LaSalle Family Dentistry

Crowns and Bridges in LaSalle

admin — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:37:10 +0000

Crowns and Bridges in LaSalle admin Fri, 06/28/2019 - 10:37

Crowns

Dental crowns are used to completely restore a tooth that has been damaged or is misshapen. The crown covers the tooth entirely to provide a new, synthetic tooth that is blended to match your smile perfectly.

Crowns can be made of a variety of materials to suit your budget and your aesthetic needs.

How long does it take to get a crown?

We usually place crowns in two appointments. In the first appointment, we’ll prepare the tooth to be restored and take impressions of your mouth to assist in the design of the crown. The impressions will be sent to a dental lab where the crown will be produced. We may provide you with a temporary crown to wear while your permanent crown is being prepared.

Bridges

For teeth that have been completely removed, we may recommend a dental bridge as a restoration. Bridges consist of a replacement tooth that is attached to the teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth. Bridges can also be used to replace multiple missing teeth in a row.

Bridges can be supported by dental crowns placed over the adjacent teeth, dental implants, or other attachments depending on your specific needs.

Call us today to make an appointment to restore your smile!

Endodontics in LaSalle

admin — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:18:20 +0000

Endodontics in LaSalle admin Fri, 06/28/2019 - 10:18

Your teeth contain soft inner tissue called the pulp. This bundle of nerves and blood vessels helps you sense hot and cold and played a vital role when your teeth were developing. If a tooth is damaged by decay or injury, the pulp can become exposed to bacteria and an infection can occur. In these cases we use root canal treatment to save the damaged tooth.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is the removal of the pulp from an injured tooth to prevent infection. We drill a hole in the damaged tooth, remove the pulp from inside the tooth, and then clean the area to prevent infection. After the procedure is completed, we seal the tooth with a filling and restore it with a dental crown.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

Modern root canal treatments are done using a local anesthetic. The procedure is usually no more painful than getting a tooth filled.

Braces in LaSalle

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:02:48 +0000

Braces in LaSalle admin Mon, 04/22/2019 - 10:02

LaSalle braces correct the positioning of your teeth, and improve your bite. When your teeth are in their ideal positions, they are able to function properly and be aesthetically pleasing.

Orthodontics aren't just for children and teenagers. More and more adults are choosing LaSalle braces to give themselves a more attractive, comfortable smile.

Here are just a few of the ways LaSalle braces could help you ...

Bite problems: Your upper teeth are designed to slightly overlap your lower teeth, so they can bite together in proper occlusion. If your jaws and teeth are naturally too far forward or too far back, you may have a bite problem. If left untreated, bite problems can cause painful damage to your teeth. Talk to us about how orthodontics can improve your bite.
Crowded issues: When your teeth are properly aligned, they form a U-shaped arch. This makes it easy to brush them and floss between each one. If your teeth are crowded together, it makes it difficult to clean them properly — putting them at risk for decay. Some people are self-conscious about having crowded teeth, and wish their smile was properly aligned. Talk to us today about how orthodontics can correct crowded teeth.
Spacing issues: If you have spaces between your teeth, the gaps can cause problems with your alignment and occlusion (bite). Spaces between your teeth can be corrected with the help of orthodontics. When you're missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth slowly shift their position in an attempt to fill the gap. After losing a baby tooth, it's important to allow room for an adult tooth to grown in. Talk to us today about how orthodontic appliances can help maintain that space.

FAQs

How do braces straighten teeth?: Braces actually correct the positioning of your teeth in four steps: aligning your teeth into the proper U-shaped arch and leveling them to the proper height, correcting your bite, and perfecting the way your teeth fit together. The final step is fitting your teeth with retainers to keep them from moving back to their original positions.
I've heard orthodontics are expensive. Does my dental insurance cover braces?: It depends on your coverage. We would be happy to help you understand your available coverage, so please ask us at your next appointment.
Aren't braces designed to work best when you're a teenager?: Absolutely not. Braces — and all types of orthodontic appliances — work just as well on adults as they do on children and teenagers. Age is not a factor in having an attractive, comfortable smile. Talk to us today to discuss your options.

