Tag Archive for: dr chauvin

How Does a Root Canal Work?

February 18, 2026/in cavities, root canal/by admin

Root canals have a bad reputation that’s decades out of date. When root canal treatment first became common, it really was uncomfortable, but the procedure has changed dramatically since then.

The reputation, unfortunately, hasn’t caught up. A survey by the American Association of Endodontists found that patients who’ve actually had a root canal are six times more likely to describe it as painless than those who haven’t had one. More than 15 million teeth are saved every year with root canal treatment.

From our team at Dr. Chauvin’s dental office in Lafayette, Louisiana, here’s what you actually need to know.

Start With the Anatomy of Your Tooth

Understanding why a root canal is sometimes necessary starts with understanding what’s inside your tooth. Beneath the hard white enamel and a second hard layer called dentin is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, and it plays an important role in helping your tooth’s root grow during development. In a fully developed tooth, however, the tooth can actually survive without the pulp — because it continues to be nourished by the surrounding tissue. That’s what makes a root canal possible.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

Once the pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed in order to save the tooth. There are several ways this can happen. The most common is an untreated cavity that allows bacteria to work their way deep into the tooth. A crack or chip in the tooth can open the same door. Failing restorations — like an old filling or a worn crown — can also allow bacteria to leak into the pulp over time.

Once infected, the pulp begins to die, and the body’s inflammatory response kicks in. The combination of infection and inflammation is what causes the significant pain most people associate with a root canal. The root canal treatment itself isn’t the source of the pain — it’s the solution to it.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Not sure if what you’re experiencing warrants a call to the dentist? Here are some common indicators:

Hot or cold food or drinks cause a toothache or lingering sensitivity
Chewing is painful or difficult
Your tooth is sore to the touch
You have a severe or throbbing toothache
There’s a bump on your gum, possibly filled with pus
Pain that radiates from one part of your mouth to another, or into your head or ear

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting checked out sooner rather than later.

What Does the Root Canal Procedure Actually Involve?

Root canal therapy is a detailed procedure that requires both skill and experience, and it often takes more than one visit to complete. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

X-ray and anesthesia: The first step is taking an X-ray to assess the shape of the root canals and check for any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Local anesthesia is then used to numb the area — so while root canals have a scary reputation, you should be comfortable throughout the procedure.
Cleaning and shaping the canal: A small opening is made through the enamel and dentin to access the pulp. Using flexible nickel titanium files, Dr. Chauvin carefully shapes the inside of the canal, thoroughly removing all traces of infection and debris while minimizing any impact on the surrounding ligaments and bone.
Disinfecting and sealing: Once the canal is clean, it’s disinfected and sealed using a material called gutta-percha — a natural, biocompatible, antibacterial material that is heated and used to fill and seal the hollowed space within about 15 minutes. If the procedure spans more than one appointment, a temporary filling is placed to keep contaminants out between visits.
Final restoration: Because a tooth that needs a root canal has often already experienced significant decay or damage, a crown or other restoration is typically placed once the root canal is complete. This protects the tooth, prevents it from breaking, and restores it to full function.

Ready to Stop Living With Tooth Pain?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or think you might need a root canal, don’t put it off. The earlier a tooth is treated, the better the outcome. Give Dr. Chauvin’s Lafayette, Louisiana dental office a call today. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

What to do if your tooth is knocked out

August 20, 2025/in dental hygiene/by admin

What to Do If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

Having a tooth knocked out can feel like a nightmare. Your first reaction might be to panic, but try to stay calm so that you can act quickly to increase the chances of saving it.

Modern dentistry has advanced so much that a knocked-out tooth (also called an avulsed tooth) can often be reimplanted successfully – especially if you see a dentist within one hour of the injury. At Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates, our Lafayette team has decades of experience with all kinds of dental issues, and we’re here to help.

Which Teeth Are Most at Risk?

The upper front permanent teeth are the most commonly knocked out. Baby teeth are usually not reimplanted, since they naturally fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.

