Your Go-To Dental Experts in the Twin Cities
At Mendota Dental Associates, we’re here to cater to all your dental needs in Mendota Heights and beyond. From routine check-ups to dazzling smile enhancements, Dr. Sawyer’s team ensures you receive professional dental care services.
General Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dreaming of a perfect smile? Our cosmetic dentistry services are designed to make it a reality. Whether it’s veneers, bonding, or a complete smile makeover, we use the latest techniques to enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
Dental Implants
Missing teeth? Our dental implants provide a natural-looking, long-lasting solution. Using the latest technology, we ensure a precise and seamless integration, giving you a smile that’s both functional and beautiful.
Teeth Whitening
Want a brighter, more radiant smile? Our professional teeth-whitening options can help with anything from coffee stains to tetracycline stains. Choose from in-office treatments or convenient take-home kits to effectively remove stains and enhance your smile’s sparkle.
CT/Digital X-Ray Technology
Our advanced X-ray technology lets us diagnose and plan your treatment with pinpoint accuracy. This means you get precise, effective care tailored to your unique needs, ensuring the best outcomes for your dental health.
Children’s Dentistry
We make dental visits fun and comfortable for children, encouraging early familiarization and proper oral hygiene. We recommend a first check-up between 18 months and 2 years old to support lifelong dental health.
Mercury Safe
Silver fillings can wear out, crack, and leak over time, leading to tooth decay and sensitivity. We recommend replacing them when needed with advanced bonded restorations that offer durability, functionality, and a natural appearance.
Some Dental Tips
Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is commonly caused by bacteria in the mouth. Key factors include:
- Morning Breath: Reduced saliva during sleep promotes bacterial growth.
- Certain Foods: Garlic and onions release odor-causing compounds.
- Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing leave food particles.
- Gum Disease: Inflamed gums harbor bacteria.
- Dental Issues: Cavities and poorly fitting appliances can contribute.
- Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva flow can exacerbate bad breath.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco dry the mouth.
- Dieting: Ketones from fat metabolism can affect breath.
- Dehydration & Hunger: Drinking water and regular eating help maintain breath freshness.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes may impact breathing.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and use a tongue scraper.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule check-ups and cleanings, particularly if you have gum disease.
- Avoid Tobacco: Seek assistance to quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day.
- Use Mouthwash: Consult your dentist for effective rinses.
Brushing and Flossing Tips
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Technique: Brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums with gentle, circular motions.
- Electric Toothbrushes: Consider them for more effective plaque removal.
- Daily Flossing: Use 12–16 inches of floss, gently guiding it between teeth.
- Floss Holders: Use if traditional flossing is challenging.
- Use Water: Rinse after brushing and meals if brushing isn’t possible.
Frequency of Dental Exams
Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for:
- Medical History Review: Update on health conditions and medications.
- Diagnostic X-Rays: Detect decay, cysts, and bone loss.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Check for abnormalities in oral tissues.
- Gum Disease Evaluation: Assess gum health.
- Decay Detection: Examine for cavities.
- Restoration Check: Assess the condition of existing fillings and crowns.
- Calculus and Plaque Removal: Prevent gum disease.
- Teeth Polishing: Remove stains and plaque.
- Oral Hygiene Recommendations: Advice on effective home care.
- Dietary Review: Assess diet’s impact on dental health.
Identifying Gum Disease
- Red or Puffy Gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm.
- Bleeding Gums: Gums should not bleed during brushing or flossing.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Spacing Between Teeth: Resulting from bone loss.
- Loose Teeth: Weakened support.
- Pus Around Teeth: Indicates infection.
- Receding Gums: Loss of gum tissue.
- Discomfort or Tenderness: Irritation from plaque.
Cosmetic Dentistry Options
- Teeth Whitening: Brightens stained or discolored teeth.
- Composite Fillings: Repair cavities with tooth-colored materials.
- Porcelain Veneers: Covers teeth to address discoloration and gaps.
- Porcelain Crowns: cover and strengthen damaged teeth.
- Dental Implants: Replaces missing teeth with artificial roots and crowns.
- Orthodontics: Straightens teeth with braces or clear aligners.
Understanding Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers address various cosmetic issues, including:
- Discoloration: Covers severely stained teeth.
- Spacing: Corrects gaps between teeth.
- Damage: Repairs worn or chipped teeth.
- Crowding: Alleviates minor crowding.
- Shape and Size: Improves irregular teeth.
- Preparation: Shape teeth to accommodate veneers.
- Customization: Craft veneers based on impressions.
- Bonding: Secure veneers with special cement.
Teeth-Whitening options
Professional teeth whitening offers effective results compared to over-the-counter products. Consider:
- Professional Bleaching: Removes stains from aging, food, and smoking.
- Over-The-Counter Products: Suitable for maintenance but less effective.
Cancellation Policy
- Commitment to Your Care: Appointments are reserved for your dental health and our business relationship. Missed or canceled appointments affect everyone, including other patients.
- Notice Required: Please provide at least 48 hours of notice for cancellations. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients in need.
- Cancellation Fee: Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a $100 fee per hour of the doctor's time and for every missed hygiene appointment.
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Start Your Smile Transformation
Experience our comprehensive dental services firsthand. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and see how our expert team can help you achieve a healthier, more radiant smile. Get in touch to start your journey toward optimal dental health!
Keep your smile healthy and bright with our general dentistry services. We offer everything from hygiene cleanings and exams to complex restorative treatments, focusing on preventing issues before they arise and keeping your oral health in top shape.