What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed appliance designed to place dental crowns. The bridge consists of metal implants that serve as the tooth’s root, an abutment atop the implant and a crown that connects to the abutment. The crown is the visible part of the bridge that gives off a tooth-like aesthetic.

There are several types of bridges, but those seeking this permanent solution at Serenity Dental will receive a traditional bridge with porcelain crowns. Porcelain is our choice because it closely resembles the look and feel of natural teeth.

Are Dental Bridges Right for You?

A dental bridge is a versatile solution for those experiencing a range of oral health issues. Choosing this dental health solution ensures that areas that do not have natural teeth or have a rotting or unhealthy tooth will be replaced with a realistic and snug porcelain crown.

There are many other benefits to receiving a dental bridge other than simply replacing teeth. Bridges can preserve facial shape, secure teeth that are drifting out of position, restore chewing and speaking ability and improve your smile.

How to Maintain a Dental Bridge

Fixed bridges are also an effective alternative for those currently using dentures. Dentures have to be taken out nightly and require extensive hygiene efforts. Dental bridges, however, can be cleaned just like natural teeth. That means brushing twice a day with a stout, cavity preventing toothpaste and regularly flossing between the crowns of the bridge.

A dental bridge is designed to be permanent, but after a period of years they may need maintenance or complete replacement due to normal wear and tear. Be sure to schedule regular checkups after your dental bridges are placed to monitor their progress, comfort and success.

Do dental bridges seem like a good fit for you? Visit Serenity Dental in Woodbury to learn more about our office and schedule an appointment with one of our two specialists, Dr. Ellie Mahmoodi and Dr. Amanda Elbert.

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Read below to learn more about the common causes of gum disease, symptoms to look out for, preventative tips, and treatment options available to you through your Woodbury Dentist.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The catalysts for gum disease are reliant on a number of different factors for each individual. While sometimes the cause can be easily spotted, there are many instances where a closer look into family history and chemical makeup of the mouth need to be considered.

A few common causes for periodontal disease are:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Medications
• Hormonal changes
• Genetic susceptibility

What Are The Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Symptoms of gum disease can be everything from undetectable to severe, depending on the type and stage of the disease. If you are experiencing any combination of the symptoms listed below, contact your Woodbury dentist as soon as possible.

• Pain, redness, or swelling in the gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gum line
• Pain while chewing
• Loose teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Change in bite pattern
• Pus

How is Gum Disease Treated?

Prompt treatment and after-care of gum disease in extremely important to maintaining oral health for the long haul. Your Woodbury dentist will perform a complete periodontal exam to determine whether the form of treatment will be surgical or nonsurgical.

Scaling and Root planning are both nonsurgical procedures for preventing gum disease and treating mild to moderate cases of existing disease. These treatments remove the bacteria causing inflammation in the effected area, and may entail antibiotics or prescription mouthwash to help rid the infection.

Surgical procedures available include pocket elimination surgery and jawbone surgery, which both work to reduce spaces and indentations in the mouth to prevent the buildup of harmful toxins and bacteria. Tissue regeneration and dental implants are also corresponding surgical procedures that strengthen the jawbone to restore the mouth with prosthetic teeth.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Taking preventative action against gum disease is vital to the longevity of your oral health, and a sparkly smile. Often times, this requires changing or eliminating the habits that lead to gum disease in the first place. Scheduling regular check-ups with your Woodbury dentist will not only help spot minor issues before they evolve into much worse, but it also allows your dentist to assist in developing a personal prevention plan catered to your lifestyle. Call today to learn more about our periodontal screenings and preventative methods!

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What to Beware of:

• Citrus Fruits: While packed with essential vitamins, citrus fruits are extremely acidic and erosive to tooth enamel.
• Coffee: Stains from coffee are some of the toughest to remove from enamel, not to mention the deep stains hold on to extra bacteria, food, and particles.
• Crackers: The carbohydrates that make up this basic snack quickly convert to sugar and stick to the teeth with a glue-like texture, putting you at a higher risk for cavities and decay when proper cleaning doesn’t follow your snack break.
• Ice: You can still enjoy a cold beverage and fill your coolers with ice this summer, but chewing the ice damages tooth enamel and can cause cracks and breakage in already weakened teeth.
• Pickles and Pickled Vegetables: Pickled foods are loaded with vinegar sodium, which is extremely destructive on tooth enamel.
• Wine and Other Alcohol: The elements of happy hour tend to be some of the harshest on your teeth, and wine is unfortunately at the very top of the list. With tooth-discoloring pigments and tannins that cause dryness in the mouth, the lack of saliva flow can lead to a number of dental complications over time.

