Alpharetta Dentist, Author at Old Milton Dental

Is Smoking Bad For Your Teeth?

Posted on August 1, 2018April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

Although less and fewer people in the US are smoking cigarettes, there are still plenty of smokers out there. In addition, vaping or smoking e-cigarettes has been rising in popularity due to the stigma that it is healthier than smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, both smoking cigarettes, as well as vaping, is not healthy for your oral health, especially your teeth. Smoking is bad for your teeth and overall oral health. Learn more about the effects of smoking on your oral health from Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta.

Side Effects of Smoking on Your Oral Health

When you smoke, it can take quite the toll on your oral health as well as your teeth. Aside from hurting your dental health, smoking can also lead to lung cancer, cardiopulmonary problems and make asthma symptoms worse and increase coughing fits. Smoking can also affect your blood pressure, increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes and cause chronic lung problems like emphysema. On the other hand, smoking can lead to some terrible oral health side effects like bad breath, discolor your teeth, increase your risk of developing oral cancer, cause gum disease, and increase the time it takes for your body to heal wounds or after surgery.

Cigarettes contain harmful substances like tar, nicotine, and others that can do a lot of damage to your teeth. When you smoke, your mouth and teeth are the first parts of your body that come into contact with the smoke and chemicals which is why it’s no wonder smoking causes so many oral health problems. When you smoke, the chemicals go directly onto your teeth. Unless you brush your teeth directly after smoking, these chemicals will cause plaque, yellow stains and weaken your enamel. In addition, your weakened enamel will protect your teeth less from the harmful bacteria that smoking also produces. This means your teeth are more likely to develop cavities and gum disease. Gum disease can lead to rotting teeth that eventually fall out.

Smoking Affects Surgeries and Wound Healing

When you smoke, it decreases the amount of oxygen in your body. As a result, your body heals a lot slower when you’re a smoker. This is one of the top reasons doctors are hesitant to perform surgery on smokers. When it comes time to heal, your body will heal at a much slower rate. This can increase your chance of infection. If you have broken bones that need healing, smoking also affects the rate at which these heal as well. If you are going to undergo surgery, we highly recommend that you quit smoking a month before your surgery. Just a few days after quitting, your oxygen levels rise significantly. 4 weeks after quitting, your inflammatory cell response reduces. In addition, if you’re a smoker, your risk of having a heart attack, going into cardiac arrest and having a stroke is increased significantly during surgery. In other words, if you smoke and undergo surgery, it’s more likely you can have life-threatening problems.

How Vaping Affects Your Dental Health

Now that you know how cigarette smoking affects your dental health, it’s time to learn how vaping affects your dental health. Vaping is trending now more than ever when it comes to alternatives to smoking cigarettes. This is because people think it is a healthier alternative. Studies have shown that vaping is healthier for your teeth, but just as harmful to your overall health.

For example, vaping has not shown to give patients bad breath, plaque build-up or tooth discoloration. This should not encourage you to want to vape. Studies have found that if you smoke the vaporizers with nicotine in them, you are still going to experience the side effects that come with smoking nicotine such as a decreased blood flow. Therefore, you will still be at an increased risk for problems during surgery and your body will take longer to heal wounds. This decrease in blood flow can prevent your mouth from fighting off harmful bacteria. Therefore, you are more prone to infections in your gums and teeth. No kind of smoking is good for your teeth!

Although vaping does not stain your teeth, the vapors in the cartridges release different inflammatory proteins that seep into the gum tissue. This can lead to different oral diseases. In addition, some of the different flavorings found in vaporizers can lead to cellular damage throughout your mouth. Vaping can also suppress your immune system. Studies have found that vaporizer users can still have respiratory problems and issues in the nasal passages. If you think that vaping is a healthy alternative to smoking cigarettes, think again.

Increasing Your Oral Health as a Smoker

If you’re a smoker, of course, our first piece of advice is to quit smoking. Unfortunately, not all patients can do this, nor is it an easy process. In the meantime, we recommend that you do everything in your power to maintain your dental health. This means you need to brush more often than non-smokers so that you can remove the harmful chemicals from your teeth. This will help prevent decay, cavities and gum disease. We can even recommend some toothpaste and mouthwashes that are designed specifically for smokers. They might fight off bad breath and harmful chemicals better than traditional products. We also recommend that you visit us every 6 months for your dental checkups and cleanings. Our dentist will check for cavities, decay, signs of gum disease and check for oral cancer. Prevention is the best way to keep your mouth healthy!

