Tips for a Nice Smile

With selfies and instant photo sharing taking over the internet, a camera ready smile is great to have. Here at the dental practice of Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS we provide a variety of cosmetic services to give you the Hollywood smile you’ve always dreamed of. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we will provide you with these tips that will give you a photogenic smile.

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you are searching to brighten your smile, give us a call to discuss treatment options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information on the services provided at the practice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873.

Dental Phobia

If the thought of having your teeth cleaned by a dentist frightens you to no end, Dr. T. Kirk Crane is here to make you feel as comfortable as possible during a procedure. Dental phobia is different from dental anxiety and fear of the dentist, in the sense that it is much stronger. Someone with dental phobia will avoid dental care at all costs until either a physical problem or the psychological burden of the phobia becomes overwhelming.

The most common causes of dental phobia are bad experiences, a history of abuse, uncaring dentists, humiliation, and post-traumatic stress. Anyone can be affected by dental phobia, regardless of age. Dental phobia not only allows a person’s dental health to suffer, but it may lead to anxiety and depression. Loss of self-esteem over not being able to do something as “simple” as going to the dentist and intense feelings of guilt over not having looked after one’s teeth properly are also very common. Dr. T. Kirk Crane is dedicated to making his patient’s as relaxed as achievably possible, this includes keeping them informed every step of the way and providing an individualized treatment plan.

If you fear the dentist, you are not alone, give us a call to discuss treatment options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information on the sedation services provided at the practice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. If you are not maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS is here to help by providing you with routine dental cleanings.

Gingivitis commonly occurs because of films of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth (plaque). Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, which means that it can be prevented. Generally, gingivitis resolves with good oral hygiene – longer and more frequent brushing, as well as flossing. If the condition is left untreated, gum disease can spread and affect tissue, teeth and bones, leading to periodontitis which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

If you notice a bit of blood in the sink while brushing your teeth, give us a call to discuss treatment options, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information on the services provided at the practice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

How to Keep Tooth Enamel Strong

Tooth enamel is the hard outer surface layer of your teeth that serves to protect against tooth decay. In fact, tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in your body, even stronger than bone. At the dental practice of Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS, we want your enamel to be as strong as the rest of the bones in your body and you can keep it that way by following these simple steps:

• Limit sugary foods and drinks – bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from foods and drinks. They produce acids, which soften and wear away your enamel. Chewy candies that stick on your teeth can also cause damage.


• Eat foods that protect enamel – calcium in food counters acids in your mouth that cause decay. It also helps keep your bones and teeth strong. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products help protect and strengthen enamel. If you don’t eat dairy, look for foods with calcium added.


• Avoid over-brushing – You can actually wear down your enamel if you brush too fast and hard. Wait for up to an hour after eating sweets or citrus fruits before you brush your teeth.


• Use fluoride – Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter because it strengthens your enamel and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash can help prevent cavities and keep your enamel strong.

If you need assistance with your daily oral care routine, give us a call, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Are You Flossing?

Flossing is an essential part of our teeth and gums and most of us are guilty for not utilizing the action. Flossing is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar, eventually leading to periodontal (gum) disease. Dr. T. Kirk Crane recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach and he wants to make sure that you do it properly.

There are several varieties available when selecting floss. Waxed dental floss tends to slide between the teeth more easily; however, if you have wider gaps between your teeth, then tape floss may work best. Next time you reach for the floss, keep in mind that it should not be painful and allow yourself utilize the following steps:

• Take approximately 18 inches of dental floss and wrap most of it around the two index fingers. This allows the most control when flossing your teeth.


• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line.


• Always use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.


• Rinse your mouth out with mouthwash or water when you’re done flossing. This removes any stray particles that were nearly dislodged from your gums.

If you want to need assistance with your daily oral care routine, give us a call, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Do You Own a Tongue Scraper?

When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, removing toxins from our body by depositing them onto the surface of our tongue. This causes bad breath (halitosis) which can wreak havoc on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. Dr. T. Kirk Crane wants you to achieve the freshest breath possible. This is why he recommends implementing a tongue scraper into your daily oral care routine.  

Although brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is effective, overall, a tongue scraper does the job better. Almost all of our oral bacteria live on and in the deep crevices of our tongue; therefore the scraping action of this tongue tool collects these toxic coatings. With a cleaner tongue you are able to reduce bad breath, as well as unblock your taste buds. Removing build-up from the surface of your tongue will open up its pores and allow for greater enjoyment of food flavors. This oral hygiene practice also promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, tooth decay and even tooth loss.

If you want to need assistance with your daily oral care routine, give us a call, or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

The truth is we are not all blessed with pearly whites. Even those who brush, floss, and visit the dentist on a regular basis may find that food, environmental factors, and the passage of time will eventually take a toll on the natural radiance of your teeth. Your smile is the first trait anyone notices about you, so we want it to be as vibrant as you are. Dr. T. Kirk Crane wants you to have a smile that is equivalent to your personality, which is why he offers a variety of teeth whitening options here at his practice.

