Centre for Distinctive Dentistry Blog - Dr. Ned Nippoldt

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

2012-01-25T11:10:00.003-06:00

This journey started out with a blog about diabetes and periodontal disease – and will end with diabetes and periodontal disease. In the middle I felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole while navigating my way through the internet with my Google and Bing searches – morbidity, mortality, galactose, AGEs (from the food we eat, and the internal production of them in the body), glycation & circulating inflammatory marker levels – just to name a few detours. Phew! Nasty stuff! Suffice it to say – none of us want to get diabetes.

The incidence of diabetes – especially Type 2, is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. In 1997, 124 million people had diabetes. At that time they estimated that the numbers would reach 221 million by 2010, instead the numbers climbed to 285 million. In the United States alone, 8.3% of the population or 25.8 million people have diabetes.

Periodontal disease is the sixth complication of diabetes, along with neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and micro and macro vascular diseases. In English (part of my journey), that translates to renal failure, blindness, heart disease, and damage to the small blood vessels which leads to impaired wound healing and foot amputation.

There is a very strong relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Diabetes slows down the healing process in the body, making the diabetic more prone to low grade infections like periodontal disease. Because the healing process is slowed down, the periodontal disease tends to be more severe in a diabetic, and even with good oral hygiene diabetics have a harder time controlling their periodontal disease.

You might think that it’s just an infection in the mouth – how much can that effect? I read that the area affected by periodontal disease would cover about 75 cm (about the size of the surface area of the palm). An infection this size allows a lot of oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream, along with inflammatory proteins from unresolved gum infections. The stress of this on the body makes it harder to control the blood sugars and it becomes a vicious cycle. The diabetes causes periodontal disease, and periodontal disease makes it harder to control the blood sugar levels.

If you are a diabetic and a heart patient, it’s even more important to keep your gum tissue healthy. Diabetics with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to die from heart and kidney disease than diabetics without periodontal disease.

If you have diabetes it is essential that you have immaculate daily home oral care, and that you have regular professional cleanings and exams. If you’re diabetic you may need four or more dental cleaning visits each year in order to control your periodontal disease and better manage your blood sugar levels.

I read (in a couple of searches) that there are some medical insurance companies that are already providing coverage for periodontal treatment to diabetic and heart patients. Even insurance companies have realized that improved gum health lowers overall costs for other medical care. Check with your health care provider about your coverage, this might be a false rumor.

Maintaining oral health must be given top priority for diabetics. It can be a matter of life and death. Talk with your dentist, hygienist, and your doctor about your health concerns, and be willing to follow their advice. The mouth truly is connected to the rest of the body. - Kathy Barnes, Registered Dental Hygienist for Centre for Distinctive Dentistry, Ned A. Nippoldt, DDS, PA.

If you are interested in being evaluated and treated for periodontal disease and/or general dentistry and live in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, areas, please contact the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry-Ned A. Nippoldt, DDS, PA, at 651-739-8573. We will be happy to help you schedule an appointment. Should you have periodontal disease, we do utilize laser therapy in our treatment.

Dry Mouth-Problem Or Inconvenience?

2011-12-19T14:59:00.004-06:00

What is dry mouth? Dry mouth is a symptom of a number of medical conditions and side effect of a variety of medications, as well as of radiation treatment to the head and neck region. The cause of dry mouth is a decrease in saliva flow. Another name for dry mouth is xerostomia.

Not only is dry mouth uncomfortable, but it also can adversely affect a person's quality of life. Dry mouth has many detrimental affects on the body, including:

Tendency for rampant root decay

Speech difficulties

Difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking

Mouth infections

Weight loss

Bleeding gums

Dry, cracked tongue

Cracks in the corners of your mouth

Badly fitting dentures

Why is saliva important? Saliva is important for your health and well being. It is more than just water. In fact, saliva is a very complicated bodily fluid that contains 40 essential proteins, 13 electrolytes and minerals and seven small organic molecules. It is responsible for keeping your mouth lubricated to help you chew and swallow food, as well as to cleanse food particles from your mouth; it limits bacterial, viral and fungal growth, which cause mouth infections and tooth decay; it breaks down food so you can taste it and aids in digestion; and it keeps your mouth moist, which helps make speaking easier.

What treatments are available for dry mouth? Fortunately, we now have treatments that can help those who suffer from dry mouth. Treatment may include systemic medications such as pilocarpine or cevimeline, to help improve saliva flow. Other preventive measures include a low carbohydrate diet, increased frequency of oral and dental evaluations, and topical fluoride applications.

If you are looking for a dental office to help treat your dry mouth and you live in Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or the Hudson, WI, area, please give our office a call at 651.739.8573.

Father of Modern Dental Implants Gets Award

2011-11-21T15:45:00.006-06:00

I just read an article about one of my heroes of modern dentistry-Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark.

Professor Branemark is responsible for discovering and developing osseointegration, which led to the development of modern dental implants.

Dental implants are a wonderful option to have in our bag of tricks (treatment options) to offer patients who are faced with losing a single tooth or many teeth. Years ago when patients were about to lose a single tooth our only options were a bridge or partial. Bridges involve crowning the teeth on either side of the space (lost tooth) and attaching an artificial tooth in the space between the two crowns. If the teeth on either side of the space are healthy, it is a shame to have to resort to crowning those teeth. Partials are usually uncomfortable and many patients resort to storing them in a drawer rather than their mouths.

Dental implants are also a wonderful solution for those patients in the unfortunate situation of having lost all their teeth in one or both arches. Dental implants can be used to anchor dentures for more stability or to make permanent, non-removable bridges to replace the teeth that have been lost.

Thank-you Professor Per-Ingvar Branemark for your relentless work in osseonintegration. You have certainly earned the title of "Father of modern clinical implantology."

