EXPERT
Theodore D. Stomel, DMD
Dentist
Dr. Theodore Stomel is a Dentist practicing in Tarzana, CA. Dr. Stomel 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.
43 years
Experience
Theodore D. Stomel, DMD
- Tarzana, CA
- Washington University St Louis
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Which is better, root canal or implant?
I've practiced almost 40 years and would prefer the root canal. I believe in keeping as much natural structure for as long as possible, nothing man-made is as good as what nature READ MORE
I've practiced almost 40 years and would prefer the root canal. I believe in keeping as much natural structure for as long as possible, nothing man-made is as good as what nature has provided. The disadvantage is that the root canal or crown will eventually fail. But that could be 5-15 years, and implants will be better and less expensive in the future.
What do healthy gums look like?
It's difficult to diagnose gum disease by just looking at the tissue. Healthy gum tissue has a pink salmon color, and is not red. It should not be puffy, but should appear tight READ MORE
It's difficult to diagnose gum disease by just looking at the tissue. Healthy gum tissue has a pink salmon color, and is not red. It should not be puffy, but should appear tight against the teeth. Any bleeding when brushing or eating is an indicator of gum disease. Healthy tissues does not bleed.
The dentist has recommended my son’s tooth extraction. Is it the right way to go?
There are usually options, depending on the size of the cavities. It's often best to keep natural teeth as long as possible. If teeth are removed prematurely, a space maintainer READ MORE
There are usually options, depending on the size of the cavities. It's often best to keep natural teeth as long as possible. If teeth are removed prematurely, a space maintainer may be necessary. Of course, if decay is close to the nerve, then nerve treatment or extraction may be necessary. If you are unsure, get a second opinion.
How often to use mouth wash?
Twice a day should be fine if it is consistent with package instructions. While Fluoride works great, you need to carefully evaluate your diet to see what contributes to decay. READ MORE
Twice a day should be fine if it is consistent with package instructions. While Fluoride works great, you need to carefully evaluate your diet to see what contributes to decay. Carbonated drinks with sugar, coffee with a lot of sugar, and sweets cause a lot of damage.
Adult tooth is loose. What should I do?
The tooth may be loose due to a root fracture, or just trauma to the bone. Depending on age and oral health, you may want to have the tooth splinted to an adjacent tooth. Stabilization READ MORE
The tooth may be loose due to a root fracture, or just trauma to the bone. Depending on age and oral health, you may want to have the tooth splinted to an adjacent tooth. Stabilization could promote healing.
Are my medications staining my teeth?
Daily use of an iron supplement could cause a stain. Brown stains also occur in patients that drink a lot of coffee, tea or dark beverages.
Why do I have sensitivity in all my lower teeth?
Since it is all teeth, it's unlikely that all of your teeth are decayed. Gingival recession is a very common cause of sensitivity. Try a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne READ MORE
Since it is all teeth, it's unlikely that all of your teeth are decayed. Gingival recession is a very common cause of sensitivity. Try a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne to start. Avoid acids in the diet and brush carefully up and down, not back and forth.
Why does my breath stink?
Periodontal disease often has a characteristic bad odor. Use of a mild, non alcoholic mouthwash may mask the problem. Have your gum tissue checked to see if it is healthy, If it READ MORE
Periodontal disease often has a characteristic bad odor. Use of a mild, non alcoholic mouthwash may mask the problem. Have your gum tissue checked to see if it is healthy, If it is, then there are systemic conditions which need to be ruled out. Of course, diet is also a factor.
My son has a habit of biting ice. Will this harm his teeth?
The ice is likely to cause micro fractures, which could eventually result in teeth breaking. Any fillings are also subject to breakage when subjected to the stress of chewing on READ MORE
The ice is likely to cause micro fractures, which could eventually result in teeth breaking. Any fillings are also subject to breakage when subjected to the stress of chewing on ice. Try changing to crushed ice for awhile, then eliminate the habit.
Why are my 5 year old son's teeth rotting?
Losing primary teeth early is a problem, you do need to be concerned. The problem should be identified and resolved before his permanent teeth start erupting. System fluoride may READ MORE
Losing primary teeth early is a problem, you do need to be concerned. The problem should be identified and resolved before his permanent teeth start erupting. System fluoride may help his permanent teeth become more decay resistant. Carefully identify anything harmful in his diet. Acids, sodas, and starchy sugar are particularly bad. See a children's dentist or go to your local dental school for thorough evaluation.
How can I make the process of losing teeth easier for my son?
Start with education, explaining how it is a natural process and needed in order for permanent teeth develop. Don't obsess with removing the teeth early. They will loosen and come READ MORE
Start with education, explaining how it is a natural process and needed in order for permanent teeth develop. Don't obsess with removing the teeth early. They will loosen and come out when they are ready. I waited until my granddaughters teeth were very very loose, had her hold the tooth with gauze, then had her gently bump her elbow. Make it fun and, of course, reward the child.
How should I select my toothpaste?
The main differentiating factors are based on whether the teeth are sensitive or not. A desensitizing toothpaste can be very effective.
I have severe pain in my deep cavity filling. What could this be?
It may develop into a root canal problem. Deep fillings can cause persistent sensitivity for many months. Avoid chewing on it, and avoid hot and cold to give it a chance to heal. READ MORE
It may develop into a root canal problem. Deep fillings can cause persistent sensitivity for many months. Avoid chewing on it, and avoid hot and cold to give it a chance to heal. The bleeding can be from a rough spot.
Food getting stuck behind wisdom teeth
The flap can harbor bacteria and cause infection. Then it swells up and the opposing tooth can further irritate it. The flap can be surgically removed which is less traumatic than READ MORE
The flap can harbor bacteria and cause infection. Then it swells up and the
opposing tooth can further irritate it. The flap can be surgically removed
which is less traumatic than an extraction. The easiest treatment is using
a water pic, under low or medium power, with some salt water to disinfect.
opposing tooth can further irritate it. The flap can be surgically removed
which is less traumatic than an extraction. The easiest treatment is using
a water pic, under low or medium power, with some salt water to disinfect.
I don't understand how I got Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is primarily genetic. You can mitigate the damage by maintaining perfect hygiene, and having your dentist evaluate options, whether they involve more scaling READ MORE
Periodontal disease is primarily genetic. You can mitigate the damage by
maintaining perfect hygiene, and having your dentist evaluate options,
whether they involve more scaling or prescription rinses.
maintaining perfect hygiene, and having your dentist evaluate options,
whether they involve more scaling or prescription rinses.
What can I eat or avoid eating to reduce plaque?
Avoid starchy soft foods and focus on very fibrous fruits and vegetables, apples , carrots, etc
What is a dry socket?
The extraction site will need to be cleaned out and an antiseptic should be placed in the socket. It happens when blood flow is poor due to a tooth being badly infected.
Very swollen and red gums after routine dental cleaning
Are you allergic to latex? It's possible that the office used latex gloves or a latex polishing cup. Was a rinse used that was very concentrated?
