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2233 North Hamline Ave.
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Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 636-0655

  • Tips to A Fresher Morning Breath

    Do you often wake up with breath that can clear a room? If you’re tired of bad breath in the morning – technically known as “halitosis” – we have six tips that can help you nip the problem in the (taste) buds!

    Reduce the caffeine.

    Caffeine inhibits the production of saliva, and saliva is the body’s natural method of cleaning your mouth. That means that caffeine-laden coffee, black teas, and energy drinks can dry out your mouth and allow oral bacteria to flourish. That leads to halitosis, since oral bacteria are the main culprit of bad breath. If you do need that jolt of caffeine in the morning, be sure to keep your mouth moist with lots of glasses of water to counteract the effects of the caffeine. 

    Quit the habit.

    Cigarettes are double trouble for your oral health. Not only do they stain your teeth, but they are purveyors of bad breath. The combination of chemical additives in the cigarette, along with the particles of smoke that stick to your throat and lungs, leaves your breath stale (and puts you at risk for lung cancer). Chewing tobacco is even worse for your breath. 

    Eat breakfast.

    Skip the cigarettes and caffeine – but be sure to sit down for a nutritious breakfast every morning. It doesn’t have to be complicated. An apple is great because of its water content and crunchiness. The combination helps eliminate bacteria that cause odors. Eggs or yogurt are also good choices because they boost the production of saliva and provide you with calcium and Vitamin D.

    Be more effective when you floss and brush.

    Even if time is tight in the morning, don’t rush your dental routine. Particles of food stuck in your mouth, gingivitis and oral bacteria can all contribute to bad breath and even more serious oral health issues. If you want to give yourself an even deeper cleaning than just brushing and flossing, you might add a tongue scraper to your morning routine along with gargling with a non-alcoholic mouthwash (alcohol dries out your mouth). And if you are really tight on time, be sure you have a travel toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, and floss at your workplace or in your car. 

    Pay attention to your sleeping habits.

    How you breath when you sleep could be a contributor to your bad breath in the morning. If you breathe through your mouth when you sleep, you’ll dry out your mouth and the lack of saliva will give halitosis-causing oral bacteria a boost. If your situation is severe, your dentist my recommend surgery. If it isn’t that severe, try having a glass of water, a throat lozenge, or a humidifier handy when you go to bed to keep your mouth moist and your breath fresh. 

    See your dentist.

    If you try the first five tips on our list and you’re still waking up with bad breath, then be sure to make an appointment to see your dentist. Your persistent morning halitosis may indicate that something more serious is going on with your oral health. It could be a cavity, an infection in a tooth, or gum issues. Or it could be something even more severe, such as liver or kidney issues or diabetes. Your dentist can see if the issue with your bad breath is due to a mouth issue or if it’s a more systemic problem. If it’s an oral health issue, they will be able to give you a personalized action plan to permanently get rid of the problem.

    SOURCES: American Dental Association, WebMD, Mayo Clinic

  • All Crowns Are Not Created Equal

    When Are Crowns For Your Teeth Necessary and What Are Your Options?

    You’ve probably heard about dental crowns. But do you know what oral health problems necessitate a crown and what types of materials you have to choose from when the crown is made?

    You will probably need a dental crown in the following situations:

    The damage to your tooth is so severe that it can’t be fixed by filling it with an amalgam or composite material

    Your tooth’s appearance is an issue and the placement of a crown can improve the shape, color and in some cases the alignment of the tooth

    Your tooth is weak due to decay

    You have a cracked tooth which a crown can protect

    Your dental bridge needs help being held in place

    You have a dental implant that needs to be covered

    So how is a permanent dental crown placed? Once a patient is evaluated and a decision is made to use a dental crown to address the patient’s oral health need, the tooth that will be receiving the crown is prepped. This involves removing any decay and preparing the tooth for its permanent crown. This may include fabricating a build-up if there is not enough healthy tooth surface left to hold and stabilize the new crown.

    An impression is taken and a temporary crown is fabricated after the tooth is prepped. The temporary crown is placed on the tooth while the permanent crown is being made in the lab. Once the crown is finished, typically 1 to 2 weeks, the patient will return to get the permanent crown cemented into place.