If you are considering dental implants and live in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, areas we would welcome you to our practise. You may schedule an appointment by calling 651.739.8573.

Granddaughter's First Dental Visit

2011-11-15T12:21:00.006-06:00

Just saw my granddaughter, Sage, in the office for her first infant oral health exam. Like most parents and grandparents, I'm anxious to verify that her teeth are developing as expected. I'm happy to report that they are, and that Sage was an excellent patient.

Parents often ask me when their child should start visiting the dentist. I recommend that patients bring their child in sometime between when the first tooth erupts and the child's first birthday. This gives us the opportunity to answer any questions you may have, evaluate your child for caries risk or other problems that can be detected early on, and provide information on dental care. Regular visits at a younger age also allows us to develop a positive relationship with your child so he/she will view dental visits as a fun experience.

Thumb sucking or pacifier sucking

For the first few years of life, thumb-sucking or pacifier use has important formative and nurturing functions.

Most children will stop sucking between 2 and 4 years of age on their own. The habit should be discouraged after 4 years of age.

A critical issue with pacifiers is safety. Check to make sure that any pacifier your child uses is resistant to breakage, designed to prevent airway obstruction, and kept clean. Never secure a pacifier around your child's neck.

Dental changes from thumb sucking or pacifier use are determined by the duration of their use and the intensity of sucking.

When will baby's teeth come in?

Sometime during the first three years of life most babies get 20 primary teeth.

The lower two front teeth are typically the first to erupt. These usually erupt sometime around 6 months of age. Do not be concerned if your baby is a little late. There is a wide range for normal.

Avoiding baby bottle decay

Baby bottle decay occurs when a child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods of time. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened liquids. Never use a feeding bottle as a pacifier.

If you must give your baby a bottle at bedtime or naptime, make sure it contains plain water.

Never give a baby a pacifier that has been dipped in honey.

Caring for your baby's teeth

Start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they appear.

When they first appear, you can wipe the new teeth with gauze.

As soon as your child allows, brush the teeth twice a day with a soft, infant toothbrush using simple, gentle short back and forth motion to remove plaque.

Once the child is old enough to understand they should not swallow toothpaste, start using a small, pea-size dab of fluoride toothpaste when you brush his/her teeth.

The best way to encourage brushing is to be a good role model.

The best way to prevent passing caries-causing bacteria on to your family members is to visit your dentist routinely and treat any decay or periodontal disease that you may have.

From Bottle/Breast to Cup

Parents should encourage their child to drink from a cup by their first birthday.

The best training cup for your child is a no-valve training cup. No-spill cups include a valve beneath the spout. While the valve does stop spills, it acts the same as a bottle, which defeats the purpose, as it prevents your child from learning to sip.

Do not let your child carry around the training cup. It will cause the habit of at-will, frequent sips of sugary liquids. This encourages tooth decay.

Once your child has learned to sip, the training cup should be retired and exchanged for a regular cup.

Watching your child/grandchild grow and develop is always exciting. We love to be a part of promoting excellent dental health to family members of all ages. If you are looking for a dentist in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, areas, please give our office a call at 651.739.8573 and we will help you schedule an appointment.

Get Your Teeth Examined and Cleaned Now For Better Health & End-of-Year Insurance Utilization

2011-10-05T09:43:00.003-05:00

Have you seen your family dentist this year for an exam and cleaning? This is the time of year you should consider using those insurance dollars and take advantage of the investments you've made for the past ten months. Taking the time to care for your dental health is also an investment in your overall health. Wise money spent! Each year your insurance reserves a yearly maximum of benefits that if you don't use, you lose!

Not insured? We offer several options to help you fit your dental care investment into your budget.

We offer a Distinctive Smile program for those without insurance that offers a significant savings for your dental care.

Care Credit is an ideal way to have dental monies availabe to pay for your dental expenses. Many of our patients have invested in a line of credit with Care Credit (sometimes interest free!) that helps to budget their dental care, expecially when addressing more involved recommended treatment. You can apply online at www.carecredit.com or call 1-800-365-8295. Think of it as an insurance policy where you have the control of making a monthly payment over time.

Our office also offers savings on the day of service and convenient online payments on account balances.

With holiday and year-end obligations, our schedules often become very hectic. Take the time to appoint your dental treatments now so that you can program this very important investment in your health into your busy schedule. Allow us to help you to achieve a great dental year!

If you live in the Woodbury, Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN, or Hudson, WI, area and would like to invest in your health by scheduling a dental health checkup, please contact our office at 651.739.8573.

IV Sedation-Taking The Fear Out of Dental Care

2011-09-26T10:39:00.006-05:00

It always surprises me when my receptionist tells me a new patient called to make an appointment but he/she is embarrassed because they have avoided seeing a dentist for years due to fear and they are concerned that their mouth is "a mess." We always reassure these patients that they are welcome and shouldn't be embarrassed. After all, we see patients every day who have put off dental care for any number of reasons, and we commend them for taking the initiative to get started on their journey back to improved dental health. I promise, we are never judgemental. We're here to help you.

If fear is what has been keeping you from the dental office, we have a wonderful solution that has helped many patients get the dentistry they need and want: IV Sedation.

IV sedation is a safe, controlled method of delivering medication through an IV line that's been placed in your arm or hand. I prefer using IV sedation over using oral sedation (a pill), because with IV sedation there is much more control over the level of sedation achieved for each individual patient. The IV sedation dentist continually monitors the patient and incrementally administers the sedation medications so that the appropriate amount necessary to keep you comfortable is used.

You are an exellent candidate for IVsedation if:

You delay or avoid dental treatment because of fear.

You can't bear the sounds or smells of a dental office.

You have had an unfavorable dental experience in the past.

You have trouble getting numb and find dental treatment to be very painful.

You have trouble remaining still during a dental appointment.

