Get Your Questions Answered Here
Do You tAKE mY INSURANCE?
We are in network with a wide array of insurance companies. If in doubt, please call the member services phone number on the back of your insurance card. You can also call our office at 320-654-9999 to discuss your benefits.
what do you accept for payment?
We accept checks, cash or credit cards. We also have CareCredit to assist you in paying for your dental treatment. They offer no interest financing or low monthly payment options. You can also use CareCredit for your family and favorite pet.
DO YOU ACCEPT MNSURE PATIENTS?
Although we are not in network with MNSure, you are welcome at Pearl Dental. Since we are not in network, you would be required to pay for your treatment in full at the time of your visit. We will print a claim form for you to send in, therefore you would be directly reimbursed by your insurance company.
DO YOU SEE CHILDREN?
We gladly see children! Dr. Mertensotto and Dr. Porwoll love seeing our younger patients. Our practice is designed to support your family from 1 to 100.
ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS?
We are always accepting new patients. Call us at 320-654-9999 to schedule your appointment today.
how often should i have a dental exam and cleaning?
You should have your teeth examined and cleaned at least twice a year. Regular check-ups are essential in preventing problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, we will check your medical history, x-rays, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, examination of tooth decay and examination of existing dental work. Your cleaning will involve removal of calculus (tartar), removal of plaque and teeth polishing followed by any recommendations from your hygenist.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a bit more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care-this is why it's important to schedule your two visits per year.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a bit more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care-this is why it's important to schedule your two visits per year.
what causes bad breath?
Morning Breath: Saliva flow almost stops during sleep, so it's reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, which causes morning breath. Certain foods like garlic and onions contain odor-causing compounds, they enter the blood stream, are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
Poor oral hygiene habits: Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacteria growth.
Gum Disease: Colonies of bacteria and food debris reside under inflamed gums.
Dry Mouth: Can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
Tobacco Products: Cause dry mouth, which in turn causes bad breath.
Dieting: Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
Dehydration, Hunger, Missed Meals: Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes away the bacteria.
Medcial Conditions/Illness: Diabetes, liver/kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitits, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
How can I prevent bad breath?
Practice good oral hygiene! Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 60-90 days. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
See your dentist regularly
Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice per year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
Stop smoking/chewing tobacco and drink water more frequently to help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria. Some over-the-counter mouth washes only provide a temporary solution to mask mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill germs that cause the problem.
Poor oral hygiene habits: Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacteria growth.
Gum Disease: Colonies of bacteria and food debris reside under inflamed gums.
Dry Mouth: Can be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
Tobacco Products: Cause dry mouth, which in turn causes bad breath.
Dieting: Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
Dehydration, Hunger, Missed Meals: Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes away the bacteria.
Medcial Conditions/Illness: Diabetes, liver/kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitits, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
How can I prevent bad breath?
Practice good oral hygiene! Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 60-90 days. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
See your dentist regularly
Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice per year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
Stop smoking/chewing tobacco and drink water more frequently to help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria. Some over-the-counter mouth washes only provide a temporary solution to mask mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill germs that cause the problem.
how can i tell if i have gingivitis or periodontal disease?
4 out of 5 people have periodontal disease and most don't know it! People are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often will cause discomfort, it's possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal exams are very important and will detect if a periodontal problem exists.
Periodontal disease begins when plaque (a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria), food debris and saliva are left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produces toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its' damage.
Other than poor oral hygiene, smoking, chewing tobacco, many medications, systemic diseases and genetics all play a roll in peridontal disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Good oral hygiene, a blanced diet and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease begins when plaque (a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria), food debris and saliva are left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produces toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its' damage.
Other than poor oral hygiene, smoking, chewing tobacco, many medications, systemic diseases and genetics all play a roll in peridontal disease.
Signs and Symptoms
- Red and puffy gums
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- New spacing between teeth
- Loose teeth
- Pus around teeth and gums
- Receding gums
- Tenderness or discomfort
Good oral hygiene, a blanced diet and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
should i floss everyday?
If you only brush your teeth, you are missing cleaning 1/3 of all the tooth surfaces! Brushing your teeth removes food particles, plaque and bacteria from the surfaces, except in between. Unfortunately, our toothbrushes can't reach these areas and they are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal disease.
Flossing daily is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone.
