As a patient at Shank Dental Care, you will receive thorough oral health evaluations.

Cleanings and Exams

Prevention is the foundation of dental health, and this is especially true with integrative dentistry. At Shank Dental Care, a cleaning and exam is a comprehensive, one-on-one appointment where we evaluate your oral health in the context of your overall wellness.

Understanding the Oral-Systemic Connection

Your oral health reflects more than your brushing and flossing habits. It can signal chronic inflammation, systemic stress, or early-stage disease, sometimes before other symptoms appear. That’s why dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to identify signs of undiagnosed conditions like diabetes through changes in gum tissue.

Periodontal Disease and Whole-Body Health

Research has confirmed a link between periodontal health and numerous systemic conditions. Chronic gum disease is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, autoimmune flare-ups, and even cognitive health concerns such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Understanding these connections helps you make informed decisions about your oral care and overall health. Dr. Shank takes time to explain what he sees, answer your questions, and help you understand how your oral health fits into the bigger picture of your wellness.

What's Different About Preventive Visits at Shank Dental?

Our preventive exams and cleanings are about more than just checking your teeth. At Shank Dental Care, you'll find:

A Calm, Personalized Experience

We don't double-book or rush. You'll be seen one-on-one in a quiet environment with time to ask questions and understand your health.

Comprehensive Assessment

During routine exams, we evaluate signs of inflammation, airway issues, bacterial imbalance, and how your oral health connects to your systemic wellness.

Safe, Comfortable Cleanings

We use gentle techniques and ozonated water to reduce harmful bacteria without harsh chemicals, supporting a cleaner, healthier mouth naturally.

Testimonial

Dr. Shank is Very Knowledgeable.

I am very impressed by Dr. Shanks' office as a whole. From the moment I first called I was greeted with authentic concern and a warm invitation. Dr. Shank is very knowledgeable, and treated me with care. Dr. Shank and his office all work well together giving me and all patients the best care possible.

- Yvonne

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What to Expect During Your Cleaning and Exam

Depending on your needs, your visit may be with a hygienist or with Dr. Shank directly, especially if it's been a while since your last cleaning or you have specific concerns to address.

A typical preventive visit at Shank Dental Care includes:

Your Teeth Cleaning

Gentle plaque and tartar removal
Periodontal charting and gum health evaluation
Ozonated water irrigation to reduce harmful bacteria
Personalized oral hygiene guidance

Your Dental Exam

Tooth-by-tooth evaluation for signs of decay, cracks, or infection
Bite and alignment analysis
Screening for oral cancer and airway issues
Review of your medical history, medications, and systemic health
Optional salivary or pathogen testing

You'll leave with a cleaner smile, clear answers about what's happening in your mouth, and how it affects your overall health. We welcome your questions because informed and engaged patients typically make better decisions about their care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see children?

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.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Taylor Shank

Dr. Taylor Shank was born and raised in Lafayette, and he considers himself blessed to be able to serve the community he knows and loves. Dr. Shank is a graduate of St. Thomas More High School, UL Lafayette, and the LSU School of Dentistry.

Dr. Shank started his practice because he was unhappy with the profit-driven high-volume model that has become so common in the medical and dental fields. Dr. Shank saw the need to provide dental services for those patients looking for more holistic and minimally invasive treatment options. He ...

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If We Recommend Treatment

Dr. Shank will identify areas that need attention, walk you through his findings, and discuss your treatment options in detail. We believe in giving you the information you need to make confident decisions that align with your health goals and values.

Your Wellness Starts Here

If you would like to learn more about biological dentistry in Lafayette, LA, we're ready to welcome you. We serve patients throughout Acadiana and across Louisiana, including those traveling from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and beyond.

Call Shank Dental Care at (337) 235-8902 to schedule your next cleaning and exam.