Root Canals Get a Bad Rap

Root Canals Get a Bad Rap

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

Gum Disease More Prevalent than Originally Suspected

Gum Disease More Prevalent than Originally Suspected

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

What is Laser Teeth Whitening?

What is Laser Teeth Whitening?

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

General Dentistry to the Rescue

General Dentistry to the Rescue

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

Dental Implants: A Reason to Smile

Dental Implants: A Reason to Smile

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

Improving Appearance Through Cosmetic Dentistry

Improving Appearance Through Cosmetic Dentistry

As medicine and technology has advanced through the years, so have the offerings provided in the field of dentistry. Now there are numerous specializations that focus on a variety of oral health needs. One of these branches is called cosmetic dentistry, whose primary goal is to improve a patient’s appearance by making adjustments to the smile.

Cosmetic dentistry has become more and more popular as people realize the dramatic improvements that may be achieved through cosmetic dental procedures. Patients can choose to go to a cosmetic dental practice, or even will find that many general dentists offer some of the treatments in their practices. If you desire to pursue cosmetic dental procedures, make sure that you select a dental professional who is trained and experienced in providing this work.

There are many treatments available for improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Bonding corrects teeth that have been broken, stained, chipped or cracked by applying a composite resin material to the affected area of the tooth’s surface. It is then molded into the desired shape, treated with ultraviolet light, and polished for an appealing finish.
  • Crowns, also known as caps, are secured over a damaged tooth to restore its strength, appearance, shape and size. They are most often made from resin or ceramic, and serve to extend the life of the tooth.
  • Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the fronts of teeth to cover flaws like discoloration, gaps, chips, misalignment and more. This permanent restoration can instantly transform your smile.
  • Bridges, or fixed partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth by bridging the gap between existing teeth.
  • Braces come in a variety of types to correct crooked, overcrowded teeth or repair misaligned jaws or bites. Many adults are opting to correct their smiles with Invisalign, which are clear plastic aligners that gradually move teeth while hardly impacting the patient due to the hassle-free design and attributes.

If you need a dentist in McDonough, contact us today