How Will I Know If Direct Pulp Capping Worked for My Tooth?
Last month, my dentist performed a direct pulp capping on my top left second molar. After removing decay from the tooth, my dentist said the pulp capping would resolve the exposed tooth pulp. She used a cotton pellet to control minimal bleeding. However, my dentist left some decay that she said was too close to the pulp to remove. She did the pulp capping with calcium hydroxide and a glass ionomer. I’m getting this info from my dental records. The dentist placed an amalgam filling afterward. I don’t have any pain, but I think the tooth feels a little weird. How will I know whether the treatment was successful and I won’t need a root canal? Are there symptoms I should watch for? Thanks. Johanna from GA
Johanna,
A direct pulp cap can work well, and problems usually present immediately. However, we are concerned about your dentist’s technique.
What Happens During a Direct Pulp Capping?
The following steps for direct pulp capping on exposed tooth pulp increase the procedure’s success rate and help prevent the need for root canal treatment.
- Inspect the tooth pulp to ensure it is healthy. Your dentist correctly used a cotton pellet to control bleeding. Easily controlled bleeding signals a healthy pulp that can benefit from a cap. Calcium hydroxide and glass ionomer cement are good materials for the base. However, bonding a composite filling rather than placing an amalgam filling is the best way to seal the tooth and keep bacteria out.
- Remove all decay. Without removing all decay, bacteria in the tooth remain. It can slowly grow, cause an infection, and create the need for root canal treatment.
After a year or two, ask your dentist to x-ray the tooth. If the tooth is healthy, the dentist can remove the decay and replace the filling. The dentist may opt for a crown if removing decay significantly decreases tooth structure. A tooth that responds well to the procedure will develop a protective dentin layer beneath the filling.
We are glad that you don’t have any symptoms from the procedure. If your tooth becomes uncomfortable, see your dentist or ask for a referral to an endodontist (root canal specialist).
Rocky Hill, Connecticut, dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post. Read how he provides some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.
4 Reasons Dental Insurance is an Investment
Nowadays, more Americans than ever have private dental insurance. In fact, about two-thirds of people have coverage, but less than 3% of adults reach their annual limits. If you’re among those who pay a monthly premium for your policy, you’re making an investment in your oral health. Unfortunately, your benefits are about to expire. You won’t be reimbursed for anything you don’t use. Here are 4 reasons you should use your dental insurance before the end of the year.
Maximize Your Dental Insurance in Rocky Hill Now
If you have been putting off going to the dentist, now is the ideal time to schedule an appointment. As the end of the year approaches, your unused dental benefits are about to expire. Your dental benefits will not carry over for accumulation into next year. If you do not use your dental insurance in Rocky Hill now, you are missing out on an opportunity to receive affordable care. As your dentist, Dr. Michalski strives to make dental care accessible. Dr. Michalski and his staff will help you maximize the value of your dental benefits before the year comes to an end.
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Rocky Hill, CT dentist says good eating helps oral health
Do you wish to achieve your best smile ? How your mouth looks, feels and functions rests on what you eat and drink. Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski, Rocky Hill, CT dentist, wants his patients to know and to incorporate good nutrition into their daily lives. Your smart diet is an integral part of preventive dental care. (more…)
Come See Your Family Dentist in Rocky Hill, CT
Does time fly or what?! Seems like just yesterday we were wishing everyone, “Happy New Year!” and now January is almost behind us. Before more time passes, schedule the first of your biannual dental checkups today with Rocky Hill, CT, family dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone see their dentist at least twice each year in order to prevent dental and oral health problems.
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The Dentist Rocky Hill, CT, Trusts Provides Comprehensive Dental Care
Are you in the market for a professional, experienced and caring dentist in the 06067 area? Then look no further. Dr. Thaddeus Michalski is the general and family dentist who also specializes in cosmetic and implant dentistry that people from Rocky Hill and all over the surrounding area rely on for everything they need for their dental care. Dr. Michalski and his team of dental assistants and dental hygienists treat each and every patient individually and with the kindness and gentleness they want for themselves and their own families.
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Flossing Your Teeth Is Easy If You Do It Right
Many people don’t really think much of flossing these days. They often believe that brushing alone will keep their mouths healthy, but this isn’t true. Brushing helps keep oral health in good standing, but it can’t do the job alone. Flossing is just as vital as brushing. It helps keep the spaces between your teeth free of harmful bacteria, food particles and more. When a patient chooses not to floss their teeth, they’re practically inviting bacteria to multiply and throw a party in your mouth. Flossing helps break up this party for good and keeps those hard-to-reach areas for toothbrushes clean.
There’s no need to feel embarrassed if you’re unsure of the proper way to floss your teeth. It’s never too late to learn, and now is a great time. True, you won’t experience a disease overnight if you don’t floss your teeth, but if it becomes habit then you will end up with a dental problem on your hands. Our Rocky Hill, CT office has plenty of additional dental services that can help keep your oral health operating at maximum efficiency. Dr. Michalski is the dentist Rocky Hill, CT residents can trust to keep their oral health in excellent standing.
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Rocky Hill, CT dentist, Thaddeus S. Michalski, D.M.D. wants patients to benefit from proper toothbrushing
Rocky Hill, CT dentist, Thaddeus S. Michalski, and his team excel at preventive dentistry. To keep tooth enamel and gums at their healthiest, they teach patients the foundation of good oral hygiene–correct brushing technique.
Proper toothbrushing technique is simple, but very important. Truly the frontline in defending tooth enamel from decay and gums from periodontal disease, children and adults alike should practice the proper way to keep teeth sparkling and healthy for great dental longevity.
