expert type icon EXPERT

Michael A. Conrad

Dentist

Dr. Michael Conrad is a Dentist practicing in Wescosville, Pennsylvania. Dr. Conrad specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Michael A. Conrad
  • Wescosville, Pennsylvania
  • Temple University Dental School
  • Accepting new patients

Is the zirconia bridge long-lasting?

The zirconia bridge is very long lasting, probably longer lasting than the teeth it's attached to. You will have more worries of new cavities than the breakage of the bridge.Dr. READ MORE
The zirconia bridge is very long lasting, probably longer lasting than the teeth it's attached to. You will have more worries of new cavities than the breakage of the bridge.Dr. Conrad Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Can you fix gum recession with surgery?

Can you fix gum recession with surgery? Sometimes. It depends on the cause and extent of the recession. Severe recession also involves bone loss, which will need to be addressed READ MORE
Can you fix gum recession with surgery? Sometimes. It depends on the cause and extent of the recession. Severe recession also involves bone loss, which will need to be addressed through grafting of bone and gums. And if the source of he recession is not addressed, it will return. Dr. Conrad

How can I brush my teeth with implants?

If you recently had implant surgery and have healing caps covering the new implants, careful brushing arojnf the caps requires a gentle, soft toothbrush. Fully restored dental READ MORE
If you recently had implant surgery and have healing caps covering the new implants, careful brushing arojnf the caps requires a gentle, soft toothbrush. Fully restored dental implants are treated as real teeth for cleaning. Dr. Conrad

Can crowns cause sensitivity?

Any time a crown is done on a live tooth (no root canal), there is a chance for sensitivity to temperature changes and biting pressure for a short while. Reshaping the tooth for READ MORE
Any time a crown is done on a live tooth (no root canal), there is a chance for sensitivity to temperature changes and biting pressure for a short while. Reshaping the tooth for a crown can be traumatic to the pulp of the tooth, and there can be internal inflammation from that procedure resulting in those symptoms. Most of the time they go away in a few days. Before we prepare a tooth for a crown we always examine it visually and with x-rays to make sure that there is no evidence of infection or abscess. To be frank, often when a tooth needs a crown there has been a history of decay and/or trauma that may have already affected the pulp, sending the nerves and blood vessels on the path leading to the death of the pulp and an abscess. The interior condition of the pulp is not always discernable with x-rays, testing and observation. So when a crown procedure is performed to strengthen the tooth structurally, that procedure may be "the last straw" for the pulp, and extreme sensitivity can result, ultimately requiring root canal treatment to save the tooth. There are many successful crowns on vital or live teeth that never resulted in abscess. But a small percentage will deteriorate that way, and root canal will need to be done after the crown is already placed. But that percentage is so small that it would be unnecessary to have a root canal done on every tooth that needs a crown. Most root canal-treated teeth need crowns, but not all crowned teeth need root canals. It's more rare. Another factor that can cause sensitivity after a crown is a high bite. Sometimes, when you're numb from the procedure, it is difficult for you to feel that the bite is slightly high, and you may not even be able to move your mouth and jaws properly to demonstrate to the dentist that the bite is high. Then, sometime after the crown has been placed, usually just a few days, the tooth may be sensitive to temperatures (usually cold) and biting pressure. If that occurs, be sure to have your dentist check it out. Sometimes a simple bite adjustment is all that is needed to clear up the problem. I hope that I've answered your question! Dr. Conrad

Can you fix the misaligned jaw?

Depending on the exact condition,  it may be treated with a combination of orthodontics and oral surgery. 

Can you chew gum with implants?

Yes. But if you have implant crowns that are cemented in place, you always run the risk of loosening them with certain types of gum. If they are screw-retained, you should be fine. READ MORE
Yes. But if you have implant crowns that are cemented in place, you always run the risk of loosening them with certain types of gum. If they are screw-retained, you should be fine. Michael Conrad, DDS, PC

How can I fix jaw pain from dentures?

See a dentist! Dr. Conrad

How long after the implant will I get a crown?

