General Dentistry
Implants
Dental Implants are specifically designed titanium implants that are placed into the bone, assuming the duty of natural tooth roots. After surgical placement by Dr. Eckart, the bone fuses to the implant, forming a strong foundation that will support replacement teeth the same way teeth roots support natural teeth. The beauty of a dental implant is that adjacent teeth do not need to be altered, and it resembles and functions like a natural tooth.
- Implants restore proper chewing function so you can enjoy foods previously too “difficult” to eat.
- You can feel confident that your replacement teeth won’t move or loosen.
- You regain the look, feel and function of your natural teeth.
There are other options to replacing teeth that include partial dentures, which are an economical way to replace missing natural teeth. Another alternative is with a traditional crowns and bridge work. Talk to Dr. Eckart and his dental team to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants; a good option to help you achieve the function and confidence you deserve.
Implant Placement After Care Instructions
Bone Augmentation After Care Instructions
Crowns & Bridges
Crown
If a portion of your tooth fractures off, or there has been too much tooth structure lost that a “filling” will not offer the support necessary for your proper function or esthetics, a crown may be the treatment necessary. Crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that cover the entire tooth down to the gum line, providing circumferential strength for the remaining tooth structure. Dr. Eckart will explain your options for the type of crown required for your personal situation, maximizing strength, function and esthetic concerns.
Bridge
If you have a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth begin to twist, drift and distort the way the upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. Not replacing a missing tooth may result in the loss of additional teeth. The change of your natural arch form may also cause additional problems, like headaches, jaw joint pain and periodontal disease.
If an implant is not an option you elect to pursue, fixed bridges have been utilized for many decades to replace missing teeth. There are many types of bridges that can be fabricated depending upon the individual case. A bridge is designed to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. The fixed bridge uses adjacent teeth to support natural looking teeth that span the open spaces. A bridge will provide a strong, beautiful, lifelike appearance while also restoring function. It is important to us that you are involved in the treatment planning; Dr. Eckart and his staff will explain the options available to you to replace missing teeth.
Dentures & Partials
Partial Dentures
In some cases, teeth cannot be restored or kept. Dr. Eckart will help guide you through the process of replacing these teeth with a partial denture. The partial denture replaces missing teeth with a removable appliance that has metal clasps that hold on to existing teeth for support.
Full Denture
In the event that all teeth are lost, Dr. Eckart can help replace your teeth with a removable denture. The removable denture is simply that; a removable device that substitutes for the function teeth provide. In many instances, dental implants can work in harmony with a denture to add stability.
Preventative Care
We provide thorough visual and digital radiographic examinations. Our caring and competent registered dental hygienists will assess your periodontal (gum) health, clean your teeth and provide you with an education to achieve and maintain proper oral health.
If periodontal disease is diagnosed, we provide both nonsurgical and surgical treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. Dr. Eckart and his team will help you attain the best oral health possible.
Fillings
At Eckart Dental Center, we will examine your mouth to determine the health and fortitude of your teeth. If there is decay or damage to the tooth, we may treat your tooth decay with a filling. This type of restoration can be a mixture of plastics and the traditional alloy type filling. The technology of materials continues to improve in strength and longevity.
Extractions
Having a tooth removed, though sometimes necessary, can be an overwhelming experience. At Eckart Dental, we provide the best care possible to help you through the procedure. Following a tooth extraction, there are guidelines to follow to assure proper healing. Please follow the link below for care instructions following a tooth extraction. If you have a more urgent concern, please call the office. You will be given a number to reach Dr. Eckart directly.
Extraction After Care Instructions
Bone Augmentation After Care Instructions
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment, also referred to as endodontic treatment, involves relieving pain and discomfort by removing the nerve tissue located in the center of the tooth.
In certain instances, the nerve of the tooth becomes infected. To allow you to keep your tooth for a longer period, the nerve will need to be removed. Once completed, a crown along with a supporting post is placed on the tooth. This will help to support the tooth and maintain your natural bite.
Dr. Eckart refers to endodontic specialists, as he deems necessary.
Temporomandibular Joint
The temporomandibular joint is a specialized hinge structure near the ear that allows the mouth to open and close and coordinates chewing. The joint consists of a “ball”, known as the condyle, located on the lower jaw and the “socket,” known as the fossa, on each side of the skull. In between the two bone surfaces a cartilage “disc” acts as a shock absorber to allow a smooth, gliding action for the joint. The disc is held in place against the back of the joint by ligaments and connective tissue containing blood vessels and nerves. Multiple muscle groups work to stabilize and control jaw function. TMD, which stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, is a chronic degenerative disease that may take years to develop or could develop suddenly. TMD affects millions of people.
