Bruxism

Are you noticing tooth pain, mobile teeth, tenderness/popping/clicking/limited movement in the jaw joint, earaches, headaches when you wake, flattened or fractured teeth? You may be one of the many people suffering from bruxism. Prevalent during sleep, you may not even know you are clenching and grinding your teeth. There are many possible contributors, including stress, dehydration, medications, and tooth eruption in children.

Your temporomandibular, or jaw, joint (TMJ) is evaluated at each dental checkup. During this exam, please share any symptoms you have noticed or concerns you have about the health of your TMJ. If a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is detected, you may be seen at a specialist’s office for evaluation and treatment.

There are many treatments possible. Teeth damaged by bruxism can be repaired with fillings, crowns and onlays. Medications, physical therapy and stress reduction techniques may be used to help muscles relax. Finally, we may recommend a flexible or hard acrylic mouthguard to protect the teeth from damage, and train the jaw muscles to relax over time.

Schedule your cleaning and exam with the team at Hannon & Sandler today!

Do You Suffer From Dentophobia?

At Hannon & Sandler, we recognize that just walking through the door is often the biggest challenge for someone with dentophobia, or dental anxiety. Our team can help you to overcome your fears. The key comes with understanding that while fears are learned, in time they can also be unlearned!

Putting off a visit to the dentist can only make matters worse. That toothache you have been avoiding may have progressed to the point where a root canal is needed. Although a root canal is no more difficult to endure than a simple filling, it does mean more time in the dental chair and higher financial costs.

The American Dental Association explains that nearly twenty percent of people living in the United States avoid the dentist because of fear or serious anxiety. Dental phobia can leave patients terrified and panic stricken. Many dental fears develop from a single bad experience, usually as a child. Oftentimes, these patients will avoid the dentist at all costs and only make an appointment to see their dentist in cases of extreme pain.

Signs that you may be suffering from a dental phobia and not dental anxiety include, but are not limited to:

  • Inability to sleep before seeing your dentist
  • Feeling nervous in the waiting room of the dental office
  • Emotional teary outbursts and/or feeling ill at the thought of seeing your dentist
  • Intense uneasiness just thinking about someone putting something in your mouth

These fears may stem from a previously unpleasant or painful experience at the dentist office. Thankfully, the doctors at Hannon & Sandler Dental have the technology and experience to make your procedure much less painful, and in most cases, completely pain-free. We also offer the use of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which we can use to help make your experience at the dental office more comfortable.

If you are one of the many people suffering from a dental phobia or anxiety, schedule an appointment with the team at Hannon & Sandler today. Dr. Bob, Dr. Jerry, Dr. Marissa and their entire staff pride themselves on making their patients feel comfortable, helping them to conquer dental fears.

Dental Sealants

What are sealants?

Sealants are a preventative tool in your fight against cavities on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars). Tooth decay frequently begins in these small pits and grooves, and can spread quickly through the tooth. Even the most thorough toothbrushing cannot reach their depths. In order to prevent decay from starting, Hannon & Sandler Dental Office recommends placement of dental sealants soon after the susceptible adult teeth erupt into the mouth.

 

How do they work?

Teeth are cleaned and “painted” with a flowable resin material, which hardens and bonds to the tooth under a special light. This material is then able to “seal out” plaque and bacteria, providing a barrier against decay. After they harden, sealants generally appear clear or white, and cannot be easily seen except during close dental examination.

 

How long do they last?

Dental sealants may last many years before they wear out. They are made to withstand normal daily eating and brushing/dental cleanings. However, chewing hard candies, or other sticky and hard items, can easily break down sealants. Over time, dental sealants can wear away. If sealants break, wear away, or begin to show signs of failure, the tooth loses its protection. At that time, they must be replaced.

 

Are sealants right for me?