Usually, the surgeons in my area wait for 3 months until I can begin work to make a crown for the implant. Then it's about 3 weeks later that the crown is delivered. Depending READ MORE
Usually, the surgeons in my area wait for 3 months until I can begin work to make a crown for the implant. Then it's about 3 weeks later that the crown is delivered. Depending where the implant is placed in the mouth, sometimes a crown (usually a temporary) can be placed immediately. If so, the patient is forbidden to use that tooth for 3 months until the bone heals. That is often the case when a front tooth is replaced with an implant. But the patient must be aware that the long-term prognosis for success is lower with immediate implant crowns. Dr. Conrad

What are the benefits of implant-supported dentures?

The biggest benefit is denture retention. They stay in. If you opt for removable implant-supported dentures, they will snap to special attachments on the implants. They are very READ MORE
The biggest benefit is denture retention. They stay in. If you opt for removable implant-supported dentures, they will snap to special attachments on the implants. They are very secure, but the snap portion in the denture has a silicon ring that will need to be replaced from time to time because of wear. If you opt for fixed, non-removable implant-supported dentures, you cannot remove them. Your dentist will determine how often they need to be removed professionally. It is a bit of a lengthy process, but necessary to determine how well you are cleaning them and how healthy the gums and implants are under the dentures. Implant-supported dentures give you confidence that your dentures will not slip. Since they don't move, they are more comfortable. They do not cause sore spots. They are usually smaller than conventional dentures and the palate is usually open and not covered. For some patients that is especially necessary due to gagging problems. Michael A. Conrad, DDS, PC

Can you replace all molar teeth with implants?

Yes, as long as you have enough bone to support them. (and have no health issues that could prevent implant success) Dr. Conrad

What happens to a tooth after a root canal?

Usually, if the tooth has had a history of large or multiple fillings, it is best to restore it with a crown for maximum strength. If, however, the tooth was simply injured by READ MORE
Usually, if the tooth has had a history of large or multiple fillings, it is best to restore it with a crown for maximum strength. If, however, the tooth was simply injured by a hard blow that ended up killing the pulp, and there is no prior loss of tooth structure to caries or fillings, then sometimes all that is necessary is a filling where the root canal was done. Dr. Conrad

What kind of anesthesia is used for a root canal?

Local anesthesia is used for root canal treatment. The area is numbed with an injection just like when a filling is done. Often there is a longer lasting drug that is also used READ MORE
Local anesthesia is used for root canal treatment. The area is numbed with an injection just like when a filling is done. Often there is a longer lasting drug that is also used so that any post-operative discomfort is managed better. I generally use Articaine (Septocaine), Lidocaine, and Bupivacaine in various combinations for best results. Dr. Conrad

Can you eat with a partial denture?

Yes, you can eat with partials. But it is certainly not exactly like eating with your own teeth. Though not as extreme as losing a limb and having it replaced, it takes time to READ MORE
Yes, you can eat with partials. But it is certainly not exactly like eating with your own teeth. Though not as extreme as losing a limb and having it replaced, it takes time to accommodate to any sort of denture, whether it's full or partial. A common complaint is that a partial may shift somewhat when chewing, and that can allow food particles to get trapped under the partial uncomfortably. And, if your partial replaces front teeth, you usually cannot bite securely into many foods without taking care. The replacement teeth are simply not as strong or secure as real teeth. So there are limitations, but many people have partial dentures and have learned to function well with them. Just remember that adjustment to the partial doesn't happen instantly. Be patient. Good luck, Dr. Conrad

Do removable partial dentures hurt?

Once they are adjusted and fitted properly, partial dentures shouldn't hurt. But it will usually take some time to get used to them. Face it, it is not normal to have missing teeth READ MORE
Once they are adjusted and fitted properly, partial dentures shouldn't hurt. But it will usually take some time to get used to them. Face it, it is not normal to have missing teeth replaced with metal and/or acrylic to give you artificial teeth to chew with. Everyone adapts differently. I have many patients that function quite well with partial dentures. When I see them for routine care, they seldom mention any problems with pain. Once you've accommodated, they are easily tolerable. Dr. Conrad

How should I clean my dentures?

