Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Oil pulling, an ancient practice involving swishing oil in the mouth, has garnered attention for its supposed oral health benefits. As a New Orleans dentist, we often question whether this method can detoxify the mouth and contribute to oral health. 

Oil pulling can "pull" bacteria and toxins from the oral cavity, potentially reducing plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. While some studies suggest mild improvements in oral hygiene from oil pulling, it is not a substitute for traditional dental care methods. 

The Role of Professional Dental Care

Regular dental cleaning in New Orleans remains the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar, preventing cavities and gum disease. Advanced issues like infections or deep decay may require interventions like root canals in New Orleans or, in severe cases, tooth extraction in New Orleans. These procedures are essential for addressing issues that oil pulling cannot resolve.

Contact Our New Orleans Dental Office Today 

While oil pulling may offer some benefits as an adjunct oral hygiene practice, it cannot replace professional dental care. For optimal oral health, combining good at-home care practices with regular visits to your New Orleans dentist for dental cleaning and, when necessary, more specialized treatments like root canals or tooth extractions is essential. 

Call us today to schedule your routine dental appointment! 

Downtown Dental is in the heart of New Orleans, just west of the winding Mississippi River. Our dental office is in the Central Business District on historic Tchoupitoulas Street alongside renowned establishments such as Hotel De L'eau Vive and Mother’s Restaurant. You will find our office directly next door to the Hotel De L'eau Vive.

We have a small hanging sign on the front of our building that you can see from the road and sidewalk. Once you arrive at 307 Tchoupitoulas Street, you will find us in suite 200. For your convenience, we also have an interactive street map on our contact page. 

Our Neighborhood's History 

We are proud to provide high-quality dental care to New Orleans and the surrounding areas. New Orleans has a vibrant history, and we are grateful to live in a city that cherishes its culture and community.

An integral part of New Orleans history, Tchoupitoulas Street was named in honor of the Chapitoulas Native American tribe. The name “Chapitoulas” is Choctaw for the phrase "those who live by the river."

In years past, people used the Mississippi River for transporting goods, and Tchoupitoulas Street was the shipping hub because of its proximity to the river. Now, numerous families, musicians, and local businesses call Tchoupitoulas Street their home. We at Downtown Dental are proud to be a part of a neighborhood with such a rich history. 

Contact Downtown Dental Today  

If you need a dentist in downtown LA, Dr. Richard Rathke at Downtown Dental is the one to call. Our dentist office in New Orleans offers various treatments in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions about your dental care, please call us at (504) 528-7800.

We look forward to welcoming you! 

Straighten Your Teeth With ClearCorrect!

Yes! At Downtown Dental, we offer ClearCorrect invisible braces in New Orleans, LA.

If you are a teenager or adult who has been considering traditional braces but are wary about having a mouth full of metal, we understand! ClearCorrect technology allows our New Orleans dentist to straighten your teeth and provide you with a healthier smile without needing traditional brackets and wires. 

Our ClearCorrect braces straighten your smile using a series of clear aligners that you trade out every few weeks. These aligners gradually push your teeth into alignment while still being conveniently removable. While you should always wear your aligners for the majority of the day, it is safe to remove them for mealtime and to brush your teeth each morning and night.

ClearCorrect in New Orleans

These New Orleans ClearCorrect braces allow you to live a completely normal life and still enjoy your smile without it being covered up by bulky wires and brackets. ClearCorrect invisible braces are the best treatment option if you want your orthodontics to be subtle and nearly undetectable.

Call Our Dental Office Today

If you're ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rathke, our caring cosmetic dentist in New Orleans is here to assist you. Call us at (504) 528-7800 to get started. If you're interested in Invisalign in New Orleans, we can guide you on the journey to achieving a straighter, healthier smile.

We look forward to providing exceptional care and helping you meet your dental goals. Contact Downtown Dental today to schedule your appointment.

Teeth Whitening in New Orleans

At Downtown Dental, our patients often ask us how they can improve their at-home dental care and keep their teeth whiter. All of our teeth will naturally darken as we age, but there is still plenty we can do to help keep them as white as possible. 

If you are struggling to keep your pearly whites white, one of the easiest adjustments you can make is to minimize or avoid your intake of the following:

• Tobacco products
• Dark fruits such as berries
• Deep-colored sauces like soy sauce and red pasta sauce
• Coffee
• Wine
• Dark sodas like cola and root beer
• Beets

If you do regularly consume these products, make sure to drink plenty of water. You can also try eating leafy greens like spinach and kale immediately before or crispy root vegetables like carrots immediately after consuming these foods to help protect your teeth from staining. 

It is also important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth white. Daily brushing and flossing, especially 30 to 60 minutes after meals, can help protect your teeth by washing away bacteria and preventing stains before they happen. 

Get a Whiter Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening 

If you're struggling to keep your teeth sparkly and clean, we recommend professional teeth whitening. Our dentist offers this service in New Orleans, LA, to patients seeking visibly whiter and brighter smiles. For more information about our cosmetic dentistry New Orleans, call our Downtown Dental team at (504) 528-7800 today.