    What Materials Are Used for Crowns?

    Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated crowns that are used on permanent teeth primarily as a temporary measure. The crown protects the tooth or filling while a permanent crown is made from another material. They are often used with children’s primary teeth. The crown covers the entire tooth and protects it from further decay. When the primary tooth comes out to make room for the permanent tooth, the crown comes out naturally with it.

    Metals used in crowns include gold alloy, palladium, nickel or chromium. Compared with other crown types, less tooth structure needs to be removed with metal crowns, and tooth wear to opposing teeth is kept to a minimum. Metal crowns withstand biting and chewing forces well and probably last the longest in terms of wear down. Also, metal crowns rarely chip or break. The metallic color is the main drawback. Metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight molars.

     Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be color matched to your adjacent teeth (unlike the metallic crowns). However, more wearing to the opposing teeth occurs with this crown type compared with metal or resin crowns. The crown’s porcelain portion can also chip or break off. Next to all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look most like normal teeth. These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.

    All-resin dental crowns are less expensive than other crown types. However, they wear down over time and are more prone to fractures than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

    All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide better natural color match than any other crown type and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and they wear down opposing teeth a little more than metal or resin crowns. All-ceramic crowns are a good choice for front teeth.

    Temporary versus permanent. Temporary crowns can be made in your dentist’s office, whereas permanent crowns are made in a dental laboratory. Temporary crowns are made of acrylic or stainless steel and can be used as a temporary restoration until a permanent crown is constructed by a lab.

    SOURCE: WebMD and American Dental Association

     

  • What happens when you get a dental crown?

    There are a lot of reasons why people might decide to go to the dentist or get dental treatment. Sometimes you will need emergency dental work, while other times it might be fine to simply visit the dentist every 6 months or so for a check up. Dental crowns can play an integral role in any sort of dental procedure that you might be looking to get. 

    Personal Care Dentistry is your ideal choice when it comes to trying to get the perfect dental crown fitted. This is something that can help to improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, and make you feel more confident. Here is what you need to know about getting dental crowns in Roseville. 

    What is a dental crown?

    A dental crown is pretty much a porcelain cap that covers an individual tooth in order to help improve or enhance the appearance and strength of the tooth. Crowns are an important way of being able to give a tooth structure and support, and they have other functions as well, such as lending support to bridges. If you’re looking for dental crowns in Roseville you’ll need to know what to expect, and there will generally be two appointments required when you are going to be getting a crown fitted. 

    What is the treatment?

    Another thing you need to know about is the actual treatment process itself and what this entails. You’ll generally want two visits in order to complete your dental crown, the first to take an impression of your teeth and set a temporary cap, and the second to actually fit the proper crown. Shaping and preparing the tooth happens on the first visit, and an impression is then taken, with a temporary cap used to protect the tooth. The impression is then sent to the lab where a customised crown is made, then on the second appointment this crown is actually fitted.

    What you should expect

    Dental crowns in Roseville can be fitted at Personal Care Dentistry, and there are a few things you should expect from this treatment. Once you have had a new crown fitted you can expect to feel some sensitivity, mild discomfort, and mild pain when chewing or following a change of temperature. If you want to keep the crown for as long as possible, it is important that you make sure you observe the right level of oral hygiene, and that you focus on trying to keep your teeth as clean and tidy as possible moving forward. If you live in Roseville, Minnesota and you are looking to get dental crowns fitted, come down to our practice and let’s get started!

    As you should expect, getting a dental crown fitted is an important process, and there is a lot you need to think about here. Make sure you head to our practice and meet with our team to discuss your options when it comes to getting a dental crown. At Personal Care Dentistry, we are able to give you the perfect crown fitting procedure that will help you to improve your life moving forward right now. 

  • When should I consider veneers?

    Looking after your teeth is so important, and there are a lot of things that you can do to achieve this. One of the biggest factors to keep in mind when it comes to improving your teeth is to consider the aesthetics of how they come across. Taking care of your teeth is as much about improving and maintaining the appearance of the teeth as it is about working on the strength of the teeth.