Ideally, use a toothbrush designed for dentures and use dish soap and water. Denture toothpaste is very good, but not regular toothpaste. It has abrasive particles in it to clean READ MORE
Ideally, use a toothbrush designed for dentures and use dish soap and water. Denture toothpaste is very good, but not regular toothpaste. It has abrasive particles in it to clean stains off real teeth, and they will dull and scratch denture teeth and acrylic. Denture tablets and cleansers do not remove 100% of the plaque on dentures, and the percentage that remains will turn into tartar or calculus that needs to be cleaned off professionally. Best idea, clean with soap and water or denture toothpaste first, and, for the final cleaning, drop the dentures in denture cleaner (tablet or powder) overnight. Since you can hold the dentures in your hands and clean every part easily, there's never a reason to develop tartar on your dentures. Remember, even one night of incomplete plaque removal can lead to tartar formation that can no longer be brushed away. Dr. Conrad

Is a root canal procedure safe?

Yes. Even though very small tools are used in the procedure, safety is ensured by the use of the rubber dam. It prevents objects from going into the patient's throat and also keeps READ MORE
Yes. Even though very small tools are used in the procedure, safety is ensured by the use of the rubber dam. It prevents objects from going into the patient's throat and also keeps the treating area clean, dry and contamination-free. Dr. Conrad

Can I take antibiotics for a gum infection?

As in most answers, it depends. In your case, if it is an overall gum infection, then antibiotics would only help if you are receiving care and cleaning from your dentist. It that READ MORE
As in most answers, it depends. In your case, if it is an overall gum infection, then antibiotics would only help if you are receiving care and cleaning from your dentist. It that infection stems from lack of care on your part at home or professionally, antibiotics will only help in the short term. If you have an isolated gum infection from an injury or tooth-related problem, the antibiotics will help. But a generalized, full-mouth infection needs professional care, and antibiotics will not change that need, nor will they be a permanent solution. Dr. Conrad

Can you stop throbbing pain after a root canal?

Alternating 400 mg of ibuprofen every 2 hours with 2 Tylenol usually works well if you don't have any problems with the medications. It will be generally quite sore to any kind READ MORE
Alternating 400 mg of ibuprofen every 2 hours with 2 Tylenol usually works well if you don't have any problems with the medications. It will be generally quite sore to any kind of pressure for a week to ten days, so avoid chewing on that side for that time. If you simply cannot put your teeth together without pain, your dentist may have to adjust the bite to allow for more rapid healing. Good luck! Dr. Michael Conrad

Can you eat solid foods with partial dentures?

Yes, but it will be different. It is a learning process. You still tend to chew more on the remaining natural teeth, but you will be able to eat much better with a full set of READ MORE
Yes, but it will be different. It is a learning process. You still tend to chew more on the remaining natural teeth, but you will be able to eat much better with a full set of teeth restored with partials. Depending on the type and design of the partials, you may also have to get used to food sticking in new crevices and clasps. Always make sure that the partials and your teeth are totally clean when you insert them. Any food or plaque trapped between the partials and your own teeth can cause cavities. A partial itself cannot cause cavities, only poor oral hygiene will do that. As I said before, it's a learning process. You have to learn how to insert and remove them, how to chew and speak with them, and how to take care of them. Many people do very well with partial dentures. Good luck! Dr. Conrad

How long does a root canal procedure take on a molar tooth?

As most of my answers start out- it depends. It depends on the location in the mouth. Is it an upper or lower tooth? Lower molars generally have 3-4 canals and upper molars can READ MORE
As most of my answers start out- it depends.

It depends on the location in the mouth. Is it an upper or lower tooth? Lower molars generally have 3-4 canals and upper molars can have 4-5 canals. But every tooth is different, and not all fall into the category of usual and "normal". Some have more canals and some have fewer.

If it is a second molar and farther back, it is more difficult and time-consuming because of the limited access.

If it's a tooth that has had a lot of work done to it over many years, there may be calcification in the canals that takes longer to get past to complete the care.

Think of root canal treatment as a very long filling appointment. Finding the openings to the canals can be like trying to thread a very tiny needle upside down in a mirror. It is very delicate and precise work- and can't be rushed.

If it's a badly infected tooth, it may need more than one visit because the infection must be controlled before we can complete the root canal. Sometimes that even makes it difficult to numb the tooth, requiring multiple visits.

Generally, molar root canal treatment, if "normal", takes about 90 minutes.

Good luck!

Dr. Conrad