Six tips for a healthier smile

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A beautiful smile is the goal of most of our patients. When patients have a smile that is healthy and looks great, it can give them the self-confidence they need to interview for their dream job or approach that significant other once and for all! At Broadway Family Dentistry, Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Minot, ND provide recommendations for keeping the smile healthy and beautiful between dental recall visits:

  • Brush your teeth. Brushing the teeth after every meal with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush is one of the best ways to keep the teeth healthy and avoid the development of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
  • Flossing. Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen recommend flossing at least once a day. This removes food particles from between the teeth that can break down into acids and sugars the contribute to cavities.
  • Visit the dentist every six months. Recall appointment and routine evaluations are essential to monitoring a patient’s oral health and wellness. Conditions such as periodontal disease and cavities can be spotted early on for successful intervention.
  • Drink water. Fluoridated water is a much better choice for the smile than drinking sodas, teas, and coffees, which not only can be unhealthy for you, but can stain the natural tooth enamel. Fluoridated water helps strengthen natural tooth enamel while washing away food particles and bacteria between meals.
  • Stop smoking or chewing tobacco. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can lead to serious staining on the teeth, while also significantly increasing your risk for conditions such as oral cancer.
  • Watch what you eat. Foods that are high in sugars, carbs, and acids can be detrimental to the smile. If you consume candy, soda, or highly-acidic fruits such as grapefruits or lemons, make sure to brush and floss the teeth immediately after.

Request a visit with Broadway Family Dentistry today!

If you reside in the area of Minot, ND and want to speak to a professional about the health of your smile, connect with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry today! Call (701) 839-1299 to schedule an appointment at 1839 South Broadway Street and educate yourself further on the ways to a healthier smile!

What are the wisdom teeth?

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During oral examinations at Broadway Family Dentistry, our dentists can evaluate a patient and determine the positioning of the wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are teeth that have the potential to become problematic for many of our patients. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt through the gumline, and often make their appearance in the late teens or early adulthood. When they develop, they can either become impacted underneath the gums and cause extreme pain, or they can erupt and cause misalignment or increase the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. In many situations, Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen may recommend removal.

Why remove the wisdom teeth?

The wisdom teeth can become extremely troublesome if patients are not prepared for them. Patients who have had orthodontic work done to straighten their smile may want to ask their dentist about proactively extracting the wisdom teeth. This may be done to keep them from coming through the gumline and cause misalignment. Additionally, those who have their wisdom teeth in place may find them difficult to brush and floss because of their positioning. This can make them at a higher risk of developing cavities or periodontal disease. For many of our patients, removal of the wisdom teeth is often a recommended course of action.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

There are two ways in which the wisdom teeth can be extracted from the smile. Teeth that have come through the gumline may require simple extraction, which is fast and done quickly in the dental chair. However, if the teeth are impacted or have not come through the gumline yet, surgical extraction may be recommended. Surgical extraction is more invasive, but allows patients to be proactive in removing these teeth and keeping further issues from arising with time. Both procedures are done with proper sedation and anesthetics to ensure comfort.

Should I have my wisdom teeth extracted?

The best way to answer this question is to request a consultation appointment with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Minot, North Dakota. Call (701) 839-1299 to speak to the front office team at Broadway Family Dentistry to schedule your visit and ask about this and other dental treatments available at 1839 South Broadway Street.

How plaque and tartar affect the health of the smile

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As part of aging, many patients believe that tooth loss is commonplace over time. However, this is not the case! Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with proper steps in keeping the smile healthy and free from plaque, tartar, and disease, most patients will be able to avoid the need for tooth replacement options down the road, including dentures. By knowing how plaque and tartar affect the health of the smile, many patients in the area of Minot, ND can maintain better oral health and wellness for life!

What is plaque and tartar?

Plaque is a film that can develop on the teeth and along the gum line after eating and drinking without proper brushing and flossing. It contains bacteria that can contribute to the development of cavities as well as gum disease, or “periodontal disease.” Additionally, if not brushed off of the teeth, it can harden over time and calcify. This calcification attaches to the enamel of the teeth and can only be addressed with the help of a dental professional.

What can be done for treating plaque and tartar?

