by dds2017 | Dec 4, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, Oral Surgery
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to erupt into the mouth, generally emerging between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. They are the third set of molars and are in pairs: two each on the top and bottom arch of teeth. While some patients don’t have wisdom teeth, most do. Many of those who do have them don’t have enough room for those teeth to erupt fully, causing them to be wedged under the back of another tooth, impacted in the gum.
Impacted wisdom teeth are very difficult to clean, and can negatively affect the surrounding teeth. They are highly vulnerable to disease and decay and may lead to tooth pain and damage to adjacent teeth. For these and other reasons, a dentist may recommend that the teeth be extracted through oral surgery as soon as necessary to prevent any problems.
Extraction of wisdom teeth is typically an outpatient procedure done in an oral surgeon’s office. A healthy patient can proceed with a typical surgery, but if any infection is detected, the surgery can’t move forward until the infection is cleared up through the use of a full course of antibiotics. Once the surgery is moving forward, the surgeon’s team will administer some form of anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the tooth or to possibly sedate the patient through IV sedation dentistry.
After the anesthesia has fully taken effect, the surgeon makes an incision to open the gum and to remove any bone that is blocking the tooth from extraction. The tissue connecting the bone to the tooth will be separated and the tooth will be removed. In some cases, the surgeon will have to break the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. After thoroughly cleaning the area and removing any remaining debris, the incision will be closed, stitched and packed with sterile cotton gauze to staunch any bleeding.
The surgeon will provide aftercare instructions. Patients should follow these instructions to the letter in order to ensure the best and fastest healing of the surgical site.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Adkins is accepting new patients from McDonough and the surrounding area.
by dds2017 | Nov 27, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 5, Oral Surgery
What to Expect with Oral Surgery
If oral surgery is in your future, you might be worried about what’s to come. The way to relieve that worry is to talk to your oral surgeon. Your oral surgeon has the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through whatever concerns or questions you may have. Here is a guide to some of those questions and answers:
How will I handle pain following surgery?
In many cases, you will have been prescribed narcotic pain relievers. If you are taking narcotics, take them only as recommended and do not mix them with over-the-counter pain relievers or alcohol. Driving while on narcotics is dangerous and can have serious consequences for you personally and for others. If you weren’t prescribed any medication, use anti-inflammatory analgesics such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
What will happen to my stitches in the days following surgery?
Some stitches will be designed to dissolve over time and will not need to be removed. Others will not come out on their own and will need to be removed at a subsequent appointment. In many cases, losing a single stitch or two in the days following surgery isn’t serious; however, for bone-graft treatments, it is problematic and you should contact your surgeon immediately.
Can I eat normally after surgery?
Immediately after surgery, when you’re still experiencing any mouth or tongue numbness, don’t eat anything. You could mistake the soft tissues of your mouth for food and do serious damage to your mouth without realizing it. After your numbness subsides, consume soft foods of tepid temperatures for several days to allow for healing. Talk to your surgeon to learn when you can resume normal eating patterns as dictated by your particular surgery.
What other tips do you have?
Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible to facilitate complete and quick healing. Call your surgeon if you have excessive bleeding or pain that doesn’t lessen with time. Be aware of signs of infection (swelling, redness, odorous or sour discharge) at the surgical site and seek professional care when needed.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Adkins is accepting new patients from McDonough and the surrounding area.
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!
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