Schedule Your Next Visit Today

If you are a smoker, it’s important for you to visit our dental office in Alpharetta regularly so that we can ensure your smile stays healthy. If you can’t quit, make sure you are taking as good care of your oral health as possible. Smoking is bad for your oral health and we’re here to help you as well as we can. Give Old Milton Dental a call or fill out our online form today to schedule your next dental appointment.

Traditional VS Electric Toothbrushes and Floss

Posted on June 23, 2018April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

When it comes to choosing the right toothbrush and floss for you, there are so many options out there. There are different types of electric toothbrushes that range from just $10 to over $100. Which one do you choose? Or should you pick a manual toothbrush? Do you pick traditional floss, flossers or go with a water pick? Choosing the best option for your mouth can be a stressful choice. That’s why our dentists at Old Milton Dental compiled this list of pros and cons of each choice out there to find out which is best for your mouth. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Alpharetta dentist to have your questions answered.

Electric Toothbrushes

With so many different electric toothbrushes out there, it can be overwhelming to choose one. The first question you might have though, are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes? The answer is, yes! Not only do electric toothbrushes have a time on them to ensure you brush for two minutes, but they tend to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes can make brushing as a child easier because of the timer, and you can get their favorite cartoon character on it to make it more fun.

Pros of Electric Toothbrushes

There are many pros of electric toothbrushes. First, electric toothbrushes make it more fun for kids to brush their teeth twice a day. In addition, electric toothbrushes can save you time and do a better cleaning job than manual toothbrushes. The average electric toothbrush can provide 6,000 to 30,000 strokes per minute. Therefore, it will take less time to properly clean your teeth. Today, there are even electric toothbrushes out there that tell you if you missed some spots in your mouth. This can help ensure you clean every nook of your mouth.

Cons of Electric Toothbrushes

Of course, the first con of electric toothbrushes is that they can run on the costly side. Of course, if you factor in the money you will save on dental treatments in the future because your mouth is staying clean, the price of an electric toothbrush is well worth the investment. The expensive ones tend to do a bit of a better job or provide different settings; however, even a cheap electric toothbrush will provide you with more benefits than a manual toothbrush. Another con of electric toothbrushes is that some people find the electric brushing to be a bit painful if they have sensitive teeth. This applies to people who have sensitive teeth or gums, loose teeth. Electric toothbrushes might not be the best option for you if you suffer from these problems. Lastly, some people find electric toothbrushes too bulky to travel with, although most break apart into two easy to move pieces.

Manual Toothbrushes Pros

The top pro of manual toothbrushes is that you have control over the pressure and way you brush your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, this is going to be the better option for you. You can brush your teeth, gums, and cheeks at your own comfortable setting. Another pro is that manual toothbrushes are cheap and easy to transport! You also never have to worry about the battery dying because there is not the battery.

Cons of Manual Toothbrushes

Although manual toothbrushes are cost-effective, it’s easy to not brush your teeth for two minutes or to do it as effectively as you could. In other words, brushing with a manual toothbrush can lead to lazy brushing habits. This only applies to those people who are lazy with their dental hygiene habits. Those who suffer from arthritis or find it hard to hold a toothbrush may want to steer clear of manual toothbrushes since they will find it difficult to brush their teeth properly enough to fight off dental decay and plaque. Manual toothbrushes have also been found to be less appealing to children. This results in children who do not want to brush their teeth or do an effective job.

Water Flossers Pros

If you hate flossing, you might enjoy a water flosser instead. A water flosser takes away the pain of dealing with floss and instead you spray your teeth with water to get between the hard to reach spaces. This is a pro for those who have braces or dental bridges since it’s hard to floss with those. It’s also an appealing solution for those who don’t necessarily enjoy flossing. It’s easy to operate and can do a semi-good job.

Cons of Water Flossers

As fun as they can be, water flossers cannot effectively clean off plaque and debris like traditional floss. Water flossers can also be a bit pricey.

Traditional Floss Pros

When it comes to flossing, traditional floss is the way to go. Traditional floss does a better job at cleaning and removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. It’s flexible and can easily be used between all your teeth. Another huge perk is that it’s cost-effective. You can choose from a variety of different floss depending on your personal preference. If you really hate flossing, you can even choose the already strung flossers. These make flossing easy (although be aware that they contain plastic and are not the most environmentally friendly product out there.)

