Michel Dental's Blog

Your Topeka Painless Dentist

July 6, 2015

Many people assume that dentistry has to be painful. Dental care is often portrayed negatively focusing on drills, and old fashioned tooth extraction. Patients who look terrified laying on uncomfortable chairs, so it’s no surprise how many millions of Americans report experiencing some level of dental anxiety. At Michel Dental, we don’t think visiting the dentist should hurt. Dr. Michael E. Michel and his skilled team will alleviate your dental pain without causing you more discomfort. Numerous dental health care issues have severely painful effects when left untreated. Preventive care and TMJ, endodontic therapy, and periodontic treatment from Dr. Michel, ensure you’ll have a lifetime of painless smiles. Call Michel Dental in Topeka, KS to schedule an appointment with painless dentist.

TMJ Dentist, Topeka

One of the most painful oral health care concerns a patient can experience is temporomandibular joint dysfunction often called TMJ or TMD. TMD may start as clicking or grinding in the temporomandibular joint (the joint that connect your jawbone – mandible to the rest of your skull), but TMD can lead to extreme pain when opening or closing your mouth, inability to open the mouth wide enough to eat or drink, headaches, neck pain, earaches, and even deafness in extreme cases. Dr. Michel has advanced studies in TMJ dysfunction and treatment through Bio Research prepared him to offer patients non-surgical answers to relieving their TMJ pain.

Endodontics Root Canal Therapy to Relieve Pain

Endodontics is the study and care of the inner tooth (pulp and nerves). Dr. Michel’s years of experience in endodontics make him an ideal choice to relieve pain related to infection of the inner tooth structures. You likely think root canal therapy has to hurt. Root canals have always been the stuff of dentistry nightmares, but innovative care from Dr. Michel will help relieve your pain not cause you more. Most of the pain associated with root canals is caused when the nerve housed inside the root canal is exposed to infection making the tooth extremely sensitive and causing pain. Root Canal Therapy removes the infection, but preserves as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.

Periodontics Gum Disease Therapy

More than 50% of Americans suffer from some level of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease can make eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, and other daily activities painful. More importantly, infection in the gums can spread through the body leading to fever and nausea, gum tissue or bone loss as well as increasing risk of heart disease, blood clot, and stroke. Periodontal therapy from Michel Dental will help you return to a healthy, pain free smile. By eliminating the infection and discovering the cause of the infection, Dr. Michel doesn’t just treat your gums. He helps you maintain periodontal health going forward.

Contact us for Painless Dentistry, Silver Lake

If you experience tooth pain or discomfort, Dr. Michel can help you reduce pain and improve your overall oral health. Dentistry doesn’t have to hurt, and at Michel Dental, we’ll help you look and feel great. Call us for an appointment today. Our Topeka, KS practice welcomes patients from surrounding communities including Silver Lake, Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan.

Comments Off

Silver Lake Family Dentist – Michael E. Michel

June 6, 2015

Filed under: Family Dentistry,General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: children's dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry Dr. Michel, cosmetic dentistry Topeka, cosmetic restorative dentistry, dental checkup, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, endodontics, Family Dentistry, general dentistry, gum disease, gum disease therapy, Invisalign, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Michel Dental endodontics, oral cancer, periodontal treatment, preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, restorative dentistry Dr. Michel, root canal therapy, Silver Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, Silver Lake Family Dentistry, teeth whitening topeka, TMJ dysfunction, tmj therap dr. michel, tmj therapy, tmj therapy michel dental, Topeka, Topeka cosmetic dentistry, Topeka dentistry, Topeka preventive dentistry — docmichael @ 1:41 pm

It’s never easy choosing a new physician or finding one who can treat the whole family, but Dr. Michael E. Michel opened his Topeka, KS family dentistry practice more than 30 years ago. His years of experience, education, and continual dedication to serving his patients of all ages make Michel Dental a great option for the oral health of the whole family from pediatric to geriatric. Whatever your dental health care needs, Dr. Michel treats the whole family in one of two convenient locations. Call to schedule an appointment with our Silver Lake or Topeka, KS offices today.

(more…)

Comments Off

Outstanding smiles start with the best Silver Lake cosmetic dentist at Michel Dental.

May 25, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening topeka, Topeka, Topeka dentistry — docmichael @ 4:02 pm

Teeth whitening, white crowns, and porcelain veneers are just part of cosmetic dental services at Michel Dental, the quality cosmetic dentist in Silver Lake, KS. Dr. Michael E. Michel creates outstanding, healthy and lasting smiles for patients of all ages.