Dental veneers in New Orleans are a great way to revive your smile and protect your teeth from further damage. Dental veneers are strong resin tooth coverings typically made of porcelain or composite resin that look and feel just like your natural teeth. They adhere to the front of the tooth and treat aesthetic concerns such as stained, chipped, misshapen, or unevenly spaced teeth. 

Cost of Veneers in New Orleans

New Orleans dentist Dr. Rathke offers diverse veneer options that will give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile. The cost of porcelain dental veneers in New Orleans can range anywhere between $500 to $2,500 per tooth.

It is important to note that the price of dental veneers depends on various factors, which you can discuss in detail with our team. We can help you achieve a beautiful, million-dollar smile without breaking the bank. 

The Veneers Treatment Process at Downtown Dental

The veneer treatment process is fairly simple and straightforward and can take as few as two or three visits to Dr. Rathke. During the first, he will take an x-ray of your teeth and discuss your treatment plan. He will then gently reshape your tooth’s surface and make an impression, or mold, of your tooth.

Custom veneers are designed and crafted at a custom dental laboratory, so it may take two to four weeks to create them from the mold. In the meantime, we will provide you with temporary veneers for your comfort and convenience.

Once your custom veneers are ready, we will clean your teeth and apply them with a durable binding agent. Finally, our dentist will polish your teeth, and you will be ready to share your new smile with the world. 

Revive Your Smile with Dental Veneers in New Orleans

All veneers are customized to fit your unique bite and match your natural smile. Whether you desire to perfect your alignment or give your teeth a tune-up, dental veneers in New Orleans may be just what you need. Not only do veneers improve your appearance, but they also can boost your self-confidence.

If you're eager to showcase a selfie-worthy smile, contact us today. Schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Rathke, your trusted Cosmetic Dentist New Orleans, by calling our office at (504) 528-7800.

Teeth whitening in New Orleans varies, depending on the type of product used for your treatment. The best way to determine how much your teeth whitening treatment may cost is to call our New Orleans dental office and speak to a team member. We may ask you to also make an appointment so Dr. Rathke can evaluate your smile and discuss your smile goals with you.  

Get a Brighter Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening 

Dr. Rathke and our team offer several teeth whitening options, including patient favorites like the Zoom! and KöR whitening systems. In-office whitening treatments at Downtown Dental may only take an hour—the same amount of time as your lunch break—and you can leave our office with a brighter, whiter smile. 

Our dental team takes pride in helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams—a smile they can be proud of! Whatever your dental health goals may be, Dr. Rathke can deliver exceptional results that will revitalize your smile and boost your self-confidence.

Schedule Your Professional Teeth Whitening Today

At Downtown Dental, our cosmetic dental services are designed to give you a smile you're proud to show off. Whether you're considering teeth whitening or other cosmetic enhancements, we can help brighten your smile. Call us today to schedule your appointment with a cosmetic dentist in New Orleans and take the first step toward a more radiant appearance.

Our experienced team is here to provide you with the personalized care and attention you deserve.

Repair Damaged Teeth in NOLA

If you have teeth that are chipped or cracked, our New Orleans dentist can easily hide these flaws with cosmetic dentistry. There are many different cosmetic dentistry treatments available, but the best ones for chipped teeth are generally dental bonding and porcelain veneers. 

Porcelain veneers are thin, strong tooth-like shells that are permanently affixed to existing teeth. Veneers help create uniformity between teeth and are great for covering up cosmetic blemishes such as chips or cracks. Porcelain veneers are how many movie stars achieve a red carpet-worthy smile, and they can now help you, too! 

Cosmetic Procedures in New Orleans

Dental bonding is a simple cosmetic dentistry procedure where Dr. Rathke uses small amounts of composite resin material to cover up imperfections or fill in gaps between teeth. The resin material is typically the same material that we use to fill cavities, so it will look and feel just like your natural teeth. Even a little bit of dental bonding can make a big difference to the appearance of your smile! 

These cosmetic options are shaded to match your smile.

For dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dental treatments, our cosmetic dentist in New Orleans is here to help you achieve your ideal smile. At Downtown Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to enhance your teeth’s appearance and boost your confidence. Contact us at (504) 528-7800 to schedule your consultation today and learn more about how we can assist you in achieving the smile you've always wanted.

We're here to support you every step of the way!

When you injure a tooth and need to cover and protect it, a dental crown is one of the best ways to do so. Dentists in New Orleans use dental crowns to repair broken teeth, provide support to vulnerable tooth areas, and even cover unsightly teeth and improve the look of smiles in cosmetic dentistry. 

But what exactly are dental crowns? Crowns are artificial covers that your New Orleans dentist places on top of existing teeth.

A tooth crown looks very similar to a natural tooth and is white, small, and durable. To get a good idea of what a crown will look like in your mouth, all you have to do is examine one of your teeth that already exists—you typically won’t be able to tell the difference between them!

