Two crucial aspects of effective oral health care are comprehensive dental exams and professional dental cleanings. This is common knowledge, and most patients at our Slidell Family Dental Office understand that these two preventive procedures are essential steps in providing their dental professional with sufficient information to treat us effectively.
But many new patients may be unaware of exactly what is involved in a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning. The following is a brief summary of the steps that should be taken:

Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your Slidell Family Dentist at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays: This step is essential for detecting decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays will also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Your dentist should check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: It is essential to check the gums and bone surrounding the teeth for signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces should be checked for decay
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) should be performed by a Registered Dental Hygienists.  Appointments for cleanings include a dental exam as well as the following:

• Removal of calculus (tartar): When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth it hardens and forms a deposit known as Calculus. Brushing will not remove Calculus since it is calcified and adheres to the teeth above and below the gum line; calculus can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  Plaque is actually a collection of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  These bacteria produce toxins that will inflame the gums and ultimately lead to periodontal disease.
• Teeth polishing: Polishing is the final step in the process of your professional cleaning and removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

What caused you to end the relationship with your last dentist? Was it because he or she was a poor communicator and caused you to experience fear, guilt and/or discomfort? Perhaps you quit seeing your dentist because you felt that that you were just one more patient taking up their valuable time and that they were insensitive to your concerns.

At our Slidell Family Dental Office we value each and every patient as an individual and believe they deserve to be treated with respect and sensitivity to their needs and concerns. We know that many patients who come to us may have developed a strong fear of dentists and that many are nervous about dental visits. We also understand that our responsibility as caring dental professionals is to assure your optimal oral health and not to lecture you about past poor habits.

Although my team and I have years of experience and extensive training on the latest dental procedures and equipment, there are some very important things that can’t be learned in dental school. Building a trusting relationship with our patients and creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in our dental practice is essential to achieving our goal of providing you with quality dental care.

Patients can naturally feel vulnerable as they lie in the dental chair, particularly if they’ve had negative experiences in the past. We strive to maintain a friendly environment in our office, and we manage our schedule carefully to minimize waiting and provide ample time for each valued patient.

Effective communication is a priority. The team at our Slidell, Louisiana General Dentist office works hard together to ensure that patients understand their options and to make certain that all questions are answered before we develop a treatment plan. Please feel free to contact us at (985) 247-9012 to discuss how we can best serve your needs.

You’ve probably already heard that dental implants are an excellent permanent solution for missing teeth and that they are being used increasingly in place of traditional tooth replacement methods. But what are they and why do they work so well? At Slidell, Louisiana Dental Implants Office we’re experts in this area of dentistry, so let’s take a look at the three basic components of a dental implant.

The Dental Implant Fixture
The Dental Implant Fixture is the part of the implant that is embedded in and becomes anchored to the jawbone through a process called “osseointegration”. Osseointegration simply refers to the process where the implant and surrounding tissue grow together, creating a permanent, new structure. This portion of the dental implant lies below the gum line and is sometimes referred to as the “artificial root”. The implant fixture is made of bio-compatible titanium in a screw-shaped design, and the surface is microscopically roughened, increasing its total surface area and creating greater bone-to-implant contact.

The Dental Implant Abutment
The abutment of a tooth implant is the stub portion of the fixture that will sit slightly above the gum line with a protruding surface that the crown or bridgework will rest upon. In order for the implant fixture to have time to fully integrate with the bone, the abutment is usually attached to the implant fixture by Slidell Dental Implants Dentistry several months after the titanium screw portion is placed.

The Dental Prosthesis
This is the part of the implant unit that is visible and will become your new tooth. “Prosthesis” refers to the dental crown or dental bridgework that is supported by the implant and the abutment described above. Depending on how this dental work has been designed, it can either be cemented or screwed into place. The placement of the dental prosthesis is the final step in the implant process.

If you are missing one or more teeth you may be a good candidate for dental implants. But each patient has different needs, and we invite you to contact us at (985) 247-9012 to schedule a free consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you.

Left untreated, dental infections and periodontal disease will not only affect the appearance of your smile but, can destroy your oral health. Neglecting routine at-home oral and professional care places you at greater risk of losing teeth and bone density. At some point when you finally do try to “catch up” you may face painful complications that require extensive cosmetic procedures in order to restore the appearance of your smile.

Prevention is the key to maintaining a beautiful healthy smile. By making your dental care a priority you can save you the future cost and embarrassment of dental disease. At our Slidell Family Dental Office, one of our goals is to educate our patients on effective ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. Even the most consistent routine of brushing and flossing is not enough to maintain a healthy smile. Practicing good at-home oral hygiene is vital, but it must be paired with professional dental cleanings to be really effective.