When a tooth is knocked out, the supporting nerves, blood vessels, and tissues are also damaged. Although nerves and vessels cannot be repaired, the bone can reattach to the root once the tooth is placed back in its socket. Because of this, a root canal is almost always required for a reimplanted tooth.

What to Do Immediately After a Tooth Is Knocked Out

Follow these steps right away to improve the chances of saving your tooth:

Handle with care: Do not touch the root of the tooth. Hold it by the crown (the chewing surface).
Rinse gently if dirty: Use milk to rinse the tooth, if available. If not, use water. Do not scrub or use fabric to clean it.
Keep the tooth moist:
- Best option: Place it in a cup of milk.
- Alternative: Place it in your mouth between your cheek and gum.
Try reinserting the tooth: Gently place it back into its socket if possible. If it doesn’t go in easily, keep it moist and see your dentist immediately.

Tip: The most important factor is time—do your best to get to a dentist within one hour.

What Happens at the Dentist?

When you arrive, your dentist will:

Rinse and examine the tooth and socket.
Splint the tooth to the surrounding teeth with a soft wire or composite material. Splints usually remain for 7–10 days, but if the bone is also fractured, it may need 6–10 weeks.
Perform a root canal, either immediately or after the tooth has stabilized, depending on how long the tooth was out.

After treatment, your dentist will schedule follow-ups at 3–6 months, then annually for 2–3 years to ensure the tooth remains stable and free of infection.

What If the Tooth Cannot Be Saved?

If the knocked-out tooth cannot be reimplanted, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options such as:

Porcelain crowns
Dental implants
Bridges or dentures, depending on the situation

Emergency Dentist in Lafayette, LA

If your tooth is knocked out or broken, contact Lafayette Dentist Dr. Chauvin immediately. Acting quickly and following the steps above gives you the best chance of saving your tooth and protecting your oral health.

What is dry socket?

May 7, 2025/in dental hygiene/by admin

Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is known to happen following a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth extraction. This blood clot serves as a protective layer over the underlying bone and nerve endings in the empty tooth socket. The clot provides the foundation for the growth of new tissue and bone.

In some cases, though, the clot doesn’t form properly or is physically dislodged before complete healing. With the clot gone, bone and nerves in the socket are exposed to air, fluids and food. This can cause intense pain, not only in the socket but also along the nerves radiating to the ear and eye on the same side of your face.

The precise cause of dry socket remains the subject of study. Some researchers suspect that several issues may be at play, including:

Causes of Dry Socket

Bacterial contamination of the socket
Severe bone and tissue trauma at the surgical site due to a difficult extraction
Very small fragments of roots or bone remaining in the wound after surgery
Drinking from a straw, smoking, or any sort of similar sucking action
Exercise
Coughing and sneezing
Swishing with water
Drinking carbonated beverages (soda, beer, sparkling water etc.)

Symptoms of Dry Socket after Tooth Extraction

Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction
Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket
Visible bone in the socket
Earache
Eye pain
Bad breath or a foul odor coming from your mouth
Unpleasant taste in your mouth
Swollen lymph nodes around your jaw or neck
Slight fever

Dry Socket Treatment Options from a Dentist

The treatment of dry socket begins with seeking care from your dentist. Dry socket can be diagnosed by a simple examination to determine a treatment plan specifically for you.

Medications as treatment for dry socket

Dry socket is typically treated with prescription pain-relieving medication, often in the form of medicated dressings that are applied to the teeth. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if an infection is present.

Examples of medical treatments for dry socket include:

Antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin
Over-the-counter pain-relieving and fever-reducing medications
Prescription pain relievers or medicated dressings. These dressings may need to be changed every day for several days, either at home or by your dentist.

In addition to medical treatment, your dentist will inspect and clean the dry socket. If you are experiencing severe pain, a local anesthetic may be used. Getting prompt treatment and completing all the medication prescribed by your dentist are important in preventing complications or recurrence.

What you can do to improve your dry socket

You should contact your dentist if you had a tooth extraction and think you may have a dry socket. Before seeing your health care provider, you may be able to reduce the discomfort associated with your dry socket by:

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or pain relievers prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon following extraction
Using ice packs on the cheek next to the dry socket to decrease pain and swelling

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After your dental procedure your dentist will go over these things with you but an extra reminder never hurts!

