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Michel Dental's Blog

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

January 25, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — 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.

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

January 10, 2015

Filed under: Endodontics,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — 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.

Start the New Year off Right with Preventive Dentistry in Topeka, KS

December 24, 2014

Filed under: Preventive Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 6:28 pm

Another New Year. Fresh start, clean slate, clean teeth. Yep, your read that correctly. Clean teeth. Why not start the New Year off with a beautiful and healthy smile? With preventive dentistry from Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, you and your entire family can look forward to a year of your best oral health.
As a family and general dentist, Dr. Michel’s primary concern is preventing oral health problems before you experience even one symptom. With this in mind, and following the recommendation of the American Dental Association, Dr. Michel and his team would like to see you and yours for dental checkups every six months.
At these checkups, we will clean your teeth and remove plaque, check for any signs of gum disease, examine for tooth decay and take x-rays when necessary to find hidden spots of decay. Of course, if decay is found, then Dr. Michel will want to treat as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling made of composite resin. Left untreated, decay can lead to further tooth damage, the need for root canal therapy or even tooth extraction.
In the case of gum disease, the need for expedient treatment is likewise necessary. Dr. Michel will treat with deep cleaning below the gum line and antibiotics at the site. These will help eliminate the bacteria that causes the infection of gum disease. This bacteria can spread throughout the body and increase your risk of heart disease, pulmonary infections, gastric ulcer re-infection, and other severe health issues. Thus, healthy gums are not only imperative to your oral healthy, but to your overall health, as well.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you would like to start your New Year with a clean slate and clean teeth, then call the office of Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS. We also offer preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services to patients in Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas.

Get Your Rest with Sleep Apnea Therapy in Topeka, KS

December 10, 2014

Filed under: Sleep Apnea,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 6:23 pm

Do you often feel tired or irritable during the day? Do the words, “stop snoring!” interrupt your sleep quite regularly during the night? All of these may be due to a condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea happens when you have a lapse in breathing during your sleep. These lapses may occur as many as 100 times in a night. Fortunately, there is treatment. Dr. Michael Michel of Michel Dentistry treats sleep apnea so patients in Topeka, KS, and the surrounding areas can enjoy quiet and restful nights.
The most common form of this ailment is obstructive airway sleep apnea. In this case, tissues relax while you are sleeping and may obstruct your breathing airway. Likewise, your tongue may fall back into your throat and block breathing. Snoring may also occur as breathing becomes strained and air tries to force its way through narrowed passageways. When this happens and your breathing is interrupted, your brain signals the body to awaken in order to restart breathing. If this occurs dozens of time each night, then you can surely understand why you may be sleepy and irritable during the day. Sleep apnea has also been connected with lower work productivity, automobile accidents and poor performance in school by children who have sleep apnea.

The Oasys Oral/Nasal Airway System™

Dr. Michel treats obstructive airway sleep apnea with an oral device called the Oasys Oral/Nasal Airway System. This FDA-approved snoring/sleep appliance combats snoring and sleep apnea in two ways:
• It repositions the lower jaw to open passageways and encourage optimal airflow, thus eliminating apnea episodes.
• Nasal passages are dilated to decrease airflow resistance and inhibit snoring.

Dr. Michel will specify your custom oral appliance to address your specific needs. Comfortably worn at night, the Oasys Oral/Nasal Airway System will have you sleeping peacefully and restfully night after night.

Schedule an Appointment Today
If you think that you or a loved one might have sleep apnea, then call the office of Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, for a consultation. We also conveniently serve patients in Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas.

Get a Quick Tooth Fix with Cosmetic Bonding

November 24, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 7:25 pm

If you could change one little thing about your smile, what would it be? Perhaps a slightly chipped or cracked tooth. Or maybe you have one or two teeth that are misaligned. Is there a gap between your front teeth that you’ve always wanted to close? Well then, cosmetic bonding may be the solution. With cosmetic bonding and one appointment Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, can repair your smile.

