We are so very grateful for our patients! As we move further into 2015, we wanted to take the opportunity to tell you how much we appreciate your continued trust in Dentistry by Design for your dental care.

Dr. Rizvi, your Minnetonka cosmetic dentist,  and our entire staff hope you receive only the best care from us during your visits. We want to go above and beyond to provide you with the comforts, technology, and skilled expertise you deserve from a dental team.

We rely on and appreciate honest feedback from our patients. Reviews from patients like you help us to recognize where we can adjust to serve you better. Additionally, your feedback helps others in our community looking for a Minnetonka cosmetic dentist!

Please take just a brief moment to leave us a review on whichever of the following sites you prefer:

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Facebook

We read our reviews regularly and appreciate the opportunity to continue to offer you the best possible care!

Again, thank you so much for your continued trust in Dr. Rizvi, your Minnetonka cosmetic dentist and Dentistry by Design for your dental care. We look forward to serving you though out 2015!

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You take a sip of your latte, only to be reminded of the sharp pain you’ve been experiencing in your teeth. Hot drinks, cold drinks, even the biting winter air in Minnetonka seems to set it off. What’s causing this pain and what can you do to prevent it? Your Minnetonka Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Rizvi  shares tips and solutions.

Tooth pain and sensitivity are quite common, affecting millions of people. These occur when the enamel in a tooth is worn away and the gum line recedes. This leaves the unprotected surface beneath (called dentin) exposed. When the dentin is exposed, this allows the trigger to shoot straight to the nerve, causing that unbearable pain you feel.

Tooth sensitivity may feel like sharp pain in one or two teeth or constant discomfort in your whole mouth. The good news is, you can do something about it!

What can cause tooth sensitivity?

Brushing Too Hard
Although you should brush thoroughly several times a day, go easy – brushing too hard can contribute to enamel erosion. Using a new, soft-bristled toothbrush along with proper brushing techniques can make a huge difference in maintaining your oral hygiene without potentially harming the enamel or exposing the dentin around the gum line.

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Tooth grinding, either when awake or asleep, can damage enamel. It’s sometimes hard to know if you are grinding your teeth at night, however, a dull headache or sore jaw upon waking are tell-tale signs. In addition to causing sensitivity, bruxism can cause severe tooth damage, tooth loss, and other serious medical issues. If you think you might be grinding your teeth, speak to Dr. Rizvi about using a dental mouth guard.

Harsh Mouthwash
It might be hard to believe, but certain over-the-counter mouthwashes actually contain acids and chemicals that can increase your sensitivity, especially when your gums have begun to recede. Don’t risk making your tooth pain worse! Use neutral fluoride solution instead.

Potential Tooth Decay or a Crack
It’s possible a decaying or damaged tooth is to blame for your sensitivity. A sudden onset of pain may be a sign that one or two teeth in particular are in severe need of attention and repair. Regular visits to Dr. Rizvi are vital to keep up with proper oral health.

Plaque Build-Up
Plaque is a colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It can build up when proper flossing and brushing are neglected. A little plaque on the teeth is normal, but when it starts to build up, it could result in tooth sensitivity. Removing plaque that’s built up over time can be very difficult, so preventative measures should be a priority. Schedule a dental cleaning to remove plaque and avoid causing more damage to your teeth.

Acidic Foods and Beverages
You may notice certain foods or drinks may trigger your tooth pain. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, avoid drinking too much coffee, tea, wine, soda, juice, or other acidic beverages. Even certain foods with high acid content can contribute to discomfort. Sometimes changing what you eat and drink is enough to reduce your sensitivity, but it’s important to see your Minnetonka cosmetic dentist, Dr. Rizvi to evaluate the underlying cause.

A Recent Dental Visit
It is entirely normal to feel some tooth sensitivity when leaving the dentist after a check-up or procedure. Teeth cleaning, crown placement, or tooth restoration can all cause discomfort, but this tends to disappear within a matter of days or weeks. If you’ve recently had a root canal or a tooth removed, this too will likely cause considerable sensitivity for several weeks.

Understanding these common causes of tooth sensitivity will help you manage
and control your symptoms. With the help and guidance of your Minnetonka dentist ,Dr. Rizvi,  your teeth and gums can remain healthy and pain free. Call us for an appointment at (952) 474-5041 and find relief for your tooth sensitivity today!

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During the holiday season, it’s easy to get carried away with the delectable treats that can put a damper on your smile. While we all love the holiday cheeriness from wine and stained foods –such as red sauces, coffee, candy, etc—these items can dull the brightness and damage your smile. The best in Dentistry, Minnetonka’s favorite Dentistry By Design explains 4 natural ways to brighten your smile this holiday season.