How to Properly Floss:
Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!
Flossing daily is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone.
How to Properly Floss:
Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!
can cosmetic dentistry improve my smile?
If you're feeling self-conscious about your teeth, or just want to improve your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the answer to a more beautiful, confident smile!
Cosmetic dentistry has had many advances in procedures and materials. There are many procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically. From restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic Procedures
Teeth Whitening
Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.
Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings
Also known as "bonding", composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective filings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin custom made, tooth colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain Crowns (caps):
A crown is a tooth-colored, custom made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.
Orthodontics
Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients. Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made clear, removable aligners that require no braces.
Cosmetic dentistry has had many advances in procedures and materials. There are many procedures available to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically. From restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic Procedures
Teeth Whitening
Bleaching lightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury or taking certain medications can also be bleached, but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining present.
Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings
Also known as "bonding", composite fillings are now widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old defective filings. Tooth-colored fillings are also used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. This type of filling is also very useful to fill in gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin custom made, tooth colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile. They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed from the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain Crowns (caps):
A crown is a tooth-colored, custom made covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or broken fillings and also for those that are badly decayed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges, and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach to implants, giving a strong, stable, and durable solution to removable dental appliances.
Orthodontics
Less visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients. Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made clear, removable aligners that require no braces.
what are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of your teeth. They are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile.
Veneers may be used to restore or correct the following dental conditions:
Getting veneers usually requires two visits. Veneers are created from an impression of your teeth that is then sent to a professional dental lab where each veneer is custom-made (for shape and color) for your individual smile.
With little or no anesthesia, teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface of the teeth to allow for the small thickness of veneers. The veneers are carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface with special bonding cements and occasionally a specialized light may be used to harden and set the bond.
Veneers are an excellent dental treatment that can dramatically improve your teeth and give you a natural, beautiful smile.
Veneers may be used to restore or correct the following dental conditions:
- Severely discolored or stained teeth
- Unwanted or uneven spacing
- Weak or chipped teeth
- Slight tooth crowding
- Misshapen teeth
- Teeth that are too small or large
Getting veneers usually requires two visits. Veneers are created from an impression of your teeth that is then sent to a professional dental lab where each veneer is custom-made (for shape and color) for your individual smile.
With little or no anesthesia, teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the front surface of the teeth to allow for the small thickness of veneers. The veneers are carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface with special bonding cements and occasionally a specialized light may be used to harden and set the bond.
Veneers are an excellent dental treatment that can dramatically improve your teeth and give you a natural, beautiful smile.
what can you do for stained or discolored teeth?
Since teeth whitening has become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.
Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from inside the tooth, which may become darker over time. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline.
It's important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you're a good candidate for bleaching. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.
Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from inside the tooth, which may become darker over time. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline.
It's important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you're a good candidate for bleaching. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.
are silver fillings safe?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 76% of dentists use silver containing mercury to fill teeth. The ADA also states that silver fillings are safe and that studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder.
The general consensus is that amalgam (silver) fillings are safe. Along with the ADA's position, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, the FDA, and others support the use of silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The U.S. Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use silver fillings is when a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. The ADA has had fewer than 100 reported incidents of an allergy to components of silver fillings, and this is out of countless millions of silver fillings over the decades.
There are numerous options to silver fillings, including composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold fillings. We encourage you to discuss these options with your dentist so you can determine which is the best option for you.
The general consensus is that amalgam (silver) fillings are safe. Along with the ADA's position, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, the FDA, and others support the use of silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The U.S. Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use silver fillings is when a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. The ADA has had fewer than 100 reported incidents of an allergy to components of silver fillings, and this is out of countless millions of silver fillings over the decades.
There are numerous options to silver fillings, including composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold fillings. We encourage you to discuss these options with your dentist so you can determine which is the best option for you.
do i really need sealants?
Although thorough brushing and flossing remove most food particles and bacteria from easy to reach tooth surfaces, they do not reach the deep grooves on chewing surfaces of teeth. More than 75 percent of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Toothbrush bristles are too large to possibly fit and clean most of these areas. This is where sealants play an important role.
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers and protects the chewing surfaces of molars, premolars, and deep grooves or pits on teeth. Sealant material forms a protective, smooth barrier covering natural depressions and grooves in the teeth, making it much easier to clean and help keep these areas free of decay.
