays
  • Relaxed environment
  • Wooded scenery great for wildlife viewing
  • Convenient location

Tracy talks about the comfort measures at Eggert Family Dentistry.

If you want to learn more about the Comforts we offer and how we ease dental phobia here at Eggert Family Dentistry, give us a call at 651.482.8412. We are happy to further discuss how we can make your next visit your best one yet!

Could I Have Dental Phobia?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Dental anxiety is a widespread problem. Most of us know at least a few people who struggle with it…maybe you’re even one of them. However, when push comes to shove, most people with dental anxiety can still maintain their routine dental visits. Dental phobia, however, is a much more serious condition. Let’s take a look at what dental phobia is, what it can be attributed to and the side effects of dental phobia.

Signs of dental phobia

People who struggle with dental phobia experience dread and terror at the mere thought of the dentist and avoid going to the dental office all together unless they are in extreme pain. In addition to avoidance, dental phobia is characterized by insomnia leading up to a dental appointment, crying, nervousness, panic or an upset stomach in the waiting room or exam room.

Causes of dental phobia

Dental phobia can stem from a variety of underlying fears:

  •  The fear of experiencing pain: Often attributed to bad childhood experiences or to other people’s horror stories, the fear of pain is one of the biggest contributors to dental phobia. Fortunately, with advancements in dental technology, most dental procedures today are virtually pain-free.
  • The fear of anesthetics: While used to calm, sedate or numb patients, people with dental phobia often fear anesthetics and their side effects such as nausea, dizziness or the “fat lip” feeling.
  • The fear of vulnerability: Many people with dental phobia say they fear having someone working within inches of their face and in their mouth. They also don’t want to feel helpless and want to be unable to see what’s going on.

Side effects

Left untreated, dental phobia can cause a variety of problems. Because people who suffer from dental phobia avoid regular dental visits and often delay needed dental work, they can develop gum disease and severe tooth decay and can experience early tooth loss. These unfortunate side effects can drastically impact a person’s self esteem and often these victims begin to withdraw socially. Worse yet, poor oral health has been proven to negatively impact a person’s heart and lung health and can lead to decreased life expectancy.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we rally around our patients. We want to make sure you get the care you need and that you’re as comfortable as possible! If you or a loved one struggle with dental anxiety or dental phobia and would like to learn how we can help, give us a call at 651.482.8412.

Invisalign – Beth’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Where did Beth start?

Beth went through traditional orthodontics as a teenager, but didn’t wear her retainers afterward and as a result her teeth eventually became crowded again. Beth wanted her teeth to be straight, but she didn’t like the look of traditional braces, especially as an adult in the professional world. Dr. Elizabeth talked with Beth about Invisalign orthodontics and how it could help fix her crowding and improve her bite.

What was involved?

We sent impressions, photos, and x-rays of Beth’s teeth to Invisalign where they created a 3D simulation of how her teeth could move with Invisalign treatment. Beth was very happy with the simulation, which showed a significant improvement to her crowding, and decided to move forward with Invisalign. As part of Beth’s Invisalign treatment, Dr. Elizabeth slenderized some of Beth’s teeth to create more space for her teeth to better alleviate her crowding.

Beth’s case was expected to consist of 15 aligners that she would wear for two weeks at a time. Beth was very compliant and consistent in wearing her aligners as instructed and was able to complete her case after 15 aligners as expected. After her Invisalign treatment was complete, Dr. Elizabeth made minor alterations to the biting surface of some of Beth’s teeth to remove interferences and even out her bite. This process is called equilibration and will help to prevent Beth’s new smile from further wear.

What does Beth think?

While Beth admits going through Invisalign was a big commitment, she says her final results were well worth it. One of the biggest reasons Beth pursued orthodontic treatment was that she wanted to feel more confident in her smile. After finishing her Invisalign, she says she no longer feels any hesitation to show her teeth. When we asked Beth what she would tell someone considering Invisalign, her response was “Go for it!”

We are so happy that we could help restore Beth’s confidence in her smile. Congratulations, Beth, on your wonderful results!

Are you interested in Invisalign? Give us a call at 651.482.8412. We would be happy to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Elizabeth to decide whether Invisalign is the right option for you!

