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Southside Dental Center

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can we help you?

We don't expect you to be an expert on dental care, so we always welcome your questions. When you fully understand what a procedure involves and why it's important, you'll feel more confident about the treatment decisions you make. 

We've shared some of the questions we hear most often, but you most likely have your own. If you don't see the answer you're looking for here, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

Other

When you arrive at our Monticello office, you’ll be greeted by Sara, our friendly receptionist. You’ll be shown to one of our comfortable treatment rooms where a member of our team will get you settled in.

Dr. Abramowski will take a few minutes to sit down with you to discuss your concerns. You may be coming to us with a problem that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. In that case we’ll take the necessary x-rays, review them with you to identify the problem, and work together to develop a plan for treatment.

If you’re coming in for a routine dental exam and cleaning, we’ll check your teeth to look for any changes since your last visit. Based on our findings, we’ll talk to you about any potential problems we see developing and how we can best address them. Or, better yet, we’ll give you a clean bill of health and send you on your way!

When you visit Southside Dental Center, you can always be assured of receiving compassionate care in a warm and welcoming environment. You are always our most important patient, and when you’re with us, we focus completely on your needs.

Please give us a call if you’d like to learn more about our exceptional dental care!

Southside Dental Center delivers the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients. Therefore, unless you have made other arrangements with our front office in advance, payment is due when service is rendered.

We are happy to accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Southside Dental Center is also partnered with CareCredit, a third-party financing company.

How CareCredit Works

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for medical expenses not covered by insurance, including dental care. With CareCredit, you can get the essential dental treatment you need today and pay off the balance over time.

You can apply online, by phone, or at our office. Upon approval, you receive a credit limit for various healthcare services, including dental, vision, hearing, and veterinary expenses.

CareCredit offers promotional financing options, such as interest-free plans if paid in full within 6 to 24 months or longer-term plans with reduced interest rates. With CareCredit, you make monthly payments that fit your budget and can easily manage your account online.

Have Questions about Your Account?

If you have questions about your account with us, please call us at (763) 295-5400. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear up any misunderstanding.

If you're insured, we will do everything possible to maximize the benefits you're entitled to. Understanding the specifics of your insurance can be a little overwhelming, but we're here to help. We encourage you to call us anytime you have a question about your insurance.

At this time, we work with the following insurance companies. However, this list is always being updated, so please give us a call if you don't see your insurance listed here.

Aetna
Ameritas
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Delta
HealthPartners
Medica
Preferred One
Premier
Unicare

We recommend you bring your child to see us as soon as they start getting their baby teeth, but no later than age one. Dr. Abramowski and our team have lots of experience working with very young children to ensure positive experiences at every visit to our Monticello dental office. Starting your child with a positive view of dentistry is crucial because it sets the stage for a lifetime of proactive oral health care.

We Love Giving Kids a Positive Start

We understand it’s crucial to give young children the time and space to get accustomed to the new experience of visiting a dental office. Our professional team takes all the time necessary to treat your children with the special attention they need to help them feel safe and secure.

During the first visit, we aim to meet your child and show them that visiting the dentist will be fun. Kids learn by example, and if we (including you, the parent) can show them these visits aren’t a big deal, they’ll respond accordingly. We’ll give them a ride in the chair, count their teeth, and show them how to hold a toothbrush properly.

Your child’s first visit to the dentist is a big step in their young lives. Please get in touch with our Monticello dental office, and we’ll be happy to arrange a visit so you can get to know Dr. Abramowski and our caring team.

Getting kids to brush their teeth can be challenging, but you can make it a fun and positive experience with a few creative strategies.

How to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Here are some tips from Southside Dental Center to help encourage your children to brush regularly:

Make It Fun

Turn brushing into a game or a fun activity. Use colorful, kid-friendly toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste to make the experience more enjoyable. Playing their favorite song or using a timer can also make brushing time more entertaining.

Set a Good Example

Children often mimic their parents' behavior. Brush your teeth together as a family to show them that dental hygiene is important. Let them see you enjoying the process and explain why keeping teeth clean is essential.

Create a Routine

Establish a consistent routine by brushing at the same times every day, such as after breakfast and before bedtime. Consistency helps make brushing a habit.

Use Rewards and Praise

Offer small rewards or incentives for consistent brushing. A sticker chart where they can track their progress can be motivating. Always praise your child for their efforts to reinforce positive behavior.

Educational Tools

Use books, videos, or apps that teach kids about the importance of brushing. Educational resources can help them understand why brushing is essential and how to do it correctly.