Sedation Dentistry in LaSalle

admin — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 17:25:42 +0000

Sedation Dentistry in LaSalle admin Tue, 12/11/2018 - 12:25

If a trip to the dentist's office makes you anxious, there's an option available that could help put you at ease: Sedation Dentistry.

Sedation Dentistry — also known as Sleep Dentistry — is a popular option for anxious patients. It's when a patient receives medication to relieve their anxiety and minimize any discomfort during a dental visit.

Almost any adult or child is a candidate for our LaSalle Sedation Dentistry. It's particularly useful for patients with a fear of dental visits or a history of anxiety or panic attacks. It's also preferred by patients who would simply rather not be "aware" during a procedure.

We can tailor the level of sedative to suit your needs, with mild to moderate sedation available. Depending on the level of sedation you need, we may administer the sedative medication orally or by intravenous injection. Most patients find that the sedative effect is similar to a state of dreamy sleepiness. Some patients fall asleep, while others remain awake but don't notice the dental work being performed.

Patients may go home following Sedation Dentistry but cannot drive for the rest of the day — and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The medication wears off very quickly but could leave you feeling unsteady for the first few hours.

Please contact our practice today to learn more about Sedation Dentistry in LaSalle, and how it could make your visits more comfortable.

FAQs

Does my dental insurance cover Sleep Dentistry?: It depends on your coverage, but most dental plans cover sedation when administered with oral surgery. We would be happy to help you understand your available coverage, so please ask us at your next appointment.
What do I need to know before the procedure?: Please don’t eat for 6 hours or drink any liquids for 2 hours prior to your procedure. You will need to wear short sleeves, and you need to arrange for a drive home from the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?: You'll be given an oral sedative just before the procedure to relax you. If we are providing IV sedation we’ll take your vital signs and begin an IV. You may also receive a local anesthetic depending on the procedure. When the sedative takes effect, you'll enter a dreamy, euphoric state, and may or may not fall asleep. Your mouth and jaw muscles will be relaxed while we work on your teeth, and you won't realize — or won't care — what is being done. A nurse will monitor you carefully the entire time, ensuring your total comfort.
What happens after the procedure?: You may feel a bit unsteady on your feet, but the medication wears off fairly quickly. You must be accompanied home by a responsible adult, and you cannot drive for the rest of the day. Once you're at home, you should rest quietly, but you can eat normally (providing you don't have dietary restrictions because of your procedure).
How do children respond to Sleep Dentistry?: Sleep Dentistry is a great solution for children who are anxious or fearful of dental procedures, or for children who simply could not remain still and calm during a procedure. Younger children may receive oral sedation only, or oral sedation with nitrous oxide, but these options will be discussed with parents in the initial consultation. After the procedure, children should be closely monitored, because they will feel unsteady and could be at risk for falling and injuring themselves.

Wisdom Teeth in LaSalle

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 15:57:55 +0000

Wisdom Teeth in LaSalle admin Mon, 10/22/2018 - 11:57

Does your teen need to have their wisdom teeth removed? We provide wisdom teeth removal services, including assessment, sleep dentistry, and post-operative care.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to emerge. They usually begin to grow in the mid-to-late teens. For most people, this means the wisdom teeth will need to be assessed for removal.

The human jaw is evolving to be smaller. This means that there is usually no room for the wisdom teeth to emerge correctly. When this happens, the wisdom teeth can come up under your other teeth, damaging them, or they can grow crooked and cause injury to your jaws or gums. The solution is to surgically remove them.

The Removal Process

Because we are removing the wisdom teeth before they break through your gums, the removal process involves surgery. We make incisions in the gums near the wisdom teeth, remove them, and close the incisions with sutures.

The process is done under a local anesthetic, and we usually offer sedation to help patients remain calm. After your surgery, we will provide you with post surgical instructions to manage pain and swelling and prevent infection.