First and foremost, patients are encouraged to schedule a visit to their dentist’s office. During this visit, the dental hygienist can remove as much plaque and tartar as possible to clean all the surfaces of the teeth. Our professionals will also evaluate the smile to look for cavities or indications of periodontal disease. Once the cleaning has been performed, Drs. Stanley Hirst or Bethany Jensen will evaluate the patient’s oral health and make recommendations regarding home care. This often includes brushing and flossing after every meal to keep plaque and tartar from recurring. Visiting the dentist every six month for a cleaning and evaluation also assists patients in maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile for life!

Call Broadway Family Dentistry today!

Minot, ND area patients who want to achieve healthier smiles are encouraged to book a consultation appointment with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry. Our facility is located at 1839 South Broadway Street and is always accepting new patients and families seeking comprehensive care. Call (701) 839-1299 to request a visit.

What to expect during your first visit to Broadway Family Dentistry

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First impressions are always important, especially when it comes to visiting a new dentist. At Broadway Family Dentistry, we service patients in and around the area of Minot, ND and offer a selection of quality solutions for patients. When patients book their first evaluation with our team, we can walk them through what to expect during their visit.

How should I prepare for my visit?

It is a good idea for patients to come to their appointment with a list of any questions they may have. These questions can be about our facility, our technology, or about specific treatments that you might be considering. At Broadway Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of solutions for the smile, and encourage patients to learn more about offerings that will benefit their smiles. Patients should also have a list of any medications they are currently taking, any family history concerns that are related to dental health, and expect to undergo x-rays during the first appointment to evaluate the health of the smile.

What can I expect when I arrive?

When you enter Broadway Family Dentistry, you will immediately feel comfortable and at ease with our friendly front office staff and welcoming waiting room. Our team will check you in and call you to the back when the team is ready. We will evaluate your smile, take x-rays, and perform a cleaning prior to the dentist examining the smile. If you are interested in any specific dental work or want to learn more about our treatments, just ask! We want this appointment to be informative for you and help you take care of your smile now and into the future.

Dental insurance

Additionally, we encourage patients to bring any dental insurance plan information they have so our front office team can determine the benefits available that can reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses for this and other appointments at our practice.

Contact Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen

The team of Broadway Family Dentistry offers many dental services, including general, cosmetic, and restorative care. To learn more about the practice or schedule your first appointment, call (701) 839-1299. The office is conveniently located in Minot, ND at 1839 South Broadway Street.

Using NuCalm dental sedation as a drug-free alternative

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If you are one of millions of adults who suffer from dental anxiety, you are not alone. Many patients who are uneasy about their upcoming visit to the dental chair may be relying on sedation dentistry techniques including nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. However, many patients are considering more holistic, drug-free alternatives to conventional sedation methods available in their community. With this in mind, the team of Broadway Family Dentistry of Minot, ND is pleased to provide an alternative that doesn’t require medication: NuCalm.

What is NuCalm?

NuCalm is a holistic alternative to traditional sedation medications used in dental practices today. This particular method combines a variety of sensory techniques to help patients feel more at ease in the dental chair. Instead of taking medication that may have side effects or may not work as effectively as you desire, you may want to consider using NuCalm at your next visit to Broadway Family Dentistry.

Why choose NuCalm?

There are several reasons why a patient may prefer NuCalm over traditional sedation methods. NuCalm:

  • Allows you to be in control of your anxiety without medication
  • Eliminates the recovery commonly experienced with medication sedatives that leave patients feeling groggy for the remainder of their day
  • Ensures patients can still get a good night’s rest at the end of the day as the body’s sleep system is reset using NuCalm
  • Allows patients to drive themselves to and from their dental appointments instead of seeking transportation due to medications
  • Allows patients to find a way to relax themselves while avoiding unnecessary toxins and medications that can have unwanted side effects
  • Is effective and can be used on both children and adults who are undergoing dental procedures
  • Is more affordable than traditional sedation methods that can negatively impact your overall health

Discover how NuCalm can improve your patient experience at Broadway Family Dentistry

Minot, ND area patients interested in having a positive visit to the dental office are encouraged to call (701) 839-1299 to book an appointment with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen to discuss NuCalm sedation. Our facility is located at 1839 S. Broadway Street and accepts new patients.

Why are dental x-rays important?

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One reason why dentists encourage patients to visit the dentist every six months or more is to ensure patients are taking good care of their teeth. At the same time, it is a great opportunity for the dentist to obtain dental x-rays. Dental x-rays continue to be one of the most vital examination and diagnostic tools for dentists. X-rays allow dentists to examine the smile beyond what is visible.