Cons of Traditional Flossing

The largest issue that our patients have with traditional flossing is that some find it hard to operate or do properly. Our hygienist can easily show you how to properly floss at home. All it takes is a bit of practice and you will be a pro in no time! Another con is that many people find that flossing seems inconvenient and as a tedious task. Although it may seem like one, it’s important for your dental health. We have found that those who use traditional floss are less likely to floss than those who have a special water flosser or another alternative.

What’s Best for You?

At the end of the day, whether you choose an electric toothbrush or manual or go with flossers over a water flosser, the best ones you can pick are the ones you will actually use. If you’re interested in improving your dental health by including the use of an electric toothbrush and daily flossing then good for you! Make sure to give our hygienist in Alpharetta a visit to see if your dental hygiene efforts at home are paying off. For any questions, you might have, fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch soon.

Top 8 Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening in Alpharetta

Posted on May 28, 2018April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

Stained or yellowed smiles can take a damper on your self-confidence. At Old Milton Dental, we want our patients to love their smile which is why we offer professional teeth whitening. Unlike over the counter products, professional teeth whitening can lighten your smile up to 7 shades and give you the luminescent smile you have always desired. With our professional whitening products, you can expect nothing less than beautiful results from our cosmetic dentist in Alpharetta. Continue reading to find out all of the top benefits of professional teeth whitening and then schedule your own whitening appointment today.

Professional Whitening Will Give you Even and Thorough Results

One of the top reasons our cosmetic dentists recommend professional teeth whitening to patients is because it provides patients with results they cannot achieve with over the counter whitening products alone. With the over the counter products, there is no way to ensure you will receive the results you want. Whitening strips are or the gel you place in an appliance are not guaranteed to apply the whitening solution evenly to your teeth. Many patients find that the over the counter products will not evenly whiten their teeth, leaving them with white spots on their teeth following treatment. With our professional whitening products at Old Milton Dental, we ensure the whitening solution is applied evenly to your teeth so you will have beautiful results.

We use the ZOOM! whitening products. The treatment consists of using an oral tray filled with a whitening gel that sits in your mouth for an hour in our office or with a take-home kit that you can complete on your own time. Our dentist will show you how to properly use the whitening products at home so you can have beautiful results regardless if you choose to do it in our office or not.

Professional Strength

With professional teeth whitening comes professional strength! There’s a reason that you’re over the counter whitening products don’t provide you with the shade of white you desire. This is because the products are not strong enough. With professional whitening, your dentist is administering and supervising your treatment, therefore making it legal for a higher power bleach to be used. This allows your teeth to whiten up to several shades in one visit, or at home. You won’t need to return for another whitening treatment for at least a year. This isn’t true with over the counter products where your teeth quickly return to their yellow shade they begin with within months. Save your money from over the counter products, and invest in professional teeth whitening for the professional strength.

Fast Results

Instead of waiting up to two weeks for your over the counter whitening strips to make a difference, you can simply visit our Alpharetta dentist office on your lunch break and return to work with teeth that are 7 shades lighter. This is an ideal solution for those who need a last-minute improvement on their smile or have an event coming up. You can experience almost instant results with a simple visit to our dental office. If this isn’t a benefit of professional teeth whitening, we don’t know what is!

Comfortable Treatment with Reduced Tooth Sensitivity

With over the counter products, it’s normal to experience increased tooth sensitivity with your teeth whitening treatment. In most cases, this is because the whitening solution finds its way to your gums, which then irritates your gums and causes pain in your teeth. This pain can be avoided with professional teeth whitening because your dentist is there to monitor your treatment. For the at-home solution, Dr. Mazer will give you tips on not getting the whitening solution on your gums and other precautions you can take to avoid increased tooth sensitivity. Enjoy a comfortable whitening experience during and after treatment with professional teeth whitening.

Professional Whitening is Safe

Most people don’t second guess if over the counter whitening products are safe or not. When used incorrectly, they can actually do harm to your enamel. This is quite common with the popular “charcoal whitening” products you brush your teeth with. Those actually scrape away your enamel in order to provide you with a white smile. Leave the whitening to the professionals and avoid inflicting any damage on your teeth that you will regret in your future. Damage to your teeth can lead to pain, decay, cavities and a life filled with further dental problems. Keep your teeth safe and pain-free when you choose professional teeth whitening from our Alpharetta dentist.

