Restorative Dentistry Archives - Michel Dental's Blog

Dentist in Topeka Says No Need to Fear a Root Canal

November 16, 2015

If there’s one thing people misunderstand when it comes to dentistry, it’s root canals. As your trusted dentist in Topeka, Dr. Michael Michel is here to tell you this: root canals really aren’t all that bad. In fact, most patients who have had root canal therapy say it’s nothing compared to the pain they suffered as a result of their severely aching tooth. If you’ve got a root canal coming up in Topeka, educate yourself on what to expect — and you’ll have no fear at all! Keep reading for more from Dr. Michel today.

(more…)

Comments Off

For a White Smile, Choose Tooth-colored Fillings from Michel Dental

March 10, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, tooth-colored fillings, Topeka, Topeka dentistry — docmichael @ 5:49 pm

You do your best to care for your teeth at home by brushing at least twice every day and flossing at least once a day. At Michel Dental in Topeka, KS, we certainly do our best to care for your teeth, too, when you come to our office for your regular dental checkups. Yet, despite our best efforts and yours, you now find yourself with a cavity. Don’t worry—it happens to a lot of people. Fortunately, Dr. Michael Michel can now repair that cavity with a tooth-colored filling, so you don’t have to contend with a dark spot in your otherwise white smile.

For many years, cavities were filled with an amalgam of metals. Although this material is strong and durable, it is not very “visually appealing.” And for some people, the metal in amalgam fillings causes tooth sensitivity.

The Advantages of Tooth-colored Fillings

In addition to having a more pleasing appearance in your smile and in your mouth, tooth-colored fillings offer other advantages, too. Made of composite resin or dental porcelain, tooth-colored fillings have become much stronger and more durable as manufacturers have improved the components of these filling compounds. In fact, these fillings are strong enough to hold up against the pressure of chewing and biting that your molars must withstand.

Furthermore, tooth-colored fillings made of composite materials necessitate less tooth preparation—that is, less drilling—and may not weaken the affected tooth as much as amalgam fillings, which often require more extensive tooth preparation. Dr. Michel subscribes to conservative dentistry, meaning that the more natural tooth structure you keep, the healthier your teeth will likely be in the future.

Finally, the strong bond between your tooth and the composite resin material actually supports the remaining tooth structure, thereby deterring breakage and insulating it against temperature changes.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to have your amalgam fillings replaced with tooth-colored fillings made of composite materials, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Michel. We serve patients from Topeka, KS, as well as from Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan and surrounding areas.

Comments Off

For a Smile that’s as good as New, Choose Dental Crowns from Dr. Michael Michel

February 10, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: dental crowns, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, restorative dentistry — docmichael @ 3:54 pm

Dental crowns have been an integral part of restorative dentistry for many years. So, getting a crown is nothing new. What is new about dental crowns is the ease with which the procedure is now completed and how lifelike your new “tooth” will look. With dental crowns, Dr. Michael Michel has restored many smiles for patients in Topeka, KS, and the surrounding areas, and he can do the same for you!

If you have been contending with a severely cracked or worn tooth, or a tooth that is damaged by extensive decay, then a dental crown—also called a dental cap—may be the perfect solution. A dental crown fully encapsulates a tooth that needs repair, thereby restoring appearance and function. Furthermore, a crown protects your tooth from further damage and help to maintain a proper bite.

Dental Crowns in Two Appointments

In most cases, a new dental crown requires only two appointments with Dr. Michel. At the first appointment, we’ll likely take an impression of your existing teeth that will be used as the template for creating a correctly shaped and sized crown. Then, Dr. Michel prepares the tooth to be outfitted with a crown, and another impression is taken in order to fabricate a crown that fits perfectly on top of the prepared tooth. You’ll leave this appointment wearing a temporary crown, while your custom crown is prepared in a cosmetic dental lab.

In about two weeks or so, you’ll return for your next appointment with Dr. Michel where he will cement your permanent crown to the prepared tooth. He will make sure your crown fits perfectly, gently filing and shaping the crown for a finish that looks and feels completely natural.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to consult with Dr. Michel about receiving a dental crown, then please call our office to schedule an appointment. Located in Topeka, KS, we also conveniently serve patients in Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan and surrounding areas.