Today, cosmetic bonding is a common dental procedure in which a tooth-colored material—usually a sturdy plastic material—is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light. Cosmetic bonding is not only used to repair a host of cosmetic concerns—chips, cracks, discolored teeth, misaligned or misshapen teeth—but now these same tooth colored materials are used to fill cavities.

The Process of Cosmetic Bonding

For cosmetic bonding, Dr. Michel will carefully examine the tooth or teeth that need repair to determine whether or not cosmetic bonding is the correct treatment. If so, then he will prepare the surface of the tooth and smooth on the liquid bonding material. After the material is molded, an ultraviolet light hardens the material. Dr. Michel will then further sculpt and trim the bonding for a finish that blends seamlessly with your other teeth.
In most cases, cosmetic bonding is used to repair front teeth. So in order to preserve the strength of the bonding, Dr. Michel recommends not biting on hard foods, such as carrots or apples. Otherwise, teeth that have had cosmetic bonding require no special treatment. Simply brush and floss as you would your other teeth and your new smile will give you pleasure for years to come.

Call Our Office Today

If you would like to learn more about cosmetic bonding, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michel, call the office today. We proudly serve patients in Topeka, KS, Emporia, Lawrence and Manhattan and the surrounding areas.

TMJ Therapy in Topeka, KS

November 10, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 7:39 pm

Have you ever thought about how often you open and close your mouth? Every time you speak, eat, drink, laugh or yawn your jaw is in motion. That motion happens because of the temporomandibular joint, which is located on either side of your head just in front of your ears. If this joint operates smoothly, then you’re in luck. However, because of the complexity of this joint, there are several conditions that can cause the joint to malfunction, leading to TMJ disorder. Thankfully, Dr. Michael Michel in Topeka, KS, is well skilled in helping people with TMJ disorder.

The Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder, or dysfunction, can result from a number of causes, including a traumatic injury to the jaw. However, the most common causes begin in the mouth. For example, when teeth are misaligned, you may unknowing shift your jaw in order to adjust your bite. This shift affects the workings of the temporomandibular joint. Another very common cause is teeth grinding and clenching, or bruxism. Ordinary wear and tear on your teeth that is caused by aging may also lead to TMJ disorder.

The symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
• Jaw soreness or pain
• The sensation of an earache without infection
• A popping or clicking sound when the mouth is opened or closed
• Headaches
• Swelling on the side of the face
• Pain when chewing, biting or yawning
• Sensitive Teeth
• A stiff or locked jaw

Treating TMJ Disorder

If Dr. Michel determines during an evaluation of your jaw and chewing system that you have TMJ disorder, then he will prescribe appropriate treatment. More than likely this will be an oral appliance, or mouthguard, that you’ll wear while sleeping in order to correct misalignment and ease stressed jaw muscles. Other treatment options include building up the back teeth, stress management techniques and lifestyle alterations.

Call Our Office Today

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment today for Dr. Michel to evaluate your condition. Our office in Topeka, KS, also serves patients in Manhattan, Lawrence, Emporia and the surrounding areas.

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening

October 22, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — docmichael @ 6:35 pm

Many people go to great lengths in order to achieve the look they want. Whether it is through haircuts or getting manicures and pedicures, many people want to make sure they look their absolute best at all times. One thing that many people spend a lot of time on are their smiles. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and when you feel confident in your smile, you are able to feel confident about the way you look overall, and your general wellbeing will be improved. If you have stains on your smile, you may find it difficult being as outgoing as you may want because you feel insecure about the way you look. Fortunately, Dr. Michael E. Michel is able to whiten the smiles of his patients with ease using teeth whitening at his Topeka, KS dental office.

There are many things that contribute to your smile losing its luminescence over time. Everything from coffee, wine, and tea to dyes in food, certain medications, genetics, and the natural process of aging all play a role in your smile going from bright to dull. The wonderful thing at Dr. Michel’s dental office is that we give our patients a couple of options to whiten their smiles.

