At Canatella Dental, we provide dental care for every stage of life. As a family dentist in New Orleans, we treat children, adults, and seniors. Our services include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and general dental care, all under one roof.
We understand that different ages have different needs, so we focus on offering personalized care for each family member. Dr. Todd Canatella also believes in the power of patient education. By teaching good oral habits, we help you prevent dental issues before they start.
When Should My Child Visit the Dentist?
Your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within 6 months after their first tooth appears. This early visit helps us check that teeth are developing properly. Our dentist can also give you essential tips for caring for your baby’s teeth.
After the first visit, children should see the dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups. These routine visits allow Dr. Canatella to:
- Catch small problems before they become serious
- Clean teeth to prevent cavities
- Apply protective fluoride treatments
- Track proper tooth and jaw development
Some kids may need to visit more often if they are at a higher risk of cavities or have special dental health needs.
The Benefits of Family Dentistry
Choosing a family dentist makes caring for your family’s teeth easier in many ways. Family dentistry services in our New Orleans office:
Saves Time
One of the best parts is how simple it makes appointments. Instead of driving to different offices, everyone can see the same dentist. This saves time and makes scheduling much easier.
Provides Comfortable Care
Kids often feel nervous about dental visits, but having a family dentist helps. When children see their parents trusting the same dentist, they feel more comfortable. As your family’s dentist, we learn about each person’s unique dental needs. This helps us give each family member the right care for their age and situation.
Offers a Positive Experience
Family dentistry also makes dental visits less stressful for everyone. We work hard to create positive experiences for patients of all ages. Dr. Canatella can ensure everyone gets the care they need, from little kids getting their first checkup to grandparents that need special care.
Our New Orleans office offers all types of dental services in one place. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or cosmetic work, we can help keep every family member’s smile healthy and bright.
Family Dentistry Services in New Orleans, LA
At our practice, we provide complete dental care for your entire family. From young children to grandparents, we offer services to keep everyone’s smile healthy. Our family dentist makes dental visits comfortable and stress-free for patients of all ages.
Cleanings
Regular cleanings and exams are the foundation of good dental health. During these visits, we gently remove plaque and tartar that you can’t clean at home. We also carefully examine your teeth and gums to catch any problems early when they’re easiest to treat. These routine visits help prevent serious issues and keep your smile bright.
By focusing on prevention, we can help you avoid expensive treatments later. Our goal is to ensure long-term oral health for everyone in your family. Routine visits also help build a strong, positive relationship with the dentist, especially for kids. This encourages them to develop good habits early in life and make dental care less stressful.
Fluoride Treatment
These treatments give extra protection against cavities. The fluoride solution strengthens your tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Stronger enamel means fewer cavities and healthier teeth over time. This quick treatment is especially helpful for children but benefits adults too.
Dental Sealants
Sealants provide another layer of protection, mainly for children’s back teeth. These thin plastic coatings are painted onto the chewing surfaces where cavities often start. Sealants keep food and bacteria out of the tiny grooves in molars. The application is fast and painless and can prevent cavities for many years.
We also offer other important family dentistry services in our New Orleans office:
- Cavity detection and fillings
- Gentle care for nervous patients
- Sports mouthguards to protect teeth
- Advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Growth and development monitoring for children
Dental Care for Aging Smiles
As we get older, our teeth need special care to stay healthy and strong. Our practice provides gentle dental treatments designed specifically for mature smiles. We understand the unique needs of older adults. We use family dentistry services in New Orleans, LA to keep your teeth functional and comfortable.
Fillings and Crowns
These treatments repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or wear over time. When cavities develop, we remove the decayed area and place tooth-colored fillings to restore your tooth’s shape and strength.
Dental crowns act like protective caps covering weakened teeth for more serious damage. These custom-made restorations look natural and can prevent further tooth damage. Crowns also create a more even bite so you can chew comfortably.
Implants
Dental implants offer the most natural solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are permanently anchored in your jawbone like real tooth roots. Implant restorations can reduce bone loss and keep your facial structure intact.
Implants can replace single teeth or support bridges and dentures for a secure fit that won’t slip when you eat or talk. Many seniors find implants give them back the confidence to enjoy all their favorite foods again.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth naturally darken with age, but professional whitening can safely restore a brighter and more youthful appearance. Our gentle whitening treatments remove years of stains from coffee, tea, and other foods without harming your teeth. The results can make you look younger and feel more confident about your smile.
Our care also includes root canals, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatments. We use the latest digital tools to ensure the best care so treatments are safer and less invasive.
How Can I Make Dental Visits Comfortable For My Child?
Follow these tips to help your child feel comfortable at the dentist and relieve some of their anxiety:
Use Simple and Positive Words
Explain the dentist visit in a way that won’t scare them. Instead of saying, “It won’t hurt,” try, “The dentist will count your teeth and make them shiny!” Avoid words like “shot,” “drill,” or “pain.” Keep your explanations simple and positive.
Practice at Home First
Play “dentist” with your child using a toothbrush. Let them practice opening wide while you gently brush their teeth. You can even use a small mirror to show them how the dentist might look at their teeth. This makes the real visit feel more familiar.
Bring Comfort Items
Let your child bring their favorite stuffed animal, small toy, or blanket to hold during the appointment. Having something familiar can help them feel safe. We can even “check” the toy’s teeth first to help your child relax.
Contact Our Dental Office Today
Our dental office in New Orleans provides a wide range of services. From preventive to restorative and cosmetic treatments, you can keep your smile healthy and bright.
At Canatella Dental, we want to help everyone to maintain strong teeth and gums. We provide personalized care for each family member so everyone can enjoy a healthy and happy smile. Call Dr. Canatella for family dental care today at 504-385-1092 or request an appointment online.