Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Holistic dentistry is traditional dental care: Diagnosing cavities, treating infection, repairing damage, and replacing missing teeth, with the added intention of using materials, techniques, and technology that support your overall wellness and comfort. Because the foundation of treatment is the same, holistic dentistry isn’t automatically more expensive.

Where Costs Are Comparable

Many holistic-focused treatments are simply modern advancements in dentistry, such as:

• Laser cavity removal
• Digital imaging
• Ozone therapy for disinfection

In many cases, these approaches can reduce the need for anesthesia, additional appointments, or certain medications, resulting in similar or even lower overall costs of care.

Holistic Care May Save You Money Long Term

Choosing conservative, minimally invasive treatments can help:

• Reduce future dental complications
• Preserve more natural tooth structure
• Support cleaner, more comfortable healing

Preventing additional work later is one of the most meaningful cost benefits for patients.

Clear Communication and Transparent Fees

We’re always transparent about fees, and we’ll walk you through your options—traditional and holistic—so you can make a decision that fits your health goals, comfort, and budget. We will never pressure you, and the choice is always yours.

If you have questions about specific treatments or would like to schedule your next dental checkup, contact Shank Dental Care in Lafayette, LA, at (337) 235-8902. We also offer an in-house membership plan that covers preventive cleanings and exams as well as discounts on other services. 

We are happy to do routine exams and cleanings and monitor the growth of children of all ages, however we typically do not do dental treatment on primary (baby) teeth or children under 10 years of age. We believe that children often require specialized attention and care when it comes to dental anxiety, pain management, and anesthesia - therefore we know when to refer to a pediatric dental specialist who can best provide safe and comfortable care for your kiddo. 

Ceramic (zirconia) and titanium implants are both proven, durable options for tooth replacement. The choice often comes down to specific health needs, aesthetic priorities, and material preferences.

• Material Composition — Titanium implants are made from metal and have been the standard in implant dentistry for decades, with extensive research supporting their long-term success. Ceramic implants are made from zirconia, a non-metallic material that has gained significant clinical validation over the past 15–20 years.
• Biocompatibility — While titanium is biocompatible for most patients, some people with metal sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, or concerns about metal exposure prefer ceramic implants. Zirconia is highly biocompatible and eliminates concerns about metal in the body, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking metal-free dentistry.
• Aesthetics — Ceramic implants offer a distinct advantage for front teeth or patients with thin gum tissue. Their white color won't show through as a gray shadow if gums recede over time, whereas titanium can create a grayish appearance at the gum line.
• Strength and Longevity — Both materials are strong enough for long-term tooth replacement. Modern zirconia implants are comparable to titanium when placed in patients with adequate bone density and proper bite function.

If you're considering dental implants and want to discuss ceramic versus titanium options, call our Lafayette dental office at (337) 235-8902 to schedule a consultation.

For most patients with multiple mercury fillings, we recommend removing them in stages rather than all in one appointment. This phased approach prioritizes your safety and allows your body time to recover between procedures.

Why Staged Amalgam Removal Is Safer

Even with the strict SMART protocol in place to minimize mercury exposure, removing multiple amalgam fillings creates more mercury vapor and particulate matter than removing just one or two. Spacing out your appointments reduces your total exposure during any single session. It gives your body's natural detoxification systems time to process and eliminate any trace amounts of mercury between visits.

Planning Your Treatment

During your consultation, Dr. Shank will assess how many amalgam fillings you have, their size and location, and develop a systematic removal plan. He'll prioritize which fillings to remove first based on factors like their condition, location, and your overall treatment needs.

Most patients complete their mercury removal over two to four appointments, depending on how many fillings need to be replaced. This timing balances efficiency with safety, ensuring you're not overwhelmed physically while still making steady progress toward your goal of being mercury-free.

Your Comfort Matters

Staged removal also tends to be more comfortable, both during and after appointments. You'll have time to heal between visits, and we can adjust our approach based on how you respond to the first procedure.

If you're ready to remove your mercury fillings safely, call our Lafayette dental office at (337) 235-8902 to schedule your SMART protocol consultation.

Sleep apnea is more than just a sleep issue—it's a condition that can impact your entire body. When your airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, your body experiences periods of reduced oxygen, which triggers a stress response and disrupts normal healing and recovery processes.

Health Effects of Untreated Sleep Apnea

The health effects of untreated sleep apnea can include:

• Reduced oxygen levels throughout the night, forcing your heart to work harder
• Increased cardiovascular strain and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke
• Elevated blood pressure that persists even during waking hours
• Chronic daytime fatigue and decreased energy levels
• Impaired cognitive function, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating
• Weakened immune response, making you more susceptible to illness
• Higher risk of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes
• Increased inflammation throughout the body

These risks are why addressing airway health is such an important part of integrative dental care. Improved breathing during sleep reduces snoring, supports your cardiovascular and immune health, and your body's ability to heal and recover each night.

Schedule with a Sleep Apnea Dentist

For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, our conservative treatments can make a meaningful difference in overall wellness. Please call Shank Dental Care at (337) 235-8902 to schedule with an experienced sleep apnea dentist in Lafayette, LA.

Yes, Dr. Shank uses laser technology to enhance root canal treatment outcomes. During a root canal procedure, the laser disinfects the interior of the tooth's root canal system, areas that can be difficult to reach with traditional cleaning methods alone.

Why Root Canals Need Extra Disinfection

Root canals become infected when bacteria invade the tooth's pulp chamber and spread through the tiny canals inside the root. While traditional endodontic files clean and shape these canals, bacteria can hide in microscopic crevices and side branches that instruments can't always reach completely.

