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Mon 7:30am – 5:30pm
Tue 8:00am – 6:00pm
Wed 8:00am – 6:00pm
Thur 7:30am – 5:00pm
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Craig V Duren, DDS
Lindsey D Vossen, DDS
351 W Nicollet Blvd
Burnsville, MN 55337
Ph: 952-435-4142
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CareCredit® Healthcare Finance
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We are a general family dental practice. We provide preventative care along with treatment to restore or maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Below is a list of some of the treatments we provide. Please click on them for some general information about each treatment.
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| RESTORATIVE & COSMETIC TREATMENT
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Dental Bridges
Dental Crowns
Porcelain Veneers
Tooth Whitening
Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to artificial teeth (pontics), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
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Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill space of missing teeth.
- Maintain facial shape.
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting or tipping out of position.
- Restore chewing and speaking ability.
- Restore your smile.
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.
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What does getting a fixed bridge involve?
Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. The two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for about two weeks until your next appointment.
At the second visit, your bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. You will receive post treatment care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge. Dental Crowns
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain crowns are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are made to match the "shape, size, and color or your teeth" giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
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Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth that has had a root canal treatment.
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What does getting a crown involve?
A traditional crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include shaping your tooth and taking impressions that will be used to create your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite is accurate, then cemented into place.
If you are having a crown made with our state of the art E4D system, we will take scans of the prepared tooth and design the crown with the E4D system instead of taking impressions for that tooth. The crown will then be milled to the dentist’s exact specifications. Usually that same day we will cement your new crown after we ensure the spacing and bite are accurate. You will be given post treatment care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
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Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
- Crooked teeth.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Severely discolored or stained teeth.
- Teeth that are too small.
- Unwanted or uneven spaces.
- Worn or chipped teeth.
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What does getting porcelain veneers involve?
It usually takes 2-3 appointments for veneers. The teeth are prepared by shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist. To increase the esthetics we may recommend a visit to the lab so they can take a custom shade.
When the veneers are returned from the dental lab, they are tried in to check their fit and color. Veneers are bonded to your tooth with strong resin cements.You will receive post treatment care instructions for your veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.
Tooth Whitening
Whitening your teeth is a safe, noninvasive and easy way to brighten your smile.
We offer 3 different types of whitening systems for you to choose from.
- Crest Whitestrips Supreme Professional Whitening System - The packaging is similar to the packaging of the Crest Whitestrips seen in the stores, however, this professional strength version has double the concentration of whitening agent allowing you to attain whiter results in the same amount of time as store-bought kits. The package contains strips with whitening gel on it. Each strip is worn for a half hour twice daily for two weeks.
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- Custom whitening trays with whitening gel - An impression is taken of your upper and lower teeth and two clear custom trays are made. Whitening gel is dispensed into each tray and worn for 30 minutes a day. Optimal results usually occur within 10-14 days. Refill whitening gel is available for purchase at our office.
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- In office bleaching – This type of whitening is often used in conjunction with the custom whitening trays and whitening gel as listed above to attain maximum results. In the office a barrier is applied over all gum tissues to protect them from the whitening agent. Then the whitening agent is applied to the teeth for the specified time. The barrier is removed, teeth rinsed. This is repeated a couple of times during the visit. You will see instant, whiter results that day.
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It should be noted that dental materials, such as porcelain and composite fillings do not whiten with these products. Therefore, if you are thinking about whitening and have dental work planned for any anterior teeth, it is best to whiten before treatment is done so the filling or crown will match your “whitened” teeth shade. To ensure your new restorations and natural teeth best match, you should ideally wait 1 week after whitening to have anterior restorations placed.
All whitening agents can lead to some temporary hypersensitivity while using the whitening agent. If this occurs, discontinue bleaching for 1-2 days and start again. It may also be beneficial to use Sensodyne toothpaste or a fluoride rinse such as ACT to reduce the hypersensitivity. One may also want to avoid foods and drinks with extreme temperature changes.
In order to maintain your whiter tooth shade as long as possible you may want to avoid substances such as coffee, tea, tobacco products and dark colored soft drinks. Over time you may want to “touch-up” in order to maintain the whiteness of your smile. This usually takes about 1-2 days repeating the same process used as bleaching initially. Additional bleaching solution is available for purchase at our office any time.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your home bleaching please feel free to contact our office.
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| EXTRACTIONS, IMPLANTS & DENTURES
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Tooth Extractions
Dentures & Partial Dentures
Dental Implants
Extractions
An extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth.There are several reasons an extraction would be recommended including:
- Infection or abscess not effectively treated with root canal therapy
- Decay or fracture severe enough that there is not enough tooth structure to restore the tooth
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Trauma
- To minimize crowding and improve orthodontic treatment results
- Impacted or partially erupted 3rd molars (wisdom teeth)
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Impacted or partially erupted 3rd molars (wisdom teeth)
Most extractions can be done here at our office using local anesthetic. Each extraction is different and depends on the state of the tooth being extracted. Some teeth can be loosened and extracted with forceps without complication. Otherwise, surgical extractions are sometimes necessary for teeth that are severely decayed, have a history of root canal therapy or are not completely erupted. In these cases the tissue around the tooth may be moved, a small amount of bone may need to be removed around the tooth or the tooth may need to be cut into sections and the sections removed separately. Sutures are then placed to improve healing of the displaced gum tissue.
Thorough post operative instructions and any necessary medications are given after the procedure. It is important to follow these instructions to reduce the chances of complications. After an extraction you will typically be seen 10-14 days after the procedure to ensure proper healing.
