redstick-dentistry

A Brighter Smile Without the Financial Stress: Why We're Proud to Offer Affirm

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:22:33 GMT

We believe that everyone in Baton Rouge deserves a healthy, confident smile. But we also understand that balancing your family’s budget with out-of-pocket healthcare costs can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you need an unexpected restorative procedure or you’re finally ready to invest in the cosmetic dentistry you’ve always wanted, financial concerns shouldn't stand in the way of your oral health.

That’s why Red Stick Dentistry is thrilled to announce that we now offer Affirm as a flexible payment option for our patients. Here is a breakdown of why we chose to partner with Affirm and how it can make your next visit to the dentist entirely stress-free.

What is Affirm?

Affirm is a "buy now, pay later" financing solution that allows you to break up the cost of your dental care into manageable, bite-sized monthly payments. Instead of paying a large lump sum upfront, Affirm lets you choose a payment schedule that fits your personal budget, timeline, and comfort level.

The Benefits for Our Patients

1. Ultimate Transparency and No Hidden Fees The most frustrating part of traditional healthcare financing is often the fine print. With Affirm, what you see is what you get. When you are approved, you will see the exact amount you owe every month and the total amount of interest (if any) you will pay over the life of the loan. There are zero hidden fees, zero late fees, and zero compounding interest.

2. Flexible Payment Timelines No two budgets are the same. Affirm allows you to select a payment plan that works for you. Depending on your purchase, you can often choose between 3, 6, or 12-month payment terms (and sometimes even longer for larger treatment plans). You stay in complete control of how and when you pay.

3. Quick, Stress-Free Approvals (Without Hurting Your Credit) You can pre-qualify for Affirm in just a few minutes right from your phone. Even better, checking your eligibility requires only a "soft" credit check, meaning you can see exactly how much you qualify for without negatively impacting your credit score.

4. Keep Your Savings Intact Unexpected dental emergencies happen. If you need a crown, a root canal, or an extraction, you shouldn't have to drain your savings account or rely on a high-interest credit card to get immediate relief. Affirm allows you to get the necessary care right away while keeping your emergency fund exactly where it is.

What Can I Use Affirm For?

Affirm can be applied to almost any treatment plan at Red Stick Dentistry, making it easier than ever to say "yes" to:

Restorative Care: Dental implants, crowns, and bridges.
Cosmetic Upgrades: Professional teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers.
Orthodontics: Clear aligners to safely and discreetly straighten your teeth.
Aesthetic Services: Fillers, relaxants and lasers.
Unexpected Emergencies: Getting out of pain quickly without financial panic.

Smile Now, Pay Over Time

At Red Stick Dentistry, our goal is to provide exceptional, compassionate care that is accessible to our community. By bringing Affirm into our practice, we’re putting the power of affordable healthcare directly into your hands.

Ready to get started? Visit our online AFFIRM options or talk to our front desk team during your next visit, or visit www.redstickdentistry.com to schedule your consultation and learn more about financing your treatment. Your best smile is more attainable than ever!

Red Stick + AFFIRM = Buy Now, Pay Later

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:15:08 GMT

Now Offering the Leading Buy Now, Pay Later Service in Healthcare.

Red Stick Dentistry is pleased to announce the official launch of our partnership with AFFIRM, the nation's leading buy now, pay later service in retail healthcare.

We've designed some great treatment packages available online by clicking here , and, patients can opt to have any of our regular treatments covered with AFFIRM online before you arrive, or in our office at checkout.

Just another benefit for all of our wonderful patients!

Breathe easy, live better: How RedStick Dentistry tackles sleep apnea and TMJ pain

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:14:25 GMT

Many people brush off snoring or jaw pain as minor annoyances. At RedStick Dentistry , however, these are red flags that point to something much more serious: sleep apnea and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. Led by Drs. Griff Lewis, Bryant Bourgeois and Chad Lacour, the team at RedStick Dentistry has developed a reputation for uncovering and resolving issues that often go undiagnosed for years.

Dr. Lewis explains that obstructive sleep apnea is far more than a simple sleep problem. When a patient drifts off, gravity can pull the tongue and soft tissues back into the airway, causing it to collapse. The telltale snoring sound is often the body’s attempt to force air through a partially blocked passage. As the airway closes, the brain senses the lack of oxygen and reacts by clenching the jaw and pushing it forward to reopen the airway. This cycle repeats throughout the night, leaving patients exhausted, sore and at serious risk for long-term health problems.

“An apneic event is essentially a period of suffocation during sleep,” Dr. Lewis notes. Over time, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to heart attacks, high blood pressure, cardiovascular stress, weight gain and a host of other health concerns. Meanwhile, the constant clenching and grinding can wear down teeth, strain muscles and trigger or worsen TMJ disorders.

What many patients don’t realize is that a dentist is often on the front lines of identifying these conditions. During routine exams, Dr. Lewis and his partners look for signs such as worn teeth, indentions on the tongue or cheeks, jaw tenderness or reports of frequent morning headaches and unrestful sleep. These subtle clues often lead to a life-changing diagnosis.