Common Reasons You May Need A Dental Crown

Dental crowns in New Orleans act as a cap and live permanently on top of a real tooth. Common reasons for needing an artificial tooth crown include:

• To protect a vulnerable tooth after a root canal
• To replace a natural enamel crown that is gone because of a cavity or injury
• To cover up a yellow tooth that won’t respond to teeth whitening treatments
• To strengthen an existing tooth that has a crack, chip, or fracture 

Call Our Office To Get Started

If you need dental crowns or other cosmetic treatments, our cosmetic dentist in New Orleans, Dr. Richard Rathke, is ready to help restore your smile. We invite you to schedule an evaluation at Downtown Dental and let our team guide you through the process of enhancing your oral health.

Call us today to start your journey to a healthier, more confident smile!

The longevity of dental implants often reflects our commitment to quality care and advanced dental practices. Generally, dental implants are not guaranteed for a specific time period due to the complexity of individual health conditions and oral hygiene practices.

However, with proper maintenance and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last for many years, often several decades. Most of our patients enjoy the benefits of their implants for the rest of their lives, provided they adhere to the recommended oral hygiene routines and dental visits.

In addition to dental implants, we offer a variety of other services to ensure your smile is both healthy and bright. For those seeking root canals in New Orleans, our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology to provide efficient and comfortable treatment.

If it's a brighter smile you’re after, consider our teeth whitening services in New Orleans, designed to safely enhance your smile's appearance. Furthermore, regular dental cleanings are essential, and our dental cleaning services in New Orleans help maintain your oral health and prevent dental issues.

Call us at (504) 528-7800 to schedule your appointment with our cosmetic dentist in New Orleans. Whether you need teeth whitening, dental implants, a root canal, or a routine cleaning, Dr. Rathke and the Downtown Dental team are ready to provide personalized care. Start your journey towards a healthier, more radiant smile today by reaching out to us.

We look forward to assisting you with all your dental needs in a comfortable and professional setting.

Dental implants are a replacement for missing teeth. The implant provides the look and function of a natural tooth.

The implant is a permanent solution to the problem of tooth loss, and the procedure is usually divided into two parts.

First, the dentist will place a titanium post into the tooth socket to heal and fuse to the bone. After the procedure, the patient will take time to heal before coming in to have the tooth placed onto the post.

At this point, the tooth is ready to function like it normally would. Patients can treat this tooth the same way a real one when it comes to cleaning and care. Patients should always stay on top of daily brushing and flossing to help ensure that the implant and the rest of the teeth remain strong and healthy.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Any patient with a missing tooth or several missing teeth may be a good candidate for dental implants. The patient must be in great dental health before they can be a candidate for dental implants. To know if you are a viable candidate for this tooth replacement solution, please schedule a time to meet with our dentist to discuss your options.

Local New Orleans Dental Implants

If you have questions about how dental implants can benefit you or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today to discuss your options with a top cosmetic dentist New Orleans.

Getting periodic x-rays and imaging taken is all part of a comprehensive approach to preventive dentistry. Yet, some people still worry about their health and safety when it comes to being exposed to x-ray machines. 

Dental technology has come a long way in recent decades, and the digital x-rays dentists rely on today are a far cry from the basic dental imaging of years past. Thanks to advances in technology and a better understanding of how to safely obtain x-rays, getting your digital radiographs taken during your six-month dental checkups is extremely safe. 

What Do Digital X-Rays Do?

Our digital x-rays in New Orleans help us catch and diagnose oral health problems early on before becoming large or dangerous. These digital images emit far less radiation than traditional x-rays. They have exposure levels that are considered minimal and comparable to the daily radiation an average person would be exposed to from other sources, such as the sun and household appliances. 

Learn More By Calling Downtown Dental

Unless you are a high-risk patient with pre-existing dental conditions, you will not need digital x-rays taken every time you visit your dentist's office in New Orleans. For most patients, having new bitewing x-rays taken once per year and full-mouth x-rays taken once every few years is sufficient. Call Downtown Dental today to book your next dental appointment with us!

Downtown Dental offers emergency dentistry to anyone who needs it, even if you’re not one of our current patients. We understand accidents can happen at any time of the day or night, which is why we always try to accommodate last-minute visitors.

We welcome anyone with a dental emergency to please contact our office so we can help relieve your pain and discomfort as soon as possible. 

Time Is of the Essence For Your Dental Emergency in New Orleans

When it comes to dental emergencies, timely care is crucial. The difference between losing a tooth and saving one depends on the quality of care you receive and how quickly you receive it.

Dr. Rathke is an emergency dentist in New Orleans who understands your concerns and anxieties about health and well-being. From the moment you step into our office, we are committed to providing you with the utmost respect and consideration. You can take comfort in knowing that you will be in the most caring and capable hands in town.  

Expert Emergency Care at Downtown Dental

Dr. Rathke’s passion is helping others attain healthy, beautiful smiles that can last a lifetime. Our patients agree: Dr. Rathke is the best dentist in New Orleans!

Whatever your situation may be, our experienced team at Downtown Dental is committed to providing you with the comfort and peace of mind you deserve. Whether you require treatment for a painful abscess or a broken tooth, you can rest assured we will do everything in our power to restore your smile’s health and appearance. 

Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care 

Downtown Dental is committed to providing top-tier dental care to every member of your family—from toddlers and teens to adults. Dr. Rathke is a skilled and compassionate dentist in New Orleans who leads our team in providing our community unparalleled service.

