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
