May 20, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Implant Dentistry
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
May 13, 2022 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Also called onychophagia, nail biting is a common habit for lots of people, usually children, teens, and young adults. Often, nail biting is caused by stress and seems to wane as people get older. Though some would argue that it’s not as bad as smoking or other less desirable habits, there are several reasons to stop nail biting:
It’s unsanitary. Did you know that your mouth and your hands/nails are two of the germiest areas on your body? If you have any open sores on your fingertips and you bite your nails, the germs from your mouth spread to that area. Pretty gross if you think about it.
It’s unattractive. Nobody really wants to watch someone bite their nails. As well, it doesn’t make your nails look very nice either.
It hurts your teeth. When you bite your nails, it strains front teeth and can weaken them, which may contribute to misalignment or crookedness. Nail biting also keeps your teeth in constant chewing motion and may wear them down faster than if you didn’t bite your nails.
It can cost you money. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that nail biting may add $4000 to dental bills over a lifetime.
Stopping any habit can be difficult. To curtail your nail biting, try to:
- Think about it. Sometimes, just be conscious of this habit can help you stop.
- Make your nails look nice. You won’t want to mess them up if they are neatly manicured.
- Create a deterrent. Check at the drug store for colorless, odorless solutions you apply to the
nails. These topicals taste awful, which should make it easier to quit.
We treat patients from Conyers and the surrounding area
Apr 22, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is often a last resort for people who are experiencing tooth pain and want to save their damaged tooth. Although the procedure isn’t nearly as scary or painful as in years past, most patients view the aspect of this treatment with disdain. Recovery from a root canal is often no worse than recovering from a dental filling, but there are some issues that affect your ability to recover from root canal treatment.
Tooth condition
The severity of your tooth’s condition plays a big role in your treatment. If your infection or decay is not too advanced, it may mean an easier recovery than a patient with acute problems requiring extensive root canal treatment. Your dentist will determine the severity of your case and be able to prepare you for what to expect.
Dentist qualifications
Although all dentists are trained to perform root canal treatment, not all of them choose to offer this service as part of their practice. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist, who is a dentist specializing in root canal treatment. These types of dentists are trained in all aspects of root canals and can handle even the most severe cases. Often, endodontists are so experienced and knowledgeable that they can even help shorten your recovery period after treatment.
After care
No matter which dentist performs your treatment, you should receive detailed instructions about how to care for yourself afterwards. You will be given guidelines about what to eat and what to avoid, how to handle pain, activity restrictions, and other details. There may also be mouth exercises suggested to follow to aid in your recovery. Make sure you keep any follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Our dental office is located in Conyers
Apr 15, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Implant Dentistry
Dental implants are an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to decay or damage. With implants, an artificial tooth root is placed into your jawbone to provide support for crowns and dentures. When considering implant treatment, you may have some of the following questions and concerns:
- Who is a candidate for dental implants? Implants can be placed in almost anyone after adolescence or when bone growth has completed.
- Is implant surgery painful? No, implant treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia in your dentist’s office.
- How long does it take to place dental implants? Depending on the number of implants placed, the procedure can usually be completed in less than an hour.
- What kind of recovery can I expect after a dental implant procedure? Healing from implant surgery is usually quick and uneventful. Any pain or discomfort should be minimal and easily controlled with anti-inflammatory medication. Most patients can return to normal activity the next day.
- How long will it take before I receive my new teeth? Because the implants need time to fuse to the bone, the entire process can take up to six months. Typically, you will receive some form of temporary teeth during this period. Treatment time varies depending on your treatment needs.
- Is caring for my implants difficult? Caring for your dental implants is the same as caring for your natural teeth. Implants simply require consistent brushing and flossing and regular dental visits for routine cleanings.
- How long will my implants last? When cared for properly, dental implants should last for decades.
- Are dental implants safe? When used in qualified candidates, dental implants are an exceptionally low-risk restoration option.
In general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
If you need a dentist in Conyers contact us today
Apr 1, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Teeth Whitening
Do you have a single tooth that has darkened due to trauma? The first step in determining if a damaged tooth can be lightened is to visit your dentist for a thorough examination.
Your dentist will need to identify what is causing the dark staining. To do this, your dentist may perform x-rays or other tests to learn if the pulp of the tooth is “vital” or alive. If the tooth is deemed to be alive, external bleaching may yield the whitening results you are seeking. Your dentist can create a single-tooth bleaching tray to whiten the traumatized tooth effectively. This type of tray keeps the bleach away from other teeth, producing the best color match for your overall smile.
However, if it is determined that the nerves have died and it is no longer a living tooth, your dentist may need to perform a root canal. Darkening of a dead tooth can happen immediately or may develop over time after a root canal procedure has been performed. For this type of tooth trauma, your dentist or endodontist may recommend bleaching the tooth from the inside.
Stains from a non-vital tooth come from the inside, rather than outside, of the tooth. Therefore, your dentist needs to put the bleach inside the tooth. This type of teeth whitening is a routine procedure that involves making a small opening in the tooth through which to bleach the tooth. Once this procedure is complete, you can assess with your dentist whether the desired results have been achieved. If the whitening is not enough, the tooth can then be bleached externally as well. If the results are still not acceptable, you may want to consider a tooth-colored veneer or crown.
If you have a darkened tooth marring your smile, consult your dentist to determine the best teeth whitening treatment to return your smile to its bright, white best.
If you live in the Conyers area contact us today
Mar 25, 2022 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Also called onychophagia, nail biting is a common habit for lots of people, usually children, teens, and young adults. Often, nail biting is caused by stress and seems to wane as people get older. Though some would argue that it’s not as bad as smoking or other less desirable habits, there are several reasons to stop nail biting:
It’s unsanitary. Did you know that your mouth and your hands/nails are two of the germiest areas on your body? If you have any open sores on your fingertips and you bite your nails, the germs from your mouth spread to that area. Pretty gross if you think about it.
It’s unattractive. Nobody really wants to watch someone bite their nails. As well, it doesn’t make your nails look very nice either.
It hurts your teeth. When you bite your nails, it strains front teeth and can weaken them, which may contribute to misalignment or crookedness. Nail biting also keeps your teeth in constant chewing motion and may wear them down faster than if you didn’t bite your nails.
It can cost you money. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that nail biting may add $4000 to dental bills over a lifetime.
Stopping any habit can be difficult. To curtail your nail biting, try to:
- Think about it. Sometimes, just be conscious of this habit can help you stop.
- Make your nails look nice. You won’t want to mess them up if they are neatly manicured.
- Create a deterrent. Check at the drug store for colorless, odorless solutions you apply to the
nails. These topicals taste awful, which should make it easier to quit.
We look forward to seeing you in our Conyers dental office