You have trouble getting comfortable at the dental office.

Your teeth are extremely sensitive.

You fear shots and needles.

You gag when having dentistry completed.

You are embarrassed about you teeth and smile.

In my office, we use a dentist with advanced training in sedation dentistry who concentrates on keeping the patient sedated at a safe level of deep relaxation. This allows me to concentrate on delivering the dentistry the patient wants and needs. With IV sedation, you can be assured your sedation experience will be relaxed and comfortable. When patients wake up after their dental appointment, most find they have little or no memory of dental procedures being done.

Before deciding you want sedation dentistry, it is important to discuss your fears with the dentist. In some cases, we find that patients can complete dentistry without sedation by taking everything at a little slower pace and using services such as television or movies for distraction; warm towels, blankets, and paraffin hand wax for relaxation; and nitrous oxide to take the edge off. Oftentimes, our patients find that after they've had some of their dentistry completed using IV Sedation, they are more relaxed about the whole dental experience and are able to complete future appointments without IV Sedation.

If you are interested in IV Sedation and live in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, areas, please give The Centre for Distinctive Dentistry-Ned A. Nippoldt, DDS, PA, a call at 651-739-8573 and we'll be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

Why Invisalign Treatment May Be Right For You/Plus Special Invisalign Offer

2011-09-07T14:40:00.004-05:00

Invisalign is an almost invisible solution to straightening teeth that uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been customized for each patient.

Straight, properly aligned teeth have many advantages:

Straight, well-aligned teeth give you a more confident smile

Straight, well-aligned teeth are easier to keep clean. Teeth that are crowded or spaced too far apart can lead to swollen, red gums, which is a sign of periodontal disease. Having healthy gums and teeth is important not only for your dental health, but also for the overall health of your body.

Having teeth in the proper position often is the first step to aesthetically restoring teeth with veneers or porcelain crowns.

Properly aligned teeth will not wear or chip as readily as misaligned teeth.

By getting your teeth in the correct position, you can lessen or eliminate the pain associated with TMJ/TMD discomfort and/or headaches

Invisalign invisible braces are an effective treatment for straightening teeth for many patients who have crowding, spacing issues, overbite, underbite, deep bites or open bites. Dr. Ned Nippoldt at the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry in Woodbury, MN, is a certified Invisalign invisible braces provider and can advise you if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Because Invisalign aligners are clear, most people won't know you are in treatment. During treatment you :

Can eat whatever foods you want

Can remove the aligners when you want

Can enjoy nearly invisible teeth straightening

Can brush and floss your teeth normally

Please call Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry in Woodbury, MN, at 651.739.8573 if you have any questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment.

***Special Offer: Because we want you to enjoy the joy of straighter teeth, we are offering a limited offer that is valid through October 31, 2011: Just mention that you read about Invisalign on this blog and we will deduct $500 from the fee for your Invisalign treatment. As an added bonus, our Invisalign treatments include a free take-home whitening. Call today: 651.739.8573***

Gum Disease: What Is It? Do You Have It? What Can We Do To Treat It? Is It Really A Big Deal?

2011-08-28T20:38:00.003-05:00

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? If they do, you’re not alone. Depending on what study you look at, 50%-80% of U.S. adults currently have some form of gum or periodontal, disease.

In the mildest form of gum disease - gingivitis - the gums are often red and swollen. They can also bleed easily, and there is usually very little or no discomfort.

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe chronic bacterial infection that damages the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Just how do we get gingivitis? Our mouth is full of bacteria – over 500 different species live in there. The bacteria like to lay on the surface of the teeth. They form a sticky, often colorless film on our teeth called plaque. Plaque is the substance on our teeth that makes them feel fuzzy to our tongue. We brush it off, and eight hours later it’s back. Some of the bacteria in the plaque like to hide below the gumline. It’s dark, damp, and dangerous down there, and it’s difficult for us to disturb them. (Just kidding about the dangerous part. It just seemed to flow off the computer.) Happy bacteria make for unhappy gums. If we give them 24 hours without disturbing them, the bacteria start to produce toxins that irritate the gum tissue. The gums react to these toxins and can become red, inflamed, sore, and bleed easily - gingivitis. If left undisturbed, these toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response. It’s as if the body says, “I tried to get rid of the bacteria; I tried to get rid of the infection, but I couldn’t. So I’ll take care if it. I’ll get rid of the host!” (The host is the tooth.) As the body starts to break down the ligaments that hold the tooth to the gums and bone, the bone starts to resorb or dissolve. If enough bone is lost, the tooth will become loose.

With proper treatment, gingivitis is usually reversible. Treatment includes a complete dental prophylaxis by your dentist or hygienist, which involves removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth above and below the gumline, as well as thorough daily at-home care by the patient that includes brushing and flossing.

Periodontitis requires more treatment. As well as removing the plaque and calculus from the tooth surface, the bacteria need to be removed from the pockets that have developed around the teeth. Scaling and root planing are the two procedures used to clean the root surfaces of the teeth. In our office we also use a laser to sterilize the pockets once we have scaled and root planed. This gives patients a clean place to start and gives them a much better chance of improving their periodontal health with improved home care. If the disease has become so severe that the tissues don't respond to scaling and root planing, surgery by a specialist may be necessary to treat the disease and reduce the depth of the pockets.

Gum disease is a big deal. The most common complication of untreated periodontal disease is tooth loss. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease may also enter the bloodstream through the unhealthy gum tissue, causing more serious systemic conditions, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, preterm and low birth weight babies, and respiratory disease.

To help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, eat a balanced diet and visit your dentist at the intervals he or she recommends for check-ups, and a cleanings.

Do you have gum disease? If you live in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, area we’d love to see you to evaluate the health of your gum tissue and advise you of any periodontal concerns. Give our office a call at 651.739.8573 today.