Who needs sealants?
Children and Teenagers: As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
Infants: Baby teeth are occasionally sealed if the teeth have deep grooves and the child is cavity prone.
Adults: Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions that are difficult to clean.
Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process only takes minutes per tooth. After chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution that helps the sealant adhere to the tooth, the sealant material is "painted" onto the tooth surface, where it hardens and bonds to the teeth. Sometimes a special light will be used to help the sealant material harden.
After sealant treatment, it's important to avoid chewing on ice cubes, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or any hard or sticky foods. Your sealants will be checked for wear and chipping at your regular dental check-up.
A sealant is a thin plastic coating that covers and protects the chewing surfaces of molars, premolars, and deep grooves or pits on teeth. Sealant material forms a protective, smooth barrier covering natural depressions and grooves in the teeth, making it much easier to clean and help keep these areas free of decay.
Who needs sealants?
Children and Teenagers: As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
Infants: Baby teeth are occasionally sealed if the teeth have deep grooves and the child is cavity prone.
Adults: Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions that are difficult to clean.
Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process only takes minutes per tooth. After chewing surfaces are roughened with an acid solution that helps the sealant adhere to the tooth, the sealant material is "painted" onto the tooth surface, where it hardens and bonds to the teeth. Sometimes a special light will be used to help the sealant material harden.
After sealant treatment, it's important to avoid chewing on ice cubes, hard candy, popcorn kernels, or any hard or sticky foods. Your sealants will be checked for wear and chipping at your regular dental check-up.
can you fix old, discolored or unattractive fillings?
Most of us have fillings in our mouths that date back many years and some may have even been placed during our childhood. These fillings may now be old, dark, and unattractive, making us feel self-conscious when we smile, laugh and talk. Old fillings are not only unattractive, they may also be defective. When a filling is old, the margins (space between the tooth and filling) may eventually open and allow bacteria and food debris to enter, potentially causing dental decay.
Your dentits can check your fillings and evaluate if they are defective and need replacement. Also, if you simply want to replace fillings that are unattractive, you and your dentist can decide which ones should be replaced first and what replacement options would best suit you. There are many state-of-the-art dental filling materials and procedures available today that are quick, painless, and cost effective for replacing old, unattractive or defective fillings.
Your dentits can check your fillings and evaluate if they are defective and need replacement. Also, if you simply want to replace fillings that are unattractive, you and your dentist can decide which ones should be replaced first and what replacement options would best suit you. There are many state-of-the-art dental filling materials and procedures available today that are quick, painless, and cost effective for replacing old, unattractive or defective fillings.
What does heart disease & other medical conditions have to do with gum disease?
Many people are unaware that having periodontal disease (the destruction of gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place) can affect your overall health. Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections; often more prevalent than the common cold! Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason people lose teeth; it can also affect the health of your body.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and in its earliest states, it's called gingivitis. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is not regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums and eventually destroy the jaw bone that supports the teeth. When periodontal disease is not treated it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
There are numerous studies that have looked into the correlation between gum disease and major medical conditions. These studies suggest people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic disease and indicate that periodontal disease may cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research suggest that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream may:
Researchers conclude there is still much research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, but enough research has been done to support that infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.
To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation. Also, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce the plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and in its earliest states, it's called gingivitis. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is not regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums and eventually destroy the jaw bone that supports the teeth. When periodontal disease is not treated it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
There are numerous studies that have looked into the correlation between gum disease and major medical conditions. These studies suggest people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic disease and indicate that periodontal disease may cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research suggest that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream may:
- contribute to the development of heart disease
- increase the risk of stroke
- compromise the health of those that have diabetes or respiratory diseases
- increase a woman's risk of having an preterm, low-birth weight baby
Researchers conclude there is still much research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, but enough research has been done to support that infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.
To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation. Also, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce the plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
Insurance and Financing
At Pearl Dental we accept cash, check, credit cards and offer flexible financing and payment options through CareCredit. We also accept most insurance plans and are happy to help you maximize your benefits.
Click on the logo of your insurance company for more information
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Have questions about your insurance?
We can help you understand your benefits and file insurance forms on your behalf.
We can help you understand your benefits and file insurance forms on your behalf.
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