Newsletter

Circle Pines Dental now offers Invisalign!

Circle Pines Dental is excited to offer our patients Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces! Invisalign is developed by Orthodontists, and is virtually an invisible solution, so you can smile confidently both during treatment and after. Using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign gradually moves your teeth toward the smile you have always wanted. And, almost no one will know you are wearing them unless you tell them! Call our office for more details!

February is Children's Dental Health Month!

February is the National Children's Dental Health Month! Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, but in most cases it is very preventable. Because children follow the habits and routines they learn during childhood, it becomes very important to instill good dental habits at an early age! Bring your child in for a visit this month and we will gladly teach them how to take care of their teeth, and they receive a fun goody bag too!

2011 Thanksgiving Food Drive at Circle Pines Dental another success!

Thank you to all our patients and neighbors in the community who donated food and household items this year! Our food drive was another huge success due to our friends in the community and their abundant donations! We collected 367 items (total weight of 295 pounds) for the Centennial Food Shelf ! Thank you for being so generous to those who really need our help!

February, 2011

Dr. Corey Husu attended The Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in February, 2011 to participate in the course The Facially Generated Treatment Planning Course. This course focused on treatment planning form the outside in, utilizing the face to determine where the teeth should be positioned and then creating the rest of the treatment plan around the facially driven tooth position. From this course, the doctor learned how to evaluate and correct tooth position, and in what order, to be able to treatment plan complex cases and to give the best functionality and esthetic look for the patient. The Scottsdale Center for Dentistry is a $50 million learning facility equipped to world-class standards. Opened in 2007, the 65,000 square foot facility is located adjacent to the prestigious Fairmont Scottsdale Resort. No effort or expense has been spared to make the Center a world-leader in offering the finest broad-based, unbiased, and complete continuing education for the dental profession.

September 2010

Circle Pines Dental was once again honored to be asked by Blue Heron Elementary to visit their second grade classes! We love to teach the children the importance of dental hygiene. Our very own Renee and Juanita, Dental Assistants, reviewed healthy choices in foods as well as showed them what cavities do to our teeth, and the correct way to brush and floss. Each child was given a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Circle Pines Dental has taken great pride in making even our smallest patients, feel comfortable and at ease when visiting the dentist. Each class was also given a book for their classroom on visiting the dentist. If you are interested in having us visit your child’s classroom, please call us today!

Chamber of Commerce Golf!

Dr. Corey Husu and Karen Husu participated in the Third Annual Quad Chamber Scramble golf tournament in Lino Lakes. This is the first time that the Golf Tournament was held on the Friday during Blue Heron Days which had many other events going on as well. Circle Pines Dental is proud to be a member of the the Quad Area Chamber of Commerce and a sponsor for the Golf Tournament.

May, 2010

Dr. Corey Husu and Dr. John Stentz attended The Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in May, 2010 to participate in The Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning Course. This course specialized in the difficulties of managing worn dentition. The Scottsdale Center for Dentistry is a $50 million learning facility equipped to world-class standards. Opened in 2007, the 65,000 square foot facility is located adjacent to the prestigious Fairmont Scottsdale Resort. No effort or expense has been spared to make the Center a world-leader in offering the finest broad-based, unbiased, and complete continuing education for the dental profession.

Food Drive a Success

November 2009 - A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our patients who graciously made donations of food and household items for our Thanksgiving Food Drive! This was a huge success! The donations of 245 items and 252 pounds were greatly appreciated by the Centennial Food Shelf for this holiday season for community families in need.

Thank you again!

We also held a drawing for Cub gift certificates for patients who donated food shelf items; this year’s winners were Gene B., Nancy S., Jill H.and Jessica B. Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS!

August 2009 - The Dentists of Circle Pines Dental were selected by their peers as 2009 Top Dentists in Minneapolis /St. Paul magazine. Dr. Husu was also honored as a Top Cosmetic Dentist.

Circle Pines Dental hosted a tour to 20 children and their parents from Lino Lakes Moms Club on Friday, August 28, 2009. The children were very excited in learning more about dental hygiene and the importance of visiting the dentist! Each child received a dental hygiene bag and a Circle Pines water bottle. Thank you Lino Lakes Moms Club for sharing the importance of Dental hygiene with your children!

Circle Pines Dental hosted a School Supply Drive during the month of August, 2009. The school supplies will be distributed to children in our area that need help filling their backpacks!

Circle Pines Dental celebrates American Heart Health month

Feb. 2009 - Circle Pines Dental celebrated American Heart Health month by promoting the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth and heart. We enjoyed celebrating with our patients by offering blood pressure readings and thanking our patients for being a loyal to us. You may have been one of our lucky patients that received a goody bag or a large red rose during the week of Valentine’s Day, to thank you for your business! Our staff was busy reminding patients of the link between oral health and how the effect of bacteria in the mouth can be directly linked to cardiac health. We care about you!