If you need emergency dentistry, our team at Downtown Dental can provide you with the prompt and gentle treatment you need. We welcome you to call us anytime at (504) 528-7800.

At Downtown Dental, our skilled New Orleans dentist is equipped to handle any emergency dentistry treatments necessary to restore your healthy smile. We understand that many conditions leading you to call our New Orleans dental office for emergency care can be traumatic and unwelcome. For patients already experiencing dental anxiety, the need for an emergency dentist can significantly increase that stress.

If this experience describes yours, we want you to take solace in knowing that we are always ready to treat you. Even if you are a new patient, we leave space in our daily schedule to accommodate patients with urgent care needs. In most cases, we will treat you the same day.

We Offer Emergency Dentistry and Sedation in New Orleans, LA

We will often treat a dental emergency with procedures like root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Our dental team will place your comfort as a top priority, so we ensure your teeth and gums are thoroughly numbed before starting. For most patients, this is enough for them to tolerate treatment.

If you prefer more extensive sedation beyond local anesthetic, we also offer nitrous oxide. We administer this safe gas through a comfortable nose mask and monitor it to enhance your relaxation. We administer this gas throughout treatment, and once complete, we can mix it with oxygen, and the effect wears off quickly. With no lingering side effects, most patients can return to their regular schedule, drive home, or return to work.

We encourage you to discuss your sedation options with a team member to learn more.

Impact injury, accident, or other trauma to your mouth and teeth may, by definition, be treated as a dental emergency. However, many issues with your dental health can become a dental emergency under certain circumstances. For example, a dental cavity usually starts as a small hole or pit in your tooth enamel. But if you avoid timely treatment, a cavity will grow until it penetrates your inner tooth and may require a more costly root canal therapy.

At Downtown Dental, we have extensive experience treating urgent dental conditions in New Orleans, LA. From that experience, we have assembled this list of common conditions that often become dental emergencies, along with our recommended response:

• Severe toothache – Pain is a common symptom of your need for urgent dental care, especially when it's so bad that you cannot function at home or work. When you call our New Orleans dental office, we recommend you be prepared with a description of how much it hurts on a scale of 1 to 10 and the area where your pain is focused.
• Serious dental infection – Sometimes bacteria penetrates your tooth or gums and begins to spread, causing symptoms like reddened and swollen gums, heat, and a bitter taste in your mouth. Infections usually progress, and if gone unchecked, they may threaten your overall health.
• Chipped or fractured tooth – If you damage a tooth, you may want to seek urgent treatment to avoid even more serious problems, like complete tooth loss.
• Damaged dental filling, crown, or denture – We recommend you call our office to discuss the extent of your broken dental restorations. Often, timely treatments will allow us to preserve your restoration instead of allowing further damage to occur.

In any case, we encourage you to contact and discuss your situation with a team member so we can advise you on emergency dental care. Our New Orleans dentist is here to provide the guidance you need.

If you are experiencing tooth or jaw pain in New Orleans—you may be experiencing a dental emergency. Even if you're unclear about what constitutes an emergency, we encourage you to seek immediate attention. 

Our priority is relieving your pain and fixing the oral issue as fast as possible. Your emergency dentist in New Orleans, Dr. Richard Rathke, can assist you during your dental emergency. 

What Is the First Thing I Should Do?

If you are experiencing pain or bleeding, don't hesitate to seek help. Call our dental office to arrange an emergency dental visit so we can determine the scale of the emergency. Our first priority is to relieve any pain so that you can remain calm and comfortable. 

Some dental emergencies, like a lost filling or broken dental crown, may not need immediate action and can sometimes wait until the next business day. Other contingencies, like a broken or knocked-out tooth, may have a time window to replace the tooth successfully. 

Call Our Dental Office Immediately

If you need an emergency dentist New Orleans, LA, please call Downtown Dental, at (504) 528-7800. We can let you know if you should go to an emergency room instead, and we will provide helpful instructions on how to be safe and comfortable on your way to our dental office.

We always make room to see our patients same-day if possible. Don't let an oral emergency become worse over time. We can help with any pain and get your oral health back on track. 

Many events in New Orleans, LA, can be considered emergencies. But regarding teeth, several instances are definitive examples of when you should contact an emergency dentist. At other times, you will need to assess the problems to help determine if you require urgent care. So let’s start with the definite emergencies.

Avulsed (completely knocked-out) tooth – where a permanent tooth has been knocked out but is still intact, we can save the tooth if you take immediate action, following these steps:

• Handle only by the crown or top and avoid touching the root.
• Gently clean any dirt or debris.
• Keep the tooth moist in your saliva or submersed in milk.
• Call us immediately.

Other reasons to seek critical care are significant swelling in your mouth that could threaten to block your airways or symptoms of an advanced infection like high fever and swelling in your neck and glands that also endangers your breathing.

How to Respond to  Possible Dental Emergency

Numerous conditions may cause tooth, gum, or mouth pain, swelling, or other symptoms that interfere with your normal flow of life. This is a great reason to have an established family dentist New Orleans, LA, who knows your current dental health status and with whom you’ve created a connection. This way, you know who to call and how to describe your symptoms.

