What Questions Should I Ask When I Go to the Dentist?

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When you go to the dentist for a dental exam and cleaning in St. Paul MN, you’ve got a good opportunity to ask your dentist important questions about how to take are of your teeth.

Taking the opportunity to ask these questions can help you take good care of your teeth and gums. Knowing which questions to ask can help you have productive conversations with your dentist, so you can make the most of your visit. Here’s what we suggest.

1. Are my teeth and gums healthy?

Hopefully your dentist is already planning to tell you whether you have healthy teeth and gums, but it never helps to start the conversation on your own. Asking the question opens the opportunity for dialogue and ensures that you get important information about your oral health. If your dentist has concerns about the health of your teeth and gums, ask follow-up questions about what you can do to turn any problems around.

2. Can you show me how to brush my teeth and floss?

You probably floss and brush your teeth every day, but when was the last time that a dentist gave you a tutorial on how to do it? Getting a quick tutorial from your dentist helps ensure that you’re taking good care of your teeth and helps you get rid of any bad brushing or flossing habits you may have developed over the years.

3. Am I at risk for any oral health conditions?

Some people are at higher risk for oral health conditions than others. For example, smoking puts you at high risk for periodontal disease. Knowing your risk factors can help you take action to care for your teeth.

Make An Appointment to See the Dentist Today

Now that you know what questions to ask, it’s a great time to see the dentist in St. Paul MN. Call St. Anthony Park Dental Care to make an appointment for your next dental cleaning.

How Often Should I Be Seeing the Dentist?

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How often do you see the dentist? If you’re not going to the dentist frequently enough, you could be putting yourself at risk for a variety of dental problems, including gingivitis, gum disease, infection and even lost permanent teeth. Going to the dentist can help catch problems in their early stages.

You should also be seeing the dentist when you’re having a dental emergency, or when you’re noticing symptoms of a dental problem. Below, we’ve summarized when you should be seeing the dentist, so you’ll know when it’s time to make an appointment.

See the Dentist Every Six Months

See the dentist every six months for preventative dental care in St. Paul, MN. Seeing the dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination can help keep your teeth healthy. During your six-month appointments, your dentist will:

  • Clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar
  • Eliminate some easy to remove stains on the tooth enamel
  • Check your teeth for signs of a problem, like gum disease
  • Administer fluoride treatments or x-rays as needed

When It’s An Emergency

If you’re having a dental emergency, see the dentist right away. Go to your dentist for the following dental emergencies:

  • Loss of a permanent tooth
  • Chipped, cracked or broken tooth
  • Dental injury
  • Swollen and painful tooth

If you think you might be having a dental emergency, call your dentist in St. Paul, MN to get help as soon as possible. If you lose a permanent tooth, see your dentist as quickly as possible. Your dentist may be able to save your tooth, if you can reach them fast.

See the Dentist When You’re Noticing Symptoms

Are you noticing signs of a dental problem? Here’s what to watch for:

  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth
  • Sensitivity in the teeth
  • Pain in the mouth

Need to be seen by a dentist? Call St. Anthony Park Dental Care to make an appointment today.

Dental Implant Recovery – What to Expect

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Whether you are missing all of your teeth or just a few, dental implants in St. Paul, MN can be one of the most desirable smile restoration options. While the procedure of getting dental implants does not take that long, the recovery process can take a little time. Here is a look at what you can expect at different points after implants are placed.

Immediately After the Procedure

Right after the procedure, you can expect to have some swelling and soreness. This is a typical experience due to the placement of the implant into the soft tissue and bone. Your dentist will likely send you home after the procedure with medication to keep you comfortable, but many patients find the discomfort subsides relatively quickly.

A Few Weeks After the Procedure

A few weeks after the dental implant procedure, a lot of the inflammation and redness will start to subside. At this point, the soft tissue is well on the way to enclosing around the new implant. You may still be more comfortable with softer foods, especially if multiple implants have been placed. However, you will also be fitted with a temporary crown to protect the area until the area is fully healed.

Three Months After the Procedure

At around three months after the dental implant procedure, most patients are fully healed. At this time, the dentist will bring you into the office to create your permanent crown and secure it to the new implant. You should have no issues eating whatever you want, but each individual’s experience can vary.

Talk to a St. Paul, MN Dentist About Dental Implants

Even though recovery after dental implants can take some time, the end result is well worth it. Ready to discuss dental implants with a St. Paul dentist? Reach out to us at St. Anthony Park Dental Care.