Exceptional Dental

Mind • Body • Soul | Exceptional Dental care in Louisiana

Category: Tooth

Find Out More About Filings From A Dentist in Denham Springs, LA

For most, cavities and tooth decay are a fear we all face at some point in our lives. They’re often portrayed as little demons stabbing and chipping away at your teeth—and that’s not far from the truth. But, to stop these monsters in their tracks, procedures like fillings can keep our teeth looking and feeling better than before. Although, what do you really know about the material used in your teeth? Find out more about your fillings from a trustworthy dentist in Denham Springs.

How Many Different Types Of Fillings Are There?

With the evolution of science, medical procedures have advanced far enough that you can even have different kinds of filling material these days. 

  • Cast Gold: These are made from a cast of your original tooth and then applied after the decay is removed.
  • Silver (Amalgams): Durable and well-known, silver fillings are only silver in color. In actuality, they are a mixture of many types of metal.
  • Composite: These materials are newer to the field, but can closely resemble the actual color of your teeth. That way, if you’re self-conscious about metal fillings, it’s an excellent way to hide the work.

There are more options—such as ceramic and glass ionomer—but these are not used as often by dentists. Ask your dentist in Denham Springs which option is the best for you.

What’s The Difference Between A Filling And Root Canal?

As both of these procedures are meant to remove decay, they fulfill similar purposes. But a root canal is a more serious procedure. For a root canal to be necessary, the cavity needs to have penetrated the roots of the tooth. When it does this, the dentist needs to get into the center of the tooth to halt the decay. If left the way it is, the tooth could decay from the inside out and crumble in your mouth.

How Long Do Fillings Last?

Your teeth are imperative to daily life. Who has the time to go in every other year to replace their fillings? Luckily, this isn’t necessary. Your fillings last a long time—up to 15 years!

How Are Fillings Done?

The process may seem daunting, but it’s much milder than you might think. The filling process begins with numbing the surrounding gum with anesthesia. Those shots are the hardest part of the procedure. After, the dentist drills out the decay and replaces it with the filling of choice. Depending on your kind of filling, there may be an extra step or two. Simple, right? And it only takes a few minutes to perform. Perhaps they seemed like they took much longer when you were a child, but everything seems longer when we were kids, right? Either way—don’t worry. Our dentist in Denham Springs is there to help you feel better.

Treat Your Teeth With A Trustworthy Dentist in Denham Springs

Are you ready to rid your mouth of decay? Exceptional Dental is here to help you feel better. Visit our location in Denham Springs to get the help you really deserve. Schedule your appointment to see your dentist in Denham Springs.

What Do You Know About Teeth?

How Much Do You Know About Your Teeth?

We use our teeth every day to bite, chew, and chomp, but how much do you actually know about them? Teeth are fascinating in and of themselves. From the second we are born our teeth are constantly changing. Learn more from you dental clinic in New Orleans.

Why Do We Lose Our Teeth?

Did you know humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lives—baby and adult teeth? Baby teeth are referred to as milk teeth and don’t start showing up until you’re around 6 months old. Starting around this age, we go through the long and painful process of teething. This marks the time in our lives we’re able to start eating solid foods and begin learning how to speak. It takes about two years for all 20 baby teeth to fully emerge. 

As toddlers turn into children their jaw expands to meet their needs for food consumption. To accommodate this change, baby teeth become loose and fall out. The roots of baby teeth are very small and thin. As the permanent teeth begin to develop, the roots of the baby teeth begin to reabsorb back into the body and eventually disappear. This releases the baby teeth and paves the way for permanent teeth to begin to emerge. Once all your permanent teeth emerge, you will have 32 pearly white teeth.

Types Of Teeth

By the time someone turns 13, they more than likely will have all 32 of those permanent teeth. The last teeth to come in are called wisdom teeth. These show up in the late teens or early twenties. Even though you have 32 different teeth in your mouth, there are only 4 different types of teeth.

  • Canine: These teeth are located directly below your eye sockets. Canine teeth play important roles in eating, speaking, maintaining the shape of the lips and guiding the other teeth into position.They help tear food into bite-sized pieces as well as assist you with pronouncing words. 
  • Incisors: These are the four front teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth. Their primary function is to cut up food into smaller bits. Incisors have a single root and a sharp incisal edge. 
  • Bicuspid (Premolars): These teeth are located behind the canines and are responsible for crushing up food particles. There are eight premolars in your mouth, two on each side top and bottom.
  • Molars: Typically people have three molars on each side of their mouth on both the top and bottom. These 12 teeth are designed to grind food. Although, some people do not fully develop the third molars. Third molars are often referred to as wisdom teeth.