Circle Pines Dental was also happy to celebrate Children’s Dental Health month in February by visiting our local elementary schools to educate young children on the importance of dental hygiene. The children at the local elementary schools were very eager and excited to learn about brushing, flossing and “sugar bugs” which is what our office refers to when speaking to children about plaque on their teeth. They were thrilled to go home to tell their parents more about our office and about caring for their teeth with their new toothbrushes and floss and toothpaste! We visited over 200 children and donated fun, dental hygiene related books to their classrooms.

Exciting News!

Oct. 2008 - The staff of Circle Pines Dental is excited to announce that Dr. John Stentz is now a full partner in the practice. Doctors Husu and Benjamin diligently sought a doctor with the same dental philosophy - a philosophy of caring for people and performing excellent dentistry, of continuing education and keeping abreast of the latest in dental technology.

Dr. Stentz’s vision is to continue Circle Pines Dental’s tradition of providing the most advanced dental treatments and bringing the best care possible to our patients and the community. Recently he brought his expertise in placing dental implants into the practice, and now he is excited to offer treatments for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

We also look forward to continuing our support of metro area charities. The staff thanks all our patients who supported our warm coat drive in December. Because of you, we were able to donate 25 coats plus warm hats and socks to the Alexandra House in Blaine and the Dwelling Place in St. Paul.

Circle Pines Dental would like to thank Dr. Neal Benjamin for his many years of service to the community's dental health. Now that Dr. Benjamin has finished with private practice, he will now be serving on the MN Board of Dentistry.

Congratulations to Dr. Neal Benjamin!

July 2008 - Dr. Neal Benjamin was at the AGD convention in Florida and was awarded the distinction of completing his Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD) on Saturday, July 19th. One of the requirements behind this award is to have at least 1,000 hours in Continuing Education. That is something to be proud of! However, the 1,000 hours alone was not what earned Dr. Benjamin this fine award. We are so very proud of Dr. Neal Benjamin and all that he has accomplished throughout his dental career!

Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Husu were selected by Mpls St. Paul Magazines Top Dentists of 2007. The magazine surveyed 2000 licensed and practicing dentists in the 10-county metropolitan area and 1000 randomly selected hygienists. The magazine asked to whom they would turn for their own dental care. This is a list of the 300 most often recommended dentists, and it is suggested that this list is a starting place in a person's search for a family dentist.

The categories include general dentistry, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. The doctors were selected in the category of General Dentists and Dr. Benjamin was selected in the category of Cosmetic Dentist as well.

For further information, visit www.mspmag.com.

Sedation Dentistry Changes Lives

"My hands were trembling when I picked up the phone and I was whispering prayers to myself," said Edna Drye.

Like many others, Edna was a dental phobic. She was willing to give up her favorite foods, to stop smiling at her friends and loved ones and to suffer in silence. Anything was better than picking up the phone to schedule an appointment with a dentist.

Edna, a day-care provider, was in her mid-fifties when she looked in the yellow pages to find the name of a dentist who could help her. She found the image of a a smiling dentist who offered, "care for the high fear patient". When a friendly voice answered and offered to send her information about how they could help, she hung up the phone with both relief and trepidation. A few days later a tape came in the mail telling her how Sedation Dentistry could help her get back the smile she wanted. "I wanted the smile I had in my wedding photo," says Edna. She listened to that tape over and over. Then she made the choice to get the much needed care she deserved. She called the office again and scheduled.

Edna had lived with the pain in her mouth for decades, leaving her dentally handicapped. The beautiful smile she displayed in the photos of her wedding day was a smile the groom had not seen in years. And why had she become so debilitated? Because she was afraid. And she's not alone. Nearly one third of Americans are just like her.

Today Edna's beautiful smile has been completely restored thanks to the wonders of Sedation Dentistry, and she no longer needs to fear the dentist's chair. And she will tell anyone she meets the same thing can happen for them.

If you're thinking, "Sign me up!," Circle Pines has its own sedation dentist. Drs. Neal Benjamin and Corey Husu along with their caring teams are ready to help you regain the confidence that comes with a healthy smile. Drs. Benjamin and Husu have both completed special training that allows them to treat these fearful people while they are safely sedated. "That's right, using a small pill, people can now have their dental care accomplished while they are totally relaxed and absolutely comfortable."

Dr. Benjamin adds, "I have always been very sensitive to my patients with high fear and apprehension, and now I can offer them a safe and even more comfortable experience. I feel so many good people are avoiding needed care due to fear. I am looking forward to helping these people visit the dentist with this safe and wonderful technique."

He added, "You should see the look on the faces of my patients when they complete their care and they have a healthy mouth - there aren't words to describe it! That look is why I love sedation dentistry. I helped to change someone's life."