Activity. After your surgery, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Resume normal activities the next day, but for at least a week, avoid rigorous exercise and sports that might result in dislodging the blood clot in the socket.
Beverages. Drink lots of water after the surgery. Don’t drink alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages in the first 24 hours. Don’t drink with a straw for at least a week because the sucking action may dislodge the blood clot in the socket.
Food. Eat only soft foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, for the first day. Start eating semisoft foods when you can tolerate them. Avoid hard, chewy, hot or spicy foods that might get stuck in the socket or irritate the wound.
Cleaning your mouth. Following surgery, you may gently rinse your mouth and brush your teeth, but avoid the extraction site. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours while awake and after meals for a week after your surgery. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of water.
Tobacco use. If you smoke, don’t do so for at least 48 hours after surgery. If you chew tobacco, don’t use it for at least a week. Any use of tobacco products after oral surgery can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.

Contact Us for Relief from Dry Socket Pain

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry socket after a tooth extraction, don’t wait. Prompt treatment can ease your pain and prevent further complications.
Call Dr. Chauvin’s office today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have about your recovery. We’re here to help you heal comfortably and safely.

5 Tips for Mouth Health

April 16, 2024/in Uncategorized/by admin

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important parts of your well-being: your oral health. Many people associate a healthy mouth with fresh breath or straight teeth—but true oral health means strong, clean teeth, healthy gums, and habits that support your overall wellness.

If you want to keep your smile strong and healthy, follow these five simple mouth health tips from Dr. Tim Chauvin and his trusted team here in Lafayette, Louisiana.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential. Ideally, brush after meals as well. Use a circular motion rather than brushing straight across—this helps remove more plaque and covers more surface area. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Flossing is just as important. It removes food particles and plaque from between teeth—areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease, and inflammation. Make it part of your brushing routine.

2. Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco use, especially smoking, is a major risk factor for gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Smokers are more likely to experience bad breath, bleeding gums, gum recession, and bone loss. Protect your oral and overall health by quitting smoking.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum helps clean your teeth and boosts saliva production, which neutralizes acids in your mouth. It’s a great way to freshen breath and maintain mouth health between brushing sessions—just make sure it’s sugar-free!

4. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Routine dental check-ups are key to maintaining a healthy mouth. At Dr. Tim Chauvin’s Lafayette dental office, we’ll screen for early signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues before they become serious problems. Plus, your professional cleaning will leave your teeth sparkling and fresh.

5. Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet

A balanced diet provides the nutrients your teeth and gums need to stay strong. Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks, and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Calcium-rich foods like dairy products and leafy greens also help protect tooth enamel.

Looking for a Lafayette Dentist?

Whether you’re due for a cleaning or want to learn more about improving your oral health, Dr. Tim Chauvin and his team are here to help. Contact our Lafayette office today to schedule your appointment!

Choosing the right mouthwash

October 25, 2023/in Uncategorized/by admin

We’ve talked toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss – but what about mouthwash? If you’d like to add a mouthwash or rinse to your oral care routine, it’s important to be aware of just what a mouthwash or rinse does. Some freshen breath, others provide an anti-cavity benefit from fluoride, while others contain germ-killing ingredients to help prevent plaque buildup.

You have many options, and the right mouthwash or rinse for you is the one that meets your dental hygiene needs for the health of your teeth and gums, and taste preference. Of course, mouthwash should be used along with other oral hygiene practices, but when used together with flossing and brushing, it can help to keep the entire mouth healthy. However, it can often be difficult to choose the best mouthwash for you and your oral needs. Dr. Chauvin and his team in Lafayette, Louisiana, can offer some suggestions for choosing the correct mouthwash.