All About Dental Extractions

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

We’ve probably all heard and used the phrase, “It’s like pulling teeth to _____,” meaning that it’s hard to get cooperation from the “patient” when it comes to a certain task. In reality, while a dental extraction is an important procedure that requires careful prep, planning, execution and recovery, it’s not one patients need to dread. Let’s take an up-close look at dental extractions and what patients can expect from them.

Some scenarios that necessitate a tooth extraction

Trauma to a tooth, severe tooth decay and crowding are three primary reasons teeth are extracted. Also, if a person is immunocompromised and has a tooth that runs a high risk for infection, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff may choose to pull that tooth prophylactically.

Why it’s critical to disclose your medical history prior to a tooth extraction

For some patients, their health history makes them more prone to infection or complications from infection. In these cases, antibiotics are prescribed before, during and after an extraction procedure. Some of these health conditions include congenital heart defects, liver disease, artificial joints and a weak immune system.

What you can expect prior to and during a tooth extraction

  • Prior to an extraction, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff administer a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth.
  • Once the area is sufficiently numb, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff gently move the tissue away from the tooth and then hold the tooth with a tooth forceps, rocking it back and forth until it becomes dislodged.
  • Once the tooth is removed, you will bite on soft gauze to control any bleeding. This also encourages a clot to form over the extraction site.

Post-procedure protocol

Following an extraction, there is a certain protocol that must be followed to encourage proper healing of the extraction site.

  • You will bite on gauze for 30 minutes to help the clot form. You may need to use gauze again in the first 24 hours should the area start bleeding.
  • As soon as possible, apply ice to the affected area in 10-minute increments to keep swelling down.
  • Take care not to dislodge the clot by avoiding forceful rinsing or spitting and avoiding brushing and flossing the extraction area for the first 24 hours.
  • 24 hours after the extraction, rinse mouth with warm salt water 2-3 times each day for a few days. This encourages the tissue to heal faster.
  • Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw or eating solid foods for at least 24 hours after the extraction procedure.

When to call Eggert Family Dentistry

Some discomfort and bleeding following a tooth extraction is perfectly normal and can be managed with Over The Counter pain medications, gauze and ice. However, if pain or bleeding become severe or if you develop a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, excessive swelling, a cough or shortness of breath, contact Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff immediately.

Within 1-2 weeks, the extraction site starts to feel more normal as new bone and gum tissue grow in. Keep in mind, however, that the bone is still healing and changing for 6-8 weeks following an extraction.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ins and outs of dental extractions or think you might be a candidate for an extraction, contact Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff at 651.482.8412.

Wisdom Teeth: What’s the Deal?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge in a person’s late teens to early twenties. More often than not, these teeth present problems and need to be surgically removed. Let’s take a look at some specifics so you know what to watch for!

What does it mean if my wisdom teeth are impacted?

Wisdom teeth are fully impacted if they remain completely below the gumline. Teeth can also be partially impacted if they only partially erupt. When wisdom teeth are impacted they may grow in at an angle or stay trapped within the jawbone.

What problems can arise when my wisdom teeth are impacted?

  • The nature of molars makes them difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. This can be particularly problematic when it comes to wisdom teeth since they reside in the very back of your mouth. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are not only hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss but food and bacteria can easily become trapped between the wisdom teeth and the gum tissue, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
  • When impacted wisdom teeth move, they can put pressure on neighboring teeth and cause discomfort and damage. This pressure can also lead to crowding of teeth and cause misalignment, necessitating orthodontic treatment.
  • In rare cases, a cyst can form around the tooth and cause damage to the jawbone, teeth and nerves.

Symptoms that my wisdom teeth are causing problems

While impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms, these are some common symptoms they may cause:

  • Tender, swollen, bleeding gums
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Jaw pain and difficulty opening your mouth
  • Headaches or ear aches
  • Unpleasant taste in your mouth/bad breath

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we recommend regular six-month recare visits as a preventative way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. We also closely monitor wisdom teeth activity with x-rays and watch for signs that they may need to be removed. If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth, call to schedule a recare visit with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff at 651.482.8412!

