913 South College Road, Suite 108, Lafayette, LA 70503
At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we believe the best way to protect your smile is to find concerns early and address them thoughtfully. A comprehensive oral exam is more than a quick check of teeth — it’s an opportunity to gather a full picture of your oral health, functional needs, and any risks that could affect your long-term well-being. Our approach combines careful observation, modern diagnostics, and clear communication so you leave each visit informed and confident about next steps.
Your initial exam begins with a conversation. We review your medical and dental histories, note any medications or health conditions, and listen to your goals and any current symptoms. This dialogue helps us identify factors that influence oral health — everything from dry mouth related to medication to past dental experiences that shape your expectations.
The clinical portion of the exam covers a detailed inspection of teeth, gums, the tongue, and other soft tissues inside the mouth. We check for cavities, worn surfaces, loose or fractured teeth, and signs of inflammation. Your bite and jaw function are evaluated to identify clenching, grinding, or issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that can cause pain or accelerate wear on the teeth.
When needed, we complement the visual exam with diagnostic images to see beneath the surface. X-rays and other scans let us assess the roots of teeth, bone levels around teeth, wisdom tooth position, and other structures that aren’t visible during a routine inspection. Together, these findings create a baseline record that guides personalized recommendations and any necessary follow-up care.
A thorough oral exam looks beyond immediate problems to evaluate how your mouth is functioning day to day. We assess chewing patterns, alignment, and the condition of restorations such as crowns and fillings. Identifying early wear or uneven forces allows us to suggest preventive measures that protect natural teeth and extend the lifespan of dental work.
Periodontal evaluation is a routine part of every comprehensive exam. We measure gum health and check for pockets where bacteria can collect, which helps us determine whether professional cleaning alone will suffice or if more focused periodontal care is needed. Early detection of gum disease is essential because it responds best to treatment when caught in its initial stages.
Finding small problems early makes treatment simpler and less invasive. When we spot signs of decay, fracture, or compromised support, we explain the options in plain terms and outline the benefits and goals of each approach. Our focus is on clear information so you can make decisions that align with your priorities for function, aesthetics, and long-term oral health.
The mouth is an entry point to the body, and changes there can signal or influence broader health issues. During an exam we look for oral signs that may relate to systemic conditions — for example, persistent gum inflammation, unexplained ulcers, or unusual patterns of bone loss. Noticing these signs early can prompt further evaluation and coordination with medical providers when appropriate.
Many illnesses and medications produce oral symptoms such as dry mouth, burning sensations, or changes in taste. These conditions increase the risk of cavities and soft tissue problems if left unmanaged. By documenting these findings and advising on preventive strategies, we help protect both oral comfort and the underlying structures that support overall health.
Oral cancer screening is a standard component of the exam. We examine soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and neck for lumps, irregular patches, or other abnormalities. If we observe anything that requires closer inspection, we will recommend the appropriate diagnostic steps and explain them clearly so you know what to expect next.
Routine preventive care is the foundation of lasting oral health. Professional cleanings remove hardened deposits and bacterial buildup in places brushing and flossing can miss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. These visits also give us a chance to refresh at-home routines and demonstrate techniques tailored to your needs.
We typically recommend consistent checkups so we can monitor changes over time and intervene before minor issues become more serious. During these visits, our hygienists provide individualized guidance on brushing, flossing, and other hygiene tools. Small adjustments in technique or timing can make a meaningful difference in oral health outcomes.
Care for children follows the same preventive philosophy, with an emphasis on establishing healthy habits early and monitoring growth and development. We watch for signs that orthodontic evaluation may be beneficial and offer age-appropriate instruction to set a strong foundation for a lifetime of oral health. Education and prevention help families avoid more invasive treatment later on.
When treatment is recommended, we present clear options and timelines so you can plan and ask questions. Our goal is to make each visit comfortable and informative, helping you maintain a healthy, functional, and attractive smile through proactive care.
Diagnostic imaging is an essential part of comprehensive exams. Digital radiographs reveal cavities between teeth, the health of tooth roots, and bone support that can’t be seen during a visual inspection. These images are captured quickly, require very low radiation, and become part of your permanent records for monitoring changes over time.
Different types of images serve different purposes. Bitewing films highlight the crowns of back teeth to help detect early decay. Periapical views show the entire tooth from crown to root and are useful for identifying abscesses or root fractures. Panoramic images provide a broad overview of teeth, jaw joints, and developing teeth, which is helpful for assessing growth and planning extractions or implants.
For complex situations, three-dimensional imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed views of bone anatomy and tooth position. These scans are invaluable for precise implant planning, evaluating impacted teeth, and understanding intricate anatomy before surgical procedures. We only recommend advanced imaging when it will directly improve diagnostic accuracy or treatment outcomes.
Digital radiography also brings practical advantages: images are available immediately, can be shown and explained on a screen during your visit, and are stored securely in your record. This makes it easier to track changes, share information with specialists when needed, and involve you in care decisions with clear visuals.
In summary, a comprehensive oral exam is an investment in both your current comfort and your long-term health. It combines careful clinical evaluation, modern imaging, and practical guidance so you can make informed decisions about care. If you have questions or would like more information about what an exam includes, please contact us for more details.
Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.
We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.
At Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.
For pregnant women, practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.
Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.
If you're visiting Erin A. Fontenot, DDS for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.
To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.
Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS.
We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.
At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.
Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS is here for you!
Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.
While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.
You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.
At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.
For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, a comprehensive oral exam begins with a conversation about your medical and dental history, current symptoms and oral health goals. The clinical portion includes a methodical inspection of the teeth, gums, tongue and other soft tissues to identify decay, fractures, inflammation and unusual changes. Bite alignment and jaw movement are evaluated to detect clenching, grinding or temporomandibular joint concerns that can affect function and tooth wear.