One of our goals is to help you maintain a healthy, functional smile. Therefore, it is important that options for replacing the tooth to be extracted (i.e. an implant or bridge, etc) be discussed before it is taken out to maximize treatment results. Dentures & Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.
A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear and tissue changes.
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Reasons for dentures:
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Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
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Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
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Enhancing smile and facial support.
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Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
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Preventing shifting of teeth
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What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
You will be given post treatment care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
Dental Implants
Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, such as bridges and dentures, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants.
Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.
Implants are usually placed in two stages. The first stage is placement of the implant itself into the jaw bone. This can be done with just local anesthetic. The implant is then allowed to integrate into the jaw bone for 3-6 months. The second stage involves restoring the implant with a crown, bridge, or attachments for a denture.
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Athletic Mouthguards
TMD Splints & Night Guards
Athletic MouthGaurds
Athletic Mouthguards can be essential in the prevention of athletic oral/facial injuries. A properly fitted mouthguard, which typically covers the upper teeth, can prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face and jaw. A custom fitted mouth protector can be made by your dentist for you personally. There is more of a cost than other versions, but because they are customized they can offer better protection, comfort and durability than anything you can buy off the shelf. TMD Splints/Night Guards
Night guards or splints are used to address pain associated with TMJ disorders, myofacial pain disorders, and/or grinding and clenching. If you experience pain in your jaw, ears, cheeks, especially in the morning, a TMD splint could help.
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To make a night guard you simply need to come in for a quick impression of your upper and lower teeth. We will send these impressions to a lab where they will make a custom fitting TMD splint. In about 2 weeks we will have you back to assure proper fit.
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If you would like more details or have questions about these night guards please call the office or ask at your next appointment.
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Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay, infection, or trauma. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with a special dental material to seal the tooth and prevent reinfection.
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Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:
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An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
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Sensitivity to hot and cold.
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Pain with biting or chewing.
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Spontaneous tooth pain.
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Sometimes no symptoms are present.
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Swelling and/or tenderness.
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Grey, darkened tooth.
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Reasons for root canal therapy:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth.
What does root canal therapy involve?
All teeth have one or more canals in their roots that make up the “pulp” of the tooth. The pulp contains the nerve and blood supply to the tooth. When the pulp is infected or dead, we remove the pulp and any bacteria present. Then we fill the canals with a special dental material called gutta percha which seals the canals and prevents reinfection.
The techniques for root canal therapy have changed dramatically in recent years. There is much less pain and fewer post operative problems after treatment.
Most teeth, especially back teeth, will need to have a crown placed on them shortly after the root canal therapy is completed. Without a blood supply teeth that have had root canals become brittle and weak. A crown will help to protect the tooth from breaking and restore it to its full function.
You will be given post treatment care instructions after each appointment. Having a crown placed, good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
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| PREVENTATIVE & PERIODONTAL SERVICES
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Preventative Care
Sealants
Fluoride Treatment
Periodontal Treatment/ Scaling & Root Planning
Preventative Care
We believe preventative care is the foundation for helping our patient’s keep their teeth for a lifetime. Our preventative program is suited to each patient’s individual needs. Routine adult preventative care may include:
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Routine adult preventative care may include:
• Review of medical/dental history
• Oral Cancer Screening
• Visual inspection – included in each
preventative care visit.
• Vizilite Plus examination– recommended once
a year.
• Routine X-Rays
• Periodontal Evaluation
• Scaling and Polishing
• Oral Hygiene Instructions
• Fluoride Treatment
• Examination
Child preventative care visits may include:
• Review of medical/dental history
• Scaling and polishing
• Oral Hygiene Instructions
• Routine X-Rays
• Fluoride treatment
• examination
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Prevention is the first step to healthy teeth and gums. Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for several years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.
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Reasons for sealants:
- Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars and 12-year molars (the first and second permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
- Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.
- Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and the child is cavity prone.
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Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in some foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.
Fluoride works in two ways:
Topical fluoride strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by combining with the outer surface of the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay. We gain topical fluoride by using fluoride containing dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels.
Systemic fluoride strengthens the teeth that have erupted as well as those that are developing under the gums. We gain systemic fluoride from some foods and our community water supplies. It is also available as a supplement in drop or gel form and can be prescribed by your dentist or physician. If too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing, a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) may result.
Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. We may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:
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Reasons for floride treatments:
- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth.
- Exposed and sensitive root surfaces.
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits.
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake.
- Inadequate exposure to fluorides.
- Inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments or medications.
- Recent history of dental decay.
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Remember, fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay! It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, eat balanced meals, reduce sugary snacks, and visit our office as recommended. Periodontal Treatment/Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses as the pocket or space between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually cause bone loss around the teeth. If untreated periodontal disease can progress and result in tooth loss.
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings a year will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) may be recommended. In this procedure tartar, plaque, and calculus are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. We may refer you to one of our trusted periodontists (specialists in treating gum disease).
Periodontal Maintenance
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular periodontal maintenance cleanings (in place of regular cleanings). The interval between these cleanings will be determined by the dentist and dental hygienist depending on the severity of disease, oral hygiene habits, medical history and your tissues response to the deep cleaning. At these preventative maintanance appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line. You periodontal maintenance visit will also include a thorough exam, any necessary radiographs, an oral cancer screening, and oral hygiene instructions.
Periodontal disease is not a curable disease once diagnosed, but with vigilant home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits the progression of the disease can be controlled or arrested. For more information about Periodontal Disease please visit http://www.perio.org/consumer/2a.html
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