FAQ
Promoting Dental Health in Monroe, LA & Beyond
Dental health begins at home, and that means making sure you have the information you need to have a proper oral hygiene. At Jan T. Bagwell, DDS in Monroe, LA, we work to keep open communication with all of our patients from the surrounding areas, so you feel free to ask us any questions or bring up any concerns you have, and so you always know what treatments you are receiving and why. Our office is staffed with professionals who care about you and provide the best cosmetic and general dentistry services possible.
For your convenience, below are some common questions we receive.
How many times a year should get a routine cleaning?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should see a dentist for a hygiene visit twice a year to make sure that your at-home practices are effective and to catch any developing issues as early as possible.
What will happen during my appointment?
During your first appointment, our dental hygienists will ask you about your dental and overall health history, and from there they will thoroughly clean your teeth and inspect your mouth for signs of decay, gum disease and oral cancer. If required, we will take x-rays of your mouth and jaw as well as check you for symptoms of TMJ. After the check-up is complete, we will recommend treatment and inform you of costs, or we may refer you to a specialist if needed. During your routine exams, we will clean your teeth and screen for decay, gum disease and oral cancer as well as answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
What are my options for teeth whitening?
We offer in-office teeth whitening treatments for our patients to brighten their smiles! This is a highly effective solution that improves the appearance of your teeth in just one visit. We can also provide an overnight bleaching solution that you take home with you and works over the course of two weeks. You can also use over-the-counter whitening strips or gels, but we recommend you first ask your dentist if these are safe for you to use. They may not deliver as dramatic of results as professional treatment.
In addition, we provide veneers and dental bonding to brighten your teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells placed over the front of your teeth to change their shape and color, and dental bonding is a resin placed over teeth using a high-intensity light to adjust their appearance.
What should I do in the case of a dental emergency?
Please call our office as soon as possible! We will get you in as soon as we can, and if the emergency occurs outside of our hours, give us a call at 318-665-4423 to get our emergency contact information.
What is the best kind of toothbrush and toothpaste to use?
We always recommend that adult patients use a soft or medium toothbrush. It should also be small enough to easily reach all areas of your teeth and mouth. We find that manual toothbrushes are just about as good as electric toothbrushes at providing you with the oral care you need, so which one you choose is up to your preference. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, because old bristles aren’t as effective at cleaning.
For toothpaste, it is best to use a formula that contains fluoride to strengthen teeth, as well as has earned a seal of acceptance from the ADA.
How often should I floss my teeth?
We recommend flossing your teeth once a day to clean out plaque, tartar and food build-up from between your teeth and gums.
What are my options for a missing tooth?
Partial dentures and bridges are two popular options for replacing a missing tooth. They are very similar, except a bridge isn’t removable, whereas a partial denture can be removed when necessary.
Are caps and crowns the same thing?
Yes they are. They are used to help restore a tooth that has experienced decay, fracture or trauma, and they can be used after a root canal. Usually, the term “cap” is used if the restoration is tooth-colored, whereas a crown is gold or silver.