When indicated, the clinical exam is supplemented with diagnostic imaging to view tooth roots, bone levels and developing teeth that are not visible on inspection. Findings are recorded to create a baseline that guides personalized care and follow-up. You will leave the visit with an explanation of findings and a clear plan tailored to your priorities for health and appearance.
Periodontal evaluation is a standard part of every comprehensive exam and includes measuring gum pockets, checking for bleeding and assessing tissue attachment. These measurements and observations help determine whether routine cleaning is sufficient or if targeted periodontal treatment is needed to control infection. Early detection matters because gum disease responds best to treatment when identified in its initial stages.
Exams also assess restorations and hard-to-clean areas where bacteria can accumulate and contribute to periodontal problems. Hygienists provide focused cleaning techniques and home-care recommendations to reduce bacterial buildup and inflammation. Ongoing monitoring allows the team to track improvements and intervene before loss of support occurs.
Digital radiographs are captured quickly with minimal radiation and become part of your permanent record for tracking changes over time. Bitewing, periapical and panoramic views each reveal different structures, from early decay between teeth to overall jaw relationships and developing teeth. These images improve diagnostic accuracy and allow clinicians to show and explain findings during the visit.
For complex situations, three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be recommended to visualize bone anatomy, impacted teeth or implant sites with greater precision. Advanced imaging is used selectively when it will directly influence diagnosis or treatment planning. Images can also be shared with specialists when coordinated care is necessary.
Most patients benefit from consistent oral exams at regular intervals so changes can be identified early and managed conservatively. The appropriate frequency depends on individual risk factors such as history of decay, periodontal disease, medical conditions and certain medications that affect oral health. Patients with higher risk may need more frequent monitoring while low-risk adults can often maintain oral health with routine six-month visits.
Maintaining a consistent schedule helps build a longitudinal record that reveals trends in tooth wear, restoration integrity and periodontal status. This perspective supports preventive strategies and timely intervention to avoid more invasive care. Your clinician will recommend a personalized schedule based on your specific needs and treatment history.
For your first visit bring a list of current medications, recent medical diagnoses and any relevant imaging or dental records if available. Sharing information about tobacco use, dry mouth symptoms or past dental experiences helps the clinician identify factors that influence oral health and tailor the exam. If you wear prosthetics, night guards or appliances, bring them so fit and function can be assessed.
A clear description of symptoms such as pain, sensitivity or difficulty chewing enables the clinician to prioritize diagnostic testing during the visit. If you have aesthetic or functional goals, note them so they can be discussed as part of the treatment plan. Providing this context makes the exam more efficient and informative for both you and the team.
An oral exam includes assessment of jaw range of motion, joint sounds and muscle tenderness to evaluate temporomandibular joint function. Observing chewing patterns and the condition of restorations can reveal uneven forces that lead to wear, fractures or tooth mobility. Identifying parafunctional habits like clenching or grinding early allows the clinician to recommend protective measures to reduce further damage.
When dysfunction is detected, treatment options may range from behavior modification and occlusal appliances to referral for specialized care when necessary. The clinician explains findings and the expected benefits of each approach so you can make informed decisions. Follow-up visits allow the team to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Oral exams for children focus on prevention, growth assessment and building positive habits that support lifelong oral health. The exam monitors eruption patterns, early signs of decay and development that may indicate the need for orthodontic consultation. Age-appropriate education helps parents and children adopt effective brushing, flossing and dietary routines.
Fluoride recommendations, sealants and guidance on habits such as thumb-sucking or mouth breathing are discussed when appropriate to protect developing teeth. The team watches growth and alignment so early intervention can simplify future care. Establishing a positive, routine dental experience encourages ongoing preventive visits into adulthood.
Oral cancer screening is a routine component of every comprehensive exam and involves inspecting the lips, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, throat and neck for lumps, color changes or persistent sores. Because early signs can be subtle, careful examination increases the chance of detecting abnormalities at a treatable stage. Any suspicious findings are documented and explained in clear, nontechnical terms.
If further evaluation is recommended, the clinician outlines next steps which may include biopsy, additional imaging or referral to a specialist. The priority is prompt, coordinated care that ensures patients understand why follow-up is necessary and what to expect. Regular screening during exams is an important preventive measure for lifelong oral health.
Many systemic conditions and medications produce oral symptoms such as dry mouth, mucosal changes or altered taste that increase the risk of cavities and soft tissue problems. During the exam the clinician reviews your medical history and medication list to identify these connections and documents findings for coordinated care. Awareness of these factors influences preventive recommendations and treatment choices.
For example, dry mouth can accelerate decay and may prompt changes in home-care routines, topical therapies or referral for medical management. The dental team communicates with your medical providers when appropriate to ensure comprehensive support. Documenting systemic influences during the exam helps protect both oral comfort and long-term dental health.
After a comprehensive exam you will receive individualized preventive recommendations that may include professional cleanings, targeted hygiene instruction and scheduling for monitoring. Small modifications in brushing or flossing technique, the addition of interdental tools or topical fluoride can meaningfully reduce future risk. The focus is on practical, evidence-based steps that fit into your daily routine and support long-term outcomes.
When restorative or periodontal treatment is recommended, clear options and timelines are presented so you can plan and ask questions about goals and expected outcomes. Ongoing preventive care combined with regular exams helps preserve natural teeth and supports overall wellness. Our team at Erin A. Fontenot, DDS emphasizes education and preventive strategies to sustain lasting oral health.