Brightening your smile is as easy as visiting us for a whitening treatment. Teeth whitening is a low-risk procedure, and therefore is suitable for a wide range of patients. Certain foods, beverages and habits, such as smoking, can cause teeth to become discolored. Fortunately, professional tooth whitening offers overall health benefits, a greater amount of self-esteem and a boost of confidence.

If you want to desire a brighter smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Traditional Braces in Lafayette, LA

When you hear the word “braces” the traditional ones most likely come to mind. These metal brackets and wires have become more modern in recent years, making the brackets smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past. Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS provides a variety of options of straightening your teeth and if braces are indeed the solution for you, he will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs.

Traditional braces have come a long way over the years, becoming sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable. Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are adhered to your teeth with an adhesive connected by wire. They require periodic tightening so pressure can gradually straighten your teeth. The pros of traditional braces is that they are the least expensive type on the orthodontic market and the colored bands may allow you to express yourself regardless of age, however the con is that they are the most noticeable type of braces.

If you want to straighten your teeth, give us a call to discuss your options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery

At his general and family dentistry practice in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS utilizes orthognathic surgery to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.

The definition of “orthognathic” means straight jaw. Often a patient may have orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth to achieve a healthier bite. However, there is a small group of patients that will require the expertise of the oral surgeon to help the orthodontist get the bite correct. A growth problem, traumatic injury, or pathologic process of the upper, lower or both jaws are common causes of this problem. Therefore, even if the orthodontist would get the teeth straight the bite would still not come together because the upper and lower jaw bones are not aligned. Jaw surgery can be performed entirely inside your mouth, so that no facial scars show on your chin, jaw, or around the mouth. Jaw surgery takes place in the hospital and requires a one-to-two day stay. Complete recovery at home typically takes three to six weeks.

If you have been told that your jaw is not properly aligned, give us a call to discuss your options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Bacteria causes periodontal disease and when plaque and calculus provide an irregular surface that allows these bacteria to attach easily, scaling and root planing are done to remove it. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. At his dental practice in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS utilizes the scaling and root planing procedure to stop gum disease in its tracks.

Root planing and scaling is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them. Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, an ultrasonic scaling device will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. This involves Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS scaling the root surface to smooth out rough target areas, eliminating plaque and biofilm development.

If you wish to inquire about the scaling and root planing procedure, give us a call or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873.

Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards are the Best Option

Mouth guards should be used by anyone – children and adults – who play contact sports where any contact is a possibility. Wearing a mouth guard is an important precaution for athletes of all ages and abilities, helping to protect against chipped or broken teeth, root and bone damage, and tooth loss. At his general and cosmetic dentistry office in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane offers a variety of different types of mouth guards tailored to meet your specific needs, but the custom-fitted design is the most recommended option.

Custom-fitted mouth guards are more expensive than over-the-counter mouth guards, but they provide the greatest degree of fit, comfort and protection because they are made from a cast to precisely fit your teeth. To make them, Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS, will make an impression of your teeth and a dental laboratory technician uses the impression as a mold to create the custom-fitted mouth guard. Custom-fitted mouth guards are designed to cover all the teeth and can cushion against falls and blows to the chin. Some custom-fitted mouth guards have hard outer layers and soft inner linings for comfort against the teeth and gums.

If you want to protect your teeth with a custom-fitted mouth guard, give us a call to discuss your options or visit www.drcranedental.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. T. Kirk Crane, DDS in Lafayette, LA, call 337-232-3873.

CEREC Crowns

Crowns are used to protect and strengthen teeth that have become extremely weak, decayed or fractured. By covering your affected tooth and restoring it to its original shape and size, dental crowns (sometimes called caps) can help reduce pain, save your tooth from needing to be extracted and keep your smile beautiful and functional. At our office in Lafayette, LA, we can see if a crown is necessary to save your smile.

Over time, as your teeth begin to weaken, they become more susceptible to problems, including decay, cracks and discoloration. Crowns are usually only necessary if decay has reached the point where the tooth structure is compromised. At our practice, Dr. T. Kirk Crane uses CEREC restorations, which are made of compressed porcelain and stronger than the layered porcelain crowns created in a laboratory. In addition to being stronger and longer-wearing, CEREC restorations can also be created and installed in only one visit, unlike laboratory restorations, which can take weeks to complete and require a temporary crown or restoration to be placed in the meantime.