    And many of our patients in Roseville, Minnesota, get in touch with us about veneers. Now, in order to fully realise the perfect mouth of teeth, it is important to make sure you at least understand what veneers are and how they can help. So, check out our guide to veneers, and why you should consider them as soon as possible.

    What are veneers?

    Veneers are simply layers of material that are placed over teeth in order to protect them or enhance their appearance. Veneers are generally available in two different types of material, and they are composite, and dental porcelain. Now, depending upon the budget you have, and the style you’re looking for, either of these options are a great choice for you. Composite veneers typically last for around 4 years before replacements need to be considered, while porcelain veneers can last up to a whopping 15 years! 

    Why should you consider veneers?

    There are plenty of reasons why people might consider veneers, and, if you are seeking veneers in Roseville, there is a good bet that you have your own reasons for this. One of the biggest reasons for people wanting to get veneers fitted is to improve the visual appearance of their teeth. Teeth that have gaps, cracks, stains or a misshapen are all perfect contenders for veneers. These are a wonderful way of getting the beaming, million-dollar, Hollywood smile you’ve always wanted. But, more than just a form of aesthetic improvement, veneers can also be used to protect and look after teeth as well.

    How we can help

    We have a skilled and qualified team of experts ready to fit veneers in Roseville and the surrounding areas, and this is something you should consider. We have a process designed to help fit your veneers in the most comfortable way possible. We buff and shape the existing teeth and then make an impression. We choose the right color, get the adhesive ready, and fit the veneers for you. No anaesthetic is used, and this is a process that is typically as comfortable and painless as possible. 

    Get in touch with Personal Care Dentistry, and choose the perfect veneers to help improve your smile and your self-confidence. If you want excellent veneers in the Roseville, Minnesota area, you should call us and drop by our practice to talk about your options. Our team is always on hand to help you understand the process and to work toward getting the treatment you want right now. Take the right steps to help improve your life as much as possible, and veneers are one of the best ways you can do this.

  • 7 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Toothbrush

    You’ll spend more than 1,500 hours during your life brushing your teeth if you’re brushing two times per day (and two minutes per time). So it’s kind of important for you to choose the right type of toothbrush if you’re going to be that “close and personal” with this bristly tool!

    We have 7 tips below to help you enjoy your toothbrushing and to make the two minutes twice as day as impactful as possible on your oral health.

    Buying a New Toothbrush: You should be switching to a new toothbrush as soon as the bristles on your current one start to fray or look worn. Figure that will happen about every 90 days if you are brushing twice a day for two minutes per brushing. Also, if you’re ill, toss your current toothbrush. Those germs from your illness can stick to the head of your toothbrush and make you ill again. 

    Soft is Safe for Bristles: Soft is the way to go when it comes to the bristles on your toothbrush and the way you brush. Toothbrush heads with stiff bristles can actually damage your gums and teeth. The stiff bristles cause your gum tissue to recede from your teeth, exposing the root and leading to increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages. In addition, the hard bristles can scratch the enamel on your teeth, exposing them to plaque (which causes cavities).

    Head Shape Is Important: Be sure to take into account the shape and size of a toothbrush’s head when you are choosing a new one. You should be able to easily brush your back molars with the toothbrush head, and the toothbrush should be comfortable in your mouth when you are brushing.

    Get A Grip on A Good Handle: Comfort is the key here, since you’ll be using your toothbrush twice a day. The handle of the toothbrush should be comfortable to hold, and long enough to reach all areas of your mouth. Also, be sure your toothbrush handle is wide enough for you to get a firm grip so it doesn’t slip while you are brushing.

    Don’t Be Cheap: Buying a dozen no-name toothbrushes at a big-box store might seem like a steal for your pocketbook, but the real steal is from your oral health. If you purchase a toothbrush from a manufacturer you’ve never heard of, can you be sure the materials used to make the toothbrush are safe? Will they actually help your oral health or hurt it? Invest in a recognized brand for the best oral health care.

    Make It ADA: Be sure to buy toothbrushes with the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. The ADA only awards its Seal if a company can prove through scientific evidence that its toothbrush is safe – and effective.