If you are experiencing a severe toothache or other symptoms, we invite you to call Downtown Dental. Most dental conditions require treatment, and without action, they will continue to worsen. We hope you’ll reach out to us before it gets that bad.

Tooth Extractions in New Orleans

Your options will depend on the condition of the tooth in question as well as the surrounding teeth. Dr. Rathke will discuss all possible options with you prior to extracting your tooth. A root canal or some other treatment might be recommended to save your tooth—which is always the goal.

Rest assured that, whenever possible, our dental team will recommend not pulling a tooth if there is some way to repair it. You might think that losing a tooth in the back of your mouth where it won’t be noticed is not a big deal, but this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

What Happens When You Lose a Tooth 

When a tooth is missing, the teeth around the space left behind will begin to shift. This starts a domino effect of problems, including a bite that becomes compromised as well as the loss of other teeth.

The good news is that if extraction is the best course of treatment, there are tooth replacement options that can fill in the space left behind by a missing tooth that look natural and will restore the form and function of your smile. Replacing a missing tooth with a prosthetic or dental implant will also protect your remaining healthy teeth.

You should refrain from smoking cigarettes for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction because it can dislodge the blood clot from your extraction site needed to help you heal. If the blood clot becomes dislodged, it makes you more susceptible to developing a painful condition called dry socket, which prolongs your recovery.  

Have You Considered Quitting Smoking?

Quitting smoking improves not only your dental health but also your overall health and well-being.

Smoking and tobacco use weaken your immune system, making it harder to heal and recover from complicated dental procedures like oral surgery and tooth extraction. 

Tobacco use also increases your risk of developing common problems like gum disease, which is an infection of your teeth's primary support system and the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. 

Additional Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

Please stick to soft foods consumed at room temperature for the first few days after oral surgery to avoid irritating your extraction site. Here are some ideas on foods to promote your recovery: 

• Oatmeal
• Scrambled eggs
• Soup
• Smoothies or shakes
• Apple sauce

If you have questions or concerns during your recovery from wisdom tooth extraction New Orleans, contact your team at Downtown Dental at (504) 528-7800.

Any time a natural tooth is infected, loose, severely decayed, or otherwise beyond saving, you will need to have it extracted. 

Your New Orleans dentist wants to save your teeth, which is why we’ll always do whatever we can to treat the tooth before recommending extraction. Sometimes, however, removing the tooth really is the best option to keep your smile healthy for the long-term.

Common Situations For Tooth Extractions in New Orleans

You might need a tooth extraction for a variety of reasons. Common situations that call for tooth removal include:

• Preparing to receive dentures or braces 
• Having loose teeth that threaten your smile’s overall health 
• Decaying teeth with large cavities or infection
• Experiencing facial trauma that knocked a tooth loose or severely damaged an existing tooth

Typically, teeth need removal after they’ve been neglected. This includes having poor oral hygiene habits and forgetting to floss, not attending your six-month preventive dental appointments, ignoring a painful tooth or neglecting to get treatment for an existing cavity, or letting decay progress to the point where a root canal cannot save the tooth. 

Contact Your Dentist in Downtown LA To Learn More

Tooth extractions also occasionally become necessary after a sports-related injury or automobile collision, but these situations are rarer and significantly less preventable than the damage that comes from bad dental habits. If you feel like you need a tooth extraction in New Orleans, don't hesitate to contact Downtown Dental today! We can't wait to meet you and help you on your smile journey.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy! 

No! Floss picks are effective for removing food from between your teeth, but they don’t do much more. Flossing’s main purpose is to disrupt bacteria on both the tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. To do this effectively, the floss needs to “hug” the tooth while sliding up and down. With traditional string floss, you can use your fingers to adjust the floss to clean all surfaces, something that’s much more challenging with floss picks.

For more advice on proper flossing techniques, consult your New Orleans dentist at Downtown Dental.

What Floss Should You Use?

No! Our staff at Downtown Dental call the floss picks "cheater floss". You can get in between your teeth with them, however, they do not adequately wrap around the teeth to remove all the sticky plaque trapped in between. Often, patients using floss sticks will still have tartar buildup, stain and plaque in between the teeth usually just below the papilla (pointed gums between the teeth). This is the area where the sticks usually miss. Floss sticks are better than NOT flossing at all...BUT traditional floss always wins over the sticks! 

Call Downtown Dental To Learn More

If you want to learn more tips, tricks, and advice from dental experts call Downtown Dental today! Our entire staff is excited to meet you and answer any remaining questions you may have. Let's get your smile journey started together!

General Dentistry in NOLA

In the world of dentistry, prevention is key. There is only one way to prevent dental problems, and that is by visiting your dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings.

When you see us for regular checkups, we are able to detect problems while they are still small and less invasive to treat. For example, it is much easier to fill a small spot of decay on your tooth than it is to perform a root canal on a tooth that has experienced unchecked decay. Until decay has grown, it normally isn’t painful, so a dental x-ray is often the only way it can be identified.

Prevent Gum Disease by Seeing Your NOLA Dentist Regularly 

Another reason to see your dentist regularly is to protect your gum health. Gum disease, which is the most common reason for American adults to lose their teeth, often creeps up on people without their knowledge. It doesn’t always present with symptoms, particularly in its early stages when it is most treatable. Gum disease usually starts because of excess plaque buildup on the teeth; this plaque hardens into tartar (or calculus) and can only be removed with special dental tools.

Don’t risk your oral health by skipping bi-annual checkups. Call Downtown Dental today to make an appointment!

A common misconception is that cavities are directly related to the amount of sugar you eat. This is partially true however the more important factor is how many times throughout the day you consume the sugar. Every time you consume sugar (cola, peppermints, etc.), the bacteria “eat” the sugar and produce an acid which causes the cavity to grow. This occurs for about 20 minutes on average until the acid is neutralized by your saliva. It doesn’t matter if you take a few sips of cola or drink an entire two-liter, after 20 minutes, the acid is neutralized by your saliva.

Avoid Sugary Drinks to Avoid Cavities!

Each time sugar is consumed, the process starts over. From a cavity standpoint, it would be better to drink a six-pack of cola in 20 minutes and be done for the day rather than sip on 1 or 2 cans over the course of a day. For more advice on managing your oral health, visit Downtown Dental.

Absolutely! When scheduling your appointment, just let Natalie know you’d like nitrous oxide, and we will take care of the rest when you come in.

Comfortable Dentistry in New Orleans 

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe way to completely alleviate your dental anxiety while in the dental chair.

Using nitrous is quick and easy: You simply breathe in the gas from a mask, and it immediately puts you in a euphoric state. You will remain conscious and aware of your surroundings, and you will be able to converse with Dr. Rathke and his team during the procedure. But your worries about the treatment you are undergoing will be minimized so you can just relax.

During your procedure, the amount of nitrous oxide you are getting will be carefully monitored. Afterward, the mask will be removed and, almost as quickly, the effects of the nitrous oxide will leave your body. This is great news for people who need to return to work or drive themselves home. It is perfectly safe to do so.

Schedule Your Next Dental Exam at Downtown Dental in NOLA

Don’t hesitate to ask us about nitrous oxide before your next appointment. At Downtown Dental, our goal is to make your time in the dental chair as comfortable as possible!

Choose the Right Toothbrush!

Most dental patients can clean just as well with a manual as they can with an electric. It's really a matter of how often you can clean your teeth, if any dexterity issues exist and personal preference. If you're a patient that typically brushes 2x day at least (along with other proper oral health practices), then an extra soft/soft manual toothbrush should do the trick. If any dexterity issues exist, if you feel like your teeth don't feel clean after brushing, or if your dental professional in New Orleans suggests electric for any reason...then an electric toothbrush may work better for you. Ask your dental hygienist in New Orleans what's best for you!

Call Downtown Dental To Book Your Dental Appointment

Brushing and proper flossing techniques are vital to keeping your mouth healthy and clean. Combining these at-home procedures with routine dental visits at Downtown Dental are a sure-fire plan to get your oral health back on track. Call our New Orleans dental office today to ask any remaining questions and to book your next dental appointment with us!

Maintain Good Oral Health in NOLA

Cavities are caused by certain bacteria in the mouth that use sugar as an energy source. The bacteria consume the sugar and produce an acid that dissolves the tooth structure. Very tiny cavities can be arrested or stopped with proper oral hygiene, reduced sugar intake, use of fluoride and regular dental visits. The fluoride helps to rebuild the weakened enamel while proper oral hygiene and reduced sugar intake helps to keep the cavity-causing bacteria in check.

Contact Our New Orleans Dental Office Today

Learn more about preventive dentistry techniques by contacting Downtown Dental. We can provide you with comprehensive at home tips and feedback on your current flossing and brushing routine. Feel free to ask our expert dental team any remaining questions you may have and schedule your next teeth cleaning with us! 

General Dentistry in New Orleans

We take every precaution possible to ensure you don't feel any discomfort during or after the procedure. Dr. Rathke will numb the area that will be treated so you won’t feel anything.

If you have anxiety or worries about pain, please let us know ahead of time. Sometimes just having a complete understanding of the procedure and what will happen is enough to alleviate nervousness. We are also happy to provide you with a bit of extra TLC when you come in.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Keep in mind, too, that we offer nitrous oxide for any procedure. Nitrous oxide is safe and effective. Breathed in through a mask much like oxygen, the effects of “laughing gas” are immediate, and you will feel relaxed—and almost euphoric. You will remain conscious, so you don’t have to worry about “losing control,” and you can still talk to the team and answer questions.

After we remove the nitrous oxide mask, its effects leave the body almost immediately. This means you can drive yourself back to home or work with no side effects.

Call Downtown Dental to Schedule Your Dental Appointment

Nitrous oxide works for patients of all ages and is a great way to deal with dental anxiety. Ask us about nitrous before your next dental appointment! As always, if you have any remaining questions or just want to book your next appointment contact Downtown Dental, we can't wait to see you!

Yes, Invisalign can be redone if needed. While most people complete their treatment in one go without a hitch, there are situations where another round of Invisalign treatment might be necessary. 

