John L. Ward D.D.S.
In Historic Downtown Ruston, LA
Comprehensive Dentistry from the Heart
318-251-9600
DO YOU OFFER IN HOUSE TEETH WHITENING?
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD ACCIDENTALLY HAS A TOOTH KNOCKED OUT?
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
DO YOU OFFER SEDATION METHODS?
CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE DURING THE PROCEDURE?
WHAT TOOTH BRUSH DO YOU RECOMMEND?
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE A ROUTINE CLEANING?
HOW QUICKLY CAN I EAT AFTER A ROUTINE CLEANING?
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION?
Whitening
Yes! We encourage people to consider teeth whitening even if antibiotic stains have been identified in the past.
Dr. Van Haywood (Georgia Regents University College of Dental Medicine) who co-authored the textbook on teeth whitening recommends a customized whitening tray with 10% Carbamide Peroxide gel applied and worn overnight for a period of 3-6 months every night for maximum whitening efficiency. Our office routinely makes customized trays and coaches people on teeth whitening procedures. Much like attempting to lose weight, we encourage people to be patient in the process. This ensures the best results and maximum longevity.
Tooth Knocked Out
Partial or total avulsion (tooth dislodged or completely knocked out) is a traumatic experience for a child as well as the parent. It is important to remain calm and reassure your child that they will be fine. As far as the tooth is concerned, should the tooth be completely dislodged, time is critical. Teeth have a special membrane around the roots that will begin to die within 30 minutes. If time will not permit a dentist to see your child within 30 minutes, the tooth needs to either be reinserted by the parent or placed in a glass of milk. Again time is of great importance. Once seen by the dentist, the tooth will be evaluated and likely stabilized to allow healing to take place.
Payment Plans
Our business office staff is trained to assist patients who need options regarding payment plans. We except all major credit cards as well as checks and cash.
For those needing extended monthly payments, Care Credit™ is a great resource that directly coordinates with our office. Please call our office for details 318-251-9600
Sedation Methods
Our office has Nitrous Oxide available for those patients whom anxiety and dental phobia is a deterrent to being treated. Other medications may be considered after a thorough health history and consultation.
Cell Phones
Yes! We encourage any number of personal portable listening devices that provide music or audio books as a distraction to the procedure at hand. But please put the ringer on silent and do not answer calls or respond to text messages.
Tooth Brush
The issue of what toothbrush to use can be compared to what type of shoes a person should wear. While there are some guidelines, it is more a matter of fit and personal preference. A soft bristle nylon is preferable because toothbrushes may accidentally cause damage if the bristles are too hard or stiff. Generally, the head of the brush should be small enough to comfortably fit in the back of the mouth enabling the back teeth to be cleaned. Ideally, a person should have multiple tooth brushes that are “stored” upright allowing them to air dry between times of use. A similar question may be asked about the use of electric or “sonic” assisted tooth brushes. These are excellent devices that are especially helpful for the disabled, elderly or young. Most adults with adequate hand coordination who have had proper training can brush effectively with a traditional manual toothbrush.
Routine Cleanings
This question is best answered by a rule of thumb: the easier it is for your teeth to collect tartar and plaque, the more frequent your visits should be. For some this could mean 3-4 times per year. For others, it could mean once a year. Ask our hygienist about your personal plaque accumulation factor.
Eating
This is a very routine question that we welcome. Normally, a person leaving after a visit with the hygienist will want to delay eating because of that “fresh clean” feeling! Generally, within 30 minutes after your routine cleaning visit, you are free to eat.
Memberships
Dr. Ward is a member of the American Dental Association as well as the Academy of General Dentistry. In addition, he holds Alumni status with the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, and completed all the continuums in 2007.
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