Smile With Confidence

When you choose to opt for professional teeth whitening from our experienced cosmetic dentists, you’re choosing professional results. These beautiful results will help you smile with confidence knowing you received the best care possible. There’s no need to worry that your results won’t look amazing. Our experienced cosmetic dentist is well-versed in professional teeth whitening and can help you achieve the exact results you’re looking for. Skip the Russian roulette results you would end up with from over the counter whitening products, and choose a service you can feel confident will result nice. Our professionals are here to help you achieve your desired smile with help from our ZOOM! whitening products.

Pick Your Results

When you visit our cosmetic dentist for your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you will actually pick the shade of white you want your teeth to be and we will perform your treatment accordingly to achieve those results. Unlike over the counter whitening, you can pick the end result. This means your teeth won’t be under or over white; they will look just how you wanted them to.

Schedule Your Whitening Treatment Today

Whether you want to whiten your teeth in our office, or in the comfort of your home, you should experience the benefits of professional teeth whitening for yourself. Don’t waste your money on over the counter products and instead seek treatment from our expert cosmetic dentists. We’re here to help you achieve a bright and white smile you won’t want to wait to show off! Our Alpharetta dental office can be reached via phone or our online contact form. We look forward to helping your smile!

Top 7 Cosmetic Dentistry Options in Alpharetta

Posted on April 29, 2018April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

In Alpharetta, Old Milton Dental not only takes preventive and restorative dentistry seriously, but we care if our patients are happy with their smiles. This is why we offer so many different cosmetic dentistry procedures for them to choose from. Whether a patient wants to seal up their gapped smile with dental bonding or Invisalign or needs to remove years of coffee stains, we can help! Find out all of the top cosmetic dentistry options we carry in our Alpharetta dental office.

Porcelain Veneers

One of the top cosmetic dentistry options we carry is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin sheets or porcelain that are tooth colored and shaped to recreate your smile. Veneers can help an array of different dental problems. They can also make a huge difference with only one to two veneers! Some common problems solved by porcelain veneers are hiding gapped, crooked, or misaligned smiles, lengthening teeth to cover gummy smiles, making teeth more symmetrical, providing perfectly white teeth that cannot be stained and covering cracked, chipped or broken teeth. The options are endless with porcelain veneers. Veneers are thought to be one of the top ways to achieve a cosmetically perfect smile.

Teeth Whitening

Another one of our top cosmetic dentistry options in Alpharetta includes professional teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening is one of our most cost-effective treatments as well as one of the most popular. Patients come to us complaining of their stained or yellow teeth and how they found over the counter products to be ineffective. Once we determine that the patient has a healthy enough smile for teeth whitening, we provide them with our different whitening options. These include both in-office options as well as take-home options. Both products are Zoom! whitening.

Zoom! uses custom-made trays made with impressions from the patient’s own teeth with a high bleach whitening gel that is inserted into the whitening trays. Since it is custom fit to the patient’s mouth, no whitening solution will be where it shouldn’t. This prevents increased sensitivity to hot or cold or sweet food or drinks. Your dentist monitoring your treatment will also ensure that no damage occurs to your teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a cheaper alternative than porcelain veneers but can achieve the same results. The only big difference is that dental bonding lasts for 1 to 3 years while porcelain veneers can last up to ten. If you are considering porcelain veneers in Alpharetta, you should get dental bonding to test out the potential results of veneers. This is a smart option since veneers are a permanent commitment. However, if you don’t want to commit to an expensive or permanent dental solution, dental bonding can provide you with natural-looking results that can transform your smile. Bonding can be used to fill in gaps, hide receding gums, lengthen your teeth, make your teeth more symmetrical and more. Talk to our dentist to find out if dental bonding is the right solution for you.

Invisalign

The look of metal braces is not for everyone, not to mention the treatment is quite painful and restricts lots of foods that you can eat. Many patients are choosing to seek the alternative to braces, Invisalign. Invisalign is a simple orthodontic alternative that requires patients to wear clear aligners for two weeks and then switch than with new ones. They will continue this plan of action for their entire treatment which may take anywhere from 6 months to two years. The aligners are completely removable, meaning patients can eat anything they want during treatment. In addition, these aligners are clear, making them perfect for those who want a discreet treatment. The treatment works by gradually moving your teeth into their correct position. If you’re interested in clear braces in Alpharetta, talk to our dentist.

