Our teeth play an important role in our everyday lives. They help us break down food so we can digest our meals properly. They're essential for clear communication, allowing us to articulate sounds and form words effectively. Visually, they shape our smiles, influence our expressions, and impact our interactions with others. Beyond these functions, our teeth also have a significant effect on our overall health.
There's a lot to discuss when it comes to prioritizing our health, yet one crucial aspect often overlooked is dental care. Many people don't realize that a cavity can have repercussions that go far beyond the mouth. In fact, oral health and overall well-being are more intertwined than you might imagine.
Issues with oral health can contribute to a range of serious conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Despite the increasing research highlighting this connection, dental care frequently operates in isolation from the broader healthcare system. Prime Health Dental bridges that gap with integrated dental services, providing
A smile is a simple gesture that carries immense power. It's a natural part of being human-a universal way to express happiness, greet others, and show that we're friendly. Smiles convey our emotions and are excellent for breaking the ice or diffusing awkward moments. A warm smile can make a huge difference, but if you're like most people, it might not always be perfect, and that's perfectly fine. But is it good for your health?
According to studies from the CDC, one in four U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 has cavities. Even more startling is the fact that approximately 34 million school hours are lost each year due to emergency dental visits. For kids, missing school can mean the difference between advancing in their studies or falling behind.
If you're among those who feel self-conscious about their teeth, need preventive care, or are dealing with more serious problems like tooth decay, it's essential to prioritize the health of your teeth and gums. Fortunately, at Prime Health Dental, your dentist in Sun Prairie, WI. offers traditional dental services infused with medical insights that you can use to enhance your overall health.
At Prime Health Dental, we believe your oral health is a window to your overall health. The mission of our doctor-owned, integrated dental practice is to treat patients by looking at the big picture-their entire body, not just their mouth-with a focus on total wellness to help patients become the healthiest version of themselves. With a dedicated team of dental professionals at your service, we have the education, training, and resources necessary to transition you into a state of improved oral health and long-term whole-body wellness.
We achieve that goal by providing:
we provide easy-to-understand education to patients about the connection between dental health, medical health, and how those two categories influence each other. Our goal is to empower individuals by equipping them with in-depth knowledge and practical strategies that enable them to make informed decisions for their overall well-being. By understanding how oral health impacts systemic health and vice versa, patients can adopt healthier lifestyles and improve their long-term health outcomes.
Our same-day health screenings are designed to provide primary care providers with valuable insights into their patients' overall health. In a single visit, your dentist in Sun Prairie, WI. conducts an assessment right from your dental chair, allowing for a unique and convenient approach to healthcare.
These screenings cover a wide array of important health indicators, including evaluations for dental diseases such as cavities and gum issues, assessments of heart health through cardiovascular screenings, and the identification of oral systemic markers that may indicate broader health concerns. You can also get checked for high blood pressure and other critical risk factors that contribute to your well-being. This streamlined process not only saves time but also enhances the ability of your primary care provider to deliver proactive and personalized care to you.
Prime Health Dental encourages collaboration between dental and medical providers, creating a cohesive environment that breaks down the traditional barriers separating dental health from overall medical care. This integrated approach not only enhances your dental experience but also gives you access to valuable treatment plans that help set you on a path toward total-body health.
Some of our dental services include:
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If you're looking for an expert team of experienced dentists and hygienists, Prime Health Dental is the perfect choice for you. We take pride in delivering top-notch preventative dental care and inviting customer service. Whether it's your first visit or your fortieth, you can rest easy knowing you're in confident, capable hands.
Keep reading below to explore a range of popular dental services we provide to improve your oral health.
While they aren't everyone's cup of tea, regular dental cleanings play a key role in maintaining your oral health. Our highly-trained dental hygienists perform comprehensive cleanings that not only eliminate plaque and tartar but also promote healthy gums and fresh breath. During each appointment, we look out for any early signs of decay or gum disease, ensuring that your smile remains bright and healthy throughout the year.
Professional teeth cleaning from Prime Health Dental can help:
A simple cleaning can mean the difference between a healthy mouth and a lifetime of oral complications. Let Prime Health Dental keep your teeth in great shape all year round.
Crowns serve as an excellent solution for restoring teeth that have suffered significant damage from decay, trauma, or other dental issues. Dental crowns not only help protect a weakened tooth but also enhance its appearance, providing a strong and natural-looking restoration. We offer a variety of options, including porcelain, zirconia, and metal crowns, ensuring we find the perfect fit for your specific needs. In addition to the variety of materials used, our seasoned dentist works closely with you to create a customized crown that seamlessly blends with your natural teeth.
Getting crowns from Prime Health Dental often means:
Call our dental office and learn more about how a crown can restore your smile.
When your dentist in Sun Prairie, WI. recommends dental implants to replace missing teeth, it's important to take their recommendation seriously. Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. These titanium posts are surgically embedded into the jawbone, where they integrate seamlessly with the bone, creating a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. Beyond restoring the aesthetic appeal of your smile, dental implants also play a major role in maintaining the health of your jawbone. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants offer a lasting and natural sensation, making them a superior choice for tooth replacement.
Some of the biggest advantages of getting dental implants from Prime Health Dental include:
If you're living with missing teeth and you're ready to improve your life, call Prime Health Dental. We'll speak with you one-on-one to find out if dental implants are right for you.
It's not always easy. Fortunately, Prime Health Dental has built a reputation for using the highest-quality laser technology. If you often feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, IV sedation can provide a safe and effective way to ensure a more comfortable experience. This method allows you to stay relaxed and at ease during your treatment, all while remaining pain-free. Whether you're just having a routine cleaning or a more involved dental procedure, IV sedation helps you relax throughout the entire process
Why should you consider IV sedation from Prime Health Dental?
Don't let anxiety get in the way of great oral - and overall - health. Our team is ready to ease your fears and perform the dental services you need for a happy, healthy smile.
Laser dentistry represents a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment option that delivers a quicker and more comfortable experience for patients. Whether addressing cavities or performing soft tissue procedures, lasers can accurately target the affected areas, leading to less discomfort and quicker healing times. At Prime Health Dental, we only use the latest in laser technology to ensure you receive top-notch care that alleviates pain and shortens recovery periods.
Here are a few reasons to consider laser dentistry for your next procedure:
If you're in search of an easy, more comfortable way to take care of your dental needs, contact Prime Health Dental today. It would be our pleasure to educate you about laser dentistry and whether or not such a procedure is right for your needs.
Orthodontics goes beyond just creating a beautiful smile; it focuses on enhancing the function and overall health of your teeth. Whether you prefer traditional braces or clear aligners, our experienced orthodontists offer a wide range of treatments designed to meet your individual needs. Achieving straighter teeth not only improves your appearance but can also help ward off oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and even jaw pain.
Our orthodontic treatments can help:
By scheduling your initial orthodontics consultation at Prime Health Dental, you're taking a meaningful step toward long-term oral and general health.
Gum disease, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss and various serious health issues. At Prime Health Dental, we provide a full range of treatments for gum disease, including non-surgical options such as scaling and root planing, as well as more advanced procedures. Our aim is to halt the progression of gum disease and restore your gum health, allowing you to enjoy a vibrant smile for many years to come.
Gum disease treatment is essential because it helps:
By now, you know that great oral care is paramount to your overall health. By addressing the root factors that cause issues like swollen and bleeding gums, you can help prevent more serious health issues from occurring.
Gum disease and gingivitis can cause inflammation to occur in your body, driving your immune system to target external microorganisms and irritants for healing. When this inflammation becomes chronic, it may negatively impact other areas of your health.
A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has shown a connection between gum disease and heart problems, potentially leading to serious events like strokes or heart attacks, with inflammation suspected as a key factor. Furthermore, inflammation can contribute to artery hardening, reducing blood flow to the heart and elevating cardiovascular disease risk. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet, along with high cholesterol, can further increase the likelihood of heart attack or stroke.
As both the scientific and medical communities begin to take inflammation seriously, we're discovering that gum disease can contribute to heart problems through these pathways:
Some might dismiss this situation as a mere coincidence or attribute it to careless lifestyle habits. However, research indicates that Streptococcus sanguis-a type of bacteria linked to gum disease-can make its way to your heart, potentially setting the stage for a stroke. These bacteria may also be found in fat deposits in individuals with atherosclerosis. Notably, those who do not suffer from gum disease are less likely to have these bacteria in their hearts.
Blood vessels are abundant in your gum tissue. Your mouth also hosts its own unique microbiome, but factors like gum disease or certain lifestyle choices can throw this balance off. This connection means that bacteria can easily enter your bloodstream through your gums, particularly when the tissue becomes inflamed or irritated.
While we're still waiting for definitive evidence that proves how flossing and brushing can lower the risk of heart disease, great oral care is still very important. To that point, your dentist in Sun Prairie, WI. from Prime Health Dental will provide you with tips to reduce inflammation from the source. Some of that advice may include:
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At Prime Health Dental, we embrace a whole-body approach to healthcare, supported by a diverse team of specialists. We cater to individuals and families of all ages, leveraging our collective expertise to offer cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry, along with accurate and convenient health screenings.
Our dentists work hand in hand with primary care physicians to craft personalized treatment plans and long-term health strategies that meet the unique needs of each patient. No matter your health circumstances or the condition of your teeth, you'll be greeted with open arms at our dentist office in Sun Prairie, WI.
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Sun Prairie High School band teacher Matt McVeigh tries to instill in his students a passion for music.He believes that great musical performance isn’t just about technical skills on the instruments but also the emotion behind it.In preparing his Sun Prairie High School Jazz Ensemble for the upcoming Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band competition in New York, his message got through.Stay informe...
Sun Prairie High School band teacher Matt McVeigh tries to instill in his students a passion for music.
He believes that great musical performance isn’t just about technical skills on the instruments but also the emotion behind it.
In preparing his Sun Prairie High School Jazz Ensemble for the upcoming Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band competition in New York, his message got through.
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“We actually had someone come in recently who told us that the vibe we were giving off was one of worshiping the music,” senior trumpet player Aaron Vetter told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.” “Having that shared passion to such an extreme degree with a smaller group of people really fosters deep connections.”
Sun Prairie is the only Wisconsin school selected as a finalist for this year’s Essentially Ellington competition, held in honor of famed jazz musician Duke Ellington.
McVeigh’s ensemble, which includes students from both Sun Prairie East and Sun Prairie West high schools, will compete with 29 other schools from across the country at the Lincoln Center in New York City this May.
“We really strive to approach jazz in a way that is authentic, that is soulful, and that is excellent,” McVeigh said. “To be able to earn recognition, to go to New York, is validating that what we’re trying to accomplish through music is paying off.”
The Sun Prairie jazz band is building a strong reputation for itself as a repeat competitor in Essentially Ellington, last earning the recognition in 2023.
Vetter and other members of the ensemble appreciate the type of environment McVeigh creates, one that keeps the band performing at a high level year after year.
“Especially in jazz, you’re improvising. You’re putting your own ideas out into the world, and it’s extremely important to have a band with a culture that we never back down on being there for each other,” Vetter said. “We never will judge each other for what we’re putting out there. I think that’s integral to the program.”
Nick Ruplinger is a senior who plays drums in the jazz band. Like others in the group, he grew up around parents and siblings who played instruments.
But playing with the Sun Prairie jazz ensemble has helped foster a deeper appreciation and connection to the art form.
“It’s really just a second family to me,” Ruplinger said. “Just knowing that everyone puts in their best work and tries their hardest every day, welcoming and encouraging everyone … It’s just great.”
That work will be put to the test at Essentially Ellington, where the band will go through three days of workshops, rehearsals and performances in the venue that seats nearly 1,300.
McVeigh hopes that his students and their success can serve as a strong example of why Wisconsin schools should fund their music programs.
“It’s about being able to express ourselves and bring about new ideas and have confidence in those new ideas,” McVeigh said. “If we work with students who are able to navigate their role as an individual within a collective and can express themselves with appropriate feeling, that is the value of what a music education brings.”
Jimmy the Groundhog did not see his shadow Sunday and predicts an early spring during the Groundhog Day festivities in Sun Prairie. Several hundred families and groundhog enthusiasts packed into the downtown area of Cannery Square, cheering the announcement from Mayor Paul Esser.Esser was joined by several local and state officials, including Melissa Ratcliff, a member of the State Senate, and State Representative Andrew Hysell, who read the ...
Jimmy the Groundhog did not see his shadow Sunday and predicts an early spring during the Groundhog Day festivities in Sun Prairie. Several hundred families and groundhog enthusiasts packed into the downtown area of Cannery Square, cheering the announcement from Mayor Paul Esser.
Esser was joined by several local and state officials, including Melissa Ratcliff, a member of the State Senate, and State Representative Andrew Hysell, who read the proclamation issued by Governor Tony Evers declaring February 2nd, 2025, as Groundhog Day throughout the State of Wisconsin.
History of Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie
The history of the event takes it back to 1948. It all began when a commercial artist in Eau Claire, Ira Bennett, picked Sun Prairie to represent Groundhog Day on a series of Wisconsin-themed postcards. Little did he know, his design would kickstart a celebration that would last.
LISTEN to Luke Mathers and Pat Kreitlow, host of UpNorthNews Radio, discuss the history of Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie:
Sun Prairie’s festivities have evolved into a vibrant annual event. Jimmy the Groundhog takes center stage as the area weather prognosticator. This lovable rodent’s prediction—whether spring will arrive early or winter will drag on—draws crowds from across the country.
The celebration is also far more than a weather forecast. The event is a large piece of Sun Prairie’s culture thanks to passionate locals, including the Groundhog Club. The community also embraces its “Groundhog Capital of the World” title.
A Rivalry Develops Between Jimmy and Phil
Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie has also sparked a rivalry with Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home of the famous Phil. Years ago, Jimmy’s prediction differed from Phil’s, and it caused a playful banter to start between the two towns. It also cemented the lighthearted rivalry that continues to this day — even this year, the two do not agree. Jimmy predicts an early spring, while Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of wintry weather. You can read more about Phil’s 2025 prognostication here.
Grading the Groundhogs Predictions
Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil may be the most known weather-predicting groundhog, but a new accuracy list highlights whose predictions can be trusted. Phil came in 17th out of 19 critters ranked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Grading the Groundhogs list. Phil’s accuracy rating? Just 35%.
However, NOAA gives Jimmy a 60% accuracy rating, which places him at number six. Staten Island’s Groundhog Chuck tops the list with an 85% accuracy rating. You can read more about the rankings and rules here.
And on Groundhog Day, 2025, Sun Prairie’s unique tradition and beloved cultural event celebrates its 77th year. And according to city officials, there are a few especially notable dates in the history of the event.
1952: The feud with Punxsutawney makes headlines around the country. Sun Prairie is described in the Punxsutawney newspaper as a “remote two cow village buried somewhere in the wilderness.” And in response, Sun Prairie officials announce the title, Groundhog Capital of the World, during the annual Groundhog Day event.
1965: The Groundhog Club establishes the ‘Jimmy the Groundhog’ dynasty. Sun Prairie residents Erich and Tina Lenz are the official Keepers of the Faith (also known as Keepers of the Groundhog, or the groundhog handler). The Lenz family develops the largest 4-H Club in Sun Prairie with the name Prairie Groundhogs.
2015: It is an over enthusiastic Groundhog who bites the ear of Mayor Jon Freund while making his prognostication. It also makes it a very memorable event and generates a substantial amount of media interest as the story quickly goes viral.
Related Article of Interest
Civic Media: Just In Time for Groundhog Day, A Look at the Film’s Timeless Charm
Sustainability experts say it could reduce tax payer costsSUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WMTV) - The City of Sun Prairie is now the first municipality in Wisconsin to achieve 100% renewable electricity for all city operations.While sustainability experts say the change is good for the environment, it may also be better for your wallet.From traffic lights to street lights, all city-powered infrastructure is now powered by energy that comes from natural resources.“We are moving away from fossil fuels,” City of Sun...
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WMTV) - The City of Sun Prairie is now the first municipality in Wisconsin to achieve 100% renewable electricity for all city operations.
While sustainability experts say the change is good for the environment, it may also be better for your wallet.
From traffic lights to street lights, all city-powered infrastructure is now powered by energy that comes from natural resources.
