At Barataria Dental, we take pride in going “above and beyond” that of most dentists. Each patient who visits our dental office receives a comprehensive examination which includes a physical inspection of the teeth, gums, mouth, jaw joints, and muscles. We also perform annual periodontal screenings on all of our patients, all as part of our general dentistry services.
New Orleans, LA dentists Maria Burmaster and Valerie Hemphill specialize in working with patients with complex dental needs. This experience, combined with their extensive post-graduate training with the Dawson Academy, allows them to accurately diagnose and treat a range of dental conditions.
Our dentists are well-versed in all phases of oral development and provide high-quality dental care for children, adults, and seniors. Our family dental practice offers comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dentistry to patients in the New Orleans and Marrero, LA areas.
More than just cosmetic dentists, Drs. Burmaster and Hemphill focus on the functional concerns before addressing the aesthetic goals to ensure long-term, comfortable, and healthy outcomes for our patients. We work to address the stability and health of the oral foundation allowing for more reliable results. Our patients enjoy total oral health care for their whole family from the comfort of our dentist office in Marrero, LA.
Our comprehensive examination leads to professional dental cleaning performed by one of our certified dental hygienists during the second visit. Regular teeth cleaning is an important component of a good oral health routine and can help keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
Routine teeth cleanings help reduce the risk for common oral diseases such as gum disease and tooth decay. Patients who visit the dentist on a regular basis are less likely to experience tooth loss and require less complex dental procedures throughout their lives. They also enjoy the best possible quality of life with a smile that enables a healthy diet and normal speech and supports confidence in their appearance.
Why Oral Health is So Important
Maintaining oral health doesn’t stop benefits in the mouth. Oral health is essential for the health of your entire body. If you don’t care for your mouth and teeth, you raise the chances of other conditions throughout your body. We always have bacteria in the mouth and body. But your mouth is the gateway to many systems in the body. Both your digestive system and the respiratory system are directly connected to your mouth. It’s open to the bloodstream, too, if you get cuts or injuries in your mouth.
If you aren’t maintaining your oral health, the harmful bacteria in the mouth start to multiply. They cause tooth decay and gum disease. When you have gum disease, your gums break open and bleed. If the infection gets inside these breaks, it gets into the blood. The bloodstream can carry infection and inflammation throughout the entire body, causing problems in other areas. Studies show that these bacteria are linked to other health problems. Certain conditions weaken immune systems, too, making it easier for infection to spread.
The following conditions have studies linking them to your oral health:
- Cardiovascular Disease: While we’re still learning about the connection, research suggests a link between gum disease and heart disease, strokes, and clogged arteries.
- Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart. It usually occurs when bacteria in other places make their way into the bloodstream and into certain areas of your heart.
- Respiratory Conditions: Like heart problems, bacteria from other infections and places in your body can get into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other lung problems.
- Diabetes: Gum disease is more severe and occurs more in patients with diabetes because it puts you at a higher risk for infection. People with gum disease also have a more difficult time regulating blood sugar.
Dental Exam FAQs
Dental exams are crucial to maintaining good oral healthcare. Learn more about what you can expect from a dental exam by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How do I prepare for a dental exam?
Brush and floss before you come into our office for an exam. It always helps to have a mouth that’s freshly cleaned. Make sure to arrive on time or a little early in case any forms must be filled out. Know your payment method and have it on you. Communicate clearly and let the office know of any fears or allergies ahead of time.
What is included in a dental exam?
A thorough dental examination has the dentist looking at all the parts of your mouth, including teeth, gums, the roof of your mouth, and tongue. We’re checking for any signs of oral disease or cancer. X-rays and other diagnostic tools may be used to further investigate your oral health. Your dentist will warn you of any changes or warning signs they discover.
How long does a dental exam take?
A routine dental appointment includes both professional cleaning and an oral exam. On average, the full appointment takes around 60-90 minutes in our office.
Are dental exams necessary?
Regular dental exams are highly recommended. Dentists are specially trained in oral anatomy and are able to catch signs of disease that you may not be able to see with an untrained eye. They also have dental tools like x-rays that are able to see deeper than the naked eye. Without routine exams, you’re at a higher risk of oral health problems. More severe dental problems mean treatment options that are more intensive and expensive.
How often should I get a dental exam?
We recommend visiting the office for a routine appointment every six months. This appointment includes a standard exam and dental cleaning, plus any extra diagnostic procedures if necessary.
Does an oral exam hurt?
No, a traditional exam shouldn’t hurt. The X-ray process may be a bit uncomfortable, but that should be it. If you have any intense pain during your dental exam, speak up immediately. This is a sign that something isn’t right in your mouth.
How do I get a dental exam when I fear the dentist?
Dental anxiety is a common condition among patients. We do everything possible to ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable in our office. The office itself is a warm, welcoming environment designed to make patients feel at ease. We also encourage patient education. Ask us any questions you may have about the exam to reassure you. We’ll also tell you exactly what we will do before we do it. You’re never caught off guard and know exactly what’s coming next.
What should I avoid telling my dentist?
No matter what, you should only tell your dentist the truth. If you’re not flossing regularly or have a soda habit, we aren’t going to judge you. However, we do need to know these things because they impact the state of your mouth. If you’re frequently drinking soda, we know to look for tooth decay and cavities due to the sugar. We need open communication to ensure we’re giving you the best care possible for your unique smile.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are in the New Orleans area and looking for a highly trained dentist offering care that is tailored to your needs and goals, look no further than Barataria Dental. Contact us today at 504.358.8632 or schedule a consultation with our convenient online form to learn what comprehensive dentistry is all about.