Types of mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwash:
- Recommended for those who are cavity-prone. In the United States, tap water contains small amounts of fluoride in order to promote dental health for society as a whole. However, for those who need extra protection, a fluoride mouthwash can create a protective film over the teeth.
Antibacterial mouthwash:
- This type contains chemicals to help fight against gum disease and other infections. Mouthwashes made specifically to fight bacteria can be a great preventive method for developing infections in the mouth. However, if an infection is already present, a dentist can prescribe a more powerful antibacterial mouthwash to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Alcohol Mouthwash:
- This type works as an antiseptic. It clears the mouth of germs and some viral infections (that’s where the burning sensation comes from). However, if you have issues relating to dry mouth, alcohol can exacerbate the problem. If this is the case, consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will free your mouth from the drying effects of the alcohol base.

Schedule an appointment with Lafayette dentist Dr. Chauvin today

Remember that mouthwashes are to be used as one part of an entire oral hygiene program. Visiting Dr. Chauvin twice a year, brushing and flossing daily, along with using mouthwash are all necessary aspects of a full oral hygiene program. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

How to get rid of white spots on your teeth

July 13, 2022/in teeth whitening/by admin

White spots on your teeth can be worrisome if you do not know how they got there or how to treat them. On top of that, white spots on your teeth can be unsightly, which can take a toll on your confidence. These spots are typically a cosmetic issue but can turn into a health concern. If it goes untreated, the problem can lead to tooth deterioration.

Causes of White Spots on Teeth

If the spots have been present since you were a child, you may have experienced a disruption in enamel formation as your teeth grew. This is better known as enamel hypoplasia. White spots can also appear in childhood when kids ingest too much fluoride toothpaste, called fluorosis. Both of these causes of white spots on teeth are common in childhood and lead to lasting spots on teeth.

White spots that have formed more recently on adult teeth are often caused by plaque build-up. This can cause hard, scaly spots near the gum line and make the teeth look discolored. The most concerning reason for white spots on teeth can be the beginning stages of tooth decay or cavities, as these problems sometimes look like white spots in the early stages. As bacteria produce acid, it begins dissolving the mineralized surface of a tooth, appearing bright white. Lastly, braces can leave such spots but can be avoided with the proper care.

Treatment of White Spots on Your Teeth

There are various methods by which a dentist can get rid of calcium deposits from your teeth. Your dentist might whiten the teeth to remove calcium deposits by concealing the discoloration. If the whitening process does not work, there are a few more options. There is the air abrasion procedure, in which your dentist will use a device that blows crystal particles towards the calcium deposit. They can fix any remaining spots with filling material. This treatment of white spots is called microabrasion; this is a process where the dentist rubs a mixture of pumice and acid on the teeth to get rid of white teeth spots. However, if the white spots are very large, microabrasion might not be a viable option. In that case, a porcelain crown or a cap is necessary to cover up the spot or spots.

Prevention of White Spots on Your Teeth

If you don’t currently have white spots, you should opt for prevention techniques for white spots. You can start by practicing good oral hygiene. You must brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and visit your dentist after every six months for a regular dental check-up.

Do your best to avoid acidic and sugary drinks and foods that can damage your tooth enamel. If you wear braces, you must take additional steps to take excellent care of your teeth so that when the braces are removed to expose your straightened teeth, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant spots.

Bottom Line

At Tim Chauvin, DDS & Associates, we know it can sometimes it can be difficult to determine what white spots mean. In these cases, it’s better to visit experienced and qualified doctors who will guide you.

Too often, it is an early sign of tooth decay that can be handled, but you must visit a dentist. We will be able to assess the damage and recommend treatments that are suitable for your situation. Contact Dr. Chauvin today to make an appointment.

Should I get my teeth whitened?

June 7, 2021/in teeth whitening/by admin

Almost everyone desires a bright, white, attention-grabbing smile. Since a beaming smile is such a coveted asset, teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic procedure that dentists perform.

Professional teeth whitening is also popular because it’s a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t permanently alter dental structures like other cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers or tooth-colored crowns.

Before we can get into the details of how teeth whitening works, it’s important to understand how unsightly stains develop.

How Dental Stains Form

Your teeth are made up of an inner layer called dentin and an outer layer enamel. Enamel is hard and shiny but is easily stained. Food, and other substances build up on your teeth in the form of a tiny particle layer called a “pellicle film.”

