by Dr. Adkins | Oct 28, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
If you suffer from stained, crooked, chipped or misaligned teeth, you might be looking forward to a total smile makeover to perfect your smile. Combining treatments like dental veneers, braces, teeth whitening, bonding or gum recontouring can drastically improve the look and function of your smile. In order to make the most of your smile makeover,
here are some tips you should follow when planning your treatment:
- Choose a qualified, experienced cosmetic dentist. Take time to identify a dental professional who has extensive dental education, as well as one who stays current on new technology and with whom you feel comfortable.
- Communicate your smile makeover expectations with your cosmetic dentist. Be clear about the results you would like to achieve, bringing photos of examples if possible. Clear communication with your dentist will going a long way in being pleased with the final result.
- Have your dentist explain how your planned procedures may affect the function of your teeth. Certain types of treatments, such as braces or veneers, can change the way you eat or talk.
- Educate yourself about the process used to complete any treatments or procedures you plan to undergo. Discuss the smile makeover procedures with your cosmetic dentist, as well as any instructions for before or after the procedures.
A smile makeover can significantly improve the look of your smile, as well as your overall self-confidence. Taking the time to educate yourself about the process and prepare for treatment will ensure your result is a beautiful new smile.
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 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 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
by Dr. Adkins | Aug 28, 2017 | Blog, Dental Topics, Uncategorized
There’s a whole branch of dentistry made for giving you the smile you’ve always wanted. Cosmetic dentistry provides numerous options for treatment with the goal of improving the appearance of your smile. Often there are oral health benefits as well, but the primary purpose is making cosmetic improvements to your smile.
Cosmetic dentists complete training in specialized procedures that some dental practices may not offer. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your look, seek help from a reputable and qualified cosmetic dentist to assist you in achieving your goals. It’s a matter of communicating what you dislike about your smile, undergoing an examination so that the dentist can make recommendations, and then deciding your treatment plan together. Some patients choose only a single procedure, and others pursue several in order to get their final beautiful smile.
What are some common cosmetic dental procedures?
- Veneers – thin layers of porcelain are bonded to the fronts of teeth to hide many kinds of flaws, like chips, cracks, discolorations, gaps and more. Veneers provide a durable way to instantly improve smiles.
- Implants – a titanium rod is surgically placed into the jaw bone to create a new root for a missing tooth. After healing, an artificial tooth is secured on top to finalize the restoration. Implants provide a secure, natural looking, and permanent alternative to dentures.
- Teeth whitening – stains and discolorations are removed in only an hour’s time through professional whitening methods. Dramatic improvements can be made to smiles without the hassles and waiting of at-home whitening methods.
- Crowns and bridges – teeth that have decayed or weakened from root canal treatment may ultimately fall out. Strengthening of a tooth can be achieved through a crown, which covers the entire tooth to protect it from cracks and possible cavities. A bridge replaces more than one missing tooth to fully restore a smile.
- Invisalign – crooked teeth can be improved using Invisalign clear plastic aligners. This series of removable trays gently moves teeth into better alignment without the embarrassing process of traditional braces.
No matter what is making you unhappy with the appearance of your smile, it’s worth your time to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Chances are that you’ll be on your way to a brand new smile!
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
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