Watertown Dental Dental Blog

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Options in Watertown MN

People can tell a lot from the shade of your teeth, including your age, state of oral health, and even your good and bad habits. And since everyone wants to look young and well groomed, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry.

Advancements in teeth cleaning technologies have made the treatment more comfortable, predictable, long-lasting, and affordable for all people. Although there are many effective ways to whiten your teeth, they vary depending on the treatment time and frequency, type of stain that can be removed, and the level of whitening that can be achieved.

Some of the teeth whitening options available include:

Professionally applied bleaching:

With in office tooth whitening, the dentist applies a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) to the surface of your teeth using trays that fit snugly around your top and bottom teeth. After the in-office treatment, your dentist may give you some hydrogen peroxide gel and custom-made trays to continue your treatment at home for a specific period of time to maximize the teeth bleaching results

Dentist-prescribed treatment:

Your dentist will give you a custom-made whitening kit for home use. This kit includes custom-made trays and some hydrogen peroxide gel. Teeth whitening at home is a gradual process that usually takes at least two weeks.

Which is the best option?

It’s best to consult a dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth so your treatment can be tailored to your unique needs. During your first appointment for professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth carefully, review your oral health history, and then determine whether bleaching is right for you. Please visit your dentist today to discuss your teeth whitening goals and smile concerns. 

Tooth Abscess Treatment Near Me, Watertown MN

An abscessed or infected tooth is a dental problem caused by bacteria penetrating through your tooth enamel and dentin to reach the pulp (pulpitis), such that pus begins to collect within. It can also occur when bacteria gets trapped in deep gum pockets. This results in a number of unpleasant symptoms, including:

  • Throbbing pain in the tooth
  • Pain in the surrounding areas, such as the ear, lower jaw, and neck
  • Soreness of infected tooth and surrounding area when biting 
  • Pain in the teeth when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Bad taste in your mouth
  • Fever and general feeling of being unwell
  • Difficulty opening your mouth and swallowing

Types of tooth abscesses

If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, you should visit your dentist immediately for diagnosis and/or emergency treatment. Your dentist may discover one of two types of tooth infections:

  • Periapical abscess – It is the most common type of tooth infection. It happens when you have a hole in the tooth enamel, which allows bacteria to enter and make its way to the pulp. The bacteria infects the pulp and spreads to the bone surrounding the tooth, causing a pocket of pus to form at the tip of the tooth root
  • Periodontal abscess – This type of abscess is the result of untreated gum disease. The infected gum tissue becomes inflamed and begins to move away from the bottom of your tooth. This creates a gap that is difficult to clean, allowing bacteria to build up. Ultimately, a pocket of pus forms at the side of the tooth root to form a periodontal abscess.

Treatment options

Cases of dental abscess are treated by draining the pus and resolving the infection by removing the damaged tissue from the pulp. Additional remedies may include:

  • Over-the-counter medication to help with the pain
  • Antibiotics to stop the spread of the infection
  • Root canal therapy and then capped with a dental crown to strengthen it
  • Tooth extraction and replacement with a partial denture, bridgework, or dental implant.

Please visit your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment

Dental Crowns Cost in Watertown MN

When it comes to repairing tooth damage, your dentist will likely present two options: a filling and a crown. The best restorative treatment depends on the type of damage, severity, and location in your mouth. 

In general, fillings are used to repair tooth damage that affects less than 50% of the tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, can be used to repair all kinds of tooth damage, but are mostly recommended for broken teeth, large cavities, and to fill gaps between your teeth, by either adding volume to a natural tooth or as part of a dental bridge or implant. 

Getting Dental Crowns 

Although fillings are easier and more affordable to place, they cannot be used interchangeably with dental crowns. The cost of getting a crown varies depending on the material used and the amount of tooth preparation needed before placement. Naturally, a severely damaged or infected tooth that requires a core build-up will increase the overall cost of the procedure.

Unlike fillings, dental crowns are a long-lasting restorative treatment. That means you get value for your money, even if you spend a little more. However, it should be done by a skilled and experienced dentist. So when considering the cost of dental crowns, it’s best that you don’t simply choose the least expensive dentist without fully understanding the reasons for the low cost treatment. 

You don’t necessarily have to pay the total cost of treatment out-of-pocket. Many insurance providers cover about 50% of the cost, though this also depends on your type of insurance and the specifics of your case. For instance, insurance companies are unlikely to cover the cost of a cosmetic crown placement. But if it’s needed to restore a fractured tooth or strengthen a tooth following root canal therapy, then your insurance plan may cover some of the cost. Your insurer will likely only work with professional dentists. 

To find out the actual cost of your crown placement procedure, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist first. Your dental team will then help you workout how much of the cost can be covered by your insurance plan, and what you need to pay out-of-pocket.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Improve Your Confidence, Watertown MN

There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to you today that can improve your smile. A simple change in your smile, such as aligning teeth or repairing chipped teeth with veneers, can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. It also changes how others perceive you!

Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. It helps you feel confident, happy, healthy and attractive; it makes you appear successful in various pursuits including professionally. If on the other hand for any reason like cracks or stains or gaps in your teeth you are feeling shy about smiling with others then look into visiting a cosmetic dentist.

When scheduling your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

Anyone who has been shy or hesitant about smiling or laughing with other people because of fractures, cracks, stains, or gaps in their teeth is a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth or want to improve your smile, please visit a cosmetic dentist near you to discuss your case. 

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment.

Dental Cleanings: Regular (Prophy) vs Deep Cleaning | Watertown MN

There are several types of dental cleanings that may help to remove accumulated plaque and tartar in your mouth, and improve your overall oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that prophylaxis cleanings be performed every six months by your general dentist as a part of your preventative dental care. Prophylaxis is also referred to as “teeth cleaning”, and involves the removal of accumulated plaque from the surface of your teeth above the gumline, as well as tooth polishing. 

Prophylaxis is performed using fine hand instruments, as well as an ultrasonic scaler and a polishing cup and paste if there are no signs of gum disease. Generally, a good candidate for prophylaxis should have firm, pink gums with no bleeding, and the gum pockets should be within the healthy range of 1 – 3mm. Though the ADA recommends prophy cleaning every six months, people at high risk of gum disease and other oral issues may require more frequent cleaning at 8 – 16 week intervals. 

Will Prophylaxis Cleaning Work for Me?

There are some cases where regular prophylaxis cleaning may not be enough to improve your oral health. Your dental professional will examine your teeth and gums and then determine the best type of alternative cleaning for your individual needs. The other types of dental cleaning include:

  • Full Mouth Debridement – it is recommended for people whose teeth have not been professionally cleaned for more than a year, resulting in heavy plaque and tartar (calculus) build-up. This procedure is typically performed before an oral examination and diagnosis to ensure good visibility of the actual condition of your mouth
  • Scaling and root planing – commonly referred to as “deep cleaning”, this procedure is recommended for patients who exhibit signs of periodontal disease, such as deeper gum pockets (over 3mm), inflammation and bleeding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar below the gumline, and/or loss of bone tissue supporting the teeth.
  • Periodontal maintenance – following treatment for periodontal disease, your dental professional may recommend this specialized cleaning every 8 – 12 weeks as part of your ongoing treatment for chronic periodontal disease to reduce the risk of adverse symptoms. 

Please visit your dentist to discuss your dental cleaning in Watertown MN today.

Dental Crowns FAQs in Watertown MN

A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, is used to strengthen a tooth’s structure, return its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. A tooth crowned fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, resulting in a new outer surface. 

Common Applications of Dental Crowns 

A dental crown is a permanent tooth repair option that can be used to restore different kinds of dental damage, including:

  • Missing tooth – can be used to support bridgework or paired with a dental implant 
  • Large cavity that would otherwise require a large filling 
  • Weakened tooth due to excess wear or cracks – to support and protect the remaining structure 
  • Decayed tooth – can be used to strengthen a tooth restored with root canal therapy 
  • Poorly shaped or severely discolored tooth – to conceal the imperfection and improve your smile 

Tooth Colored Dental Crowns 

A dental crown, also known as a tooth cap, is used to strengthen a tooth’s structure, return its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. A tooth crowned fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, resulting in a new outer surface. 

The most natural tooth appearance can be achieved with tooth-colored crowns, which blend in with your natural teeth to make the repair unnoticeable, resulting in an even, white smile. 

To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re right for you, please schedule a visit with our office. 

Tooth Colored Filling Front Teeth in Watertown MN

Tooth colored fillings can help treat cavities and achieve long-lasting results. At our dental practice, we offer tooth colored filling procedures to help patients improve their smiles and restore their confidence. Our tooth colored fillings for front teeth can help treat cavities or decays affecting your lower and upper front teeth. With the tooth colored fillings, our experienced dentist will provide an efficient and lasting solution to your dental issue.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you visit our dental practice, our friendly and kind staff members will attend to you promptly and make you feel as comfortable as possible. Our qualified dentist will examine the issue with your teeth and recommend the right dental procedure. If the tooth colored filling is right for you, our dentist will use the latest techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment to restore the health of your mouth.

How the Tooth Colored Filling Procedure Works

Tooth colored composite fillings are bonded to the patient’s teeth. During your visit, our dentist will apply a local anesthetic to make you feel comfortable and ensure that the procedure is pain-free. Also, the dentist will remove any cavities, bacteria, plaque, and all signs of tooth decay, sterilize the tooth and the surrounding areas, and apply a bonding agent.

Furthermore, the dentist will select a shade of tooth-colored filling matching your teeth’s natural color and carefully place it on the tooth structure. The dentist will use a special curing light to harden the material in-between the teeth layers. After filling the cavities completely, our experienced dentist will smoothen and polish the tooth-colored filling to achieve a flawless outcome. You can start chewing with your fillings immediately after the procedure is completed. 

Contact Us to Schedule a Dental Appointment

If you would like to know whether tooth colored filling for front teeth is right for you, please contact our dental practice today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly, professional dental specialists will be happy to meet with you.

