Our Services

Cosmetic Dentistry & Whitening

 

Are worn, chipped, stained, or crooked teeth “hiding” the real you? If so it’s time to talk with us about enjoying the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry Services:

  1. Ultra-Thin Porcelain Veneers

    • Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom fit over your natural teeth. We can change the shape, color, and length of your teeth in only a few visits. Porcelain veneers are also a very popular treatment option for tooth whitening. They are one of the most conservative restorations that can be done.

  2. Porcelain Crowns

    • When the size of a “filling” exceeds a certain proportion of the tooth, or the tooth is severely worn or broken, it must be protected with a “cap,” also called a “crown.” An excellent crown has the correct size, shape, fit, and color for its location in the mouth.

  3. Dental Bonding

    • When the size of a “filling” exceeds a certain proportion of the tooth, or the tooth is severely worn or broken, it must be protected with a “cap,” also called a “crown.” An excellent crown has the correct size, shape, fit, and color for its location in the mouth. Bonding is an affordable, quick and painless way to repair many cosmetic flaws or injuries.

  4. Restorative Dentistry

    • When an accident, a medical condition, or years of fillings and decay affects the appearance and function of your teeth, restorative procedures are often the only way to bring back the health and beauty of your smile. We teach the discipline of restorative dentistry to other dentists at the Pankey Institute.

  5. Whitening

    • Professional tooth whitening in the office lightens brown and yellow enamel discoloration quickly. We can also treat discolored, stained, or aging teeth with our customized at-home bleaching process. We use a special gel inside a custom-made tray that covers your teeth.

Preventative Dentistry

 

“Preventive Dentistry” means anything that is done to conserve or preserve tooth structure and the health of the mouth. This is a major focus in dentistry today because nearly everyone wants to have a healthy smile and the ability to chew for their entire lifetime. Major emphasis is given to this at Brummett & Davis Conservation Dentistry.

In the past, prevention was only thought of as oral cancer screenings, cleanings, and strategic use of fluoride and sealants. We still do all those things, but today prevention starts with a complete oral assessment. There are three ways teeth can be lost: gum disease (the most common way), dental decay, and wear and tear issues (the long term effects of clenching or grinding).

Once a complete assessment of your mouth is done, we can determine where and how your dental health might be at risk. Then we can recommend preventive measures to lessen that risk. Prevention can be in the form of dietary counseling, special home care techniques, interceptive medicaments to stop early gum disease in its tracks.

Prevention can be addressing tooth wear before teeth get that “worn out” look, or finding a tooth that has gotten loose because it hits too heavy when you bite together. It can include repair of a cracked tooth before it breaks, or preventing decay in someone who has developed a dry mouth as a side-effect of blood pressure medication.

Prevention-minded people like the way we take the time to explain potential hazards to their dental well-being and the steps they may take to avoid them.

Comprehensive Dentistry

 

Are you someone who is tired of running from one dental crisis to the next? Or do you feel your teeth are pretty healthy, but you want to make sure you still have them at age 93? Like many others, you may be looking for a comprehensive approach to dental care. Comprehensive means addressing current problems and future potential problems.

Assessing a patient’s risks for future problems begins with a thorough examination and consultation. There are three causes of tooth loss:

  • Tooth Decay

  • Gum Disease

  • Unduly Stressful Biting Forces

The teeth are evaluated to see if they are at increased risk for one or more of these threats. Keep in mind that even today, on average Americans over 50 are missing 12 teeth per person. Also, be aware that failure to replace one or two lost teeth usually leads to the loss of more.

If risks are detected, we have conservative prevention programs for you. These proactive steps will keep these risks to a minimum in the future. We want to smile confidently and chew comfortably all our lives.

If we find that tooth decay, gum disease, and/or damage from destructive biting forces currently exist in your mouth, we will discuss what options are available for treatment. Once we have done what is needed to get your mouth healthy again, we will continue with the preventive measures that can keep it away.

Dental Implants

 

If you are missing one or more teeth, you’ll want to talk with our doctors about replacements that are as natural as possible. If dentures don’t work for you, you may consider dental implants. Unlike dentures, which can be removed, our doctors can make dental implants be permanently anchored into the jaw itself.

With dental implants, our doctors will give you a perfect fit, and they will look and feel as good as (or better than!) your original teeth. For dental implants in the Duluth area, contact us today!

Dental Implants FAQ’s:

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium metal replacement for a root of a tooth that is surgically implanted in the jawbone. As the body heals for approximately two to six months after the surgery, the bone around the implant fuses to the implant through a process called osseointegration. After the healing phase is complete, the implants are used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures. Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth.

How many dental implants should be placed?
This is a question that should be determined during the treatment plan. Much depends on whether missing teeth are being replaced with crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Placing enough implants to restore teeth is vitally important to the long-term success of the restoration. Simply stated, the most costly mistake is to have an implant fail because not enough implants are placed to support the teeth. If the number of implants is limited due to financial constraints of the patient, then the implant treatment should be avoided or the type of restoration must be altered. We can usually find a feasible treatment plan that will not create financial hardship for the patient.

What is the dental implant process like?
We begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical and dental history, and a full clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area. The clinical exam should also include specific X-rays.

