expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Zenobia Sowell

Dentist

Dr. Zenobia Sowell is a Dentist practicing in Chicago, Illinois . Dr. Sowell 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.
Dr. Zenobia Sowell
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Ohio State University College of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

Can you talk after getting dentures?

Yes, you can talk after getting your denture. It takes 30 days for your speech to completely go back to normal. Keep practicing. The more you wear your denture and practice, quicker READ MORE
Yes, you can talk after getting your denture. It takes 30 days for your speech to completely go back to normal. Keep practicing. The more you wear your denture and practice, quicker you'll get used to it. After one week, if you feel it's loose or feel any pain anywhere, you can visit your dentist, and they might be able to do adjustments.

Sowell Dental Associates

What is the bad taste after tooth extraction?

There could be a number of reasons you have a bad taste after an extraction: One could be that the tooth was infected and the bacteria or infection is causing an odor and bad taste READ MORE
There could be a number of reasons you have a bad taste after an extraction: One could be that the tooth was infected and the bacteria or infection is causing an odor and bad taste in the mouth. It could be that food is lodged in the extraction site and causing an odor or bad taste. After four days, you should be able to comfortably brush your teeth now and decrease any bad taste you may have. It should also be okay to rinse your mouth out with a good mouth rinse like listerine, Peridex or a 1:1 solution mix of mouthwash and peroxide.
I hope this helps.

Dr. Z

Can a dentist fix rotting teeth?

Yes, a dentist can fix a rotting tooth; depending on the extent of the decay or rotteness. If there is enough tooth to save and restore it, that can be done, or if too extensive, READ MORE
Yes, a dentist can fix a rotting tooth; depending on the extent of the decay or rotteness. If there is enough tooth to save and restore it, that can be done, or if too extensive, the tooth may need to be pulled.

Dr. Z

How long should you brush your teeth with braces?

Hi, If using a manual toothbrush and are able to reach all surfaces well, 2-3 minute should do if you stay focused. I highly recommend an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare, READ MORE
Hi,

If using a manual toothbrush and are able to reach all surfaces well, 2-3 minute should do if you stay focused. I highly recommend an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare, because you will get the benefit of the Sonic movement to help remove plaque and debris that builds up on the teeth and around your braces. Please remember, with a Sonicare electric toothbrush, you don't have to "brush" the surfaces, you simply apply the brush against the teeth and slowly keep it moving on the teeth as the siv vibrations and movement do the brushing work for you.
I hope this helps!

What can happen if a tooth infection is left untreated?

An untreated tooth infection is very dangerous! It can infect and poison your whole body. The poison & toxins that are released from the infection can get into your bloodstream READ MORE
An untreated tooth infection is very dangerous! It can infect and poison your whole body. The poison & toxins that are released from the infection can get into your bloodstream and find their way to your heart kidneys lungs and other organs. This can cause severe consequences and health threats. Dont wait until it hurts because the infection will grow, spread and take up residence in your body! An upper tooth infection can move very quickly to the eye, sinus and on to the brain where it can set up serious infection and even kill you! Please don't take chances with your health and life. See a dentist right away and get any tooth infection treated asap Your life is worth it

Which is better metal partials or plastic partials?

Sometimes it is is a matter of personal preference of the patient. it can also depend on the health, strength, position and number of teeth in the mouth as to which material will READ MORE
Sometimes it is is a matter of personal preference of the patient. it can also depend on the health, strength, position and number of teeth in the mouth as to which material will best restore your missing teeth. Your dentist should be able to help you decide your preference based on the factors just mentioned. Both men & women like the flexible plastic -like partials because they are strong, flexible in nature and often feel more comfortable than metal partials.. There is also the cosmetic factor to consider. They often just look more natural in the mouth. I hope this helps

Can I drink water after a filling?

Yes. You may drink water after a filling. Depending on the nature of the filling, you may want to avoid extremely cold and hot water. For example, if the filling was very deep, READ MORE
Yes. You may drink water after a filling. Depending on the nature of the filling, you may want to avoid extremely cold and hot water. For example, if the filling was very deep, extreme water temperatures may cause some discomfort until the tooth, if agitated during the filling process, can calm down. In most cases, drinking water after a filling is okay.

Dr. Z

Why does getting dentures hurt?

Hello, I'm not sure why getting fitted for dentures hurt. In most cases, getting fitted for dentures is not a painful procedure, nor should it be. It usually involves us getting READ MORE
Hello,

I'm not sure why getting fitted for dentures hurt. In most cases, getting fitted for dentures is not a painful procedure, nor should it be. It usually involves us getting an impression of your mouth with a material that is soft like putty. If you have some of your own teeth that are sensitive or loose, you might experience some discomfort, but in general, getting fitted for a denture does not hurt.