Teeth are in constant contact with plaque bacteria, and the cavity causing acids they produce. Our doctors place a high emphasis on preventative treatment and regular exams, protecting teeth with fluoride, and intervening with cavity development by placing dental sealants. We often recommend sealants for children and teenagers. In some cases, adults may benefit as well. Early placement and vigilant care of sealants can see a reduction in chewing surface cavities by over 80%. Now that’s something to smile about! Ask us about sealants at your, and your family’s, next visit. Schedule an appointment with the team at Hannon & Sandler today!

APRIL IS ORAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

Did you know that Dr. Bob, Dr. Jerry and Dr. Marissa screen you for cancer at every dental visit? Oral cancers can be deadly diseases. Roughly 45,000 new cases of mouth and throat cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States. Treatment may be more successful when diagnosis is early, so this is one more reason to see your dentist regularly.

Below is a list of mouth and throat cancer signs and symptoms. Check your mouth in the mirror each day when you brush and floss. If there are any changes in your mouth or neck, or if you notice any of these signs or symptoms, contact us.

  • A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
  • Red or white patches
  • Pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
  • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
  • Lump or growth in the throat or neck area
  • Cough or sore throat that doesn’t go away
  • Earache
  • Trouble with swallowing
  • Hoarseness or other changes in your voice

Anyone can get cancer. There are some factors that if controlled, can decrease your risk of developing oral cancer: smoking cigarettes/chewing tobacco, heavy or frequent consumption of alcohol, and exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Amazingly, when you quit using tobacco, your risk of developing oral cancer immediately decreases. After staying tobacco free for ten years, your risk of developing oral cancer is approximately the same as someone who NEVER smoked or chewed.

Remember: as the summer months approach, and we begin spending more time in the sun, wear sunscreen and lip balm with adequate SPF daily to decrease your risk of skin and lip cancers, and schedule your checkup with the team at Hannon & Sandler today!

Teeth Whitening: What are my bleaching options?

We offer a few different bleaching methods. Bleaching is a great option for both men and women to brighten their smile! You may notice some sensitivity while using the bleaching products, but this is not a permanent side effect.  All of our bleaching products are safe to use and safe for your teeth.

HannonSandler-Dentist-Dental-Plymouth-Robbinsdale_Plymouth-Dentist-Cosmetic-Dentistry
One option is the tray method.  We take impressions of the teeth and make custom fit trays. The trays are used at home once a day for one to three weeks, depending on each individuals’s teeth. This is great for people who want to keep their teeth white, as you keep the trays and can do touch up as needed.

We also offer an in-office bleaching method. This procedure takes place in the office for approximately two hours.  We systematically place bleach on the teeth for 12-15 minute intervals to acheive the desired whiteness. This procedure also includes the custom fit bleaching trays in order to keep the teeth nice and white.  It is recommended that you contiue to bleach at home with the trays for the next 3-5 days in order to prevent the color from fading.

Another option is the Crest Whitestrips Supreme.  These are only available from your dentist office due to the the fact that the strips contain a higher concentration of bleaching material. Whitestrips are used by placing a disposable plastic strip on the upper and lower teeth twice a day for 2-3 weeks.  Crest Whitestrips Supreme contain 3 times more bleach than any over the counter whitening products.

Next time you stop in, talk to your hygienist or dentist about which option is best for you!

Welcome to Our Minnesota Dentist Website!

Thank you for visiting our new website!

Hannon & Sandler Dentist Plymouth Minnesota

We are happy you stopped by. Check back to learn new and exciting news about our dental office locations in Plymouth, Minnesota and Robbinsdale, Minnesota.

Dentists Dr. Bob Hannon and Dr. Jerry Sandler have been serving families in the Minnetonka and Robbinsdale MN area together for over 30 years. It has been a privilege to serve many two and three generation families. We find our patients’ trust and loyalty very humbling.

Our offices provide our patients and staff a warm and comfortable atmosphere. We know for some of our patients the most difficult step to make is the step through our door. Your fears or concerns will be heard and we will do our very best to help you feel at ease and comfortable.