Brushing your teeth can control the development of pellicle film. Beyond good oral hygiene, a dentist can clean away this film through teeth cleanings.

The pellicle layer gradually gives way to discoloration in the enamel layer, discoloring it slightly. Over time, these stains appear more noticeable, and that’s why many adults eventually seek out teeth whitening treatments.

Stains can also form in the dentin layer of teeth—particularly when tooth enamel is compromised by decay, wear and tear, and dental injuries.

Common causes for stains

Foods/Drinks: Coffee, tea, soda, wines and dark-colored foods like beets and berries.
Tobacco use including smokeless varieties.
Poor oral hygiene.
Medicine including antihistamines, antidepressants and high blood pressure pills.
Age: As you get older, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth wears away, revealing dentin’s natural, yellow color.
Genetics—certain folks have thinner tooth enamel, which leaves the innermost structures of teeth vulnerable to stain-causing agents.
Exposure to too much fluoride.

Not All Teeth Whitening is Created Equal

Over the counter teeth whiteners typically cannot yield the same results as a professional treatment.

Adding insult to injury, many of these products can be harmful to your teeth. Since over the counter whiteners have weaker formulas, some products rely on harsh abrasives to remove surface stains. A whitening toothpaste, for example, could permanently damage your tooth enamel and cause long-term tooth sensitivity.

When it comes to lightening your teeth, your best bet is to work with your dentist. A dentist has access to prescription-grade products and can help ensure that you improve the appearance of your smile in the safest conditions possible.

How Professional Teeth Whitening Works

In-office treatments will use more powerful formulations and a special high-intensity light that deepens the teeth-whitening process.

Before a tooth whitening treatment at our office, Dr. Chauvin will clean the teeth, fill cavities, and make sure your gums are healthy. Then he will place a hydrogen peroxide paste on the teeth for several minutes, rinse it off, and may apply it several more times. The procedure can lighten teeth up to eight shades after one 40-minute treatment.

Patients’ eyes and their soft oral tissues will be protected during the process with goggles, dental dam, and gauze.

In-home treatments are another popular option. Whitening at home will still utilize clinically-tested, prescription-grade lightening solutions. Our dentist will take a mold of your mouth and make custom mouth trays. Patients will put a thin layer of whitening gel into the tray and wear it for about 2 hours a day for a couple of weeks.

In-home treatments are great for maintaining the results of office-based whitening, too.

Are you looking for professional teeth whitening in Lafayette, La?

Give our family dental practice a call at (337) 234-2186 to reserve a smile makeover consultation with Dr. Chauvin.

Lessons from the Tooth Fairy

May 9, 2018/in dental hygiene/by admin

Does your child believe in the Tooth Fairy? I’m sure most of us excitedly tucked our lost teeth under our pillows (or in my case mostly notes because losing them seems to be easier) and woke up to a shiny quarter the next morning. The tooth fairy’s existence is well accepted in America, although these days a quarter doesn’t seem to be the going rate for a tooth anymore. According to the recent 2014 study, the average going rate for a tooth is $5.74, thats a 27% increase from 2013 (geez inflation). Approximately 81% of home got a visit from the tooth fairy last year and nearly all participants professed either neutral or positive perceptions of the tooth fairy, so apparently the practice lives on.

How did the Tooth Fairy come to exist?

In the times of witches, it was thought that if a witch got your tooth it could gain control over them. This made disposal of baby teeth a serious matter. The teeth were typically buried, thrown into a fire, or given to a rodent as quickly as possible. As time went on the fear subsided and a variety of customs emerged. In other parts of the world parents would plant the baby tooth in the garden to encourage growth of the adult teeth. Even the mighty Viking warriors made necklaces out of baby teeth believing this would bring them luck in battle.

To most people an image of a white-winged female comes to mind, illustrations of the Tooth Fairy over the years. The tooth fairy in her present common form only came into being in the 20th century. A three act play for children called “The Tooth Fairy” came out in 1927; the first known written work to use that title was printed in 1947. The legend spread during the 1950’s becoming as commonplace as the Easter Bunny in the United States. Coincident with this was an increase in commercialization, with tooth fairy banks, pillows, and so forth appearing in the marketplace.

