Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The healing timeline after bone grafting varies, but our bone grafting dentist in Zachary, LA typically waits 3–6 months before implant placement to ensure the new bone has integrated properly and can support your implant.

After Your Bone Grafting Procedure

Healing after bone graft surgery proceeds as follows:

1. Initial Healing (First 2 Weeks): Your gums heal over the graft site while the bone material begins integrating with your existing jawbone. We'll provide specific care instructions to protect the area.
2. Integration Period (3-6 Months): Your body gradually replaces the graft material with your own new, healthy bone tissue. Everyone heals at slightly different rates.
3. Regular Monitoring: Dr. Morris will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure everything is developing as expected.

How We Determine You're Ready

• Clinical Examination — We assess gum tissue health and check for any signs of complications or delayed healing.
• Advanced Imaging — Our CBCT cone beam technology provides detailed 3D images showing bone density and volume at the implant site.
• Stability Testing — Dr. Morris evaluates whether the grafted area can provide adequate support for the implant fixture.

Factors That Influence Bone Graft Healing

Your healing timeline depends on several factors, including the size of the graft, your overall health, age, and whether you smoke. Some patients with smaller grafts may be ready in three months, while more extensive procedures might require the full six-month healing period.

Planning your implant journey? Dr. Morris will provide realistic timelines based on your specific situation. We serve patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond. Call (225) 654-3964 to schedule your bone grafting consultation.

BOTOX results typically last 3–4 months for both aesthetic and TMJ treatments, though individual experiences can vary based on your metabolism, muscle strength, and treatment goals. Most patients find that with regular treatments, results may last longer as muscles become trained to relax.

What Affects How Long BOTOX Lasts?

Several factors influence your BOTOX duration. Your individual metabolism affects how quickly your body processes the treatment—some patients metabolize BOTOX faster than others. The strength and size of the treated muscles also play a role, with larger, more active muscles sometimes requiring more frequent touch-ups.

For TMJ treatment, the severity of your jaw clenching or teeth grinding habits can impact longevity. Patients with severe bruxism may need more frequent treatments initially, while those with milder symptoms often enjoy longer-lasting relief.

• Aesthetic BOTOX Results — For facial wrinkles, you'll typically notice results beginning within 3–7 days, with full effects visible by two weeks. These results generally maintain their peak effectiveness for about 3 months, then gradually diminish over the fourth month.
• TMJ Pain Relief Duration — BOTOX for jaw pain often provides relief that lasts 3–4 months, though some patients experience benefits for up to six months. The muscle relaxation helps reduce clenching intensity, which can provide ongoing relief even as the BOTOX effect diminishes.

Planning Your Treatment Schedule

Ready to learn more about BOTOX treatment duration for your specific concerns? Call Morris Family Dentistry at (225) 654-3964 to discuss how Dr. Morris can help you achieve lasting results with BOTOX treatment.

We proudly serve patients from Zachary and all surrounding communities, including Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond. 

Proper care keeps your clear aligners clean, odor-free, and nearly invisible throughout treatment. With the right routine, your aligners will stay crystal clear and comfortable while effectively moving your teeth into their ideal positions.

Daily Cleaning Routine

• Remove Before Eating or Drinking — Always take out your aligners before consuming anything except plain water. Food particles and colored beverages can stain the plastic and create bacteria buildup that leads to bad breath and tooth decay.
• Rinse Immediately After Removal — Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water to prevent saliva and bacteria from drying on the surface. Never use hot water, which can warp the plastic and ruin the precise fit.
• Brush Your Aligners Gently — Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with antibacterial soap or a specialized cleaner designed for clear aligners. Avoid abrasive toothpaste that can scratch the plastic and make it more visible. Gently brush all surfaces, including the inside, where bacteria tend to accumulate.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene — Clean teeth are essential for aligner success. Brush and floss thoroughly before reinserting aligners to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria against your teeth. 

Always keep your aligners in their case when not in your mouth. Handle aligners with clean hands and avoid bending or twisting them, which can crack the plastic.

Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help!

Taking excellent care of your aligners is crucial for your oral health and treatment success. Need more guidance? Call Morris Family Dentistry at (225) 654-3964 to speak with our team about maintaining your aligners throughout treatment.