Smile Makeover

Some patients come to visit us with no idea how they want to have their teeth fixed but know that they are unhappy with their smile and know what they want it to look like. With a smile makeover, our dentist will evaluate your smile to help you determine which treatment options will work best to achieve your goals. A smile makeover will consist of at least two different treatments. Whether that be Invisalign and teeth whitening, or porcelain veneers and bonding, your desired smile is within reach. You will tell Dr. Mazer what you do or don’t like and he will tell you which of our cosmetic dentistry options can help you. From there, we will schedule all needed appointments to complete the procedures. In a matter of visits, you can have a completely new smile!

Dental Crowns

Although this is also a restorative treatment, dental crowns work similar to porcelain veneers. Patients who have cracked or damaged structure to their teeth not only need restorative work but cosmetic. Dental crowns solve both! A crown is essentially a cap that is placed over your damaged tooth, made to look completely natural to restore it back to health. The crown protects your tooth from any further damage and from decay and bacteria from finding its way inside. In addition, it looks completely natural and can give you back your confidence. Many patients use crowns to solve damaged teeth as well as crowns to attach to their dental implants. Whatever you are unhappy with on your smile, Old Milton Dental has a dental option for you.

Contact Old Milton Dental for Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are unhappy with your smile, what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and give our cosmetic dentists a call. We will evaluate your smile and let you know about all of the different cosmetic dentistry options we have available that may help you. Our Alpharetta dentist office can be reached via phone or by filling out our online contact form. Explore the top 7 cosmetic dentistry options and how they can help you find your way to a new smile.

Why Adults Should Consider Invisalign

Posted on March 24, 2018April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

At Old Milton Dental, we receive patients of all ages at our Alpharetta dentist office. A lot of these patients are visiting us and claiming they are unhappy with their smile. One of the number one cause of their unhappiness is from not having orthodontic treatment during their youth, or they had it but didn’t wear their retainer so their smile moved back to the way it was prior to treatment. Luckily, we offer a discreet and easy way to straighten their teeth using Invisalign clear aligners! Adults should consider Invisalign treatment to solve their orthodontic problems. Continue reading to find out why adults in Alpharetta are visiting Old Milton Dental to achieve a perfect smile.

What is Invisalign?

If you have been living under a rock, or just do not pay attention to the latest and greatest in dental technology, you may not know what Invisalign is. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to slowly shift your teeth into their desired position. Treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the severity of the dental problems. The aligners are removable and completely invisible which makes them convenient for eating and for maintaining your self-confidence during treatment. Not all patients are a candidate for Invisalign. Patients with serious alignment issues will usually need to use traditional braces until their teeth are in the right position for Invisalign and then they can switch their treatment if they want. Continue reading to find out why adults should consider Invisalign.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a simple treatment process. First, you will need to pay our Alpharetta dentist office a visit to be considered for treatment. Dr. Mazer will evaluate your smile to determine if Invisalign is right for you. From there, he will take impressions of your teeth and create your entire treatment plan. He will send these off to the Invisalign lab where they will create your Invisalign aligners. Dr. Mazer will give you your aligners and you are to wear them for 2 weeks each, only taking them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth. We recommend you wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Every 6 weeks, you will visit us so we can make your sure treatment is on track. We may need to make small adjustments during your treatment. After your treatment is over, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your smile. A very simple treatment process, perfect for responsible adults!

Are Adults Candidates for Invisalign?

Aren’t braces for children and teens? No! Orthodontic treatment can actually be used by patients of all ages and we strongly encourage our adult patients in Alpharetta to seek orthodontic treatment if they need it. There is no age limit on achieving the perfect smile. Even patients in their senior years have used Invisalign to correct their smile. Although age is not a determining factor for Invisalign, patients will need to have healthy teeth, be free of periodontal diseases and of course, they cannot have severe orthodontic problems. Dr. Mazer will examine your smile to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign. If you are worried you are too old for Invisalign, don’t. Invisalign is the perfect treatment for all ages!

Benefits of Invisalign for Adults

You might be wondering why an adult would choose Invisalign over traditional braces. There are plenty of benefits of Invisalign for adults. Amongst these includes the invisible aspect of the aligners. Most adults don’t want braces because they don’t want a mouth full of metal and to feel like they look like a teenager. With clear aligners, this is no longer a problem. It is very hard for anyone to tell you are wearing braces when you have your aligners in. This helps adults maintain their self-confidence. You won’t have to fear to go to work or hiding your smile during the course of your treatment because your smile will look the same.

