Everything You Need to Know About Braces Braces are one of the most common and effective ways to straighten teeth and improve oral health. While many people think braces are only about looks, they actually play a big role in keeping your teeth and jaws healthy. Let’s break down what braces are, how they work, and what to expect during treatment. What Are Braces? Braces are orthodontic devices used to correct misaligned teeth and bite issues, such as overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They work by applying gentle, steady pressure to move teeth into better positions over time. Types of Braces Today’s orthodontic treatments offer several options, so patients can choose what works best for their needs and lifestyle: Why Braces Are Important Straight teeth are easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Correcting bite problems can also reduce jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, and difficulties with chewing or speaking. In many … [Read more...]
Is Your Breath Telling You Something? Understanding and Conquering Bad Breath (Halitosis)
We've all been there: you wake up in the morning, and your breath is less than minty fresh. Occasional bad breath is normal, but when it becomes a persistent problem (medically known as halitosis), it can be embarrassing and may signal an underlying health issue. The good news? In most cases, bad breath starts in the mouth and is treatable with the right care. Let's unmask the culprits behind halitosis and explore simple, dentist-approved ways to achieve lasting fresh breath. The Usual Suspects: What Causes Bad Breath? More than 90% of bad breath originates in your mouth, usually due to the breakdown of food particles and proteins by naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria release foul-smelling sulfur compounds, creating that unpleasant odor. Here are the primary causes: Dentist-Recommended Solutions for Fresh Breath The key to conquering bad breath is consistency and a proper oral hygiene routine. Your Daily Fresh Breath … [Read more...]
Your Guide to Dental Implants: Restoring Your Smile and Confidence
Missing a tooth or multiple teeth can be more than a cosmetic concern. It can impact your ability to chew, affect your speech, and even lead to bone loss in your jaw. While dentures and bridges have been traditional solutions, dental implants offer a permanent, natural-feeling, and highly effective alternative. What Exactly Are Dental Implants? A dental implant is a small, screw-like post, typically made of titanium, that is surgically placed into your jawbone. It serves as an artificial tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a replacement tooth, or "crown." The crown is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, making it virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. The Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants Dental implants are a popular choice for tooth replacement for a number of reasons: The Dental Implant Process: A Step-by-Step Overview Getting a dental implant is a multi-stage process that can take several months. … [Read more...]
The Benefits of Regular Denta Care
Beyond the Brush: Unlocking the Lifelong Benefits of Regular Dental Care We've all heard the advice: "Brush twice a day, floss once." It's a mantra drilled into us from childhood, and while it's the foundation of good oral hygiene, it's only one piece of the puzzle. The true key to a healthy smile—and a healthier you—lies in a commitment to regular dental care. Think of your dental visits not as a chore, but as a vital investment in your overall well-being. The benefits extend far beyond a sparkling smile, impacting everything from your physical health to your confidence. Let's dive into some of the incredible advantages of making regular dental care a priority: 1. The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and Avoids the Cavity) Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to catch problems in their earliest stages. A tiny spot of decay on a tooth can be easily treated with a small filling, preventing it from growing into a painful and expensive root canal or extraction. Similarly, … [Read more...]
Canker Sores
The Annoying, Painful, and Mysterious Canker Sore That familiar, throbbing sensation on the inside of your lip or cheek. A tiny white or yellow dot with a fiery red halo. You know what it is before you even look in the mirror: a canker sore. These little ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers, are a common and unwelcome visitor for millions of us. While they’re generally harmless and clear up on their own, they can be incredibly painful, making eating, drinking, and even talking a challenge. But what exactly are they, and why do they keep popping up? What is a Canker Sore? A canker sore is a small, shallow ulcer that develops on the soft tissues inside your mouth. Unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus and appear outside the mouth on the lips, canker sores are not contagious. They can appear on your: They typically start as a small, tingling or burning sensation, and then a round or oval lesion forms, often with a white or yellowish center and a bright … [Read more...]
Root Canals: Saving Your Smile, One Tooth at a Time
The words "root canal" can send shivers down many people's spines. Often associated with pain and fear, root canal therapy has a bit of a bad rap. But what if we told you that root canals are actually tooth-saving procedures designed to relieve pain and help you keep your natural smile for years to come? Let's demystify root canals and shed some light on this incredibly common and effective dental treatment. What Exactly Is a Root Canal? At the center of your tooth, beneath the hard enamel and dentin, lies a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and it helps your tooth grow and develop. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack or chip in the tooth, or even trauma, it can cause significant pain and lead to an abscess if left untreated. A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure where your dentist or an endodontist (a dental specialist who … [Read more...]
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
A good candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker with good bone density and healthy gums. Dr. Bomstad can do a bone graft during the tooth extraction for patients who don't have sufficient bone density to maintain an implant. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in your jawbone. There are three parts to dental implants. The implant, abutment and crown. The implant itself is a threaded post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The abutment is a connector that screws onto the implant to hold the crown. Lastly, the crown. It sits on the abutment. Getting an implant takes several visits to the dental office and months to complete. Once the implant is placed it needs to heal before placing the abutment. It takes several months for bone to grow around the implant and for the mouth to heal. When it's time to place the abutment, an impression will be taken at that appointment and sent to the lab for your custom crown to be made. You will … [Read more...]
How to Prevent a Dry Socket
Dry sockets can occur after a tooth is extracted. It is a painful condition that can develop when a blood clot fails to form or dislodges before the wound heals. A blood clot serves as a barrier to protect the bone and nerve after a tooth is extracted. Dry sockets generally occur 1-3 days after the tooth is extracted and is more common with wisdom teeth removal. Although they aren't very common, occurring 2-5% of the time, dry socks are very painful. Dry sockets cause the socket to become painful and swollen, trapped food will make it feel worse. The pain spreads through the nerves into the side of the face as well. To prevent dry sockets avoid straws. The suction can dislodge the blood clot from your socket. Don't smoke! Smoking increases the risk of complications and slows healing. Eat soft foods. Eating soft foods the first day helps protect the blood clot, hard foods can dislodge the clot. Rinse with salt water. 24 hours after the extraction it is important to … [Read more...]
Please Welcome our Newest Hygienist, Kate!
Kate is our newest hygienist. She is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota. Kate is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but has made her home in St. Louis Park. Kate has one sister, who also works in healthcare-clearly the kind and caring gene runs in the family! Kate loves spending time outdoors when the weather is nice. She enjoys picnics, walks, boating, and gardening. In the winter, Kate likes to curl up with a good book and a warm cup of tea. Kate is looking forward to meeting and building connections with the patients of Bomstad Dental. We are so excited to have Kate and her effervescent personality join our practice! … [Read more...]
Tooth Whitening
It might be a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day, but white teeth never go out of style. Whitening products purchased in stores are ok, but are nothing compared to custom dental trays or the Zoom! tooth whitening system. We offer both whitening products at Bomstad Dental. Custom dental trays are the more affordable option and do a wonderful job whitening teeth. Your hygienist can make your custom trays at your next cleaning appointment (if scheduled in advance to allow enough time). The trays will fit your teeth perfectly, helping to keep the whitening gel in place. In my experience teeth really start to lighten after the first two treatments. Zoom! tooth whitening system gives you instant satisfaction. Your teeth become whiter over three to four 15 minute sessions done in one appiontment. Custom trays come with Zoom! whitening to help maintain your white smile after you leave the office. White teeth definitely help take the years off, giving a more … [Read more...]
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