by Dr. Adkins | May 16, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Emergency Dentistry
Sometimes an injury or tooth pain can occur suddenly, and immediate dental care may be required. It’s not always obvious when a problem needs emergency care, but some dental emergencies do need to be treated quickly to avoid infections or permanent damage. Here’s a guide to situations that are usually considered dental emergencies.
- Cracked or broken tooth – contact your dentist immediately. Rinse your mouth with water and hold a cold compress to the affected area until you can get to your dentist’s office.
- Excessive bleeding with lip or tongue bite – clean the area and use a cold compress. Go to the emergency room if the bleeding is severe or won’t stop.
- Jaw injury – if you think you may have broken your jaw, apply a cold pack and immediately to your dentist’s office or the emergency room.
- Knocked out tooth –rinse the root of the lost tooth if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or removed any tissue left on the tooth. Try reinserting the tooth into its socket, but if that isn’t successful, see your dentist right away. Placing the lost tooth in milk may help preserve the tooth until you can get professional help.
- Loose tooth – see your dentist immediately if one of your teeth is loosened. Take over-the-counter pain reliever if needed, and apply a cold compress.
- Lost crown or filling – place the crown or filling in a safe place and contact your dentist. To decrease sensitivity, you may apply clove oil and dental cement available at your drugstore, but only if you’ve gotten approval from your dentist.
- Severe or sudden toothache – rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the tooth. Contact your dentist if your toothache persists.
- Swelling – painful swelling in your mouth may indicate an abscess, which is an infected area of pus that can become serious. See your dentist as soon as possible, and try rinsing your mouth with saltwater in the meantime.
We look forward to seeing you in our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | May 9, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
Feeling unhappy with your smile can leave you wondering how you can obtain a stylish new look. Instead of being turned off by traditional treatments like metal braces, consider the modern approach of Invisalign clear aligners.
This revolutionary treatment involves wearing clear plastic aligners made just for you to gently move your teeth into better positions. They are practically invisible and are removable for eating and cleaning. The smooth material makes them comfortable, and they do not have any bothersome metal brackets or wires.
If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, the first step is finding an orthodontist or dentist who provides this service. Not every professional is trained in this method, so look for a certified provider of Invisalign. Once you identify your choices, select the provider who is convenient, experienced and gives you confidence in your treatment.
Your initial appointment will allow the professional to examine your mouth to make sure you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Unless you have poor oral health or severe teeth problems, most people qualify for Invisalign. The doctor will then prepare a treatment plan to guide your case and create your aligners. An impression of your teeth, X-rays, and photos will be taken to help with the process. A 3-dimensional image will be developed to help with your treatment plan, and also to allow you to see how your teeth will improve at each stage of the process and provide a timeline.
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll begin wearing them for about two weeks at a time and then switch to a different set of aligners in the series your doctor gives you. A checkup at the office is required about every six weeks to monitor your progress and get more aligners in the series as needed. The process will continue until treatment is complete, often in about one year. Then you’ll be ready to show off your brand new smile thanks to Invisalign.
If you live in the McDonough area contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | May 2, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Invisalign
Not every smile is perfect, so many people want to improve their look through orthodontics. It’s not just a rite of passage for youth anymore; people of all ages pursue new smiles these days. A modern technology that is stylish and hassle-free has been developed called Invisalign. It provides great results without impacting your life as much as traditional braces.
The first step is choosing a dental professional who offers Invisalign treatment, since not every provider is trained and qualified in this approach. Once you find the right professional, the dentist will assess your mouth and determine if you’re a good candidate. With the exception of severe misalignment, most people can benefit from Invisalign.
To get started, your dentist will take teeth impressions and X-rays to create a 3D image of your mouth. That helps determine your treatment plan, how long you can expect the process to last, and allow you to see your teeth at each stage. Being able to see the final outcome is a great advantage of Invisalign.
Clear plastic aligners will be customized for your teeth. They are hardly noticeable in your smile and won’t cause irritation or discomfort. You’ll be instructed to wear them for 22 hours a day for a couple of weeks as they gently move your teeth into better positions, after which you’ll switch to a new set of aligners in the series. The trays are removed for cleaning and eating, making them much simpler than traditional braces. Your normal oral hygiene routine isn’t impacted, as you can continue brushing and flossing as usual without the appliance in your mouth. Many patients also rave about the fact that their diets do not need to change; there are no restrictions with Invisalign.