Another benefit of Invisalign for adults in Alpharetta is that they are removable. Having removable braces makes going out to dinner with friends easy and maintaining your dental hygiene a simple process. You can eat whatever you want during the course of treatment. And even better, you can brush and floss normally so you don’t have to worry about difficult cleaning processes or cavities.

Invisalign also has a faster treatment time than traditional braces which means you will be done with your treatment faster. This is appealing to patients who want the fastest solution for their problem. Another benefit of Invisalign is that the treatment is not as painful as traditional braces. Since you are changing your aligners every two weeks, you don’t have to visit your dentist for painful braces tightening every 6 weeks. It is less painful because your teeth are moving gradually instead of all at once. The clear aligners are also very comfortable to wear and won’t cut or scrape your lips or cheeks which are a common problem with traditional braces.

Another benefit includes fewer visits to the dentist. Being an adult is busy and you really don’t have time to be spending at extra visits to the dentist. With Invisalign, you only need to visit us every 6 weeks so we can ensure your treatment is moving along as it should. Traditional braces, on the other hand, can have you at the dentist every 4 – 6 weeks and even more often if you break a bracket or a wire pops out. There are so many things that can go wrong with traditional braces that can force you to visit the dentist more often. For adult’s busy schedules, Invisalign makes the most sense.

You might be wondering about the cost of Invisalign and we can tell you that it doesn’t cost much more than traditional metal braces. There is also a good chance that your insurance might cover part of the treatment. Speak with our dentist about financing options and we will give you all the information you need to know about the cost of Invisalign in Alpharetta.

Schedule an Appointment with Old Milton Dental

If you are an adult and you are considering Invisalign treatment, give our Alpharetta dentist office a call today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile! Give us a call or fill out our online contact form.

Misconceptions About Root Canals

Posted on February 6, 2018April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

When it comes to root canal therapy, there is an abundance of misconceptions out there. Our duty as dentists is to inform you about the truth behind root canals and this includes demystifying these misconceptions, so you can see how beneficial root canal therapy can be for your health. Old Milton Dental is here to answer all your questions and educate you about root canals from our dentist in Alpharetta. Read on to learn more about the misconceptions about root canals, but first, we will explain to you how a root canal treatment works.

What is a Root Canal?

As soon as a patient hears the words “root canal” they wince in pain and fear, scared of the procedure that awaits them. Fortunately, root canals are not actually a painful procedure. By being aware of what is going to happen during the procedure should help you feel less scared about your upcoming treatment. The only thing that hurts during the procedure is the own fear you have instilled in your own mind.

Root canals are actually very common procedures and they can save you from having a tooth extraction. Some of the most common reasons a patient will require a root canal are first from an infected root. This can be caused by a deep cavity that has not been treated. As a result, you may be in a significant amount of pain from the infection and inflammation. This is a huge reason why we encourage patients to seek dental treatment as soon as they feel something is wrong. It’s also beneficial to visit us twice a year for dental exams so we can identify problems before they become worse and more difficult to treat. Common symptoms can include extreme pain and swelling in the face and tooth.

Another reason a patient may require a root canal is from an abscess or trauma or a previous dental procedure that was performed poorly. This can also result in an infected tooth with the only options being extraction or a root canal. We always recommend saving your tooth if that is a possibility. Saving your tooth will keep your bone mass present in your jaw and save you from expensive restorations like dental implants.

The procedure for a root canal in Alpharetta is quite simple. Our dentist will first numb you up so you don’t feel any pain and provide you with any necessary sedation dentistry to help you relax. He will then remove any fluid around the root of the tooth and any of the bacteria that lies within. To do this, he will need to drill a small hole in your tooth. Next, a suction tool is used to suck up all of the decaying dental pulp and infected fluid. The inside of the tooth then becomes empty and absent of infection and bacteria. Our dentist will then fill in the inside of your tooth using a composite filling substance and then place a dental crown over your tooth to protect it in the long run and to ensure no bacteria gets inside.

Continue reading to learn the truth behind misconceptions about root canals.