What to Eat More of:

• Cheese: Dairy products act as a neutralizer and can help lower acidity levels in your mouth.
• Strawberries: This tasty fruit contains malic acid, which carries natural enamel whitening effects to help lift stains left by other produce.
• Sugarless Gum: When chewed after meals, sugarless gum increases saliva production and helps to cleanse the mouth of bacteria build up and plaque.
• Tea: Components that are present in black and green teas help to slow down types of bacteria growth that are linked to cavities and oral diseases.

Preventative Tips

While it isn’t necessary, or realistic, to cut citrus fruits out of your diet and ward off summer sangrias completely, it’s still extremely important to take the proper preventative steps before and after your meals. If preventative measures are not taken, your pearly whites won’t remain so pearly.

Here are a few of the practices we recommend to our Serenity Dental patients for maintaining a clean and healthy grin every day of the year!

• Floss and brush regularly.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Incorporate plenty of calcium into your diet to help strengthen tooth enamel.
• Don’t skimp on dental check-ups with your Woodbury Dentist.

Sources:

• LiveScience.com 
• Mouthhealthy.org
• Health.com

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Even with proper preventative techniques in place, lifestyle adjustments may need to be made to combat certain medical conditions, genetic history and medicinal side effects that can all have an effect on the rate and intensity of tooth decay.

Read on to discover the most common reasons tooth decay arises, in addition to the best ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is caused by the wear and tear that takes place on the enamel over time. It can become a major threat to overall oral health if left untreated. The process is ongoing and occurs in response to a number of catalysts, including the consumption of a seemingly innocent meal or drink.

Oral bacteria feeds on carbohydrates and sugar that produce harmful acids that erode away a tooth’s enamel, leaving weak spots in their wake, otherwise known as cavities. Not only does tooth decay lead to further oral problems, such as periodontal disease, infections or abscesses and damaged pulp, but the open nerve endings that are left exposed from decay can bring on extreme pain and discomfort.

Here are some of the most prevalent causes of tooth decay in both children and adults:

• Minimal fluoride exposure
• Poor or average oral hygiene practices
• Fissures or deep pits on surfaces of teeth
• Sensitive or exposed root surfaces
• Medical conditions
• Medicinal side effects
• Genetic history of tooth decay

How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay in the Future?

There are several methods for tooth decay prevention and reparation to keep your smile healthy and long-lasting. Listed below are protective techniques that are available to you at your Woodbury Dentist office.

1. Fluoride

The most effective method for fighting against tooth decay is through use of fluoride treatments, which help to nourish damaged enamel from the mineral loss that ensues. The preexisting presence of fluoride in general supplies of food and water can’t be solely relied on to decrease the odds of tooth decay, requiring other preventative steps that incorporate fluoride to assure that your teeth are protected.

The two types of fluoride application are:

Topical Fluoride

This type of fluoride treatment works by penetrating the enamel to strengthen the tooth from the inside out, and comes in the forms of foam, gel, liquid, or varnish. Professional application can be done during routine check-ups with a brush or trey, as the fluoride calls for a short set time.

Systematic Fluoride

In addition to strengthening the affected areas of the exposed teeth, this form of fluoride also targets the portions of teeth that lie below the gum line surface. Available in drop or tablet form, systematic fluoride is an option for tooth decay prevention that can be prescribed by your Woodbury dentist.

2. Xylitol

Found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, Xylitol is a substance that can exponentially help reduce tooth decay when the recommended proportions are consumed (between 4-20 grams per day split between three or more servings).

Xylitol works by neutralizing acids and kick-starting saliva production to keep the enamel from being attacked. Since it can be tough to meet these requirements by consuming produce every day, Xylitol is available in gum form for both children and adults.

3. Sealants

Sealant is a thin coat of plastic that acts as a smoothing substance on a tooth’s surface. The majority of tooth decay begins in the deep pits or fissures that are difficult to properly clean. This method is safe for all ages, and is especially recommended for those who have proven to be cavity prone.

The application process only takes a couple minutes per tooth, and the results are capable of lasting many years with routine maintenance.