A checkup with your dentist is needed every 4-6 weeks to monitor your progress. It usually takes from 12-18 months to complete Invisalign treatment. With proper wear, you’ll end up with a beautiful smile without having to suffer through the common complaints of orthodontics.
If you need a dentist in McDonough contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Apr 18, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Emergency Dentistry
It may be obvious when you’re in a situation that requires immediate treatment by a dentist. Perhaps you’re in immense pain, or you’ve had a tooth knocked out or bleeding that won’t stop. Examples like this make it easy to decide you need help right away, but sometimes it’s not as clear. What are some other problems that may require emergency dental treatment?
Cracked teeth
A cracked or fractured tooth is serious, and often means that the tooth has been damaged both on the inside and the outside. Many times the tooth can’t be saved. If your tooth is broken, schedule an emergency appointment immediately. Remember, a cracked tooth is different than a chipped tooth, which is not as serious. You can usually wait to see your dentist at the next available opportunity for a chipped tooth.
Lost fillings
Some lost fillings require immediate care to avoid worse issues. Fillings protect your tooth’s root from exposure, so if the filling falls out your root can be uncovered and cause intense pain. There is also increased risk for damage to your tooth’s structure, so seeing your dentist as soon as possible is suggested.
Lost crown
If your crown falls out, call your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible. Until you can see the dentist, try putting the crown back in place using an over-the-counter dental adhesive. Do not use any products like Super Glue. If the crown won’t stay in place, make sure you take it to your appointment with you so that it can be re-cemented correctly.
Abscess
If you have a painful swelling on your gum that resembles a pimple, it might be a serious condition called an abscess. It can damage gum tissue and teeth, as well as spread serious infection to your body. See your dentist immediately for proper treatment.
Emergency dentist in McDonough – JSA Family Dental Care
by Dr. Adkins | Apr 11, 2024 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 1
Not all dental procedures are extensive and invasive. Cosmetic dentistry offers many treatments to improve your smile that are relatively simple and require little time in the dental chair. If you have good overall oral health but are unhappy with your smile, you may want to consider some of these options for quick improvement.
Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most popular cosmetic dental treatments for instantly improving the quality of your smile. Every day we expose our teeth to damaging and dulling foods and beverages that result in a dingy smile. Professional teeth whitening can whiten your teeth as much as ten shades in as little as one office visit, leaving you with a healthier and younger looking smile.
Dental bonding is an excellent way to repair small imperfections on teeth quickly, such as a discolored, chipped, or oddly shaped teeth. Bonding is essentially a simplified version of a veneer or a crown using tooth-colored resin to bond to the tooth and repair the problem. Bonding can usually be completed in a single visit to your dentist.
Many dentists are now offering snap-on teeth. A Snap-On Smile is a removable appliance that covers your natural teeth. The appliance uses your natural teeth to stay in place and does not require any additional adhesive to hold in place. A Snap-On Smile can be removed during sleep and for cleaning, but otherwise stays in your mouth for all of your usual activities. Patients with special needs, such as fear of the dentist or medical conditions which preclude extensive dental procedures, may also benefit from the use of snap-on teeth.
For more information about how to quickly and easily improve the look of your smile, schedule a consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Adkins. It is easier than you may think to get that beautiful smile in no time!
If you live in the McDonough area contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Apr 4, 2024 | Blog, Dental Topics 4, Implant Dentistry
What Dental Implants Are and Their Purpose
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are made of high-quality titanium that bonds with the bone, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth. This procedure is popular because it’s a permanent solution that is almost identical to natural teeth in terms of appearance, function, and durability.
The purpose of dental implants is to replace missing or damaged teeth without affecting neighboring teeth. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures that can damage healthy tooth structures and gums, dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone and become a solid base for replacement teeth.
The Importance of Maintaining Good Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health is crucial when considering dental implants. It’s essential to have healthy gums and enough bone structure for successful implantation. Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease which leads to bone loss making it difficult to hold an implant in place.
Good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. Preventative care can help you avoid serious dental problems down the road such as gum disease, cavities or even losing multiple teeth in your lifetime.
