The good news is that tooth sensitivity does not always mean it’s a cavity.

Dr. McDowell of Wayzata Dental helps patients who struggle with tooth sensitivity feel more comfortable and enjoy a higher level of oral health.

Is It a Cavity?

• If the sensitivity is localized to a specific part of your mouth or a certain tooth, see a dentist. This could be a sign of a cavity, which should be treated as soon as possible.
• If you have whitened your teeth recently, this is likely the cause of your sensitivity. Some people who use whitening treatments find that their teeth are sensitive to temperature soon after. This sensitivity is temporary.
• If the temperature sensitivity affects all of your teeth and you have not recently undergone a whitening treatment, the cause is likely worn away enamel.
• Of course, if you are experiencing sudden tooth sensitivity, it’s best to see a dentist who can determine whether decay is present. If you do have a cavity, you can have it treated promptly, which will eliminate the sensitivity. If your sensitivity is due to enamel loss, we can recommend ways to reduce your discomfort.

Sensitivity Due to Enamel Loss

There are several factors that can lead to enamel loss, which exposes the dentin, the middle layer of the tooth. The dentin contains tubules that lead right to the pulp, the area of the tooth that contains the nerve. When enamel is lost, your cold drink causes the nerve to react.

Some reasons you may experience enamel loss include:

• Teeth grinding: When your teeth slide against each other frequently as you grind them, the motion wears away enamel.
• Brushing habits: If you brush too hard, or use a brush with hard bristles, you can actually wear away your enamel.
• Acidic foods and drinks: Consider what you’re eating and drinking; acidic foods (such as citrus) and beverages (such as colas) can lead to enamel loss. Even your mouthwash can lead to sensitivity!
• Fortunately, many people who suffer from tooth sensitivity can simply use a special toothpaste and make minor alterations to their lifestyles to experience relief.

If you are concerned about sensitivity you are experiencing when you drink cold water or any other time, we encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. McDowell. You may or may not have a cavity, but it’s best to be on the safe side, especially if you recently developed tooth sensitivity. Regardless, we can help you feel more comfortable.

Option #1: Teeth Whitening

We provide highly effective teeth whitening treatments that can make your teeth significantly brighter in a single appointment.

• First, we’ll use dental retractors to hold your lips away from your teeth. This ensures that your teeth are evenly whitened.
• Next, we’ll apply whitening gel to the fronts of your teeth.
• Then, we’ll use a laser to activate the gel. All you have to do is sit back and relax!

Usually, this whole process takes an hour or less. Depending on the severity of the discoloration on your teeth, you may need additional whitening treatments or at-home sessions to achieve your desired shade.

Option #2: Porcelain Veneers

For patients who have severely stained teeth or have other flaws they wish to disguise, or for those who desire an entirely new smile, porcelain veneers can be an excellent option. Porcelain veneers are designed to cover the fronts of the teeth and completely alter the appearance of the patient’s smile.

• Getting veneers is a process that takes place over multiple appointments. First, you’ll have a consultation to discuss your options and desires for your smile. If we determine together that veneers will be the best option for you, we’ll use digital imaging technology to show you what your new smile will look like after the veneers are applied.
• Your veneers will be custom-created for you. You will be able to determine how big they are, the shape of your smile, and exactly how white you’d like them to be. Of course, we’ll help you during this process to ensure you love your results.
• Your teeth will likely need to be prepared before your veneers can be applied. We’ll gently remove a small amount of your tooth’s enamel, and then you’ll wear a temporary set of veneers.
• During a later appointment, we’ll bond your veneers to the fronts of your teeth. You’ll have a bright, beautiful smile that will suit you perfectly.

Why Whiten?

Whether you choose a teeth whitening treatment or porcelain veneers, you’re bound to love your results. There are so many reasons to choose whiter teeth!

• Getting whiter teeth can significantly improve your self esteem. It’s a shame, but many people hesitate to smile because they’re self conscious about their yellowed, stained teeth. You’ll love showing your smile once your teeth are pearly white.
• Whiter teeth make you appear healthier and younger. That’s something to smile about!
• Teeth whitening treatments can erase the effects of years of drinking coffee, tea, wine, or colas. We can also provide you with at-home whitening treatments that will allow you to continue to enjoy your favorite beverages without compromising your white smile.

We’re sure that once you’ve had your teeth whitened, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it much sooner!

Though crowns are usually very beneficial, experiencing a problem with your crown can be irritating and inconvenient. Our dentist, Dr. McDowell, is prepared to help you by fixing any issues you may be experiencing with crowns placed by a different dentist. I want you to be comfortable!

