Oral Health Archives - Page 3 of 12 - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Wishing You a Radiant Labor Day Weekend and a Bright Back-to-School Time!

Dear Valued Patients and Friends of Eggert Family Dentistry,

As we stand at the threshold of a delightful confluence – the exuberant Labor Day weekend and the much-anticipated return to school – we extend to you our warmest greetings and well wishes. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, along with the entire team, want you to know how truly grateful we are to have you as a part of our dental family.

Labor Day is not just a day off but a tribute to your hard work, determination, and dedication. It’s a time to pause, take a breath, and celebrate the progress you’ve made on your life journey. As you savor this long weekend, may your hearts be light, your laughter be infectious, and your smiles be radiant reflections of the joy you bring to those around you.

The back-to-school season, filled with anticipation and potential, is also upon us. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, and our team want to extend our encouragement to all the students venturing into new horizons of knowledge and personal growth. May your pursuit of education be marked by curiosity, perseverance, and those “aha” moments that make learning so exhilarating.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, your smiles are our priority, and we’re here to ensure your oral health is in its best form. As you dive into your schedules, remember to take a moment for self-care and maintain those beautiful smiles that light up our practice. If it’s time for your regular recare visit or if you have any questions, remember that our doors are open to serve you.

This Labor Day weekend, as you reflect on your achievements and embrace the promise of the back-to-school season, let your spirits soar and your smiles shine brightly. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, and our entire team are here to support you on your journey, ensuring that your dental health remains as vibrant as your aspirations.

From our hearts to yours, have a joyful Labor Day weekend and a splendid return to school!

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, and the Eggert Family Dentistry Team

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

Meet the Visionaries Behind the Innovation

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

A Visual and Tech-Forward Approach to Care

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

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

Revolutionizing Communication

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

The Future Beckons

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

Call or Text Us!

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Technology is constantly evolving.

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

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

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

Why Is Dental Technology Important?

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

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

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

The Technology We Use at Eggert Family Dentistry

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

iTero Scanner

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

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

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

Primescan and CEREC

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

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

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

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

Digital X-Rays

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

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

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

Intraoral Camera

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

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

Electric Handpieces

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

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

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

What was recommended?

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

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

What did she want?

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

What was involved?

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

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

What does she think?

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

Root Canal Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

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

6 Common Root Canal Myths

Myth #1: Root Canal Treatment is Painful

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

Myth #2: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myth #6: Root Canals Require Multiple Long Appointments

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

Need a Root Canal Procedure? Schedule an Appointment

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

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

What Is Tooth Loss?

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

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Tooth Loss

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

How to Prevent Tooth Loss

Hygiene Habits

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

Lifestyle Choices

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

Protective Measures for Sports

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

Treating Tooth Loss

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

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

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

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

Suffering from Tooth Loss?

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

Cavities vs. Tooth Erosion

By; Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When we talk about cavities and tooth erosion, we’re talking about two very different dental processes. While both processes result in the breakdown of your teeth, they can be caused by different factors, and thus require different solutions.

In this post we’re going to share the differences between cavities and tooth erosion, their effects on your dental health, and offer some suggestions for prevention.

Cavities (Also Called Tooth Decay)

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. This tooth decay can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

Bacteria in your mouth
Frequent snacking
Sipping sugary drinks
Acidic foods or drinks
Not cleaning your teeth well

Dental Effects

Because cavities make the tooth weaker, they can cause a number of uncomfortable side effects, including:

Toothache
Tooth sensitivity
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
Visible holes or pits in your teeth
Brown, black, or white staining on any surface of a tooth
Pain when you bite down

Prevention

The best way to prevent cavities is to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Additionally, you need to maintain a regular cadence of visiting Eggert Family Dentistry for professional dental cleanings and recare visits. While your at-home regimen is critical to preventing cavities, getting your teeth professionally cleaned on the interval recommended by Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth is key to making sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to your oral health.

Tooth/Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hard, translucent coating that covers the crowns of your teeth, protecting them from bacteria. This coating helps prevent tooth decay, and thereby plays a critical role in overall dental health. But, when enamel is eroded, problems arise.

Enamel erosion is similar to tooth decay in that it weakens the tooth. But rather than being caused by bacteria, teeth surfaces can be worn down and weakened by:

Acids in food and drink
Stomach acids
Misalignment
Clenching and grinding
Chewing ice
Naturally weak enamel

When your enamel wears down, your chances of developing decay become much higher, as there’s less of a protective layer between bacteria and the softer interior of your teeth.

Dental Effects

If you experience any combination of the following symptoms of enamel erosion, make an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry today:

Tooth sensitivity
Pain or discomfort when eating something sweet, hot or cold
Change in the color of your teeth (with erosion, they often look gray or yellow)
Change in shape of your teeth (they may become sharp, chipped, or sometimes smooth like a stone)
Cracks in the teeth

Prevention

To prevent tooth erosion, reduce your intake of food and drinks containing acid. Or, if you’re going to have high acid food/beverages, try to eat them with other non-acidic foods to balance the acid content. Additionally, don’t brush immediately after you eat or drink food containing acid. Instead, rinse with tap water and wait about an hour until your enamel has a chance to remineralize again from your saliva before you brush.

Most importantly, to prevent tooth erosion, visit Eggert Family Dentistry for regular recare visits so we can keep an eye on your dental health! We can assess whether these damages are due to acidic foods, decay, or bruxism, which can be prevented with appropriate treatment. Consider using a remineralization medicament, and ask about the restoration of your teeth to prevent further damage.

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, changes in tooth color, cracks, chips, or dents in your enamel, or if you’re due for your next recare, routine dental visit, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 651.482.8412 and set up an appointment today!

