Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are pleased to offer care credit financing. Care credit is the national leader in financing for dental treatment. They offer no interest and low interest payment plans that allow you to get your dental treatment completed now and then spread the cost over the next 6 months to 2 years.  You can apply for financing through care credit at www.carecredit.com.

If you have any questions about care credit financing feel free to contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.

Dental crowns are one of the most widely used restorations because they are effective and versatile. There are several uses for crowns that you’re probably familiar with, but you may be surprised about some of the ways crowns can benefit you.

In the great majority of cases, dental crowns are placed over a tooth to protect it from damage. For instance, a tooth with a very large filling may need the strength of a dental crown to keep it intact. We also commonly use a dental crown to protect a tooth after root canal treatment. 

But you may not be aware that dental crowns can also be used as a cosmetic treatment for certain aesthetic imperfections. As more people search for ways to achieve a smile that’s not only healthy but also beautiful, we look to traditional restorative treatments that are perfect for cosmetic uses.

Some examples are teeth that are oddly shaped or have chips or breaks. Since dental crowns completely encase the tooth, they are also useful for correcting the appearance of severely stained teeth.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowns and their uses, please contact our Lafayette dental office. A helpful member of our team will be happy to arrange a consultation so that we can explore your options.

Crowns are protective coverings that protect the tooth from cracking and breaking. Crowns are recommended when a tooth has a large filling or has been treated with a root canal. Both of these conditions makes the tooth susceptible to fracturing. The fracturing of a tooth can cause significant discomfort and possible loss of the tooth. Factors such as tooth position and habits such as clenching or grinding also may influence the need for a crown.

Dental implants are a truly remarkable innovation for replacing missing teeth. Until recently, our only choices for tooth replacement were bridges or dentures. As effective as these prosthetics are, they are designed only to fill the empty space left by a missing tooth.

You may think of dental implants as a recent development, but they have actually been used successfully for decades. Thousands of people have benefitted from the unique advantages offered by dental implants.

A dental implant is a full, stand-alone replacement tooth, complete with its own root. It is not dependent on neighboring teeth for support like a dental bridge. And, unlike dentures, the design of dental implants helps to preserve your jawbone so that it does not deteriorate over time.

When you lose a tooth and its root, surrounding teeth can begin to gradually take over the empty space. Dental implants are especially beneficial because the artificial root not only stabilizes your jaw, but also prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of their proper position. This movement can lead to other oral health problems like teeth grinding and premature wear.

Many people are good candidates for a dental implant, but there are some considerations that we need to take into account before deciding if they’re right for you. Please contact our Lafayette dental office to arrange a complimentary consultation so we can discuss dental implants as well as other appropriate options.

You might be a good candidate for veneers. 

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can conceal a range of cosmetic problems and are often part of a cosmetic dentistry smile makeover. 

Using veneers, we can repair: 

• Chips and cosmetic cracks
• Discolorations that are resistant to teeth whitening treatments
• Wide gaps between teeth
• Small, worn, or unusually shaped teeth
• Crooked teeth

Veneers are a good choice if your teeth are generally healthy and you don't have any decay or gum disease. If you do happen to have areas of decay or gum disease, or if you have habits that could be damaging to your veneers like chewing your fingernails or grinding your teeth, we will need to treat those issues first before we can place your veneers. 

Veneers are an investment and should be considered as such. Once your teeth are prepped for veneers, we cannot reverse the process. With good care, your veneers can last for many years before they need to be replaced. 

Veneers are typically not covered by insurance, but we can discuss options like financing through CareCredit that can make it easier to fit cosmetic dentistry into your budget. Call today to schedule your consultation with our Lafayette dentists.

Brushing and flossing of the teeth controls the bacteria (also called plaque) that grow on the teeth and in the gums. If these bacteria are not removed adequately on a reglar basis they will cause tooth decay and gum disease.

It is important that you brush your teeth at least two times per day, in the morning and at night, with a soft bristled toothbrush. It is important that you brush all surfaces of the teeth (inner, outer, and chewing) and that the toothbrush bristles are in contact with the gumline when brushing the outer and inner portions. Electric toohbrushes are recommended as they are more efficient at removing plaque. 

Flossing should be done at least once per day, preferrably at night. It is important to curve the floss around each tooth and extend it below the gumline while cleaning the side of each tooth. 

If you have any questions about brushing or flossing techniques please ask your hgienist at your next visit.

Regular dental cleaning and exam visits are essential for preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. You should have your teeth cleaned and and examined at least twice per year. If you have a history of gum disease or a predilection for tartar buildup your dentist may recommend more frequent intervals.

Probably! Most people are – even those who have sensitive teeth. This is often a relief for people to hear, particularly if you've tried and failed over-the-counter treatments. 

Professional teeth whitening treatments use a stronger concentration of the whitening agent than store-bought kits, and they have many other advantages that make them a better choice. For instance, we custom make the tray you will use, which reduces spillage of the product on to your gums and lips, preventing discomfort from the bleach coming into contact with that sensitive tissue. Many professional whiteners also contain an added ingredient to reduce sensitivity, making teeth whitening an option for more people. Plus, and perhaps most important, you will be under the care of a dentist you trust during the whitening process. We'll give you precise directions for using the kit and walk you through the process, so that you know exactly how much to use and how often to use it. Any time you have a question or concern during your whitening, we'll be here to help you and answer your questions. After your whitening treatment is done, we'll check your results and discuss your program for maintenance so that your beautiful, white smile can last.

If you're interested in learning more about teeth whitening, please call our Lafayette dental office today to schedule a consultation!