Your thought for the day from this dental hygienist – “brush, brush, brush, & floss, floss, floss to keep periodontal disease away”.

See you soon,
Kathy Barnes RDH

New Technologies With Digital Impressioning For Crowns, Bridges, Implants, Invisalign

2011-08-23T15:54:00.007-05:00

I am so excited about two new technologies that we've introduced to our practice that improve the comfort and aesthetics for patients.

First, if you are a patient who dreads the goopy, sometimes messy process of traditional impressions that are part of the procedure when you get a crown, bridge, implant crown or orthotic made, we now offer digital impressioning. With digital impressioning, there are no bulky trays or impression materials used. Instead, the only thing that touches your teeth is a hand-held wand that scans your teeth. You can watch the computer screen as we capture an image of your tooth surfaces and gum tissue with the camera and the computer builds a 3-D model of your teeth. At the touch of a button, we send the digital impression to the lab to create accurate-fitting crowns. I've been watching this technology develop over the past few years and now believe it has reached the stage in development where it truly benefits my patients.

Hand in hand with digital impressioning for crowns and bridges comes digital impresioning for Invisalign. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that straightens teeth by using a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth. Because they are virtually invisible, most people won't know you are wearing them.

Why is straightening your teeth so important? Aesthetics is only one small benefit. Another major reason is that properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and can improve your periodontal health. More and more research points to the link between periodontal health and the overall health of your body. Periodontal disease can cause harmful bacteria to get into your blood stream, which in turn may increase your risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, complications of diabetes, and possible adverse pregnancy outcomes. Aligned teeth also decreases the risk of abnormal wear and can cause less stress on the supporting jaw joints.

Good change is exciting. I can't wait to see what the next decade brings.

Dr. Nippoldt Congratulates Woodbury Rotary On Reaching Miracle Field Goals

2011-08-17T20:39:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the The Woodbury Rotary Club on breaking ground for a Miracle Field in Woodbury. The field has a special suface so that children with disabilities can play ball. The Rotary club has worked very hard to achieve the dream of providing a facility for children in the eastern metro area to be able to participate in the Miracle League, and all who supported their dream deserve a round of applause!

Headaches, TMJ, And Neuromuscular Dentistry

2011-04-20T09:53:00.003-05:00

What do headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ears, neck or shoulder pain, and grinding or clicking sounds in the jaw joint have in common? All are symptoms of tempomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) or tempomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

TMJ/TMD is a degenerative disease. It develops over time when the jaw is masaligned. After many years, this misalignment can affect the hard tissues in the jaw area, including the teeth and bones, as well as the soft tissues, including the muscles and nerves. Patients who have severe TMJ/TMD sometimes experience severe pain. Others may have relatively little pain, but they may notice their teeth are wearing, becoming loose, or developiing notches at the gum line.

Dentists who have training in neuromuscular dentistry are trained to diagnose the problem and correct the bite and realign the jaw. The neuromuscular dentist will first determine the best position for the jaw by measuring the position of the head and neck muscles in a totally relaxed position. Many times a special machine called an EDA is used to totally relax the patient's muscles so the dentist can reposition the jaw and determine the exact measurements. The neuromuscular dentist will then determine the best option for helping the patient achieve this position naturally. The options can include a bite adjustment, orthodontics, orthotics or even a full-mouth reconstruction.

In most cases, patients treated with neuromuscular dentistry find that their pain is much decreased or eliminated entirely. Not only do they find that they are more comfortable, but they experience the advantage of having beautiful, longer lasting dental restorations.

If you are interested in being treated for TMJ/TMD pain or worn dentition and live in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Woodbury, MN or Hudson, WI, area, please contact our office- The Centre for Distinctive Dentistry-Ned A. Nippoldt, DDS, PA-at 651.739.8573.

Working Dentistry Into Your Budget

2011-04-06T12:30:00.003-05:00

Every time we listen to the news, check the web, or turn on the televison these days, we hear about the economy. Most experts seem to agree that it's picking up, but it's going to be a long, slow haul back to what it once was. Reports from the dental industry indicate that many patients are putting on the brakes for getting the dental treatments that are needed to keep them in optimal health. That's too bad, because putting off dental cleanings or not addressing treatments when dental disease and decay is at it's early stages can result in affecting patients' overall systemic health. In addition, ignoring dental care often leads to the need for more involved - and expensive - emergency treatments in the future. At the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry, we are concerned about helping our patients find a way to work dental health into their budget by making their dentistry more affordable. In order to encourage our patients who may have either lost their insurance or never had insurance to keep up with their dental health needs, I developed a Distinctive Smile Program to help with the monetary concerns patients may have. For those who have insurance or choose not to participate in the Distinctive Smile Program, we also offer Care Credit for monthly payment plans, and special savings for payments made with cash or your credit card. If you are in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, area and are interested in keeping your dental health in the best shape possible, please contact the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573, and ask about our Distinctive Smile Program, Care Credit, and other savings opportunities

Modern Dentistry Has Roots In Ancient Egypt

2011-03-09T08:40:00.004-06:00

According to the National Museum of Dentistry, a 2650 BC Egyptian inscription describes
Hesi-Re as "the greatest of those who deal with teeth." As far as we know, Hesi-Re may be the world's first dentist. Egyptian medical texts from 3500 BC describe gingivitis and toothaches, and examination of ancient Egyptian skulls show that rudimentary dental treatments had been attempted.

Fortunately for us, dental treatments have come a long way since ancient Egypt. Today we have lasers to detect early decay, to treat periodontal disease, and to perfect endodontic treatment. We offer special services to make dental treatment more comfortable, including nitrous oxide; warm towels, blankets, and television to take your mind off your treatment; and even sedation dentistry for those who are truly afraid. Dr. Nippoldt has advanced training to not only improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry, but also to improve function, treat tooth wear, and address TMJ and headache problems with neuromuscular dentistry. Even as recently as the past few years our materials and advances in implant dentistry have evolved so that we can replace missing teeth with single implants and implant-supported aesthetic dentures and bridges that look and feel beautiful and natural.

