Nicollet Station Dental offers all the modern services available in dentistry. From routine exams and teeth cleanings to complex restorative and cosmetic services.
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As a general rule, most patients should have a dental cleaning (removal of calculus and polishing tooth surfaces) every six months. Regular cleanings make a huge difference in preventing gum disease and cavities.
Sometimes using an ultrasonic cleaner is a big help. For our patients who build up calculus more readily or who don't care for the hand scaling, this instrument can be of great assistance.
In addition to checking the teeth for cavities, fractures or wear, our dentists examine all of the structures of the oral cavity thoroughly, including the jaw muscles, jaw joints (TMJ's), jawbones, gum tissues, occlusion (bite) and soft tissues.
We pay particular attention to the health of the gum tissues. Gum (periodontal) disease is the most common dental problem we see, and may be a contributing factor to other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. It is generally a painless disease until it's later stages, so many patients don't know they have it until permanent damage has occurred. Your gums will be thoroughly examined at each cleaning and comprehensive exam appointment.
New technology helps us help you. For our patients with stain in the grooves, laser cavity detection helps us identify small areas of decay before they can be seen on an x-ray or clinically. When caught in an early stage, cavities are less costly to fix and can often be treated without having to numb the tooth.
As part of a comprehensive examination, your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening. While oral cancer is rare, it can be a deadly disease. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death.
For our patients with greater needs, we sit down together to discuss treatment options, costs and expectations before treatment begins. This approach allows you understand our recommendations completely, make comfortable financial arrangements and have input into your treatment planning.
We are happy to look at any dental problem or concern you have for a complimentary opinion about treatment. Just give us a call!
Composite (tooth colored) fillings have become the material of choice for restoring decayed teeth. Because they can be bonded to tooth structure, they can be placed much more conservatively than silver fillings, which require a large cavity preparation with undercuts to hold the material in. Plus, they're white!
Teeth that have large cavities, failed silver fillings, cracks or fractures, or a history of root canal therapy commonly need a crown (cap) to restore them. Crowns are made of porcelain or gold and cover the tooth completely to strengthen severely compromised teeth. We'll take the time to discuss what's best for you.
Dental sealants can be used to help prevent cavities from forming. Deep pits and fissures that exist on the biting surfaces of posterior teeth can be difficult or impossible to keep clean. Dental sealants are plastic coatings used to seal deep pits and grooves before a cavity starts, preventing the need for additional restorative work.
You don't have to be a professional athlete to benefit from wearing a mouthguard while participating in sports. Although "boil and bite" mouthguards sold in sporting goods stores can work, most people find a custom made appliance more comfortable to wear. Plus, custom made mouthguards better protect the teeth in the event of a blow to the mouth.
Dental implants have proven to be the closest thing to a natural tooth when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They do not rely on neighboring teeth to support them and can be cared for just like a normal tooth. Dental implants are used to replace single teeth or many teeth when placed under a bridge or denture.
Fixed bridges replace one or more missing teeth and have been used successfully for generations. A fixed bridge utilizes natural teeth as anchors by placing crowns on them to support the replacement teeth, and they are not removable.
If you have many missing teeth a complete or partial denture may be necessary to replace them. Dentures are removable for cleaning.
Treatment of gum disease begins with periodontal root smoothing. A dental hygienist numbs the affected areas with topical or local anesthetic and removes calculus deposits from the roots of the teeth. We then teach our patients good homecare techniques to help arrest the problem and keep it from returning. Sometimes medication is prescribed as well. Later, your hygienist re-evaluates the healing of the gum tissues to make sure the problem is under control. If the problem persists, referral to a periodontist (specialist) may be indicated.
We are always available for emergencies. If you have a problem after regular business hours, please call our office for instructions to reach the on-call dentist.
Cosmetic dentistry is the glitz that gets all the press in our profession. And for good reason. Everyone wants to look his or her best, and an attractive smile is a huge part of looking great. We offer various whitening techniques and bonding or veneers to correct the shape and color of front teeth. We're happy to discuss what modern dentistry can do for your smile.
Grinding or clenching of your teeth (bruxism) can be a very serious problem that can result in severe damage to your teeth, TMJ's (jaw joints) and headaches. The damage from bruxing occurs slowly over time, but if caught early can be treated to prevent the need for extensive restorative treatment or debilitating jaw joint problems.
At Nicollet Station Dental we offer our patients the best technology that dentistry has to offer: