expert type icon EXPERT

Timothy Mickiewicz, DDS

Sleep Medicine Specialist | Sleep Medicine

Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz is a Dentist practicing in Sacramento, CA. Dr. Mickiewicz 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.
Timothy Mickiewicz, DDS
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Accepting new patients

Are there any remedies for teeth grinding?

That's a loaded question! Grinding (bruxism) has many contributing factors. From garden variety stress, degeneration of joints. ..yes arthritis! Very common in females, grinders, READ MORE
That's a loaded question! Grinding (bruxism) has many contributing factors. From garden variety stress, degeneration of joints. ..yes arthritis! Very common in females, grinders, trauma like sports, even long ago,an estrogen deficiency correlation. However, treatable! Seen thousands. Add other structural issues like a bad bite, missing teeth, lack of the eye teeth contacting on lateral movements, extracting bicuspids for ortho! ( my personal pet peeve. Seen tens of thousands....official ortho board rules. ...perfectly acceptable, encouraged as it is mandatory for boards. Sure this will rustle feathers! Whatever, I am here for your elucidation. Other potential causes...use of SSRI antidepressants like Paxil, Prozac, etc. DO NOT STOP MEDS WITHOUT DOCTORS SUPERVISION. PLEASE TAKE AS DIRECTED BY MD!!! Randomly, airway compromise, forward head posture, sleep apnea. (Download Epworth scale to screen for sleep issues) and as a kicker we see many Ehlers-Danlos patients, a connective tissue disorder. Seeing an uptick in adult onset. It is a controversial issue, but my experience says it's the real deal. Rare thankfully.
There you have bruxism 101. I could write mountains after 75k patients. Key to treatment. Look for obvious, get at least a panoramic xray to evaluate joints. If your face is asymmetric or you have cross bite, big red flags. Treat with an orthotic...not a rubbery football guard. Custom fit, flat plane, lite posterior contact and
Cuspid discluusion. Doctor talk here...plus look for a lab the uses Astron vinyl. No BPA. No Methylmethacrylate Awesome product. Most large labs use. No palatal coverage. Lite incsical wrap about 1.5mm. Check my website drmickdds.com
Good luck, you will do fine. Caveat an oversell..ie a bunch of magic computer measuring. Caveat the undersell. If splint is bulky and uncomfortable you won't wear. Plus I worship airway space. Regards, Dr. Mick

How long do I have to wait to eat after a dental filling?

Need to wait until anesthesia wears off...the filling will be set in seconds. It's more about biting your tongue or cheek. There is a reversal agent for local anesthesia. Ask your READ MORE
Need to wait until anesthesia wears off...the filling will be set in seconds. It's more about biting your tongue or cheek. There is a reversal agent for local anesthesia. Ask your dentist to get some! Cheap and great value added. I stopped restorative as a rule seven years ago. But the principles are universal and timeless. Materials dramatically better. Ask questions, make sure you understand procedure....no upsells! You will do fine. Dentists as a group always put patients first. Regards, Dr. Mick

How long does dental implant pain last?

Dental implants rarely, if ever cause pain. Bone, has no sensory nerves. The tissue should be healthy prior to placement. If the lower arch, it is a red flag that potentially the READ MORE
Dental implants rarely, if ever cause pain. Bone, has no sensory nerves. The tissue should be healthy prior to placement. If the lower arch, it is a red flag that potentially the nerve has been damaged due to proximity. If upper arch, perhaps perforation of the sinus. If there is residual infection, or the pain comes after placement of healing cap, or crown. There may be impingement of the delicate tissues around the restoration. A CONE BEAM CT, special 3D imaging, read by a qualified oral radiologist (I use Beamreaders) is in order if it persists. Whoever placed is responsible for follow-up.
Good luck. Usually they are highly successful.

Dr. Mickiewicz

This is not intended as medical advice. Seek a qualified professional. I have no financial interest in Beamreaders.

Does getting a bridge hurt?

As a rule, no. There may be some discomfort, but overall it's safe and easy. Implants don't hurt either, sounds gruesome to place a screw in bone, but bone has no sensory nerves. READ MORE
As a rule, no. There may be some discomfort, but overall it's safe and easy. Implants don't hurt either, sounds gruesome to place a screw in bone, but bone has no sensory nerves. So, it depends on your case. Implants on lower teeth have an excellent track record. Would need to see X-rays to comment further on the physics of the case.

Is it okay to gargle with water after brushing your teeth?

Yes, it is ideal. Also, floss and use a tongue scraper, Sonicare, Waterpik if needed. You can never be too clean. No need for mouth rinse unless you need fluoride for cavity control. READ MORE
Yes, it is ideal. Also, floss and use a tongue scraper, Sonicare, Waterpik if needed. You can never be too clean. No need for mouth rinse unless you need fluoride for cavity control. No alcohol rinses as a rule please.

Dr. M

How do you stop a cracked tooth from hurting?

Try to keep pressure off of it, avoid crunchy foods, get an over-the-counter night guard, short-term only!!! Find an emergency dentist.

Teeth still moving post having worn retainer for a year (not consistently)

Not a fan of permanent retainers, they usually relapse due to tongue tie or lip frenum, the muscle you see when you pull you lip back. Easy correction with laser. Not a fan of READ MORE
Not a fan of permanent retainers, they usually relapse due to tongue tie or lip frenum, the muscle you see when you pull you lip back. Easy correction with laser. Not a fan of pushing jaws back; it may be trying to find a more forward posture because it's more comfortable for joints.