by Dr. Adkins | Jun 21, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Dentist in McDonough that treats wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, your third set of molars, are named that because they are the final teeth to erupt. They usually come in between ages 17 to 25, and are located in the very back of your mouth on the top and bottom. Your dentist will examine you to find out if your wisdom teeth are properly positioned and healthy. If they aren’t, your dentist will recommend removal.
How do you know wisdom teeth should be removed?
Some of the signs there is a problem with your wisdom teeth include pain, infection, cysts, gum disease, damage to nearby teeth, and tooth decay. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist for an examination.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Sometimes your teeth just don’t have room to grow in properly. They can erupt at angles within your jaw, sometimes even horizontally. If wisdom teeth aren’t able to erupt normally they can become trapped, or impacted, inside your jaw. Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth are pain, infection, and swelling. When teeth are impacted, they can lead to serious problems. Many dentists want to avoid impacted teeth and therefore remove your wisdom teeth before they erupt or grow too big.
Are there less obvious reasons to remove wisdom teeth?
It’s not always clear when these teeth way in the back of your mouth are causing problems, or might in the future. Many dentists remove them in teens or young adults so they don’t cause problems later, or become too firmly planted in the jaw. Also, sometimes wisdom teeth are removed as part of orthodontic, periodontal, or restorative treatment plans.
What happens if I don’t have them removed?
Some dentists prefer to wait and see what happens with time to your wisdom teeth. Make sure you continue to have these teeth monitored, because the risk of problems doesn’t go away with age. Removing wisdom teeth isn’t always necessary, because if there’s room in your mouth and they come in properly, they work just like any other teeth. The key is to watch them to make sure problems don’t arise in the future.
We treat patients from McDonough and the surrounding area
by Dr. Adkins | Jun 14, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Root Canal Dentist in McDonough
If you ask most people, they would rather do just about anything than get a root canal. The truth is root canal therapy actually alleviates pain and restores the health of a damaged tooth. With modern sedation options, patients remain calm and relaxed during the procedure.
To understand how a root canal works, it helps to look at the anatomy of a tooth. Your teeth contain a hard outer shell called enamel, a layer of dentin, and a soft nerve center referred to as pulp. This tissue, made up of nerves and blood vessels, keeps the tooth healthy, ensuring blood flow and providing vital nutrients.
When a tooth experiences severe trauma or develops deep decay, the pulp can sustain damage and die. Often, pressure and infection will build up inside the tooth. To save the tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal, which can be performed in one appointment.
Signs you may need a root canal:
- A lingering toothache
- Blood or pus surrounding the tooth
- Pain during chewing
- Swelling in the gums or nearby tissue
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
For a root canal, the dentist will numb the tooth and then clean out the infection. Next, the doctor will sterilize the inside area and seal off the tooth to prevent future problems. After a root canal, the tooth will usually require a crown for a complete restoration. Most people actually feel better after root canal therapy. In fact, many patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers for mild soreness.
If you live in the McDonough area, contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Jun 7, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
In recent years, dentists and oral health professionals have thought that 3 out of 4 American adults, or roughly 75 percent, have some level of gum disease. A new survey indicates that those estimates are low. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and the American Academy of Periodontology, the actual numbers may be 50 percent higher. If correct, these numbers suggest gum disease is a much larger problem in this country.
Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is mainly caused by plaque, the sticky substance that forms on your teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes pockets of infection to form between your gums and teeth. Other factors like genetics, stress, lifestyle choices, and certain medications can also increase your chances of developing gum disease. Because the symptoms start out mild, usually red or bleeding gums, many people don’t realize they have this condition. Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.
In the past few years, gum disease has also been linked to other health problems. Research has found a connection between periodontal disease and chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Pregnant women with untreated gum disease have a greater risk of pre-term labor and low-birth weight babies.
To decrease your risk of gum disease and protect your smile, follow these tips:
- Clean teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Floss regularly
- Schedule routine checkups with your dentist
- Contact your doctor right away if you have swollen or bleeding gums
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | May 18, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Are you looking for quick and noticeable results in brightening your smile? You’ve probably heard about visiting a dental professional for teeth whitening, but you might not have realized that often the procedure is performed using laser technology.
Laser teeth whitening is considered to be the wave of the future for transforming smiles from dull to beautiful in only an hour. Most patients can expect their teeth to lighten somewhere between 5 and 10 shades. Approved by the FDA in 1996, it is a popular service that many dentists offer.