Let Them Choose

Allow your child to pick their toothbrush and toothpaste. Giving them a choice can make them more excited about brushing.

By incorporating these tips, you can help your kids develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Please call our Monticello, MN, dental office to schedule your child's next dental appointment.

Dental x-rays are a common and essential diagnostic tool at Southside Dental Center. They help our dental team detect issues they cannot see during a visual examination. We understand many of our patients, especially parents, have concerns about the safety of x-rays and radiation exposure. Rest assured; dental x-rays are safe and designed to minimize radiation exposure.

Safe, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays

At Southside Dental Center, we use digital x-ray technology, which reduces radiation levels by as much as 80 percent compared to traditional film x-rays. Radiation exposure from dental x-rays is extremely low, comparable to what we are exposed to daily from sources such as the sun, soil, and certain foods.

At Southside Dental Center, we take specific precautions to ensure your safety when taking x-rays. We use standard protection, such as lead aprons, to protect you from unnecessary exposure. Additionally, we only take x-rays when necessary, based on your needs, medical history, and the type of dental issue we’re addressing.

Your Safety Is Paramount

Regular dental x-rays are crucial for maintaining oral health as they allow for early detection and treatment of cavities, gum disease, infections, and other conditions. The benefits of detecting and addressing dental problems early far outweigh the minimal risks associated with x-ray radiation.

Call Us with Your Questions

We understand your safety concerns and are always here to provide the information you need to make confident decisions for your family. Please call Southside Dental Center in Monticello, MN, at (763) 295-5400 if you have questions.

Crowns and Bridges

After undergoing a root canal at our Monticello dental office, we may recommend placing a crown on the treated tooth. This is because a tooth with a root canal can become more fragile and susceptible to damage.

How a Crown Protects Your Tooth

Here are the primary reasons why our dentists might recommend a crown after a root canal:

  • Strengthen and Protect — Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth. While this procedure saves the tooth, it also leaves it hollowed out and weaker than before. A crown provides a protective cover that reinforces the tooth, preventing it from cracking or breaking under normal chewing forces.
  • Restore Function — A crown restores the tooth’s full functionality so you can bite and chew comfortably. Without a crown, the compromised tooth may not withstand the pressure of daily use, leading to further complications.
  • Prevent Re-infection — The crown seals the tooth, protecting it from bacteria and debris that could cause a re-infection, which is crucial for the long-term success of root canal treatment.
  • Aesthetic Improvement — We carefully design the crown to match the color and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. 

Call Our Monticello, MN, Dental Office

We want to ensure you feel well-informed about your dental care and are always happy to answer your questions. Please call Southside Dental Center, and a knowledgeable team member will gladly assist you.

Dental Implants

Having implants placed to help hold a denture or partial can be truly life changing! No longer would you have to worry about them slipping or falling out of your mouth accidentally. Implants snap into your dentures and make it much more comfortable to eat all of your favorite food again! If you are tired of taking your dentures out at night, there is even an option of making your dentures a permanent part of your smile, no more taking them in an out! If you are considering adding implants to help with your loose dentures, contact the dental team at Southside Dental Center right away!

Implants look and feel like regular teeth, and you care for them like regular teeth too! Proper brushing and flossing will keep the implant clean and healthy for a long time. The team at Southside Dental Center will always take the time to show you the proper way to care for your implant and make sure all of your questions are answered.

Once the tooth is out, the process of getting an implant can be completed in as little as a few months, although the average is about 6 months to allow for proper bone healing. Each case is different, and the staff at Southside Dental Center have the training and expertise to explain the best treatment timeline for your case. If you are interested in replacing teeth with implants, please contact us today!

The decision between a dental implant and a traditional bridge to replace a missing tooth can be a tough one. The strength of the surrounding teeth, amount of bone and several other factors all come into play when you are deciding. Although the decision ultimately comes down to your choice, the team at Southside Dental Center are happy to sit down with you and discuss all of the pros and cons of each option. If you are looking to replacing a missing tooth, make sure to schedule a time with the team at Southside Dental Center today to discuss all of your options.

It can be very difficult to deal with missing teeth. Chewing is tougher, smiling can be embarrassing and even talking will be different. Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace almost any missing teeth in the mouth. Unlike partials or dentures, they never come out. Unlike traditional bridges, no cutting is needed to the surrounding teeth. Implants are a long lasting option that will allow you to smile, chew and talk like normal again! If you have any questions about dental implants and your tooth replacement options, please schedule a consult with the team at Southside Dental Center today!