For suspected sleep apnea, RedStick Dentistry offers at-home sleep testing, allowing patients to be evaluated in the comfort of their own beds rather than a sleep lab. If the results show mild to moderate sleep apnea, Dr. Lewis can fabricate a custom dental sleep appliance. This device gently repositions the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the tongue from collapsing into the airway. For many patients, this small change translates into deeper sleep, improved daytime energy and reduced health risks.

TMJ treatment at RedStick Dentistry is equally comprehensive and highly individualized. The process often begins with a trigger point exam, during which Dr. Lewis carefully evaluates the muscles of mastication, as well as the neck and upper back, to identify areas of spasm or pain. From there, treatment may include targeted Botox therapy to calm overactive muscles, as well as specially designed day and night appliances that help reposition the jaw into a more comfortable position.

Over the years, Dr. Lewis has pursued advanced training, driven initially by his wife’s struggle with worsening jaw pain after standard treatment. That experience pushed him to study deeper muscle anatomy, higher-level injection techniques and innovative appliance designs. Today, RedStick Dentistry offers patients a wide spectrum of solutions that can be tailored and combined to fit each unique case.

From patients who can finally eat an apple again without pain, to those who are sleeping soundly for the first time in years, the results are often described as life changing.

For individuals who recognize their own struggles in these symptoms, RedStick Dentistry stands ready with the expertise, technology and compassion to help them breathe easier, live better and smile with confidence. Visit redstickdentistry.com to learn more.

How Routine Dental Cleanings Help Protect Your Overall Health

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:42:47 GMT

Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings is about more than just a brighter smile—it’s a vital part of maintaining your overall health. During a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach. This helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. But the benefits go far beyond your mouth.

Research shows that poor oral health is linked to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Gum disease, in particular, causes chronic inflammation that can affect the entire body. Regular cleanings reduce this inflammation and lower the risk of these systemic conditions.

Dental visits are also a chance to catch problems early. Dentists can spot signs of oral cancer, vitamin deficiencies, and even conditions like sleep apnea before they become serious. This proactive care can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.

By committing to routine cleanings every six months, you're not just keeping your teeth healthy—you’re protecting your whole body. It's a simple step that pays off in long-term health and well-being. Don’t wait until there’s a problem—prevent it with regular dental care.

Understanding TMJ Disorders and How Dentists Can Help

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:41:18 GMT

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the joints that connect your jaw to your skull, often causing jaw pain, clicking sounds, headaches, and difficulty chewing. These symptoms can stem from teeth grinding (bruxism), stress, arthritis, or jaw misalignment.

If you're experiencing these issues, your dentist may recommend a dental splint, also called an occlusal guard. These custom-made devices fit over your teeth and help reduce jaw strain by stabilizing your bite and preventing teeth grinding during sleep. Many patients experience significant relief from pain and muscle tension with consistent splint use.

Another increasingly popular option is Botox therapy . While commonly associated with cosmetic treatments, Botox is highly effective for TMJ disorders. When injected into the jaw muscles, Botox reduces muscle activity and relieves tension, pain, and involuntary clenching. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with results that can last several months.

In many cases, a combination of splint therapy and Botox provides the best relief, addressing both the mechanical and muscular causes of TMJ pain.

TMJ disorders can worsen over time if left untreated. If you’re experiencing jaw discomfort, talk to your dentist. With a personalized treatment plan—including splints, Botox, or both—you can find long-term relief and restore comfort to your daily life.

Sleep Apnea and Its Connection to Dentistry

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:39:04 GMT

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway. While many associate sleep apnea with snoring and fatigue, its connection to oral health is significant and often overlooked.

Dentists play a key role in identifying and managing OSA. During routine exams, dentists may notice signs such as worn teeth (from grinding), a scalloped tongue, or an enlarged soft palate—all potential indicators of sleep-disordered breathing. These clues can prompt further medical evaluation.

Dentistry also offers treatment options. For patients with mild to moderate OSA or those intolerant to CPAP machines, custom-made oral appliances can reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. These devices are non-invasive, portable, and effective for many patients.

Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to dry mouth, gum disease, and even TMJ disorders. Beyond oral health, it increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can collaborate with physicians to help diagnose and treat sleep apnea, improving both sleep quality and overall health. If you experience loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or jaw discomfort, talk to your dentist—they may be the first step toward better sleep.

When to replace your toothbrush

nedfasullo@gmail.com (Ned Fasullo) — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:48:53 GMT

Unlike good wine, toothbrushes don't get better with age. Make sure you replace your toothbrush every three months, and more often in cases when it is looking worn with wear.

According to the American Dental Association, its recommended to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. This is because worn out bristles will be less effective at removing plaque and debris from your teeth and gums.

So its a good idea to keep an eye on the condition of your toothbrush and replace it regularly to ensure you're getting the best cleaning possible.

Electric toothbrushes

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:48:53 GMT

Some of the benefits of electronic toothbrushes include:

Better plaque removal
Less toothbrush abrasion
Timer to ensure brushing for full two minutes
Better for people with mobility issues

Overall, using an electronic toothbrush can potentially lead to better oral health and a brighter smile!

Toothache? Call us immediately

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:48:53 GMT

Tootaches can be a minor irritation, or they can be an indication of something much more serious. If you're not quite sure how serious something is, set an appointment with us .