In early America, money was left as a reward or compensation for the pain of losing a tooth, although it wasn’t until just before the Great Depression in 1927 that a three act play was written using the name of the Tooth Fairy. Not long after, a story written at the end of the Second World War mentioned the Tooth Fairy. However, she didn’t become popular until about the 1950’s along with the Easter Bunny. When the baby boomers were being born, both myths really began to take hold. Some cynics say it has to do with the commercialization of the time period, but we like to think it was just really great timing.

Using The Tooth Fairy as a Teaching Tool

Here at Dr. Chauvin’s office we encourage parents to talk about the Tooth Fairy’s visits as a way to discuss good oral health even before a child loses their first tooth. After all, there’s nothing that makes the Tooth Fairy happier than healthy teeth! You can alway remind them when they do not want to brush or floss that the Tooth Fairy is only looking for healthy baby teeth, not teeth with cavities. This will help get kids excited about taking care of their teeth. Whether it’s their first, second, or tenth tooth we have a couple of good suggestions to assist in the next tooth fairy visit!

Leave a note reinforcing good habits – A personalized note from the Tooth Fairy could be nearly as exciting for kids as the gift itself. Parents should include tips for important oral health habits that the Tooth Fairy wants kids to practice, such as brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting the dentist twice a year.
Give oral health gifts – Consider opting out of cash and reinforce good oral health habits by providing a new toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or fun-flavored toothpaste. How about a new book? There are several children’s books about Tooth Fairy adventures that can add to the Tooth Fairy excitement.

The tooth fairy is a great way to divert attention it’s still important to scheduling regular checkups. Dr. Chauvin and his team will help your children maintain good oral health and catch small issues before they cause serious dental problems.

How to help a teething baby

January 10, 2018/in Uncategorized/by admin

Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, teething can be a hair-graying experience. Crying, whining, drooling and overall crankiness are often a normal part of the process when a baby’s teeth are on the brink of breaking through the gum tissue. When a baby begins teething, there is no set pattern on when it will begin, how long it will take and how painful it will be. For one baby teething might happen overnight without pain, while another child might have to go through a long, drawn out and painful experience. You may sometimes visibly see a rise or lump in the gum for several weeks, while sometimes there may be no visible clue at all until the tooth actually appears.

Which teeth come in first and how many teeth come in?

In total there are twenty primary teeth, which is twelve less than the full set of thirty-two permanent teeth adults have. Each of the baby teeth slowly emerge from the gum over a few weeks or months. Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are around two or three years old. The teeth can seem very spaced out at first but it’s nothing to worry about; as the full set comes through, the teeth will move into a more normal position.

These teeth usually last until about the age of six, when the teeth that were first to appear become loose and fall out as the second teeth begin to push through the gums. The primary teeth continue falling out until roughly the age of twelve. The following is the most common pattern for baby teeth to appear.

Age	Teeth	Position
6 to 7 months	Incisors	Two central bottom & Two central top teeth.
7 to 9 months	Two more incisors	Top & bottom; making four top & four bottom teeth in all.
10 to 14 months	First molars	Double teeth for chewing
15 to 18 months	Canines	The pointed teeth or “fangs”
2 to 3 years	Second molars	The second set of double teeth at the back

How will you know if your baby is teething?

Teething symptoms vary from child to child. Some babies are fussier than usual when they are teething so it might make it more difficult to determine what is the exact cause.This may be because of soreness and swelling in the gums before a tooth comes through. These symptoms usually begin about 3 to 5 days before the tooth shows, and they disappear as soon as the tooth breaks the skin. Many babies don’t seem to be affected by teething.

Irritability: The pain and discomfort is most often worse during the first teeth coming in and later when the molars come in because of their bigger size

Drooling: Your baby start drooling more often than normal because teething stimulates drooling

Chin rash: The constant contact with saliva can cause the skin around the chin and mouth to become irritated

Biting & gnawing: A baby that is teething will gnaw and gum down on anything she or he can get their mouth around. The counter pressure from biting on something helps relieve the pressure from under the gums.