No! The best part of having dental implants is how naturally they replace your missing teeth. Once completed, you brush, floss and eat normally with your implant. No one will be able to tell the difference between the replaced tooth and your natural teeth! If you are interested in replacing a missing tooth with dental implants, call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Abramowski!

There are a variety of factors that come into play when considering options for tooth replacement. Everyone has unique needs, and you can be confident that we’ll help you find the solution that fits your oral health needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Dental implants have become the preferred method for replacing teeth for a number of reasons. Unlike bridges or dentures that simply fill the empty space, dental implants actually become part of your jaw structure. When the dental implant process is finished, you will be left with a fully functioning tooth replacement complete with an artificial root and natural-looking dental restoration.

However, dental implants aren’t right for everyone. If this is the case, we can create a durable fixed bridge that will fill the empty space and restore function. If you’re missing a few or all of your teeth, we can discuss the possibility of full or partial dentures. Many denture wearers complain about movement of their dentures. If this is a concern for you, we also have the option of adding some implants to hold your denture securely in place.

The best way to find out what tooth replacement choice is right for you is to call our office and make an appointment for a consultation. There’s a lot to consider, and Dr. Abramowski will take the time to answer your questions and discuss all your options.

Invisalign Clear Braces

Whether or not you have had braces earlier in your life, your teeth continue to move throughout your life. Many adults want straighter teeth but don’t want to deal with the appearance of traditional braces. At Southside Dental Center, we offer Invisalign, an alternative option for changing your smile. Invisalign is a series of clear retainers that allow your teeth to straighten and align the same way as traditional braces, but are invisible! If you are interested in changing your smile, schedule a time to talk to Dr. Abramowski about your Invisalign options.

Whether you want a major change in your smile or just a minor tweak, Invisalign is a great tool for anyone looking to improve their smile. Almost all adults and teenagers are candidates for Invisalign treatment. Stop in and talk to Dr. Abramowski about whether Invisalign treatment is right for you!

Depending on your goals, straightening your teeth no longer means months of traditional braces. Invisalign offers a variety of clear options that can straighten your teeth in far less time than you thought possible! Schedule a time today to talk to Dr. Abramowski about your Invisalign options.

The process of straightening your teeth is far more significant than simply improving their appearance. Straight teeth function better and are much less likely to chip, break or wear down. Straighter teeth are also much easier to keep clean and you’ll be less likely to have food get stuck between them. If you want to learn more about your options for straighter and stronger teeth and a longer lasting smile, schedule a time to visit Dr. Abramowski and review all of your options!

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal disease is a serious dental issue affecting over 47% of adults in the US. Periodontal disease has been linked to the increased likelihood of developing diabetes and heart disease. To ensure you are not one of that 47%, the most important thing you can do is maintain proper home care by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Seeing a dental professional for regular cleanings will also help prevent periodontal disease and will ensure it is caught early, if it progresses to that disease stage. Smoking, diabetes and family genetics also increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. Having any of these risk factors makes it even more important for you to maintain good home care and schedule regular dental checkups. If you have any questions about your gum health, the knowledgeable staff of Southside Dental Center is here to help you!

Periodontal disease is the loss of the bone and gingiva that surround your teeth. This loss of bone can eventually lead to tooth loss, sensitivity or abscesses. Smoking, diabetes, family genetics and inadequate home care can all lead to an increased likelihood of developing gum disease. If you have any of these risk factors, make sure to maintain proper home care and schedule regular visits with a dental professional.

Throughout the day, plaque and bacteria build up on and between your teeth. This buildup can cause irritation of your gums. Bleeding gums are not normal and can be a sign of gum disease. If you have any concerns about the health of your gums, make sure to schedule a time to talk with one of our hygienists so you can review all of your risk factors.

Twice daily brushing is good for removing plaque and food from certain areas of your teeth. But flossing allows you to get between other areas that brushing may miss. Flossing will also help prevent tartar formation, which can cause gum disease, bad breath, and the harboring of millions of bacteria.

How Often to Brush and Floss

Brushing and flossing at least twice daily have been proven to help prevent cavities and keep your gums healthy. Make sure you use a soft bristle or electric toothbrush and a gentle brushing motion.

Early detection of areas you are missing is also key. Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule will also help minimize the need for an emergency visit if a large cavity goes unnoticed. Visiting our Monticello dental office for two professional cleanings a year allows us to help you avoid major problems by catching smaller ones first.