The placement procedure for a CEREC restoration is easy and doesn’t require you to bite on any goopy and uncomfortable impression material. First all the decay is removed from your teeth, and then Dr. Crane shapes the tooth in preparation for the digital 3D video impression that is taken with a digital camera. The camera is attached to a computer screen, which displays the 3D image, allowing the dentist to design the restoration in front of you. The CEREC machine creates the crown in about 15 minutes, and Dr. Crane adheres it to the abutment. The entire process, from design to installation, takes around an hour for each tooth.

To schedule an appointment with, call (337) 232-3873. For more information, please visit www.drcranedental.com.     

Bone Grafting in Lafayette, LA

Some patients do not have the proper amount of bone mass in their jaws to allow for the placement of dental implants. However, thanks to recent developments in bone grafting, people who would not have qualified a few years ago are now able to receive dental implants to complete their smiles and protect their oral health. In Lafayette, LA, our practice strives to help patients achieve their dental goals, and by performing bone grafting procedures, we can help patients receive the dental implants they need.

Bone grafting is a fairly common procedure that is performed by building up the jawbone with bone fragments to accommodate the dental implant. The bone used to graft to the area with too-little mass is usually take from the patient. Many times the bone is taken from another area of the mouth when the drilling takes place. The bone fragments are suctioned from the mouth and used for grafting. However, sometimes cadaver bones are also used. They are harvested by bone banks and are a very safe source.

Whether you need bone grafting or not, if you are looking to receive dental implants, Dr. T. Kirk Crane can make it happen. To schedule a consultation at our practice, call (337) 232-3873. For more information about our practice, visit www.drcranedental.com.    

Snap-On Smile in Lafayette, LA

If you’re looking to improve your teeth and increase your confidence, Snap-On Smile provides a way for you to makeover your smile without extensive dental procedures. This procedure can solve your teeth insecurities and help you feel great about the way you look in only two visits to our office in Lafayette, LA.

Without having to undergo extensive dental work, you can snap on a new smile with a custom set of teeth that fit right over your existing ones, covering up stains, chips, cracks and any crooked or missing teeth. During the first visit, you and Dr. T. Kirk Crane will pick the shade and style of your new smile, and then he will take an impression of your teeth for proper fitting. The Snap-On Smile is made with a light and durable resin to create a set of teeth that are strong yet still thin enough to snap onto your smile. You need only wait three weeks between appointments, and when your new smile is snapped on, you will be able to leave our office with a grin you will love to show off.

With Snap-On Smile, you will be able to eat and drink normally, and the cosmetic device can easily be removed for cleaning your natural teeth, for participating in sporting events and for sleep. Snap-On Smile can last for three to five years with proper care.

Schedule an appointment at by calling (337) 232-3873. For more information, visit www.drcranedental.com.   

A Healthy Smile is a Beautiful Smile with Dr. T. Kirk Crane

Regular checkups and dental cleanings are a part of any good oral hygiene routine, and at our practice, Dr. T. Kirk Crane provides dental care services of the highest quality to ensure that our patients’ smiles stay healthy year after year.

Plaque is a soft and sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth despite regular brushing and flossing. Because teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, which contains calcium and other substances to strengthen and protect teeth, tartar or calcium deposits can also build up over time. Dental cleanings work to remove both plaque and tartar from the teeth. If it is not removed and is allowed to accumulate, bacteria will be provided a perfect environment and thrive on the gums and teeth, which can cause cavities, infection and gum disease.

While good for maintaining oral health between dentist visits, at-home brushing and cleaning are not enough to make sure teeth stay clean; regular dental cleanings are required. At our office, we can clean and polish your teeth, leaving the surface clean and smooth. The smoother the teeth, the more difficult it is for bacteria to stick to them and the more effective at-home brushing will be.

We recommend checkups and dental cleanings every six months for optimum oral health. To schedule an appointment in Lafayette, LA, call (337) 232-3873. For more information, visit www.drcranedental.com. 

The Benefits of Rotary Endodontics

If you’ve had root canal treatment to save an infected tooth, it probably didn’t occur to you to ask what types of tools your dentist used. But if your dentist used the old, manual file for removing the infected tissue, the procedure may have been pretty nerve wracking. Rotary endodontic tools, however, provide a much smoother, more comfortable experience during root canal procedures, which is why Dr. T. Kirk Crane chooses to rely on them to treat infected teeth in Lafayette, LA.   

Rotary endodontics allows the dentist to remove the infected pulp in the inner root canal more quickly, more smoothly and with less chance of complications. These electric instruments prove to be superior to the traditional, stainless steel files in a multitude of ways. This is because they are made of nickel titanium, which is much more flexible than stainless steel. Increased flexibility allows the tool to be inserted into the curved root canal without damaging the passageway.

The tools are also much quieter and do not produce a grinding noise like other tools. This helps to soothe patients’ nerves during the procedure. While the manual method can adequately save teeth during root canals, rotary endodontic tools are easier and preferred by both the dentist and his patients. 

