- Teeth CleaningIf your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not oral in nature, you may be referred to your family physician or to a specialist to determine the cause of the odor and possible treatment. If the odor is due to gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When these pockets are deep, only a professional periodontal cleaning can remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate.
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsIn some cases, desensitizing toothpaste, sealants, desensitizing ionization and filling materials including fluoride, and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods can alleviate some of the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeAlternatives to amalgam, such as cast gold restorations, porcelain, and composite resins are more expensive. Gold and porcelain restorations take longer to make and can require two appointments. Composite resins, or white fillings, are esthetically appealing, but require a longer time to place.
- Gold Restorations
- VeneersPorcelain (ceramic) dental materials – All-porcelain (ceramic) dental materials include porcelain, ceramic or glasslike fillings and crowns. They are used as inlays, onlays, crowns and aesthetic veneers. A veneer is a very thin shell of porcelain that can replace or cover part of the enamel of the tooth. All-porcelain (ceramic) restorations are particularly desirable because their color and translucency mimic natural tooth enamel. All-porcelain restorations require a minimum of two visits and possibly more. The restorations are prone to fracture when placed under tension or on impact. Their strength depends on an adequate thickness of porcelain and the ability to be bonded to the underlying tooth. They are highly resistant to wear but the porcelain can quickly wear opposing teeth if the porcelain surface becomes rough.
- CrownsIn general, a tooth that has become abscessed is one whose underlying pulp (the tooth’s soft core) has become infected or swollen. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, and lies within the tooth. It extends from the crown of the tooth, to the tip of the root, in the bone of the jaws.
- BridgesA properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth protector also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries. Although mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too. If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.
- Dental BondingTiny cracks and imperfections on a tooth can be fixed using air abrasion. Although air abrasion is not suitable for work on crowns and bridges, it is often used for bonding procedures, and on tooth restorations involving composite, or tooth-colored fillings.
- Root Canal TreatmentIn some cases, antibiotics are administered in an attempt to kill an infection. If antibiotics are ineffective and an abscess is shown to be damaging the pulp or lower bony structures, a root canal procedure may be needed to remove the dead pulp and restore the tooth to a healthy state.
- DenturesImproperly cleaned dentures can also harbor odor-causing bacteria and food particles. If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them.
- Dental ImplantsDr. Bates is an active member of the Twin Cities’ dental community and was named the 2017 recipient of the Minnesota Dental Association’s New Dentist Leadership Award, which recognized, “his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in ensuring the success of organized dentistry and never hesitating to serve when needed.” Dr. Bates is a member of the Minnesota Dental Association and the Saint Paul District Dental Society. He is also a past president of the Saint Paul District Dental Society Speakers’ Bureau, which he has been a member of since 2009. In addition, he is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, has served on the 2013-2014 Minnesota Dental Association Constitution, Ethics and Bylaws Committee, and has been a delegate to the Minnesota Dental Association House of Delegates since 2013. He is also currently a member of the Minnesota Dental Association Resolution Review Committee. Dr. Bates was a member of the first graduating class of the Great Lakes Implant Institute and believes in staying ahead of the curve on the latest dental techniques and technology.
- Oral SurgerySome dental procedures, such as tooth extractions and oral surgery, may call for our office to prescribe medications before or after a procedure. These medications are used to prevent or fight an infection, or to relieve any post-operative discomfort and pain.
- Jaw SurgeryWith jaw surgery, rubber bands, tiny wires, metal braces, screws or plates are often used to keep a fractured jaw in place following surgery. This allows the bone to heal and stay in proper alignment. Dental splints or dentures may also be required to supplement the healing process following jaw surgery.
- Maxillofacial SurgeryIf a traumatic injury involves a broken facial bone such as the jaw, nose, chin or cheek, maxillofacial surgery may be required.
- Tooth ExtractionsAnalgesics – These are also called pain relievers and include common non-narcotic medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Analgesics are usually used for mild cases of discomfort, and are typically prescribed following such procedures as a root canal or tooth extraction.
- Orthodontics
- Invisalign Orthodontics
- BracesFor example, repeated episodes of vomiting, which is common in people with bulimia, release harmful stomach acids that pass through the mouth and can erode tooth enamel, causing cavities, discoloration and tooth loss. Other problems, such as poorly fitting fillings and braces, are another byproduct of such eating disorders.
- Teeth WhiteningAbrasive toothpastes are sometimes the culprit of sensitive teeth. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and/or remove certain stains from enamel, and sodium pyrophosphate, the key ingredient in tartar-control toothpastes, may increase tooth sensitivity.
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- General DentistryDr. Katie Hannon grew up in Willmar, Minnesota. She attended the University of Minnesota for both undergraduate and dental school, where she graduated with distinction. Dr. Hannon enjoys a wide range of dental procedures and loves establishing a personal connection with each of her patients. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.