Need More Help with Oral Hygiene?

If you have trouble flossing or are unsure of the proper technique, the team at Southside Dental Center is happy to demonstrate and provide tips to ensure you are keeping everything as clean as possible. Call our Monticello, MN, dental office at (763) 703-2367 to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam. 

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in various sources, including water, soil, and certain foods. Its role in dental health is crucial as it helps prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

How Fluoride Works

When you consume fluoride through drinking water or dental products like toothpaste and mouth rinses, it gets incorporated into the tooth enamel to make it resistant to acid attacks due to bacteria and sugars in your mouth. These acid attacks can lead to demineralization, the process where minerals are lost from the enamel, which can eventually result in cavities. Fluoride helps to remineralize and repair early stages of tooth decay before they become visible.

The benefits of fluoride also extend beyond cavity prevention. It also helps to reduce the incidence of tooth sensitivity and can reverse the early signs of tooth decay. Additionally, fluoride treatments at the dentist's office can provide a higher concentration of fluoride than over-the-counter products, offering enhanced protection for your teeth.

Have Questions about Fluoride?

In summary, fluoride is essential for maintaining strong, healthy teeth. It helps prevent tooth decay, strengthens enamel, and can even reverse early signs of dental damage, making it a key component of good oral hygiene practices. If you need more information, please call Southside Dental Center at (763) 295-5400 to schedule an appointment.

Porcelain Veneers

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If you feel yours isn’t making a great first impression, we have the solution you need! Dr. Abramowski and our team love helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams. At Southside Dental Center, we offer a wide variety of services to help you regain a smile you love showing off.

If you have chipped teeth or need a few cavities filled, our natural-looking tooth-colored fillings may be all you need to regain your beautiful smile. For more complicated esthetic problems, porcelain veneers or even dental crowns may be a more appropriate solution.

Are you an adult who’s bothered by crooked or crowded teeth? If so, you probably dread the thought of spending years in uncomfortable traditional braces. We’re pleased to offer Invisalign clear braces that quickly and discreetly move your teeth into alignment.

Sometimes all you need to achieve a stunning smile transformation is a simple professional teeth whitening treatment. For your convenience, we’re pleased to offer several whitening options to fit your busy lifestyle.

Whatever your cosmetic concern, please give us a call. We’ll spend time learning about your goals for a beautiful smile. Dr. Abramowski will review with you all the treatment options available and suggest the one he thinks is most appropriate for all your needs.

Root Canals

After undergoing a root canal at our Monticello dental office, we may recommend placing a crown on the treated tooth. This is because a tooth with a root canal can become more fragile and susceptible to damage.

How a Crown Protects Your Tooth

Here are the primary reasons why our dentists might recommend a crown after a root canal:

  • Strengthen and Protect — Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth. While this procedure saves the tooth, it also leaves it hollowed out and weaker than before. A crown provides a protective cover that reinforces the tooth, preventing it from cracking or breaking under normal chewing forces.
  • Restore Function — A crown restores the tooth’s full functionality so you can bite and chew comfortably. Without a crown, the compromised tooth may not withstand the pressure of daily use, leading to further complications.
  • Prevent Re-infection — The crown seals the tooth, protecting it from bacteria and debris that could cause a re-infection, which is crucial for the long-term success of root canal treatment.
  • Aesthetic Improvement — We carefully design the crown to match the color and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. 

Call Our Monticello, MN, Dental Office

We want to ensure you feel well-informed about your dental care and are always happy to answer your questions. Please call Southside Dental Center, and a knowledgeable team member will gladly assist you.

A tooth has three layers: the outer enamel, the middle layer called dentin, and the innermost part of the tooth called pulp that keeps the tooth healthy and alive.When a tooth breaks or a cavity gets too big, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. If the nerve becomes infected or dies, the tooth will start to become painful.

What Happens during Root Canal Treatment

In a root canal procedure, our dentist first numb your tooth so you won't experience any pain. Next, they carefully clean out the infection and dead pulp and fill the hollowed-out area with a special biocompatible material to prevent the infection from returning.

After the tooth heals, in about two weeks, you will return to Southside Dental Center so our dentists can check that the tooth has healed properly, then place a final crown or filling on the tooth.

Do You Think You Need a Root Canal?

If you are having any discomfort or think you may need a root canal please call our staff at Southside Dental Center in Monticello, MN, and schedule an emergency dental appointment today! (763) 295-5400.

