Making the Decision to Whiten Your Teeth

Making the Decision to Whiten Your Teeth

Have you ever wondered if your smile could be brighter? Have you considered teeth whitening, but just aren’t sure if it’s appropriate for you? People are born with different shades of teeth, but over time, other factors can affect the color of the enamel. The color of your teeth may have changed due to the following:

  • Pigment-rich food and beverages such as cola, wine, juice, berries, candy, and ketchup are just several examples of foods that may darken your teeth.
  • Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco are known to cause yellowing of teeth.
  • Certain medications can result in tooth darkening. These offenders include some antibiotics, high blood pressures medicines, antipsychotic drugs and certain antihistamines.
  • Chemotherapy or radiation treatments can cause teeth to change colors.
  • Enamel wears away as you age, and teeth acquire a build-up of tartar and stains that darken your teeth.
  • Excessive fluoride use either from your water, fluoride supplements, toothpaste or rinses can cause teeth to yellow.
  • Trauma caused by a fall or blow to the mouth can damage nerves and cause teeth to permanently brown or blacken.
  • Poor oral hygiene or avoiding regular dental care can cause teeth to turn unwelcome colors.

While some of these causes may make whitening more difficult, talk to a qualified dentist in Conyers about the best option for meeting your whitening goals. The general rule of thumb is for your teeth to closely match the shade of the whites of your eyes. Teeth that are too white will look unnatural, so if you choose professional whitening, you should consult with your dental professional about how to achieve the most natural result. In cooperation with your dentist, making the decision to undergo professional teeth whitening could mean you will soon be facing the world with a brighter, whiter smile.

If you live in the Conyers area contact us today

The Many Benefits of Dental Implants

The Many Benefits of Dental Implants

Missing teeth make you unhappy because it’s more difficult to eat and speak without them, as well as leaving gaps in your smile. Luckily dental implants have come to the rescue in modern dentistry. These titanium posts are surgically inserted into your jawbone, where they fuse with the bone to become a permanent part of your body. An artificial tooth is later placed on top of this stable support to complete the restoration.

If your dentist says that you have healthy gums, strong bones, and good enough overall health to undergo the procedure, then dental implants may be a great choice for restoring your smile. If you’re considering this treatment, here are some benefits you can expect to receive:

  • Natural appearance
  • Durable enough to last a lifetime
  • Very high success rate
  • Improved speech
  • Restored ability to eat naturally
  • Improved self-esteem
  • Security without concern for slipping
  • Choice of materials for the crown such as porcelain or ceramic
  • Ability to maintain good dental hygiene with normal brushing and flossing

The chances that you’ll be extremely happy with your dental implant is very good. Most patients rave about the results and their restored function and appearance. It’s easy to keep your implants for a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. If you have a hole in your smile, ask your dentist if you are a good candidate to enjoy all of the benefits of dental implants.

We treat patients from Conyers and the surrounding area

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Treatment with dental implants has proven to be highly predictable, with success rates in the range of 95%. However, if you are considering the placement of dental implants, you may still want reassurance about the safety of implants and the surgical procedure.

Dental implants are utilized to replace missing or damaged teeth. The implant acts in place of the natural root and supports restorations such as crowns, bridges, or removable dentures. Once implants have been placed, the patient enjoys the benefit of an appliance that looks and feels like natural teeth. Dental implant surgery is performed with the patient under local or IV sedation. The implant takes approximately four to six months to fuse to the jawbone, at which time your permanent restorations can be put into place.

We offer Dental Implants in Conyers

In the past implants have been known to shrink the bone surrounding the implants over the course of time. However, newer implant technology has eliminated this risk almost completely. Implants also do not damage the surrounding teeth during preparation.

Titanium is the most common material for dental implants. This type of metal is known for outstanding resistance to corrosion, as well as being highly compatible with the environment within the mouth. While allergic reactions to titanium are possible, it is known to be extremely rare.

The best insurance you can give yourself regarding implant safety is to take time and care when choosing your oral surgeon. A highly skilled and experienced doctor will be better prepared about how to avoid or treat potential complications. A good oral surgeon will take great care in the planning stages of your implant surgery to avoid the possibility of implant failure.

