expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Steven R. Hagerman, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Steven Hagerman is a Dentist practicing in St. Paul, MN. Dr. Hagerman specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
45 years Experience
Dr. Steven R. Hagerman, DDS
  • Saint Paul, MN
  • University of Minnesota
  • Accepting new patients

On and off jaw pain?

This is most likely related to TMJ syndrome. These symptoms can come from clenching and/or grinding your teeth. The TMJ could have internal changes or it could be muscle pain from READ MORE
This is most likely related to TMJ syndrome. These symptoms can come from clenching and/or grinding your teeth. The TMJ could have internal changes or it could be muscle pain from hyperactivity. They can be short term or long term. You would need an examination from a dentist to determine a course of action. This can include Physical therapy combined with splint therapy. It's best to have it checked out.

Can a cracked dental bridge be repaired?

It depends on the type of bridge that you have. If it's a removable bridge (partial denture), then yes, it's usually very easy to repair. If it's a fixed partial denture (cemented READ MORE
It depends on the type of bridge that you have. If it's a removable bridge (partial denture), then yes, it's usually very easy to repair. If it's a fixed partial denture (cemented bridge), then that depends on how and where it's cracked. Porcelain is very hard to repair for long-term use in the mouth.

Tooth infection

If you are still having pain and infection and definitive dental treatment to correct the problem (like a root canal or periodontal therapy for a gum abscess), then the situation READ MORE
If you are still having pain and infection and definitive dental treatment to correct the problem (like a root canal or periodontal therapy for a gum abscess), then the situation most likely is unrestorable and the tooth or teeth causing will need to be removed. Yes, the tooth can be removed when infected.

Why does my jaw hurt when I wake up in the morning?

Most likely it's from clenching or bruxism at night. You will need to get an appointment with your dentist to determine your best course of treatment for you.

Should I go to the doctor if my gums are swollen?

Yes there are a wide range of possible causes and all are best treated sooner than later. Make an appointment with a dentist for treatment soon.

Would I need a root canal for my cavity?

That can only be determined with an examination in person the longer you wait the deeper the decay gets to the nerve. Once the nerve is infected with decay (decay is bacteria eating READ MORE
That can only be determined with an examination in person the longer you wait the deeper the decay gets to the nerve. Once the nerve is infected with decay (decay is bacteria eating into your tooth) then your only choices are root canal, or extraction.

Do I need a dental follow up after getting dental implants?

Generally the surgeon and restorative dentist should be working together with a treatment plan already worked out. The surgeon will usually place the Implants then have several READ MORE
Generally the surgeon and restorative dentist should be working together with a treatment plan already worked out. The surgeon will usually place the Implants then have several post operative appointments with you scheduled over a couple month period and then let you know when the implant is well integrated and ready for restoration. Then send you to the dentist that will finish the crowns or bridgework. I would check with your oral surgeon to get the schedule clarified.

How do you stop wisdom tooth pain at home?

Make sure you try to brush the area well and keep it clean. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide 3% solution from the drug store diluted down to 1.5% with water (50/50 water to peroxide) READ MORE
Make sure you try to brush the area well and keep it clean. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide 3% solution from the drug store diluted down to 1.5% with water (50/50 water to peroxide) rinse 2-3 times per day. Also over the counter (OTC) gels like Orabase with benzocaine or Zilactin can be applied 4-5 times per day. If there is swelling you may need an antibiotic called in.

At what age do wisdom teeth start coming in?

Yes, it's very common at this age. You will need to have an appointment for a panoramic X-ray to determine if the wisdom teeth need to come out now or if they will erupt into his READ MORE
Yes, it's very common at this age. You will need to have an appointment for a panoramic X-ray to determine if the wisdom teeth need to come out now or if they will erupt into his mouth fine many people have room in their jaw line for them. He may just be having teething pain as a 17-month-old from their eruption into his mouth.

How long after a crown is cemented can I eat?

If it's just a crown cemented on a normal tooth usually it's fine with in an hour with modern cements. If you had an implant done with a crown placed at the same appointment then READ MORE
If it's just a crown cemented on a normal tooth usually it's fine with in an hour with modern cements. If you had an implant done with a crown placed at the same appointment then you may have to take care not to put too much force on it for sometime. You need to check with the doctor that placed it. It depends on how solid the bone is that the implant was placed in.

Is Invisalign as good as braces?

Invisalign works great. It can treat most cases just as well as the old fashioned braces as long as the patient follows directions and wear time. It's generally much more comfortable READ MORE
Invisalign works great. It can treat most cases just as well as the old fashioned braces as long as the patient follows directions and wear time. It's generally much more comfortable and treats in less time than traditional braces.

Can you eat normally with a dental bridge?

If it's a fixed partial denture (bridge), yes, it performs well like normal teeth just have to floss correctly. If you're getting a removable partial denture either due to cost READ MORE
If it's a fixed partial denture (bridge), yes, it performs well like normal teeth just have to floss correctly. If you're getting a removable partial denture either due to cost or support of the structures around the missing teeth, then it's a little different. You can chew and eat, it replaces chewing surfaces, but it's removable, so you will get food under it and some foods will stick to parts of it so it takes more getting used to.

Will I need antibiotics for a tooth extraction?

There are some conditions that require pre operative medication which can be determined by your Dentist. Post operative antibiotic coverage is common when there is swelling from READ MORE
There are some conditions that require pre operative medication which can be determined by your Dentist. Post operative antibiotic coverage is common when there is swelling from an infected tooth after the tooth is removed.

Does a root canal require anesthesia?

Yes, generally just local anesthesia works fine. I will usually use a combination of two local anesthetics one that works fast and one that lasts longer so by the time the second READ MORE
Yes, generally just local anesthesia works fine. I will usually use a combination of two local anesthetics one that works fast and one that lasts longer so by the time the second wears off the tenderness from the procedure isn't bad. Most root canal procedures are able to be done in one appointment with little post operative discomfort.

Why do I still have bad breath after brushing my teeth?

A lot of mouth odor is not dental related. If you have good oral hygiene brushing, flossing, and sometimes using a tongue scraper and still have odor then look to other conditions. READ MORE
A lot of mouth odor is not dental related. If you have good oral hygiene brushing, flossing, and sometimes using a tongue scraper and still have odor then look to other conditions. Post nasal drip, sinus problems and gastric issues. The mouth wash Smart Mouth works well for sulfur smells.

How long is Invisalign treatment?

The treatment time for most cases is about 11 months. For something like yours it could be as little as 4-6 months. After treatment you will want to maintain the correction by READ MORE
The treatment time for most cases is about 11 months. For something like yours it could be as little as 4-6 months. After treatment you will want to maintain the correction by wearing retainers at night so you don't have any relapse.

Brackets on my braces came off while sleeping. What should I do?

Definitely call the orthodontist right away to have this corrected.

Is a wisdom tooth removal painful?

The procedure should not be, you will be either numbed up or be put out with some type of sedation. Yes after the procedure it could be sore the doctor will determine what type READ MORE
The procedure should not be, you will be either numbed up or be put out with some type of sedation. Yes after the procedure it could be sore the doctor will determine what type of post operative pain control is needed.

How often should crowns be replaced?

Crowns should last for decades if they were well made and well maintained. Where ever a dental restoration meets the natural tooth structure there is a chance of decay if proper READ MORE
Crowns should last for decades if they were well made and well maintained. Where ever a dental restoration meets the natural tooth structure there is a chance of decay if proper bushing and flossing is not done daily. Also a poor diet can cause decay along the crown margin.