Category: Preventive Care

What is SDF? Our office has started using a material called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to help treat tooth decay. Silver diamine fluoride can arrest dental decay because of it’s specific components.  The silver component has antibacterial properties which stop the spread of a cavity, while the fluoride component helps to remineralize tooth structure. SDF can be effective in treating dental cavities with a variety of patients, but in particular, pediatric patients. What can it be used for? Silver diamine fluoride is not for every situation, as it does not permanently cure the area of decay. In order for it Read More →

Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups is more than “just a cleaning.” During your visit, we assess your gum tissues for disease, check the hard structures for decay and educate as well as coach patients on how to achieve optimal dental health. In order to diagnose any type of disease in the mouth, a few things are needed. Dental x-rays based on ADA recommendations and patient risk factors, as well as history are updated. X-rays help the dentist and hygienist determine if there are cavities, any areas of bone loss and screen for dental tumors, cysts, etc. After Read More →

Routine dental care is vital to people of all ages, but especially important for seniors. As we age, our body endures an array of changes that can have detrimental consequences to our mouths. As a hygienist, I often hear stories from patients who grew up without routine dental care. Patients weren’t informed of the benefits of preventative dentistry. In turn, this philosophy may have shaped the future of dental needs and most of these patients are seniors. One of the most common changes that affect senior’s oral health is the addition of medications to maintain blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety or Read More →

  Family Dentist Tree has been successfully back up and running since mid-May. We continue to follow all current guidelines from the CDC, the Minnesota Department of Health, the American Dental Association and the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Safety is our number one priority when caring for our patients and staff through the ever changing world around us. Our hygienist, Christina, is here to walk you through a typical appointment at our office with our new COVID-19 protocols in place.   Prior to your appointment, you will be asked screening questions by phone, text or e-mail to ensure that you Read More →

Dry mouth has many causes, including medications, sleep apnea, allergies and dehydration. It is uncomfortable and, if untreated, can lead to accelerated cavities. Many times, a patient adds a new medication to their list that has the unwanted side effect of dry mouth. While medications are obviously needed to maintain your health, the side effects need to be monitored closely. Most patients introduced to these meds may have recession areas. These areas are more prone to cavities because they are not as strong as enamel. As a result, they tend to develop cavities when in the presence of dry mouth. Read More →

At Family Dentist Tree, we work with dental benefits every day. We know they can be confusing and difficult to navigate. While it’s important to review and understand your specific dental benefit package, here are some general tips to ensure that you are getting the most out of your benefits. Pre-authorizations If you are unsure of what your dental insurance will cover, ask your dental office to submit a pre-authorization. While pre-authorizations do not guarantee benefits, they are usually pretty accurate. If you have questions about your pre-authorization, talk to your dental office and they can help you understand your Read More →

Changing dental offices can be a real pain in the ……. tooth! With so many dental offices out there, how do you choose which one is best for your family? Each office is unique in the care it provides and the atmosphere they create. Here are some things to consider when choosing your next dental home!  It’s Obvious that They Love What They Do Choose a family dental care office where you can see their passion for dentistry in everything they do. Does the dental office provide a clean, friendly and positive environment and are the staff excited to see Read More →

Just as it feels summer is finally in full swing, we are suddenly bombarded with back to school ads and supply lists consuming our mailboxes. Ready or not, we will soon be trading out our shorts and flip flops for our new fall fashions. Back to school can bring a lot of anxiety for all, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The most important thing we can provide for our kids before hitting the books is making sure they are healthy and able to absorb all of the information their brains can handle! Here at Family Dentist Tree, we Read More →

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: Mouth rinses are a hot topic in dental hygiene. Almost daily, I am asked which mouth rinse is most beneficial. The answer isn’t easy, as more recent research has looked deeper into the active ingredients in mouth rinses and how they directly affect the mouth. Patients come to our office daily with conditions such as dry mouth, gum recession and cavities. These are all factors to take into account when recommending a mouth rinse. Best Mouth Rinses for People Prone to Cavities Recently, mouth rinses such as LISTERINE® have been shown to have a relatively low Read More →

So, you’re a senior now. It’s time to retire, spend more time with your family, explore the world and relax, but don’t forget about those dental appointments! As we get older our teeth continue to change and providing care to keep your smile healthy and looking its best is something we at Family Dentist tree love to do! You may find yourself with a pile of options through private insurances for dental coverage and it can be hard to know which option is best for you. We’ve heard the struggles our patients have faced in making these decisions and the Read More →