2/27/2015 8:46:00 AM |
Anonymous
Dentures have become the most affordable solution for
replacing teeth, and can be a very effective option for patients. Although many
patients opt for
dentures, it can take a while to get used to these foreign objects resting on your gums. If your
dentures are causing serious discomfort or pain, it is important you contact
your dentist right away, but if you are simply trying to become accustomed to
your new teeth, there are a few things you can do.
Practice in front of
the mirror: Speaking and smiling with your new dentures can prove to be a
challenge. It may be awkward to move your mouth in certain positions that
seemed normal before. Stand in front of a mirror and practice smiling and saying
words that cause your dentures to shift, taking note of the way your dentures
move. As you practice, you’ll become more comfortable and your dentures will no
longer get in your way.
Try an adhesive: If
you find that your dentures are constantly slipping, try using a denture
adhesive to keep them in place. An adhesive will stabilize your dentures while also providing a sealant against food debris. Denture adhesive can also make
for a healthier smile in the long run by keeping bacteria at bay.
Start out smaller with
foods: Chewing food might be your biggest obstacle with dentures. As you
move your mouth to chew, your dentures may begin to shift. Start with soft foods
and gradually introduce foods that involve more chewing. Foods that are sticky
or crunchy may be difficult to eat at first, so save those until after you have
become comfortable eating softer foods like eggs or oatmeal.
Don’t give up: It
is definitely possible to wear dentures that function like natural teeth, all
it takes is some patience and practice. Just give it time! Soon you will be
smiling, speaking, and eating the foods you love in no time with your new dentures.
Call Us Today!
If you are experiencing issues with your dentures, don’t
hesitate to call
Dr. Michael Kowalik in Burbank! We can make adjustments to
your dentures and help you get used to your new set of teeth.
For more information about complete or partial dentures or
to schedule an appointment, call us today!
2/12/2015 8:13:00 AM |
Anonymous
Cosmetic dentistry is becoming one of the most popular ways
to enhance a smile. Now more than ever, dentists are offering a variety of
cosmetic services to their patients. But besides its ability to improve your
looks, cosmetic dentistry has other benefits as well – some of which you may
not believe!
Here are some benefits of cosmetic dentistry that you may
not have known.
Your appearance
improves
Well, you probably knew about this one – it’s pretty
obvious. No matter what cosmetic procedure you receive, your smile will become
more attractive, which means that you can look and feel your best no matter
what!
Your oral health
improves
Some cosmetic procedures have restorative benefits as well.
Treatments such as composite fillings and dental implants are able to create a
more polished and healthier smile, while also keeping your mouth infection
free.
Your pain is
eliminated
When your teeth are crooked, infected, or have gone missing,
it’s likely that you will start to experience some physical discomfort. Some patients
experience jaw or joint pain, headaches and toothaches when their smile isn’t
in its best shape. Cosmetic dentistry can rid your smile of what’s causing your
pain!
You’ll make a better
first impression
Studies have shown that those with a straighter, brighter
smile make better first impressions socially and professionally. Since a
healthy-looking smile is associated with good oral hygiene, it’s important to
gain a smile that looks its best and advance your personal relationships.
Your self-confidence
will boost
A cosmetic fix to your dental issues will take away any
apprehension about smiling. You can rest assured that you no longer need to
hide your teeth when you opt for a cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Call Us Today!
Dr. Michael Kowalik offers cosmetic dentistry services in
his Burbank dental office. For more information about the services he provides
or to schedule an appointment, call us today!
1/29/2015 9:36:00 AM |
Anonymous
It’s true that dental implants have revolutionized the field
of restorative dentistry, and many patients with one or more missing teeth have
jumped on the opportunity to receive dental implants. However, during their
initial consultation, their dentist may inform them that they will need a bone
graft in order to proceed with implants.
Bone grafting sounds scary, but modern technology has created
a way for patients to restore their oral cavity with minimal pain and
predictable results.
Here’s How it Works
Typically, bone grafting involves the placement of the mineral
content from animal bone into the deteriorating human jaw. The bone is sterilized
and used as a placeholder for the human bone.
Through a process called “guided
tissue regeneration,” the human body begins to recognize the animal bone as
human and, over time, replaces the animal bone with natural human jaw bone
tissue.
There are three common bone grafting procedures that a
patient may receive.
- The Alveolar Ridge Preservation Graft
- The Autogenus Ramus Chin Graft
- The Subantral Graft
Patients may receive one or a combination of these bone
grafting procedures. The most beneficial procedure will be determined by your
dentist. During a consultation, your dentist will discuss varying bone grafting
options, as the procedure may be a prerequisite for dental implants.
Why Would You Need
Bone Grafting?
Prior to dental implants, dentures were the main form of
restoration for patients with missing teeth. Dentures, however, have caused
some setbacks for patients. It turns out that the main reason why we have
strong jaw bones is due to their support of our natural teeth. If our teeth go
missing, the jaw bone immediately begins to deteriorate.
Atrophy of the jaw bone also occurs in long-time denture
wearers, since there is nothing within the jaw bone for it to support. And when
a denture wearer opts for dental implants, a bone grafting procedure may be
needed to restore the bone that has been lost from years of denture use.
If your dentist suggests bone grafting before your implant
procedure, there is nothing to fear. Your dentist will thoroughly explain which
procedure they think is best, as well as how each of them work.
Your dentist
can answer any questions about the procedure pre or post-operative.
Have More Questions?
Give Us a Call!
Dr. Kowalik places and restores dental implants in his
Burbank dental office. For more information about dental implants and bone
grafting or to schedule a consultation, call us today!
11/4/2014 9:44:00 AM |
Anonymous
We're excited to announce the official launch of the Michael Kowalik, DDS blog.
We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental
industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.
We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our
patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection
of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our
current and future patients.
If you would like to stay up to date on the latest from Michael Kowalik, DDS, simply
click the RSS “Subscribe to feed” link located on our website and
subscribe. Our subscribers will be updated when we make a new blog post.
Here's to your best oral health ever!