    Is Color Important: If you consider the color of your toothbrush a big deal, then be sure to buy a color you adore. You’ll be spending time twice a day holding that toothbrush, so the happier it makes you, the better!

    Sources: The American Dental Association (ADA)

  • What is periodontics?

    Looking after your teeth is so important, and there are a lot of different procedures that have to happen in order to help you care for your pearly whites. That’s why it is important to make sure you are focused on doing as much as you can to improve your oral hygiene, and visiting our practice is one of the best places to start with this. 

    At Personal Care Dentistry, we are dedicated to giving you the best possible treatment at all times and making you feel comfortable with the process. We understand that a trip to the dentists can be a cause of panic for a lot of people, and we work hard to try to make this the best possible experience. So, if you live in and around Roseville, Minnesota, and you’re seeking periodontics treatment, you should get in touch.

    What is periodontics?

    Periodontics is the name given to the wide range of treatments that focus on the hard and soft tissues that support your teeth and hold their position in the jaw. This means that there is a focus on things like the gums and the jaw bone, and treatments involved in looking after these. If you have ever suffered from something like gingivitis or periodontitis, periodontics would be the form of treatments that would have been used to help with this. Periodontics is a little different to regular forms of dentistry, and there are a lot of different treatments in this area that you are going to need to look at and take advantage of as much as possible. 

    What procedures are done by a periodontist?

    Periodontists are experts specially trained and skilled in dealing with periodontal treatments, and they are integral to great teeth care and hygiene. If you are seeking periodontics in Roseville, MN it is important to first understand what periodontists do. The procedures that are carried out by a periodontist include things like scaling and root planing, which allows for the infected areas of the teeth to be cleaned and treated. They also remove damaged tissue and use an array of techniques to help treat and prevent different forms of gum disease. 

    Why you should use our practice

    We pride ourselves on the fact that we offer some of the leading periodontal treatment options in Roseville, Minnesota and beyond. So, if you are looking for excellence in the field of periodontics in Roseville, MN then you should head down to our practice. Our skilled periodontists will use dental x-rays to assess the condition of your teeth and gums and determine what sort of treatment is required. They will also talk you through the process and what you can expect from it. 

    Make sure you head over to our practice so that you can use some of the best periodontics treatments that we offer. Our periodontist experts offer cutting-edge treatments when it comes to treating periodontics issues for patients in the Roseville, Minnesota area. Looking after your teeth and gums is so important, and there are a lot of factors to keep in mind with this when you are looking to improve and enhance your oral health. 

  • Considering Braces? Check Out Invisalign’s Clear Aligners

    If you’re considering braces to straighten your teeth and enhance your smile, then the Invisalign system is one you should take a long look at as an option. Invisalign clear aligners feature custom-made sets of trays that slowly move your teeth into the desired position.

    Unlike traditional braces, which feature lots of metal and are VERY noticeable, Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible. They fit nice and snug over your teeth, slowly shifting your teeth in whichever direction they need to go to straighten out – vertically or horizontally. In fact, Invisalign clear aligners can even rotate your teeth into the proper position.  They can accomplish that seemingly impossible goal because they are designed to use just the right amount of force in the right place at the right time.

    The Invisalign clear aligner system works by having you change regularly (usually weekly) to a new set of aligners. At Personal Care Dentistry, each set of aligners is part of a custom treatment plan developed and mapped by Dr. Andrew Heinisch, our Invisalign expert.

    If you think the Invisalign clear aligner system might be an option for you, we have answers below to the questions we most often get from patients about the system.

    Why Choose Invisalign?

    For many people, it’s the way Invisalign clear aligners look when they are wearing them. Called “invisible braces”, they are computer-manufactured and slide comfortably over your teeth for optimal fit. You remove them when you eat, drink, brush or floss. And unlike wire braces, there isn’t a need for regular wire tightening, and you can avoid the irritation to your teeth and cheeks that you get from wire braces.

    Invisalign is a Serious Commitment

    Like all braces, Invisalign is a big commitment. You should ideally be wearing your Invisalign clear braces 22 hours a day, every day. That means you’ll have two hours a day to remove them for eating, drinking and cleaning (unlike wire braces which are permanent).