Replacing Maryland Bridges – Kate’s Story

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

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

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

What did Kate want?

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

What was involved?

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

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

What does Kate think?

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

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

What was recommended?

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

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

What did ML want?

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

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

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

What was involved?

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

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

What does he think?

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

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

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

Vaping: What Every Parent and Teen Should Know

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Most teenagers are averse to the taste and smell of cigarettes, and we’ve seen a sharp decline in cigarette use among teens in recent decades (it’s helped that smoking cigarettes has fallen “out of style”). However, the lure of smoking is still just as strong as it was in the 20th century – it just looks a little different.

E-cigarettes or “vapes” are electronic devices that heat nicotine and disperse it as an aerosol. There is no smoke or tobacco involved, so many teenagers have been led to believe that vaping isn’t as bad for you.

Regardless of whether or not they realize it, the #1 problem of vaping is still the exact same as smoking: Nicotine is one of the most addictive chemicals on the planet.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our patient’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we are here to support you in any way we can. Here’s what you and your teenager need to know about vaping.

Who’s Vaping and Why?

A 2022 study released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 2.55 million U.S. middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use in 2022. That number represents 14.1% of high school students and 3.3% of middle school students.

Students vape because of three main reasons:

Many teens believe vaping is less harmful than smoking.
E-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes.
Youths and adults find the lack of smoke appealing. With no smell, e-cigarettes reduce some of the stigma of smoking.

It’s true that vaping is thought to be less harmful to the lungs than inhaling smoke, however, research is still being done and due to all the chemicals involved with e-cigarettes, the evidence isn’t clear. However, if this is the reason your teen cites to defend their vaping addiction, tell them that it’s also true that knives are less harmful than guns. That said, we still wouldn’t want to be faced with either.

Additionally, nicotine as an aerosol comes with its own serious health risks — not only does the vapor contain a known pesticide, but there are hundreds of chemicals present in aerosols that have yet to be identified. We don’t yet know all the side effects and risks.

Side Effects and Dangers of Vaping

What we know for sure is that E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals such as:

Formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer.
Acrolein which is used as a weed killer and can cause irreversible lung damage.
Flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease.
Volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust.
Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.
Nicotine, which is highly addictive and damaging to the brain.

Just like smoking, there are two sets of side effects when it comes to vaping. One category of side effects has to do with the physical act of inhaling chemicals/vapor into the lungs (vaping). The other category has to do with becoming a nicotine addict.

Side Effects of Vaping:

Because vaping is relatively new, researchers don’t yet know all the effects vaping can have on your body. What we do know, though, is alarming enough:

Difficulty Breathing: The particles you inhale while vaping can cause inflammation (swelling) and irritation in your lungs, making it harder to catch your breath.
Asthma: Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. It can also make your existing asthma worse.
Lung Scarring: Diacetyl, a chemical used in some flavorings, can cause bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”). Bronchiolitis obliterans causes permanent scarring in your lungs. That means that even if someone quits vaping, the negative effects of it will be with them for the rest of their lives.

Side Effects of Being a Nicotine Addict:

Any addictive substance is going to cause harm, but nicotine addiction can be especially harmful.

Nicotine Dependency: When you start vaping, it only takes a few days of consistent use before your brain starts to rely on the presence of nicotine in order to feel normal. Without a constant supply, nicotine addicts go into withdrawal and feel anxious, stressed, unsettled, irritable, and fidgety.
Inability to Focus: Nicotine is the one of the most addictive chemicals on the planet because it enters and leaves your system quickly, which is why smokers and vapers feel the need to smoke/vape every 20 minutes or so. This makes it noticeably more difficult to focus for prolonged periods of time. Whether you’re writing an essay, taking a test, drawing a picture, relaxing with friends, or watching a movie, so long as you are still vaping, your addiction will always make you feel the need to vape.
Increased Anxiety: The popular belief is that smoking and vaping can calm you down. Researchers know that the exact opposite is true: Nicotine spikes your heart rate and blood pressure, which is directly responsible for increasing anxiety.
Other Mood Disorders: Several studies have also found that nicotine addiction during adolescence is also associated with a higher risk of developing mental and behavioral problems during adulthood, including: major depressive disorder, agoraphobia, and panic disorder.

How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health

Nicotine, whether smoked or vaped, restricts blood flow to the gums, which can contribute to gum disease. The fluid in e-cigarettes only increases the risks. Other ways that nicotine and aerosol can harm your oral health include:

Dry mouth: Nicotine in e-liquid inhibits saliva production which leads to dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, it’s a perfect habitat for bacteria which can lead to tooth decay.

Damage to soft tissue/enamel: Propylene glycol is used as a carrier ingredient in e-liquid, propylene glycol has toxic effects on soft tissue and enamel. Additionally, e-liquid flavorings when added to vegetable glycerin cause a 27% decrease in the hardness and integrity of tooth enamel.

Receding Gums: Continued nicotine exposure causes reduced blood flow which can cause gum tissue to die and recede, exposing more of the tooth.

Tooth Decay/Loss: Exposed gums leads to tooth sensitivity, an increase in cavities, and in some cases, tooth loss.

The Bottom Line

Even if you believe your child would never use e-cigarettes or vapes, it’s important to talk to your teenager about vaping. Even those teens who manage to avoid peer pressure are still going to be exposed to vaping at some point in their lives. It’s important to make sure your child is prepared with the right information to make the correct decision.

Questions About Vaping and Your Oral Health?

Vaping poses significant risks to your oral and overall health. If you or a loved one are struggling to quit vaping or have any concerns about its effects on your oral health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Eggert Family Dentistry. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are committed to providing comprehensive dental care to our patients and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at 651-482-8412 to schedule an appointment today, or to learn more about how we can help you and your teen maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.