James J. Kalina DDS Blog

If you want to improve some of the imperfections in your smile, there are several cosmetic dentistry options available. If you want to improve the shape, color and overall style of your teeth, your choices will likely come down to porcelain veneers or direct bonding. Both have their benefits, but which is best for you? Here is what you need to consider when comparing direct bonding VS porcelain veneers in Mankato.

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Dental implants in Mankato have an extremely high success rate — but that does not mean they are risk-free. In rare cases, an infection called peri-implantitis develops. Bacteria invades the tissue around the implants and eats away at the gums and bone much the same way it does with a natural tooth. If the infection gets bad enough, it could cause the dental implants to fail altogether. How can you reduce the risk that your dental implants will suffer from such a fate? Here are some simple tips to help you out.

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Diabetes has been called a “silent killer” because it does not produce obvious symptoms until it is quite severe. It can wreak havoc on a number of bodily systems and drastically affect an individual’s quality of life. It even has a strong correlation with gum disease. Gum disease, in turn, can have a detrimental effect on controlling Diabetes. In this post, we will discuss how this vicious cycle works and how you can take control of both your oral and overall well-being.

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Dentistry is more than a science or a medical discipline. It is also an art. That artistry comes most prominently into play when a dentist is transforming their patients’ smiles through cosmetic treatments. If you have been thinking about changing the way your teeth look, it is important that you choose the right cosmetic dentist in Mankato for the job. Here are 10 tips to help you find an “artist” who will provide you with the beautiful, natural-looking results you want.

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It is the perfect time for you to think about whether you are doing all you can to protect your brain from devastating illnesses that might rob you of your memories and alter your personality. Exercise, being a lifelong learner, and eating a healthy diet have all been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. But did you know that maintaining your oral health could also promote your long-term mental health? This article discusses the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s.

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It is fairly well-known that gum disease in Mankato is associated with a number of serious health conditions, including dementia, cardiovascular disease, preterm birth, and stroke. Since May is National Stroke Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the link between gum disease and stroke. After considering this information, you should be more determined than ever to fight gum disease and thus protect your long-term well-being.

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Oral cancer claims roughly 10,000 lives in the U.S. each year, and tens of thousands more get diagnosed with this devastating disease. While oral cancer is neither the most common nor the most talked-about form of cancer, it is still worthy of our attention. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it is the perfect time for you to pause to consider whether you are doing all you can to protect yourself from this condition. This blog post discusses the signs and symptoms of oral cancer as well as how a quick screening by your dentist in Mankato could save your life!

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When you choose to receive dental implants in Mankato, you choose to invest in your oral health and your confidence. Naturally, you want to protect that investment so it serves you well for as long as possible. One of the keys to maintaining your dental implants is proper oral hygiene. This article briefly discusses how you can clean and protect your dental implants both immediately after placement and well into the future.

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When you are considering your tooth replacement options, function is paramount. You want to have a set of teeth that enables you to enjoy a robust, balanced diet and that feels comfortable in your mouth. Of course, most people are also concerned about aesthetics. While it is embarrassing to have missing teeth, it could also make you self-conscious if you feel that your dental prosthetic is drawing undue attention to itself. What about dental implants in Mankato? If you get them, will it be obvious to onlookers that you have had some dental work done? The short answer to that question is no. Read on to learn why you can look forward to a completely natural-looking smile.

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Everyone wants a brilliant, white smile. Unfortunately, human teeth are not naturally bright white. On top of that, daily habits like drinking coffee, as well as genetics and certain medications, can lead to significant discoloration. Therefore, some people choose to get porcelain veneers in Mankato. Not only do veneers cover up dark or dull teeth, but they can also provide years of stunning, stain-free smiles. Here is a look at the science behind why porcelain veneers do not lose their luster like natural teeth do.

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