Top Rated Dentist Near Me, Watertown MN

A quality dentist can help provide adequate care for your dental health, treat dental issues, and eventually improve your overall dental hygiene. However, before choosing a new dentist, it is important that you carry out detailed research. If you need a top rated dentist near me, our dental practice is the ideal place to turn to.

We are a reputable dental practice committed to offering top-class dental services and solutions to both young and adult patients. At our dental practice, we work with a dedicated team with several years of experience in various dental procedures. 

We Perform Dental Procedures with State-Of-The-Art Equipment

The experienced dentists at our dental practice perform dental procedures using state-of-the-art dental equipment, sophisticated techniques, and advanced technology. Our compassionate staff members will welcome you with an inviting smile and make you feel comfortable throughout your time at our facility. Whether it is a minor or major issue with your teeth or gums, our dentists will offer a fast, efficient, and lasting solution.

Let Us Help Restore Your White Teeth and Bright Smile

Are you looking for a top rated dentist near me to help improve your oral health? A bright and healthy smile exudes confidence. This is our responsibility to our patients to create beautiful, healthy, and confident smiles through our restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. 

At our dental office, we offer a variety of dental treatments. We firmly believe in preventive dental practices, such as proper at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits for professional teeth cleaning. Our dentist can help you with this to reduce the risk of dental problems in the future. Moreover, with regular checkups, we can restore damaged teeth at the earliest stage possible to reduce the discomfort and tooth deterioration associated with untreated dental problems. 

Our compassionate dental services and procedures will help you achieve the healthy gums and brilliant smile you always wanted.

Contact Us Today!

Call our dental practice today to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists. We offer affordable, reliable, and highly professional dental services. Our trusted dentists will be happy to meet with you and discuss your available dental options.

How to Find a Reliable Dentist Near Me. Watertown MN

When it comes to finding the right dental practice for your family, you need to choose a team that is dedicated to providing excellent and top-class dental services and solutions. One that is committed to helping you and your family achieve an outstanding level of dental hygiene and oral health for the long-term. 

Here are some considerations to help you find a reliable dentist near you:

  • Dentist who’s qualified and experienced in performing various dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, dental treatments, dental cleanings and exams, and other common procedures.
  • Wide range of dental services offered under one roof such as general dentistry, cleanings, veneers, crowns & bridges, among other dental procedures. 
  • Friendly, compassionate, and diligent team that will thoroughly investigate your case and perform the most suitable dental procedure that will provide a lasting solution to your dental issues. 
  • Excellent and prompt dental services, whereby dental procedures are performed using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art dental equipment to ensure maximum comfort and fast healing.
  • A comfortable and serene environment that is suitable for all your family members

First Appointment at a Dental Practice Near Me

In case you are in search of the best dentist near me, call our dental practice today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with our qualified dentist. At our dental practice, we understand that every patient is unique and requires specific dental needs. With this in mind, we offer personalized and quality dental care for your entire family. When you visit our dental practice, you can expect:

Our experienced team will be available to speak with you and help you understand your possible dental treatment options. We will recommend a dental procedure or solution that works best for you. When you need the best dentist near you for dental cleaning, treatment, or procedures, our dental practice remains the ideal place to visit. Our ability to deliver excellent and compassionate dental services makes us the preferred option for individuals and families looking for a reliable dentist in their area. 

Dental Crowns Cost in Watertown MN

A dental crown is a permanent, long-lasting restorative treatment. And considering that it forms a key part of your smile, it’s important that you choose your dentist carefully without compromising on how much dental crowns cost, to ensure that it’s done in the most professional and skillful way.

As such, when considering the amount that dental crowns cost, you should not simply choose the least expensive dentist without weighing your other options. Find out if your dentist works in a network of other professionals, preferably as a member of a recognized dental association that ensures a high quality of standards for all procedures. Consider all factors, including experience, friendliness, and your rapport with the dentist before making the final decision.

When to Get a Dental Crown 

Crowns can be used to repair any kind of tooth damage, including:

  • Severe Decay – that has affected more than half the tooth,
  • To strengthen the tooth structure following root canal therapy 
  • Broken or fractured teeth 
  • To replace large fillings 
  • To fix chips and cracks 
  • To close small gaps between teeth 
  • To support dental bridges when replacing missing teeth 

Dental crowns are typically installed in two appointments. You can discuss the cost and other aspects of your specific dental problem and your suitability for crowns during the initial consultation. The dentist will assess the damaged tooth to identify the best repair option for your case. 

Final Note

If you plan on repairing a damaged tooth with a dental crown, it’s best that you schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist near you. Making the cost of the treatment your only factor may lead to poor and unsatisfactory results that end up causing pain and discomfort, and costing you more money and time in the future.

To get more information about the cost of a dental crown, please schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Watertown Dental Dental Offer

New Patient Exam Xrays and Regular Cleaning $67

Includes consultation, exam, and x-rays. In the absence of periodontal disease. New Patients Only

Make Appoinment
Watertown Dental Dental Offer

Invisalign

With advances in dental technologies, it is now possible to straighten your teeth discreetly without the use of traditional metal braces.

Learn more