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
Acid Attack and the Reality of Tooth Decay
Teeth have one great weakness: acid. It eats away tooth structure. Where does acid come from? Our diets. Acidic foods and drinks directly affect and dissolve tooth enamel....
Broken Tooth and Swelling
You need to be seen ASAP. The type of swelling you describe is often one short step away from hospitalization and serious, sometimes even life-threatening complications. In general, READ MORE
You need to be seen ASAP. The type of swelling you describe is often one short step away from hospitalization and serious, sometimes even life-threatening complications. In general, no practitioner would prescribe antibiotics for such a case without seeing you first. It's too dangerous to do that without knowing what we're dealing with. If it is an upper tooth, there is danger of it going into the sinus and leading to a brain infection. If it is a lower tooth, there is danger of swelling into the throat leading to airway obstruction. In both cases the patient can become septic. You can apply warm, moist heat to the area to help reduce swelling. Very warm salt water rinses also help.
Do not use ice for an infection like this. The cold makes it feel better but actually makes the swelling worse. Please get care immediately.
Dr. Conrad
Do not use ice for an infection like this. The cold makes it feel better but actually makes the swelling worse. Please get care immediately.
Dr. Conrad
What is wrong with my tongue
If it is not responding to Nystatin (which is an anti fungal drug), you
should see an oral surgeon immediately.
Dr. Conrad
should see an oral surgeon immediately.
Dr. Conrad
Can you wear a retainer with veneers?
If it's a removable retainer with wires that go over the front teeth, it could be a problem. If it's an Invisalign-type that snaps over the teeth, you should be OK. In any case, READ MORE
If it's a removable retainer with wires that go over the front teeth, it could be a problem. If it's an Invisalign-type that snaps over the teeth, you should be OK. In any case, please contact your orthodontist or general dentist (whoever made the retainer) and advise them about your veneer plans.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
How long is your mouth sore after getting dental implants?
Generally not long at all. Some of my patients report no pain at all. Others report only needing a few ibuprofen for one day. But of course, it varies depending on how much READ MORE
Generally not long at all. Some of my patients report no pain at all. Others report only needing a few ibuprofen for one day. But of course, it varies depending on how much work is necessary to place the implant. I personally have had a number of them placed and had no discomfort whatsoever.
How long will a temporary dental crown last?
If your temporary crown is put on with temporary cement, count on no more than 2-3 months of crown life. Sometimes we will temporize a questionable tooth and use permanent cement READ MORE
If your temporary crown is put on with temporary cement, count on no more than 2-3 months of crown life. Sometimes we will temporize a questionable tooth and use permanent cement to see how the tooth will react over a longer time before committing to a more costly permanent crown.
Temporary crown life also depends on what and how you eat. If you chew hard on it, it can break. If you eat sticky foods on it, it can come off the tooth.
There's a reason why it's called a "temporary".
Dr. Conrad
Temporary crown life also depends on what and how you eat. If you chew hard on it, it can break. If you eat sticky foods on it, it can come off the tooth.
There's a reason why it's called a "temporary".
Dr. Conrad
How do you clean badly stained dentures?
If your dentures are stained from years of smoking or coffee or tea use, you may ask you dentist if they can professionally clean them ultrasonically with a special solution designed READ MORE
If your dentures are stained from years of smoking or coffee or tea use, you may ask you dentist if they can professionally clean them ultrasonically with a special solution designed to remove stains and tartar. If that doesn't work well, it may mean that the stains have been absorbed into the acrylic of the denture base and teeth and simply cannot be removed. Then the only option to get rid of the stains would be to replace them. Whatever you do, do not clean or soak them in bleach. Household bleach may remove stains, but it can also take all the pink color out of the denture base, leaving it white and totally unnatural.
You also have to ask yourself, "What caused the stain?" If something is doing that to your dentures, what is it doing to your body?
Dr. Conrad
You also have to ask yourself, "What caused the stain?" If something is doing that to your dentures, what is it doing to your body?
Dr. Conrad
Is saltwater rinse good after tooth extraction?
Yes. But not on the day of the extraction. Start the next day with 8 oz. of very warm water and 1/2 tsp of salt. Do that 3-5 times per day for 3-5 days, especially after eating. Dr. READ MORE
Yes. But not on the day of the extraction. Start the next day with 8 oz. of very warm water and 1/2 tsp of salt. Do that 3-5 times per day for 3-5 days, especially after eating.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
What causes gums pain?
It could be an abscess breaking through, a possible viral infection, or severe gum disease in its later stages. Gum disease doesn't always have any pain associated with it until READ MORE
It could be an abscess breaking through, a possible viral infection, or severe gum disease in its later stages. Gum disease doesn't always have any pain associated with it until the point when teeth will be lost. In any case. see a dentist ASAP.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
Oral issue
Take a photo with your phone and perhaps a diagnosis can be made. If not, you will need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
How do you get the swelling to go down after a root canal?
You probably need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen or aspirin (if you can take them). Also, warm salt-water rinses and a heating pad off and on will help READ MORE
You probably need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen or aspirin (if you can take them). Also, warm salt-water rinses and a heating pad off and on will help the swelling resolve. If those things do not work there may be a more serious problem that you need to address with your dentist.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
How long does the roof of your mouth take to heal after a gum graft?
Healing can take 1 - 2 weeks. Your dentist my make a plastic covering (splint) for you to wear over the site to act as a barrier. It can promote healing and comfort. The area READ MORE
Healing can take 1 - 2 weeks. Your dentist my make a plastic covering (splint) for you to wear over the site to act as a barrier. It can promote healing and comfort.
The area may feel like a large "pizza burn". Some people heal faster. Certainly warm salt water rinses will help as will pain meds such as ibuprofen (if you can tolerate it). Also, there are various healing and analgesic gels that can be applied to the area. If you have a splint, those can be put into it to keep the healing and numbing materials directly in place.
After it begins to feel better, you will have to be very careful not to injure the newly healed area with hard and crunchy food, very hot or even very spicy food.
It will get better.
Dr. Michael A. Conrad
The area may feel like a large "pizza burn". Some people heal faster. Certainly warm salt water rinses will help as will pain meds such as ibuprofen (if you can tolerate it). Also, there are various healing and analgesic gels that can be applied to the area. If you have a splint, those can be put into it to keep the healing and numbing materials directly in place.
After it begins to feel better, you will have to be very careful not to injure the newly healed area with hard and crunchy food, very hot or even very spicy food.
It will get better.
Dr. Michael A. Conrad
Can Invisalign cause health problems?
Not that I know of. The only potential problems I can foresee are: Tooth and gum problems from not cleaning the teeth or appliances properly, or jaw problems from the movement READ MORE
Not that I know of. The only potential problems I can foresee are: Tooth and gum problems from not cleaning the teeth or appliances properly, or jaw problems from the movement of teeth. Rarely, some patients cannot tolerate having their teeth straightened. This happens when moving the teeth to an "ideal" position can stress the TMJ. Something to be aware of with any orthodontics, but not something to worry about. Invisalign-type braces are usually much more comfortable than regular braces.
Dr. Michael Conrad
Dr. Michael Conrad
How soon after gum graft can I exercise?
Use your judgment. 3-5days later is generally fine, but anything that raises your BP and heart rate can cause throbbing and pain. Don't overdo it and you'll be fine.
Should you keep brushing bleeding gums?
Yes, continue brushing. And floss. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and possible infection. However, brush your teeth and finish at the gumline. Do not brush your gums READ MORE
Yes, continue brushing. And floss. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and possible infection. However, brush your teeth and finish at the gumline. Do not brush your gums directly since that could harm them. Some people don't floss because their gums bleed every time-
which is occasionally. Brushing and flossing must be consistent to eventually allow the gums to heal. If bleeding persists, *contact your dentist*. Don't stop caring for your teeth and gums. I always use this example: If every time you wash your arms they bleed, you would seek
care. Gum bleeding is not normal.
which is occasionally. Brushing and flossing must be consistent to eventually allow the gums to heal. If bleeding persists, *contact your dentist*. Don't stop caring for your teeth and gums. I always use this example: If every time you wash your arms they bleed, you would seek
care. Gum bleeding is not normal.
Do fillings in molars hurt?
As usual, it all depends. If it is a deep and extensive filling, the nerve (pulp) of the tooth may be irritated by the process of removing the decay and placing the filling. Odds READ MORE
As usual, it all depends. If it is a deep and extensive filling, the nerve (pulp) of the tooth may be irritated by the process of removing the decay and placing the filling. Odds are it will be a bonded, tooth-colored filling which can also irritate the tooth at times, due to the chemicals involved in the bonding process. But that type of filling is the best technique today, since it strengthens the tooth from within and seals it quite well- not to mention that it matches the tooth shade. If it is deep enough to require local anesthesia, there is a possibility that the tooth may be tender for only a few days, and can sometimes be more sensitive to cold temperatures and hard biting pressure. But it usually nothing to worry about, and your dentist can explain what to expect based on the findings at the appointment. Other than your anticipation and concern, it should be a piece of cake with all the new materials and techniques.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
How soon can you eat after tooth gap bonding?
Generally you can eat immediately. The only precaution would be to be very careful if you had local anesthesia. You don't want to bite your lip or tongue while numb. But the bonding READ MORE
Generally you can eat immediately. The only precaution would be to be very careful if you had local anesthesia. You don't want to bite your lip or tongue while numb. But the bonding is set in a few seconds and is ready as you walk out of the office.
Dr. Conrad
Dr. Conrad
Can I get my teeth straightened while pregnant?
Yes, you can get your teeth straightened while pregnant. But because the pregnancy hormones can cause an over-reaction to plaque leading to pregnancy gingivitis, traditional braces READ MORE
Yes, you can get your teeth straightened while pregnant. But because the pregnancy hormones can cause an over-reaction to plaque leading to pregnancy gingivitis, traditional braces can make it more difficult to clean your teeth. A buildup of plaque in non-pregnant orthodontic
patients can lead to sore, swollen gums, but a pregnant person could have an excessive reaction. Clear braces or Invisalign would be less likely to make you susceptible to pregnancy gingivitis. Another thing to consider is the possibility of morning sickness. Impressions or even
digital scans may be more difficult to tolerate in pregnancy, and nausea may be triggered by any sort of oral appliance. So, yes, it is definitely possible to have orthodontic treatment while pregnant, but it may be problematic for some individuals.
patients can lead to sore, swollen gums, but a pregnant person could have an excessive reaction. Clear braces or Invisalign would be less likely to make you susceptible to pregnancy gingivitis. Another thing to consider is the possibility of morning sickness. Impressions or even
digital scans may be more difficult to tolerate in pregnancy, and nausea may be triggered by any sort of oral appliance. So, yes, it is definitely possible to have orthodontic treatment while pregnant, but it may be problematic for some individuals.
How long does it take to remove a tooth cyst?
It all depends on the size and location. Could be as short as 20 minutes or as long as a few hours. If it's being done in an office, chances are it will be toward a shorter time. READ MORE
It all depends on the size and location. Could be as short as 20 minutes or as long as a few hours. If it's being done in an office, chances are it will be toward a shorter time.
How long do molar implants last?
Under ideal conditions (including your overall health and, specifically, your oral health), properly placed molar implants can last upwards of 40*+ years. They have a successful READ MORE
Under ideal conditions (including your overall health and, specifically, your oral health), properly placed molar implants can last upwards of 40*+ years. They have a successful retention rate of over 90%. It is important to remember that the implants need to be taken care of as well
as or better than real teeth. If teeth are lost due to negligence, replacing them with implants requires elevation of home care and diligently following your dentist's directions.
as or better than real teeth. If teeth are lost due to negligence, replacing them with implants requires elevation of home care and diligently following your dentist's directions.
Does placing crowns on implants hurt?
Rarely. But sometimes the gums have to get used to a tighter feel because the implant crown is generally slightly wider than the healing cap. Out of hundreds of cases, only one READ MORE
Rarely. But sometimes the gums have to get used to a tighter feel because the implant crown is generally slightly wider than the healing cap. Out of hundreds of cases, only one or two patients have needed local anesthesia. Any discomfort is mild and usually dissipates in a few minutes. Nothing to worry about.
