Family Dentistry: What is It?

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Family dentistry is a type of dental care that focuses on providing comprehensive and personalized oral health services to patients of all ages. Whether you are a child, teenager, adult, or senior, a family dentist can offer you the dental services you need to maintain good oral health.

The skilled team at Woodlane Dentistry of Woodbury, MN, is proud to offer their services to the local community to help your family put their best smiles forward.

What is Family Dentistry?

Family dentistry is a branch of dentistry that caters to the dental needs of families. It is designed to offer a comprehensive range of dental services to people of all ages, from children to seniors. Family dentists have the skills and experience to diagnose and treat various dental conditions and provide preventive care to help you maintain good oral health.

How is Family Dentistry Different?

Family dentistry is different from other types of dentistry because of its focus on providing comprehensive and personalized dental care to patients of all ages.

Comprehensive Care

Family dentists offer comprehensive dental care, including regular check-ups, cleanings, and preventive care to maintain good oral health. They are also equipped to diagnose and treat various dental conditions, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. This means that patients of all ages can receive their dental needs from one trusted professional.

Personalized Approach

Family dentists take a personalized approach to dental care, tailoring their treatments to each patient’s specific needs and goals. They work with their patients to create individualized treatment plans and help them understand their options for maintaining good oral health.

Focuses on Prevention

Family dentistry is focused on prevention, helping patients maintain good oral health through regular check-ups, cleanings, and other preventive measures. Family dentists educate their patients on how to care for their teeth and gums and work with them to develop strategies to reduce their risk of developing dental problems. This focus on prevention helps patients maintain good oral health for a lifetime.

Your Trusted Dental Care Experts

Consider family dentistry if you’re looking for comprehensive, personalized dental care for your entire family. Your local family dentist is equipped to provide a wide range of dental services to help you and your family maintain good oral health. During your next appointment with the quality team at Woodlane Dentistry of Woodbury, MN, you can be sure you are receiving the best care and guidance you deserve.

Crown Vs. Bridge Vs. Implant: Which One is Right For You?   

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You’ve probably heard about dental crowns, dental bridges and dental implants – but do you know the difference? These important dental tools can help you fill a gap in your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. As your dentist in Woodbury MN, we can help you understand the difference between crowns, bridges and implants – and we can help you determine which type of dental appliance is right for you.

What’s a Crown?

A crown is like a thin cap that’s placed over the entire tooth to protect it. Crowns are used to reinforce a tooth that has been weakened or damaged, whether by a crack, chip or a root canal. Crowns are typically shaped just like the original tooth, and some crowns (non-metallic crowns) are even colored to match the other teeth in the mouth. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including metal, ceramic or resin.

You should get a crown if your tooth is damaged but is not being extracted. Crowns are only used if the tooth is in place – they are not used to fill a gap where there is no more tooth.

What’s a Bridge?

A bridge is an artificial tooth that uses a crown fitted over the adjacent teeth to hold the bridge in place. Bridges are used to help you maintain a functional bite and to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place when one tooth is missing.

Your dentist may recommend a bridge in the event that you lose a permanent tooth.

What’s an Implant?

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that is inserted into (and fused to) the jaw, just like a real tooth. Implants look like real teeth, function like real teeth, and are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth in nearly every way. Implants are an excellent option for anyone who is missing a permanent tooth and who would like to restore their smile to its previous state.

Do you have a missing tooth or a tooth that’s been weakened by damage? If so, contact Woodlane Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for information about our cosmetic dentistry services in Woodbury MN. In your appointment, we can make a diagnosis and recommendation for treatment. Call today.

 

What Are The Benefits of an Intraoral Camera?

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At Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we do our best to offer the latest in dental technology as we serve our patients. One of the tools we use is called an IntraOral camera. This incredible dental camera has been a game changer for our office and for our patients. If you’ve yet to experience what the IntraOral camera offers, you’ll be interested in learning more about its benefits.

What is an IntraOral Camera?

An IntraOral camera is a very small device that fits easily inside the mouth. For comparison’s sake, it’s about the same shape and size of a pen. The small size enables our dentist in Woodbury, MN to readily manipulate it in order to capture the needed images. The size also allows the dentist to capture images of your teeth and gums from various angles. And, in comparison to the image output from an ordinary camera or even dental x-rays, the IntraOral camera excels exponentially.

Benefits of an IntraOral Camera

The vivid, high-definition images generated by our IntraOral camera in Woodbury, MN has to be seen to be believed. They are one of the most impressive benefits.

Another benefit is being able to help the dentist pinpoint any issues more precisely. The camera’s minimal weight makes it easy to zoom in on any dental abnormalities, which in turn highlights specific areas of the issue that need to be addressed.

Once the images are captured, they are sent to a computer screen. From there, they can be comfortably viewed by both dentist and patient as the dentist explains what the issues are. This is so helpful for educating patients as to their dental health.

The images can also be easily sent to other dental providers, as might be needed if the patient needs to be referred to a specialist for further treatment. And, if insurance is an issue, the images can be relayed for reference purposes regarding any claims for treatment.

We think that the IntraOral camera offers a lot of value to our services and our patients seem to agree. It’s much nicer to be able to see for yourself what is really going on inside your mouth. To experience this for yourself, book your appointment online with us today.

4 Benefits of Dental Implants

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If you’re looking for dental implants in Woodbury, MN, you should know what you’re getting into. Whether you’re interested for cosmetic reasons or more because you’re concerned about your oral health, Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry wants you to have all the facts.

1. Comfort

Eating, talking, even riding a bike: people who get implants report being more comfortable during any number of activities. Implants are designed to simulate real teeth, using a fixture that eventually fuses with the bone so it can hold the permanent crown attached.

2. Confidence

Having a full set of teeth can make people feel uncomfortable, and it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with how they look. It’s easy to discount the importance of even one tooth, until you realize just how much it changes anything from how you chew to the sound of your voice. Implants make it possible for you to smile wide, chat with people while you’re snacking, and just feel a little better about how you’re taking care of yourself.

3. Better Oral Health

Your teeth are designed to be intact, otherwise they’ll start to shift in order to fill in the spaces left behind. This kind of movement can make it harder to do anything from brush to floss, which can ultimately invite more plaque to the party. To protect yourself, you need the pressure of the crown that you get with a dental implant.

4. Implants Are Versatile

No matter what you’re looking for in terms of an implant, chances are a dentist will be able to make it happen. Implants can be single-tooth or full set, meaning you can replace an entire row of upper or lower teeth. While not everyone is eligible for this service, depending on the strength of their jaw, those who are find a wide range of options awaiting them.

Implants are usually recommended over alternatives like dentures because they’re more permanent and easier to care for. If you’re looking for a dentist in Woodbury, MN, the staff at Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help.Contact us today to find out more about whether this service can give you back all the comforts that a full set of teeth can bring.

How Do Panoramic X-Rays Help Dentists Diagnose?

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Panoramic X-rays at the dentists can take photos of the entire mouth in just one click. Used for everything from extractions to implants, this diagnostic tool can be used on nearly any patient. The radiation dose is very small and only requires you to remove any metal objects or jewelry and don a lead apron for the test. We’ll look at how they work and why they’re been so helpful for dentists in Woodbury, MN.

How Panoramic X-Rays Work

Panoramic X-rays show the teeth, upper jaw, lower jaw, tissues, and all surrounding structures to the dentist, meaning they can examine the details of your bones and teeth. This is when they spot anomalies that could lead to larger issues down the road, such as a cyst in the jaw bone, impacted teeth, oral cancer, or gum disease.

Why It Matters

Your head, neck, and jaw can be photographed separately with traditional X-rays, but being able to see everything together is undeniably helpful for a dentist in Woodbury, MN. They get a better sense of how it all works together, which is the best way to diagnose early on — otherwise known as the best possible time for intervention. For more severe disorders like cancer, it can even save your life.

Small Shifts

When your teeth move, they do so at a very slow rate. If a dentist isn’t paying attention, they could easily miss the adjustments until your alignment is too far out of balance. With panoramic X-rays, dentists have an easy way to compare and contrast recent photos with those taken several years ago. Regardless of how old a patient is, this can be pivotal for treating different orthodontic conditions, including TMJ, in stages.

Find a Dentist in Woodbury, MN

A dentist that invests in the right kind of dental technology is a professional who’s looking out for the well being of their patients. At Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you’ll find that we use panoramic X-rays in Woodbury, MN to get a comprehensive understanding of the mouth, which can be instrumental in giving all of our clients world-class care. Contact us today to find out more about how our devices, including an intraoral camera, can all support your oral health.

What Age is Too Young For Dental Veneers? 

