General Dentistry

 

Teeth Cleanings

Good oral hygiene is important, not only for looks, but for general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease and strokes. Regular cleanings can help prevent these problems and provide you with good oral hygiene. According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, we are also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.

 

Children and adults should be seen for their regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have their dental check ups more than twice a year.

 

 

X-Rays

Dental x-rays are images of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during your dental examination.

 

Bitewing x-rays show the upper and lower back teeth. These x-rays are used to check for decay between the teeth. They also show bone loss when severe gum disease or a dental infection is present.

 

Panoramic x-rays show a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, They show problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumors), infections, and fractures.

 

 

Dr's Exams

Exams begin by reviewing the x-rays, models, and photos of your mouth with one of our doctors. Any conditions are noted and explained in detail. The clinical exam includes examination of the teeth and gums, evaluation of the bite and TMJ, an oral cancer screening, and an esthetic evaluation where indicated.

 

If treatment needs are not complex, we recommend solutions, and ask the patient if they are ready to proceed. If the treatment recommendations are more complex, we may ask you or your child to return for a further consultation.

 

 

Whitening

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world today. Whitening removes organic stains or discolorations primarily caused by aging and certain foods.

 

We offer prescription take-home systems.

 

• We provide you with a whitening tray and whitening agent to use at home.

 

• Convenience: You can do home whitening at any time of the day or night, for short or long periods.

 

• Portability: You can also use at-home whitening trays while on the go wherever you are.

 

 

Fillings

A dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth.

 

Dental filling materials include amalgam (silver) and composite (tooth colored) restorations.

 

 

Crowns

A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. After removing the old restoration and decay if there is not enough of your own natural tooth structure, a build up will be used. Crowns are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

 

 

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a simple procedure with minimal discomfort.  In root canal therapy the nerve of the tooth is irreversibly damaged and needs to be removed. Following the removal of all diseased material, your root chamber is cleaned and sealed to help prevent any further problems.

 

After root canal therapy it’s important to place a crown on your tooth to strengthen it and protect it from further complications. The only alternative treatment for a tooth with an irreversibly damaged pulp is to extract it.

 

 

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is used to help relax anxious patients of all ages in the dental office but especially children. It is non-allergenic and one of the safest anti-anxiety agents used in dental offices. It produces a relaxed, mildly sedated state that helps make trips to the dentist more enjoyable for patients. Nitrous oxide is completely reversible in a matter of minutes. The ease of reversal allows you to safely drive home or go to work after your appointment.

 

 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry can help patients with:

 

•  Cracked teeth

•  Chipped or fractured teeth

•  Discolored teeth

•  Excess or uneven gum tissue

•  Missing teeth

•  Decayed teeth

•  Weakened teeth

 

Cosmetic dentistry includes veneers, dental implants, crowns, bridges and gum recontouring, and may also integrate other dental treatments such as white fillings, teeth whitening, and bonding.

 

At East Marietta Family Dentistry, we offer advanced materials and techniques for our crown and bridge treatments. Today’s restorations can give you healthy teeth that last for years while looking completely natural.

 

Dental Implants

 

Dental implants are the best way to replace areas where teeth are missing.  A dental implant is a post that is surgically placed in your jaw beneath your gums and is fitted with a crown to simulate your natural teeth. Unlike bridges, implants do not need to be anchored to other teeth, which can benefit your overall oral health. Implants are anchored in your jaw and are not removable like dentures. They can be cleaned like your natural teeth.

 

Crowns and Bridges

 

Crowns and bridges are permanent restorations that are used when inadequate healthy tooth structure is present for a traditional filling. Crowns restore the normal shape and color of your tooth and fit right on top of your existing tooth. Crowns or “caps” are used: to replace missing tooth structure, protect a weak tooth from fracturing or to strengthen a fractured tooth, improve your bite if your tooth is badly shaped, improve the esthetics of discolored teeth and to cover implants.

 

Bridges are used to cover areas of your mouth where teeth are missing.

Bridges are used improve your bite, which allows you to eat easier.  They also improve oral esthetics by filling in missing spaces. A crown will be placed on teeth at each end of the space and there will be a fake tooth connected to both crowns at each side of the missing space. Bridges are not removable and are a more affordable way to fill in missing spaces in your mouth when implants are not an option.

 

 

Veneers

Veneers are non-removable custom “shells” fitted to the front of your teeth after a small amount of enamel is removed. They can be used to change the shape, length and color of your teeth as well as fill in small spaces between your teeth. Veneers are thinner and smaller than crowns and can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth in some circumstances.