expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Kelley Ryals, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Kelley Ryals is a Dentist practicing in Santa Fe, NM. Dr. Ryals 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.
13 years Experience
Dr. Kelley Ryals, DDS
  • Santa Fe, NM
  • Creighton University
  • Accepting new patients

Is root canal treatment painful?

It depends. Usually root canals should not hurt but if you have an infection, it can cause the anesthetic to not fully numbs the tooth. Therefore, if the tooth is infected and READ MORE
It depends. Usually root canals should not hurt but if you have an infection, it can cause the anesthetic to not fully numbs the tooth. Therefore, if the tooth is infected and can not numb fully then pain is common. Most endodontists are aware of this and can make you comfortable

How should I clean my dentures?

Here are some tips for cleaning dentures: * Brush daily Brush your dentures at least once a day with a denture cleanser and a soft-bristled brush. You can also brush your gums READ MORE
Here are some tips for cleaning dentures: * Brush daily Brush your dentures at least once a day with a denture cleanser and a soft-bristled brush. You can also brush your gums and tongue with fluoride toothpaste before putting your dentures back in. * Soak overnight Soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or white vinegar overnight to remove bacteria and stains, and keep your mouth healthy. * Rinse Rinse your dentures thoroughly with warm water before putting them back in your mouth, especially if you use a denture-soaking solution. * Remove after eating Take out your dentures after eating, and clean your mouth afterwards. * Clean grooves If you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. * Use mouthwash Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing to give your mouth a refreshed feeling and provide relief from denture irritations. You can remove dentures before using mouthwash, or use mouthwash designed for denture wearers.

Do you get CT scan before implant surgery?

You do not need a CT scan before placing an implant. A CT scan is very nice to have especially when close to nerves however a very seasons implant specialist usually doesnt need READ MORE
You do not need a CT scan before placing an implant. A CT scan is very nice to have especially when close to nerves however a very seasons implant specialist usually doesnt need one.

Are zirconia crowns strong?

Yes they are very strong. All metal crown is the strongest and zirconia is the next stronger material. I use these for my heavy Grinding

What are the side effects of the root canal procedure?

The side effects after a root canal can include swelling from the infection site or gum tissue around the tooth, pain, bruising swelling in the face etc. a root canal is a surgery READ MORE
The side effects after a root canal can include swelling from the infection site or gum tissue around the tooth, pain, bruising swelling in the face etc. a root canal is a surgery inside your tooth so expect the same post operative care for your tooth as if you had a surgery anywhere else in your body. For example, sore, tenderness, pain swelling and bruising are all very common for several weeks.

How long does gum swelling last?

There are a lot of reasons for gum swelling from localized gingivitis to a major infection in the tooth. If its from something like a popcorn skin that got stuck, the gum tissues READ MORE
There are a lot of reasons for gum swelling from localized gingivitis to a major infection in the tooth. If its from something like a popcorn skin that got stuck, the gum tissues swell and should heal by 2 weeks with salt water rinses and good hygiene. If its from something more severe, the gum tissue will swell up then go away but come back again. I recommend seeing a dentist if the gum swelling doesnt go away soon.

What foods to avoid with dental crowns?

A crown is similar to your enamel so things that are not good for your teeth are not good for your crowns including ice, hard crunchy nuts, sticky foods like starbursts, Carmels READ MORE
A crown is similar to your enamel so things that are not good for your teeth are not good for your crowns including ice, hard crunchy nuts, sticky foods like starbursts, Carmels etc. Crowns are meant to chew normal foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins etc.

Are partial dentures comfortable?

In the beginning, it takes some adjustment. Partials are a prosthetic. So just like a prosthetic hand, they are functional but never the same as the original. So you have to learn READ MORE
In the beginning, it takes some adjustment. Partials are a prosthetic. So just like a prosthetic hand, they are functional but never the same as the original. So you have to learn how they work for you. It takes 6-8 weeks of wearing them over 8 hours a day for them to start feeling like they are part of your teeth. When you first place partials, they may rub, feel bulky, feel uncomfortable, but it is very normal. The gum tissues also need to adjust to the partial. So tissues will move, shirt, grow, thicken to adjust to the partial. If the partial is causing pain or downs feel like it fits correctly, your dentist should adjust areas to make them feel more comfortable.

What can I eat after a root canal procedure?

There are not many limitations after just a root canal procedure. I would stick to liquid if youre still numb, you do not want to bite your cheek or lip accidentally. Once you READ MORE
There are not many limitations after just a root canal procedure. I would stick to liquid if youre still numb, you do not want to bite your cheek or lip accidentally. Once you have full feeling back, your gum tissues, jaw or tooth may feel sore. I would stick with softer foods and chewing on the opposite side until your root canaled tooth starts to feel comfortable enough to eat more solid foods. It can take several weeks to months for a root canal to feel comfortable.