Fluoride treatments, Xylitol, and Sealants can’t stop tooth decay in its tracks alone, or erase the effects of neglected teeth and a bad diet. For this reason, it’s important to supplement the treatments with other preventative behaviors, like brushing twice each day, keeping up with flossing, maintaining a well-balanced diet, cutting back on sugary treats and scheduling regular check-ups.

For further inquiry about your options for tooth decay prevention, call to speak with your Woodbury Dentist today.

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Whether you have minor imperfections like chipped or crooked teeth, or you simply want to have whiter teeth, cosmetic dentistry at Serenity Dental can help you achieve the smile you always wanted.

When searching for the right cosmetic dentist in Woodbury for you and your family, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

3 tips for choosing a cosmetic dentist

#1. Former Client Testimonials

Some dentists will have testimonials available for you to view. This will give you an idea of how that dentist helps their customers achieve the perfect smile. Whether this includes pictures of former clients or written testimonials, it can be really helpful to see some of the work that dentist has already done. If there are testimonials to read, you can find out exactly how satisfied each customer was with the work they had done.

#2. Procedures They Use

Another key factor to consider is how a cosmetic dentist achieves those amazing results. Different dentists use different methods and procedures for whitening and other cosmetic issues. Some dentists prefer to use veneers in order to create a whiter smile while others focus more on chemical cleanings. It’s important to find a cosmetic dentist that uses procedures you’re comfortable with.

#3. Cost of Dental Work

Arguably, the most important factor when looking for a cosmetic dentist is the cost of the dental work. Everyone has a budget, so it’s important to find a dental office that fits what you’re willing to spend. Whether that means a willingness to work with your insurance provider, a lower initial cost, or a variety of payment plans, finding an affordable dentist can be the most important factor of all.

Here at Serenity Dental, we pride ourselves on having high standards for our cosmetic dentistry services in Woodbury. We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures, including porcelain veneers, crowns, composite fillings, and also offer teeth whitening options.

Take a look at our smile gallery to view before and after photos of our clients’s smiles. If you’re ready for a cosmetic procedure, call us at (651) 414-0208 today, or request and appointment online.

The post 3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist appeared first on Serenity Dental.

While we understand regular trips to the dentist for dental exams and teeth cleanings can be difficult, we aren’t just going to let you off the hook that easy! At Serenity Dental, we feel strongly that regular checkups are not only important, but necessary, and we’re going to tell you why!

Why Regular Dental Exams Are Important for Your Family

Dental exams are important for two reasons. The first is that dental exams help identify if you have any problems that need to be addressed. The second is that dental exams help us identify the dental hygiene areas where you might be struggling so we can give you advice to avoid these issues in the future. This might include identifying habits you’ve formed like not brushing well enough in the corners of your mouth.

For both these reasons, regular checkups are important. If you have any problems, the longer you go without knowing about or addressing them, the worse they will get. So don’t let plaque and tartar build up for years! Visit your Woodbury family dentist a minimum of two times a year.

Why Regular Teeth Cleanings Are Important

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can still build up. The mouth is a complicated area to keep clean! This is why regular teeth cleanings are so vital to your dental health. The equipment that dentists have eliminates the bacteria that you aren’t able to handle on your own.

By visiting your family dentist and having you and your family’s teeth cleaned at least twice a year, you can avoid tartar and plaque buildup that leads to things like cavities and gingivitis.

Why a Woodbury Family Dentist Is So Convenient

We started by talking about how it can be difficult at times to get to the dentist with a family. It gets even harder if you have to take your children to a different dentist office than the one you go to! By choosing a family dentist in Woodbury, such as Serenity Dental, you can take one trip to the dentist and bring the whole family along.

At Serenity Dental, we take pride in offering dental services to all ages. To learn more about our dental office and our Woodbury family dentistry services, give us a call at (651) 414-0208.

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As Woodbury cosmetic dentists, we believe everybody deserves to have the smile of their dreams. After all, a good-looking smile is far more than just straighter or whiter teeth—it can also be the source of great confidence.

One effective way to get the smile you’ve always wanted is to get porcelain veneers.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They come in various materials, but porcelain is among the most popular. That’s because porcelain veneers reflect light exactly like enamel, appear completely natural, and resist stains. The shells are bonded permanently to the front of your teeth, allowing them to cover any imperfections.

