by Dr. Adkins | Oct 21, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Dental implants are a fantastic solution for replacing missing teeth. Choosing a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable dental professional to place the implants is a vitally important step that could mean the difference between a successful or failed implant procedure. Properly placed and cared for implants can last a lifetime, but improperly placed implants have the potential for problems or even complete failure.
Some things to consider when selecting an implant dentist include:
- Is the dentist a board-certified implant specialist? Any dentist can legally place implants. You should specifically look for a dentist with a specialty in “Prosthodontics” as recognized by the American Dental Association.
- How long has the dentist been placing implants and how many implant procedures have been done? The ideal implant dentist will have placed hundreds of implants, and should perform this procedure on a regular basis.
- What is the dentist’s specific training in implant surgery? A qualified implant dentist should have completed more than just a weekend course in dental implant placement, and should be able to show that knowledge is maintained with continuing education.
- Can the dentist provide before and after photos of previous implant patients? You should be able to see the dentist’s own work, not stock photos. The dentist should also be able to provide you with recommendations from former patients.
- Can the dentist explain the different types of implants and how each might suit your needs? A qualified and experienced implant dentist will have used an array of implant types and be able to recommend the best option to meet your specific restoration needs.
Making a choice of a qualified implant dentist is a critical part of the dental implant process, with a goal of ensuring success. Take your time and make certain the dentist you select has the experience and knowledge to make your implant placement worry-free.
We treat patients from McDonough and the surrounding area.
by Dr. Adkins | Oct 14, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
There is no quicker or easier way to dramatically improve the look of your smile than professional teeth whitening. Your dentist probably offers several whitening options and can advise you about the most appropriate type of whitening treatment to ensure your brightest, whitest smile.
No matter which whitening treatment you and your dentist decide will be best, there are several tips you can follow to help you achieve the ideal result:
- Have any existing dental problems treated prior to whitening to avoid side effects or complications.
- Schedule a professional teeth cleaning prior to your whitening appointment to remove buildup of plaque or tartar you cannot remove with home cleaning, and provide the best surface for the whitening treatment.
- Begin brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste several weeks before whitening to limit the sensitivity that can sometimes result from whitening agents.
- If you are extremely prone to dental sensitivity, check with your dentist about taking a painkilling medication before your whitening appointment.
- Consult with your dental office to determine how much time you should allow for your whitening appointment.
- Refrain from eating or drinking anything except water for at least one hour after the completion of your whitening treatment, and avoid ingesting foods and beverages that contain stain-causing agents for no less than 24 hours.
- Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments with your dentist.
- Maintain excellent home oral care habits to extend the life of your whitening procedure.
By following these tips, you can boost the results of your professional teeth whitening treatment and face the world with beautiful, bright smile!
If you live in the McDonough area, contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Oct 7, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
While no one looks forward to root canal treatment, the procedure can be critical for saving a compromised tooth. To ensure proper healing, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions. Along with those recommendations, there are several tips you can follow after your root canal treatment to speed up your recovery, promote healing, and avoid potential complications.
- Avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth until all of the numbness from the anesthetic has completely worn off. Stay away from crunchy, hard, or chewy foods for several days.
- To keep swelling at a minimum, apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on the treated area for thirty minutes. Repeat this process hourly for about fifteen minutes each time until swelling subsides.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for several days after treatment.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water regularly for the first few days after root canal treatment.
- Do not smoke for a minimum of 24 hours post-procedure, and refrain from tobacco usage as much as possible until the treated area is fully healed.
- Refrain from strenuous physical activity or exercise for 48 hours after your root canal procedure.
- Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medication, either over-the-counter ibuprofen or prescription as determined by your dentist
These tips, along with the aftercare instructions provided by your dental professional, should help ensure the best chance of a successful and quick recovery. However, should you experience excessive swelling, pain, the appearance of a rash or hives, or a return of original symptoms, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
If you need a dentist in McDonough, contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Sep 28, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
A good cosmetic dentist can make a difference in your life. If you are unhappy with your smile, turning to this branch of dentistry that focuses on improving your look through things like shaping, whitening, and restoring can help. Cosmetic dental procedures address all sorts of oral issues and allow you to achieve dramatic improvements to your smile. A key part of a good outcome is finding the right cosmetic dentist.
