by Dr. Adkins | Aug 12, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Family Dentistry
Life sometimes seems as though it is zipping by, and that time is running through our fingers at an alarming pace. If you have children, this seems to be more true every year. Multiple children can mean multiple schools, appointments, lessons, meetings and plans. If you are feeling like the family taxi service, you can take steps to simplify your life by finding a family dentist to serve the oral health needs of you and your entire family.
Family dental practices have arisen out of necessity for convenience of appointments and out of the outstanding dental treatments that can be achieved with a long-term relationship between a dentist and a patient. A dentist who has known a patient since childhood carries the knowledge of that patient’s teeth during formative years, and as a result, can offer the most complete treatment possible for that patient.
Several dentists for your family leaves you driving across town, from one place to another, stuck in traffic, putting wear and tear on your vehicle. Your time is too valuable to spend this way. A family dentist can make all of the appointments for your family in one block, sometimes congruently, making things so much more convenient for you.
Sometimes the most difficult parts of parenting occur in a waiting room. Children get bored and squirmy; they need to be up and moving, engaged in age-appropriate activities. No one understands this more than a family dentist. A family dentist will have a waiting area full of toys, games and books to occupy children. Because you also need some pampering, they will often have complimentary beverages like coffee, tea or water. Some have massage chairs, headphones or video screens with movies you can watch while you wait.
You deserve the comfort and convenience a family dentist will bring to you and your family as well as the excellent oral care you expect from any quality dentist.
We treat patients from McDonough and the surrounding area
by Dr. Adkins | Aug 5, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Family Dentistry
Your dentist plays an important role in your family’s healthcare. It’s more than just a teeth cleaning to keep your smile looking good; it’s a partner who helps ensure both your oral and your general health are the best they can be. That’s why it’s imperative to choose a qualified and skilled dental professional that you can stick with through the years to manage the oral health of each member of your family.
Ask friends, coworkers and neighbors for recommendations for a family dentist or conduct an online search. Once you have narrowed down your choices, schedule a consultation so that you can gather more information and get a feeling about the practice.
Consider the dentist’s credentials and experience. The dentist should have graduated from an accredited dental school and passed all exams and other requirements. Find out if the dentist has any specializations that you or a family member might be interested in, such as orthodontics or root canal therapy. If the practice offers more than one dentist in a group, make sure anyone you’ll see has the same level of experience and training. Ask about continuing education to see if the dentist keeps up with the most current techniques and trends.
Every family dentist should be willing to work with patients of all ages, but if you have family members who are very young or very old, make sure the dentist is skilled in their specific care. Inquire about options available for dental fears such as sedation dentistry.
Pay attention to all aspect of the dental office when you are there. Is the latest equipment available? Is the staff friendly and accommodating? Are you able to ask questions and get all of the information you need? Is the office location convenient? Are multiple appointments offered during one time slot? Do they offer emergency hours? Are financial policies outlined clearly?
A good family dentist takes the time to treat you and your family with care and personalized attention, as well as skill and confidence. Look for a professional who will play a trusted role as part of your healthcare team.
We treat patients from McDonough and the surrounding area
by Dr. Adkins | Jul 29, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Implant Dentistry
The days are gone when your only option for replacing missing teeth in your smile was getting dentures. Dental implants are the newest and most advanced method of restoring missing teeth, and this type of restoration accomplishes the task with natural-looking and comfortable results.
Dental implants actually replace the missing roots of a tooth that is gone. It is a very specialized procedure which requires the skill and experience of a qualified dentist or oral surgeon. The implant post, usually made of titanium, is surgically placed into a healthy jawbone. You can’t see the post after it is inserted, and then time is allowed for the post to properly fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the area has fully healed, an artificial tooth or crown is placed on top. This completes the restoration so that it looks, feels and functions like a real tooth.
The dental implant process does not damage any adjacent teeth, and others likely won’t even be able to tell you had the procedure. Your smile is fully restored, and the tooth is strong and durable. Implants are typically lifelong solutions with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. They avoid some of the common complaints associated with other restoration methods, such as slipping in your mouth or having to alter your diet. After the initial implant placement, there is no mouth discomfort or irritation. Also, there is no special maintenance required with implants; normal brushing and flossing do the trick.
Another important advantage of implants is that the resorption or deterioration of bone and gum tissue in the area of your missing tooth does not occur. This prevents the side effect of premature aging which may occur when teeth are missing. Also, dental implants are not at risk for infection.
Dental implants have proven to be a very safe, reliable and effective way to restore your mouth to its complete and finest. Many patients consider implants to be the miracle solution for missing teeth.