Common Problems Dental Crowns May Cause

Some of the problems caused by dental crowns that people sometimes experience include:

• Crowns can be uncomfortable or painful if the crown is not placed in the proper position on the tooth or the tooth under the crown is severely damaged. Dr. McDowell will examine the tooth to determine the best solution.
• A crown’s shape or position may be off, impacting your bite. I can adjust your crown to better fit with the rest of your teeth.
• A tooth with a crown may become sensitive if the crown fails to cover part of the tooth. This may be remedied by the use of a sensitivity toothpaste or a desensitizing in-office treatment.
• A crown may become loose or fall off completely, which can lead to further problems. If this happens, it’s important to come see us right away.
• Like a tooth or a veneer, a crown may chip or break. The crown may be able to be repaired, or it may need to be replaced, depending on the severity of the damage.

If you are experiencing any of these problems with your crown, know that you need to schedule a dental appointment soon. Your crown is an important restoration that protects your tooth, and if something is wrong, you’ll need to get it repaired to prevent damaging it.

There’s no need to keep living with a crown that is loose, uncomfortable, or otherwise imperfect. Contact Wayzata Dental today to schedule an appointment!

Though there are a few possible reasons for bleeding gums, the most likely reason is that you have some form of gum disease. It’s important to see a dentist in this situation because that way, as soon as you know what the problem is, you can begin treating it.

Gum Disease Defined

Gum disease refers to an infection within the gums caused by bacteria and plaque buildup near the gum line. Left untreated, patients may suffer tooth loss and other painful conditions.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is divided into three stages. If patients don’t receive the proper care in the first stage of gum disease, the disease will continue to advance, often with devastating oral health consequences.

• The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. During this stage, the gums are inflamed and they may be sore, swollen, or red. The good news about gingivitis is that the damage can be reversed at this stage with good oral hygiene.



• The second stage of gum disease, periodontitis, is the point at which the disease can only be managed rather than reversed. The gums are damaged, and bone loss may begin. Treating periodontitis involves scaling and planing, which cleans out tartar and bacteria, as well as potentially using antibiotics. Dr. McDowell will monitor your condition.
• In the last stage of gum disease, advanced periodontitis, you are very likely to lose bone and tissue. Your condition won’t respond to simple cleanings and good oral health care; instead, you will likely need surgery to attempt to save your teeth, bones, and tissue. Dr. McDowell will continue to monitor your condition with regular appointments, and you will need to prioritize good oral hygiene.

We don’t mean to scare you with this information; if the bleeding you are experiencing is a new development, you likely have a mild case of gingivitis that can easily be reversed. The best thing to do if you’re experiencing bleeding while brushing is to simply make a dental appointment.

By making it a priority to practice good oral hygiene, you can avoid painful conditions, including gum disease.

Dental problems are bound to happen at some time, however, even with the best care. Here are 5 common dental problems we see in children.

1. Knocked-out teeth

Children are accident-prone, particularly if they are active in sports, so knocked-out teeth are a fairly common occurrence. In this situation, it’s best to be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. A space maintainer may be used if a baby tooth is knocked out to reserve the space until the permanent tooth comes in.

2. Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking, while normal, is terrible for a child’s teeth. Children who were avid thumb-suckers will often need braces to move their teeth back to their proper places.

3. Cavities

Children whose teeth are frequently exposed to sugar are more at risk of developing cavities. Sugary juices, or really any drink other than water, should be limited to minimize the amount of sugar lingering on their teeth and causing decay. This includes babies; “baby bottle tooth decay” can occur due to the sugars in milk. Replacing beverages with water occasionally can help wash away decay-causing sugars. In addition, children can benefit from getting sealants, which help ward off decay.

4. Poor oral health care habits

Childhood is the time to develop oral health care techniques. Young children will need assistance flossing and brushing. Parents should monitor their children’s oral hygiene practices, ensuring the proper amount of toothpaste is used and the teeth are brushed thoroughly.

5. Fear of going to the dentist

The fear of the unknown can cause children to be fearful of going to the dentist. Of course, visiting the dentist on a regular basis is key to maintaining his or her oral health. Finding a dentist who is experienced in working with children and explaining what to expect at the appointment beforehand can make a big difference.

Children often face unique challenges when it comes to dental health. By taking the time to find a good pediatric dentist, making the children feel comfortable, and taking good care of their teeth, children can enjoy satisfactory oral health.

White, stain-free teeth, on the other hand, can make you look younger and healthier, and make you want to smile more. Many people find that undergoing cosmetic procedures to obtain a whiter smile is well worth the effort.