At this point, you may be wondering why dental implants should be considered over other treatments such as dentures or bridges if you still have some natural healthy teeth left. Dental Implants offer several benefits over other methods of replacing missing teeth which we will explore further in this article.
Improved Appearance and Confidence
Let’s face it, our smile is often the first thing people notice about us. It’s what we use to convey warmth, kindness, and friendliness.
In fact, studies have shown that a great smile can even improve our chances of success in both personal and professional settings. So when we lose a tooth, it can be devastating to our self-esteem.
That’s where dental implants come in. Dental implants not only replace missing teeth but also improve the appearance of one’s smile.
These implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. They are custom-made for each patient, ensuring that they fit perfectly into their mouth.
The result is a seamless blend between the implant and the surrounding teeth. But it’s not just about looks; dental implants also offer psychological benefits by boosting confidence levels.
When people feel good about their appearance, they tend to be more outgoing and assertive in social situations. They radiate positivity and energy, which can help them achieve their goals more easily.
Enhanced Functionality
Chewing food or speaking with a missing tooth can be difficult, if not impossible at times. This is where dental implants come into play again – they allow for improved functionality of the mouth.
Dental implants are anchored into the jawbone with titanium screws; this creates a solid foundation for replacement teeth that mimics natural tooth roots as closely as possible. As a result of this secure base, patients find it easier to eat their favorite foods without worrying about discomfort or slippage.
Additionally, dental implants allow for better communication by eliminating speech difficulties caused by missing teeth or moving dentures around in your mouth while speaking. In comparison to other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges that may require special care or frequent adjustment appointments with your dentist just so you can chew properly again without pain or discomfort- dental Implants offer a more stable and permanent solution.
Long-Term Durability
Dental implants are made to last. These implants are crafted from high-quality materials that can withstand the stress of daily use. Properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime without needing to be replaced.
In comparison to other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges that may require frequent replacements due to wear and tear or changes in the mouth’s structure over time, dental implants offer cost-effective long-term solutions. In addition, they do not require any special cleaning procedures or extra maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing which makes them an easier option for those who prefer convenience alongside durability.
Preservation of Jawbone Health
When we lose a tooth, our jawbone begins to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation from the missing tooth root. This loss can cause facial structure changes and even further tooth loss if left untreated.
But dental implants stimulate jawbone growth by integrating with the surrounding bone tissue. This prevents bone loss and preserves facial structure over time, keeping your face looking healthy and youthful.
In comparison to other tooth replacement options like bridges which sit atop the gum line- Dental Implants provide stimulation directly into the jawbone keeping it healthy and robust. So next time you are faced with a missing tooth dilemma- Consider Dental Implants as your go-to solution for not just better functionality but also improved appearance in both personal & professional settings in addition to long-term durability & preservation of good oral health!
Dental Implants for Smokers:
Smoking is one of the most harmful habits that a person can have. It not only affects a person’s lungs, but it also has negative consequences on oral health. When it comes to dental implants, smoking can significantly reduce the success rate of the procedure.
Studies have shown that smokers have a higher risk of implant failure due to decreased bone density and compromised healing abilities. However, smokers can take necessary steps to increase their chances of successful implantation.
Quitting smoking altogether is the best option, as it not only improves overall health but also increases the success rate of dental implants. In cases where quitting isn’t an option, reducing smoking before and after surgery can also help improve the outcome.
Dental Implants for Athletes:
Athletes are at a higher risk of experiencing dental trauma due to contact sports or accidents during physical activity. Dental implants offer several benefits for athletes in need of tooth replacement.
They are durable and can withstand physical impact better than other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. In addition to their durability, dental implants restore natural chewing and speaking abilities that may be affected by missing teeth.
This is particularly important for athletes who rely on these abilities in their sport or daily life activities. If you’re an athlete who needs tooth replacement, talk to your dentist about the benefits of dental implants and how they can positively impact your athletic performance.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits over other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures.
Dental implants improve appearance and confidence while enhancing functionality and promoting long-term durability. In niche cases such as smokers and athletes, dental implants offer unique benefits that cater to those specific lifestyles.
Quitting or reducing smoking improves success rates while providing athletes with durable and functional tooth replacement. If you’re considering tooth replacement options, dental implants are a worthy investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
Do you live in McDonough or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
(470) 665-5292 
E-Mail Us 
JSA Dental Care
