Exceptional Dental

Mind • Body • Soul | Exceptional Dental care in Louisiana

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3 Different Types of Dental Bridges You Can Explore

Having one or more missing teeth can make chewing food and speaking increasingly difficult. The lack of tooth structure also impacts your facial features, as it leaves the mouth and cheek area looking deflated. In some individuals, that can cause a lack of confidence.

If missing teeth is causing you any of these problems, you can opt for a teeth replacement like a dental bridge. Just consult your dentist to find out if you qualify for the procedure. To give you an idea, we’ve listed a few types of dental bridges you can explore.

Traditional Fixed Bridge

Fixed bridges are one of the most popular types of dental bridges. They are typically made from ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal and are recommended for patients with healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The natural teeth will help support the dental bridges in place. During the procedure, your dentist will reshape the surrounding teeth to ensure the bridge fits perfectly.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

Unlike traditional fixed bridges, this type only uses one healthy tooth for support. It is not recommended for patients who need replacement near the back of the mouth as chewing can put too much strain on a single tooth. The adjacent tooth will undergo reshaping to ensure that the cantilever bridge is properly supported. This type of restorative dental fixture can be made from various materials like zirconia, all-metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Maryland Dental Bridge

Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges are for patients with missing teeth in the front of their mouth. They are typically made of different materials like porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal. A porcelain or metal band is used to attach the dental fixture to the backs of the adjacent teeth.

Restore the Beauty and Function of Your Teeth Today!

At Exceptional Dental of LA, we offer quality dental bridges that will serve you for years to come. We will help you find one that best fits your case and walk you through the entire process. Aside from dental bridges, we also offer other tooth replacement options like crowns and dentures. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

Things to Keep in Mind After a Dental Implant Surgery

The hours and days after a tooth implant surgery are extremely crucial. What happens to you during this time can significantly affect your healing process. And to help ensure you won’t develop complications, you will be closely monitored by your dentist. If it’s your first time undergoing a tooth implant process, here are some things you need to keep in mind after the procedure:

Driving 

The anesthesia used during surgery can take one to three hours to wear off. During this period, you may feel disoriented, groggy, and possibly experience blurry vision. So, driving within 24 hours post-treatment is highly discouraged. See to it that someone takes you home after the procedure. 

Food and Drink Intake  

In the first six hours after the surgery, you will be limited to a diet that requires minimal to no chewing. This includes smoothies, cold soup, mashed potatoes, and so on. After that period, you can move on to soft solids like pasta, cooked vegetables, pancakes, and eggs.

Be sure to stay clear of hot food and liquids as they can irritate the incision site. Using a straw is also not advisable because it creates a suction in the mouth that may cause bleeding in the implant area. 

Post-Surgery Discomfort and Pain

Pain or discomfort is common after the surgery and will gradually subside in a few days. If it becomes unbearable, our doctors may prescribe over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Swelling of the face might also be noticeable a few days after the procedure. It can be reduced by applying an ice pack over the affected area. 

Oral Hygiene and Aftercare 

You can brush your teeth 24 hours after the surgery. A mouth rinse with a ¼ teaspoon to 1 glass of water ratio is also advisable to avoid infections.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today!

At Exceptional Dental of LA, we offer long-lasting and natural-looking dental implants that will help you restore confidence in your smile. Our doctors will walk you through the tooth implant process and answer any questions you might have. Schedule an appointment now to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Tooth Implant Procedure: How Is It Done?

Tooth loss can affect an individual’s day-to-day functions, like eating and speaking comfortably. For most, it can also cause psychological distress and affect various areas of their life. Thankfully, there are restorative treatments like dental implants that can help in this aspect. 

What Happens During the Procedure?

A conventional dental implant treatment can take three to six months to complete. To set your expectations, here is the general process involved during a tooth implant procedure:

Step 1: Placement of the implant on the jawbone

During this process, our oral surgeon will create an incision in your gum to expose the bone. A special drill will then be used to create a hole where the dental implant will be placed. Depending on the size of the cut, stitches might be needed to secure it over the gum. For people with insufficient jawbone mass, bone grafting is needed to help support the fixture.

After the surgery, it will take time for the implants to integrate with your jawbone. This process, also known as osseointegration, can last anywhere from six weeks to six months. During this time, a removable temporary denture will be inserted to help with the appearance. 

Step 2: Attachment of the abutment 

Once the gums are healed, and osseointegration is complete, a screw-like metal post called an abutment will be installed. This will serve as the connecting structure between the implant and artificial teeth. 

To secure it in place, our dental surgeon will make a cut in your gums to expose the dental implant. The abutment will then be attached to the fixture. After this, the gum tissue will be closed around the screw-like post. A period of one to two weeks will be allotted to allow the tissue to heal. 

Step 3: Insertion of the artificial teeth

Once your gums are fully healed, our dental specialist will make an impression of your mouth, which will be used in creating the prosthetic teeth.

