That is why Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge looks at the whole picture when making cosmetic or restorative improvements. From discolored or chipped teeth up to more serious problems like tooth misalignment, a faulty bite, or worn or missing teeth, Dr. Mark Ventress D.D.S. and his staff take a comprehensive approach. They are not only concerned with how good you and your teeth look but with providing the highest level of dental care.

“There are so many factors involved in good oral health,” explains Dr. Ventress. “Joint health, periodontal health, tooth health and a good bite are all important.” 

For example, if teeth are not properly aligned or “in harmony” with the jaw joint, it can cause jaw, neck and headache pain, he notes. “It takes specialized expertise to fully understand and correct such problems. I have done an extensive amount of advanced training that allows me to understand and provide comprehensive treatment.”

“I always try, if at all possible, not to alter a patient’s natural teeth,” Dr.Ventress notes. “If a patient is having jaw or bite problems and the position of their teeth needs to be changed, I always consider the most conservative treatment possible, which is orthodontics. The next thing I would consider is very conservative re-shaping of the teeth. If that does not improve stability enough, then you have to consider restoration. That is where crowns and veneers come into play.

At Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge,  a great smile begins with a thorough examination – including necessary X-rays of teeth, gums, bone, jaw joints or soft tissue.

“Using special cameras and study models enables us to develop a treatment plan,” Ventress explains. “Our skilled hygienists will effectively remove calculus, plaque, and stains and toxins. We  provide you with a personalized maintenance plan for treating problem areas and a long-range plan to reduce the occurrence of gum disease and tooth decay.”

A member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Ventress has advanced training in the latest techniques and state-of-the-art materials to fix chips, cracks, discolorations and, in some cases, crooked teeth.

For tooth whitening—a very popular procedure—Cosmetic Dentistry offers a choice of treatments. Some patients prefer a custom-fitted dental mold that they fill with special whitening gel and wear at home, like the 1-hr in-office Whitening System.

Patients with more severe discoloration, like that caused by medications or medical conditions, may need porcelain veneers. “I liken veneers to putting a fake fingernail on your tooth,” Dr. Ventress explains. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain and only cover the outer surface of the teeth. A half-millimeter of tooth structure is removed so the teeth will not look thick when the veneers are in place.  

Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge can also do the latest tooth-colored restorations. These composite, bonded restorations are strong, wear-resistant and actually reinforce the tooth. They are superior to silver/mercury restorations that can warp over time and increase the chance of tooth fractures. Ventress also uses the PAC Light, which cures restorations in one third of the normal time.

One of the most exciting advances in modern dentistry—dental implants —is also offered at Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge. Implants offer a patient who is missing one, several or all of their teeth an excellent alternative to dentures. A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone to serve as a root substitute for a tooth. During a 3 to 4 month healing period, the jawbone fuses to the implant and anchors it in the mouth. Once appropriate healing time has transpired, Dr. Ventress creates a customized prosthetic tooth for each implant. He then places each prosthetic tooth on each implant. Dental implants provide the comfort, appearance, and function of natural teeth. 

Patients also seek out Dr. Ventress for his skill in restorative dentistry. He can provide porcelain crowns, bridges, dentures and partials, and invisible braces. He also specializes in treating problems of the temporomandibular joint or TMJ, the hinge between the temporal bone and the lower jaw. Common symptoms of TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) include clicking and popping of the jaw joint, limited jaw mobility and headaches. 

“Typically, I try to treat TMD  through non-surgical methods such as splint therapy—a mouth-guard that positions the jaw joint in the best position to prevent muscle spasms,” says Dr. Ventress. “Through lifestyle modification and splint therapy, probably 75 percent of TMJ problems can be solved.”

Patient comfort is always a top priority at Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge. The practice offers nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, dental chairs with Tempur-Pedic cushions, pillows, blankets, iPods and CD players with headphones. Dr. Ventress is also a highly-qualified practitioner of sedation dentistry, which lets patients safely undergo any procedure (even cleanings) with little or no memory of it, in less time and with less joint and muscle soreness later.

Whether providing the simplest or  most sophisticated treatments, Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge is all about happy smiles.

Cosmetic Dentistry of Baton Rouge |  (225) 926-8954  |  markventressdds.com

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