Dental Health Blog West Fargo - Dentist In Fargo - Moorhead Dentist

Dental Questions? We Have Answers.

Posted: August 17, 2018

If you have questions about dental hygiene, cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, dental sealants, tooth implants, oral sedation, or teeth whitening, the team at Designer Smiles in Fargo is happy to provide the answers.

Our high tech staff has helped establish an atmosphere of active listening. We enjoy getting to know our patients and determining each patient’s unique dental needs. We want to understand your dental goals and challenges and help you understand the hows and whys of recommended treatment.

Many of our new dental patients ask us about cosmetic dentistry treatment such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental implants. We would love to talk to you about these treatments.

Dental Care For Every Member of the Family

Above all, we want to provide you with outstanding dental care. We like to see each of our patients every six months. At those twice-a-year appointments, we’ll do a thorough cleaning and checkup, inspecting your teeth and gums for any signs of trouble.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans coping with dental anxiety, we can get you through your appointment with sedation dentistry.

Designer Smiles provides general dentistry to patients in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and the surrounding area. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental hygiene, Dental Implants, General Dentistry

Is Your Mouth Sore Something Serious?

Posted: August 10, 2018

Fargo Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

As dental professionals, one of our roles at Designer Smiles in Fargo is to help you take care of your mouth with general dentistry. Some of our patients have troubles with mouth sores, thus the topic of today’s article.

If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two, it is critical to come in for an exam. Mouth sores can be an indicator of something serious, and an early assessment aids in getting prompt treatment. If necessary, pain relief can be offered. In extreme cases, we will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in ailments that can cause mouth sores.

There are two types of mouth sores; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Canker sore usually heal in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods assists in temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations include: a cut on the inside of the mouth, a reaction to extreme temperatures, acids from food or drink, fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or a virus, or a combination of these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but typically heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics provide relief.

Hope on the Horizon

There are antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often transpires before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause intermittent cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

Talk To Your Dentist

In some cases, a change in the way you care for your mouth the frequency of mouth sores. If you are in the Fargo, area and would like to communicate with a dental professional about mouth sores, give us a call at Designer Smiles to schedule an examination. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry. Make an appointment today.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry

Danger Zone! Five Signs of Gum Disease

Posted: August 3, 2018

The older you are, the more at risk you are of coming down with gum disease. But even among young and middle-age adults, gum disease is a primary cause of tooth loss. But Designer Smiles in Fargo reminds you that an ounce of prevention of worth a pound of cure.

Good oral hygiene and preventative dentistry can dramatically reduce your chances of getting gum disease. Warning signs include:

Gums that bleed often
Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
Gums that are loosening from the teeth
A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

The main cause of gum disease is plaque, so taking good care of your teeth is essential. By itself, brushing is not enough. Make sure you floss every day. Twice a day is better. Your routine should also include a checkup and cleaning by dental professionals every six months.

At Designer Smiles in Fargo, we treat gum disease. We also practice general dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Small Dental Annoyance Or Serious Problem?

Posted: July 27, 2018

mouth sores Fargo

Today in the Fargo dental blog we are going to talk about stomatitis. Stomatitis is dental-speak for something very common: non-specific irritations found in the mouth. Stomatitis is a dental health issue commonly caused by cold sores, gum disease, or even from biting the inside of the mouth (ouch!). Any time the membranes in the mouth become inflamed, they are referred to as stomatitis.

Most men and women have probably suffered from stomatitis and don’t think it’s a big deal. The good news is that these patients are usually right, because the majority of these irritations clear up on their own in less than two weeks. While they might affect the ability to speak or eat or fall asleep, they are commonly just a temporary inconvenience.

However, there are cases where a bacterial or a viral infection can occur in these areas of inflammation.

Because of this possibility, Designer Smiles in Fargo should be aware of these issues. Even if you are fortunate and there is no infection present, we can always help you treat the symptoms of stomatitis.

At Designer Smiles in Fargo, the dental health of each of our patients is paramount. We provide the highest quality general and cosmetic dentistry for our Fargo area patients.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Twice A Year! Dental Health in Fargo

Posted: July 20, 2018

An appointment twice a year at Designer Smiles in Fargo is essential to your dental health, and to your overall health. By seeing us every six months, you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your teeth and gums are healthy, and have a great smile, to boot.