Schedule your appointment at our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Jul 1, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Family Dentistry
Do you have children? Are you exhausted from driving all over town for clubs and meetings and appointments for your family? If you are finding yourself occasionally overwhelmed by the needs of your family, a family dentist can help you simplify one area of your life. A family dentist can see each member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest, sometimes on the same day in the same block of time!
Because of the rising popularity of family dental practices, you have more choices than ever to address the oral health needs of your entire family. Choosing the right one can be difficult and confusing. If you’re looking for a new family dentist, here are some factors you can consider when you’re choosing which family dental practice in your area is for you:
- How much training does this dentist have? How long has he or she been in business? All dentists must graduate from dental college, but a truly exceptional dentist will pursue continuing education courses in an effort to stay abreast of the latest methods and technology in their field. Ask what current certifications the dentist holds. How experienced is their staff?
- Are the employees and the dentist good with children? When you visit their offices, do you see an environment that’s inviting and warm? Are there games or activities for children of all ages? Are the magazines you see appropriate for all ages? Do the patients in the waiting area seem comfortable and relaxed? Does everyone you see seem happy? Did the front office staff greet you in a friendly manner? If any of the answers is no, then you should look at the practice more closely before you make an appointment.
- How modern is the office? A good family dentist will have current technology and sedation dentistry options to ensure a pleasant visit for all.
Choosing a family dentist is an important step. Don’t rush into it; do some research before you decide, and you can ensure that you make the best choice for your family.
We treat patients from McDonough and the surrounding area
by Dr. Adkins | Jun 24, 2022 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 2
Are you unhappy with your smile? Do crooked, gapped or missing teeth affect you socially and professionally? Do you wish you had received braces as a child? Do you desire a brighter, whiter smile? Have you been dreading some upcoming special occasion, worried about how you’ll look in the photos or in person? If you have any insecurities about your smile, talk to a cosmetic dentist. How you feel about your smile can change.
There are so many “little” reasons to take steps to improve your smile, but you may need a bigger occasion, something very special, to help you take that first step. Is there a class or family reunion coming up? Nothing erases the years like restoring your youthful, attractive smile. Leave them doing a double-take as they realize who you are and how good you look!
Are you about to get married? At no point in your life are you likely to have as many photos taken of you as you will on your wedding day. These photos are often cherished for generations, and should represent the best you possible.
Even occasions like job interviews or first dates can warrant having your smile spruced up. Your smile is a huge part of the first impression you make on the people you meet, and with a brighter, whiter, more even smile, you will meet those people with confidence, unafraid to eat, drink, talk or laugh in public.
Your cosmetic dentist can talk to you about bonding, which allows the dentist to restore the shape of the original tooth using tooth-colored resin composites. Cosmetic contouring reshapes your teeth to correct overlapping, chipped or cracked teeth, and teeth whitening can be used to brighten your smile. Dental veneers can be used to cover gaps, discolored or stained teeth, and missing or broken teeth.
Do you have a mouth full of metal fillings? Your cosmetic dentist can remove this unsightly metal and replace it with a cosmetic filling that matches the surrounding tooth. No one will know you have fillings!
Don’t wait to begin your journey with a cosmetic dentist. You can face that special occasion with confidence and an attractive smile.
If you need a dentist in McDonough contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Jun 17, 2022 | Blog, Dental Topics 2, Family Dentistry
Due to the increased interest in cosmetic dentistry, many family dentists are becoming trained to offer more extensive procedures and treatments geared to improve the appearance of your smile. Many of these treatments are quick and painless, and can offer almost instant results. Some of the cosmetic dentistry options offered by your family dentist may include:
- Professional teeth whitening to improve the color and brightness of dark, dingy, or discolored teeth
- Placement of dental veneers to improve the look of gapped, stained, or crooked teeth
- Replacement of old or unattractive metal fillings with more natural, tooth-colored materials
- Placement of crowns and bridges to repair and replace missing or severely damaged teeth
- Correction of small spaces or gaps between teeth by bonding with tooth-colored composite resin
- Insertion of dental implants to replace missing teeth
- Straightening of teeth and correction of bite problems with braces or Invisalign
Because your family dentist is already aware of your family’s dental history, it will be simple to recommend treatment plans. With this knowledge, your dentist can also quickly and expertly assess if you or other members of your family are suitable candidates for the procedures you are seeking. Your family dentist can perform all the same services as both a pediatric dentist and a general dentist, and will be able to address the cosmetic dental concerns of every member of your family. Family dentists can provide advice as to which procedures are age appropriate and give guidelines for when treatment is recommended.
If anyone in your family is not pleased with the appearance of their teeth, consult first with your family dentist to find out what cosmetic dental procedures and treatments are offered to improve the quality of their smile.
If you live in the McDonough area contact us today