Tooth Replacement Options

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Losing a permanent tooth can be a scary situation. Unfortunately, missing a tooth can keep people from smiling – one of our favorite things! Fortunately, there are some excellent options when it comes to replacing a lost tooth. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we offer three primary solutions for missing teeth: implants, bridges, and partial dentures.

Implants

As opposed to bridges that are anchored to natural teeth, implants are titanium fixtures that are anchored to the jawbone underneath the gums. Once the base of the implants is securely fastened, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will place an abutment on the fixture and affix the realistic, tooth-looking crown.

All candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums and a sturdy jawbone. Implants are most similar to natural teeth and can last for decades.

Bridges

Bridges “bridge” the gap left behind by the missing tooth with a prosthetic, or fake, tooth. Bridges have been used for ages and they generally hold up well. They can be more difficult to keep clean since teeth are fused together.

There are three main types of bridges:

Traditional bridge: These bridges join the natural teeth with fake, or pontic teeth. Traditional bridges are the most common types of bridges and are anchored by crowns on the natural teeth.

Cantilever bridge: These bridges are similar to traditional bridges. However, they only anchor to one natural tooth as opposed to two. It is much more difficult to assure the bridge can withstand chewing forces, but cantilever bridges can be good for certain situations.

Maryland bridge: These bridges fuse the pontic tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth with metal bands. Again, a Maryland bridge isn’t able to function as well as natural teeth, but under some circumstances, they are nice as they are very conservative for the anchor teeth.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures, or partials, are fake teeth attached to a metal frame. The frames have a plastic, gum-colored base, camouflaging them amidst the natural teeth and gums. Partial dentures fit fairly snugly between the natural teeth and can sometimes be repaired if necessary.

Dentures have been a popular go-to because they are often less expensive than bridges or implants. However, they can take some time to adjust to since they will never function as well as natural teeth.

If you’re missing a permanent tooth, give us a call at 651.482.8412. We would be happy to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff in order to help you determine which solution is right for you!

The Power of the Records Process – John’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

John had existing restorations on some of his upper front teeth which were done several years prior and were beginning to break down and decay. John wanted to preserve the function of his teeth and was also interested in improving their appearance. Dr. Elizabeth recommended he go through the Records Process to determine the best way to restore his teeth.

What is the Records Process?

The Records Process consists of two appointments. At John’s first appointment, Dr. Elizabeth took x-rays and photos of his teeth and did a comprehensive muscle and joint evaluation. She also took impressions of his teeth that she used to make models of his mouth. Over the next couple of weeks, Dr. Elizabeth used these models in conjunction with the information collected at his Records Appointment to analyze the current condition of John’s teeth and develop a treatment plan for him. She then put all of this information into a PowerPoint presentation that she reviewed with John when he returned for the second appointment, his case presentation.

What was revealed during the Records Process?

The details of the Records Process revealed that the current position of John’s teeth was putting them at high risk for continued wear. Dr. Elizabeth told John that if she replaced his veneer on his upper front tooth without addressing his bite and the position of his teeth, it was likely to eventually break or begin to decay again, and his other teeth would be more susceptible to wear. John also indicated that he frequently had muscle pain in his neck and after listening to all the connections Dr. Elizabeth made at his case presentation, he wondered if it might be related to clenching his teeth.

What did Dr. Elizabeth recommend?

Dr. Elizabeth recommended starting with splint therapy so that John’s jaw muscles would be more relaxed and stable for eventual tooth movement. Dr. Elizabeth suggested he use an anterior deprogrammer, a small appliance worn on the upper front teeth to prevent the back teeth from touching and clenching together. After using the anterior deprogrammer for six months and undergoing some physical therapy for whole body alignment, John stopped clenching almost completely and noticed a significant improvement in his muscle pain. Dr. Elizabeth determined that he was ready to move forward with orthodontics.
Dr. Elizabeth recommended orthodontics for John to move his teeth into the ideal position before restoring them and set them up for less wear over time. Dr. Elizabeth thought John would be a good candidate for Invisalign, and John elected to do that instead of traditional braces. He completed his Invisalign treatment, after wearing a total of 42 aligners, in about one year.