To schedule an appointment, call (337) 232-3873 or (800) 773-0930. For more information, please visit www.drcranedental.com.

The Benefits of Rotary Endodontics

If you’ve had root canal treatment to save an infected tooth, it probably didn’t occur to you to ask what types of tools your dentist used. But if your dentist used the old, manual file for removing the infected tissue, the procedure may have been pretty nerve wracking. Rotary endodontic tools, however, provide a much smoother, more comfortable experience during root canal procedures, which is why Dr. T. Kirk Crane chooses to rely on them to treat infected teeth in Lafayette, LA.   

Rotary endodontics allows the dentist to remove the infected pulp in the inner root canal more quickly, more smoothly and with less chance of complications. These electric instruments prove to be superior to the traditional, stainless steel files in a multitude of ways. This is because they are made of nickel titanium, which is much more flexible than stainless steel. Increased flexibility allows the tool to be inserted into the curved root canal without damaging the passageway.

The tools are also much quieter and do not produce a grinding noise like other tools. This helps to soothe patients’ nerves during the procedure. While the manual method can adequately save teeth during root canals, rotary endodontic tools are easier and preferred by both the dentist and his patients. 

To schedule an appointment, call (337) 232-3873 or (800) 773-0930. For more information, please visit www.drcranedental.com. 

Sealants in Lafayette, LA

Although brushing and flossing are effective cleaning techniques for removing food particles and plaque from the smooth surfaces of our teeth, sometimes these methods are ineffective at thoroughly cleaning the nooks and crannies in our premolars and molars. Because molars are the hardest to clean and the teeth most used in the chewing process, they are the most susceptible to cavities and decay. This is why Dr. T. Kirk Crane recommends sealants soon after molars emerge when children are between the ages of 6 and 14.

Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars to prevent cavities and tooth decay. The sealant is applied by Dr. Crane, who first roughens the surface of the molar with acid and then paints on the sealant. The sealant bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, hardening and forming a shield over the enamel to protect it for approximately 10 years.

Sealants are normally applied to children’s molars because their teeth are especially susceptible to cavities. However, sometimes they are applied to adult molars if they have hard-to-clean grooves that are causing cavities.

To schedule an appointment in Lafayette, LA, call (337) 232-3873 or (800) 773-0930. For more information, please visit www.drcranedental.com.

Dr. T. Kirk Crane Provides Sedation Dentistry

Just the thought of going to the dentist for a procedure can bring on fear and anxiety for many patients. In fact, between 5 and 8 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to their dental phobia, but you don’t need to let your oral health suffer because of fear. At our office in Lafayette, LA, Dr. T. Kirk Crane offers a safe and anxiety-free environment with nitrous oxide sedation dentistry.  

Sedation is used when a patient has a high level of anxiety or dental phobia. If anxiety is enough to prevent a patient from seeking necessary dental care, nitrous oxide can be used to put them in a deep state of relaxation. This method will not, however, put patients in an unconscious state and is different than sedation used to dull pain.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a common method of sedation used in the dental industry. Administered by inhalation, nitrous oxide works very rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. With this method, Dr. Crane will place a small mask over your nose and ask you to breathe normally. After a few moments, you will begin to feel relaxed. One of the benefits of this sedation method is that it wears off quickly, leaving no “hangover” effect, which means that you can to drive yourself to and from their appointments.

Anxiety should never get in the way of oral health. Call (337) 232-3873 or (800) 773-0930 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit www.drcranedental.com.

ZOOM! and KOR Teeth Whitening Services in Lafayette, LA

Keeping your teeth white is harder than you think. Even with regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings, teeth can still lose their gleam. This is because constant exposure to the acid in food and drinks causes teeth to become dull and stained, even with proper oral care. However, teeth whitening services our office can help you restore your teeth’s color and luster so that you can regain confidence in your smile.

To help patients get their whitest smiles, Dr. T. Kirk Crane employs either the ZOOM! whitening system or the KOR deep bleaching system. The ZOOM! whitening system is a chair-side whitening procedure that is done in the dentist’s office, using a safe whitening gel combined with low-intensity light. The light activates the hydrogen peroxide in the gel, which can lighten your teeth up to 10 shades in only an hour! Unlike other whitening systems that involve multiple sessions and take-home trays, ZOOM! produces results that are both drastic and quick.

KOR deep bleaching is often used on patients who are still not happy with the color of their teeth after using ZOOM! KOR is a take-home tray system that is used overnight for two weeks. After two weeks, the patient visits our office again to have KOR whitening gel applied for three sessions of 20 minutes each. This system is best for teeth that are deeply stained.

To schedule an appointment at our office in Lafayette, LA, call (337) 232-3873 or (800) 773-0930. For more information, please visit www.drcranedental.com.