Veneers require a very small amount of original enamel to be removed prior to installation. This is necessary to make enough space for the veneers to fit your mouth more naturally, but it also means you won’t be able to go back to relying on your original teeth without veneers.

What Types of Problems Do Veneers Fix?

Veneers can fix any sort of issue you may have with your teeth, but only as long as it’s purely cosmetic. Porcelain veneers aren’t created to solve serious problems like cavities or gum disease. Dental veneers are, however, perfect for many cosmetic issues, such as:

• Discolored teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

There are many benefits to having dental veneers, and they aren’t limited to having a better looking smile. While that’s the main benefit of getting porcelain veneers, they have other benefits as well.

Stain-Resistant – Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers are uniquely resistant to stains caused by coffee, tea, and cigarette smoke.
Customizable – All dental veneers are customized for your mouth so you can have a perfectly symmetrical smile without any gaps.
Stay Intact – As opposed to crowns, veneers are installed directly onto your existing teeth so your teeth stay mostly intact.

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t for everyone, but it provides a great solution for those who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. At Serenity Dental, we take great pride in providing quality cosmetic dentistry services in Woodbury, MN. If you want to achieve your dream smile, consider porcelain veneers from Serenity Dental.

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People who have been living with a less-than-ideal smile have resorted to the “no teeth” smile in pictures and social settings to hide their teeth. If this sounds like you, there are options out there that can help give you the smile and confidence you’ve been missing.

As a cosmetic dentist office in Woodbury, MN, Serenity Dental has seen this situation over and over again. We consistently have patients who aren’t happy with their teeth and are looking to make a change. This is where our cosmetic dentistry services can be a great option.

Chipped teeth, tooth decay, worn teeth, and gaps between teeth are common issues that many of our customers deal with. We have four cosmetic dentistry services to help fix these problems. They include:

• Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns
• Composite Fillings
• Porcelain Fixed Bridges

If you’ve been thinking about using cosmetic dentistry, we’re here to help walk you through each of our services and identify the best option for you. Our website covers each of our cosmetic dentistry services in depth, and we’re always here to talk with you about what you’re trying to achieve.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions either! We know choosing a cosmetic dentist in Woodbury takes some time—and that you need to feel comfortable with the dentist before making a decision. Some of the things patients consistently want to know is how invasive the procedure is going to be and how much time it’s going to take. We will answer these questions and any others that you have.

If you’ve been hiding your teeth and thinking about doing something to change that, give us a call to at least get an idea of what’s possible. By doing this, you’ll know your options and have gotten the process started.

As Woodbury cosmetic dentists, Serenity Dental will provide you with everything you need to make a decision, and we’ll never pressure you into choosing us.

Ready to take the first step to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can help you? Give us a call at (651) 414-0208 today.

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Whether you’ve recently moved or are looking for a new dentist under your coverage, it can be a tall order to find a dentistry that’s the perfect fit. If you’re searching for a new cosmetic dentist office in Woodbury for your family, here are some things to keep in mind.

Seek Out Referrals

If you want to find a great dentist for your family, you need to ask around for referrals and check the reputation of different dental offices. Ask friends and coworkers who they go to and what they like about their dentist. Also, take a look at family dentists who have been practicing for many years because they’ve obviously been doing something right.

Research the Dental Services Offered

The services offered by dentists can vary pretty widely, so be sure to consider any special services you may require when looking for a new family dentist. All dental offices will offer basic services like teeth cleaning, check-ups, and dental fillings. But if you have special dental needs, be sure to check if they offer that service.

Ask if They Take Your Dental Insurance

While you’re looking for a new family dentist, you might want to make sure that they fall under your coverage and will cooperate with your insurance. This can easily be a deal-breaker for many families because budget is an important factor in many of life’s choices. Finding a cosmetic dentist office that honors your insurance policy will help keep your family’s dental bills low.

Find Out if the Office is Kid-Friendly

The dentist office can be a scary place for your little ones, which is why so many parents look for a family dentist that has a kid-friendly environment. Most dentists have a lot of experience working with kids, but try to find one who shows patience and can put children at ease with explanations. Also, dental offices that have play areas for kids in the waiting room can make your children forget why they’re there in the first place.

It can be difficult to find a new dentistry for your family. You don’t want to end up going to an office that you aren’t comfortable with, so take your time in making your decision.

If you live in Woodbury, Serenity Dental is dedicated to provide the best family dental experience in the area. We take pride in our staff and will always greet you with a smile.

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