If you are in need of a dentist in the St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, MN, or Hudson, WI, area for general dentistry, sedation dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, TMJ, or implant dentistry, contact Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651.739.8573.

Your Teeth May Hold The Key To Maintaining Future Health

2011-03-01T15:20:00.003-06:00

You've probably heard about the link between poor dental health and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature birth, but what you may not be aware of is that your teeth contain valuable stem cells, which have characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells. These stem cells can be collected from primary (baby) teeth when the teeth are shed, from extracted wisdom teeth of young adults, or from extracted molars.

At this point in time, dental stem cells have been used to regenerate lost bone in the jaw and to treat loss of periodontal ligaments damaged by periodontal disease. (The periodontal ligament is what holds the tooth in place in the jaw. Damage to the periodontal ligament often leads to tooth loss.) Researchers anticipate that in the future dental stem cells may be used to:
- regenerate pulp tisues in teeth needing root canals
- correct defects in the skull
-produce new bone

In addition, dental stem cells may someday be used to:
- create new replacement teeth for those who have lost their teeth
- treat damaged corneas in the eyes
- treat liver fibrosis
- treat myocardial infarction
- treat muscular dystrophy
- help with insulin production in diabetics
- treat stroke victims
- treat spinal cord victims

Keeping all the benefits of dental stem cells in mind, in the future we may find that tooth fairy's may choose to gather baby teeth for cryopreservation for use in the patient's future.

If you live in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, area and are looking for a dentist to help with your dental health, please give Dr. Nippoldt a call at The Centre for Distinctive Dentistry (651-739.8573).

Your Smile Has A Voice Of Its Own

2011-01-19T11:11:00.004-06:00

Did you know that your words actually sound better when you say them with a smile?

According the the January 2011 issue of Dentistry Today, professor emeritus John J. Ohala from the Department of Linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley, has discovered that a smile gives the speaker's voice a higher pitch. Humans associate deep voices with threatening animals and higher pitched voices with less-threatening animals. Therefore, smiling and higher-pitched voices subconsciously convey an absence of danger.

The sound of a voice accompanied by a smile is firmly ingrained in the human subconscious as being safe and cheerful, and adults have been conditioned to feel good about another person just by seeing them smile.

Your smile can be interpreted by those around you to mean that you are friendly and easy to be around. A lack of a smile, on the other hand, can send the opposite message. As a dentist, I know that people who are self-conscious about their teeth often don't smile. What is your smile or absence of a smile saying about you?

If you are interested in finding out how we can enhance your smile and are in the Woodbury, Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN, or Hudson, WI areas, give Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry a call at 651-739-8573. We'll develop a plan to make your smile sing!

Tips For Reducing Children's Risk For Caries

2010-12-21T10:48:00.006-06:00

Keeping one's children caries-free is a goal that most parents have. Studies have shown that children whose parents have oral flora in their mouths containing elevated levels of Strep mutans, an acid-producing bacteria that causes cavities, are at increased risk of developing bacterial colonization of Strep mutans when their teeth erupt. The Strep mutans bacteria are passed along to infants through shared saliva by kissing, sharing food, or tasting the infant's food before feeding.

No one wants to stop kissing their baby, so what can a parent do to decrease the chances of passing Strep mutans on? Recent studies have shown that children of mothers who chewed 100 percent xylitol-sweetened gum four times per day beginning when their babies were three months old through 24 months of age had significantly reduced levels of Strep mutans in their mouths than mothers who did not chew gum containing xylitol but instead had fluoride varnish or chlorhexidine varnish applied every 6 months during the same time period. Furthermore, when the children were five years of age, the children whose mothers chewed xylitol-sweetened gum had 70 percent less need for restorative care than children of mothers in the other two groups. Several studies have shown that preventing Strep mutans transmission during the first two years of a baby's life will lessen the baby's risk for future caries.

Besides chewing gum with xylitol, parents should practice good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits to change the oral flora that is important for good health. The best time to start these habits is before your baby is born.

If you are interested in maintaining excellent dental health for you or your family and are in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Woodbury, MN, or Hudson, WI, areas, please contact Dr. Ned Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573.

Grateful Thoughts About CPR, Patients & Staff

2010-11-24T08:48:00.005-06:00

We just completed our annual CPR update. Lot's of changes for healthcare providers this year. I'm always grateful for the wonderful training we get from our American Heart Association trainer, Rick Lundeen. He drills into us the new steps needed to prepare us for handling any first aid/CPR type emergencies we may encounter for our patients. We also re-review the steps for operating our AED and possible things we may find if we're away from the office and need to use an AED in a different facility.

The annual review always reminds me of the time when I was a lifeguard years ago and had to use my CPR training to rescue a swimmer that was drowning. The swimmer survived, and I've always been grateful for the excellent training I had at that time. The experience emphasized the importance of being prepared with constant training.

At this Thanksgiving time I also think about how grateful I am for the many wonderful patients I've had the opportunity to interact with over the years. Many have been a part of my dental practice from the time they were small children. Now they are adults and bringing in their children. I value each of my patients and think of them as family.

I also value my staff. Each one is dedicated to helping make our patients' experiences truly relaxed and "distinctive". They make it a joy for me to come to work.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. If you are located in Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Lake Elmo, MN, or Hudson, WI area and are interested in becoming a part of our dental family, please call The Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573.

2010-11-17T12:22:00.003-06:00

Regular Visits To Family Dentist Is Important For Those With Diabetes

The airwaves have been inundated lately with reports that the incidence of diabetes among Americans is on the rise and is expected to continue to increase. Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause problems with the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of the body. It also can affect patients' teeth, gums and the rest of the mouth.