Lasers were introduced as a method for teeth whitening in response to patient dissatisfaction with traditional bleaching methods, which can produce pain and inflammation. Some patients find bleaching too uncomfortable to withstand in an effort to brighten their smiles. Instead, lasers focus on a very precise area so that side effects common to other methods may be avoided.
Another appealing characteristic to laser whitening is that it speeds up the process. Most other methods take a couple of weeks up to months to achieve desired results, while laser whitening is performed in a single office visit. Dramatic results are possible in just one hour. A portion of that time doesn’t even involve the use of lasers, but taking time to protect the soft tissues of the mouth to avoid potential side effects.
The most common type of laser technology used for teeth whitening is the argon laser. Chemicals are placed on the teeth and then laser light is administered to enhance the chemical reaction and color change. After whitening, the dentist usually treats the teeth with fluoride to provide a brighter shine and strengthen the teeth.
After laser teeth whitening, it’s up to the patient to help ensure long-lasting results. Avoiding common items that stain teeth, such as coffee, soda, tobacco, dark sauces and more is advised. Some dentists provide a take-home kit including a customized tray and special gel to help maintain the new whiter smile. Laser whitening is a process that many patients rave about because of the minimal hassles and outstanding results.
If you need a dentist in McDonough, contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | May 18, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Maintaining a healthy, winning smile is easy with the help of general dentistry. People have all kinds of excuses for avoiding dental checkups. Don’t have the time? Advancements in procedures make treatment faster and more efficient, and extended hours allow patients to better fit appointments in their schedules. Too expensive? Many procedures are reasonably priced and most offices offer financial plans. Afraid of the dentist? General dentistry offers options for maintaining patient comfort and minimizing pain.
Once you realize there is no good excuse for skipping dental treatment, you should go for checkups twice a year for optimum care. Prevention is often the key to having the best oral health. Routine checkups identify early warning signs of issues like tooth decay or gum disease, so that problems can be corrected before becoming severe. Thorough examinations, diagnostic tests like X-rays, and regular professional cleanings are all steps to a healthy smile.
General dentists also teach proper hygiene methods so that you can keep your mouth in good shape between checkups. Routine dental care also may prevent harmful bacteria from entering your bloodstream and damaging other parts of your body.
If problems are diagnosed when you visit your dentist, various treatments can be performed to restore your oral health. General dentists treat all kinds of issues and typically offer dental fillings, root canal therapy, extractions, bonding, crowns, dentures and more. If there are procedures that you need that your general dentist doesn’t perform or would prefer you visit a specialist for advanced treatment, you’ll be referred to a qualified and experienced doctor.
General dentistry can make the difference between a dull, damaged, unhealthy smile and one that will look nice and function well for the rest of your life. Don’t hesitate in visiting your dentist regularly for optimum oral health.
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | May 18, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Dental implants have become the standard of care recommended by dentists for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Compared to other solutions, many patients are finding that dental implants give them a reason to smile.
Realism
Dental implants provide a new tooth and root that looks, fits, functions, and feel like a natural tooth. Implants avoid the potential problems associated with some alternatives, such as trouble eating, speaking or laughing.
Durability
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them outlast most of their counterparts which have a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Natural
Patients are able to retain their natural face shape. Missing teeth can make a person’s face look sunken and saggy, but implants allow you to maintain your proper face shape and smile.
Protective
Missing teeth may cause jaw bone deterioration or loss, but implants preserve and stimulate the natural bone. The jaw is able to maintain its strength and firmness, protecting your bone structure. Also, neighboring teeth are not affected by dental implants. Healthy adjacent teeth are not damaged and stay exactly where they should be.
Health
Cavities can’t take hold in a dental implant and crown. Proper hygiene and regular checkups should continue to ensure your mouth is healthy, but that particular tooth will not decay.
Confidence
Dental implants erase the patient’s embarrassment about their smile and give them the confidence to enjoy life again. No more worries about a big space in the smile, and no concerns that the restoration will loosen or fall out like may happen with dentures.
Convenience
There are no hassles for the patient to alter their diet because implants allow natural biting and chewing. Favorite foods can still be enjoyed with this restoration.
Simplicity
No need to remove the implants overnight for cleaning because they are permanently installed. They are a permanent solution inside the jaw and mouth.
If you live in the McDonough area, contact us today
(470) 665-5292 
E-Mail Us 
JSA Dental Care