From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Oftentimes the dental profession is labeled strictly for more intense cleaning and hygiene purposes. However, a dentist is actually an artist who can make your smile sensational. Most dentists now practice and perform cosmetic techniques, not just the run-of-the-mill routine cleanings. Cosmetic dentistry seeks to create a more aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile.

Although you may be meticulous about your dental care routine, your teeth still might not look their very best. Drinking coffee, tea or wine will take a toll on your teeth, causing them to look dull and stained. Aging or the use of some medications can also result in a discolored smile. One easy, safe way to revive your smile from these factors is through whitening.

Plenty of adults are looking towards dentistry to heighten the appearance and function of their teeth. Cracked, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth are easily resolved by procedures like bonding or veneers. Severely damaged teeth can be repaired with crowns, while bridges and implants are natural-looking options used to revitalize your smile. These methods will not only give you a more beautiful smile, but will also rejuvenate your mouth’s functionality.

If you are not satisfied with your smile and want to take it a level up from dull to dazzling, speak with us about the many smile enhancing preferences available to you.

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“ Bridging” the Gaps and Wearing a “Crown”: Total Oral Health Renovation

Face it, we are rough on our teeth. Sometimes we neglect them, take them for granted or simply just abuse them. Between physical activities like sports or chewing hard substances like ice, our teeth can get knocked out, broken, cracked and worn down. Forgetting routine dental appointments and ignoring proper cleaning tactics can result in periodontal disease, tooth decay and ultimately tooth loss.

When teeth are missing, your mouth must compensate for the lack of chewing power in that area in order to function normally. So, the chewing force may shift to another part of the mouth, which can cause unwanted spaces and changes in your smile.

So, how do we mend our mouth’s broken ties? By simple dental procedures. Smiles can be renovated to look pristine using a combination of crowns and bridges to support or replace lost teeth. A crown snugly covers the complete visible surface of your affected tooth to add strength, durability and tooth stability, while restoring your tooth to its natural shape and size. Crowns can be made of precious metal, porcelain pressed to metal and all-porcelain. A bridge, also known as a pontic, is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the gaps left by the original missing tooth. The new tooth is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing your once damaged smile.

The moral of the story is to be nice to your teeth: be diligent with your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are hard workers and they deserve to be pampered. But, if the damage is already done, see us immediately. We can decide on the best treatment to restore your smile. Your teeth will thank you for it.

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Something to Smile About

Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable, people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.

Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.

Symptoms and signs include:

• Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
• Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between the gum and tooth
• Persistent bad breath
• Bite changes
• Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about.

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Wondering about the latest in dentistry?

We're working very hard to make sure your visits are convenient, comfortable and gentle. To that end, we investigate all the latest technologies and techniques. Click on the desired topic to learn more:

• Periodontal Disease
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Bridges and Crowns

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We Now Have CEREC®!

Dr. Corey Husu, Dr. John Stentz and Dr. Neal Benjamin announce the availability of tooth-colored fillings and crowns, formed to exact tooth dimensions in a single office visit. The new approach to tooth restoration is made possible by innovative CEREC® CAD/CAM technology that designs and mills a custom ceramic restoration in less than 20 minutes.

"We are pleased to offer our patients the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing tooth restoration crowns available today," said Dr. Benjamin. "Time is increasingly precious, and we recognize that most people don't see the dentist office as a favorite past time. Using the CEREC equipment we can provide a great looking smile to our patients in a single visit, letting them get back to the more important things in life."

CEREC is comprised of a digital infrared camera, a medical grade computer and a milling machine, all located on site at the Circle Pines Dental office. The system allows Drs. Benjamin, Husu and Stentz to repair a damaged tooth in about one hour using tooth-colored ceramic restorations. The camera takes an optical impression of the damaged tooth eliminating the need for cumbersome and uncomfortable impression molds, and uploads the image to the computer. Once in the system, the doctors use 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to design the restoration. Then the CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) system takes over to automatically create the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the new custom-crafted restoration is bonded to the remaining healthy tooth tissue of the damaged tooth.

Restorations created using CEREC technology offer dental patients a long-lasting, esthetic alternative to silver or plastic fillings, crowns and veneers. Better yet, the patient can receive this smile-altering care in a shorter period of time. Traditional approaches often required a return appointment after the patient waited for the restoration to be manufactured in a separate lab. On-site milling eliminates the wait. CEREC® restorations are as durable as traditionally fabricated restorations and are similar to patients' natural dentition in form and function.

"This equipment greatly enhances the efficiency, accuracy and visual appeal of the restorations we can provide," said Dr. Benjamin. "Patients will benefit from more timely and more comfortable care that puts them back on track quickly. We are optimistic that the availability of CEREC restorations will help some patients overcome their fears when they see how fast and painless the treatment process can be. We believe everyone should have access to their best smile, and CEREC will make that possible for more people."

CEREC has over two decades of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective, with more than eight million performed worldwide.

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