    Issues with Invisalign Braces

    There are a a couple of areas of concern that patients sometimes mention when they use the Invisalign system. These include a slight lisp for some people, which generally goes away after a week or two. Kissing can be problematic, say some patients, but it’s often a bigger deal to the person wearing the braces rather than their partner. Finally, you will have to change your eating and drinking habits while using Invisalign clear braces, since you should remove them before eating or drinking. You need to brush before you put them back in your mouth.  

    How Long Does the Invisalign Treatment System Take?

    Treatment duration varies by patient, but it usually takes between 22 and 30 aligner variations to achieve the desired result. This generally takes from six months to a year, but you’ll begin to notice results as soon as several weeks after you start.

    Caring for Your Aligners

    We usually recommend brushing your aligners with the toothpaste you are already using. You can also use cleaning tablets offered by Invisalign, or a mild denture cleaner. If you have wire braces, keeping your teeth clean is much more difficult. 

    Whiten While Using Invisalign

    If you want whiter teeth while straightening your teeth with the Invisalign system, go for it! You can do both at the same time – just ask your dentist for the details. 

    After Invisalign

    Once you finish your course of treatment with the Invisalign system, you’ll need to wear a retainer at night to keep your teeth in place.

    Sources: Colgate.com, WebMD, YourDentistryGuide.com, RealSelf.com

  • COVID-19 Procedures: Keeping You Safe

    We are pleased to provide our patients with a safe dental care experience during the COVID-19 pandemic when they come in for an appointment to our clinic. Although a few things might look and feel different from our pre-pandemic procedures, we continue to provide the quality service that we have been delivering to our patients since 1977.

    We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this stressful time and look forward to seeing “The World’s Greatest Patients”!

    Our COVID-19 safety procedures include:

    We continually monitor and follow the recommendations of the CDC, ADA & Minnesota Board of Dentistry.

    All patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms during their appointment confirmation call. When  they check in at the clinic, they are asked to complete and sign a screening form and a disclosure form.

    We ask that if you are not feeling well that you reschedule your appointment.

    Patients are required to wear a mask into the clinic prior to and after dental treatment.

    Only patients are allowed in the clinic – family must wait outside. Exceptions are the parent of a child who has an appointment and elderly or disabled patients who need assistance from a care giver.

    When arriving at the clinic there is a hand sanitizer station outside our office front door. Please use it. 

    All patient’s temperatures are aken with a no-touch thermometer at check in by a front desk staff member.

    The front desk staff are in masks.

    There will be an $11 charge for each patient for Personal Protective Equipment (most insurance is covering this); if it is included in your insurance adjustments will be made on your behalf.

    The waiting room has been reconfigured for social distancing.

    Computer keyboards in the waiting area have plastic covers that are sanitized after every patient use. In addition, all pens and clipboards are wiped down after each use.

    Common areas are wiped down routinely throughout the day.

    All doors are kept open to reduce having to touch door handles.

    Bottled water, coffee and tea have been removed.

    There are no magazines in the waiting room.

    Play area has been closed.

    Patient flow is circular to keep traffic in the hallways to a minimum and reduce face-to-face hallway contact.

    All care team staff are in personal protective equipment (PPE), including Level 3 masks and safety glasses or face shields.

    Our team members only come to work if they are 100% healthy. Each one will have their temperature taken when they come to PCD.

    Personal Care Dentistry has purchased a washer and dryer which is onsite and each care team member’s scrubs are washed/dried at the end of each day or more frequently as necessary.

  • Aftercare For Your Recent Tooth Extraction

    When you have dental surgery, it’s not something that you can just get over instantly. Your body needs some downtime and there are certain things you need to follow in order to get better and back to normality as soon as possible. Here are some tips for caring for yourself after a tooth extraction:

    Take It Easy

    The first rule and probably the most common when it comes to any type of surgery or procedure is to take it easy. You might need to take a few days off on the couch or at least stop anything you’d usually do on a daily basis that might cause injury or cause too much strain on the body. Try to take each day as it comes and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. The more you try and do your normal routine, the more you could be hindering your recovery process and possibly having to revisit the dental practice. Remember that rest is important whenever your body has been put in physical strain, surgery being one of them.