Find Your Dental Clinic in New Orleans

Teeth are one of the most fascinating parts of the human body! Our experts at Exceptional Dental agree. If you have any questions for us about our practices or service options, give us a call at (504) 469-6333 or schedule an appointment with us. Exceptional Dental has clinics in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. If you’re experiencing symptoms that require attention, call us or come in immediately! We’re always ready to lend a helping hand.

 

Find Out What Causes Tooth Decay In Adults From A Slidell Dentist

There are a few things our parents warned us about as children—the boogeyman (maybe even the Rougarou here in Louisiana), and, at times, tooth decay. But, unlike the other two, tooth decay is a proven reality and is a very real problem for people of every age. But even though we’re warned about, what are the actual dangers of tooth decay? How can we protect ourselves and keep our ivories shining? Find out everything you need from a professional Slidell dentist.

How Can I Get Tooth Decay?

So, you have heard of tooth decay, but what exactly does that entail? Well, simply put, tooth decay is the destruction of the hard, outer layer of your teeth—also known as enamel. The process begins with plaque. While this sticky, white-ish yellow film seems harmless, it’s actually bacteria. And depending on the food you eat, that bacteria can produce acids that attack your enamel. Once this enamel is broken down, cavities form. 

Another name for tooth decay, cavities are often depicted as little devils poking your teeth. While not as lively, it does have some truth to it! After all, cavities hurt pretty bad. And while they are more common in children, it’s possible to get them as adults.

As soon as you feel any discomfort, it’s time to see a dentist. Allowing this decay to continue untreated only leads to more issues down the line. For example, the gums can recede from the tooth, exposing the root to the same bacterial problem. Or, the cavity can spread to the pulp inside the tooth and ultimately lead to major illness or tooth loss.

The biggest way to suffer from tooth decay is from foods and beverages that are one of these three things: sticky, sugary, and sour. Of course, we’re not telling you to avoid these foods entirely. But knowing when to limit your intake is essential.

Correct Dental Hygiene Tips

Now that you know where tooth decay comes from, and what it is, what can you do to fight it?

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a tooth’s best friend. Because fluoride makes the enamel stronger, tooth decay has a harder time setting in. If you’re not getting enough, your dentist may suggest additional sources of fluoride.
  • Avoid smoking and other tobacco products. These can stain your teeth and increase the amount of bacteria.
  • We know people tend to forget about flossing. But getting in between the teeth is imperative to dental health. Once flossing daily becomes a habit, you’ll be on the road to impeccable pearly whites.
  • Switch out those processed, sweet foods for something more natural. Although sweet, strawberries are perfect for your teeth. In fact, because they’re full of malic acid, eating them makes your teeth whiter.
  • Visit your dentist every six months for a deep cleaning. We’ll make sure there are no underlying issues and get you feeling squeaky-clean.

As adults, we only have one set of teeth. It’s best to keep them as clean as possible—so we can keep them as long as possible. But if you believe your teeth are already in trouble, get help from a great Slidell dentist by visiting Exceptional Dental!

Visit A Slidell Dentist And Care For Your Teeth Right

Ready to get your teeth looking good and feeling even better? Make an appointment with a Slidell dentist from Exceptional Dental to receive treatment. Have a question for us beforehand? Not a problem. Get in touch with our Slidell office by calling (985) 643-2616 or send us a message online.

Wisdom Tooth Removal: What To Know

The unfortunate truth for some is there comes a time where our wisdom teeth outgrow our jawline. You can tell this period in life is here by uncomfortable crowding, swelling, and excessive tenderness in your mouth. For many, there is a need to remove the wisdom teeth due to the pain associated with their arrival. But while not everyone needs tooth removal, the majority of people do. In fact, over 70 percent of people who have had problems with their wisdom teeth have had them removed. So how do you know if it’s time for your wisdom tooth removal?

How To Tell If You Need Tooth Removal

When your wisdom teeth begins to cause pain or damage, it’s time to see a dentist to assess the problem. Your local dentist can provide valuable insights into what kind of issues you’re facing with your wisdom teeth. Through various technologies, like facial x-rays, dentists can paint a vivid picture of what is going on beneath the gums. Because of this tech, your dentist can see that there are a few different reasons to recommend tooth removal for your wisdom teeth.

