If part of a tooth has been lost through decay or damaged due to an accident, we may recommend placing a dental filling in the tooth. Dental fillings are used to fill a portion of tooth and stop any future pain or discomfort. Commerce Drive Dental places white (or tooth-colored) fillings exclusively.
A tooth-colored composite resin filling will actually bond chemically to the tooth, whereas with amalgam (silver) fillings retention has to be created, thus possibly removing sound tooth structure.
A tooth-colored filling needs a more conservative preparation of the tooth and can even strengthen the tooth internally. You will also be very pleased with the appearance of a tooth-colored restoration. You won't even be able to tell that it is there!
- from JJ K. (Dental Assistant)
On August 17 and 18 of this year, Mankato will host the first Minnesota Mission of Mercy. This event provides free dental services to those who are unable to access dental care and will be held at the Verizon Wireless Center. According to the Minnesota Dental Association, which is co-sponsoring this event, the doors will open at 5:30 a.m. with treatment beginning around 6 a.m and continuing until 5 p.m. Patients will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis. Services provided will include cleanings, fillings, extractions and some root canals. Community volunteers will include professionals from Commerce Drive Dental. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this valuable service, please let them know about this upcoming event!- from Dawn K. (Business Team)
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. The gums start to separate or pull away from the teeth, creating a space or pocket. Gum disease can cause your gums to bleed or become infected, swollen, or tender. Often there is no pain.
The source of gum disease is an infection caused by the bacteria in the mouth. Like many infections, gum disease can be treated with an antibiotic. Arestin is an antibiotic that is used by your dental professional and is placed directly into the infected areas or pockets in your gums to deliver a site-specific medication. Arestin is a yellow powder that contains tiny microspheres of the antibiotic drug, Minocycline. Over time, this medication is working down at the base of the pocket to help kill the disease-causing bacteria. A pocket that measures 5mm and higher with bleeding upon a thorough screening of the gums would indicate the need for this medication.
Infections in the gums don’t go away on their own. The bacteria that cause the infections can be passed to other people. The longer you wait for treatment, the worse the gum disease can get, and the greater chance you could need gum surgery or risk losing the tooth. Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. Arestin helps fight the bacteria that causes gum disease. Ask your dental professional about Arestin and how it could help you.
- from Tricia H. (Dental Hygienist)
Dental radiographs, or X-rays, are an important tool in dental care diagnosis and treatment.Commerce Drive Dental uses digital x-rays, which use less radiation than older film x-rays. There are three types of x-rays that can be taken:- Full Mouth Series X-rays are 18 different x-rays that are taken to get a whole picture of each individual tooth in the mouth. These will help in determining the health of each tooth. This series is usually recommended for new patients or patients who need extensive treatment, and they are typically taken every 3-5 years.
- Panoramic X-rays give a broad overview of the entire mouth and supply information about the position of teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses, and other hard and soft tissue of the head and neck.
- Bitewings are usually 2 X-rays (one on each side of the mouth) that help detect any decay in-between the teeth. These are usually done once a year depending on each patient's needs.
X-rays are helpful in finding tooth decay that is not seen visually, revealing a tooth abscess or bone loss due to gum disease, or determining the condition of fillings, crowns/bridges, and root canals. These are just some of the many reasons why dentists rely on x-rays. Dental x-rays are safe and effective, and the combination of both x-rays and a visual exam helps the dentist give the patient the best treatment possible.
- from Prycilla M. (Dental Assistant)
Many people experience tooth sensitivity as a result of exposed dentin. Common triggers for tooth sensitivity include cold temperatures, eating acidic foods, eating sweets, and receding gums.
Dentin is the structure beneath the tooth enamel which contains tubules (or channels) that go directly to the nerve of the tooth. Sensitivity occurs when the dentin is exposed. For example, when you eat or drink something cold or acidic, it will travel down the tubules of the exposed dentin to the nerve, causing sharp pain or sensitivity.