Can you get dentures during Covid-19?

Yes, you can. Not until after May 30th, but you can schedule an appointment anytime after that.

Can you close a gap without braces?

Yes you can. We have several options for closing gap. some are immediate /same day results. Others require a few appointments

What do you do when your denture falls out?

Depending on the reason that your denture fell out, we can best determine what treatment you need to secure it and make it tight again. There are a number of options.

Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?

Yes. An Infected tooth/abscessed tooth can not only affect your whole body, but can also cause the infection to spread throughout your whole body. It can get into your bloodstream READ MORE
Yes. An Infected tooth/abscessed tooth can not only affect your whole body, but can also cause the infection to spread throughout your whole body. It can get into your bloodstream and harmfully affect your heart, kidneys, and other vital organs over time. Don't delay with a dental infection. See a dentist as soon as possible and get it taken care of. You will be glad you did sooner than later.

Dr. Sowell

Why does my jaw hurt when I wake up in the morning?

You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night and not aware of it. That stresses your TMJ (jaw joint) and you wake up feeling the results of your clenching and grinding READ MORE
You may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night and not aware of it. That stresses your TMJ (jaw joint) and you wake up feeling the results of your clenching and grinding

How do you know if you have a wisdom tooth infection?

Yes. Your wisdom tooth could be infected, but not necessarily. You need to go to the dentist and have it looked at. Sometimes there is swelling if infection is there. There could READ MORE
Yes. Your wisdom tooth could be infected, but not necessarily. You need to go to the dentist and have it looked at. Sometimes there is swelling if infection is there. There could also be a smell around the tooth that indicates an infection.

What is the treatment for an abscess in the mouth?

Abscesses are usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes they have to be drained followed by an antibacterial mouth rinse.

In a fall, my tooth broke off in half. How can this be fixed?

The broken tooth and surrounding teeth should be X-Rayed immediately to determine if the nerve was also damaged. If nerve damage has occured you may notice the tooth begins to READ MORE
The broken tooth and surrounding teeth should be X-Rayed immediately to determine if the nerve was also damaged. If nerve damage has occured you may notice the tooth begins to turn dark over time, indicating that the nerve is damaged and the tooth may need a Root canal. Please follow up with a dentist asap

What can I do to maintain my dental implants?

Maintain good Oral health care at home: brushing and flossing 2-3x/day.Keep regular Dental Hygiene appointments, getting your teeth professionally cleaned and checked by your dentist....at READ MORE
Maintain good Oral health care at home: brushing and flossing 2-3x/day.Keep regular Dental Hygiene appointments, getting your teeth professionally cleaned and checked by your dentist....at a minimum of twice a year or more

I had some bleeding in my gums while brushing. Could it be serious?

Bleeding gums, or Gingivitis is the first sign that your gums are not healthy. Dont take bleeding gums lightly, it is a sign of inflammation, and should be treated asap to avoid READ MORE
Bleeding gums, or Gingivitis is the first sign that your gums are not healthy. Dont take bleeding gums lightly, it is a sign of inflammation, and should be treated asap to avoid it progressing into a more serious stage of gum disease; Periodontal Disease. Don't wait to get bleeding gums taken care of. Do it NOW!

Are there any remedies for teeth grinding?

YES, THERE IS HELP FOR PEOPLE WHO GRIND THEIR TEETH AT NIGHT AND DURING THE DAY. A dentist can examine you and assess the most likely reason you may be grinding your teeth and READ MORE
YES, THERE IS HELP FOR PEOPLE WHO GRIND THEIR TEETH AT NIGHT AND DURING THE DAY. A dentist can examine you and assess the most likely reason you may be grinding your teeth and make a night guard for you to wear at night. There are a number of different materials that night guards are made of, and one your grinding pattern and the extent of your grinding is determined, the proper type can be custom made for you. Many people notice a difference and relief after the first night of wearing a night guard because it relaxes your TMJ (jaw joint).

What could be the reason for my mouth ulcers?

Stress is a major cause of mouth ulcers. It could also be a virus that is causing this condition. See your dentist to help determine the cause of your mouth ulcers. There is treatment READ MORE
Stress is a major cause of mouth ulcers. It could also be a virus that is causing this condition. See your dentist to help determine the cause of your mouth ulcers. There is treatment to help you manage these mouth ulcers and stop the progression of them and reduce the pain