The first option is in-office teeth whitening, which is great for our patients that are constantly on the go. When you come in for your appointment, we will apply a whitening gel onto your smile, and let you sit back and relax. In as little as an hour, your smile can be up to eight shades lighter! The second option is at-home teeth whitening, and this form of whitening appeals to those who wish to have a more gradual change to their smiles. We will create custom whitening trays, promising great results and a personalized treatment. We will also give you with the whitening gel, which you fill the trays with. Simply wear the trays for an allotted amount of time each day, and your smile with effortlessly whiten! If you would like Dr. Michel’s help whitening your smile with teeth whitening, 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.

Restore Your Health with Gum Disease Therapy

October 8, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — 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.

Accomplish Discreet Orthodontic Care with Invisalign

September 24, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Orthodontics — Tags: , , , , , , , , — docmichael @ 7:38 pm

For those who have a misaligned or gapped smile, trying to find the right orthodontic treatment for you can be daunting. Though you may want a straight, perfectly aligned smile, the thought of having to wear braces with wires and brackets can completely turn you away. Many people wish for a straighter smile, but also want to look as natural as possible while undergoing their orthodontic treatment. Thankfully, Dr. Michael Michel is able to give you the discreet orthodontic care you have been wanting by offering Invisalign to his patients!

One of the main reasons why people love Invisalign is because they are able to look like themselves during their treatment. Invisalign works through a series of aligning trays, and each tray sits nearly invisibly on your smile. The trays are custom made to fit your mouth, and each tray signifies a different step in your straightening process. After wearing one aligning tray for a certain amount of time, simply switch to the next tray in the series to continue your treatment! Simple and discreet, Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults alike.

Another great benefit to Invisalign is the fact that you are not restricted to any foods or drinks. Being able to eat what you want is a benefit, as you will not have to pick food out of your wires and brackets as you would with traditional braces. Also, you are able to have better overall oral care when using Invisalign. Any time you need to brush, drink, floss, or eat, simply remove the tray and reapply when necessary. Because we will make impressions of your smile, and because each aligning tray is custom made to fit your mouth perfectly, your treatment as personalized as ever. If you would like Dr. Michel’s help in achieving a beautifully straight smile using Invisalign, 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.

Achieve a Flawless Smile with Porcelain Veneers!

September 10, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — docmichael @ 7:36 pm

For many people, having a beautiful, flawless smile is something to strive for. Having an impeccable smile is often times a smile of youthfulness and vitality, and having a perfect smile can leave a memorable first impression. If you are not confident in your smile, it can not only affect the way you view yourself, but also the way you interact with the people around you, like your family and friends. For those who want a perfect smile, thinking that they will not be able to accomplish that is a thing of the past, as Dr. Michael Michel is able to offer porcelain veneers to his patients!

Porcelain veneers are wonderful for those who wish to completely transform their smiles in a little amount of time. Being able to cover up many of your smile’s imperfections, porcelain veneers can not only improve your smile’s overall aesthetic, but also improve the way you view yourself. If your smile is gapped, misaligned, stained, chipped, or cracked, porcelain veneers can cover all of that up, only showing the faultless smile you have always wanted.

The first step to accomplishing your dream smile is setting up a consultation with Dr. Michel. He will be able to calculate the current condition of your smile, determining if porcelain veneers are a good option for you. He will be able to develop a treatment plan customized just for you, and you will also be able to ask him any questions or concerns you have, as we want you to be as well-informed as possible. We will make impressions of your smile, making sure your custom made veneers are personalized to you and will be cohesive with your facial features. Those impressions are sent to a dental lab to be made, and Dr. Michel will prepare your natural tooth by removing a small bit of enamel. When your veneers are ready, they will be placed in your prepared tooth, and made permanent with dental resin cement. At the end of the procedure, you are left with a flawless smile! If you would like Dr. Michel’s help in having a beautiful smile using porcelain veneers, 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.

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