One treatment for tooth sensitivity is the use of a sensitivity toothpaste (for example, Sensodyne). Put your toothpaste you are currently using aside while using Sensodyne. You want to put an inch of toothpaste on your tooth brush and brush with the Sensodyne for 2 minutes, both morning and night. Repeat for at least two weeks. Sensitivity toothpastes block the open tubules and calm the nerve of the tooth. You will gradually start to notice your teeth becoming less sensitive. Many people continue to use Sensodyne as their daily toothpaste permanently.
There are many other causes of sensitivity besides exposed dentin. If you are unsure, it is best to schedule a visit with your dentist to evaluate if other treatment is recommended.
- from Rachel P. (Dental Hygienist)
Do you have existing dental treatment plans that you’ve been putting off due to finances?Commerce Drive Dental offers convenient ways to pay for your smile. We accept Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Extended payment plans are also available through CareCredit with application approval. You can apply online or you can stop by our office to pick up an application. If approved, we can finance your treatment for up to 6 months interest-free!
Estimated patient balances are collected the day services are provided. Please be aware that estimates are based on limited information provided by your dental plan and are not a guarantee of payment. Please contact your dental plan directly if you have any questions concerning your dental coverage.- from Kris S. (Business Team)
Knowing how to protect your mouth and teeth is important if you participate in sports, so a custom-made mouthguard is considered an essential piece of athletic gear. Mouthguards can help buffer an impact or blow that could otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts to the lip, tongue, or face.
At Commerce Drive Dental, we make custom-fit mouthguards for our patients. An impression is taken of the upper teeth and is poured up in stone to replicate your mouth. From this impression, a mouthguard (in the color of your choice) is fabricated specifically for your mouth. A strap may also be attached for certain sports (like football).
Mouthguards are easy to care for, keeping these tips in mind:
- They can be cleaned with cool, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly, before and after each use.
- Do not leave mouthguards exposed to sun or hot water.
- Check for wear and replace the mouthguard when necessary.
Please let us know if you have any questions about athletic mouthguards or any other type of mouthguard such as snore guards, bruxism guards, and Under Armour performance mouthwear.
- from Karin S. (Dental Assistant)
Temporary crowns are made out of a plastic resin-like material. They are meant to cover the tooth and hold the space between the teeth, so the permanent crown will fit correctly. They are not very strong, so it is very important to try to do most (if not all) of your chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. Foods to stay away from would be really sticky things like gum, caramels, and taffy, in addition to really hard foods like nuts and peanut brittle. If your temporary crown breaks or comes off please let us know; we can either re-cement it or make a new one if needed. Please do not use any over-the-counter dental cements or super glue to put it back in yourself.
It is still very important to brush and floss around your temporary crown unless instructed otherwise.
The best way to floss around your temporary is to floss through the contact like normal, but pull the floss out through the side instead of back through the contact. You could have some sensitivity to temperatures and biting (another reason we tell you not to eat on that side) but that should subside shortly after the permanent crown is seated. Sometimes it can still take awhile for the tooth to settle down, depending on the reason the crown was needed.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your temporary crown, please contact our office at (507) 345-7786.
- from Pam T. (Dental Assistant)
Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth from tooth decay. Generally sealants are used with children and teens, but adults can benefit too. Sealants are a thin plastic coating, usually white in appearance, that are applied to the chewing or biting surface of permanant back teeth to protect against tooth decay. Sealants can last several years and can be reapplied if needed.
Applying sealants is an easy process that requires no drilling. The teeth are cleaned and a special gel is applied to the tooth for several seconds. The gel is then rinsed off and the tooth is dried. The sealant is then placed in the grooves of the tooth and a special light is used to harden the sealant. You can find more information about dental sealants on our Preventive Dental Services page. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about dental sealants!- from Megan W. (Dental Assistant)
Did you know that at Commerce Drive Dental you can now request an appointment right from our website? Just click on “Contact Us” and/or the "Request Appt" icon to fill out and submit the short information form. Our appointment coordinators will then contact you either by email or phone to find an appointment that will best fit your schedule. The summer months are coming, and our schedules seem to fill up fast. If you know you are due for your routine dental exam, reserve a time soon. We will be contacting patients shortly for summer appointments, so look ahead at your schedule to make sure you don’t miss out on the best time that works for you!- from Jody Z. (Business Team)
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