Most dental insurance plans don't cover purely cosmetic procedures, but our cosmetic dentist in Zachary, LA, can help you explore options that make your dream smile surprisingly affordable.

When Insurance Might Help

• Restorative Work with Cosmetic Benefits — If you need a crown due to decay or damage, insurance often covers the basic restoration. You might pay a small upgrade fee for premium materials that look more natural.
• Functional Improvements — Some bite correction treatments or TMJ therapy may qualify for coverage when medically necessary.
• Accident-Related Damage — Trauma-related cosmetic repairs sometimes receive partial coverage.

Making Cosmetic Dentistry Accessible

Flexible Financing Options: We offer Cherry and CareCredit payment plans that let you spread costs over manageable monthly payments, often with promotional interest-free periods.

Conservative Approaches: Not every smile makeover requires extensive work. Sometimes:

• Bonding can address minor chips or gaps instead of veneers.
• Professional whitening creates dramatic results at a fraction of the cost.
• Veneers may be used instead of clear aligners to correct the appearance of slightly misaligned teeth. 

Treatment Planning for Your Budget

Dr. Morris believes everyone deserves to love their smile. During your consultation, we'll discuss the options available and help you prioritize treatments that deliver the most significant impact within your comfort zone.

Ready to explore your options? We welcome patients from Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond. Call Morris Family Dentistry at (225) 654-3964 to schedule your cosmetic consultation and see what's possible for your smile. 

Most people with missing teeth make excellent candidates for dental implants, but our dental implant dentist in Zachary will evaluate several factors to ensure the best possible outcome for your specific situation.

Ideal Candidates Typically Have

• Good Overall Health — Your body needs to heal properly after implant placement, so conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can complicate the process.
• Adequate Bone Density — Implants need a strong jawbone to anchor securely. If you've been missing teeth for a while, some bone loss is normal, but it doesn't necessarily disqualify you.
• Healthy Gums —Active gum disease needs to be treated before implant placement to prevent complications.
• Realistic Expectations — Understanding the timeline and commitment involved helps ensure satisfaction with your results.

Bone Grafting Is Possible

Don't worry if initial scans show insufficient bone density. Dr. Morris performs bone grafting and sinus lift procedures right here in our office to create the ideal foundation for your implants. These techniques have helped countless patients who were initially told they "weren't candidates" elsewhere.

Wondering if implants are right for you? Dr. Morris will provide an honest assessment during your consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule your evaluation.

Most patients should see their dentist in Zachary, LA, every six months for routine cleanings and checkups. However, your specific needs might call for more frequent visits, and that's perfectly normal.

Dental Frequency Visits Vary

Your oral health is as unique as you are. Some patients benefit from quarterly visits, especially if they have:

• Gum disease or a history of periodontal issues
• Diabetes or other health conditions affecting oral health
• A tendency toward cavities or plaque buildup
• Orthodontic appliances requiring extra monitoring

What Happens During Routine Checkups?

• Comprehensive Cleanings — Our experienced hygienists remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing can't reach.
• Thorough Examinations — Dr. Morris uses digital x-rays and an intraoral camera to catch potential issues early, when they're easier and less expensive to treat.
• Personalized Prevention — We'll discuss your home care routine and make recommendations tailored to your lifestyle and risk factors.

The Benefits Add Up

Regular visits aren't just about preventing cavities. They help us spot early signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions that could impact your overall health. Plus, there's something to be said for that fresh, clean feeling you get after a professional cleaning.

Ready to schedule your next visit? Our warm, family-friendly team serves patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond. Give us a call at (225) 654-3964 to find an appointment time that works for your schedule.

Dr. Morris works with each patient's individual financial situation to make smile makeovers accessible and affordable. We can phase treatments strategically—perhaps starting with whitening and bonding, then moving to veneers or crowns later. This approach allows you to see progress immediately while managing expenses comfortably.

Our team takes the guesswork out of costs by helping evaluate your insurance benefits and explaining coverage for different procedures. Many patients are surprised to learn that some cosmetic treatments have restorative benefits that insurance may cover partially.

Flexible Financing and Payment Options

We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Cherry, with interest-free options available for qualified patients. These programs allow you to receive treatment now and pay over time with manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.

Once your treatment plan is set, we'll work with you to schedule appointments that accommodate both your timeline and financial preferences. Some patients prefer to complete everything quickly, while others spread treatments over 6-12 months. There's no right or wrong approach—just what works best for your situation.