How Laser Disinfection Works

Laser disinfection addresses this challenge by delivering concentrated light energy into the canal system, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi throughout the treated area. This additional sterilization step reduces the risk of persistent infection and can improve the long-term success rate of root canal therapy.

An Integrative Approach

Dr. Shank combines laser disinfection with traditional endodontic techniques and often with ozone therapy as well, creating a comprehensive approach that maximizes bacterial elimination while supporting your body's natural healing. This process adds only a few minutes to the procedure and causes no additional discomfort.

This integrative method aligns with our philosophy of using the most effective tools available to achieve the best possible outcomes while minimizing the need for retreatment or additional procedures.

If you need root canal treatment or have questions about our integrative endodontic approach, call our Lafayette, LA, dental office at (337) 235-8902 to schedule a consultation.

For most patients, biocompatibility testing isn't necessary. If you've never experienced sensitivities to dental materials and don't have autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammation, standard dental materials work well and are safe for the majority of people.

When We Recommend Testing

Dr. Shank may recommend biocompatibility testing if you:

• Have a history of allergic reactions or sensitivities to dental materials or metals
• Manage autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammatory disorders
• Experience unexplained symptoms that may be related to existing dental work
• Are planning extensive restorative work and want to optimize material selection
• Work with functional medicine providers who emphasize personalized care

Even without a history of reactions, testing can provide valuable information when you're planning significant dental work or taking a proactive approach to health management. The investment in testing can provide information that influences treatment decisions for years to come.

The Bottom Line on Biocompatibility Testing

Think of biocompatibility testing as similar to allergy testing—not everyone needs it, but for certain people in specific situations, it provides information that can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Shank will help you determine whether testing makes sense for your particular situation.

If you're considering biocompatibility testing, call our Lafayette dental office at (337) 235-8902 to discuss your options.

Most patients don't feel anything unusual when we use ozone during their dental treatment. The experience is generally comfortable and unobtrusive.

During Your Treatment

If we're using ozonated water during a cleaning or gum treatment, it feels similar to regular water irrigation. You might notice a slight fizzy sensation, but it's gentle and not uncomfortable. Some patients describe a clean, fresh feeling afterward.

When we apply ozone gas directly to a tooth or treatment site, you typically won't feel anything at all. The gas is odorless at the concentrations we use in dentistry, and the application takes just a few seconds. There's no heat, no stinging, and no discomfort.

What You Might Notice

Occasionally, patients notice a faint, clean scent similar to the smell after a rainstorm; that's ozone's natural characteristic. It's not unpleasant and dissipates quickly.

After Your Treatment

One of the benefits patients often mention is what they don't feel after treatment. Because ozone helps reduce bacteria and inflammation, many people experience less post-treatment sensitivity or discomfort compared to previous dental experiences without ozone.

If you have concerns about sensitivity or want to know precisely when we will use ozone during your appointment, Dr. Shank will walk you through each step beforehand. Our goal is to make sure you're comfortable and informed throughout your visit.

Please call Shank Dental Care in Lafayette, LA, at (337) 235-8902 to schedule your next appointment.
 

Yes, because TMJ disorders are rarely caused by a single factor. These issues often result from a combination of physical, environmental, and systemic issues working together.

Posture and TMJ

Poor posture, especially forward head position from desk work or device use, can strain the muscles and joints in your neck and jaw. When your head is positioned forward, it changes the alignment of your jaw and increases tension in the muscles that control jaw movement. Over time, this can contribute to clicking, pain, and restricted jaw function.

Stress and Clenching

Stress is one of the most common triggers for TMJ problems. When you're stressed, you may clench your jaw during the day or grind your teeth at night without realizing it. This constant muscle tension can strain the temporomandibular joint, leading to pain, headaches, and jaw fatigue.

TMJ Sleep and Airway Connection

Sleep-disordered breathing and airway restriction often play a significant role in TMJ disorders. When your airway is compromised during sleep, your body compensates by repositioning your jaw and clenching or grinding your teeth—sometimes more intensely than stress alone would cause. This is why addressing sleep quality and airway health is often an essential part of TMJ treatment.

During your evaluation, Dr. Shank will assess how these factors might be contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that addresses the root causes, not just the pain.

Schedule a Consultation Appointment

If you're experiencing jaw pain, frequent headaches, or teeth grinding, call our Lafayette, LA, dental office at (337) 235-8902 to schedule a comprehensive TMJ evaluation.

Full mouth reconstruction is a complex treatment that may involve multiple procedures. For this reason, insurance coverage varies significantly depending on your specific plan and the treatments included in your reconstruction.

How Insurance Typically Works

While Shank Dental Care is out-of-network with all insurance plans, we generally file claims on your behalf and accept payment from most insurance companies. Some plans pay the patient directly, in which case you would receive reimbursement after your appointment.

Full mouth reconstruction often includes a combination of restorative procedures, including crowns, implants, periodontal treatment, and bite adjustments. Your insurance may cover portions of the treatment depending on your plan's annual maximums and coverage levels. However, insurance typically doesn't cover the full cost of comprehensive reconstruction.

Payment Options at Shank Dental Care

We offer several options to make treatment more accessible:

• In-house membership plan — Annual plan for $379 that provides benefits for preventive and restorative care
• Installment payment plans — Flexible payment arrangements tailored to your budget
• CareCredit — Healthcare financing with various payment plan options
• HSA payments — We accept payments from Health Savings Accounts

During your consultation, our team will provide a detailed treatment plan and discuss all available payment options. Then you can make an informed decision about moving forward with your reconstruction.

If you have questions about coverage or payment options for full mouth reconstruction, please call our Lafayette dental office at (337) 235-8902 to speak with our team.