Comments Off

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

Restore Your Health with Gum Disease Therapy

October 8, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Emporia, gum disease, gum disease therapy, Lawrence, Manhattan, periodontal treatment, restorative dentistry, Topeka — docmichael @ 6:32 pm

Just like almost everything in life, from relationships to building a business, it is important to have a healthy, solid foundation in order to reap any sort of positive benefit. Though many people may think they can bypass all of the important groundwork in order to get things done quicker, it is crucial that you be sure you take care of the early stages as much as possible. The same can go for your smile. Many people may not know this, but your gums are the foundation to your smile, and it is very important to make sure you take just as much care of your gums as you do your teeth. Millions of people suffer from gum (periodontal) disease, and the scary thing is that they may not be aware of it. Because Dr. Michael E. Michel understands the importance of gum health with his patients, he offers gum disease therapy at his Topeka, KS dental office.

It is very important to make sure that you are aware of your status when it comes to gum disease, as leaving it unchecked can really be detrimental to your oral and bodily health. If left to its own devices, gum disease can put you more at risk for heart disease, stroke, tooth loss, bone loss, Alzheimer’s, dementia, respiratory complications, and much more. If you are unaware as to whether or not you are living with gum disease, a few symptoms are red and swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, discoloration of the gums, and gums that are sensitive to the touch.

The ways that we tackle your gum disease is through scaling and root planing. Scaling is when we remove the harmful bacteria from below the gum line, allowing for your gum’s reattachment to the tooth and a healthier smile. Root planing involves smoothing out the rough surfaces on your tooth’s root that have become jagged due to the bacteria sitting on your smile. We will also develop a lesson plan with you, ensuring your gums will be healthy for years to come! If you would like Dr. Michel’s help taking care of you gum disease with gum disease therapy, contact our office today!

At Michel Dental, we offer quality dental care for a distinctive smile. Our Topeka dental office serves patients from Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Comments Off

Protect Your Smile with Porcelain Crowns!

July 7, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, porcelain crowns, restorative dentistry, Topeka — docmichael @ 8:18 pm

With summer here, many people are making it a high priority making sure they look their absolute best. Whether it is visiting the gym more often or getting a haircut, people are making an effort in their appearance, knowing they will meet many new people and reconnect with old friends during the summer season. It can be very difficult living with a smile that you are unhappy with, leaving you to feel insecure and worried about how people may perceive you. Broken teeth can be displeasing to the eye, as well as result in declining oral health, and Dr. Michael Michel wants to make sure you have a smile that is complete, beautiful, and flawless by offering porcelain crowns to his patients.

If you have a broken or significantly damaged tooth, the entire Michel Dental team will be able to fix your smile with ease and comfort! A crown covers a broken tooth, and is also known as a dental cap because of the way it literally caps over the preexisting tooth structure. A crown is able to protect an already damaged tooth from any further harm, allowing the natural tooth to repair and be protected. The wonderful thing about your crown is the fact that it will match your natural tooth exactly. We are able to find the exact right shade of porcelain to match your natural tooth, so your smile looks natural and as organic as possible.

One of the great things about crowns is the fact that it does two jobs in one! Crowns are able to protect your teeth from wear and tear, while also making your smile look as natural as possible. Dr. Michael Michel, as well as the entire Michel Dental team, is here to make sure your smile is the best is has ever been, and we hope to deliver that to you! If you are curious as to how Dr. Michel can help protect your smile using crowns just in time for summer, make an appointment today!

Comments Off

Find Relief in your Tooth Pain with Root Canal Therapy

June 19, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Michel Dental endodontics, Michel Dental root canal therapy, Topeka — docmichael @ 8:35 pm

Living in pain is never an easy thing, especially when it comes to your teeth. Tooth pain can be excruciating, and doing nothing about the pain will only make it worse. If you are suffering from an ongoing tooth ache, it is most likely because your tooth is infected. Left untreated, an infected tooth can wreak havoc on the rest of your smile, leaving you with a much more expensive and painful results down the road. Michel Dental understands the importance of making sure your smile is as health as it can be, which is why we offer root canal therapy to our patients!

A root canal needs to be performed when the tooth’s structure has been compromised. Perhaps due to a crack or a large cavity, the tooth’s inner structure has become infected with bacteria, causing you much pain and discomfort. Other things that can cause the need for root canal therapy are deep restorations and dental trauma.