    Follow The Aftercare Advice

    Every dental procedure or extraction will have some aftercare advice that your dentist will likely recommend. When it comes to tooth extraction aftercare, there’s likely to be a number of steps you’ll need to take to ensure that the recovery process goes as it should and that whatever has been done, completely heals. Follow this advice to the letter and don’t simply dismiss or ignore it. Your dentist is giving you this information for a reason, and it’s worth taking it seriously.

    Eat Soft Foods

    You’ll often have dental procedures where you might not be able to eat solid foods for a certain amount of time and just to be safe, it’s worth taking it easy when it comes to your food intake. Any type of dental procedure is worth restricting your food intake to soft foods or fluids just in those initial recovery periods. By avoiding solid foods, you reduce the risk of stitches coming undone or knocks to teeth or areas that are still healing. This can be especially the cause for tooth extraction.

    Brush Carefully

    Brushing your teeth is an essential part of keeping your oral health nice and healthy. With that in mind, it’s worth brushing your teeth carefully and being very cautious about how you brush your mouth. Think of the affected area and navigate slowly around it. Have patience, and if you’re concerned, then it’s worth speaking to your dentist about how to make sure you’re doing it right. No one wants to be in a situation where they’ve bumped something, and you’re bleeding profusely. That’s no fun to deal with, especially at the end of a day! Be wary of how you’re brushing your teeth but also keep in mind that the teeth need to be cleaned properly to keep them clean.

    Whenever you have dental surgery, whether it’s tooth extractions or root canals, make sure you are following the advice given to you both before and after the surgery. If you have any more questions about aftercare for a tooth extraction, please give us a call at (651) 636-0655.

  • Signs You Might Have a Dental Emergency

    Dental problems are something that you don’t want to be dealing with too often over your lifetime. If you’re faced with persistent problems, then you need to address them immediately, just like any other health problems. There are occasions where you might need emergency dental in Roseville MN, and here are some signs to look for:

    Pain In The Gums Or Teeth

    Pain is something that you might feel in your mouth occasionally, and usually, this is sensitivity at most. However, if you’re getting pain in your teeth or gums that is proving to be a regular thing, then you need to see a dentist. This is something that might go away, but that doesn’t mean the problem goes away. It could become more of an underlying problem further down the line and so much so that it causes significant issues such as a loss of teeth. Your oral care is very important to the rest of your body and can impact it in different ways.

    Bad Breath

    No one likes to have bad breath, and neither should others have to endure it when they’re speaking to someone with a less than fresh breath. It’s worth noting that bad breath doesn’t come from just your teeth and poor hygiene in that respect, it can also come from bacteria on your tongue and around your gums. It’s worth introducing dental floss and mouthwash to your brushing routine and see whether that makes much of a difference. You should also try and brush your teeth after you’ve eaten so that food isn’t just sitting in your mouth, especially when it’s pungent. 

    Loss Of Teeth

    An emergency dental situation should be most obvious when your teeth are falling out. Loss of teeth can be terrifying, but it’s worth remembering that there are options out there, should you need to explore options. If you’re losing teeth or your teeth feel loose, then it’s worth booking in an appointment with our practice. The best thing to do is not panic, keep hold of the tooth if you can, and then your chosen dentist can help discuss the paths to go down depending on your circumstances and needs.

    Bleeding Of The Gums

    Gums are just as important as your teeth, and it’s important that you monitor your gum health. If they’re too pale or too dark, then there could be some problems lying within your gums, and that’s not good for the stability of your teeth. Bleeding gums can sometimes occur when you have brushed your teeth or gums too hard, but if it’s persistent bleeding, it’s worth checking to see that this isn’t something you need to be concerned about.

    Dental problems are serious, and it’s important you follow up any concerns you might have, despite whether they’re big or small. They’re just as important as any other health concern. If you’re worried and you are in the Roseville area, it’s worth reaching out to us about emergency dental.

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