Guards, Bite Appliances in LaSalle

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 15:55:42 +0000

Guards, Bite Appliances in LaSalle admin Mon, 10/22/2018 - 11:55

There are two common ways in which we damage our teeth: grinding and clenching, and playing sports. Both types of damage can be prevented — or at least lessened — with the help of sports guards or bite appliances.

Grinding/clenching: When you clench or grind your teeth while your sleep, dentists refer to this as "bruxism." It can result in chipped teeth, damaged fillings, painful headaches, and can even loosen your teeth. We can fit you with a special night guard that will protect your teeth from breaking down while you sleep.
Sports: Playing a sport is wonderful for your health, but can leave your teeth vulnerable — particularly in contact sports such as hockey and football. We can fit athletes with sports guards to protect their teeth during physical activity.

Talk to us today to learn more about sports guards and bite appliances ...

FAQs

Can you talk while wearing a sports guard?: Absolutely. We recognize that teammates need to be able to communicate during a game. Wearing a sports guard may muffle your speech slightly at first, but soon it becomes a comfortable part of your mouth.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?: People often realize they grind their teeth because they regularly wake up with tooth pain, jaw pain, or a headache. Talk to us if you suspect you may be grinding or clenching at night, and we'll evaluate your teeth to see if a bite appliance would be beneficial.
I often hear my child grinding their teeth at night. Should they be fitted for a bite appliance?: Bite appliances are not usually suggested for children with primary or mixed dentitions, as they can restrict the growth of their jaw and the normal exfoliation of their teeth. But please speak to us about your child's grinding habits, as there may be other ways we can help them.

TMJ in LaSalle

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 15:01:17 +0000

TMJ in LaSalle admin Mon, 10/22/2018 - 11:01

"TMJ syndrome" is what we commonly call Temporomandibular joint disorder. It means your TMJ joint — the joint which connects your jaw and your skull — is inflamed, and it often causes severe pain. If you’re looking for TMJ treatment, LaSalle Family Dentistry can help.

Common symptoms of TMJ syndrome:

Pain or difficulty while biting/chewing
Clicking or popping sound when opening or closing your mouth
Dull, aching pain in your face, ears or jaw
Headaches or migraines
Neck or shoulder pain

People feel TMJ pain in varying degrees, and there are many potential causes. Your dentist can further explain TMJ causes, but here is a quick list of the common ones:

Common causes of TMJ pain:

Clenching or grinding your teeth
Malalignment of your teeth
Jaw thrusting
Excessive gum chewing
Excessive nail-biting
A joint disease, such as osteoarthritis
Lack of overbite

There are different ways to end the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ syndrome. If your teeth are misaligned, dental work may be required to restore proper occlusion. You may be fitted with a special guard that will prevent your teeth from being damaged and keep your jaw from clenching while you sleep.

Talk to us today to learn more about TMJ problems and solutions ...

FAQs

How do I know if I have an inflamed temporomandibular joint?: Common symptoms of an inflamed temporomandibular joint include pain or difficulty while biting and chewing, a clicking or popping sound when opening or closing your mouth, aching pain in your face, ears or jaw, headaches, migraines, and or neck or shoulder pain. If you are regularly experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to us today.
I think I have TMJ syndrome. What did I do to cause this?: There are a variety of reasons for developing an inflamed temporomandibular joint, and many of the reasons can't be controlled. Focus instead on working with us to find a solution to end the pain.

Restorations in LaSalle

admin — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 19:59:38 +0000

Restorations in LaSalle admin Fri, 10/19/2018 - 15:59

When your teeth begin to decay, it's important to take action. Dental restoration is quick, easy, and leaves you with a healthier smile.