You’ve taken great care of your teeth and gums. Exams, cleanings, preventing big problems by addressing small ones–you are on top of your dental health. Still, though, you aren’t satisfied with how your smile looks, and frankly, your self-image is suffering.

It’s time to consult Silver Lake cosmetic dentist, Michael E. Michel DDS. Wonderfully well-versed and skilled in general and restorative dentistry , Dr. Michel and his staff also offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry to individuals in the Silver Lake and Topeka area. They understand that a lasting smile needs to be an attractive smile. It’s an important part of your whole-mouth health and well-being.

Cosmetic dentistry in Silver Lakes gives you several aesthetic options.

When your mouth is healthy, free of cavities, gum disease and extensive restorations, your Silver Lake cosmetic dentist can present you with many ways to create the smile of your dreams. Dr. Michel will do a complete exam and some imaging before presenting you with the smile makeover plan that’s right for your whole-mouth health, well-being and budget.

For instance, if your teeth have a stained, yellowed appearance, professional Silver Lake teeth whitening can brighten your smile by several shades. Whether with custom-fitted, gel-filled trays at home or with in-office concentrated hydrogen peroxide, teeth whitening transforms smiles changed by:

aging
smoking
acidic foods
densely colored beverages such as black tea, cola and coffee
some medications
root canal therapy

In –office whitening protects gums and other soft tissues from sensitivity and takes only about an hour. Patients go home with a touch-up kit for results that last 1 to 2 years.

Porcelain veneers are a frequent stand-alone cosmetic treatment or may be added to teeth whitening. Veneers or dental laminates are thin, but durable, shells of translucent porcelain. Individually crafted according to dental impressions, veneers cover the front side of teeth that have:

chips or fractures
stains
gaps, crowding or misalignment problems
odd shapes or sizes

Dr. Michel prepares the tooth surface by removing a half-millimeter of enamel. When the veneers are ready, he glues them to the teeth, adjusting bite and shape. He may use cosmetic bonding with composite resin to achieve a final, smooth and complete look that lasts with good hygiene.

Other cosmetic-restorative services are available.

Combining aesthetic and restoration are Michel Dental services such as Invisalign® clear braces for a variety of orthodontic issues in older teens and adults who want a straight smile without obvious brackets and wires. Tooth-colored fillings and white crowns restore teeth compromised by injury or decay for a just-like-new appearance. Fixed bridgework fills in gaps left by missing teeth, improving facial structure, speaking and eating.

Find out more about cosmetic dentistry in Silver Lake.

Contact Michael E. Michel DDS PA and his staff for more information on how modern cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile beautifully. Call (785) 273-7350. We serve adults and children in Silver Lake and Topeka, KS, as well as from the surrounding areas of Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan.

Comments Off

Your Silver Lake dentist, Michel Dental, strives for your whole-mouth health

May 10, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Silver Lake, Topeka, Topeka dentistry, whole mouth health — docmichael @ 3:46 pm

Whole-mouth health keeps your whole body on track. Your Silver Lake, KS, dentist, Michael E. Michel DDS, takes care of your dental cleanings, exams, cosmetic procedures and restorations to ensure you look and feel your best.

What’s the point of a good-looking smile if your gums and bone structure are compromised? The best of modern general dentistry aims for whole-mouth health in an attractive smile that lasts a lifetime.

Michael E. Michel DDS PA, your Silver Lake family dentist, and his hard-working, friendly team aim for the best of modern general dentistry. From routine dental exams, x-rays and cleanings to cosmetic improvement with teeth whitening to TMJ and sleep apnea therapies, Michel Dental builds a healthy mouth for a healthy you.

The foundation of a great smile is regular dental care.

Daily brushing and flossing are critical to dental health, but your Silver Lake family dentist, Dr. Michel, also emphasizes the semi-annual oral exam and cleaning. Comfortable in Michel Dental’s bright and efficient atmosphere, patients get thorough check-ups that:

look for tooth decay
examine the health of gums and other soft tissues of the mouth with gentle periodontal probing
assess jaw alignment and how teeth bite together
visualize bone and root structure with periodic x-rays
inspect hidden areas of the mouth with innovative intraoral camera imaging

Hygienic cleanings remove plaque and tartar from between teeth and at the gumline, avoiding the bacterial infections and gum disease that cause bone and tooth loss and impact other body systems. Prevention is a hallmark of care by your Silver Lake, KS, family dentist.

Dental problems are addressed with skill and compassion.

