If you are like many of our patients, then you will have dental questions in Metairie. At Metairie Dental Studio, we’re happy to provide answers for you. Here we have collected some of the most common questions we’ve heard. If you have additional questions about us or any of our services, call us today at 504-291-0042.
- How can I replace a missing tooth?
- How can I improve my smile?
- How often should I visit the dentist?
- Should I be worried about periodontal disease?
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How can I replace a missing tooth?
A:
You have a number of choices to replace a tooth here, but a great first step is getting a dental implant. These are designed to replace the roots of missing teeth and to support dental restorations (such as crowns and bridges). Having implants can help you feel more confident about your smile and your ability to eat the foods that you love.
Without implants, you also can consider a traditional dental bridge, which is bonded to your existing teeth. Partial dentures can fill the gaps in your smile as well. They are held in place by hooks that attach to your remaining healthy teeth. Full dentures are available if you need to replace all of your teeth.
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How can I improve my smile?
A:
No matter what you want to change about your smile, our cosmetic dentistry gives you a lot of excellent options. You may even decide to combine two or more services as part of a complete smile makeover. Before you make your decision, however, let us show you what your smile could look like with our wax-ups and digital imaging.
For a straighter smile, ask about our orthodontics. For whiter teeth, we offer professional teeth whitening. Dental bonding is a great way to repair teeth that are chipped or have gaps between them. And dental veneers can be used to correct a variety of flaws simultaneously.
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How often should I visit the dentist?
A:
A good guideline is to schedule two checkups at Metairie Dental Studio every year. . People who have chronic oral health issues may need to schedule more frequent visits to keep their mouth healthy.
Routine dental cleanings and exams (in addition to your daily brushing and flossing) can go a long way toward preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. If you do have one of these problems, regular checkups make it much more likely that it will be found in the early stages. That makes your treatment more effective and less invasive.
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Should I be worried about periodontal disease?
A:
Yes, you should take steps to avoid gum disease whenever you can. Periodontal problems are the leading cause of tooth loss in our country, and the bacteria that cause gum infections have been linked to a variety of other health issues. These include heart disease, diabetes complications, and premature and low-birthweight babies.
Bleeding, swollen, and reddish gums are symptoms of the early stages of gum disease. Soreness, receding gums, and loose teeth could indicate a more severe issue. We encourage you to seek help at the first signs of trouble. We offer nonsurgical gum disease treatments for our patients.