FAQs

How many appointments are required for a crown restoration?: Typically, two appointments are required for a crown restoration. During your first appointment, we prepare your tooth, and take an impression for our dental lab. Then the lab creates your own custom crown by hand, to ensure the best possible fit. During your second appointment, we attach your new crown.
How long does a dental restoration last?: The life of your dental restoration depends on many factors — regular dental care, your brushing and flossing habits, your diet, and the amount of wear and tear it endures. It's different for every patient, but it is likely that future restorations will be required at some point.
What if I choose to do nothing about my missing tooth/teeth?: When you are missing a tooth (or multiple teeth), your adjacent teeth will shift in an attempt to fill the space. Over time, this can change the shape of your mouth, making you appear older. It also allows food and bacteria to become trapped more easily, leading to further decay. Talk to your dentist today about a bridge or a dental implant to replace your missing tooth.
Does my dental insurance cover all of my options?: It depends on your coverage. We would be happy to help you understand your available coverage, so please ask us at your next appointment.

Oral Hygiene in LaSalle

admin — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 19:58:42 +0000

Oral Hygiene in LaSalle admin Fri, 10/19/2018 - 15:58

Daily brushing and flossing is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it's also important to go for regular oral hygiene visits.

FAQs

How often should I come in for a hygiene visit?

It is recommeneded that you visit us twice per year for a hygiene visit. This allows us to monitor the state of your teeth as gums, as well as provide a thorough cleaning.

Does my dental insurance cover hygiene visits?

The life of your dental restoration depends on many factors — regular dental care, your brushing and flossing habits, your diet, and the amount of wear and tear it endures. It's different for every patient, but it is likely that future restorations will be required at some point.

What if I choose to do nothing about my missing tooth/teeth?

Most insurance plans do cover hygiene visits, but we would be happy to help you understand what your plan covers. Please ask us at your next appointment.

I thought fluoride was just for kids. Do adults need fluoride treatments?

Fluoride is one of the minerals that builds up the enamel of your teeth, keeping them strong and helping to prevent tooth decay. It is a natural element — found in meat, fish and eggs — and is often added to municipal water sources.

Children are given fluoride treatments to protect their still-developing teeth, but the treatments are beneficial to adult teeth, as well.

Talk to your hygienist at your next visit about the benefits of fluoride, and the different varieties available..

Family Dentistry in LaSalle

admin — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 19:57:07 +0000

Family Dentistry in LaSalle admin Fri, 10/19/2018 - 15:57

At LaSalle Family Dentistry, we’re proud to be a family-run dental practice. So it’s pretty natural that we’re also a dental practice that focuses on serving kids and families in LaSalle and surrounding areas.

Family Dentistry

From your baby’s very first tooth to your teenager’s painful grinding habits, you’re there for them. We understand that as a parent, you take on much of the responsibility when it comes to your child’s oral hygiene. You want them to develop good brushing and flossing habits that will last them a lifetime.

Your LaSalle family dentist strongly believes that even the littlest patients need to learn about the importance of good dental health. Our team believes that when children have this knowledge, they are more likely to be active participants in their daily brushing and flossing.

Discussion: Talk to your child about brushing and flossing, and why it’s important to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Explain how sugar can stick to your teeth if it isn’t brushed away.
Demonstration: Demonstrate proper technique by brushing and flossing in front of them, and help them learn to do it themselves.
Attitude: Maintain light, relaxed conversations about dental visits. Even if going to the dentist isn’t your favourite activity, keep all comments breezy positive in front of your child. They need to see that going to see their family dentist in LaSalle is nothing to fear.
Education: Our Kids Zone section below educates our young patients about the basics of dental hygiene, keeping it fun and cheerful. The Kids Zone includes videos, games and colouring pages that are exciting and interactive.

LaSalle Family Dentistry

Crowns and Bridges in LaSalle

Crowns

How long does it take to get a crown?

Bridges

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Endodontics in LaSalle

What is root canal treatment?

Does root canal treatment hurt?

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Braces in LaSalle

Here are just a few of the ways LaSalle braces could help you ...

FAQs

Sedation Dentistry in LaSalle

FAQs

Wisdom Teeth in LaSalle

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Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

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Guards, Bite Appliances in LaSalle

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TMJ in LaSalle

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Common causes of TMJ pain:

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Restorations in LaSalle

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