Next, Dr. Elizabeth recommended the Zoom! whitening in-office bleaching procedure to get John the whiter smile he wanted. After his two-hour session, John was happy to see that his teeth had lightened by three full shades.

With his teeth being his desired shade, John was ready for his final restorations. John wanted his upper front teeth to be uniform in shape and size. For this reason, he decided to do veneers on all of his upper front teeth. Dr. Elizabeth worked with a local lab to create a wax model of the veneers so John could make sure he was happy with their size and shape before having the final restorations fabricated. John went through the veneer procedures and in a short time, had his final smile.

What does John think of his new smile?

From the beginning, John was very excited about his treatment and the prospect of improving not only the function and appearance of his teeth, but also his overall health. John had been experiencing neck and hip pain for about a year before undergoing the records process and is thrilled that the combination of splint therapy and physical therapy has resolved his issues. He loves the appearance of his smile with his new veneers and he’s happy knowing that they will function properly and because he opted for the most comprehensive treatment, he will have the most long-term predictability.

When asked what he would say to someone considering similar treatment, John said “Do it! Your teeth are important and the associated effects are important too”.

The Records Process

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

The Records Process at Eggert Family Dentistry is a comprehensive approach to dental health. It’s a thorough evaluation of the entire mouth for the purpose of achieving optimal dental and physical wellness.

Why is it so important?

Dental issues can wreak havoc. They can cause oral discomfort and pain and left untreated, one problem can lead to another. What many people don’t realize, however, is that oftentimes dental problems can also cause health issues throughout your entire body. Some physical symptoms that may be alleviated with proper dental treatment include:

  • Headaches
  • Unexplained shoulder, neck or back pain
  • Insomnia or other difficulty sleeping
  • Snoring or sleep apnea
  • Stiff, sore jaw
  • Frequent fracturing of teeth

The Records Process is also necessary for patients looking to improve their smile and undergo any dental cosmetic treatments like veneers or esthetic crowns and implants.

During the process

During the Records Process we evaluate your muscles, jaw, teeth and gums and their relationship with one another. We take a series of images to help us spot any potential problems and we take impressions of your teeth in order to see how everything is working and moving together.

The Records Process allows Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff to carefully evaluate and analyze each patient’s mouth and detect and consequently treat any problems they discover. The process also helps us enact proper preventative measures for a healthy mouth and body. For some patients, there can be so many treatment options that the Records Process really helps them define and visualize all the possibilities!

Are you experiencing symptoms that you think may be mouth-related? Are you experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms that you didn’t realize could be mouth-related? Give us a call to schedule an evaluation at 651.482.8412!

Don’t Toss the Floss: Gum Disease and Its Possible Link to Heart Disease and Other Diseases

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

It has long been concluded that people with poor oral health have higher rates of cardiovascular disease than people with good oral health. Many studies have been done to this end, specifically looking at gum disease and its effect on the heart. Let’s take a look at the various facets of this phenomenon.

What is gum disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue. Left untreated, gum disease can cause a breakdown of the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth and lead to eventual tooth loss.

Symptoms of gum disease include persistent bad breath, inflamed gums, receding gums, extremely sensitive teeth, pain when chewing and loose teeth or changes in your bite.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease or cardiovascular disease is a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels. Advanced heart disease can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms of heart disease can include chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, impaired thinking or confusion and edema.

What’s the connection?

While the two conditions may seem unrelated, a 2010 article in PubMed Central, a biomedical and life sciences journal, found that gum disease increases a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%.

A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine also acknowledges this connection. They discovered that people with both heart disease and gum disease, when receiving proper care for gum disease, incurred 10-40% lower cardiovascular care costs than people with untreated gum disease.

After these and a vast number of additional studies over the past two decades, both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) acknowledge that a relationship between these two conditions certainly exists.

Theories

So what is the nature of this connection? There are a number of theories. Here are a few of the most common ones:

  • Bacteria in the oral cavity travels to the blood vessels and eventually leads to narrowing and blockage.
  • Inflammation, as opposed to bacteria, is the culprit. It sets off an inflammatory reaction throughout the body.
  • There is no direct connection. The association is the result of a third factor such as smoking, lack of healthcare access, lack of exercise etc.

