Frequently Asked Dental Questions – Inver Grove Heights, MN

Helping You to Better Understand Dentistry

When it comes to understanding even the basics associated with dentistry, it can often require an expert to explain. At G2 South, Dr. Patet and our team never want patients to feel uninformed or unsure about their experience or upcoming treatment, so if you’re looking to receive clarity on a few questions you might have, we invite you to start by reviewing the following answers provided by our team of experts.

How often should I see a dentist?

Our team recommends that you see a dentist in Inver Grove Heights twice a year. Every six months, you should have a regular checkup and cleaning to ensure that you have no tooth decay, gum disease, damaged restorations, or infections. We will perform a comprehensive examination and provide thorough cleanings to keep your smile looking and feeling great.

How should I handle a dental emergency?

When faced with a dental emergency, it’s best if you call our office right away. This can include everything from chipped and broken teeth to knocked-out pearly whites and increased sensitivity. Being able to examine your smile and identify the problem will help us to provide immediate dental care and get you out of any pain you might be experiencing.

Why is professional teeth whitening preferred?

While you do have the option to purchase teeth whitening solutions at your local drug store, you will find that your money will go further if you opt for professional teeth whitening. Longevity means a lot when it comes to paying for a brighter smile, and the products you can buy over the counter often lack the high-grade whitening agents our dentists use. This means you spend more money to achieve lackluster results. By choosing our team to take better care of your teeth, you can walk away and enjoy a whiter smile that will maintain its results for months.

Which materials are used to create dental crowns?

At G2 South, we use various materials to create our dental crowns. While most patients prefer a more natural look, we do have the option to use traditional metal. When meeting with your dentist, you can expect to learn about the type of material that will be used when crafting your customized restoration. This may include gold, porcelain, zirconia, EMAX, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Do dental implants hurt?

The process of dental implant placement will not leave you experiencing any pain, as you will receive local anesthesia from a trusted implant specialist. Once you are at home and recovering, the anesthesia will eventually wear off. You may likely experience some slight discomfort and swelling; however, this can be remedied with an over-the-counter pain reliever and/or cold compress and should only last a few days.

Will you accept my dental insurance?

Yes! We are pleased to welcome your dental insurance. Our team will work closely with you to identify ways to maximize your benefits so that you get the most out of your plan before the end of the year. Whether it is ensuring that you save using your preventive dental treatments or taking advantage of your already-paid deductible to spend less on a necessary root canal, we’ll make the financial aspect of dentistry easy to understand.