FAQs

A dental emergency can really impact your life and cause great pain. Luckily, your team at Prestige Dentistry is here to give you relief from pain and get you back to normal. Our office can see you the day the emergency occurs.

Common emergency symptoms, like a ‘hot’ tooth with a cavity that has reached the nerve, can be treated with either a prescription to get you out of pain immediately or treating you the same day. If extraction is needed, Dr. Oza and staff can usually do treatment immediately. If there is an active infection or an abscess, an antibiotic and pain medication can be prescribed, and we can get you in as soon as possible to begin treatment.

Another emergency such as a chipped front tooth can be an embarrassing sight. We understand that getting your smile back as soon as possible is important. In this case, we would evaluate your condition and fill the tooth that day if possible.

If your emergency happens during business hours, just call us at (225) 673-0445, and we will fit you in that day. If it’s after hours, just leave us a message and we will promptly return your call. We will see what needs to be done to get you comfortable and get you in as soon as possible to evaluate the problem area.

Yes! We love seeing kids at our office. It is recommended that a child’s first trip to the dentist be either when the first tooth appears or by age one. Believe it or not, this first visit sets the tone for a child’s comfort level with the dental office for life. The sooner a kid sees the dentist, the sooner they become comfortable with visiting the dental office throughout life. Establishing this familiarity helps one keep good long-term dental habits and see the dental office as a not-so-scary place to go.

Our goal at Prestige Dentistry is to keep our patients comfortable, including your little ones. We love to show kids what we do in a kid-friendly manner and get them comfortable with the sights and sounds of a dental office. Dr. Oza and staff love to explain to children what their visit will involve and show them that a visit with us will be a positive experience.

We will also spend time with parents to answer any questions they may have. We will discuss home care, diet, and children’s habits, such as thumb-sucking, which can affect the development of the teeth and jaws.

Our office also has Netflix and television in the treatment rooms so your child can forget they are at the dental office. We also like to encourage kids to keep up good hygiene so they can get their picture taken for our No Cavity Club.

No. We do not accept Medicaid at our office.

General dentistry is important because it ensures that patients receive preventative care to keep their smiles healthy and beautiful for years to come. Many of the conditions treated by a general dentist can be avoided with regular dental care and avoiding bad habits such as tobacco use. By visiting the dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year, patients are able to detect any potential problems early and receive treatment to prevent them. These preventive services can save patients a great deal of pain and money down the road. Patients who do not visit the dentist regularly are more likely to have gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss.

Generally speaking, patients should be in good oral health and have sufficient enamel on their natural teeth for a veneer to be placed on top. Patients should be aware that the removal of tooth structure is necessary in order to create space for the placement of a veneer and that the teeth may tend to be sensitive during the process of removing enamel. Your dentist can help you determine if you are a good candidate for veneers.

When a crown is placed, it’s designed to last for many years without wearing down or breaking. Even if a tooth is broken down extensively, the crown can protect the remaining structure from further harm and help the tooth last longer. In some cases, people have had their crowns for 20 to 30 years with no issues. However, natural wear and tear may cause a crown to become loose or come off over time. If you’re experiencing issues with your crown or want to lengthen its lifespan, there are a few things you can do to help it last. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once before bed. This will help minimize plaque build-up and prevent your gums from becoming inflamed. It’s also a good idea to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Additionally, avoid using your teeth as a tool to open packages or tear tags off clothing. You should also avoid chewing on ice and hard candies, as well as biting your nails.

If you do experience a loose or dislodged crown, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid causing further damage. Your dentist may be able to recement the crown in place or recommend replacing it altogether.

Most patients find the placement of a bridge does not hurt at all. However, some may notice minor pressure as the teeth are prepared and the bridge is put in place. Once the anesthesia wears off, discomfort may occur as the mouth adjusts to the new bridge. Until this adjustment period is over, a patient should avoid chewing with the treated teeth so as not to irritate the soft tissue or put too much pressure on the new bridge. In order to ease any pain that may occur once the patient’s anesthetic has worn off, over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken as directed on the packaging. If needed, we can prescribe a stronger medication.

While discomfort should be minimal during the first few days following a procedure, it can sometimes last for several weeks after a bridge is placed. This is often due to the gumline being tender as it heals from the preparation process. During the healing process, it is important to stick to a soft food diet and avoid hard foods that can irritate the soft tissues. If necessary, we can provide a prescription for a mouth rinse to help soothe irritated gums. If you experience extreme pain or swelling that lasts longer than a few days, please call our office right away.

Over-the-counter products offer an affordable solution, but they often don’t produce dramatic results. They can also cause damage to your teeth and gums if used incorrectly. It’s important to note that these products are not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Additionally, many of the most popular brands of take-home kits have not been tested for safety. For these reasons, it’s best to have an in-office treatment performed by a dentist rather than trying to handle it on your own.

While no medical procedure is completely risk-free, the dental implant procedure is very safe. With proper care and oral hygiene, your implants can last for a lifetime. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. After the implants are placed, they leave a small gap in the gums that must be filled in with a dental crown to complete the restoration process.

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you may be at risk for tooth loss and systemic health problems such as heart disease or diabetes. While many people know that they should visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year, some people may not realize that they should also be getting regular deep cleanings and exams for periodontal disease.

A root canal may be recommended for a number of reasons, including when the nerve of a tooth has been damaged severely or has become infected in some way. An infection in the root of your tooth can cause a lot of pain and should be treated by a professional as soon as possible. The infection can spread throughout the tooth and into the surrounding bone as well. In some cases, an abscess can develop as a result of an infection in the root. An abscess will need to be drained in order to relieve the pain. While you may be able to ignore a small cavity for a little while, a badly decayed tooth is not salvageable and can eventually lead to tooth loss or death of the tooth entirely. Plus, the decay and bacteria caused by it can spread to your other teeth or even your jaw if you don’t seek treatment from your dentist right away. All of these issues can be avoided with a root canal procedure.

The cost of Invisalign varies based on unique patient needs and treatment details but is generally comparable to the cost of traditional braces. The total cost includes everything from materials used to the number of aligners used throughout the course of treatment. Most patients find that Invisalign is more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal braces, making it well worth the cost. In addition, many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign just as they would other orthodontic treatments. We are happy to check with your insurance to determine your exact coverage and personal costs.

Your dentist will likely recommend a visit every six months, although some people may need more frequent appointments depending on their oral health needs and habits. A few factors may influence your scheduling needs. For example, if you tend to bleed or don’t normally brush and floss your teeth well, you may be at risk for developing gum disease, which may require more frequent visits for cleanings.

There are many potential reasons to seek oral surgery. Some common issues include teeth that are too crowded or crooked to correct with braces, impacted wisdom teeth that need removal and jaw pain that requires surgery.

No, they are not all the same! In fact, there are many different materials that can be used for dental restorations.

The three most common types of fillings include composite resin, porcelain, and amalgam. Composite resin is tooth-colored and can be closely matched to your natural tooth color. Porcelain is also white and can resemble the appearance of a natural tooth. Amalgam is more silver in color but can be particularly useful for restoring back teeth where esthetics are less of a concern.

Your dentist can help you determine which type of dental restoration is right for you. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace an old filling with a new material. This may happen when an existing material is cracked or failing. Talk with your dentist about the best options for your smile.