Once your surgery is complete, it is vitally important to follow all the post-operative and aftercare recommendations your oral surgeon provides. Do not skip or postpone your follow-up visits, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to ensure you will escape any potential risks or complications and enjoy the benefits of dental implants for many years.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Over time, daily life can take a toll on your smile. Decay, breakage, disease, and missing teeth can negatively affect your mouth. Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damage and renewing the integrity of your smile. With today’s advanced technology and high-quality materials, you can enjoy strong, attractive restorations. Don’t put off necessary dental work any longer.

Common restorative procedures include:

Composite fillings
To repair teeth damaged brought on by decay, your dentist will likely choose an all-white filling. Tooth-colored fillings produce solids restorations that blend in with your natural teeth and allow for less removal of healthy tooth structure.

Dental Crowns
When you have a larger area of decay than a regular filling can fix, your dentist may suggest a dental crown. Also called a cap, a dental crown covers the area above the gum line, re-establishing the strength and appearance of the injured tooth. Usually, it takes two visits to receive your custom crown. During the first appointment, your dentist will remove the decay, take impressions for the crown, and fit you with a temporary. You will return for permanent placement a few weeks later.

Dental Implants
If you have lost teeth, your oral health and self-esteem may suffer. Dental implants can replace one or more missing teeth, giving you back a complete smile. Dental implants include a metal post that functions as an artificial tooth root and a prosthetic crown that is cemented on top to complete the restoration.

Porcelain Veneers
Often considered a cosmetic choice, porcelain veneers can also cover chipped or broken teeth. Made from fine dental porcelain, veneers are permanently attached to front teeth, creating a flawless image. Your dentist will select the right veneers to fit your features, personality, and budget.

If you need a dentist in Conyers contact us today

Dental Health and Pregnancy

Dental Health and Pregnancy

Waiting for the birth of a baby is an exciting time for any woman. Your body changes in many ways, including in your mouth. Though picking out names and nursery colors is important, taking proper care of your teeth and gums before, during, and after pregnancy will keep your oral health on track. These tips can help you keep your vibrant smile in top shape.

Before Pregnancy
While you are trying to conceive, schedule an appointment with your dentist. At this visit, the dental team can clean your teeth, examine your mouth, and address any issues before you have a baby on the way. Because x-rays are not recommended during pregnancy, this appointment is a good time to have those taken as well.

During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant make sure to tell your dentist right away. Procedures like cosmetic enhancements and X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy. Checkups are very important when you are pregnant, so don’t skip your visit. As a precaution, you should wait until the second trimester to see your dentist.

While your pregnancy progresses, watch for signs of pregnancy gingivitis, which usually involves tenderness, bleeding, or swollen gums. Talk with your dentist if these symptoms appear. Practicing good oral care and eating right will help minimize any impact on your oral health.

After Pregnancy
When you feel up to it, visit your dentist after delivery for a full evaluation of your oral health. Your dental provider can work out a detailed plan to address any issues from the pregnancy and renew your smile.

Schedule your appointment at our Conyers dental office

Oral Health Tips for Seniors

Oral Health Tips for Seniors

Getting older impacts your whole life. Your body changes, including your mouth. Dental care is important for maintaining overall well being. Many seniors struggle with tooth loss and other dental health issues, like dry mouth or gum disease. Keep your teeth and gums healthy by remembering these helpful hints. Those individuals caring for aging parents or relatives can also benefit from the following tips:

• Make home care a priority. If you have trouble remembering to brush and floss, try posting little reminders in your bathroom near the sink. Caregivers can encourage this process as well.

• Choose a soft toothbrush. If the bristles are too hard, you can irritate gums and damage tissue.

• When you have dentures, clean them daily and use the special cleaners designed for this purpose, not just toothpaste.

• See the dentist twice a year. These appointments allow the doctor to check your teeth and gums for any problems. Depending on the state of your oral health, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits.

• Tell the dentist about any medications you are taking and any side effects that could affect your dental health. For example, some people experience dry mouth with certain medicines.

• Contact your dentist right away if you notice any unusual symptoms in your mouth. Letting issues like gum disease or tooth decay go can cause bigger problems in the long run.

• Maintain a healthy diet. What you eat influences your whole body health, including your teeth and gums.

Our dental office is located in Conyers