Dr. Paul Perez, Dr. Elizabeth Crapanzano, and the team at Avenue Family Dentistry know that you will have questions regarding dental care for you and your family. It’s something they expect and welcome from their patients. They believe that patient education is an important part of maintaining good oral health and making good treatment decisions, so they are happy to answer any questions you might have.They are never too busy to address any concerns you might have about your teeth and mouth. We want you to be well informed!We’ve answered some of the more common questions we often hear below. But please don’t hesitate to come to us if you have other questions that haven’t been addressed here regardless of how small they might seem. We firmly believe there is no such thing as a silly question, and we want you to feel secure about having chosen us as your dental care provider. Before you undergo any treatment, we want to be sure you feel completely comfortable and confident about the route you have chosen. We are here to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decisions for you and for your oral health.
Don’t worry; we have seen it all. We dentists are very familiar with children having their teeth hit, and there are several ways to handle the situation. You have to remember that a lot of blood is normal. The mouth is a very vascular area. The great news is that there is already a brand-new set of adult teeth that will replace these little teeth one day. No permanent damage has likely been done.
Comfort your child and clean up his little face while you get your dentist on the phone. Most dentists will be happy to see you very quickly after an incident, and he or she will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect as an outcome. A lot of times, there is no work to be done, but if something is needed, the sooner you get to a dentist, the better. If you do have the lost tooth, try to put it in a baggie filled with some of your child’s saliva or milk and bring it over with you.
Many of our patients are health-conscious and express concerns about the levels of radiation in dental x-rays. Dental x-rays have always been among the lowest in radiation because we are capturing only a small area. Because we care about you and your health, our New Orleans dental team has invested in digital x-rays for your safety. The amount of radiation exposure during the taking of dental x-rays is extremely small. In fact, you can absorb more radiation by being outside. Digital x-rays emit 80-90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays.
Digital x-rays also have other benefits:
Digital x-rays are a small investment with big payoffs. They allow us to detect decay and infection in the earliest stages, reducing the amount of treatment and damage to your teeth. We take only the x-rays necessary for accurate diagnosis. Because your health is important to us, we will make recommendations for preventive treatment based on your individual needs.
Fluoride is not only safe, but it is essential in maintaining the health of your child’s teeth. On my pediatric rotation in dental school, I noticed that the children living in non-fluoridated communities had significantly more tooth decay than the children receiving fluoride from the water. Regular and moderate consumption of fluoridated water is harmless to you and your growing baby, while she/he is both in and out of your belly.
Just like everything else, though, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. That being said, the proper dose is extremely important. Your dentist can educate you on the proper exposure based on your child’s age. For this reason, it is important to use fluoride free, age-appropriate toothpaste. This toothpaste comes in an assortment of flavors so you can get your child’s favorite kind. You can buy children’s toothpaste at any pharmacy, and most dentists will give your child toothpaste to go after their regular dental checkups.
First, rinse the mouth with warm water. This will help to clean the area that was damaged. Apply a cold compress to the area to decrease swelling. If the tooth fell out of your mouth, place the tooth back in the socket or if that is not possible place the tooth in a glass of milk. Contact the office as soon as possible, we have an emergency line available and you can reach us at all times.
Do not kiss your infant on the mouth. Babies are not born with the bacteria that causes cavities. Adults unknowingly transfer that bacteria to them when doing things like sharing utensils and kissing them on the mouth. We also discourage sharing straws and cups with them.
For starters, it is completely normal to see a lot of bleeding when flossing and brushing. Sometimes bleeding can even occur spontaneously. This is normal. Just make sure you keep flossing and brushing those pearly whites, and we promise the bleeding will resolve as your hormones calm down.
If you are diligent about maintaining your dental hygiene, your teeth should remain in their pre-pregnancy state. We dentists don’t expect to see any drastic changes like crowding teeth or increased cavities during your pregnancy. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call your dentist and let them take a quick peek. Peace of mind makes a happy mom, and a happy mom makes a happy baby.
You should ideally bring your baby in for his first dental check up as soon as that first tooth erupts, or by the age of one, whichever happens first. Now the good news: this will be a very short appointment as far as your baby is concerned. Your dentist will take a quick look to make sure everything is healthy, so it will not be the long, torturous event you may have been dreading. You’ll likely be able to hold your baby during the appointment, for extra comfort and security.
This appointment is mostly for your own education, since you will be #1 caretaker of your baby’s teeth for these next few years. Your dentist will teach you how to brush baby’s teeth and how much toothpaste to use. At the end, you will even get a little goodie bag with baby toothpaste and toothbrush.
Our team welcomes your children to our New Orleans dental office. We will make your child our special guest at each appointment. In order to prevent future dental problems, your child should see a dentist when his or her first tooth appears or no later than his or her first birthday. Avenue Family Dentistry will make it a top priority to get to know your child, and he or she will forever become a member of our dental family!
We start by familiarizing your child with our dental office. Allowing them to become accustomed to the sights and sounds of the dental office early will often reduce anxiety. We will take your child for a ride in the dental chair and perform their first exam while they sit on your lap.
This is a great time for parents to ask questions about home care habits, and we will demonstrate how to effectively brush your child's teeth at home. Because knowledge is power, we will discuss nutrition, habits, and ways to keep your little one's smile healthy and happy.
As your child grows, we will incorporate professional dental cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments to protect their teeth. An early start with great dental care will give your little one a solid foundation in oral health.
Regular dental visits are an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Checkups and cleanings at least twice each year will help ward off gum disease and enable your dentist to spot small problems before they become serious issues.
