by dds2017 | Nov 20, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, General Dentistry
The Shift from Metal to Tooth-Colored Fillings
In the past, metal fillings were the go-to solution for repairing tooth decay. However, today many dentists prefer composite resin fillings, which blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color, preserving the aesthetic of your smile. The popularity of tooth-colored fillings has surged, with many practices offering this option exclusively. There’s also been increasing support for phasing out amalgam fillings altogether.
The Concerns with Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals, with up to 50 percent mercury content. Mercury is known to be toxic, leading to concerns about its effects on health, including:
- Kidney damage
- Infertility issues
- Nervous system disruptions
- Thyroid and pituitary gland interference
- Potential risks to fetuses
- Weakened immune system
Although some individuals may experience no adverse reaction to amalgam fillings, these materials can degrade over time. They may crack or change shape, leading to leaks that allow bacteria to enter, potentially causing further decay or damage.
Consider Replacing Your Old Fillings
During your routine checkup, ask your dentist to evaluate the condition of any old fillings. If needed, you can discuss replacing your amalgam fillings with modern composite resin alternatives. These newer fillings are more conservative, preserving healthy tooth structure and offering a natural appearance.
Contact us today for a consultation on your filling options at our McDonough dental office.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our McDonough dental office now and experience personalized care.
by dds2017 | Nov 13, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, Family Dentistry
Family dentistry is the practice that focuses on providing both preventative and restorative dental care to individuals of all ages. These practices cater to all age groups, offering a wide range of treatment options to meet the needs of each family member.
While family dentistry is similar to general dentistry, it is unique in that it serves patients of all ages, from infants with their first teeth to seniors with permanent teeth. It is important for children to start seeing a dentist by their first birthday, and what better way to begin their dental care than with the same dentist who treats the whole family? This approach makes it convenient to have everyone in the family seeing the same dentist and helps build a long-lasting relationship with the dental care provider.
A key focus of family dentistry is ongoing maintenance and preventative treatment. It’s recommended that everyone visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and routine checkups. These visits help eliminate plaque buildup, a leading cause of tooth decay and cavities, and allow the dentist to identify any potential oral health issues before they become more serious.
Most family dentists offer fluoride treatments, which help prevent tooth decay by coating the teeth with fluoride. Dental sealants are another common service offered to protect against dental issues. Depending on the family dentist, additional services may include cavity fillings, treatment for gum disease, crowns, root canals, extractions, and orthodontics. It’s important to ask about the full range of services offered when choosing a family dentist to ensure your family’s needs are met.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our McDonough dental office to schedule your consultation!
by dds2017 | Nov 6, 2025 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 5
Receding gums not only look unattractive, they can harm your health. If you notice that your gums are receding, ask your dentist for help so that you can reverse the problem instead of allowing it to worsen. The goal is to catch gum recession early and get it under control before it turns into periodontal disease.
What exactly is gum recession? It’s the condition in which the outer tissue on a tooth begins to wear away toward the root, leading to exposure of your tooth enamel and eventually your tooth’s root. If untreated, receding gums lead to periodontal disease. The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent it from starting in the first place. This is easily done by performing good oral hygiene techniques. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush using a circular motion and mild pressure. Also, floss your teeth every day.
If you see that your gums are starting to recede, it’s likely that practicing better dental hygiene will restore your gum health over time. A deep cleaning by your dentist will help kick-start your hygiene routine at home. In some cases, an even deeper cleaning called root planing may be necessary.
For more advanced cases of gum recession, your dentist may need to take tissue from other areas and use it to cover exposed roots. This can boost your gum tissue and make it healthy again. If you experience pain and increased sensitivity due to exposed roots, your dentist may prescribe medications to help.
The main thing to remember about receding gums is that quick action is important. Good dental care is key in both preventing it and in correcting the problem after it has begun. If you notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth or experience sensitivity, start the healing process as soon as possible by asking your dentist for treatment advice.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our McDonough dental office!
by dds2017 | Oct 30, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, Family Dentistry
Life often seems to speed by, especially when you have children. Multiple appointments, lessons, meetings, and activities can make it feel like you’re constantly on the go. If you’re finding yourself constantly shuttling kids from one place to another, a family dentist could help streamline your schedule and bring convenience to your family’s dental care.
Family dental practices have grown in popularity for their ability to meet the needs of every family member, offering continuity of care over the years. A family dentist who has treated a patient since childhood can provide more personalized and comprehensive treatment as they have a thorough understanding of the patient’s dental history.
Having multiple dentists for each family member can lead to more time spent driving across town, adding stress and inconvenience to your day. A family dentist can consolidate all appointments, sometimes scheduling them back-to-back, making it easier for you to get everyone seen in one trip.
Waiting rooms can be a challenge, especially with young children. Family dentists are aware of this and often provide age-appropriate distractions like toys, games, and books to keep kids entertained. They may also offer amenities like complimentary drinks, massage chairs, and entertainment options to make your wait more enjoyable.
By choosing a family dentist, you’ll not only simplify your life but also ensure that your entire family receives excellent oral care in a comfortable and convenient setting.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our McDonough dental office to schedule your consultation!
by dds2017 | Oct 23, 2025 | Blog, Invisalign
As an adult, the thought of wearing traditional metal braces can be less than appealing. Images of middle schoolers with mouths full of metal and colored bands are far from the professional image many adults want to project. If you have crooked teeth or bite issues, though, what are your options? Invisalign is often the perfect solution for adults seeking a discreet way to straighten their teeth.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a system of clear plastic trays, or aligners, that gradually straighten your teeth without the use of metal brackets or wires. The aligners are worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day, and as each tray completes its task, it is replaced by a new one to continue the transformation.
Why Invisalign is Ideal for Adults
The clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them ideal for adults who want to avoid the stigma associated with traditional braces. Whether you’re at work or in social situations, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention. You can easily remove the aligners while eating, so there’s no need to worry about food getting stuck in brackets. After rinsing your mouth, simply pop the aligners back in.
Easy Oral Hygiene with Invisalign
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes oral hygiene easy. You can brush and floss your teeth as usual, ensuring a cleaner mouth and fresher breath. Flossing with traditional braces can be difficult and time-consuming, but with Invisalign, cleaning your teeth is a breeze.
These benefits, along with the ability to straighten your teeth discreetly, make Invisalign the ideal choice for adults looking to improve their smile. Visit your orthodontist to learn more about how Invisalign can work for you.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our McDonough dental office now and experience personalized care.
by dds2017 | Oct 16, 2025 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 5
If you are unhappy with your smile, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry solution that can give you a flawless and beautiful set of teeth. Veneers have become a popular choice for improving appearance without the need for major or invasive procedures. Here are some key things to know about porcelain veneers if you’re considering them as a way to fix an imperfect smile.
Difference Between Veneers and Crowns
Veneers are designed to enhance your smile without removing or altering your natural teeth significantly. In contrast, crowns involve removing a large part of the tooth structure to build an entirely new tooth. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive option, veneers are an excellent choice.
Natural Appearance
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your smile perfectly, giving you a natural and healthy look. Porcelain has a translucent quality that mimics real teeth, ensuring your smile looks realistic. Additionally, porcelain resists stains, and any minor discoloration can easily be polished off during regular dental cleanings.
Permanent Solution
Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution, so it’s important to be satisfied with their color, size, and shape before they are bonded to your teeth using dental cement. Once veneers are in place, they cannot be changed or altered.
Requires Healthy Teeth
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination to determine if veneers are the right option for you. Certain dental or oral health conditions may make veneers unsuitable, so your teeth and gums must be healthy for a successful procedure.
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