With dental x-rays, a dentist can diagnose issues such as:

  • The formation of cavities (tooth decay)
  • Developing periodontitis
  • Oral infections
  • Oral tumors/cancer
  • Impacted teeth

With x-rays, dentists can provide early detection of a variety of conditions, which also lessens the severity of some issues and helps address them before they become more problematic.

What about radiation?

Many patients are concerned about their exposure to radiation with dental x-rays. Radiation exposure from dental x-rays is minimal thanks to continued advances in modern technology, to the point where radiation levels are at miniscule amounts. Our team also avoids taking x-rays unless needed to monitor for certain conditions. Not everyone will have dental x-rays completed at each dental appointment. This will vary depending on the patient’s age, pattern of dental problems, risks for dental concerns, and their overall health and wellness. Our team also ensures patients have as little exposure to radiation as possible.

Why have a physical evaluation?

On the flip side, many other conditions can be caught just by looking at the patient’s smile. Periodontal disease may present itself as red and swollen gums, including the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth. Cavities that are near the surface can also be spotted by a trained professional, and treatment can be discussed. X-rays help visualize what is going on underneath the gum line and provide additional information for the dental team.

Schedule your evaluation with the team at Broadway Family Dentistry today

Minot, ND area patients who are interested in taking a proactive approach to their dental health and wellness are encouraged to visit our practice to learn more about the importance of dental x-rays and routine examinations with Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen. Call (701) 839-1299 today to book an appointment at 1839 South Broadway Street.

Covid-19 Updates

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We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health! Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming more normal habits and routines. With that being said, we’re happy to announce that as of today, Broadway Family Dentistry is starting to reopen to treat all our patients. While many things have and will be changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to you. Thank you so much for your support during this difficult time!

Please note that as a result of COVID-19, we have updated some of our daily procedures following the recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You’ll still receive the same great service from our dedicated team, however to ensure the safety of all our patients and staff we’ve implemented the following changes:

  • Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask screening questions. You will be asked the same questions again when you are in the office. We will also take your temperature.
  • For the health of other patients, we would like all patients to wear a face mask or covering when possible. We do not have enough masks to distribute, so please bring your own.
  • Our team members will be screened and temperature taken daily also.
  • We ask that you come alone to your appointment when possible, if you need a ride we ask your driver stay in their vehicle. We cannot at this time have unattended children in the waiting area and cannot have extra persons in our treatment rooms.
  • Please, wash hands in our restroom or use hand sanitizer when you enter the office.
  • Our waiting room will no longer offer magazines or children’s toys since those items are hard to clean and disinfect between patients.
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients, which might mean you will be offered fewer options for scheduling.
  • We are doing our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.
  • If you are feeling ill with any symptoms, call the office to reschedule.

Again, thank you so much for your support. Remember we are all in this together and ask that you please take in the consideration of the health of our employees while you are here. We’re happy to continue serving you, and can’t wait to see your smile!

Sincerely,

Your Dental Team at Broadway Family Dentistry

Periodontal disease | Broadway family dentistry

What is the link between gum disease and the body?

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Taking care of your smile goes beyond just brushing and flossing. At Broadway Family Dentistry, we believe that a patient’s oral health impacts more than just their smile—but their entire body. In fact, studies continue to show that there is an obvious link between one’s oral health and the health of their body. This connection, called the oral-systemic connection, should never be ignored. Especially when conditions such as periodontal disease occur.

What is the link between periodontal disease and the overall health of the body?

Periodontal disease, or “gum disease,” is an infection that starts in the mouth. When patients are not taking good care of their teeth, they may be susceptible to developing this infection. Bacteria in the mouth, commonly found in the gum tissue, can slowly increase and can cause a condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. It is characterized by red, swollen gums. Patients with gingivitis may notice bleeding when they brush or floss their teeth. If this condition is not evaluated and treated, it can progress to periodontal disease and wreak havoc on not only the smile but the body.

The oral system connection is the link between the oral cavity and the body. When periodontal disease infects the mouth, the same bacteria can enter into the body’s bloodstream. The bacterial infection is then carried elsewhere to the body and to the other organs. Patients who have periodontal disease may be at a higher risk of developing heart disease or experiencing strokes. Additionally, pregnant women who have periodontal disease may also experience preterm labor or low birth weight babies. These research results continue to link one’s oral health and wellness to problems throughout the body, and these concerns should not be taken lightly.