So is the connection a matter of association or causation? Much more research is needed to make this determination. Either way, however, gum disease must be taken seriously. By itself, it can have detrimental effects on your oral health and in one way or another, often leads to cardiovascular disease, resulting in strokes, heart attacks and even death.

How can I prevent gum disease?

There are a number of ways to protect yourself from the negative effects of gum disease.

  • Brush regularly. See our recent post on breaking bad brushing habits here!
  • Floss at least once a day.
  • Drink fluoride-containing water and use mouthwash regularly.
  • Avoid smoking, vaping and tobacco.
  • Manage diabetes for healthy blood sugar levels.
  • Visit our dental team for regular checkups.
  • Enjoy a diet low in sugar and high in vegetables, fiber and plant-based proteins.
  • Watch for early signs of gum disease and see us at Eggert Family Dentistry if you experience any symptoms.

If you’re concerned about the negative effects of gum disease on your oral health and overall health, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff would love to meet with you! You can make an appointment at Eggert Family Dentistry by calling us at 651.482.8412.

8 Bad Brushing Habits

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Maybe you’ve heard this clever little saying: You don’t have to brush all of your teeth. Only the ones you want to keep. While that is true in a great sense – the powerful effects of brushing cannot be underestimated – it doesn’t address the heart of the matter: There is a difference between proper and improper brushing. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we educate our patients on this difference and encourage good brushing habits while helping you break the bad ones! Here are some bad habits to break when brushing your teeth that can ultimately cause more harm than good.

Using a brush with hard bristles

Hard bristle brushes can irritate gums and cause them to recede, exposing roots and inducing sensitivity. They can also wear away enamel. When you buy your next brush, opt for a “soft” brush as opposed to a “medium” or “hard” one.

Using the wrong size brush

Brush heads come in a variety of sizes. If you have a smaller mouth and are brushing with a larger brush, you may not be able to brush the plaque out of the recesses of your mouth. When plaque builds up, cavities form and gum disease can set in. Make sure your toothbrush is proportional to your mouth. Sometimes a smaller brush head can help you get into the “nooks and crannies” a little better.

Brushing right after eating

Brushing after eating is a good thing, right? Keep in mind that acidic foods and beverages can soften enamel. If you brush softened enamel it can cause accelerated wear and tear on your teeth. It is best to wait until your saliva has had a chance to neutralize the pH in your mouth before you bust out the toothbrush. Usually an hour or so will do it. Then brush away!

Storing your toothbrush in a closed container

When you’re done brushing, where do you store your toothbrush? If you put it in a travel toothbrush case or other enclosed container, you might think you’re protecting it from germs. In reality however, when your toothbrush doesn’t get a chance to dry out, bacteria and mildew can form on the bristles. Store your toothbrush in a way that’s open to the air so it can dry out between uses.

Brushing too hard

Hard brushing, like brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush, can cause gums to prematurely recede, exposing roots and causing tooth sensitivity. Soft but thorough brushing is the secret to clean and healthy teeth and gums. “Small circular motions at the gumline…” these should be familiar instructions from your recare visits with us.

Using an old toothbrush

Worn bristles don’t clean as thoroughly. Are your bristles frayed or splayed? Swapping out your toothbrush every 3-4 months will help you get the best cleaning each time you brush.

Not brushing long enough

Many of us rush brushing so we can get out the door for work or get to bed. The ADA, however, recommends brushing for two minutes every time you brush. An easy way to keep track is to keep a timer on the bathroom counter and set it each time. Or you can play a song while you brush. Most songs last between two and three minutes and listening to one can definitely help time pass more quickly.

Not brushing the gum line

When brushing your teeth, don’t neglect your gum line. This is a place where food settles and bacteria can easily form. Ward off gum disease by placing your toothbrush at a 45° angle against your gums and brushing each tooth 15 to 20 times in that circular pattern we talked about earlier.

Eggert Family Dentistry wants you to get the most out of your daily brushing. Have you ever considered switching to an electric toothbrush? Check out our video here to learn more! If you have additional brushing questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of our fabulous hygienists at your next recare visit. Joanna, Lea, Shelly, and Cassie are here to help you! Read more about our hygienists here!