When you come in to our office, a typical appointment is in two parts. First, one of our hygienists gives your teeth a thorough cleaning. That in itself is worth your trip in. But part two, the checkup, is just as important, because we’ll take x-rays, check for any cavities, and make sure your gums are healthy.

Seeing us twice a year is also a great way to protect your overall health. We won’t give you a physical like your doctor, of course. But there are more than a hundred systemic diseases that can be detected in the mouth. We can find signs of diseases before you even know about them.

In between your visits, make sure you take care of your teeth and gums at home. That means a daily regimen of flossing and brushing. We recommend at least twice a day; after every meal is even better. That way you are consistently removing that plaque that is constantly forming on your teeth.

If you haven’t scheduled your next checkup and cleaning with Designer Smiles in Fargo, pick up the phone and give us a call. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry. Make an appointment today.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Dental Questions? Designer Smiles Has Answers

Posted: July 13, 2018

sealants Fargo

Everyone has teeth, and proactive people want to take care of theirs. However, many individuals need a place where they can review basic principles of dental health and get straightforward information about restorative and cosmetic dental procedures such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and veneers.

The dentist blog of Designer Smiles in Fargo ND is your source for this helpful oral care information.

We know that many of our dental patients have concerns and questions about their oral care. That’s why we include hot-button dental issues in our blog such as:

Smile Makeovers
Sealants
Invisible Braces
Toothbrush Care
ADA Seal Products
Tooth Protection
Gum Contouring
Dental Implants

We hope that this information will help you make informed decisions about your oral care and any procedures you may be considering. At Designer Smiles in Fargo, we provide general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry, Tooth pain, Toothache

You Won’t Be Out Cold

Posted: July 6, 2018

Does your heart start pounding at the mere thought of having a cavity filled? Do you get sweaty palms when you see a dental practice?

Many individuals who have improved their smile with cosmetic dentistry or underwent extensive restoration procedures chose to use sedation. Though the terms ‘sleep dentistry’ and ‘oral conscious sedation’ are usually used interchangeably, they are not identical. Let’s discuss the three main types of sedation used in dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ as it is often called. Nitrous oxide has been used in cosmetic dental offices for many years because it is safe and effective. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the process, but wears off quickly after the mask is pulled off. If you need a little help to get through dental services, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be the wisest option.

NuCalm
NuCalm is a drug-free method of relaxing patients for dental procedures. It combines GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) with soothing music and light-blocking glasses for an effective period of relaxation.

Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives help most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually result in complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in ‘conscious’ sedation. Two of the most prevalent sedatives used by Fargo dentists are diazepam and triazolam.

For more specifics about sedation dentistry, call Designer Smiles for an appointment. We also provide general dentistry.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental anxiety, Sedation Dentistry, Tooth pain

Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain!

Posted: June 22, 2018

Tooth pain doesn’t always seem like a big deal. You may not even notice it much, unless you bite down on something. But at Designer Smiles in Fargo, we remind you to never ignore even minor tooth pain, because your body is telling you that something isn’t right.

The most common cause of tooth pain is a cavity. But it isn’t the only cause. It may also be the result of a damaged filling, a broken tooth, infected gums, or an abscess.

If you have tooth pain that lasts for more than a couple of days, it’s time to pick up the phone and give us a call. Don’t even wait that long if your pain is severe, or you have an accompanying fever, earache, or pain when you open your mouth.

It’s important that we find out what’s going on, so that we can treat it. In some cases it could be an infection that might spread to other parts of your face and skull.

Treatment depends on what is giving you pain. If it’s a cavity, then we’ll fill it. An abscess may require a root canal or, if it’s really bad, an extraction.

Most tooth pain is an indication of tooth decay. The best way to prevent that is to have a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing twice a day. That will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. It’s also important to get cleanings and checkups every six months.

Designer Smiles in Fargo can provide relief for all manner of tooth pain. We also offer gum disease treatment and cosmetic dentistry. We serve patients in West Fargo, Moorhead, and throughout the area. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry, Tooth pain, Toothache

It’s Preventable: Gum Disease in Fargo

Posted: June 15, 2018

Gum disease is not nearly as common as it once was. Still, one of every ten American adults is likely to get some form of gum disease by the time they’re sixty-four years old. At Designer Smiles in Fargo, we provide treatment for gum disease.

First things first. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and is associated with serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. So brush and floss your teeth every day – twice a day, in fact. Gum disease is preventable, so a good dental health routine is essential.

