Tag: Family Dentist Tree

What is Botox and what does it do? Botox is a drug made from a toxin that is produced by bacteria, called Clostridium botulinum, which blocks nerve activity in the muscles. This causes a temporary reduction in muscle activity for about 3 months. Botox is a safe and easy treatment that is injected into specific muscle groups in the face, causing relaxation of those muscles to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Botox can also be given as preventative treatment. Botox is more effective for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that only show during movement) than static wrinkles. Static wrinkles can still be Read More →

At Family Dentist Tree, we are always striving for the best. We frequently look at new products, tools, equipment and techniques to ensure we are able to provide each of our patients with the best care. We are excited to announce that we now have an air polisher to aid in teeth and implant cleanings! What is air polishing? The air polishing technique has been around since the late 1970’s; however, advancements have since been made in these units and in the way we use them. The handpiece uses air, water and non-toxic powder to remove plaque and stains. This Read More →

What is Oral Cancer? Oral cancers include cancers that develop on the surface of the tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, lips, gums, salivary glands, tonsils, and pharynx. Mouth cancers form when cells develop mutations in their DNA. It is not clear what causes these mutations. What risk factors can contribute to Oral Cancer? Your health history helps us determine your risk factors for oral cancer. HPV is shown to be related in at least 70% or oral cancer cases. Smoking and alcohol use is also linked to an increased risk of developing oral Read More →

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 →

We’ve all had that dreaded dream of losing teeth in our sleep. What happens when we are truly faced with this situation? While we may not want to think of needing to have a tooth extraction, there are many circumstances that can require this treatment. Traumatizing events can happen in the blink of an eye. A piece of workout equipment lands on our face and knocks out a front tooth. You bite down on a hard candy and hear a crunch that crumbles your tooth. You hit a tooth with a fork while eating a salad. These are all real-life 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 →

Veneers have gained a lot of popularity over the years, due to the pleasant aesthetics they bring to a smile. Veneers are thin coverings that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They are used to replace the shape of teeth, fill spaces and blend colors of teeth that may have demineralization or discolored pits. There are two types of materials generally used for veneers: porcelain and resin/composite. Porcelain doesn’t stain as easy as composite/resin. For this type of veneers, the tooth is prepped and an impression is sent to a lab to makes the veneers. It can Read More →

A child’s first visit to the dentist is a special one, and we love to make it just that! We are often asked about the appropriate age for a child’s first dental visit. We usually say anytime is fine, if you have a dental concern. For a routine checkup, between the ages of 2.5 and 3 work well! The first dental visit consists of getting the child’s medical history, bringing them back to the exam room and familiarizing them with the dentist! A ride in the chair (even if on mom or dad’s lap) and showing our fun tools (the Read More →