A redo of Invisalign treatment might be needed if:

• Teeth Shift after Treatment — Without proper retainer use, teeth can gradually move back to their original positions. A second round of Invisalign can help realign your smile.
• Incomplete Results — If your initial treatment didn’t address all alignment issues, we can help make further refinements with additional clear aligner trays.
• Changes over Time — Natural changes in your teeth and bite may warrant treatment years after your first Invisalign experience.

Redoing Invisalign starts with a consultation to assess your current alignment and discuss your goals. Your NOLA dentist will create a new treatment plan, and you’ll be back on track to achieving your ideal smile.

Call Us for Invisalign in New Orleans, LA 

At Downtown Dental, we’re here to ensure you love your smile for life! If you think you need a second round of Invisalign, please contact us today. We’ll help you explore your options and get your smile back on point.

We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile!

At Downtown Dental, we're often asked about the age limit for braces. Our straightforward response is: no; you're never too old for braces! As a trusted New Orleans dentist, we specialize in comprehensive dental care for all ages. We firmly believe that it's never too late to enhance your dental health and achieve the smile you've always desired.

Age Is Just a Number

Modern orthodontic solutions provide a wide range of braces and aligners suitable for patients of all ages. They can address anything from basic alignment issues to more complex dental requirements. While the process may vary slightly for adults due to denser bone tissue, the outcomes can be equally effective.

Comprehensive Dental Care in New Orleans

Seeking orthodontic treatment later in life may uncover other dental needs, such as the necessity for dental cleaning in New Orleans or more specialized treatments like root canals in New Orleans or tooth extraction in New Orleans. These treatments, when combined with braces, contribute to a straighter smile and a healthier one.

Call Us for Invisalign® in New Orleans

At Downtown Dental, we're committed to ensuring that all our patients, regardless of age, receive the dental care they need. Whether you're considering braces for the first time or seeking other treatments, our team supports your journey to a healthier, more confident smile. If you're interested in Invisalign New Orleans, we are here to help.

Call us today to schedule your consultation! 

Prevent Gum Disease in New Orleans

Periodic dental visits, thorough brushing & flossing and limiting/eliminating bad habits (i.e. smoking) will help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Anything you can do to keep your mouth clean throughout the day will keep you healthy!

Contact Our Dental Office To Learn More

To learn more about preventing gum disease, call our dentist in New Orleans to schedule your routine dental visit today! Feel free to bring any questions you have regarding Downtown Dental, our services, or dental insurance—our expert team is here to help!

No. This is not normal.

If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, this is more than likely an early sign of gum disease, also called periodontal disease.

In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, and it is highly treatable. Later on, when gum disease is more advanced—called periodontitis—it can be managed, but the health of your teeth is at risk. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in this country.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

In many cases, however, gums don’t bleed even when gum disease is present. Periodontal disease often presents with no symptoms at all, and the only way to know for sure if your gums are healthy is to visit the dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings.

Good home care is also important to keep gum disease from developing, so brushing and flossing regularly are crucial.

Call Downtown Dental in New Orleans To Learn More

If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, give Downtown Dental a call immediately and make an appointment for a checkup. The earlier gum disease is treated, the better the outcome. If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, let us help you get back on track for good oral health!

Teeth Whitening in New Orleans

At Downtown Dental, our patients often ask us how they can improve their at-home dental care and keep their teeth whiter. All of our teeth will naturally darken as we age, but there is still plenty we can do to help keep them as white as possible. 

If you are struggling to keep your pearly whites white, one of the easiest adjustments you can make is to minimize or avoid your intake of the following:

• Tobacco products
• Dark fruits such as berries
• Deep-colored sauces like soy sauce and red pasta sauce
• Coffee
• Wine
• Dark sodas like cola and root beer
• Beets

If you do regularly consume these products, make sure to drink plenty of water. You can also try eating leafy greens like spinach and kale immediately before or crispy root vegetables like carrots immediately after consuming these foods to help protect your teeth from staining. 

It is also important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth white. Daily brushing and flossing, especially 30 to 60 minutes after meals, can help protect your teeth by washing away bacteria and preventing stains before they happen. 

Get a Whiter Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening 

If you're struggling to keep your teeth sparkly and clean, we recommend professional teeth whitening. Our dentist offers this service in New Orleans, LA, to patients seeking visibly whiter and brighter smiles. For more information about our cosmetic dentistry New Orleans, call our Downtown Dental team at (504) 528-7800 today.

No, root canals do not hurt! 

If you’re like many people, you might be under the impression that root canals are extremely painful. Unfortunately, many people have grown up believing that root canal treatment is something to be feared and avoided at all costs—but this belief is far from the truth!

What is a Root Canal Procedure Like at Downtown Dental?

Because root canals are usually necessary when a patient has a dental infection and is already in a significant amount of pain, root canals have a bad reputation. Truthfully, however, a root canal treatment is not what causes the pain—it’s what relieves it. 

We designed our New Orleans root canal experience to feel similar to getting a dental filling. Root canals require anesthesia to numb the affected area, and you can expect to feel pressure and hear the sounds of our dental instruments. 

