Dr. Michael Michel Uses Fixed Bridges to Restore Smiles in Topeka, KS and Surrounding Areas

January 25, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: bridges, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, restorative dentistry, restorative dentistry Dr. Michel — docmichael @ 5:35 pm

Unfortunately, people have missing teeth for a variety of reasons: severe tooth decay that necessitates extraction, the ravages of gum disease, or serious injury. The good news is there are an equal number of ways to replace those missing teeth. One of the best options is a fixed bridge. Using a fixed bridge, Dr. Michael Michel has restored full smiles to many faces in Topeka, KS.

What is a Fixed Bridge?

A fixed bridge is a prosthetic dental device that—as the name implies—bridges the gap left behind by a missing tooth or teeth. The gap is filled with a false tooth, or pontic. As a permanent prosthetic, a fixed bridge is usually held in place by crowns that are affixed to the teeth on either side of the missing teeth. However, if Dr. Michel determines that these abutment teeth are not healthy or strong enough to support a crown, then he may recommend a dental implant to solidly anchor the bridge. With an implant, a post is surgically set in the bone and then the bridge is cemented to the post.

The Fixed Bridge Procedure

If you and Dr. Michel determine that a fixed bridge is the best option for replacing your missing teeth, then he will take x-rays, impressions and photos of the area in your mouth that requires the bridge. With these, he and the dental lab that fabricates your custom bridge can make sure yours perfectly fits your teeth, mouth and face. Then, he will prepare the teeth that will have crowns and take another impression of these to ensure that the bridge fits snuggly and precisely. While your fixed bridge is made, you’ll wear a temporary to protect your teeth and gum tissue. Once the bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office for Dr. Michel to cement the bridge into place.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you would like to learn more about fixed bridges, call our office today. Dr. Michael Michel and his team serve patients in Topeka, KS, as well as in Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan and surrounding areas.

Comments Off

Heal an Infected Tooth with Endodontics from Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS

January 10, 2015

Filed under: Endodontics,Uncategorized — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, endodontics, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Topeka, Topeka dentistry — docmichael @ 5:18 pm

Although most people are inclined to pay closer attention to the outside of their teeth—their color, shape and position—if a toothache happens, then chances are it’s time to pay attention to the inside of that tooth. More often than not, a toothache is a sign of infection in the tooth’s pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth. Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the health of your internal tooth structure, or the pulp. If you have a tooth with internal infection or damage, then Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, will likely recommend a root canal to save the tooth from extraction.

Get to the Root of the Problem with Endodontics

Despite a bad reputation, a root canal is not a painful procedure thanks to anesthesia and modern dental techniques. In fact, a root canal is meant to relieve the pain of a tooth with internal infection or damage. The inside of each tooth is made up of nerve tissue, lymph tissue and blood vessels. If this dental pulp is traumatized, whether by decay-causing bacteria, a severe fracture or a hard blow to the face, then the tooth begins to die. A root canal can eliminate the infection and save the tooth, thereby preventing the need for extraction.

The Root Canal Procedure

Once your tooth is anesthetized, Dr. Michel will gently work to remove the infected tissue and any ensuing debris from canals inside the tooth’s roots. Then, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material. Finally, your tooth will be prepared for a crown that will Dr. Michel will place on the tooth to protect it from any further damage.

Call Our Office Today

If you are experiencing the pain of a toothache, then please schedule an appointment as soon as possible with Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, to determine whether or not a root canal is needed. Our endodontics services are also available to patients in Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan and surrounding areas.

Comments Off