When dental issues arise, Dr. Michel’s extensive education, skill and experience can address them quickly and correctly. His restorative dental services include:

tooth colored fillings
natural-looking white crowns, onlays and inlays (partial crowns)
endodontics or root canal therapy
fixed bridgework
periodontics ( root scaling and instillation with antibiotics)

In addition, Dr. MIchel offers innovative diagnostic testing and non-surgical treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint ) dysfunction and sleep apnea, both of which impact overall health. Quick and objective Joint Vibration Analysis detects any friction in teeth, jaw joints and muscles which cause classic jaw clicking, headaches and other symptoms of this jaw issue. For sleep apnea, Dr. Michel has the OASYS sleep device which helps eliminate the sleepless nights, interrupted breathing, snoring and systemic effects individuals can experience.

You can be confident in your smile, too.

Dr. Michel offers many outstanding cosmetic services for the healthy smile that just needs a little aesthetic improvement. These procedures include:

Invisalign® clear braces for teens and adults
teeth whitening for a noticeably brighter smile
porcelain veneers to correct color, shape and size

You and your dentist in the Silver Lake community will discuss your goals for an outstanding, confident smile.

Get your oral health on track.

Best of all, this award-winning member of the Kansas Dental Association is committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of all his patients. He values continuing education for himself, his staff and for his patients, too.

Why not call Michel Dentist for a consultation? Great whole-mouth health can begin today! Phone (785) 273-7350. We serve adults and children in Silver Lake and Topeka, KS, as well as from the surrounding areas of Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan.

Comments Off

Invisalign for Straight Teeth in Topeka, KS

April 25, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Invisalign, Lawrence, Michel Dental, Topeka, Topeka dentistry — docmichael @ 10:01 pm

If you’re an adult and you think you’re stuck with the smile you have, then think again. At Michel Dental in Topeka, KS, we have changed—and by changed we mean improved—the smiles of many adults. One common complaint is crooked teeth. But as an adult you may not want to be bothered by the appearance or the feeling of having a mouthful of metal in your mouth. Fortunately, Dr. Michael Michel offers Invisalign®. With this orthodontic treatment, you can have braces that almost no one will notice.

Invisalign, as the name suggests, straightens teeth practically invisibly. This system uses clear BPA-free plastic aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. The plastic is smooth and comfortable, not like the brackets and wires of traditional braces that can cause gum and soft tissue abrasions. In addition, these clear aligners are removable, so you can eat and drink the foods you love and brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. And with Invisalign, fewer appointments in the office are required, so you don’t need to adjust your busy schedule all that much in order to have a straight smile.

The Invisalign Treatment

The path to straight teeth begins with impressions, photos and x-rays of your existing smile. From these, the Invisalign lab creates a 3-D representation of your teeth, which Dr. Michel uses to create a treatment plan. This plan shows you how your teeth will move and shows the Invisalign lab how to produce your aligners. These will arrive in our office in a series of sets. You’ll wear each set for approximately two weeks and then move on to the next. As time passes, your teeth will move into their proper position and your smile will become straighter and straighter. After 12 to 18 months, you’ll have the straight smile you didn’t think you’d ever have.

Call Our Office Today

To find out if Invisalign is right for you, call Michel Dental and schedule a consultation. We serve adults and children in Topeka, KS, as well as from the surrounding areas of Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan.

Comments Off

Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS

April 10, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry Dr. Michel, cosmetic dentistry Topeka, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, porcelain veneers, Topeka, Topeka cosmetic dentistry, Topeka dentistry — docmichael @ 9:56 pm

Spring has sprung and thoughts turn to love. If you’d love to enhance your smile, then Dr. Michael Michel at Michel Dental in Topeka, KS, has the right cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. With porcelain veneers, Dr. Michel can correct the flaws in your smile and give you one to fall in love with.

If you tend to cover your mouth every time you smile or laugh, then you should really consider permanently covering your smile with porcelain veneers. Made of thin layers of dental porcelain, veneers are adhesively bonded to the front side of the teeth in your smile zone. They can correct a number of smile imperfections, including:

Teeth with chips
Teeth that are slightly cracked
Somewhat misaligned teeth
Stained or discolored teeth that have not responded to whitening
Teeth with gaps in between them
Uneven teeth
Teeth that are unusually worn

The Porcelain Veneer Process

Once Dr. Michel determines that you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers, then you are probably only two appointments away from having a smile that is certain to put a spring in your step. At your first visit, you and Dr. Michel will discuss your smile goals while always keeping in mind that you want your veneers to be appropriate for your mouth, your face and even your complexion. A treatment plan will be devised, so you can see what your smile will look like when your veneers are placed.