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Adults aren’t the only ones who sometimes feel bad about the way their smile looks. Young adults and even teens and pre-teens can exhibit confidence issues around the appearance of their teeth. The current social media platform environment can exacerbate these issues or even create problems where they don’t exist. If your son or daughter is asking about dental veneers, you are probably wondering what age is too young for dental veneers.

What Age is Too Young?

Ifdental veneers in Woodbury, MN are a serious consideration, remember that this is a permanent treatment. There’s no going back later and removing the veneers. With dental veneers, the surface of the natural tooth is “shaved” down in order to accept the veneer. This permanently alters the natural tooth. Age is not the real issue as far as when is too soon. The person must:

  • Be mature enough to understand the permanence of dental veneers
  • Not have underlying emotional issues that are driving the request
  • Be mature enough to take care of the veneers
  • Have all of their adult teeth in
  • Not have serious underlying oral health problems

Is There Truly a Problem?

The impossible beauty standards that are pushed on social media can make a youngster feel like their smile is inadequate. In fact, most of the “beautiful” images on these platforms are airbrushed and manipulated in a way that isn’t real. Your youngster may feel they don’t measure up, when in fact their teeth are perfectly fine. Consult with yourfamily dentist in Woodbury, MN for an honest assessment before considering cosmetic dentistry.

Other Options May be Better

Bear in mind that there are many options for actual tooth issues that your youngster may have. Simple solutions such as professional teeth whitening, teeth bonding or even cleaner braces treatment for teeth straightening may be better. These solutions may solve the problem of your youngster’s lack of confidence in their appearance.

Have your son or daughter come in tospeak with one of our dentistswith you. The best decision is an informed one that involves all parties involved, including the parent or guardian when the patient is a minor.

Get the Smile You Want with a Dental Veneer

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Do you hesitate to smile because you have a small gap between your front teeth? Even if you have perfectly aligned teeth, you could have a chip or a crack in one of your front-facing teeth or a discolored tooth that makes you feel self-conscious. Whatever your reason for wanting to improve your smile, dental veneers in Woodbury, Minnesota are a simple and permanent solution.

What Are Dental Veneers?

A veneer is an extremely thin piece of porcelain that Dr. Erlandson or Dr. Roehrich attaches to your tooth using dental cement and a curing light. The veneer is similar in color and texture to your natural teeth to ensure that it blends in seamlessly without anyone noticing. Veneers are a popular choice in cosmetic dentistry for people who just want to treat one small area and do not necessarily need a total smile makeover.

What to Expect When Getting a Veneer at Woodlane Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

To prevent your treated tooth from protruding further than your other teeth, your dentist will need to shave off a small amount of tooth enamel before attaching the veneer. The amount is typically less than one-eighth of a centimeter.

Once your dentist feels satisfied that he has enough room to place the veneer, the next step is to apply the dental cement that allows it to stick to the front of your tooth indefinitely. Next, he shines a curing light onto the tooth to force the dental cement to harden. The final step is to trim any loose cement on your tooth. You are now ready to show your beautiful new smile to the world.

Caring for Your New Dental Veneer

You need to be careful with your new veneer just as you would any dental restoration. Specifically, you should avoid biting into hard foods with your treated tooth and never use it for anything but eating. Keep in mind that most dental veneers last about 10 years before they require replacement. You will always need to have a veneer on the treated tooth due to the removal of tooth enamel.

Are you ready to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services in Woodbury? Please schedule an appointment with our dental practice today.

Benefits of the IntraOral Camera 

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As technology continues to revolutionize dentistry, one of the best advances is the intraoral camera. Compact and easy to manipulate inside a patient’s mouth, it can let your dentist in Woodbury, MN to examine parts of your mouth not easily accessible, allowing them to spot problems that may have gone undetected. As for other benefits of the intraoral camera, here are some of the most important.

Easier Patient Education

When your dentist is trying to explain what they see inside your mouth, it may be difficult for you to understand. However, by using an intraoral camera in Woodbury, MN, your dentist can take high-resolution color pictures of your teeth, gums, and other parts of your mouth. By being able to show you what they found, you can gain a quicker understanding of your dental issue and the course of treatment your dentist recommends.

Convenient Dental Visits

Rather than have you sit in a chair with your mouth open for perhaps an hour or longer, your dentist can use the intraoral camera to complete their examination of your mouth much faster than in years past. In doing so, this allows you to get an accurate diagnosis in a much shorter period of time.

Preventive Care

When an intraoral camera is used, it can play a significant role in spotting small problems before they turn into ones that are bigger and more serious. Since your dental health also impacts your overall health, preventing future complications through early detection is vital.

Specialized Treatment

When you have such dental issues as a damaged or chipped tooth, periodontal disease, or advanced tooth decay, you may need specialized treatment. When your dentist uses an intraoral camera to take pictures of your mouth, these pictures can immediately be sent not only to other dentists and specialists, but also to your insurance company. By having the pictures in front of them, it becomes much more difficult for insurers to deny coverage for certain procedures.

A non-invasive dental tool that can be used to detect problems early on and let you and your dentist develop the proper course of treatment, the intraoral camera can make a tremendous difference in your dental care. To find out what’s going on inside your mouth, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix a Missing Tooth?

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Many people with a missing tooth aren’t proud of their smile. The reality is that missing teeth can cause serious social problems. If you have a missing tooth, you may feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. Maybe you’re scared to smile at a party or perhaps you always prefer to eat alone. Like many people with this dental problem, you probably want to know how cosmetic surgery can fix a missing tooth? Here are the many ways that a cosmetic dentist in Woodbury, MN can fix a missing tooth.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a great, long-lasting option for people who have a missing tooth because it looks and functions like a regular tooth. An experienced surgeon will insert the replacement tooth into the jawbone. You will love that dental implants are natural and comfortable. The most popular dental implants are mini/midi implants and standard dental implants. A dental implant is truly the most recommended and reliable option.

Fixed Dental Bridge

Many dentists also recommend fixed dental bridges for people who have one or more missing teeth. While there are four main types of dental bridges, the traditional bridge is the most common. If you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap, a traditional bridge could be a great solution. A dentist may also suggest a cantilever dental bridge, an implant-supported dental bridge or one of a variety of other dental bridge options to fix your missing tooth situation.

Partial & Complete Denture

Depending on how many teeth you have missing, a partial or complete denture could be a great option. A partial denture can replace a few missing teeth, whereas a complete denture can replace several missing teeth. These two types of dentures give the appearance of natural teeth. If you opt for a partial or complete denture, it may take some time to get used to your new teeth.

Contact our dentist’s office today if you’re missing some teeth and you’re ready to have the smile of your dreams. Our extremely friendly and professional cosmetic dentist in Woodbury, MN is always eager to answer any questions that you may have. After getting one of our cosmetic dentistry services for missing teeth, we are positive that you’ll feel more confident. We can’t wait to work with you soon.

Protect Your Teeth from Damage with a Mouthguard

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Whether you love playing rough and tumble sports or simply grind your teeth at night, you can likely benefit from wearing a mouthguard. Not just any mouthguard in Woodbury, Minnesota, will do, however. You need one that fits your teeth and jaw perfectly, so you can enjoy the ideal level of protection while staying comfortable through all your activities.

What is a Specialty Mouthguard?

A specialty mouthguard is a protective dental device designed to cushion your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. Your dentist forms this device out of medical-grade plastic by taking a mold of your teeth.

In most cases, the mouthguard is worn over your full set of top teeth only, although it’s possible to make them for the lower arch. Your dentist will assess your tooth protection needs to determine which one to make.

When to Wear a Mouthguard

People wear mouthguards during the day and night for many different reasons, such as:

  • High-Contact Sports: Offers protection against injuries to the teeth, gums, and lips
  • Tooth Grinding: Prevents damage to the enamel from grinding and clenching teeth at night
  • TMJ Issues: Helps relieve pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues

Dentists can even create a mouthguard for the lower arch that helps reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.

When you visit your dentist, they will help you determine if you need a mouthguard. You can then discuss when to wear it and what to expect during the creation process.

How to Get a Mouthguard That Fits Right

Although boil-to-fit mouthguards are available over the counter, you can get the most protection from a specialty made device from your dentist in Woodbury, Minnesota. To ensure you get just the right fit, our dental team will take a custom mold of your teeth and gums.

Using that mold as a guide, we’ll create your dental device, and then schedule you back to check its fit. Our dentists can make adjustments to perfect the fit and ensure it feels comfortable to wear.

If you’d like to see if you’re a good candidate for a mouthguard, give our team at Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry a call at 651-731-1560 to schedule your visit. We look forward to helping you protect your dazzling smile, so reach out to our team today.