Studies show an oral inflammatory connection between diabetes and periodontal disease. Fortunately, periodontal treatment can reduce the bacterial burden in the body which in turn reduces the inflammatory response.

One of the first symptoms that diabetics and their dentists often notice is an increase in bleeding in the mouth. Oftentimes, the dentist is the first person to recognize these changes in the patient's oral condition and is in a prime position to refer them to the physician for further evaluation. Treatment of the patient's periodontal disease is important in a diabetic patients overall health care plan.

Monitoring a patient's periodontal health is one important reason to see your dentist regularly. If you live in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, areas and are looking for a family dentist, please call Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573 to schedule an appointment.

Porcelain Veneers-A Conservative Approach To Improving Your Smile

2010-11-02T10:30:00.004-05:00

Porcelain veneers are a wonderful option for helping patients improve their smiles. The good news is that this can be achieved in as little as two visits.

Veneers are very thin, custom-made porcelain facings that are bonded to the tooth. Once bonded, the porcelain becomes strong and durable. When created by an experienced dentist who works with an excellent lab, veneers look very natural and will have beautiful shapes and natural-looking colors. Unlike veneers that were made years ago, the newer generation of porcelain veneers can be made to have natural-looking tooth anatomy, depth of color and translucency. Most people won't know they aren't your natural teeth!

For most patients, a small amount of tooth structure needs to removed from the front of the natural teeth so that the veneers do not appear to be bulky and unnatural. However, in certain cases where the teeth need to be made a little more prominent in order to "fill out" the smile, or they are being made with the intention of just increasing tooth size or eliminating spaces between the teeth, the dentist can use ultra thin veneers that require very little tooth preparation.

Veneers are a conservative and excellent option for:

~ Brightening front teeth that have permanent stains or discoloration
~ Correcting small gaps between the front teeth
~ Restoring worn tooth structure
~ Making crowded teeth appear straight
~ Creating a consistent color match with the anterior teeth
~ Designing and constructing a fuller, natural-looking smile
~ Improving the cant of teeth

Porcelain veneers are natural, strong, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. If you are interested in improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson, WI, area please call Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573.

Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry Is Concerned For Safety Of Our Patients & The Environment

2010-10-27T12:08:00.005-05:00

The potential adverse affects of exposure to bispnoal A (BPA) is a hot topic in the media today. Recent reports have indicated that certain dental products, particularly some dental sealants and tooth-colored fillings, can potentially break-down and expose patients to BPA.

As a dentist, my concern is the safety of my patients, and I want to reassure patients that I do not use any dental materials containing BPA. Some of our dental materials do contain the compound Bisphenol A diglycidyl ethyl methacrytlate (BisGMA). Although the two compounds sound similar, they are not. In fact, studies of BisGMA show that it is both safe and stable for use in patients' mouths.

The Centre for Distinctive Dentistry is also concerned about the future of our environment. As such, we voluntarily participate in the Amalgam Recovery Program, which filters the waste water in the operatories to remove any mercury-silver amalgam removed from patient's mouths so that the toxic chemical mercury is not released into the environment. While I do not personally place mercury-silver amalgam in my patient's mouths, I often remove failed silver fillings that contain mercury. I have made a conscious decision to do so in a manner that is safe for the environment.

I welcome you to contact the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573 with any questions you may have regarding our concern for the health and safety of our dental patients and the environment in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, MN, and Hudson, WI, area.

Cavity Control For Families

2010-10-12T15:19:00.004-05:00

Helping patients to keep their smiles is my goal, and helping them defeat tooth decay is essential to maintaining teeth for a lifetime. Recently I've seen several young children with rampant decay, as well as several older adults who have root decay. Both types of decay can cause extensive damage. Catching tooth decay when it is small is essential to helping patients maintain their teeth for life.

In very young children, rampant tooth decay is often caused by nursing bottle syndrome, which is caused by giving a baby a bottle with milk, formula or juice at bedtime. The sugars in these liquids feed the mouth bacteria. This in turn produces acids that dissolve tooth enamel in a relatively short period of time. Babies and young children should be given only water at bedtime or before a nap, as the potential for nursing bottle syndrome increases if they fall asleep with a bottle containing anything else.

But tooth decay isn't just a childhood problem. In recent years I've seen more and more adults who develop decay on the root surfaces of their teeth near the gumline. One of the biggest reasons for adults suddenly becoming susceptible to root decay is saliva loss (dry mouth).

The technical term for dry mouth is xerostomia. Xerostomia can be caused by diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, scleroderma and graft-versus-host disease; radiation treatments; or by medications. In fact there are more than 1400 commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medications that can cause saliva loss. Saliva is more than just water. It is a very complicated bodily fluid that contains 40 essential proteins, 13 electrolytes and minerals and 7 small organic molecules. Saliva helps protect your mouth from infections and tooth decay by limiting bacterial, viral and fungal growth and bathing the teeth with protective minerals that help prevent cavities. It also helps lubricate your mouth, aids in digestion, and helps keep your mouth moist.

Fortunately, we have a xerostomia program in our office that can help patients battle xerostomia. And with the aid of a small laser instrument called the DIAGNOdent I am able to locate hidden decay and stop the spread of disease before it destroys the tooth from within.

If you are concerned about controlling decay in you or your family members and live in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN, or Hudson,WI, area give us a call at 651-739-8573. We will be happy to schedule a checkup appointment for you.

Sedation Dentistry Does Not Promise The Wild Ride That TV Show Glee Depicts

2010-10-06T09:56:00.004-05:00

A recent episode of the television show Glee features several high school glee club members having their teeth worked on while they are given general anesthesia by Dr. Carl, a local dentist who is dating one of the high school teachers. While under the anesthesia, the members have lively hallucinations about Brittany Spears.

This depiction of sedation dentistry was given a bit of a "Hollywood" glamorization for the viewers' entertainment. While sedation dentistry is a wonderful adjunct to help fearful patients overcome their fears and get the dental work done in a relaxed, comfortable situation, our patients are not sedated to the level that they lose consciousness and have hallucinations. Instead, we work with a board-certified sedation provider who uses intravenous medicines to help our patients reach a level of total relaxation during their dental procedures. This is safer than general anesthesia, and in most instances our sedation patients don't even remember having the dental work done. We have found that having a sedation provider whose sole job is to administer the sedation and keep our patients comfortable during the procedure and a dentist who can concentrate on delivering excellent dental care for his patients results in the optimal experience for our patients.

For some patients, fear of having dental work completed is very real. Avoiding getting needed dental care completed poses real health risks, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease and even certain complications during pregnancy. It is very gratifying to be able to help patients who have avoided going to the dentist get on the road to better health.

If you are interested in Sedation Dentistry and are in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN or Hudson, WI, areas, please contact Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573.

Too Much Denture Adhesive Can Be Bad For Your Health

2010-08-10T16:05:00.004-05:00

Whenever I see a new denture patient in my office who states they need to use "alot of denture adhesive" to hold their denture in place, my alert button goes off and my concern for the patient's overall health increases. Recent studies have indicated that there may be an association between use of denture adhesives containing zinc and neurological problems.

Studies indicate that with excessive use of denture adhesives containing zinc, the zinc can build up in the body and eventually block the body's ability to absorb copper. In some individuals, this can lead to neurological damage leading to loss of balance, loss of sensation in the feet and hands and even paralysis.

While some companies have elected to remove their zinc-containing products from the shelves, others feel the amount of zinc in their products is a non factor. Nevertheless, modern dentistry now has answers to the problem of ill-fitting dentures and denture wearers shouldn't have to use "alot of denture adhesive" to hold their dentures in place.

If you or someone you know is troubled by ill-fitting dentures or needs to use denture adhesive, please let them know about this potential health issue. I would be happy to present solutions to their ill-fitting denture problems. If you are in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Woodbury, MN or Hudson, WI, areas, please contact Dr. Nippoldt at the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry and we will help you get on your way to a healthier denture situation.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Have Positive Affect On Your Career

2010-08-04T10:21:00.005-05:00

Can cosmetic dentistry have a positive affect on your career? Absolutely. We've seen many patients blossom and not only feel more attractive, but also act more confident after enhancing their smiles with cosmetic dentistry. Several studies have shown that a smile is often the first thing others notice when they meet you. And a recent article in Newsweek confirms that being more attractive and confident definitely gives one an edge when it comes to getting hired or promoted.

According to the July 26, 2010, Newseek article "The Beauty Advantage" by Jessica Bennett,
". . . looking good is no longer something we can dismiss as frivolous or vain." The article goes on to explain that 57% of the hiring managers interviewed admitted that in today's economy, employers have more hiring options than ever and looks are not only important, they are critical, as unattractive candidates -even though they are qualified - will have a harder time getting a job.

According to Newsweek, more than half of the hiring managers advised that candidates should spend as much time and money on their looks as on their resume. When asked to rank nine employee character traits in order of importance, looks ranked third. Experience was number one; confidence was number two; looks was number three; and where a candidate went to school was fourth.

A beautiful smile certainly can make one both more attractive and more confident. Whether it's a simple tweek such as whitening, or a more extensive make-over, we can help boost the attractiveness level for our patients. In conclusion, cosmetic dentistry is a wise investment in your future.

If you are interested in Cosmetic Dentistry and are in the Woodbury, Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN, or Hudson, WI, areas, please call the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651.739.8573 and reserve an appointment time with Dr. Ned A. Nippoldt

Infant New Patient Exam

2010-07-20T16:06:00.004-05:00

Parents often ask when is the best time for their child to be seen for their first dental visit. The best time is sometime between when the child gets their first tooth and their first birthday.

During the first-tooth visit, the doctor is able to check for early tooth decay, as well as check for proper oral development to determine if the teeth are growing in properly. The dentist will also counsel patients on home dental health tips for their children and answer any questions the parents may have.

Many parents are surprised to learn that early preventive care is not only a good health practise, but also a very sound economic investment. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, studies show that the dental costs for children who have a first dental visit before age one are 40 percent lower in the first five years than for children who do not see a dentist before their first birthday.

More importantly, tooth decay can have an adverse affect on child development and has been linked to lower than ideal body weight. Some studies even show that poor oral health in infants may increase a child's risk of eventually having low-birth-weight babies and developing heart disease or suffering a stroke as an adult.

If you live in the St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, MN or Hudson, WI, area and would like to schedule an infant oral exam with Dr. Nippoldt, please call 651.739.8573.

Mom's Decay Increases Childrens' Incidence Of Decay

2010-06-29T09:31:00.003-05:00

I just read a recent study from the University of California in San Francisco that shows a correlation between the oral health of mothers and their children. The study concludes that mothers with untreated tooth decay are twice as likely to have children who also have tooth decay.

For me, this emphasizes my belief in the importance of every member of the family to maintain excellent dental health. Too often parents put off their own health needs until their children are grown and on their own. Many of my colleagues have reported that they've noticed in this economy that patients are denying or delaying dental treatment. That's too bad, not only from a health standpoint - as dental disease can lead to many systemic health problems - but also from an economic standpoint. Treating decay when it's small is less invasive than waiting until it hurts to treat it. Untreated decay most often leads to more involved and expensive procedures in the future.

Remember, taking care of your own healthcare needs is an important step in taking care of the healthcare needs of your children.

If you are looking for a family dentist in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN or Hudson, WI area to care for the dental health of you and your children, please give Dr. Nippoldt a call at
651-739-8573.