While your root canal may feel slightly uncomfortable, it should not ever be painful! If you ever feel pain during your treatment, you should let Dr. Rathke know right away so we can make any necessary adjustments to your anesthesia and address the problem.

Contact Our Dental Team with Any Questions

Root canal therapy should provide immediate pain relief and ensure long-term comfort for your tooth. At Downtown Dental, we are committed to making your treatment experience pain-free and stress-free. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, don't hesitate to contact us.

Our skilled dental team is here to help you with root canals in New Orleans and guide you every step of the way. Schedule your appointment today to start feeling better!

The cost of root canals in New Orleans varies, depending on the tooth's location and the severity of your condition. Overall, root canals are considered a bit pricey, especially if you don’t have dental insurance. 

But don’t panic! The good news is that Downtown Dental offers a convenient membership plan to help you afford the quality dental care you deserve. 

Save Your Smile Without Breaking the Bank 

Our membership plan includes discounts on preventive dentistry, examinations, radiographs, and, last but certainly not least, root canals. Root canal treatment is a procedure that shouldn’t be put off, especially if you’re experiencing extreme pain or discomfort. Without the proper dental care, a damaged or diseased tooth in need of a root canal can cause dangerous medical issues in the long term.  

Affordable, Gentle Root Canals in New Orleans 

As a top dentist in New Orleans, Dr. Rathke performs gentle root canal treatment to relieve tooth pain and preserve your oral health. Whether you have severe decay or suffered from an injury, Dr. Rathke carefully removes damaged tooth pulp and restores your tooth to its normal look and function. Also, a root canal may be better for your oral health and wallet than waiting and needing an extraction sometime down the road. 

Contact Downtown Dental today to learn more about affordable root canals in New Orleans.

Tooth-Colored Fillings in NOLA

Yes. At Downtown Dental, we only use tooth-colored fillings.

Not only do tooth-colored fillings provide a better esthetic than old-fashioned metal fillings—also known as amalgam fillings—but they are stronger and more durable.

There are a number of benefits to using composite, tooth-colored fillings:

• Less of the tooth structure needs to be drilled away to make room for composite fillings. This means preparing a decayed tooth for a filling is quicker—so you will spend less time in the dental chair.
• Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings adhere directly to the tooth structure so more of the tooth can stay intact. This also makes composite fillings stronger and less likely to fracture as is the tendency for amalgam fillings.
• Tooth-colored fillings can be made to match the tooth they are repairing perfectly, so this makes composite an ideal material to repair fillings toward the front of the mouth as well as gaps, cracks, and chips in front teeth.

Contact Our New Orleans Dental Office

Give us a call to find out more about tooth-colored fillings. If you think you might have a cavity, call us immediately. We can also talk to you about replacing any amalgam fillings you might still have in your mouth.

Dental fillings cannot be whitened, so if you want to maintain beautiful, stain-free fillings, you will need to replace them. Over time, composite fillings can collect stains or turn yellow from the foods and drinks we consume and other lifestyle habits.

Stains on dental fillings can also indicate tooth decay, which will require replacing your tooth-colored filling. If you notice that your tooth filling has stains, we invite you to contact your dentist for a dental evaluation. 

Dr. Richard Rathke is dedicated to helping you keep your smile attractive and healthy with high-quality restorations, like composite fillings. Composite fillings look natural and blend in with your smile, unlike silver amalgam fillings that are gray and can leave marks on your teeth and gums. 

Caring for Your Tooth-Colored Fillings

There aren’t special instructions for dental filling care. As always, we strongly encourage you to brush twice daily, floss at least once daily, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse to keep your smile healthy and clean.

Also, stay current with your routine dental exams and cleanings. Mild tooth sensitivity after a dental filling is normal, but if it continues or worsens, please call our team at Downtown Dental. 

Call Us for Dental Restorations in New Orleans 

If you need tooth repair for decay or minor damage, please get in touch with us for an appointment. We can help restore your smile!

Tooth-colored fillings in New Orleans look natural and seamlessly restore your smile. Dr. Rathke is a highly skilled and experienced New Orleans dentist who provides tooth-colored fillings for patients of all ages. Patients often opt for tooth-colored fillings over other kinds because they are discreet and naturally blend in with the rest of their teeth. 

Maintain a Seamless Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings  

Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite or white fillings, are made of a combination of powdered glass, silica, and plastic resin. Tooth-colored fillings allow your dentist to fill in cavities while retaining your tooth’s natural appearance. This also maintains the feel and function of your smile, seamlessly concealing your cavity and matching your tooth’s natural color and structure. 

Metal-Free Fillings Look Natural

Another reason why patients flock to tooth-colored fillings in New Orleans is that they do not contain metal. Though amalgam fillings are deemed safe by the FDA, some patients would rather have tooth-colored fillings rather than ones that contain metal because of sensitivities and allergies.

Durable Tooth-Colored Fillings in New Orleans

Aside from looking more attractive than other types of fillings, tooth-colored fillings are also incredibly durable. The materials used in these fillings are designed to last, allowing you to speak, eat, and smile confidently.

To schedule your appointment for tooth-colored fillings with our New Orleans dentist, please contact us today!