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Essential Oils for TMJ Pain — Do They Really Work?

July 18, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 3:36 pm
Essential oil bottles arranged on tabletop

If you have ever ventured into the world of natural medicine, you know that essential oils are a popular remedy for a wide range of ailments. Many people even use them as a way to relieve the pain of TMJ disorder (TMD). But do they really work, or are they a waste of your precious time and money? This blog post aims to help you have a balanced point of view.

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Shaky Smile Restoration: What Can Make Dental Bridges Fail?

June 18, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 4:30 pm
A closeup of a hand holding a dental bridge

Dental bridges often work for a long time, with many enduring for fifteen years or more. That said, these devices can also fail early when they don’t get regular care. If you want your own dental bridge to last, you’ll need to be careful and look after it properly. The good news is your Topeka dentist is here to ensure that happens. So, keep reading to learn what can make dental bridges fail and how to keep them working.

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Royal Ring: Why Is There a Dark Line Around My Dental Crown?

May 4, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 4:54 pm
Several dental crowns of various materials on a white surface

Dental crowns are a versatile solution that can serve various functions. For instance, they can cap a tooth that had a root canal to avoid additional injuries while restoring its functionality. They can also shield injured teeth, reshape stunted or damaged ones, anchor dental bridges, and cap dental implants to close the spaces in your smile.

If you’ve noticed a dark line forming at the base of your restoration, it’s natural to wonder what’s happening and whether you need to call the dentist. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens and what to do about it!

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Laughing Gas: What It Is and What It Isn’t

April 7, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 9:14 pm
Woman looking peaceful as dentist administers laughing gas

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish I could be sedated for my dental appointment”? If so, you’re probably one out of many, many Americans that fear the dentist. Fortunately, many practices do offer dental sedation for anxious patients, and laughing gas is one popular option. But before you include this in your treatment plan, there are a few things you should know. Keep reading to learn what laughing gas is and what it isn’t!

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My Veneers Look Great! How Long Will They Last?

March 13, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 11:29 pm
Lady smiles

Veneers have empowered countless people to achieve their ideal smiles by concealing troublesome dental defects such as chips, cracks, gaps, and stains. While these devices are a long-lasting solution, they are not permanent and will eventually need to be replaced. Here’s a brief overview of how long you can expect your veneers to last as well as a few tips for keeping them beautiful and functional.

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Recovering from All-on-4 Surgery — What Can You Expect?

February 3, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 3:36 pm
Illustration of All-on-4 dental implants in mandible

If you are interested in replacing your lost teeth with dental implants as quickly as possible, your dentist may have recommended that you undergo All-on-4 treatment. This expedited process can give you a new arch of teeth in as little as one day! However, it still requires a surgery, which naturally comes with a recovery period. What can you expect as you are healing? This blog post provides a brief guide to the All-on-4 recovery process.

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THIS Is How Long You Need to Wear Your Retainer After Invisalign

January 23, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 3:59 pm
Woman putting on retainer

After dedicating months or years to the teeth-straightening process, the day has finally arrived: your last Invisalign appointment! At this visit, your dental team will take the “after” photos, answer any questions you have about life after orthodontic treatment, and provide you with a custom retainer. Although retainers today are just as discreet and comfortable as aligners, you might still be interested in learning how long you need to wear yours. Here’s the answer!

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Caffeine Conundrum: Can You Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

January 9, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 9:26 pm
Two friends smiling while drinking coffee

In your opinion, is the best (and only) way to start your day with a warm cup of coffee? Do you love sipping on an iced latte in the afternoon to keep your energy up? If so, you might be wondering if the start of your Invisalign treatment means the end of your days enjoying this caffeinated beverage at your leisure. Here’s the answer!

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Titanium vs. Time: Can Your Dental Implants Rust?

December 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 8:49 pm
Patient looking at a model of dental implants while dentist explains

Dental implants are made from metal, so does that mean they can rust like an old pipe? While it’s logical to think so, the truth is that implant fixtures don’t “rust” in the way you might think. If you’re concerned about the security of your dental implants, continue reading. You’ll learn how your implants are built to last and why rust isn’t an issue for your smile.

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Sensitive Smiles: Why Does My Dental Implant Hurt?

November 7, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — docmichael @ 3:02 pm
Woman in brown sweater pressing hands to her face in pain

Dental implants continue to gain popularity as an ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their many unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations are inserted directly into your jawbone for added strength and stability.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely invincible. If you’re feeling dental sensitivity in or around your implant, it could point to a more serious underlying concern. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens and how your dentist can help!

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