By making this investment in prevention, you can avoid many serious conditions before they become painful or create an unexpected dental emergency.
Many patients stay away from the dental office because of fear and anxiety. We know that the moment you walk through our door, you will see that our office is different. We truly care for the wellbeing of our patients and treat you like the unique individuals you are. You will never feel rushed. Our dentists are gentle and approach dentistry with kindness and compassion.
The frequency of your dental visits depends on your oral health. For many patients, twice-yearly visits are enough to stay healthy. For others, more frequent dental cleanings, periodontal treatments, or exams are necessary to avoid decay, periodontal disease, and tooth pain. Your dental health can change over your lifetime. Hormonal changes and changes to your medical history will help us determine the treatment that will work best for you.
Contact our New Orleans dental office to schedule an exam with one of our gentle and highly skilled dentists. We look forward to meeting you.
This is a tricky question, since what dental treatment is safe depends on your existing oral health and the effects it can have on your baby. Regular cleanings are safe for pregnant women during most of the pregnancy, and especially the second trimester. Of course, experts strongly suggest skipping the X-rays this go ‘round to avoid any radiation making its way to your little one.
However, if there are more serious dental issues going on – for example, if you need a root canal or filling – the infection can actually pose a risk to you and baby both. Treatment may be indicated, in the form of antibiotics or otherwise. In this case, your dentist will make a collaborative effort with your OB-GYN to ensure that you get the safest and best care for you and your baby. This will also help you decide if the procedure should be done immediately, or if you can safely wait for your precious bundle of joy to arrive first.
We dentists need to know if you are expecting, breastfeeding, or post-partum. This is a very relevant part of your medical history, and it will help us better treat you.
Prevention is always the best way to approach dentistry because preventing a problem is less costly and invasive than treating a condition. Decay is no exception.
Some people are more prone to decay than others. Diet, genetics, home care habits, and how often you visit the dentist can all play a role in your likelihood of developing decay. For some people with deep grooves in their teeth that cannot be reached with a toothbrush, we recommend the added protection of dental sealants.
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth and creating a barrier between your tooth and decay-causing bacteria. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for up to five years, when we can replace them. Sealants are tooth-colored, and we paint them onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth. They harden and are not noticeable to others. You will not need anesthetic because they are painless. They are significantly less expensive than fillings!
When people think of sealants, they often think they are just for kids. Adults, however, can also benefit from decay-preventing sealants, especially if they have a history of decay or drink acidic soft drinks, energy drinks, or juice.
Many people fear going to the dentist and allow their anxiety to keep them from getting the dental care that they desperately need. This can result in unexpected emergencies and serious conditions such as periodontal disease. If fear has kept you from the dentist for too long, we are here to help! At Avenue Family Dentistry, we believe that dental care can be a pain-free and anxiety-free experience.
Dr. Paul Perez is licensed in oral sedation, meaning he can prescribe medication to relax you before you come in for your procedure. Oral sedation works well for people with severe dental anxiety or a strong gag reflex, and it's also helpful for those who have extensive treatment that needs to be completed. By offering sedation dentistry, we help patients achieve greater comfort and deeper relaxation so that their dental procedures are positive experiences.
Nitrous oxide administration is also a good way to help a patient relax during dental procedures. This mild form of sedation takes the edge off but does not have the lasting effects of oral sedation. You can drive yourself home after your appointment and even return to work immediately.
Our skilled and friendly team looks forward to the opportunity to improve your oral health by offering solutions to reduce or eliminate your anxiety.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, come in to our office to discuss your options. We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry options, such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and teeth whitening, that can improve the way your smile looks and increase your self-confidence. Your smile is important and having one that is comfortable and attractive can alter the way you carry yourself, making it easier for you to express yourself and communicate with others.
Cosmetic dentistry is available at all levels. From simple procedures that correct a small flaw that annoys you to entire smile makeovers, the sky is the limit! Even if you have concerns about the alignment of your smile and feel like your teeth look crooked, we offer Invisalign clear braces to correct the misalignment.
Your smile is an investment in you. While many people are concerned about the cost of cosmetic dentistry, we offer treatment for every budget. After a complete exam, we can discuss your concerns and your goals for your smile, and then come up with a treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle. Modern dentistry has made great advances in cosmetic treatment. At Avenue Family Dentistry, we create natural-looking smiles that give you the smile of your dreams.
Don’t worry; we have seen it all. We dentists are very familiar with children having their teeth hit, and there are several ways to handle the situation. You have to remember that a lot of blood is normal. The mouth is a very vascular area. The great news is that there is already a brand-new set of adult teeth that will replace these little teeth one day. No permanent damage has likely been done.
Comfort your child and clean up his little face while you get your dentist on the phone. Most dentists will be happy to see you very quickly after an incident, and he or she will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect as an outcome. A lot of times, there is no work to be done, but if something is needed, the sooner you get to a dentist, the better. If you do have the lost tooth, try to put it in a baggie filled with some of your child’s saliva or milk and bring it over with you.
First, rinse the mouth with warm water. This will help to clean the area that was damaged. Apply a cold compress to the area to decrease swelling. If the tooth fell out of your mouth, place the tooth back in the socket or if that is not possible place the tooth in a glass of milk. Contact the office as soon as possible, we have an emergency line available and you can reach us at all times.
Our New Orleans dental office looks forward to welcoming you and your family. When you walk through our door, you will immediately notice the difference in the care we provide. For your convenience, we offer safe and convenient off-street parking, as well as work with most major insurance companies.
We’re looking forward to seeing your smile.!
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