Impacted Teeth

When your wisdom tooth forms in your mouth but never breaks through the gum line, it’s an impacted tooth. But if only a small part of the tooth is showing, it’s referred to as a partially impacted tooth. You see, wisdom teeth don’t stick to the normal growth pattern of your other teeth. In some cases they grow sideways or at various angles, causing much more damage and pain. This growth pattern can lead to a variety of other oral problems. It’s better for you to nip this in the bud before these issues come to pass.

Pain & Swelling

Pain and swelling are the common telltale signs that it’s time for tooth removal. If you’re experiencing these oral symptoms in any sort of way it’s more than likely due to complications with your wisdom teeth. Some of the more common forms of pain and swelling include: jaw pain, swelling of the gums, difficulty opening your mouth, and tenderness. Only your dentist can tell you if you’re ready for tooth removal, so be sure to consult with your local dentist if you’re experiencing any negative signs. 

Care After Your Tooth Removal

It’s important to be ready to deal with what comes after having your teeth removed. First things first, have someone to drive you home after your appointment as you will typically still be under the effects of anesthesia for quite a while. Full recovery after tooth removal can take up to a week or longer, so call school or work for a few days off. You can expect swelling and tenderness in your gums for around three to four days, with the worst of it being over after the first 24 hours. Additionally, there are certain behaviors to avoid while recovering from a tooth extraction. Anything involving suction with your mouth can cause complications in your recovery. Drinking from a straw, smoking, and spitting fall into this category. It’s also important to only eat soft foods as more complicated foods can get stuck in your mouth can cause further issues. Take care of yourself and you’ll be back to your old self in no time!

Trust Your Experts At Exception Dental

Exceptional Dental is ready to help you with your tooth removal during this busy time. If you have any questions for us about our practices or service options, give us a call at (504) 469-6333 or schedule an appointment with us. If you’re experiencing symptoms that require attention, call us or come in immediately! We’re always ready to lend a helping hand.

Visit The New Orleans Tooth Fairy For Tooth Removal

Remember when losing a tooth was exciting? Getting that wiggling tooth yanked out by an enthusiastic older sibling. Or losing it at school, you might have gotten a trip to the nurse’s office. Then triumphantly returned to class, brandishing your new trophy. But the best part was definitely the tooth fairy. Going to sleep, dreaming of what she might bring, and waking up to a new, magical treasure. Wouldn’t tooth removal as adults be so much more fun if she still paid you a visit here in New Orleans?

The New Orleans Tooth Fairy

We imagine the New Orleans tooth fairy dressed like she’s on a Mardi Gras Krewe Court. But don’t let her glamorous, sparkly appearance fool you. She’s as down-to-earth as any true New Orleanian. Probably whispering, “Where y’at, cher?” as she searches for your molar. But what would the New Orleans Tooth Fairy put under your pillow to reward you for your tooth removal?

  • Tasty Treats For Teeth: Did you get your tooth removal on a Monday? You can bet the New Orleans tooth fairy is going to put some red beans and rice under your pillow. Sure, it might get a little sloppy. But don’t worry—she’ll leave some cornbread too to help sop up the delicious mess. Or maybe some beignets, pralines, or even a king cake! But then she’ll probably warn you about all that “sugah!”
  • Throw Me Somethin’! The New Orleans Tooth Fairy has her pick of Mardi Gras treasures to share. Doubloons are a classic and obvious choice. But if it’s a nice, big tooth (and you’ve been good this year) you might earn a traditional Zulu coconut or sparkly Muses shoe!
  • Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Lose a Tooth? If she’s feeling REALLY generous, she might slip a Saints ticket or two between your sheets. Though her willingness to share might depend on how the season’s going. She’s got the biggest crush on Drew Brees, after all (who doesn’t though?).  

Big, Easy Tooth Removal

We want to believe in the New Orleans Tooth Fairy! Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee anything under your pillow after a tooth removal. At Exceptional Dental we can guarantee our staff will give you exceptional care. We can even help you out with dental implants afterward. Our dentists, hygienists, and technicians are your very own New Orleans Tooth Fairies! Trust us for your emergency, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry needs. We have seven locations throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Contact the one nearest you to ask questions or schedule an appointment. In the meantime, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for that New Orleans Tooth Fairy (and Drew Brees)!

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