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Your Rocky Hill Dentist has a New and Improved Website
At the dental practice of Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski, we are committed to providing the latest technology, best care, and most convenient access for our patients. As part of our continuing development, you may have noticed we made a few changes to our website. These changes were made with you in mind. We know you have your choice of dental practices in the Rocky Hill, CT area, and we want you to know you’ve chosen the most skilled dental practice that works to fit your schedule and lifestyle. Thank you for your interest in our practice, and for supporting the work we do to put a smile on your face. Call today to schedule an appointment, or find out more about Dr. Michalski’s dental practice.
General Dentistry with a Smile for the Whole Family
We’ve been dedicated to providing you with the most welcoming, comfortable family dentistry experience for years. We’ve always stood out as the leader in dental technology and procedure innovations, and we are at the forefront of “green” dental care. Our office works to conserve energy and water whenever possible, but we’ve invested in the future with renewable energy sources. We use solar panels to produce more than half of our electricity significantly reducing the amount of energy we consume. Our water, heating and air conditioning systems are maintained using three heat pumps that cycle water through wells. This process is known as geo thermal exchange. We are able to use the consistent ground temperature to heat and cool our office, and heat given off by the pumps is used to heat our water.
Additionally, Dr. Michalski commits hours each year to continuing education in numerous areas of general dentistry. Our office is committed to having pure air and reducing toxins so that you and your whole family know you can breathe easy. In everything we do, our practice goes above and beyond to give you the best care. Our website is no exception. Our 2015 website revamp looks great, and reflects our philosophy to offer our patients superior service by helping them meat their dental health care goals in their budget, on their schedule. Beyond the beauty of the new site, we’ve improved the function. Small changes can make a huge difference. We’ve added two links that will appear on every page: a link to request an appointment with us no matter what page you’re looking at, and the other link to the testimonials you’ve given so that new patients can learn more about what you’ve been telling us about our practice.
Restorative, Implant, Cosmetic and Sedation Dentistry
Our general dentistry practice serves the whole family, and offers a full range of dental care options. Our restorative dentistry options to return your smile to its natural strength and beauty, are the best in the area. Dr. Michalski’s dedication to you means that he continues to learn about innovations that can give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. We are proud to offer the Prettau Bridge. This restoration is a unique, implant supported bridge that will fully restore the form and function of your bite. We also offer numerous dental implants to meet all of your needs, and Dr. Michalski is truly an expert implantologist. He has earned fellowship and diplomat with the International Congress of Implantologists.
Cosmetic dentistry is still not recognized by the American Dental Association as a dental specialization, but that has stopped Dr. Michalski from honing his skills. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and maintains the most up-to-date knowledge of cosmetic dentistry innovations and treatments. Check out our cosmetic service pages, or call today for more information about how we can help you achieve the picture-perfect smile of your dreams.
Sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry is growing in popularity. More than 50% of Americans suffer from some level of dental anxiety, and oral conscious sedation can help. Dr. Michalski offers safe, relaxing sedation for patients with anxiety, strong gag reflexes, those who need extensive dental work, and many other reasons. If you’re interested in finding out more about sedation dentistry, check out our site, and call Dr. Michalski for a consultation.
Find Out More
We invite you to take a look at the great new look and all the cool features of our website update. Remember your comments and requests helped us plan our updates, and we always appreciate your feedback. If you want to find out more about any of our services, or schedule an appointment, call today. Dr. Michalski and his dedicated staff welcome patients from Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Newington, Wethersfield, Berlin, Hartford, and beyond.
Tooth-Colored Fillings for a Naturally Beautiful Smile with Dr. Michalski
For nearly 100 years, dental cavities were filled with an amalgam of metals, including silver, copper, tin, and mercury. While these amalgam fillings were effective at keeping further decay at bay, pioneers in the dental field felt that the formula could stand to improve. Today, we use composite resin to create tooth-colored fillings instead of unsightly metal amalgam fillings. With Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski as your trusted partner, you can achieve lasting oral health in a way that still looks and feels completely natural.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Amalgams
No one likes a mouth full of dark metal fillings; it’s a well-known fact that white, luminous teeth are the hallmarks of a healthy, attractive smile. If your smile falls victim to dental caries (cavities), you shouldn’t have to endure the appearance of shiny metal amalgams just to regain your oral health. With composite resin tooth-colored fillings, you can enjoy a healthy smile that looks beautiful and confident without any of the drawbacks of amalgam fillings.
The benefits of tooth-colored fillings go beyond the cosmetic. In fact, composite resin fillings are actually considered better for your teeth in general. This is because their placement requires less of your natural tooth to be removed in preparation. The resin actually forms a tighter seal with your enamel as well, preventing further decay following your filling procedure. In addition, tooth-colored fillings will not adversely react to changes in temperature like amalgams do, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that your restoration will remain intact for years to come without damaging your teeth.
A Natural Approach You Can Trust
At the office of Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski in Rocky Hill, CT, we believe that dentistry should align with nature as often as possible. That is why we take a genuinely “green” approach to our work, only offering treatments that utilize non-toxic materials like composite resin for dental fillings. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of tooth-colored fillings, contact us today. We can help you make an informed decision regarding your oral health, offering valuable advice and insight about a wide range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry solutions. Our state-of-the-art dental practice in Rocky Hill, CT is proud to serve families from throughout the surrounding communities, including those in Wethersfield, Newington, Berlin, Cromwell, Hartford, and beyond.