Cheek rubbing and ear tugging: Pain in the gums may travel to the ears and cheeks particularly when the back molars begin coming in

Diarrhea: It is believed that the most likely cause of this is the extra saliva swallowed, which then loosens the stool

Not sleeping well: With teething pain happening during the day and night, you may find your child wakes more often at night when the pain gets bad enough

Coughing: The extra saliva can cause your baby to occasionally cough or gag

How can you help teething pain?

There are plenty of things you can try before resorting to pain relief products or teething gels. Giving your baby something cool to bite on can relieve the pressure and ease the pain. You could try the following:

Rub a clean finger over your baby’s sore gums to numb the pain temporarily.
Give your baby a teething ring. Solid, silicone-based teething rings are better than liquid-filled products, which could leak and can’t be sterilised. You could try putting the teething ring in the fridge for a while before giving it to your baby. Don’t put it in the freezer, as this could hurt your baby’s gums.
Offering your baby a cold bottle of water can also help.
Teething gels.

If you have any questions about teething contact Dr. Chauvins office today.

What is sedation dentistry ?

January 13, 2016/in Uncategorized/by admin

What is sedation dentistry

If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. But did you know there’s a way of conquering the fears that may have kept you from visiting your dentist for necessary treatment? Using the techniques of sedation dentistry, your favorite Lafayette Louisiana dentist, Dr. Chauvin can ease your apprehension, and even make the entire experience pain-free. How? By administering a combination of anxiety-relieving and pain-blocking drugs.

With sleep dentistry the patient can be put in either a conscious sedative sleep state or an unconscious sedative sleep state. With sedation dentistry you can visit your dentist with peace of mind of knowing that it will be a relaxed, pain-free, and anxiety-free visit. If you have long been someone that either fears the pain of dental work or you don’t like having personal space invade then it might be time for you to consider a sleep dentist.

How does sedation dentistry work?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Chauvin can help you determine which type of sedation medication would work best for you based on your medical background, dental procedure, and current health. Dr. Chauvin offers two types of sedation dentistry in his office – Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is inhaled by the patient right before and during the procedure. The patient wears a mask that delivers a combination of nitrogen and oxygen, creating a relaxed state of mind.

One reason nitrous oxide is a popular form of sedation is because the effects last only as long as the patient is wearing the mask. Within a few minutes of removing the mask, the patient will feel “back to normal.”

Oral Sedation

With oral conscious sedation, the patient takes a medication in pill form in the hours leading up to the appointment, and possibly again immediately before the procedure begins. The medication makes the patient feel very relaxed but does not put the patient completely to sleep. He or she will be able to communicate with the dentist and will remain alert, but will experience relief from anxiousness and nervousness.

Unlike nitrous oxide, which fades very quickly, the effects of oral conscious sedation can last several hours after the appointment. Therefore, patients will need a ride home from their appointments if they have undergone oral sedation.

Who should have sedation at the dentist?

Sedation is best for people with a real fear or anxiety that is preventing them from going to the dentist.

Sedation dentistry can apply for people with:

have a low pain threshold
can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair
have very sensitive teeth
have a bad gag reflex
need a large amount of dental work completed

Sleep Dentistry is a still relatively new procedure and something that most people do not take advantage of. For most people seeing the dentist is just another part of everyday life but for others sedation dentistry has made a world of difference. These people are no longer forced to visit their dentist in extreme fear or completely avoid getting the oral care they need.

People of all ages can experience dental anxiety, which is why Dr. Chauvins strives to make your visits with us as comfortable and worry-free as possible. Please share your feelings and concerns with us so we can help you receive the dental treatment you need at a pace that makes you feel comfortable. Every member of our team has a gentle touch, and our treatment rooms are equipped with TVs and massaging dental chairs to keep you comfortable and entertained throughout your visit. Life can be stressful, but going to the dentist doesn’t have to be!

So, contact us today to set up an appointment! Wether its a routine teeth cleaning or a root canal, everyone deserves a beautiful healthy smile.