Then, Dr. Michel will prepare your teeth and take a molded impression, which is sent to our reliable dental lab. While your permanent veneers are being fabricated, you’ll wear temporaries to protect your teeth. When your custom veneers arrive, you’ll return to our office for Dr. Michel to cement them on to your teeth. Each will be trimmed and polished as needed for a perfect fit.

Schedule an Appointment Today

To learn more about how porcelain veneers can enhance your smile, call Michel Dental. We serve adults and children in Topeka, KS, as well as from the surrounding areas of Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan.

Comments Off

Children’s Dentistry in Topeka, KS

March 25, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: children's dentist, children's dentist Topeka, children's dentistry, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Topeka — docmichael @ 5:53 pm

Oh those precious little ones with their precious little smiles. How quickly they grow. But while they are little, it’s important to care for their dental health, so children have a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime of good oral health care. At Michel Dental in Topeka, KS, we want to help you instill the value of dental health, which is why children’s dentistry is an integral part of our preventive dentistry practice.

Truth be told, children’s dentistry begins long before you bring your children to see Dr. Michael Michel for their first checkups, and it begins at home with you. As soon as you see that first baby tooth break through those pink gums, it’s time to start cleaning their teeth. Just take a soft cloth that’s been dampened with warm water and wipe their teeth after feeding. As more teeth appear, you can begin to use a small, soft toothbrush with a dab of toothpaste.

Children’s Dentistry at Michel Dental

Around the time that your children are three years old, Dr. Michel will want to start seeing them in the office for dental checkups every six months. At these exams, we’ll clean their teeth and remove any plaque buildup, assess the health of their gums—yes, children can have gum disease—and we’ll take digital x-rays when necessary. Of course, if we find anything of concern, such as a cavity, we’ll want to treat with expediency in order to prevent a little problem from becoming a big one.

Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are another important component of children’s dentistry. Fluoride is a mineral that has been shown to strengthen teeth’s enamel. Dr. Michel may want to apply a topical fluoride treatment to boost the enamel’s ability to fight dental caries and tooth decay. Dental sealants are a clear or white plastic coating that Dr. Michel “paints” on to your children’s deeply grooved molars, creating a physical barrier between decay-causing bacteria and teeth.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If it’s time for your children to see the dentist, then call the office of Dr. Michel. We serve adults and children in Topeka, KS, as well as from the surrounding areas of Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan.

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

Nutrition Tips for Dental Health from Dr. Michael Michel

February 25, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry,Preventive Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: dental checkup, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, nutrition, nutrition for dental health, Topeka, Topeka dentistry, Topeka preventive dentistry — docmichael @ 4:07 pm

Did you know that eating right isn’t only important to your general health and wellbeing, it’s also important to your oral health, too? The foods and beverages you choose to consume directly—and we mean directly—affect the health of your teeth and gums. Obviously, your mouth is the point of entry for everything you eat and drink, so it should come as no surprise that your diet affects your oral health. With this in mind, Dr. Michael Michel and his staff in Topeka, KS, would like to offer some advice on how you can eat well and maintain your oral health, too.

What Foods Should You Eat?

Let’s begin by focusing on the foods that are helpful to your teeth and gums. First, dairy products such as cheese, milk and plain yogurt, along with calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens and almonds, are foods that benefit dental health. These foods are high in calcium, which strengthens teeth just as it does bones. Protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk and eggs are good sources of phosphorus. Both calcium and phosphorus fortify and rebuild tooth enamel.

Even though fresh fruits and vegetables contain some sugars, they balance that out with fiber and water to clean your teeth, making them a healthy diet choice. Fruits and vegetables also stimulate saliva production to rinse decay-causing acids and food particles away from teeth and gums. Plus, many contain vitamin C, which promotes healthy gums, and vitamin A, another nutrient that builds tooth enamel.

What Foods and Drinks Should You Avoid?

The foods and drinks you try to avoid in order to maintain a healthy diet and healthy weight are essentially the same foods you should avoid for the sake of your dental health. Sweet treats—candy (especially hard or sticky candy), cookies, cakes, muffins—all contain sugars that stick to your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on these sugars and release acids that cause tooth decay. Likewise starchy foods, such as potato chips and crackers, have the same effect.

Sodas, juices, sweetened teas and coffee, some sports drinks, lemonade and limeade literally bathe your teeth in sugar, which causes tooth decay. Choose water instead, and occasionally choose tap water, which is fluoridated.

Call Our Office Today

In conjunction with a healthy diet, regular dental checkups are a must for maintaining oral health. So, schedule an appointment with Dr. Michel in Topeka, KS. We also conveniently serve patients in 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

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »