Tag: Patient Stories Cosmetic Dentistry

From Crowded to Confident – Matthew’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Matthew has been a patient of the practice for nearly 20 years, starting with Dr. Furey and then transitioning to Dr. Jeff.  As a teenager he underwent traditional orthodontics and felt that his teeth were straight.  Unfortunately, like so many, Matthew had periods of not wearing his retainers and his teeth moved over time, especially his lower front teeth.  As Matthew entered his 30’s it was starting to bother him more and he asked Dr. Jeff if Invisalign would be right for him.  Dr. Elizabeth met with Matthew and together, they determined that Invisalign would be able to help bring his smile back to where he was as a teenager.

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth sent impressions, photos, and x-rays of Matthew’s teeth to Invisalign where they created a 3D simulation of how his teeth could move with Invisalign treatment.  Matthew was very happy with the simulation, which showed a significant improvement to his crowding.  He decided to move forward with Invisalign.

As part of Matthew’s Invisalign treatment, Dr. Elizabeth included “Bite Ramps” on his aligners because he clenches his teeth very heavily.  Bite ramps prevent patients from being able to bite down completely and clench.  It helps give the muscles a “stop” point and reminds the muscles to stay in a more relaxed position.  Matthew liked his bite ramps as his muscles felt very good while wearing the aligners.

Matthew’s case was expected to consist of 20 aligners that he would wear for 10-14 days at a time.  Matthew was very compliant and consistent in wearing his aligners as instructed and was able to complete his case after the 20 aligners as expected.

What does Matthew think?

Matthew thought it was something he wanted to do because he wanted to straighten his teeth and after looking into Invisalign he decided it was the best option for him.  What he liked most about the process was that it did not take as much time and it wasn’t painful at all!  When asked what he would tell a friend that was considering Invisalign treatment he said he would highly recommend it.  It is definitely an investment in your time and money, but it is worth it!

Matthew’s case was expected to consist of 20 aligners that he would wear for 10-14 days at a time.  Matthew was very compliant and consistent in wearing his aligners as instructed and was able to complete his case after the 20 aligners as expected.

 

Transform Your Smile with Invisalign: A Journey to Success at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Are you dreaming of a straighter, more confident smile, but hesitant about the prospect of traditional braces? Look no further than Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, where Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert offer the transformative power of Invisalign. This revolutionary orthodontic treatment is changing the lives of patients, making the journey to a beautiful smile easier and more comfortable than ever before.

Invisalign:  A Clear Solution to Straight Teeth

Invisalign has taken the world of orthodontics by storm, offering a discreet and effective way to correct misaligned teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which uses wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions.

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is its subtlety. The aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. This means you can go about your daily life with confidence, whether you’re at work, socializing with friends, or taking selfies.

The Invisalign Experience at Eggert Family Dentistry

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring a seamless Invisalign experience for their patients. They take the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and create a customized treatment plan tailored to achieve the best results.

One of the key aspects that makes Invisalign so easy for patients is its comfort and convenience. The aligners are made from a smooth, BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums. You can also remove them for eating, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Brushing and flossing are a breeze since there are no wires or brackets to navigate around.

Patient Success Stories

The success stories of Invisalign patients at Eggert Family Dentistry speak volumes about the effectiveness of this treatment. Patients of all ages have achieved remarkable transformations, boosting their confidence and improving their oral health.

One patient, Beth, shares her experience: “While going through Invisalign was a big commitment, I was always self-conscious about my crooked teeth, but I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional braces. Invisalign was the perfect solution. Dr. Elizabeth made the process so easy, and now I don’t have any hesitation about showing my teeth. The results are incredible. I can’t stop smiling!”

Another patient, Kyle, adds, “I was having dental pain and Dr. Elizabeth helped me understand how my bite was causing a lot of the trouble due to my crooked teeth. The clear aligners were comfortable and I hardly noticed I was wearing them. Now, I have a great smile and NO PAIN now that my teeth are in the right spot!”

 

 

Unlock Your Smile’s Potential

Invisalign at Eggert Family Dentistry offers a clear path to the smile you’ve always wanted. With the expertise of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, along with the convenience and comfort of Invisalign, you can achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile without the hassle of traditional braces.

Don’t let misaligned teeth hold you back. Join the ranks of satisfied Invisalign patients at Eggert Family Dentistry and experience the transformation for yourself. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a brighter, more confidence future. Your journey to a stunning smile starts here. Give us a call at 651.482.8412.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

No one’s smile is perfect, and you should love your smile no matter what! But sometimes having crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth can negatively impact your self esteem. Additionally, this kind of malocclusion can make it harder to floss, chew, and even speak.

If you or someone in your family wants to straighten their teeth, whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, there are mainly two orthodontic treatments they can choose from: the traditional solution of braces, or the newer method of invisible aligners, commonly called Invisalign.

But which is best? At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, both Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have years of experience helping patients obtain the smiles they’ve always dreamed about. Dr. Elizabeth is well-trained in the Invisalign system and is even able to help patients at Eggert Family Dentistry undergo this type of orthodontic tooth movement right in our own office! Still, it makes sense to learn about the pros and cons of both types of treatment to determine which one is right for you.

Braces

What are Braces?

Traditional braces are orthodontic appliances made with metal brackets. These brackets are attached to the teeth using a non-toxic dental cement and held together by a metal wire and rubber bands that wrap around the brackets.

For hundreds of years metal braces have been used to safely and effectively straighten teeth into their correct positions, and modern day braces are extremely comfortable, reliable, safe, and effective!

Nowadays, there are multiple kinds of braces to choose from. Patients can now opt for ceramic brackets, which are less noticeable than metal, or lingual braces, which are bonded to the backs of your teeth (on the tongue side).

How Do Braces Work?

Braces use mild, constant pressure to shift your teeth into their proper positions over time. The treatment can last anywhere from 12 months to three years, depending on the severity of your misalignment. Though, the average treatment time for adults is two years.

We rely on one of our amazing local orthodontists to complete traditional braces for our patients.  Typically, you would have an adjustment appointment  every four to six weeks.

Pros of Braces:

  • They’re the most powerful solution:  It doesn’t matter how badly your teeth are crowded, braces will effectively anchor onto the teeth and pull them into the desired position. They are able to generate more force than Invisalign, making them an effective treatment for even the most severe cases of misalignment.
  • Multiple types of braces to choose from:  As we mentioned earlier, you can choose from either the traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces.
  • Faster treatment time:  When it comes to closing gaps and straightening teeth, braces tend to be the faster solution. This is because the braces put more pressure on the teeth causing them to move more quickly.
  • They stay on your teeth: This can be seen as a pro or a con, but for those who are prone to losing items or maybe not the most compliant, it’s definitely a pro: braces stay attached to your teeth for the duration of your treatment, so there’s no chance of them being lost or the treatment not progressing!

Cons of Braces:

  • Aesthetics: Traditional braces are more noticeable when you smile or speak. While some people don’t mind the look of braces, many people wish they weren’t so visible.
  • Cleaning your teeth can be difficult: Patients need to take great care to make sure they’re brushing and flossing well while they’re wearing braces. With the metal wires, flossing can be particularly challenging.
  • Changing your diet: Hard and sticky foods have the potential to break your metal brackets. If this happens, your braces treatment will be ineffective until the bracket has been fixed. So, while you’re wearing braces, you’ll want to avoid foods like hard candy, caramel apples, corn on the cob, etc.

Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are a set of plastic trays (aligners) that slowly shift your teeth into the desired position. These clear aligners function much like traditional braces, but they’re much more discreet.

How Does Invisalign Work?

As we’ve said, Invisalign gently and subtly repositions your teeth over time, just like braces do. The entire treatment involves many sets of aligners that are changed out every couple of weeks. Each new set of aligners is designed to move your teeth 0.25 mm until your teeth are completely straight.

Pros of Invisalign:

  • Cleaning your teeth is easy: In contrast to traditional braces that are permanently attached to your teeth, Invisalign aligners are easily removed for brushing and flossing!
  • No need to change your diet:  Because they can be removed, there is no need to alter your diet to accommodate your aligners. But remember, for the best results, Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 22 hours per day, so don’t forget to put them back on when you’re finished eating!

Cons of Invisalign:

  • Can be lost:  Because Invisalign aligners are removable, that means they can be easily lost if you’re not careful. If you lose your aligners, you’ll need to contact Eggert Family Dentistry to get replacements right away.
  • Teeth won’t move:  If you aren’t compliant with wearing your aligners, your teeth won’t move. This can be very frustrating for both the patient and the dentist! If you aren’t willing to commit to 22 hours of wear each day, Invisalign isn’t the right treatment for you.
  • May not be suitable for severe cases:  If the patient is experiencing severe malocclusion, crowding, or jaw issues, Invisalign may not be the most appropriate form of treatment.

Interested in hearing more about Invisalign? At Eggert Family Dentistry we can create a customized Invisalign treatment plan for you and your family. We’d be honored to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile! Call us today at (651)482-8412!

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:

  1. We use the wand to scan your mouth, gently moving it over the surface of the teeth and gums.
  2. The iTero captures the size and shape of each tooth and displays a real-time 3D image on a touch screen.
  3. This image can be magnified and manipulated to enhance details in the areas we want to examine more closely.
  4. If appliances are needed, we can send the necessary scan information directly to the lab.
  5. 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!