See What’s Possible for Your Smile

We'd love to sit down with you and explore the possibilities—no pressure, just an honest conversation about your smile goals and how we might help you achieve them.

As your trusted cosmetic dentist in Zachary, LA, Dr. Morris serves patients throughout Central, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, St. Francisville, and surrounding communities. Call Morris Family Dentistry today at (225) 654-3964 to schedule your appointment. Let's find out together what's possible for your smile transformation.

Not everyone needs wisdom tooth extraction in Zachary, LA. Still, these teeth, also called third molars, often create problems in our modern mouths that didn't evolve to accommodate them properly.

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems

Evolutionary Leftovers: Our ancestors needed these extra molars to chew tough, fibrous foods. Today's softer diet and smaller jaw size mean there's often simply no room for them. Common Issues Include:

• Impaction — When there isn't enough space, wisdom teeth can't emerge properly, potentially causing pain and infection.
• Crowding — Late-erupting wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work.
• Difficult Oral Hygiene — Tightly packed wisdom teeth are nearly impossible to brush and floss effectively.
• Gum Disease and Decay — Hard-to-reach areas become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to cavities and periodontal problems.

Not All Wisdom Teeth Need Removal

Dr. Morris takes a conservative, patient-centered approach and may not recommend extraction if your wisdom teeth are:

• Fully erupted and properly positioned
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Not causing crowding or other issues

Curious to Learn More?

For complex cases involving impacted wisdom teeth, Dr. Morris works with trusted oral surgeons to ensure you receive specialized care. He'll coordinate your treatment and provide follow-up care to keep you comfortable throughout the process.

Concerned about your wisdom teeth? Dr. Morris can evaluate whether extraction is right for you. We serve patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond. Call (225) 654-3964, and we'll help you schedule your consultation.

Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, often signals the need for root canal treatment. However, our team provides emergency root canals in Zachary, LA, to address urgent symptoms and get you comfortable quickly.

Signs of a Tooth Infection to Watch For

• Pain That Wakes You Up — Throbbing tooth pain that interrupts sleep or strikes without warning often indicates infected tooth pulp.
• Temperature Sensitivity — Lingering pain after consuming hot or cold foods and drinks suggests nerve damage inside the tooth.
• Swelling and Tenderness — Facial swelling, tender lymph nodes, or a recurring pimple-like bump on your gums can signal infection spreading.
• Discoloration — A tooth that's darkening or turning gray may have a dying nerve inside.

Why Prompt Treatment Matters

Dental infections typically worsen over time. What starts as mild discomfort can escalate to severe pain, facial swelling, or even serious systemic infection if left untreated.

Early intervention for an infected tooth often means:

• Less complex treatment
• Better success rates
• Preservation of your natural tooth
• Avoiding more extensive procedures later

Emergency Care When You Need It

Dr. Morris sees emergency patients to provide immediate pain relief and initiate root canal treatment, even if we need to schedule your full appointment at a later date. Our goal is to get you comfortable and stop the infection's progression.

Experiencing dental pain? Don't wait for things to get worse. We serve patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and surrounding communities. Call (225) 654-3964 now to schedule emergency dental care.

In stress-related cases, minor TMJ discomfort may ease on its own. If you’ve been under extra stress and find yourself clenching your jaw, symptoms may settle once you relax, sleep better, or take over-the-counter pain relievers. Simple home care, like applying a warm compress or avoiding chewy foods, can also provide temporary relief.

When TMJ Pain Persists

The problem is that persistent TMJ pain rarely disappears without treatment. If the issue stems from how your teeth fit together, chronic grinding, or inflammation in the joint, the condition often worsens over time. Left untreated, TMJ disorder can lead to:

• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Cracked or worn-down teeth
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully

That’s why ongoing jaw pain should always be evaluated by a dentist who understands the complexity of the joint and bite relationship.

Get Relief Close to Home

At Morris Family Dentistry in Zachary, LA, Dr. Chad Morris uses advanced training from the Dawson Academy to uncover the root cause of your TMJ symptoms. If you are dealing with persistent, painful symptoms, we encourage you to call us at (225) 654-3964 so we can help you find a long-term solution.

We proudly serve patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond.