Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can we help you?
Dr. Michel believes in providing his patients with information and knowledge so that they can make well-informed decisions regarding their oral health. At Raynald Michel DDS, we believe that the root source of anxiety for many of our patients is lack of understanding about procedures and why they are necessary. Most modern procedures are painless, but many patients still think about the technology their parents had. Dr. Michel has kept up with advanced dental technology to provide the best dental care with minimal pain and discomfort. Oral hygiene and patient education are crucial for us!
If any patients have specific questions about a procedure or dental problem, we will sit down and take all the time necessary to explain the issue so the patient can walk away fully-informed and educated. We believe that our patients should be active participants in their oral health and not spectators. We don’t just like telling patients what they need to do; we prefer that they concur with Dr. Michel’s diagnosis because they understand the entire oral issue.
Please take the time to read through some of the most common patient questions asked of us, if any of these need to be expanded on and fully explained please call Raynald Michel DDS for a more comprehensive answer. We are here to empower you through oral education!
Dental Implants
One of the most common patient questions involves tooth restoration options. Many people are interested in knowing the difference between a dental bridge and a dental implant.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a popular choice if you are experiencing the loss of one or multiple teeth due to gum disease, trauma, infection, or other reasons. A dental implant is a thin titanium post that functions as a tooth root replacement. The post is implanted into the jaw bone and supports a dental crown, which is the visible part of the replacement tooth. Dental implants are permanent and non-removable, they act like natural teeth, and our patients can enjoy eating and speaking like normal.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges close or bridge the gap that comes from one or more missing teeth. The bridge is supported by adjacent existing teeth, or by dental implants on either side of the gap. By using two or more crowns on the teeth of each side of the gap, a removable bridge is manufactured to fill in the gap for the missing tooth or teeth. Patients may opt for this tooth replacement option because it is non-surgical, and the process can be quicker and more comfortable by taking only weeks as opposed to months that dental implants need.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There are a variety of pros and cons to consider when shopping for tooth replacement options. Dr. Michel will sit with you and go over each one, including comparing costs, insurance coverage, the life span of treatment, aesthetics, and more. If you are thinking of having one or more teeth replaced, call our Fort Lauderdale, FL dental office for more information!
Emergency Services
Do you have chipped, cracked or broken teeth, abscesses or a toothache? You may have a dental emergency that needs immediate attention or dental surgery.
Dental accidents can happen any time, day or night, and sometimes when most places have already closed. Some oral injuries can wait until the next day, but some may need immediate treatment.
When Is it an Emergency?
If you have a knocked out or broken tooth; we may be able to save your tooth through surgical intervention. Make sure you keep the tooth in a safe space, try to rinse it off and cover it in milk or your saliva to keep the tissues from drying. Other dental emergencies include a sharp tooth or jaw pain that may come from an abscessed tooth or infection. If you believe that you need emergency dental care, call Raynald Michel DDS. Our dental team will do their best to make you an appointment for the same day.
Don’t Live in Pain
If you are suffering from intense pain, contact our Fort Lauderdale, FL, dental office immediately. Even if your dental emergency occurs after-hours, or during a holiday, we are here for you. We know that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, which is why we are devoted to alleviating your pain and discomfort and fixing any dental issues as quickly as we can.
General Dentistry
Yes! We are currently seeing new patients at our Fort Lauderdale, FL, location. New patients should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time, so they have time to fill out any new patient forms and provide their insurance information. If you have any previous medical records and can bring them in, it will help us fill out and expand your digital record with important dental history and patient background information.
How to Prepare for Your Dental Visit
We also ask that you bring a list of questions regarding dental procedures which you would like to learn more. Dr. Michel enjoys educating his patients about their oral health and what their dental options are for a full, beautiful smile.
Your Next Dental Appointment in the 33306 Area
Please contact our Raynald Michel DDS office at (954) 573-2500, to schedule your first appointment. We are always excited to meet new patients, and we love developing long-term patient relationships! Maintaining the same dentist over the years can increase your oral health by allowing your dentist to track and document any changes, minor or significant, into your digital records. Over the years, during your biannual visits, Dr. Michel can see if there are any future dental problems he can prevent, or current oral issues he can fix quickly.