Never fear!

There are many delicious treats you can enjoy during the holidays that can naturally whiten your smile over time. Consider these options:

• Drink water—It’ll offset the stains caused by colored foods and white/red wine.
• Eat Strawberries— Inside a strawberry, there’s a substance called malic acid, which acts as a natural at-home whitener removing discoloration on your teeth surfaces.
• Eat apples, celery, and carrots—These crunchy items are natural stain removers, increasing saliva production and washing all the debris away.
• Eat and drink milk, cheese, and yogurt: All these dairy products have calcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth. It also fights off any harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Need a bright smile fast?

We want you to love your smile and have the confidence to show it off.

We offer teeth whitening treatments, which are safe and can effectively brighten your smile sooner than you think! Our in-office treatments can enhance your smile by 8-10 shades in as little as one hour. You could walk out of our office with a glowing new confidence.

Our teeth whitening treatments beat over-the-counter methods because those products use less quality in their agents. We care about your smile and want you to be happy and confident with it.

Brighten your smile for the holidays! Browse through our website and learn more about our teeth whitening services, and schedule your consultation with us today!

Don’t toss away good money by neglecting to use services you’ve already paid for. Your dental insurance plan works best for you when you put it to work on a regular basis. Your Minnetonka Dentist, Dr. Schwartz will show you just how that can be done.

Smart Questions to Ask

You literally could save hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of the year! This is because most dental insurance plans run on a calendar year that resets January 1st.

Step 1: Contact your insurer to ask what benefits you’ve already used, and what you still have available for the year. Also ask, “Are any benefits being cut or reduced in next year’s policy?” Typically, preventative procedures like dental cleanings, x-rays, exams are covered. But, will they cover veneers, teeth whitening, or braces?

Step 2: Call our dental office and schedule an appointment right away for any eligible family member to ensure you beat the December 31st coverage deadline.

4 Reasons to Act Now

1) Yearly Limit: Most insurance companies will pay out around $1,000 (double-check your policy) per person, per year, for dental treatments. If you haven’t used it by year-end, there is no rollover. It is gone-gone. Note: Some restorative treatments are more costly and require several phases, ask us to help you schedule this so some portions will fit in this year’s insurance budget while the rest falls in next year’s.

2) Deductibles/Premiums: Your dental insurance company likely sets a dollar amount that you must spend before their coverage “kicks in.” Once you’ve paid that deductible, it’s good for the year—but only that calendar year. You’re paying premiums to save you money, so take advantage of it and actually save yourself that money by using the benefits. Even if you don’t need extensive treatment, always have regular cleanings and check-ups.

3) Rate Increases: As the cost of living, materials, and equipment constantly inflate, dental practices sometimes must increase the price of treatments. If this were to happen, most likely it’s implemented at the beginning of a new year. Coverage of certain treatments are sometimes cut from insurance policies too, so grab it while it lasts!

4) Prevent Paying for Procrastination: Delays in putting your dental insurance to work can turn what may be a simple cavity now, into a root canal later. Avoid these more extensive and expensive treatments by utilizing your dental insurance for cleanings and check-ups.

The moral of the story: Benefit from your benefits! The clock on this year is ticking, so make your appointment with your Minnetonka Dentist, Dr. Schwartz now!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. So what does that mean anyway? At Dentistry by Design, the answer comes in two parts: awareness of proper dental hygiene as well as awareness of and appreciation for your hard-working dental hygienists. As a Dentist in Minnetonka, Dr. Rizvi shares the importance of proper oral hygiene that hygienists provide.

What Do Hygienists Do?

Hygienists perform a variety of functions in the dental office, some of which you might remember from your last visit. Some of their duties include:

• Removing plaque and other buildup from your teeth and gum line

• Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques, the importance of good nutrition, and other dental related tips

• Taking and interpreting x-rays of your teeth

• Applying agents like fluorides and sealants to your teeth

• Assisting your dentist

Your dental hygienist plays a big part in ensuring the quality of your dental experience.

So, how can you get involved with National Dental Hygiene Month this October?

Brush Up on Your Brushing Technique

The foundation for good dental hygiene is brushing your teeth. Just because you’ve been brushing your own teeth since you were old enough to hold a toothbrush, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re practicing proper technique or good habits. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when brushing:

• Brush at least twice a day. After every meal is ideal.

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles so as not to irritate or damage your teeth and gums.

• Your bristles should contact your teeth and gums at a 45 degree angle.