After assessing the patient, a comprehensive treatment plan can be devised. From that point, implants are surgically placed in the jawbone under local anesthesia.

The length of the healing time is based on the quality and quantity of bone, as well as the type of implant placed. After adequate healing is allowed to occur, the implant can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

Are there different types of dental implants?
Yes, several types are available. The American Dental Association considers both the endosteal and the subperiosteal implants to be acceptable. An important factor for selection is to determine whether your jawbone can adequately support the implant. Most dental implants placed today are endosteal root form fixtures (similar to a man-made tooth root).

Who should you see about getting dental implants?
When getting dental implants, you should select a dentist or dental team with in-depth knowledge and prior experience with all aspects of the treatment.

TMJ Disorder

 

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) describes a variety of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (the point where the jaw opens and closes) and nerves related to chronic facial pain. These problems are now more easily diagnosed and treated than in the past. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. In most cases, the symptoms can be treated by our doctors to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joints, muscles, or teeth.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

  • Jaw pain or soreness, more noticeable in the morning or afternoon

  • Jaw pain while chewing, biting, or yawning

  • Earache without an infection, sometimes spreading into the face

  • Soreness in front of the ear

  • A clicking or grinding noise while opening and closing your mouth

  • Difficulty opening and closing your mouth

  • A stiff jaw when eating, talking or yawning

  • Sensitive teeth without any signs of dental problems

  • Aching on the side of the head and neck pain

  • A burning sensation in the mouth/tongue

  • Grinding of your teeth

  • Restricted range of jaw movement or “locking” of the jaw in an open or closed position

Available TMJ Disorder Treatments:
Proper diagnosis is critical to make sure you receive treatment for your particular condition. Our doctors will only recommend treatment after conducting a thorough health history, clinical exam, taking appropriate X-rays, and perhaps confirming the condition through other diagnostic tests.

We may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan. Only minor corrective treatment may be needed. Treatment may be simple or require more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of severity.

Some of these treatments include:

  • Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever or prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Eating soft foods

  • Avoiding chewing gum

  • Applying moist heat or ice

  • Physical therapy

  • Teaching relaxation techniques to control muscle tension

  • Stress management training techniques

  • Posture training

  • Wearing bite plates to eliminate the harmful effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and a better positioning of the jaws

  • Adjusting the bite, known as “occlusal equilibration” involving removing interference when the teeth touch

  • Replacement of defective restorations that prevent the jaws from meeting properly

  • Orthodontics, to put the teeth in the proper position

  • Surgery

Occlusal Disease

 

What is Occlusal Disease?
Occlusal disease and TMJ disorders are related because they both involve clenching or grinding the teeth. In the case of TMJ disorders, the effects are seen in the jaw joints and muscles, often with associated pain. Occlusal disease occurs when the force of clenching or grinding does damage to the teeth and gums.

The term comes from the word ‘occlusion’ which in dentistry means how the teeth come together when you bite. Repetitive excessive biting forces can, over time, create significant breakdown in your mouth.

Destructive clenching and grinding can cause any of the following conditions:

  • Cracked teeth

  • Loose teeth

  • Sensitive teeth

  • Worn teeth

  • Failed fillings

  • Gum recession

  • Notched tooth roots

  • Shifting teeth

What are the treatments for occlusal disease?
Battling occlusal disease is all about force management. For many people, clenching or grinding is such a sub-conscious habit that it can not be stopped entirely. But you can control the effects of it.

A bite appliance for night time use virtually eliminates damage to teeth during sleep. Corrections to any misalignment of the teeth will minimize the force on teeth during the day. Teeth that are cracked must be protected with crowns. Teeth that have lost significant amounts of structure can be restored to their original form and appearance. This is usually done with porcelain restorations.

Invisalign®

 

Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.

What are the Invisalign clear aligners made of and what do they look like?

Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.

How will Invisalign treatment straighten my teeth?

Your doctor will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your plan. Your doctor will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break, sending you to your doctor for an emergency visit.

Am I guaranteed to have straight teeth with Invisalign?

Every smile is unique, which is why your Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation. During your consultation, your doctor will help you determine what Invisalign treatment can do for your smile. We cannot guarantee a particular treatment outcome but encourage you to share your treatment goals with your doctor at your consultation.

Is Invisalign treatment right for me?

Yes! Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Our innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your busy life. And, thanks to a discreet blue dot on the outside of teen aligners, parents can be sure their child is wearing their clear aligners enough.

Find out more at invisalign.com

Botox®

 

Our doctors’ years of experience with the anatomy and function of facial muscles make them exceptionally qualified to administer facial cosmetic injections like botox. Botox is the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines look better in adults. It is used to treat Temporomandibular Disorders of the face It’s ideal as it is a quick treatment with minimal downtime. Patients may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours and it delivers predictable, subtle results, so you look like you.

What Botox can help with:

  • High Lip Lines

  • Adjusting to New Dentures

  • TMJ and Teeth Grinding

  • Lip and Face Ageing Lines

  • Facial Swelling and Excess Sweating

  • Enhancing and Reshaping Your Smile

Ask our doctors what botox can do for you and find out more at botoxcosmetics.com