To help in your search for a dental professional skilled in cosmetic treatments and procedures, follow these guidelines:
- Do your research – before visiting cosmetic dentists, do some research on your own about procedures that might address the issues you have with your smile. You’ll be more prepared to ask questions and learn about specific procedures.
- Ask about experience – make sure the dentist has experience in a variety of procedures, especially the ones you’re interested in having performed.
- Look for accreditations – in addition to making sure the dentist received the proper education, membership in major national organizations indicates the dentist has the correct training in cosmetic dental treatments.
- Check their previous work – ask to see before and after photos of dental work that the dentist performed on actual patients.
- Focus on technology – modern technology such as digital X-rays and dental lasers should be available in the office. The ability to see previews of how a procedure will look in your smile is also an attractive benefit of a cosmetic dental practice. Be sure to inquire about sedation methods if you feel you might need them.
- Consider comfort – the dentist you choose should make you feel at ease about all aspects of treatment. Willingness to answer all of your questions and make sure you are confident with the staff and the office itself is vital when choosing a dentist.
Following these tips in selecting your cosmetic dentist will go a long way in helping you decide on a professional, experienced, qualified caregiver who can transform your smile.
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Sep 21, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
The idea of having dental implants may cause you some anxiety. What does it involve? Does it hurt? What about recovery? Getting the answers to questions like these will help put your mind at ease and enable you to get your missing teeth restored using this great technique in dental care today.
The actual process of getting dental implants is done in several steps. First, your dentist will perform a few simple tests like X-rays or CT scans to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Then the dentist will create a treatment plan so that the implant is properly placed and has the best chance for success. The implant will be surgically placed in a separate appointment, and your mouth will be allowed to heal for a time period. Once healing is complete, a dental crown is placed on top to complete the implant process.
Concern about the potential for pain in getting dental implants should be set aside; the surgery is practically pain-free. Dentists use anesthesia to provide complete comfort during the procedure, along with simple injections if necessary. You might feel vibrations when the new teeth are placed, but it is not truly painful. If you do experience a higher degree of anxiety about the process, your dentist may prescribe medication to calm your fears.
Recovery from dental implants isn’t bad either. Your dentist will control any discomfort with medications afterwards, but the soreness you might feel is comparable to the after-effects of having a simple cavity filled. Most patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers for the first day or two after receiving implants, if at all, and then return to normal routines and comfort levels.
Dental work can be a scary situation for patients, but knowing what to expect is helpful in reducing anxiety. Modern dentistry allows dental implants to be a life-changing way to restore your oral health.
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Sep 14, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Dental treatments that focus on the appearance of your smile have become more popular than ever before. Cosmetic dentists have the expertise and experience to give you a whole new beautiful smile, perhaps the one you’ve dreamed about but never knew was possible. It is within reach with a visit to your cosmetic dentist!
You may not realize all of the ways that your smile might benefit from cosmetic dental procedures. Advancements in technology allow transformations to be much easier and more painless than they used to be.
What are some examples of smile improvements available through cosmetic dentistry?
Teeth whitening
Drinking coffee or sodas, eating dark sauces, smoking, and other habits cause teeth to discolor over time. Professional teeth whitening restores your pearly whites using concentrated bleaching gel and ultraviolet light. You can achieve dramatic and quick whitening results in your cosmetic dentist’s chair.
Dental veneers
Thin shells made of porcelain cover the fronts of your teeth to alter their color, shape, and entire look. Problems like spaces, chips, odd shapes, misalignments, and stains are all hidden under these durable restorations.
Crowns
Dental crowns or caps cover existing teeth that are damaged or weakened in some way. Crowns are used to offer protection, secure bridges, hide fillings, cover implants, complete root canal procedures, hide discolorations, and more.
Bonding
Another option for hiding chips or cracks, eliminating gaps, or filling small cavities is bonding. Tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the tooth’s surface and then blended in to restore its appearance in one painless, quick visit.
Dental implants
A permanent alternative to the hassles of dentures for replacing missing teeth are dental implants. These involve inserting a titanium post into your jaw so that it becomes part of your bone, and then capping it off with a crown. Implants are natural-looking and secure.
Enamel shaping
Sometimes a tooth’s flaw has to do with its enamel becoming worn or damaged. Enamel can be removed or contoured to improve the tooth’s look.
If you need a dentist in McDonough, contact us today
(470) 665-5292 
E-Mail Us 
JSA Dental Care