Is implant a good option to replace a missing tooth?

Implants are the best option for a missing tooth. There are limitations on where and when an implant can be placed but if you are able to place an implant, you should. You teeth READ MORE
Implants are the best option for a missing tooth. There are limitations on where and when an implant can be placed but if you are able to place an implant, you should. You teeth constantly shift, therefore when you have a missing tooth, all the teeth around it can move. The choices to replace a tooth are partials (which is like a denture that is removable), a bridge which crowns the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, an implant or leave the space. An implant is placed into the bone so it keeps the integrity of the bone which is so important in a healthy mouth.

How long is recovery after a root canal?

The recovery time is dependent on patient, infection of the tooth, how the surgery went etc. Majority of the time, 2 weeks in normal but it can take up to 6 months to heal.

What implant brand is the best for molar?

That is a difficult question to answer. I work with many Oral surgeons, periodontist and general dentists and they all place different implants. Its really a personal preference READ MORE
That is a difficult question to answer. I work with many Oral surgeons, periodontist and general dentists and they all place different implants. Its really a personal preference on which implant the doctor likes to place. The most common ones for posteriors are Nobel, Straumann, Astra and Zimmer in my area.

My face is swollen and extremely hard. I think I have an abcess

Yes you need to see a dentist immediately and get on antibiotics as soon as possible.

Are implant-fixed dentures long-lasting?

An implant-fixed denture can last a lifetime as long as the implants stay healthy. A tooth has a ligament that is live tissue that has antibacterial properties that tries to defend READ MORE
An implant-fixed denture can last a lifetime as long as the implants stay healthy. A tooth has a ligament that is live tissue that has antibacterial properties that tries to defend from bacteria. An implant is metal and does not have a ligament. Therefore, it does not defend itself from bacteria. So it is imperative to keep implants extra clean so they don't fail. Once the implant is imbedded in bone, it is part of the jaw. If you continue to keep the implant healthy and clean, implants can last a lifetime.

How can I clean a dental implant bridge?

You want to make sure you have a water pick. It is the best way to clean around implants. You can also get dental bridge flossers. They look like a needle so you can thread the READ MORE
You want to make sure you have a water pick. It is the best way to clean around implants. You can also get dental bridge flossers. They look like a needle so you can thread the dental floss under the bridge and floss under the bridge and around the implants. The last way is the little proximal brushes. They look like a toothpick with bristles on it. They can go around and under the bridge and provide some additional plaque removal.

Can Invisalign fix underbite?

Yes it can, it is a lot more complicated. I usually required wearing rubber bands. I would highly recommend working with an Orthodontist over a general dentist to correct an underbite. READ MORE
Yes it can, it is a lot more complicated. I usually required wearing rubber bands. I would highly recommend working with an Orthodontist over a general dentist to correct an underbite. Kelley Ryals DDS | Owner Dentist Santa Fe Modern Dentistry 3569 Zafarano Drive Santa Fe, NM 87507 T 505-986-8000 C 505-450-2232 E ryalsk@pacden.com<mailto:email@pacden.com> W pacificdentalservices.com<http://www.pacificdentalservices.com/> + smilegeneration.com<http://www.smilegeneration.com/> This electronic transmission, and any documents attached hereto, may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. The information is intended only for use by the recipient named above. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify sender and delete the electronic message. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of information received in error is strictly prohibited.

How long is root canal pain?

Usually 1-2 weeks is my average for discomfort after a root canal. Some endodontists are not concerned even up to 6 months. 2 days is very normal

Can dental implants damage the jaw?

There is a difference between your jaw bone and the bone that surrounds your teeth. An implant is not placed in jaw bone An implant can only be placed if there is enough tooth READ MORE
There is a difference between your jaw bone and the bone that surrounds your teeth. An implant is not placed in jaw bone An implant can only be placed if there is enough tooth bine. If an implant is bone in a place that doesnt have enough bone or if bacteria gets around the implant then it can fail the implant and you can lose more bone. If an implant fails it can leave a large hole in the bone. You can fill that hole with bone graft. So no an implant doesnt damage your jaw bone.

What can't I eat with dentures?

The better question is what can you eat. Dentures can be amazing but there is a learning curve on how to eat with them. I dont usually tell my patients any limitation on eating. READ MORE
The better question is what can you eat. Dentures can be amazing but there is a learning curve on how to eat with them. I dont usually tell my patients any limitation on eating. A lot of my patients can eat apples and steak and some can not. So try to eat everything and your denture will be the one that limits you

How long do veneers last?

On average the research shows 5 years. However, veneers can last until there is a problem with them. I have patients with veneers for over 30 years. Veneers can fracture or come READ MORE
On average the research shows 5 years. However, veneers can last until there is a problem with them. I have patients with veneers for over 30 years. Veneers can fracture or come un-cemented as the most common problems with veneers.