At Raynald Michel DDS, tooth-colored fillings, or composite resins, are an excellent alternative to silver or amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are often durable and are a good fit for small to mid-size fillings that can withstand the stress that comes from chewing. If you need a tooth filled, you can opt for it to appear natural by getting a composite filling. Since Dr. Michel has to blend the shade to match your existing teeth, the process may take a little longer than amalgam fillings.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Are a Popular Choice
More and more patients are opting for tooth-colored composite fillings in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Not only are they durable, but they also look more natural and appealing. Many of our patients are happy with their composite fillings, but it is essential to keep your teeth healthy to prevent further cavities.
Prevention Is Your Best Medicine
While Dr. Michel has the means to help any dentistry need, we still believe that the best cavity is no cavity. We strongly believe that prevention is the best way to avoid cavities or other dental procedures. Our patients can decrease their odds of getting cavities by merely practicing the following:
- Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes
- Floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water
- Visit the dentist twice a year
Ask our dental team at Raynald Michel DDS if you have any questions or concerns regarding fillings, especially tooth-colored composite fillings.
At Raynald Michel DDS, we understand that many of our patients lead busy lives and have hectic schedules. We work hard to keep your teeth and gums clean without changing your lifestyle.
During your first dental cleaning with us, Dr. Michel will scrape off any buildup of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along your gumline. The spaces between your teeth are flossed and cleaned as well. If you are experiencing any tooth or jaw pain during the procedure, or before you walked in the dental office, please let your dentist know.
Dental X-Rays On Your First Visit
Dr. Michel will take x-rays using modern dental equipment that can see down to the roots of your teeth; allowing him to observe any infections, abscesses, pockets, cysts, tumors, or other health concerns. For your first visit with us, your dentist will take a complete look at your teeth, gums, and bone structure. Dr. Michel will make dental notes into your digital records to keep track of your progress and to document any changes.
If no problems or issues come up, the first dental visit can be relatively quick. Since Dr. Michel uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that accelerate the time to make images, x-rays, and more; your time in the dentist chair is usually less than most other dental offices. Contact our office to see if we can fit into your schedule, and let us know what your needs are!
Root Canals
Root canals can make patients feel anxious if they don’t know what to expect from the procedure. One of the most common myths or misconceptions about root canals is that they are painful.
Pain During Root Canal Therapy Is a Myth
In fact, with modern anesthesia, most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they feel. Most people who need a root canal are usually already experiencing pain from the infection; root canals can end that pain and discomfort. The longer a patient waits to get treatment, the longer they live in pain, and the harder it is for their dentist to save the tooth. If you are feeling pain or discomfort in your tooth, call Raynald Michel DDS immediately to see if we can help minimize the pain and retain your tooth. If the infection is left untreated for too long, tooth extraction may be necessary.
Root Canals Are Safe and Effective
We believe that saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the best option for our patients. Root canal therapy can help protect teeth while eliminating the infection from spreading. Many root canal procedures have a high success rate and can last a lifetime.
Contact our dental office to learn more
If you are experiencing tooth or jaw pain, contact our dental office immediately so Dr. Michel can help relieve your pain!
Root canals have a terrible reputation, but that’s all it is. The myth of painful root canals stems back to decades ago when modern dental techniques and sedation were not available. The actual truth is that root canals eliminate and end tooth pain instead of cause it.
Root canals are incredibly important in maintaining your oral health, relieving your pain, and saving a tooth that would be extracted in other conditions. It’s important to remember that the only pain that is actually associated with root canals is tooth pain that precedes it and is treated by the dental procedure.
Not Your Grandparent’s Root Canal Therapy
One wonderful and exciting aspect of dentistry is that techniques, knowledge, and technology are always improving and advancing every year. This means that any dental procedure you undertake is designed to be efficient, pain-free, and beneficial—including the field of endodontics (root canal treatments). Advanced dental technology allows your Fort Lauderdale dentist, Dr. Raynald Michel, to undertake gentle and stress-free root canal procedures. You won’t feel anything during your dental procedure.
The only time you may feel any discomfort or soreness is after the procedure; this should not last long, but we are always happy to prescribe medication to offset any pain and to prevent infection.
Do you have any questions or concerns about root canal therapy in Fort Lauderdale? Call Raynald Michel DDS today to schedule a root canal evaluation with Dr. Michel or to talk to anyone on our experienced dental staff.