Common, though not exclusive, causes for TMD include:
- Lost or misaligned teeth
- Overbite
- Degenerative arthritis
- Various head or neck injuries
- Clenching (bruxism) or grinding teeth
If you suffer from chronic headaches, restricted or locked opening and closing mechanism, neck aches, earaches, shoulder and back pain, and the cause of these symptoms has not been found, you should call our office for an appointment so we can determine if you have TMD. There are treatment options available. Dr. Eckart and his team want to help minimize your pain and improve your jaw function.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of tooth-shaped porcelain that is affixed to the patient’s natural teeth. Treatments are minimally invasive, as porcelain veneers are used to enhance the color, shape, length and/or the size of the tooth. Each veneer is individually fabricated at a dental laboratory from a model of your tooth. This procedure is performed in two dental visits. At the first visit, Dr. Eckart will prepare the tooth; take impressions, and custom select the shade of your porcelain veneer for the lab. At your return visit, the porcelain veneer will be cemented to your tooth for a lasting restoration.
Whitening
Eckart Dental offers several tooth whitening options.
We are licensed to perform Zoom Advanced Power Whitening; precise in-office tooth whitening which will give you a dazzling smile in just one appointment. There are no needles or drills—just a special gel and the new, advanced light that activates the gel. Our competent team will help make you comfortable as your teeth brighten. You will leave the office with a much whiter, brighter smile and custom-fit trays for keeping your smile dazzling. For more information, contact us, or visit the Discus Dental website: www.zoomnow.com.
Custom fabricated whitening trays are also a great option for bringing out your smile. At Eckart Dental, we offer the Opalescence tray whitening system. In just 30 minutes per day, in the comfort of your own home, this 35% solution will eliminate the effects of staining from coffee, tea, smoking and other extrinsic enemies. Typical length of treatment is two weeks.
A more permanent whitening approach involves the placement of porcelain veneers on teeth that are visible when you speak and smile.
Whitening After Care Instructions
Specialty Services
Eckart Dental Center is proud to host specialty services in our office. At this time we have two specialty practices utilizing our facility.
Midwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, PA, Doctors Diana Lyu D.D.S. and Brett Voegele D.D.S. provide the full range of oral surgery care. Their direct phone number is (952) 226-7940.
Dr James Jensen, D.D.S. provides full range of periodontal care. Please call to make appointment at 952-426-0367.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appropriate age to bring your child in for their first dental visit?
Dr Eckart recommends 2 ½ to 3 years of age depending on your child’s ability to sit and cooperate for 5-10 minutes. The American Dental Association says around 3 months. It is at this appointment that we instruct the parent in proper oral care for their infant. This appointment is for teaching the parents not treating the child. Please come in sooner if you have any concerns.
Are same day crowns as good as regular crowns?
No. The cement used to hold these crowns in place is exposed to the mouth and slowly dissolves. Same day crowns become unsupported and fractures occur from chewing.
Is whitening safe for my teeth?
Yes. For a while the Food and Drug Administration thought it was not and removed products. However after intense testing they changed their minds and now say it is perfectly safe to whiten teeth.
Why do we need to floss our teeth?
When we brush our teeth, the toothbrush can’t reach all critical areas of our teeth (between our teeth) Bacteria left on the surface of our teeth allows the decay process to begin.
Why dental implants?
Dental implants feel, look, fit and function like healthy, natural teeth. They’re so comfortable you don’t have to think about them. You brush and floss them just like you do your natural teeth-no need to remove for cleaning. Implants help you retain your natural face shape and smile.
- Implants are built to last if properly cared for they can last many decades.
- Dental implants are secure, so they will not slip or click when you talk, eat or laugh. You will be able to eat what you love, say what you want to say, be as active as you want and smile broadly.
- They protect facial bone and healthy teeth. Not replacing missing teeth can lead to health issues such as jawbone deterioration. Dental implants are the only replacement option that helps stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss. Also, dental implants don’t require grinding down adjacent teeth to anchor bridges or attach partial dentures.
- Improved self esteem as dental implants give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
What are my options to repair a cracked or broken tooth?
Crowns are a convenient solution for broken and cracked teeth. Typically, crowns are made of porcelain fused to metal.
- Veneers are often used to fix broken or cracked front teeth.
- Dental implants are an option for replacement when the tooth is broken to the gum line
- Composite bonding can restore a broken or chipped tooth. Composite material is strong and can last many years and can match your tooth’s natural color.
What are sealants?
Sealants are protective coverings over the chewing surface of your teeth. Sealants are typically placed on molars and premolars and help reduce tooth decay by about 80%. Sealants protect your teeth from the bacteria caused from leftover food particles that produce acids that can create holes in teeth (cavities). Children and adults can benefit from sealants and the earlier they are placed, the better.