Call Broadway Family Dentistry today

If you have been faced with gum disease and want to improve your oral health AND the health of your body, call our team today at (701) 839-1299. Our team, including Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen is here to help patients of the Minot, ND area and beyond! The practice is conveniently located at 1839 South Broadway Street and invites new patients and families.

Tooth extraction | Minot, ND | Broadway family dentistry

What can I expect after tooth extraction services?

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At Broadway Family Dentistry, Minot, ND area patients can obtain treatments such as dental extractions. There are many reasons why a patient may require extractions. Some patients need to have teeth extracted due to overcrowding, prior to obtaining orthodontic care. Others may need to remove a tooth that has been badly damaged from trauma or large cavities. Problems such as impacted wisdom teeth can also be addressed with extractions. The removal of a natural adult tooth can be done in one of two ways, and recover for each is different.

• Simple extraction. A simple extraction is just that: a simple procedure to quickly and easily remove a tooth. Simple extractions can only be done on teeth that have already erupted through the gum line. The dentist will use a specialized tool to safely wiggle and remove the tooth from the bone socket and remove it permanently. This often takes just a few minutes and is done with proper anesthetics and sedation for patient comfort.

• Surgical extraction. An alternative extraction is that of surgical extraction. If a tooth is impacted underneath the gum line, or the tooth has not erupted yet, surgical extraction is needed. This type of extraction is more invasive as it requires the dentist to cut into the gum tissue, remove the teeth from the bone, and suture the tissues.

What can I expect after tooth extraction?

Extractions performed surgically often require more recovery than those simply removed from the bone and gum socket. Patients who have surgical treatments will need to take pain medications for a few days after their treatment. They may receive special instructions on how to keep the treatment area clean as it heals. Simple extractions often do not require much special care outside of avoiding dry socket and infection. Aftercare instructions are given to patients following both types of treatment.

Call Broadway Family Dentistry today

If you are in need of dental extractions, our team welcomes you to call the office at (701) 839-1299 to learn more about extraction services and recovery. Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen are committed to helping patients in the area of Minot, ND the dental care they need. The practice, located at 1839 South Broadway Street, is always open to taking new patients and families seeking quality care.

Sensitive Teeth | SureSmile

What causes tooth sensitivity?

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Some patients experience no problems on a regular basis with their teeth. However, some patients may deal with sensitive teeth. When patients brush and floss their teeth, or eat some of their favorite foods, they may experience sharp, temporary discomfort in one or more of their teeth. In most situations, patients who have sensitive teeth may be dealing with worn enamel on the teeth or exposed tooth roots. However, there are times when this discomfort may be caused by other conditions that require immediate care, such as cavities, broken teeth, worn fillings, or gum disease.

Patients who are struggling with sensitive teeth will first want to visit Broadway Family Dentistry for an evaluation. It is critical that patients ensure that their sensitive teeth are not caused by something that requires immediate care, such as infection of a tooth, a large cavity, or other problem that can be treated with dental care. Those who have sensitive teeth may benefit from the following recommendations:

  • Special toothpaste. Over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes are available to help patients deal with sensitive teeth. These toothpastes can help relieve discomfort associated with sensitive teeth.
  • Fluoride application. Fluoride can be applied to the natural tooth enamel to offer an extra layer of protection against sensitivity. It can help in strengthening the natural tooth enamel and reduce discomfort.
  • Gum grafting. If sensitivity is caused by the loss or recession of gum tissue over a tooth, it can be improved with gum grafting. This is a specialized procedure during which soft tissues from elsewhere in the mouth can be removed and attached in the affected area. The gum grafting treatment can protect and cover the exposed roots to reduce sensitivity.
  • Root canal. If sensitive teeth are caused by an infection in the tooth, root canal therapy may be recommended. Root canal therapy, or “endodontic treatment,” removes the dental pulp from inside of a tooth and deaden the tooth to eliminate the need for permanent extraction.

Learn more about tooth sensitivity causes today

Call Broadway Family Dentistry in Minot, ND to schedule an appointment with our dentists to discuss your dental needs. Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen can be reached by calling (701) 839-1299 and visiting the office at 1839 South Broadway Street. Our practice accepts new patients seeking quality care.