Teeth Whitening

You can find entire shelves of over-the-counter whitening options at many stores. Unfortunately, most nonprescription whitening products are simply not concentrated enough to make a significant change to your smile. Dr. Abramowski and the team at Southside Dental Center have a variety of options to help you whiten your smile.

Most whitening toothpastes work by including mild abrasives in their paste. This paste removes some stains on the surface of the teeth but unfortunately, not all of them. These abrasives can also cause tooth root sensitivity. Make sure to talk to the team at Southside Dental Center about safe whitening options that won’t damage the sensitive surfaces of your teeth.

Most adults can benefit from some form of teeth whitening treatment. Any natural teeth can be whitened by a variety of methods. It is important to remember that crowns, fillings and dentures will not whiten, however. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, make sure to ask the team at Southside Dental Center which treatment will work best for you!

Almost everyone wants a brighter, whiter smile! But how do you go about getting one? It all starts with a good dental cleaning and proper home care. Stains from coffee, wine, tea and other foods can darken your smile over time. It is important to brush and floss those stains off regularly at home, as well as have a hygienist remove the tougher stains during your cleaning appointments. To further whiten your teeth, there are a variety of whitening options offered by the team at Southside Dental Center. Ranging from easy-to-use kits to custom bleaching trays, there are several great options, depending on your goals. Be sure to ask about your choices during your next visit!

Tooth Extraction

Having implants placed to help hold a denture or partial can be truly life changing! No longer would you have to worry about them slipping or falling out of your mouth accidentally. Implants snap into your dentures and make it much more comfortable to eat all of your favorite food again! If you are tired of taking your dentures out at night, there is even an option of making your dentures a permanent part of your smile, no more taking them in an out! If you are considering adding implants to help with your loose dentures, contact the dental team at Southside Dental Center right away!

A toothache that won’t go away is telling you that something serious is developing and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. As you probably know, toothaches never just go away by themselves. If you want to avoid continued discomfort and the potential for more serious problems, please call us right away.

We don’t want you to suffer any longer than necessary so we always leave time in our day for our patients who need immediate relief. Please call our office and we’ll make arrangements to see you as soon as possible, usually the same day.

At Southside Dental Center, we’re here to help you when a problem arises, but we’d obviously prefer that you never reach that point. We are firmly committed to ensuring that you always enjoy the best possible health. The way we do this is by strongly encouraging you to stay current with your basic dental care. Schedule appointments in advance for exams and cleanings, then do your best to keep the appointment.

Not everyone loves dental visits. The one appointment you miss, however, may be the one where we might have found a potential problem developing. Identifying and correcting these problems as soon as possible can go a long way toward preventing you from ever developing a toothache

Tooth-Colored Fillings

“Silver”, or amalgam, fillings have been used in dentistry for a very long time. Numerous studies have shown that they are both safe and long-lasting restorations, when placed properly. If you have any concerns about your treatment options, Dr. Abramowski and the team at Southside Dental Center are happy to answer your questions.

Sensitive fillings can cause levels of discomfort ranging from mildly annoying to downright painful. A wide range of causes can make a tooth become sensitive. If the tooth had recent dental work performed on it, it may be sensitive while the nerve calms down from the work. This may take a few days, or sometimes even a few weeks. If the tooth has an existing filling or crown and suddenly becomes sensitive, it may be a sign that something is wrong with the tooth. It is always best to contact your dentist as soon as possible when a tooth starts to bother you. Dr. Abramowski and the team at Southside Dental Center will take the time to sit down and discuss your situation and all of your options.

“Silver”, or amalgam, fillings have been placed by dentists throughout the world for a long, long time. Many patients have silver fillings that have been in their mouth since they were young children! Dr. Abramowski does not recommend removing an amalgam restoration as long as the restoration remains strong and is not causing any problems. If a restoration begins to wear or chip, or if the patient wants to improve the look of their teeth, Dr. Abramowski may recommend replacing the failing amalgam with a white filling or another restorative option. If you have any questions about your silver fillings, make sure to ask Dr. Abramowski or the team at Southside Dental Center about all your options.

Tooth-colored fillings are excellent options for teeth in either the front or back of the mouth. Unlike silver fillings, tooth-colored fillings blend in with the other teeth and are almost invisible. Whether used for the repair of a chipped tooth in the front of your mouth or a cavity in a molar, Dr. Abramowski can restore your smile with a beautiful tooth-colored restoration!

Improve your smile today – call to schedule a consultation!
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