• Proper brushing includes more than just your teeth. Be sure to clean your teeth, gums, and even your tongue!

• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head (yes, even electric toothbrush heads need to be replaced just as often as a manual toothbrush!) every 3 months or after an illness (like the flu!) due to bacterial build-up.

Ask your hygienist for more brushing tips specific to your teeth and needs. They would be happy to help!

Which Half Are You In?

Only half of Americans floss daily. Flossing is an important part of proper oral hygiene and should be performed at least once a day. Gently moving the floss between the teeth allows it to remove plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. The only other way to ensure all of your plaque is removed from your teeth is with a deep cleaning from your trained hygienist. If you find flossing to be an awkward or difficult part of your routine, ask your hygienist about the various flossing tools and cleaning devices that can help making flossing an easier task.

You have three tasks to complete this October:

1. Brush up on your brushing.

2. Make flossing part of your daily hygiene routine.

3. Ensure you have your next cleaning appointment scheduled.

If you’re in need of an appointment with our hygienist give us a call at (952) 474-5041 today!

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Phobia: a marked and persistent fear of a clearly defined object or situation.
In this case, fear of dentistry and of receiving dental care. People may go through great lengths to avoid being confronted by their fears or phobias. It may be similar to post-traumatic stress caused by previous traumatic dental experiences. As a dentist in Minnetonka, Dr. Rizvi is very sensitive to these feelings.

Sedation Dentistry from our Dentist in Minnetonka

Sedation dentistry is a perfect start for facing your fears!

•  It RELAXES you
• It helps you OVERCOME anxiety
•  It makes dental procedures SAFER
•  It FACILITATES effective dental treatment
•  It COMBINES multiple procedures into fewer visits
•  No LECTURES!

Find out what you need to know about your dental fears and phobias in our Infographic below.

As humans and as Minnetonka dentists we understand how it feels to be afraid. We have the best sedation dentistry methods and every comfort available for you to conquer your fears and enjoy a better lifestyle.

• Cold towels
• Neck pillows
• Movies
• Relaxing music

Take action. Never let your fears control you again. Talk to us about your fears and we’ll create an experience where you can make all that go away once and for all.

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Often taken for granted, tooth enamel wages a relentless battle against bacteria, sugar, and acid in an effort to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Of course, your teeth still require your assistance in order to maintain a healthy, happy smile. What should you do? Take a moment to learn about tooth enamel, and why you should care about your hard working ally.

1. What is tooth enamel?—Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. It can be likened to the outer shell of an egg that protects the softer, more vulnerable part inside. Unlike an eggshell though, tooth enamel is extremely strong and durable. In fact, it is the hardest tissue in the human body and insulates teeth when exposed to varying temperatures of hot and cold.

2. What color is enamel?—It is commonly thought that enamel is what gives our teeth the whitish color that they possess. In reality though, enamel is a semi-translucent which means you can see light through it. The portion of the tooth below the enamel, called dentin, is what is responsible for the color of your teeth.

3. Can tooth enamel get stained?—Yes, there are a number of substances that can discolor or stain tooth enamel over time, including coffee, tea, wine, fruits juices, and tobacco use.

4. How does enamel get damaged?—Inadequate brushing and flossing, along with an unhealthy diet, can permit acid from foods and bacteria to eat away at enamel, resulting in erosion and damage. Teeth grinding, acid reflux, eating disorders, genetics, dry mouth, and some medications are also among a handful of other culprits. Furthermore, enamel can also become cracked or chipped due to excessive stress or trauma.

5. Can damage to enamel be reversed?—The initial stage of tooth decay (demineralization) is possible to reverse with some effort. Unfortunately, once a hole develops that goes all the way through the enamel to the dentine, the damage cannot be reversed naturally. Likewise, enamel that becomes chipped or cracked can’t grow back on its own.

6. What dental options are available for damaged enamel?—There are a variety of solutions, depending on your unique situation. Minor problems may be resolved with a professional cleaning. Other times though, the tooth may be repaired with the aid of cosmetic bonding, fillings, crowns, or perhaps even a root canal in more serious cases.

7. How can I protect my tooth enamel?—Develop a good routine of oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner. Have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined regularly by your Minnetonka dentist. Eat healthy, and limit your consumption of sugary or acidic food and beverages.

Show your tooth enamel some love by taking the necessary steps to protect your oral health. We would be happy to help you achieve a healthy looking smile that you’re proud to call your own. Please feel free to contact Dr. Rizvi and Dr. Schwartz today!

Do you have any other questions about tooth enamel? Was there anything that we missed? Drop us a line and let us know.