There are two main cosmetic treatments dentists use to fix teeth that are stained or discolored: teeth whitening treatments, and veneers. Read on to learn more about which one may be the best option for you.

Professional Whitening Treatments: For a Bright, White Smile

During a professional whitening treatment, whitening gel is applied to the fronts of your teeth. Then, a special light is used to activate the gel. The gel permeates your tooth’s enamel and then bleaches the stained or discolored areas. As you relax in the dentist’s chair, your smile gets noticeably whiter.

• Depending on the severity of the stains, you may need to undergo multiple whitening sessions to achieve your desired shade.
• However, some people are satisfied with their results after just one treatment.

Veneers: For a Perfect, Custom-Created Smile

For patients who want to completely renovate their smiles, veneers are an excellent choice. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to the fronts of the teeth to disguise stains and other problems. Patients who get veneers get to determine just how white they’d like their new smile to be.

• Before the veneers can be applied, a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed.
• Therefore, veneers are considered a permanent treatment.

Which Treatment is Right for Me?

For patients who are happy with the appearance of their smile other than the stains or discoloration, teeth whitening is a good option. For people who desire a full smile makeover, however, veneers may be the better choice.

• Teeth whitening is a significantly less expensive treatment option than veneers and takes less time to complete.
• In some cases, whitening treatments may not be strong enough to cover stains, in which case veneers may be a more effective treatment.

If your smile is marred by stains and discolorations, it may be time to look into cosmetic dental treatments. We can help you find the best solution for you and your smile.

The length of your surgery will depend on several factors, including how many teeth need to be extracted, whether your wisdom teeth are impacted, and other variables. For many patients, however, the surgery lasts an hour or less.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

For many patients, the removal of their wisdom teeth is a fairly straightforward procedure.

• First, a local anesthetic is applied to the area. Some patients may also receive a general anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable. Sedation can also be used to keep you as comfortable as possible.
• Next, your dentist will cut into the gums, remove any bone that is covering the wisdom tooth, and then extract the tooth.
• Afterward, your gums are stitched up and the recovery process begins.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

After you have gotten your wisdom teeth taken out, you can expect to spend a few days recovering. The process may take longer if you experience complications, such as dry socket, a painful condition that can occur if the blood clot that forms after the surgery is lost.

In the days following your surgery, you’ll want to stick to soft, easy to eat foods. You’ll also want to avoid sucking through a straw or smoking for several days to prevent dry socket.

Dr. McDowell will provide you with thorough aftercare information to help your mouth heal as quickly as possible and keep you comfortable in the meantime. We will provide you with painkillers and may recommend using an ice pack to reduce swelling in the days after your procedure.

Is it Worth It?

Most people find that getting their wisdom teeth taken out was well worth going through surgery and recovery. For many, the decreased likelihood of infections, crowding, and other complications down the road outweighs the few days of discomfort after the surgery.

Of course, if you are still feeling uncomfortable days after your surgery, you can talk to your dentist to find a solution.

If your dentist recommends getting your wisdom teeth taken out, don’t worry – it’s a very common procedure, and it doesn’t last long at all. Soon, you’ll be feeling back to yourself, minus those pesky wisdom teeth.

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:

• Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
• There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
• A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

Patients should ask the dentist about the health and positioning of their wisdom teeth. The dentist may make a recommendation for removal of your wisdom teeth, or send the patient to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

Dental sealants are easy to apply. First, the teeth that will be sealed are clean. The tooth is then coated with a solution that helps the sealant adhere. The sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel. Sometimes a light is used to help harden the sealant. As long as the sealant is in place, the tooth is protected from decay.

Dr. McDowell regularly checks the sealants on your child’s teeth. If he notices any abnormalities, it is a simple process to reapply a sealant to ensure protection from decay.

Wayzata Dental is here to help your child have a positive dental experience and provide education to help them keep that perfect smile. We are conveniently located if you live in the Minnetonka, Plymouth, or Lake Minnetonka area.

Dental implants basic facts

Dental implants are not a quick solution for missing teeth. The first step is to place the implant in the patient’s jaw. The implant is the artificial root that will hold the replacement tooth (teeth).

Typically, it takes three to four months for the implant to stabilize (fused with the jaw bone). When the fusion is complete, a stable base is then available to support the new teeth. An impression is prepared to create the model for the crown. With the new crown in place, you are good to go!

Wayzata Dental provides restorative and cosmetic dentistry. To contact us, please call 952-232-6008. We are conveniently located if you are in the Wayzata, Plymouth or Hamel area.