Dr. Laurene K. Duke DDS

Dentist

16419 Clark Avenue Bellflower California, 90706 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Laurene K. Duke, DDS, has been practicing dentistry for the past thirty years, and owns a dental private office, Laurene K. Duke, DDS, in Bellflower, California. Within the practice, Dr. Duke and her team, offer orthodontics, general dentistry, laser dentistry, dental implants, sleep apnea, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, bonding. The priority of the practice is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. Dr. Duke continues to build a reputation for excellence in field with patients that boast "she is down to Earth, sincere, and very easy to talk to". In addition to the extraordinary work that she performs in her private practice, Dr. Duke is certified in Clinical Hypnosis in Dentistry and is a distinguished member of several groups and societies that reflect her professional interests and desire to attain higher levels of knowledge, education, and training.

Education and Training

UCLA

Board Certification

Clinical Hypnosis in Dentistry

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 40 years of experience

Dr. Laurene K. Duke DDS

Dr. Laurene K. Duke DDS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can you get cavities under Invisalign attachments?
yes you can!!! be sure to keep your teeth very clean while wearing trays and attachments. do not put trays on over food particles. Smiles, Brush and floss many times per day! Laurene READ MORE
How long do new dentures take to settle?
Dentures are very technique sensitive. Fit depends on your arch size, ridge size and firmness, lips, and tongue movements. ALL of these determine how long it takes to seat and feel good to wear. The skill of the dentist at taking quality impression and the lab is a BIG factor. A quality Dentist takes good-quality impressions. That type of dentist should know how to rectify issues that can occur with denture delivery. The clinics are not always the best choice for these difficult cases. Choose your dentist wisely. READ MORE
Can you get dentures for 3 missing teeth?
Yes, it is called a partial denture or removable partial denture and it can work very well. Smiles, Laurene READ MORE
Can diabetics get veneers?
Sure!! diabetics can get veneers- just be sure you have your gum disease under great control or have no gum disease. Be sure you go to a quality dentist who will place thin properly shaped veneers and clean up all the residual cement around the veneers. any remaining cement or bulky veneers will irritate your gums and cause future problems. Be wise in choosing your dentist. READ MORE
How long do teeth hurt after deep cleaning?
Teeth can hurt for a few weeks after a deep, therapeutic cleaning. It all depends on the depth of your pockets and the expertise of your hygienist. The deeper your pockets (over 5mm), the more discomfort is likely. A quality hygienist is invaluable to patient comfort. Smiles, Laurene READ MORE
Can you talk with Invisalign?
Of course you can talk with clear trays in. People have been wearing these trays for many years, and many times, no one even knows you have them. READ MORE
Is 35 too old for braces?
You are never too old for braces!! :) ..... as long as you have good healthy bone and take great care of your teeth. Go for the new you :) Smiles, Laurene K. Duke, DDS, APDC READ MORE
Do fillings make teeth weaker?
Yes, ultimately, a filling makes a tooth weaker. Especially so if the filling is very big and it eats up the inside of the tooth. But, if you have a cavity and you don't repair it with a filling, you will lose the tooth. So, it's best to put a filling in when the cavity is small. READ MORE
Which is better alcohol or alcohol free mouthwash for dentures?
Alcohol-free is always better for teeth and for plastic dentures. Smiles, Laurene K. Duke, DDS, APDC READ MORE
What to do if you have a hole in your tooth and it hurts?
Call a reputable dentist is your area. Since the tooth is hurting, it is likely the decay has invaded the nerve. Get an exam from a general dentist who can refer you to an endodontist who will likely do a root canal. A root canal specialist does a much better job with root canals than a general dentist and usually the tooth is longer lasting in your mouth! READ MORE
Do bonded teeth stain easily?
"Bonded" teeth can be of many types.... If it is bonded resin, yes, it can stain at the margins edges from the bond failing. If the main body of the resin bond is staining, it is likely not sealed well. It would benefit from a good polish and smoothing by the dentist. Sometimes older resins just stain as they age. These need to be removed and replaced for better esthetics. I hope this clarifies. Laurene K. Duke, DDS, APDC READ MORE
Can coconut oil clean dentures?
Coconut oil is good for clearing blocked salivary ducts, providing an antimicrobial solution to the mouth, but not for cleaning dentures. Smiles, Laurene K. Duke, DDS, APDC READ MORE
Can you have implants with receding gums?
Yes. As long as you have enough healthy tissue left that is firmly attached to your bone . That is called attached tissue and you must have this healthy tissue surrounding your implant forever or it will fail much easier. READ MORE
Are Emax veneers the best?
Veneers are great when you need them. EMAX are beautiful. But be wise when deciding if and when to have your teeth filed down to fit to the new veneers. Many times orthodontics and a little bit of resin filling can really make a beautiful difference in your smile. The expensive veneers will no longer the first choice. All crowns, veneers and filling need to be replaced in time. Failure may take from 5 to 20 years, but all will fail - will you have the money to replace them again? If not, do not place veneers just for a better smile. Choose conservation of tooth structure and you will have a less expensive life! Smiles, Laurene K. Duke, DDS, APDC READ MORE
Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?
It is best to drink coffee with the trays out. The trays need to be worn 23/7, so that means drink coffee quickly. You could drink lukewarm black coffee with the trays in, if you feel you must have coffee. I would advise against ever drinking coffee with milk and or sugar while trays are in - that is just asking for cavities to develop. Laurene K. Duke, DDS, APDC READ MORE
Can you swallow your dentures in your sleep?
Dentures are best worn during waking hours. Take out to sleep - to preserve your remaining jaw bone. You will not swallow your dentures, but again, they are like clothes. Take off at night and especially during sleep. Let your mouth “air out/relax.” Smile to show off your beautiful new teeth!! READ MORE
Do I need a root canal if there's no pain?
If there is no pain and you are told you need a root canal, be sure to have dentist show proof on the X-ray that there is an infection at the root area. Many times that is the case and infection is present, but not hurting yet. There is no need to do an automatic root canal just because the cavity is "deep." Try a conservative filling first and see it it succeeds. Smiles, Laurene K Duke, DDS, APDC READ MORE
What does it mean when my gums are sore?
You likely have calculus and/or plaque under the gums causing this active periodontal infection. Go see a reputable dentist! READ MORE
How can I stop my husband from grinding his teeth in his sleep?
Grinding teeth while sleeping is unhealthy both for his teeth and likely his body. There is nothing you can do to stop his grinding, but you can encourage him to seek an evaluation for sleep apnea. Many times grinding is an indication of sleep apnea. Does he stop breathing/become quiet while sleeping? If he does not have apnea, then an occlusal guard to be worn nightly will protect his teeth from destruction and the noise of grinding is kinder to your ears. Good luck. READ MORE
Are electric toothbrushes any better for the teeth?
Yes, They clean the gum line very well as long as you use them for the 2 minutes as directed. Electric Toothbrushes are excellent for those unable to brush well with a manual toothbrush. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

General DentistryLaser DentistryOrthodonticsSleep Apnea

Professional Society Memberships

California Dental Association, American Dental Association, Harbor Dental Society, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Laser Academy, California Dental Association