In addition to age, other risk factors for gum disease include tobacco use. In fact, health experts say tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for getting gum disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke (or chew), quit.

It appears some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Even when they take great care of their teeth, such people may still be more likely to get it. If you think it runs in your family, don’t despair. A genetic test can confirm it, even if you aren’t showing any signs. Getting early intervention treatment may help.

Stress, too, is another risk factor for gum disease. Stress may make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

Poor nutrition and teeth grinding or clenching can also put you at greater risk of developing gum disease.

Finally, certain medications can affect your oral health and make you more prone to gum disease. These include some oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and heart medications. If you have any concerns, ask us at your next appointment.

If you are showing any signs at all of gum disease, such as bleeding when you brush your teeth, let us know. We provide effective gum disease treatment. Other Designer Smiles services include general and cosmetic dentistry. We serve people in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and throughout the area. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

We’ll Get You Through It: Dental Sedation in Fargo

Posted: June 8, 2018

Millions of Americans are affected by dental anxiety, to one degree or another. For some people the anxiety is so strong, they avoid going to the dentist altogether. That might seem rational enough: why do something when you know it’s going to upset you? The problem with that, of course, is that they’re putting their dental health at risk. Dental sedation from Designer Smiles in Fargo can help.

The reasons some people get anxious just thinking about a checkup and cleaning include having sharp scrapers in their mouths, and the fear of injections. We take these concerns seriously, and offer them three dental sedation options: nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and a drug-free alternative called NuCalm.

NuCalm. This is a method of stimulating the body’s natural relaxation mechanism. It includes GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), cranial electrotherapy stimulation, soothing music, and light-blocking glasses. NuCalm is known to be effective, and is a good choice for anyone reluctant to take sedatives.
Nitrous oxide. Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than a hundred years. It may or may not make you laugh, but it is safe and effective. It also wears off quickly.
Oral conscious sedation. This is a sedative, in pill form. You take it an hour or so before your scheduled procedure. It does not usually make patients sleep, but it will make you very drowsy. You won’t be very aware of what’s going on around you, and will need a ride home afterward.

Skipping the dentist puts your dental health at risk. Dental sedation is valuable, because it can get you here when your instincts may be to skip your appointment, or not even make one. Better to have a little help getting through a procedure than getting a mouth full of cavities, or worse.

Don’t let anxiety prevent you from getting the dental treatment you need. Make an appointment with Designer Smiles in Fargo today. We also provide general and cosmetic dentistry, and serve patients in West Fargo, Moorhead, and throughout the area.

Contact Designer Smiles:

701-566-5063

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental anxiety, Dental sedation, General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

I’m a busy mom of 4 so I really appreciate the text reminders about our upcoming appointments.
—WHITNEY
The best dental experience I’ve ever had because I slept through it. Sedation dentistry is the greatest thing ever.
—TODD
I was so blessed to have found you. Thank you for helping me so quickly.
—BRUCE
Dr. Hetland told me my new teeth would help me chew better and help relieve my jaw pain. What I didn’t know was that they would make me feel so much better about myself. I just can’t stop smiling. Thank you!
—ANITA
The Designer Smiles team is amazing. They took great care of my teeth when I didn’t and they did it without making me feel bad about all those years I neglected my teeth. I highly recommend them to EVERYONE!
—MILES
Thank you for taking the time to make just a great smile for an old gal like me. I look and feel 10 years younger!
—GLADYS
I had a great experience with Dr. Hetland and the whole staff at Desinger Smiles! I also had awesome results with the Six Month Smiles. Thank you for being so accommodating and enjoyable at all of my appointments!
—CARLY
Another wonderful experience today with Dr. Hetland and his staff. They truly care about your care and comfort. This was my second crown procedure in the past 3 years. They had great notes from the time before to ensure I did not feel any discomfort. Thanks for everything
—TERRY

Making smiles bright extends beyond the doors of Designer Smiles, especially each March through June when we proudly participate in the Smiles For Life campaign. During this time, 100 percent of the proceeds from teeth whitening procedures go to children’s charities, including right here in the F-M area. This year, we have selected Camp Sioux for Diabetic Children as the local charity of choice.

We make helping children and bright smiles easy—simply contact us to schedule your teeth whitening appointment. You get a brighter, whiter smile, and children get a reason to smile, as well. If you are already happy with your bright smile, simply ask about the other ways you can participate in helping children.