Your
Time is Valuable
Part of our commitment to your excellent experience with our
office is making every step as convenient and enjoyable as
possible. Many of our services and programs focus on saving
you time and effort. We also focus on making sure you
receive personalized attention, so your dental care can be
fast and comfortable.
Here are some of the ways we make it easier, more
affordable, and more enjoyable for your family to get
quality dental care.
- Sedation Dentistry – For extensive treatment or high
levels of anxiety, our sedation dentistry options are the perfect solution! Get all your
treatment done at once, or simply relax in complete comfort during your
visit.
- Treatment for the Whole Family – We love kids, and
their happiness when they leave reflects that. No matter what your age, we focus on the
unique care you require. We are also sensitive to the needs of our elderly
patients.
- Same-Day Emergency Care – We hope you never have a dental
emergency. But if you do suffer one, we're able to see you the same day to ease your pain.
- Convenient Location – We are conveniently located
off of interstate 10 and near the Dutchtown schools.
- New Patient Forms – Reduce your time in the office by
downloading and completing our forms at home, before you
come in for your first visit.
- Financial Options to Suit Every Patient’s Situation – We
offer multiple ways to pay for your care. If you have dental
insurance, we’ll help you file for maximum benefits. For
your portion of the payment, we take all major credit cards,
or you may choose from CareCredit’s or Citi Health Card’s
interest-free payment plans.
- To make your visit even more productive and enjoyable, we
have the following amenities: refreshments; WiFi/Internet
access; mp3 players so you can listen to your favorite music
during treatment; and TVs with headphones in each treatment
room.
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Learn more about why gums recede.
Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also known oral candidiasis, is a condition that occurs when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up on the lining of your mouth.
Anyone can develop oral thrush, but babies, young children, older adults, or anyone with a compromised immune system due to an illness such as HIV are more susceptible. Conversely, candidiasis lesions can be an early sign of an HIV infection.
The main symptom of oral thrush is creamy white lesions in the mouth, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. In some cases, the lesions may appear on the roof of the mouth or on the back of the throat.
Interestingly, oral thrush is not caused by poor oral hygiene. Thrush is caused when the naturally occurring fungi in the body get out of balance, which is why the very old, very young, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Good oral hygiene, however, is an essential part of treating oral thrush. Healthy adults and children can recover fairly easily from the infection, especially if they follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily proper flossing.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Learn more about the treatment for abscessed teeth.
Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.
At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.
If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.
Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.
A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Orthodontics – The Clear Alternative
Dr. Bessonet is excited to be able to provide his patients with Invisalign™ invisible aligners, the clear alternative to traditional braces. These innovative orthodontics mean many patients can have straight teeth in as few as 9 - 15 months! If you have overcrowding, widely spaced teeth, overbite, underbite, or crossbite, this solution may be for you.
Instead of wires and brackets that need frequent adjustments, with this technique, we change the clear custom-made aligners approximately every two weeks. This reduces your time in the chair getting adjustments. Invisalign gently moves your teeth into a straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. No braces, wires, or headgear are required! This means no mouth irritation, and even better, no one will know you’re straightening your teeth because - it’s invisible! The clear aligners are easily removable so you can not only eat and drink what you want while in treatment, brushing and flossing are no problem!
Join the vast number of patients who have already discovered the joy of straightened teeth - invisibly!
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.
Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.
Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.
The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.
But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.
The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
We
Care About Kids!
We know how to put children of all ages at ease so they can
have fun in the dentist’s office! You’ll love seeing your
child receive the latest advancements in children’s
dentistry, which our team delivers with caring,
thoughtfulness, and compassion. Proper dental habits with
children mean they can keep their teeth healthy for a
lifetime, and that’s an important goal in our childhood
education. We look forward to seeing your kids for their
first dental visit when they’re two years old and watching
them grow year after year.
Calming Dental Fears
We want to ensure that many generations of children grow up
never being afraid to go to the dentist. Our many happy
parents tell us we are achieving our goals! Children love to
visit our relaxed and happy office. Whether you have an
active six-year-old or a scared three-year-old, we are here
to help you.
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
What Are TMJ Diseases And Disorders?
TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow and even breathe.
What Are Symptoms Of TMJ?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws. Specific symptoms include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Back pain
Inability to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face, neck or shoulder
Other symptoms may include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.
Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
Gum disease, more than decay, is the primary cause of lost teeth. Since it can be completely painless in early and moderate stages, many people don’t know they have it until they begin to lose teeth. Symptoms include bleeding gums when you brush or floss and loose or shifting teeth. If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, you will be glad to know that it’s possible to control gum disease with a variety of non-surgical methods.
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke
The statistics are staggering. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. At that rate, afflictions such as AIDS or tuberculosis would be considered epidemic. Most dentists do, in fact, consider gum disease at an epidemic level. But the biggest consequence was believed to be lost teeth. Hardly pleasant, but not life threatening. Or is it? Recent medical research has linked gum disease, stroke, and heart disease. Since heart disease can be fatal, gum disease is obviously a serious matter.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports: “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria can travel into the
bloodstream – straight to the heart.
Now the Good News
Advanced periodontal disease requires surgical treatment. Gum surgery is never fun, but it is almost always successful in controlling the condition, and it’s usually covered by common insurance plans. Mild periodontal disease can be treated with very effective NON-surgical procedures. Combined with improved dental hygiene, these procedures can virtually halt the spread of the disease. This, too, is usually covered under most dental insurance plans.
What’s So Bad About Losing a Tooth?
Accidents and other trauma may lead to missing teeth, but the most common reason people lose a tooth is gum disease and/or decay. It might surprise you to learn that losing even a single tooth can cause the other teeth to shift and move around, which makes it difficult to chew and affects your ability to absorb nutrients from your food. Other negative results: your face will change shape, often looking “sunken,” aging you prematurely. Missing teeth also affect your speech. Difficulty chewing may cause you to favor softer foods and more carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain. The best solution for missing teeth is dental implants. An implant can replace one tooth or many. They can be made to look so natural that even a dentist has to look hard to tell the difference.
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Straight Teeth in Six Months!
Many patients are reluctant to undergo long-term orthodontics, especially as adults. But if you’re tired of having crooked teeth or a gap in your smile, get ready for a gorgeous smile in a very short time with the Powerprox Six Month Braces™ technique! This amazing new technique gently moves the teeth that are visible in your smile into the desired position using a special low-force method. The Six Month Braces procedure uses clear brackets, so they are hardly visible. And you’ll only need to come to the office for adjustments a few times.
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Missing Teeth? Why Not ‘Grow’ New Ones?
Implants can be used in the front of the mouth, where they are most visible, as well as the back, where they provide stability to chew a full variety of foods. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, which sit on top of the gums, dental implants consist of a post implanted into the jaw with a “tooth” placed on top so that it comes through the gums just like the original did! They look completely natural and are almost indistinguishable from your original teeth. Even people with no teeth can replace their dentures with solid teeth that don’t move around when they talk, and stay in at night. Because we handle the entire process from implant placement to crown fabrication, there’s no need to be referred to another office.
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Don’t Hide Your Smile – Remake It!
Improve the way you both look and feel with a beautiful, natural-looking smile. When you look good, you feel good! Because of this, Dr. Bessonet emphasizes the aesthetic aspect in ALL of his work. Your treatment plan will combine the best preventive care, tooth-colored fillings, and restorative techniques for optimum dental health. Modern smile makeovers are so easy (and affordable!) there’s no reason you can’t have the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted. Ask us what modern veneers, crowns, bonding, and whitening can do for YOUR smile!
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
The Complete Range of Sedation Dentistry Options
Our team strives to deliver painless injections, but we understand some patients are nervous about their dental treatment. Or you may have a busy schedule and want to get all your treatment done in one visit. If this sounds like you, we have options that may help.
The first is oral conscious sedation. You take a pill one hour before your treatment and reach a level of sedation that allows you to respond to questions but relax through your entire visit.
Dr. Bessonet also has one of the few general practices in the country qualified to administer IV sedation for all procedures, extensive or minor. Ask us about these options when you discuss your treatment plan with the doctor. Our goal is to make you comfortably relaxed throughout your care.
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
Dr. Calvin Bessonet is dedicated to providing families in his hometown community with quality dental care for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles! He graduated from Ascension Catholic High School in 1994, received his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University in 1998, and went on to earn his dental degree from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 2003.
Dr. Bessonet is committed to lifelong learning in the dental field and has been recognized by other general dentists as a leader who exemplifies the importance of quality continuing dental education. He completes more than 100 hours of continuing education courses each year. He has participated in an intensive, 400-hour implant and bone regeneration program with the esteemed Dr. Hilt Tatum, one of the pioneers in the field of implant dentistry and inventor of many of the advanced surgical techniques used today. Additionally, advanced training in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry, as well as Invisalign® and traditional braces, allows Dr. Bessonet to work with you on a wide variety of dental concerns, forming a partnership in achieving your optimum oral health.
Dr. Bessonet is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has also achieved Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) by completing 500 hours of continuing education and passing an extensive comprehensive exam. He is passionate about using new technology to improve the comfort and quality of dentistry for you and your family. With the help of today’s intra-oral camera, digital x-rays, laser cavity detection, and sedation, he can provide dental care that is more comfortable and less invasive than ever before!
Outside of the office, Dr. Bessonet enjoys spending time with his wife, Toni, and their two beautiful children. They currently live just two miles from the practice in Geismar. His hobbies include fishing, outdoor activities, and attending LSU sporting events.
Ascension Premier Dental
Calvin G. Bessonet, DDS, FAGD
13375 Highway 73, Suite I
Geismar, LA 70734
Prairieville, LA
(225) 673-6910
AscensionDentist.com
