James J. Kalina DDS Blog

How Do Cranberries Affect Oral Health?

November 15, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 11:26 pm
Cranberry sauce and cranberries arranged against white background

During November, many families gather to enjoy one another’s company, express gratitude for the good things in life, and enjoy delicious food. Often, traditional meals include cranberry sauce, which is a tasty complement for turkey meat. But have you ever wondered how cranberries can affect oral health? Read on below to learn how this fruit can impact your smile’s well-being.

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Why Are My Teeth Shifting Out of Place?

July 15, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 3:53 pm
Frowning woman, concerned about her teeth shifting out of place

The body goes through natural changes over time, but one thing that should not change is the positioning of the teeth. However, teeth shifting can occur for various reasons. In this blog post, we explore a few of those reasons and discuss how Invisalign may be able to help you regain a well-aligned smile.

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Can You Drink Coffee with Veneers?

May 15, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 4:25 pm
Attractive young woman with veneers drinking coffee with her significant other

Countless millions of people around the world rely on their morning cup of coffee to help them ease into each day. Are you among them? Whether you like yours black, with cream, or in the form of a delicious latte, you may have questions about how this beverage can affect dental work. Specifically, you might wonder, “Can you drink coffee with veneers?” This blog post explores the answer to that common question.

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What to Expect from Dental Implant Removal

April 14, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 4:05 pm
Failing dental implant, may need to be removed

In the vast majority of cases, dental implants stand the test of time. As long as an individual sticks to good habits and attends regular dental visits, it is unlikely that dental implant failure will occur. However, it does happen to some people. If you believe that one of your implants is failing, it is important that you seek appropriate care right away. You may need to get the implant removed. This blog post explains the basics of what you can expect when removing a failed implant becomes necessary.

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A Brief Guide to Getting Dental Implants after Menopause

March 7, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 12:11 am
Older woman smiling with dental implants after menopause

Menopause is a milestone in a woman’s life. The hormonal changes that characterize it can affect overall health and daily life in numerous ways. If you are approaching menopause or have already passed it, you may be wondering about its effects on your oral health. More specifically, you might be curious about how it might affect your candidacy for dental implants. This blog post discusses that important topic.

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How Dental Implants Have Evolved to Benefit You

February 7, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 12:23 am
Dental implant and restoration next to natural tooth

Today, dentists around the world extol dental implants as the absolute best form of tooth replacement because implants mimic the structure of natural teeth. They are therefore incredibly sturdy, and then even help to prevent jawbone deterioration. Like most great things, however, dental implants have not always been the marvel that they are today. In this blog post, we will briefly discuss how this treatment has evolved over the years.

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Can Teenagers Get Dental Implants?

January 7, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 12:06 am
Smiling adolescent boy, wondering if teenagers can get dental implants

Teenagers tend to be self-conscious, so if your teen has lost a tooth due to infection or injury, they may be in a hurry to fill in the gap in their smile. Since dental implants are the best way to replace lost teeth, you may wonder if your adolescent is a candidate for them. In this blog post, we discuss the answer to the question, “Can teenagers get dental implants?”

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Loose Dental Implant? Here Is What You Should Do

December 7, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 12:27 am
Man looking in mirror, concerned because his dental implant feels loose

Dental implants are successful in the vast majority of cases. Rarely, though, problems occur. If you have noticed that one of your implants has started to feel loose, you may be concerned — and rightly so. Without prompt treatment, there is a chance that your dental implant could end up failing. This article discusses what can cause a loose dental implant and what steps you should take to address the problem.

What Can Cause a Loose Dental Implant?

There are a few possible causes of a loose dental implant, including:

  • A loose restoration. This has nothing to do with the implant itself. Rather, it is a problem with the artificial tooth (or teeth) attached to the implant. This can happen if the restoration suffers damage or if there were errors during the fabrication process.
  • Failed osseointegration. If your implant feels loose shortly after your placement surgery, it is possible that it is not bonding properly with the surrounding bone. There are a few possible reasons behind failed osseointegration, including underlying health conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to heal.
  • Infection. An infection called peri-implantitis can damage the gums and bone around an implant, compromising its base of support and causing it to loosen. Peri-implantitis can happen at any time, so patients must always be diligent about taking preventive measures against it (such as good oral hygiene and regular preventive dental visits).

Dealing with a Loose Dental Implant

When you notice that a dental implant feels loose, the first thing you should do is call a professional who can help you. If you recently had your implant surgery, get in touch with the surgeon who performed it. If it has been a while since your surgery and you suspect that you have an infection or that something is wrong with your restoration, contact your general dentist.

When you go in for your appointment, your doctor will examine your mouth and determine what your next steps should be. If your restoration is loose or damaged, you may need to get it replaced. If an infection is present, you may need antibiotic therapy or other restorative services.

In some cases, such as if the jawbone has suffered significant damage or deterioration, a patient must undergo surgery to have their dental implant completely removed. Then, after a healing period, it might be possible to place a new implant. Some patients also require a bone graft or other procedures before they can receive a replacement implant.

A loose dental implant is cause for concern, but there is no need to panic. If you promptly seek treatment, there is a good chance that your oral health — and your restored smile — will soon be thriving once again.

Meet the Practice

Dr. James Kalina is a highly experienced general dentist in Mankato. He partners with local specialists to provide a full range of dental implant treatments, including care for failed or loose-feeling implants. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, our team would be happy to assist you. Contact our office at 507-625-2021.

How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?

October 7, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 12:19 am
Close-up of dental lab technician working on dentures

If you are missing most of your teeth, or your natural teeth will soon need to be extracted, it is to be expected that you are eager to rebuild your smile. Dentures can restore some of your chewing power and provide you with pleasing facial aesthetics. But how long will it take to get your prosthetic? The answer depends on a few different factors. This article explains a few basics about the denture creation process.

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Why Do Celebrities Choose Dental Implants to Replace Lost Teeth?

September 7, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — drkalina @ 12:16 am
Attractive woman with dental implants smiling for paparazzi

What do Mike Tyson, Christie Brinkley, and Chris Rock have in common? Aside from the fact that they are celebrities, they have also all undergone significant dental work — specifically, they all have dental implants. What exactly are dental implants, and why have many celebrities chosen them above other forms of tooth replacement? What can you expect if you invest in dental implants in Mankato? This blog post discusses the answers to those questions.

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