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 7, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Dental veneers are thin, wafer-like shells that are placed directly on top of your natural tooth to treat problems like gapped, misaligned, discolored, or worn down teeth. Indirect veneers are made by a technician in a dental laboratory while direct veneers are formed directly onto your tooth by your dentist. Most often, dental veneers are made from either porcelain or composite resin.
If your problems include discolored, cracked, chipped, stained, gapped, or misaligned teeth, your dentist might suggest porcelain veneers as your best option. Smaller dental issues like minor cracks, chips or spots of discoloration are more suitable for direct veneers with composite resin.
To adhere either type of veneers to your teeth, a small amount of your natural tooth surface must be removed. This process is permanent, meaning you will always need a veneer to restore the form and function of your tooth. For this reason, many dentists will try other types of treatments or restorations to correct your dental problems before turning to veneers.
If you wish to avoid altering too much of your tooth enamel, “no prep” veneers may be another option to consider. This type of veneer requires considerably less of the natural tooth to be modified. Only the surface enamel is affected, rather than the dentin of the tooth underneath the enamel layer.
Dental veneers should last for at least ten years, and may last as long as twenty years with proper care. Either type of dental veneer will improve the function of your mouth and enhance the look of your smile. Consult with your dentist about the types of veneers available to restore your beautiful smile.
If you live in the McDonough area, contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Jul 28, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Excellent dental care protects not only your oral health but also your general health. You may think brushing and flossing are enough to keep you safe from decay and disease, but routine care and examinations by a good general dentist are also an important and necessary part of taking care of your oral and general health.
A general dentist plays a vital role in identifying and treating minor problems before they become major ones. The primary focus of a general dentist is preventative care.
Several essential services provided by a general dentist include:
Detecting and treating potential problems early may mean the difference between losing and saving an infected tooth. Caught early, gingivitis or periodontitis can be stopped and treated before becoming more serious problems.
A general dentist can treat your entire family, from the youngest child to the more senior members. It is your general dentist’s responsibility to oversee the diagnosis, treatment and overall coordination of all your dental health needs. Should you require specialized oral care, your general dentist can work with specialty dentists to ensure you receive the best possible care.
To guarantee the longevity of your oral health, look to a qualified general dentist for excellent dental care. A regular schedule of exams and cleanings by your general dentist combined with proper at-home care will go a long way toward a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
We look forward to seeing you in our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Jul 21, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
Sometimes you experience symptoms in your mouth that cause you to wonder what’s going on and if you need to see a dentist. If you are thinking you might need root canal treatment, it’s time to see the dentist for an examination. Here are some common signs that you may need this treatment. Keep in mind, however, that you may or may not experience all of these symptoms.
Pain
One indicator that something is wrong is when a tooth causes pain. Sometimes pain may be severe, causing you to rush to the dentist. If the pain is sharp or intense, or even if it is a dull ache that lasts for several days, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Remember that some teeth requiring root canal treatment don’t hurt at all, so regular checkups are important.
Swelling
An obvious sign of infection is swelling. If you notice your jaw or face is swollen, see your dentist. It doesn’t always mean root canal therapy is needed, but the dentist can advise you about the best way to treat the swelling and any infection.
Sensitivity
If you experience sensitivity when you consume anything that is hot or cold, it can be a sign that root canal treatment is necessary. Mild sensitivity can even be a sign, especially if the sensation occurs near a certain tooth each time.
Darkened tooth
Discoloration of a tooth can mean something unwanted is occurring within the tooth’s nerve space. Gray, dark yellow, or black are colors to look for and to consult your dentist if they appear. A tooth may also darken as a result of trauma or decay, so a professional examination is recommended to determine what’s causing the color change.
Gum boil
A gum boil is a lesion resembling a pimple that may appear on your gum tissue. It is often related to an infection inside the soft tissues of your mouth, and a boil results when pus accumulates. The lesion usually is tender and swelling can occur. See your dentist if you develop a gum boil, even if it comes and goes.
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