Many of our patients understand the importance of following good oral health by following proper oral hygiene routines and avoiding damaging food and drinks. As we eat, drink, and speak a sticky bacterial film called plaque coats tooth enamel and oral tissue. Flossing and brushing help to remove some plaque build-up but cannot eliminate it completely. The plaque that is not removed hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar continues to build up on teeth, causing dental decay, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss unless it is removed through regular professional cleanings.

You can take control of your dental health by:
1.    Maintaining a proactive at-home cleaning schedule (to reduce daily plaque build-up)
2.    Seeing your dentist for semi-annual professional cleanings (to remove tartar and give you a “clean slate” for brushing and flossing).

It is never too late to get back on track with your dental health routine. Start by scheduling a visit with the Slidell, Louisiana General Dentist for a professional teeth cleaning to give yourself and your family the best possible chance for optimal oral health.

The thought of Root Canal Therapy can cause stress and anxiety, resulting in the patient putting off treatment until it becomes a significant problem. But fear and anxiety can quickly become a thing of the past when you understand that today’s dentistry sedation options can make the entire process of root canal therapy pain and stress-free.

Why do I need a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is required when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, restoring the tooth to its full function. Root canal treatment performed by the Slidell Root Canal Dentist is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime.

Why not extract the tooth?

Many patients believe that removing the tooth is the solution due to their fear of root canal therapy, but you must realize that tooth extraction is ultimately more costly, causing significant problems for adjacent teeth.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

The only person who can determine if you need a root canal is a dental professional, but some warning signs are:

• An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Severe toothache pain
• Swelling and/or tenderness

Once you experience any of the above symptoms, you must get to your dentist immediately. Procrastinating often creates a more painful situation than is necessary. Often there are no outward symptoms, so regular checkups and examinations will ensure that root canal therapy, if needed, is done promptly.

The more quickly the root canal is addressed, the more options you have for sedation and an anxiety and pain-free procedure. The Slidell, Louisiana Root Canal Dentist can consult with you about the details of the procedure, and our entire dental team is committed to providing a stress-free environment so that you will feel completely comfortable throughout the course of your treatment.

Many patients at our Slidell, Louisiana Periodontal Dental Office understand that periodontal disease is a serious oral health issue. What they may not realize is that research has established a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.

Diabetes
It has been shown that individuals with pre-existing diabetic conditions are likely to be more susceptible to periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease increases blood sugar levels, making it a challenge to control the amount of glucose in the blood.  This factor alone can increase the risk of serious diabetic complications.  

Heart Disease
Several theories exist which connect heart disease and periodontitis.  One theory is that oral bacteria present with periodontal disease can attach themselves to coronary arteries when they enter the bloodstream.  This in turn contributes to the formation of blood clots and a narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Another theory suggests that inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes an increased build-up of arterial plaque.  This can inflame the arteries and worsen pre-existing heart conditions. It has been suggested that patients whose bodies react to periodontal bacteria are at increased risk of developing heart disease.

Pregnancy Complications
Women in general are more prone to developing periodontal disease because of hormonal fluctuations occurring continuously as they go through life and the aging process. Research indicates that pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are at greater risk of delivering underweight, premature babies.

Respiratory Disease
The oral bacteria present with gum disease has been shown to be a potential threat to sufferers of emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  These bacteria can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during the course of normal inhalation and create bacterial infections.  Repeated infections which characterize COPD may be linked with periodontitis.

As you can see, periodontal disease can create significant and serious concerns far beyond oral health alone. The good news is that periodontal disease is a highly preventable and treatable disease if caught immediately. Be sure to protect your oral and overall general health by contacting the Slidell Gum Disease Dentist to schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings.

Dental implants are designed to be permanent, immovable replacement teeth. They are easy to care for, and unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants do not have to be removed for cleaning or dental maintenance. Patients at our Slidell, Louisiana Dental Implants Dentist Office can care for their implants the same way they care for their natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing.

Your dental implants can last for decades with proper care. But there are certain steps you can take to preserve the health and longevity of your dental implant. Here are some common problems to be aware of:

Teeth grinding: patients who grind or clench their teeth (also known as Bruxism) put unnecessary strain on their implants, causing them to wear down prematurely. Many patients don’t even realize that they are grinding their teeth, because they do it in their sleep. If you wake up with jaw soreness or tooth pain this may be an indication that you’re suffering from bruxism.
Chewing Hard Foods:  Chewing hard foods like hard candies or ice creates stress on your natural teeth and your dental restorations. If you regularly eat hard candy or ice, you risk chipping or cracking your crowns.
Using Tobacco Products:  Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause your teeth and your restorations to discolor. Dental implants as well as natural enamel can take on a dark, stained appearance from habitual tobacco use.