We begin your root canal by focusing on the infected tooth and removing the harmful bacteria. The tooth’s pulp is removed, and then the tooth is filled. After that, a crown is usually placed at the top, protecting the tooth from further harm. At the end, you feel relieved and alleviated of pain!

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pain, swelling, throbbing, and a bad taste in your mouth, you may need a root canal. Make an appointment at our office, and we’ll be glad to help!

Comments Off

Make Your Smile Perfect with Cosmetic Bonding!

March 10, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, restorative dentistry, Topeka — docmichael @ 6:23 pm

Like everything in life, things are susceptible to wear and tear. Whether your favorite shirt gets a stain or your car’s tires need to be rotated, all things go through life’s little knocks, and it is important to make sure you take care of those things. Believe it or not, your smile is no different. A few chips here and a stain there can really start to take its toll on your smile, and you may think there is nothing you can do about it. Luckily, Dr. Michael Michel is able to give her patients a new smile with the help of cosmetic bonding.

Cosmetic bonding is simple yet highly effective, as it gives you the ability to have a seamless smile in nearly no time at all! Cosmetic bonding can help those who have misaligned, misshapen, chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, making it one of the easiest and most convenient ways to transform your smile. It works by mixing a bonding liquid and a plastic resin, then placing it on your teeth. Once the bonding is set via a light, Dr. Michel will smooth and polish it to look like your natural tooth! At the end of the procedure, you are left with nothing but a flawless, beautiful smile!

One of the benefits to cosmetic bonding is the fact it can restore the confidence you may have lost feeling insecure about your smile. When you are not completely confident in your smile, you may find it hard to be around others or make a memorable first impression. With this simple procedure, you will be able to be secure in the fact that your smile is faultless, and you will never second guess yourself again! If you are interested in cosmetic bonding and how Dr. Michel is able to help, call our office and we will be more than happy to assist you!

Comments Off

Tooth-Colored Fillings at Michel Dental

December 11, 2013

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, tooth-colored fillings, Topeka, Topeka dentistry — tntadmin @ 9:31 pm

There is no doubt people are very particular about how they want their smile to look. After all, a smile is a first impression, and you want to make the best first impression possible. At Michel Dental, we are here to make sure your smile looks exactly the way you want it to, which is why we offer tooth-colored fillings for our patients. We know this will be a great way for you to feel confident in your smile again!

There are many reasons why people choose tooth-colored fillings. One of the more popular reasons is because tooth-colored fillings help you avoid the look of having a mouth full of metal. Many people want a more natural look when it comes to their dental work, and tooth-colored fillings are able to give you just that. The important aspect about fillings is the fact that it saves your tooth. When there is a cavity or decay, Dr. Michel removes the decay and fills the space with your desired filling. If not treated in the proper amount of time, the problem can worsen, even leading to bone loss.

If you aren’t proud of your smile, it can completely alter the way you interact with people and how you view yourself. There is no doubt our experience team is able to restore your confidence and bring your smile to the next level. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, contact our office and will be happy to help you on your journey of dental health!

Comments Off

Cosmetic Restorative Dentistry from Dr. Michel

November 29, 2013

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic restorative dentistry, Dr. Michael Michel, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, restorative dentistry, Topeka — tntadmin @ 2:23 pm

Despite your best efforts, your smile can become damaged or suffer from decay over time. Before you get upset, give us a call at Michel Dental. We offer cosmetic restorative dentistry to help make sure that your smile is not only healthy but beautiful as well.

We think that is important to make sure that treatments that improve the health of your smile also help to improve the appearance as well. This is why we practice cosmetic restorative dentistry instead of offering both cosmetic and restorative dentistry services like other practices. By combining these two types of services, we can offer a better overall dental experience.

No matter what your smile concerns might be, chances are that we can help. We offer a variety of services, including the following:

Teeth whitening
Tooth-colored fillings
Invisalign
Porcelain veneers
Cosmetic bonding
Crowns and bridges

If your smile could use some help, give us a call today. We can create a treatment plan using cosmetic restorative dentistry to help your smile become healthy, functional and attractive once again. Whether you have crooked teeth, stains, chips, or cavities, we can help address these issues for optimum smile health.

At Michel Dental, we offer quality dental care for a distinctive smile. Our Topeka dental office serves patients from Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Comments Off

Older Posts »