Laser-assisted Detection Of Decay In General Dentistry

2010-06-16T09:45:00.003-05:00

Keeping your teeth and having a good-looking smile does not just happen. Genetics certainly can play a role, but most people have to maintain their teeth and gums with the help of their dentist and hygienist.

Dental restorations or fillings do not last forever, and preventative sealants can wear out and mask underlying decay. With the help of a laser-assisted diagnostic instrument called the Diagnodent, we can better detect decay that is either hidden by sealants or unable to be detected with our dental explorers or x-rays.

Treating decay before it becomes large or symptomatic saves patients the misery of pain, as well as saves money on more expensive restorations. It is important to see your dentist regularly in order to keep your teeth feeling and looking good.

If you are looking for a caring family dentist in the Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis or Hudson areas, please give Dr. Nippoldt a call at 651-739-8573.

Secure Aesthetic Dentures

2010-05-25T10:55:00.004-05:00

Today I got a big hug from a patient! She was so happy with the looks and feel of her new dentures that she just jumped out of the chair and hugged me. (What a rush.) She said that her new smile changed her life by making her feel self-confident so that she could now project to others how healthy and vibrant she feels inside.

This lovely woman had lived with poor-looking teeth that had decayed and broken causing her pain. She also had gum disease, which resulted in bone loss and loose teeth. Because her bite was off, she had been called "Bucky Beaver" as a child. Discouraged, she had given up on maintaining her teeth and waited too long for us to treat the teeth that remained. I dreaded having to tell her that she was going to lose all her teeth! Truth be told, she was actually waiting for the day when the dentist said it was time for dentures.

At our initial visit, we learned that her mother struggled with her own teeth and ended up with dentures that never fit quite right. They were loose in her mouth and required lots of adhesive to keep them in place. Our patient did not want that for herself. We talked to her about the advantages of implants and together decided to create implant-supported dentures that are secure and aesthetically beautiful. With implant-supported dentures there is no no need for denture adhesives. Because the dentures are held securely in place by the implants, there is no need for anything on her palate, so she can enjoy the taste and feel of food in her mouth. At the same time she could feel confident that her dentures won't slip. My patient is now happy to flash her gorgeous smile and let her true personality shine through.

If you are interested in learning more about how aesthetic dentures or implant-supported prosthetics could improve your life, please give Dr. Nippoldt a call at the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry (651)739-8573.

Digital Technology-Assisted Implants

2010-05-19T12:08:00.005-05:00

One aspect of high-tech dentistry that we have incorporated into our practice recently is the use of CT scan digital technology. We use the scan with the NobelGuide software from Nobel Biocare to help with treatment planning for guided surgery for our edentulous and partially edentulous patients. What this means is that we can now digitally treatment plan implant cases for excellent surgical and restorative results in 3-D. This results in ideally placed implants which in turn results in simpler prosthetics and superior restorations. This technology is useful in placing implants for either single tooth implants or multiple implants for implant-supported bridges or dentures.

What this means for the patient is:

fewer appointments
exact fit
immediate, fixed provisionals, in appropriate cases

If you are interested in learning how digital technology can benefit you for implants or dentures, please contact Dr. Nippoldt at the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573.

Taking The Fear Out Of Dentistry

2010-05-18T11:52:00.003-05:00

Believe it or not, not everyone likes going to the dentist. In fact, some people have developed such fear that they physically cannot get through the front door of the dental office. These patients usually want to have beautiful, healthy teeth, but fear keeps them from doing the dentistry needed to help them maintain their smiles.

We can help patients who fear their dental visits by building trust and confidence through IV sedation. With IV sedation, patients are put in a relaxed state of consciousness where they have little recollection of their dental experience. Oftentimes, after a few favorable experiences with IV sedation, patients becomed relaxed and comfortable with dental visits and no longer need sedation for future visits.

If you have a fear of going to the dentist and would like to see if you are a candidate for IV sedation, please give Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry a call at 651-739-8573. We'll help you get on the road to better dental health.

Implants For Greater Self-Esteem

2010-05-11T11:25:00.003-05:00

As an adult, losing a front tooth can be a very difficult and emotional event in your life. Unlike the six-year old child who shows off his gap-toothed grin, missing anterior teeth as an adult can change your good looks in an instant. It also can affect your credibility with others.

When we can bring back a person's smile and self-esteem with dental implants, we feel really good about what we do. This week we were able to help a patient who had experienced the loss of two front teeth get back her good looks and function with implant-supported porcelain crowns. It was a great week for both of us!

If you are missing teeth and would like to find out more about implant-supported crowns, give Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry a call at 651.739.8573.

Neuromuscular Dentistry

2010-05-05T10:23:00.005-05:00

What a Difference A Bite Can Make

Today I saw a patient who has been clenching and grinding his teeth for years. He has worn two-thirds of his teeth away and now wonders where his smile went. When he smiles, you can't even see his teeth. This wonderful gentleman has "bite disease."

Oftentimes, people with bite disease also exhibit sore muscles, and this can be miserable. Neuromuscular Dentistry can help those who have lost tooth length due to clenching and grinding, as well as those who suffer headaches, jaw aches and migraines due to bite disease.

For our patient today who wants to see his teeth again, we bonded on a temporary mock-up of acrylic teeth, and his wife's comment was, "Oh, my. You look soooo handsome!" Tomorrow, we're starting a full-mouth reconstruction.

If you've noticed that you can no longer see your teeth in your smile, or if you suffer from headaches, TMD pain, or neck aches, contact Dr. Nippoldt's Centre for Distinctive Dentistry at 651-739-8573 for a Neuromuscular Dentistry exam.

Welcome to our Blog

2010-05-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

Welcome to our new blog. Check back soon to see more posts about the Centre for Distinctive Dentistry!