“We are moving away from fossil fuels,” City of Sun Prairie Sustainability Manager Rose Daily said. “So from using oil and coal to power our electricity, to now using natural resources that we can tap into.”
Solar panels are not cheap upfront. Daily said the cost of the city’s most recent solar panel purchase was more than $800,000, though it was mainly funded by grants.
However, Daily said the high price tag comes with a high reward.
“Since we are consuming a lot of energy that we are now producing ourselves through our rooftop and ground mounted solar arrays, we paid for that investment upfront, and now we have significantly lower electricity bills,” Daily said.
According to Daily, since the solar panels and other renewable energy infrastructure were implemented in 2024, the city’s electricity bill dropped by $40,000.
Those lower electricity bills for the city could mean lower taxes for residents, according to Daily.
Sam Dunaiski, Executive Director of Madison-based nonprofit RENEW Wisconsin, said Wisconsin is an ideal area for renewable energy, and said he hopes to promote its use throughout the Badger State.
“Wisconsin does not have a lot of the energy resources that historically we Americans have used,” Dunaiski said. “We don’t have coal mines, we don’t have gas deposits, we don’t have petrol fields or anything like that, so we spend billions and billions of our rate payer dollars each year sending money out of the state, out of the country to bring those fuels in so we can power our electricity.”
Dunaiski said he hopes to see a sustainability model like Sun Prairie’s across the state.
“[Renewable energy] investments will add jobs to our economy, it will make our air and our water cleaner and healthier, and it will also mitigate effects of climate change as well.”
Daily said the City of Sun Prairie has also seen more homes and businesses using renewable energy, too. She said they consistently issued over 40 solar permits a year since 2020.
The City of Sun Prairie said their next goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
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SUN PRAIRIE − The annual battle between more winter and an early spring will be once again settled in Sun Prairie on Sunday by Jimmy the Groundhog.But what has Jimmy predicted in recent Sun Prairie Groundhog Day Prognostication events? Can we divine a pattern of sorts from Jimmy's past declarations to see what he might forecast this year? Se...
SUN PRAIRIE − The annual battle between more winter and an early spring will be once again settled in Sun Prairie on Sunday by Jimmy the Groundhog.
But what has Jimmy predicted in recent Sun Prairie Groundhog Day Prognostication events? Can we divine a pattern of sorts from Jimmy's past declarations to see what he might forecast this year? See for yourself, with this breakdown of Jimmy's Groundhog Day predictions since 2019.
Despite an onslaught of snow and extreme cold across Wisconsin in the week leading up to Groundhog Day, Jimmy went against the grain and predicted an early spring in 2019.
Adding to the chill across the state following a resounding Packers loss in the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, Jimmy forecasted six more weeks of winter.
Jimmy, perhaps sensing the gloomy pall lingering over the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, predicted an early spring in 2021. The event was moved online that year because of COVID-19 concerns, and was produced by the Sun Prairie Media Center.
The annual festivities returned to in-person and in-groundhog in 2022, and Jimmy celebrated by forecasting an early spring.
Fans of winter got their wish in 2023, when Jimmy saw his shadow for the first time since 2020 and thus predicted six more weeks of winter.
In what was the warmest winter since record keeping began in 1895 − according to the Winter 2023-24 Climate Summary from the Wisconsin State Climatology Office − Jimmy put the "Lost Winter" out of its misery by predicting an early spring.
According to the city of Sun Prairie's website, Jimmy's predictions have an extremely high accuracy rate. However, he naturally only communicates in groundhog-speak, which must be translated each year by the mayor of Sun Prairie. Therefore, any inaccuracies in his predictions can be attributed to human error in conveying his words.
This year's 77th annual Groundhog Day Prognostication in Sun Prairie will be held at sunrise (7:11 a.m.) on Sunday, Feb. 2, in the Cannery Square in downtown. Per tradition, Jimmy forecasts an early spring if he does not see his shadow, or six more weeks of winter if he does see his shadow. The event is the grand finale of the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department's annual Frozen Fest, a five-day festival of winter activities across the community.
Tim Langton is a digital planning editor for the Appleton Post-Crescent and the Green Bay Press-Gazette.