Dental implants are a practical, long-term tooth replacement option, and with proper care they can keep you smiling for years to come. Before you choose dental implants, take the time to minimize bad dental habits and treat bruxism. Slidell Dental Implants Dentistry can help you understand how the treatment process works and whether or not dental implants are the right option for you.

When you lose a tooth, it can have an unfortunate impact on your life, causing difficulty with speaking and eating certain types of foods. In addition you may experience the resulting lack of confidence in your appearance. But at the Slidell Dental Implants Dentist Office you have more tooth replacement options with modern cosmetic dentistry than ever before, and one option in particular, the dental implant, is quickly becoming the preferred course of treatment for missing teeth.

A dental implant consists of a small titanium post surgically implanted into the bone. During the initial phase of the implant process, the titanium bonds with your jaw bone to form a strong foundation for a natural-looking dental restoration. Once the post is firmly seated in the jaw, the restoration is affixed to the implant. Because the titanium post takes the place of the tooth’s missing root, dental implants are actually integrated into the structure of the bone to mimic the appearance and strength of your natural teeth.
 
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. They are an exceptional tooth replacement option when used alone, but they can also be used to help improve the stability and comfort of existing dentures or bridges.
 
Our Slidell Louisiana Dental Implants Dentist can strategically place dental implants to stabilize bridges and dentures. Bridges stay in place because they are affixed to adjacent teeth, but this can cause unnecessary strain and structural stress on a patient’s natural teeth. Now a patient’s bridge can be anchored to a dental implant, ensuring a comfortable fit, and taking the pressure off of healthy, natural teeth.
 
Dental implants can be used alone or with dentures and bridges to improve the appearance and functionality of a patient’s smile. They are a versatile tooth-replacement option providing stability and a natural-looking restoration.

If you are one of many patients avoiding routine dental visits, you may be suffering from a fear of dentists and dental procedures - ‘dental phobia’ - a very real affliction well-known to all too many patients. But if you haven’t been to a dentist recently, you may not realize that, with proper treatment dental phobia can become a thing of the past.

When you first visit the Slidell, Louisiana Dentist Office, our first objective is to assure you that they you are not alone in your feelings. When asked to describe their history with dentists, many patients relate stories of negative childhood experiences with a dentist whom the patient considered to be a less than compassionate practitioner

Understanding the underlying fear and making you feel at ease with our team and your surroundings is the first step to controlling and eliminating these fears. In order for Sedation Dentistry to be completely effective, it is vital that you feel your own needs and feelings are being taken into consideration throughout the process.

We will discuss the many options Sedation Dentistry provides for fearful patients. Sedation treatments such as Inhalation, Oral, and IV (Intravenous) Sedation can provide an anxiety-free experience throughout your dental procedure. There are many factors to take into account when choosing the best sedation option for you as everyone reacts differently to different types of sedation, and our team will match the needs of the patient with the correct treatment or combination of treatments.

It’s important to understand that delaying dental treatment because of your fears can lead to neglected oral care and long-term problems that would ultimately become difficult and costly to repair. Many patients are happy to learn that a controlled and regulated approach to the chosen level of sedation allows us to monitor their comfort throughout the duration of treatment, ensuring that the post-procedure experience leaves them feeling refreshed and renewed. Through Sedation Dentistry at our Slidell Dentist office fearful patients can now find a way to feel confident and happy about taking positive steps to ensure their oral health.

When your family’s oral health is at stake, it’s great to know that there is a specific type of dental practice that will cater to your needs and maintain your family’s good oral health. The practice of family dentistry is similar to general dentistry; both types of dentistry handle oral hygiene and tooth health, but family dentists usually accept patients of all ages, establishing an important ongoing relationship with you and your family.
 
Family dentistry provides preventative dentistry services, such as regular cleanings and fluoride treatments, routine x-rays and other basic dental work. The emphasis at Slidell Family Dentist is prevention. The American Dental Association suggests visits to your family dentist for checkups a minimum of twice a year.

During each checkup, you will have a routine oral examination and cleaning to get rid of stains and plaque buildup in order to prevent tooth decay and gum problems. Your dentist will give you tips and recommendations for brushing, flossing and rinsing at home to prevent plaque and tooth decay between appointments.

Monitoring the oral health of your family from the time they’re babies and into adulthood establishes an important ongoing relationship with your Family Dentist.  It is essential that young children establish a comfortable relationship with a family dentist. At Slidell Family Dentistry we address the special needs of our young patients by creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to make your child’s visit as stress-free as possible.

It is important to schedule regular appointments for checkups, so your dentist can catch any problems before more extensive and costly dental work becomes necessary. Finding a family dentistry practice with which your whole family is comfortable can take a lot of stress out of making and keeping your regularly scheduled appointments! Your family dentist is trained to keep your teeth healthy by providing preventative care.