Get Your Initial Consultation Today

At Exceptional Dental of LA, we make it our mission to help our patients regain confidence in their smiles. We offer high-quality implants that resemble the look and feel of natural teeth. To find out if you’re a suitable candidate, schedule your initial consultation with any of our locations.

Free Holiday Photos with Santa at the Kenner Location

Exceptional Dental of Kenner is opening our office to Santa Claus to spread the holiday cheer! Santa and his reindeer want nothing more than to take pictures with you and your little ones. Could there be a better time to show off your pearly whites? Santa will be here on December 7th from 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. to greet families and listen to the wide-eyed children hoping for a special surprise on Christmas morning. Don’t worry, we welcome everyone, no need to have an appointment, and no need to even be a patient of Exception Dental! If you have any questions for us about our practices or Santa event, give us a call at (504) 469-6333.

Why You Might Need Dental Implants

If you’ve lost teeth due to trauma, disease, or other reasons, dental implants can offer a permanent solution to your problem. Depending on your situation, dental implants might substantially improve your quality of life. From regaining your ability to eat your favorite foods to completely changing the structure and fullness of your facial features—dental implants can help you gain control of your life once again.

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. They’re form-fitting and very comfortable in your mouth—so comfortable in fact you’ll forget they’re there! You brush and floss them just like natural teeth, plus you never have to remove them or glue them in with dental glue. Dental implants also help keep the natural shape of your jawbone which in turn helps you retain your natural smile.

They’re Built To Last

Dental implants that are properly taken care of can last for multiple decades. Even if you don’t have full dental implants, other options such as dental bridges and dentures can still last for upwards of 10 years. Dental implants are built to last and will provide you the stability you need in your day-to-day life.

Dental implants are secure so they won’t slip or move in your mouth at all. This helps tremendously when it comes to daily activities such as eating, talking, or laughing. You’ll also find that your speech will feel more fluid and natural. With dental implants, it’s easy to rediscover the confidence to live your life how YOU want to live it. You’ll be free to eat what you want, say what you want to say, and of course—smile endlessly. 

Health Benefits

The empty spaces left behind in your mouth from tooth loss can lead to a specific health condition in which your jawbone deteriorates and leaves your mouth looking like the stereotypical “old man” face. Dental implants are the ONLY tooth replacement option that actually stimulates bone growth and prevents bone deterioration. 

After tooth loss, getting dental implants as soon as possible ensures that you won’t suffer any bone loss at the tooth’s former site. Dental implants don’t even require extra dental work to adjacent teeth to be fully implemented. Are you wondering how soon should you seek implants after tooth loss? When it comes to your teeth, the sooner the better when it comes to your teeth. 

So, maybe you’re curious if dental implants are the right option for you. At Exceptional Dental, we offer dental implants consultation in Slidell and surrounding areas.

Book Your Dental Implants Consultation In Slidell

There’s no sense in waiting around for your teeth to get better. Even if you’re not sure you need a dental procedure, the impact on your quality of life could be substantial. Our free dental implant consultation at our Slidell location also includes a complimentary 3-D Imaging CT scan! So what are you waiting for? Get help from the professionals at Exceptional Dental.  Schedule your initial appointment by submitting a form online or simply by calling us at 985-643-2616 and we’ll get you in our office as soon as possible.

Locations

Visit the location that's convenient for you! We have multiple pediatric dentist offices and general dentist offices throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

34659 LA 16
Denham Springs, LA 70706 
225-998-1999

Mon–Tues: 8:30am–4:30pm
Thurs-Fri: 8:30am–4:30pm

Fax: 225-347-5007

7278 Highland Road, Suite C
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-329-1140

Mon–Thur: 9:00am–4:30pm

Fax: 225-663-6811

5107 Beatline Road, Suite 800
Long Beach, MS 39560
228-250-0366

Mon–Thurs: 8:30am–4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am–1:00pm

Fax: 228-250-0360

101 Smart Place
Slidell LA 70458 
985-643-2616

Mon–Thur: 9:00am–5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am–2:00pm

Fax: 985-643-2631

1305 W Esplanade Avenue
Kenner, LA 70065 
504-469-6333

Mon–Fri: 8:00am–5:00pm

Fax: 504-469-6355

1128 Clearview Parkway
Metairie, LA 70001
504-733-1135

Mon–Fri: 8:00am–5:00pm

Fax: 504-754-7822

4141 Bienville Street, Suite 105
New Orleans, LA 70119 
504-900-1195

Mon–Fri: 8:00am–5:00pm

Fax: 225-663-6811

5300 Tchoupitoulas Street, Suite F4
New Orleans, LA 70115 
 504-229-3342

Mon–Fri: 8:30am–4:30pm

Fax: 504-226-5508

2521 Ames Boulevard, Suite C
Marrero, LA 70072
504-340-9696

Mon–Thur: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 2:00pm

Fax: 504-340-7207

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