October 2015 - Old Milton Dental

Tooth Extractions

Posted on October 29, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Unfortunately, sometimes a tooth simply reaches the end of its life, and nothing can save it. Perhaps it’s become so severely damaged due to trauma that there are no restorative measures possible, or maybe the level of decay is so bad that a filling wouldn’t be doable. When that happens, there can be little choice but to extract the tooth. Wisdom teeth, of course, often need to be extracted in order to relieve the pain caused when they don’t come in properly. So, regular tooth and wisdom tooth extractions being sometimes inevitable, there are certain things that you should know.

Before you have your extraction, it would be best if you didn’t take any pain medications, or drink alcohol. Either could affect the effectiveness of the anesthetic. If you are on any medication, you should tell your dentist. Also let your dentist know if you have any medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or arthritis. Again, certain conditions can affect the anesthetic.

Following the extraction, you can probably expect some swelling, and there may also be some bruising in your gums. You will probably bleed a bit for a few hours, but this is usually easily controlled by biting down on the gauze pads that your dentist will provide. Some patients experience pain, while others seem to get by quite nicely. Make sure, if you are in pain, that you take only the type of pain killers recommended or prescribed by the dentist. Also, try to keep your tongue out of the hole – I know, that’s far easier said than done, but try. Avoid hot or spicy foods, and don’t drink anything through a straw. If you smoke, wait as long as humanly possible before lighting up. Don’t gargle or rinse vigorously. Don’t spit, and try to avoid lifting heavy objects. If you find that the swelling is bothering you, you can use a cold compress for about 20 minutes, but no sooner than three hours after the extraction. If antibiotics have been prescribed, make sure that you take all of them.

Most of the time, tooth extractions go off without a hitch. But if you find that you have pain that can’t be alleviated using the painkillers that your dentist has recommended, if the swelling gets worse after three days instead of getting better, if bleeding can’t be controlled, or if you develop a fever, call Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta immediately at 678-624-0370, or visit the emergency room.

About Invisalign®

Posted on October 22, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

Most adults do not find the idea of traditional braces appealing or even realistic. Few are prepared to wear the devices, even if it means better bite alignment and a more attractive smile, and so it is fortunate that they can opt for clear braces instead. In fact, patients of Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA can ask their dentist about Invisalign® and discover how they can get the smile of their dreams without anyone even noticing they are doing it!

About Invisalign

Maybe you have heard a bit about Invisalign or clear braces, and wondered if they were a good solution for your needs. They are fascinating devices and custom made for the individual to ensure the best results.

The way that they work is very simple – using high-tech computer modeling, an impression of a patient’s mouth is slowly transformed into a perfectly aligned set of upper and lower teeth. The computer system at work then models out the tiny changes it would take to go from the beginning of the process to the end. From these models, Invisalign trays are made, and when worn for roughly two weeks each, the teeth are painlessly and slowly moved into their new and ideal locations.

Patients can take out the trays to eat and maintain the health of their teeth and gums, and wear them nearly invisibly for the rest of the day. Because the process is meant to be done in increments, it can take up to two years for the process to be completed, but it is done so discreetly, comfortably, and easily that few patients mind the length of treatment.

Why Straighten Now?

Many adults wonder why they should bother with Invisalign or clear braces if they have lived with their less than perfect smile for so many years. The answer is simple: Invisalign does more than straighten the teeth. When complete, your bite will be perfectly aligned, removing the risk to the teeth and the jaw from uneven wear. The long-term benefits of this are immense, and have to be considered in addition to the good looks of your perfectly straight smile.

Speak with your dentist at Old Milton Dental today and ask if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. You can have the smile of your dreams and still enjoy life to the fullest without the stigma, discomfort, and hassles of old-fashioned wire braces. Contact our office today for Invisalign next appointment.

Root Canals

Posted on October 15, 2015June 14, 2017 by Alpharetta Dentist

For many people, the most dreaded words heard in a dental chair are “root canal”, and this is unfortunate because root canals are no longer the difficult, overly painful, and prolonged treatments they once were. At Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA, patients can rest assured that root canals and endodontics (dentistry dealing with the interior of teeth known as the pulp) are expertly done by a dentist whose goal is to maintain the health of the tooth and keep the patient comfortable.

What Are Root Canals?

Perhaps it is more helpful to learn what root canals really are in order to remove the fear factor from them. They are treatments meant to preserve the tooth. Without root canals, you would face an unpleasant extraction and the many problems that can cause.

Instead, with endodontics, you enjoy direct treatment of the cause of pain, swelling, and infection in the tooth – preventing it from spreading or killing the tooth itself. The dentist will numb the area fully, using a comfortable local anesthetic. They will then perform the exact same sort of drilling that is done with any dental filling, and then clean the interior of the tooth and remove all infected tissue. Generally, a root canal is completed with a dental crown instead of a filling to ensure stability and that no further decay can possibly occur.

The benefits of root canals cannot be overemphasized. They save the tooth, prevent further problems, and because they are topped with dental crowns, they enable you to enjoy a stronger bite and better protected tooth structure over the long term.

Is It Always Necessary?

Even with all of the explanations about the benefits and the ease with which root canals are now done, many patients still want to know if the dentist can do something else. The most accurate answer is no – once infection has set in and the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, it is actually imperative that a root canal be done.

If the idea of a longer than usual filling-like procedure is too upsetting, simply speak with your dentist honestly about your fears, and an appropriate method of pain management will be created.

Root canals may require a return visit in order for the new crown to be made and placed, but by the time of the second visit the pain and discomfort caused by the infection and decay will have ended, and the patient will leave with a strong new crown and a much healthier smile.

Contact our office today to schedule your root canal appointment.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted on October 7, 2015May 3, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

It is unfortunate that the term cosmetic is not always associated with good health and wellbeing, because that is what the cosmetic dentistry services at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA can provide. Just consider that a visit to a cosmetic dentist can allow someone with a healthy smile to make it even healthier. How?

Cosmetic dentistry includes:

Dental Crowns – Will protect weakened teeth and serve as a sort of helmet over the remaining portion of a natural crown. Also used on dental implants and root canals.
Porcelain Veneers – A durable, fast, and simple way to create a perfectly brilliant smile using thin porcelain shells custom-made for your teeth.
Tooth Bonding – A process that strengthens the teeth and brightens them.
Tooth Colored Fillings – Enjoy premium dental health without the unattractive metallic fillings of the past.
Teeth Whitening – Patients can enjoy in-office or at-home whitening that brightens teeth by several shades and lasts for a very long time.
Smile Makeovers – Consult with a dentist and discover the steps needed to totally transform your smile.

Each of these treatments can easily address any vulnerability in individual or multiple teeth. Some may help a patient to overcome a misaligned bite, damaged or weakened teeth, and more. That is not to mention that your self-confidence is boosted with some cosmetic dentistry and that does wonders for wellbeing too!

What to Expect

Ideally, you will want to meet with a dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible. It won’t make sense to have cosmetic dentistry done if your teeth may be vulnerable to disease, decay or injury. Once a dentist has reviewed the general health of the teeth and gums, you will be able to discuss your esthetic concerns.

At the same time, functional concerns may be identified by the dentist, and if a cosmetic procedure will help with function, that will be mentioned too. After that, you can work with your dentist to arrange for the treatments needed to enhance the beauty of your perfectly healthy teeth and gums.

Don’t hide your healthy teeth and gums because of a few aesthetic issues; they are easier to manage than you might believe! Just get in touch with us to discuss your cosmetic dentistry needs and be on the path to a picture perfect smile.

Month: October 2015