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Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by Dr. John Barksdale of Baton Rouge


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Dental Veneers


Normally, a good alternative to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially shaped porcelain or plastic that are attached over the front of your teeth. It is a great procedure as it needs very little or no anesthesia. The appearance of the veneers, when applied by a licensed cosmetic dentist, is virtually interchangeable compared to natural teeth, meaning a very genuine look for you. The people who mainly taken advantage of this procedure, suffer from severely discolored, chipped, crooked, broken, cracking or pitted teeth.

Very different from crowns, veneers do not require the cosmetic dentist to remove a significant amount of the tooth. They usually only have remove very little tooth. This is important to you because it cuts down on the possibility of trauma to your tooth.

What can you expect?

Your initial visit to your cosmetic dentist’s office consists of an exam, to be sure that this procedure is right for you. This is where you are able to ask the dentist any questions or concerns you may have, and also if he/she feels you are a good candidate for the procedure. After this, your second visit will typically involve the cosmetic dentist creating an impression of your teeth, and your third visit will consist of attaching the veneers onto your teeth.

Prior to the veneer being permanently placed on your tooth, your cosmetic dentist will temporally place the veneer on your tooth to examine its fit and color. Your dentist will make the necessary changes, if any, to achieve perfect fit. The next step is the cleaning, polishing and etching (scraping kind of, it roughens the tooth to allow for better bonding. The cement or bonding, is then spread on to the veneer, which is positioned on your tooth. The cosmetic dentist then uses a laser, which triggers the chemicals in the bonding, or cement, to harden quickly.

The final process is quite simple, and involves cleaning up any excess cement and making sure your bite is proper. Expect for you cosmetic dentist to request you to come in, for a follow up appointment, a couple weeks later, This allows your cosmetic dentist to do a final examination of the veneers placement, along with being sure your gums are responding well to the presence of your new veneers


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Teeth Whitening


The simplest way to enhance your smile. Teeth stains are caused due to numerous reasons, including but not limited to, smoking, drinking coffee, sugary drinks and foods and the list goes on and on. Having stains on your teeth does not necessarily mean you have not taken good care of your teeth; sometimes it is unavoidable over time.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, performed in one of two ways. It can either be done in office, or at home. It is designed to remove stains and discoloration that have been caused by years of use.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Just like all procedures, teeth whitening is done on a case by case basis. It is very important to visit a cosmetic dentist to find out the best procedure for you. It is also important to note that there are numerous over-the-counter methods of teeth whitening that make a wide array of statements, but the only way to have a safe, effective treatment is by visiting your cosmetic dentist. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth, and recommend the best way to enhance your smile.

The level of whiteness resulting from teeth whitening, or teeth bleaching, is dependent on the level of discoloration of your teeth. Overall, you can expect to see noticeable differences of at least 2-3 shades whiter, and sometimes more than that, closer to 5 or 6 shades lighter. This is a great way to enhance your smile, with noticeable difference, that can appear 100% natural.


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Dental Bridges


Dental bridges literally join the opening caused by one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth, which are placed on either side of the gap, with a fake tooth in between. These fake teeth can be made of alloys, gold, silver, porcelain or a mixture of all of the above. Dental bridges are supported by your natural teeth or can also be supported by dental implants. It is important that you have had good oral hygiene.

What can you expect?

During the first visit with you cosmetic dentist, the teeth are prepared. Preparation initially involves the removal of a portion of the enamel allowing room for a crown to be placed over it. The second step your cosmetic dentist will take is to take an impression of your teeth, which serves as a clay model for the laboratory, who makes your bridge. Usually, your cosmetic dentist will make a temporary bridge for you to shield the bare teeth and gums, while the laboratory is making your dental bridge.

During your second visit, your cosmetic dentist will remove your temporary bridge, and your new, permanent dental bridge will be fitted, tested and adjusted for any bite inconsistency. Sometimes, multiple visits are required to ensure the proper fitting. If your cosmetic dentist feels it is necessary, he/she may temporary cement your bridge in place, for a couple weeks to ensure it is fitting properly. This is on a case by case basis, however, majority of cases involve permanent cementing during your second visit.


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Dental Implants


Over the years, there have been extraordinary advances in the dental community, ranging from better ways to improve your oral hygiene to more effective ways of replacing problem areas. However, even with the dramatic improvements, millions of Americans still lose there teeth. The main causes of tooth loss are gum disease, bad oral hygiene, and injury. Dental Implants give you a new option to replace your tooth roots, versus the older methods of dentures or bridges. Teeth Whitening
Dental Veneers
Dental Bridges
Dental Bonding
Dental Implants
Orthodontics
Dental Crowns

Dental Implants replace the roots of your teeth. This provides you with a strong foundation for your permanent teeth or replacement teeth that are removable. The best thing about Dental Implants is they have a very high success rate, in the high 90’s, and can last a lifetime if your properly maintain them, with good oral hygiene.

What to expect?

Initially, you have to consult with you cosmetic dentist to find out if you are right for the procedure. You will need to have healthy gums and enough bone in the area to hold the implant. You also must practice good oral hygiene. Just like all cosmetic dental procedures, each case is unique and some people will be, and some won’t be a good candidate for this procedure. The only way to find out is by consulting with a cosmetic dentist, who can give you all your possible options.

The cosmetic dentist will place a tooth root implant, a small titanium post, into your bone socket of the absent tooth. It will take anywhere for 5 – 11 weeks for this to heal. While healing, the jawbone grows around the tooth root implant, which secures it into the jaw.

Once the dental implant is secure in the jawbone, an abutment (a tiny connector post) is attached to securely clutch the new tooth. In order for your cosmetic dentist to create your new tooth, he/she will make a molding or impression of your mouth, so a replica of you bite can be made, and your new tooth will be built around that. Your replacement tooth, a dental crown, is then attached. Your cosmetic dentist is able to match the color of your new tooth or teeth, to your natural teeth, for a natural look. The replacement tooth will feel natural, look natural and function naturally.


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John Barksdale, DDS
Total Family Dental Care

Office Address:

12045 Coursey Blvd.
Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
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