Misconception: Root Canals Are Painful

This is the most common misconception about root canals. It is actually not the root canal itself that is painful, it’s the pain that occurs before the root canal that is actually all of the pain. Following your root canal procedure, almost all of your pain will be gone and after you are healed, you won’t notice any dental pain. During your procedure, your Alpharetta dentist will ensure you feel no pain. Dr. Mazer will even provide you with sedation dentistry to help relax you and prevent any pain from occurring. The myth that root canals are painful stems back to the days when anesthetics were not available for the procedure. During the seventeenth century, patients felt everything but this is not true today. We can ensure you that you won’t feel any pain during your root canal.

Root Canals are Expensive

This may be a true myth for some dentist, as all dentists determine their own rates, but it is not true here. Old Milton Dental is committed to promising affordable dentistry in Alpharetta whether it be for cosmetic dentistry or a root canal. We want our patients to receive all of the dental care they need. There is always financing options available if the patient doesn’t have enough money to pay for the procedure up front. In the end, root canals are cheaper than having a tooth extracted and then replaced either with a dental implant or with a dental bridge. The most expensive part of the root canal will be the dental crown that is placed on the restored tooth if it is needed. In the long run, a root canal is more cost efficient than an extraction and restoration.

Root Canals are Likely to Fail

This is also a very common misconception about root canals. This misconception may have been true over 50 years ago. The rate for lifetime success of a root canal is 85%. Nobody can guarantee that your root canal will last for life or that you won’t develop a problem or need a crown or filling in the future, but an 85% success rate is very high and proves that root canals are the smartest treatment solution for infected teeth.

Schedule Your Root Canal in Alpharetta Today

Now that you are more educated about root canal treatment and have demystified common misconceptions about root canals, it’s time to spot waiting and schedule your root canal treatment. Your root canal treatment will help eliminate any pain you may feel. Your root canal in Alpharetta will save your tooth from needing an extraction and restore your smile to complete health. Contact Old Milton Dental today by calling us or filling out our online contact form. If you are interested in having sedation dentistry to keep you relaxed during the visit, mention that in your phone call or message and we will make sure we have the correct medicines available.

Understanding the Benefits and Process of Teeth Whitening

Posted on October 5, 2017April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

We are proud to be your top choice for a dentist in Alpharetta when it comes to a broad range of treatments and solutions, including important cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening. However, many of our patients in Alpharetta have questions about the tooth whitening process, how it works, and why they should choose a cosmetic dentist to help. In this guide, we will walk you through what teeth whitening is, how it works, and a great deal more. In the end, we think you will agree that it is a highly beneficial process.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can transform your smile, removing years of discoloration and staining from your teeth and leaving you with a bright, white smile that you can be proud to show off. It is a completely non-invasive procedure, and it requires no sedation, no drilling, and really no traditional dental tools of any kind. You will not even need to go through a cleaning beforehand if you have been rigorous about making your regular checkups unless there is plaque buildup that needs to be removed.

Essentially, teeth whitening is a procedure that removes years of staining from your teeth, and is capable of not just restoring your smile, but of rebuilding your self-confidence. Our smiles are crucial ways of expressing ourselves, and when you are forced not to smile because of embarrassment about the color of your teeth, it can reduce your quality of life. We can help. Our industry-leading tooth whitening technology is capable of removing even stubborn stains and discoloration from your teeth, leaving your mouth healthy and beautiful.

Why Is Teeth Whitening Needed?

Strictly speaking, tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so it is not technically necessary. It does not improve your oral health, nor does it repair the damage. However, the benefits here are of a different variety. They are primarily centered around the way you see yourself, and how confident you feel interacting with other people.

Over time, your teeth become discolored naturally. This requires nothing other than simply eating and drinking normally. Even if you never took a sip of coffee, your teeth would not be bright white simply because of their natural off-white color, combined with surface stains from food and drink.

Many types of food and drink will stain your teeth to a significant degree, as well. For instance, both coffee and tea, while popular beverages, do your smile no favors. Red wine also stains your teeth. This does not even touch on the effects of food.

As these stains build up over time, your teeth change from natural off-white to a slightly dingier color. Eventually, they begin to yellow and look unhealthy. In severe cases, your teeth may even appear brown or gray from a distance. This is particularly true if you are a heavy coffee drinker, or if you smoke. These stains cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Even over the counter whitening toothpaste cannot really do much to alleviate them. The only option is professional treatment from a tooth whitening specialist.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Not sure who makes a good candidate for tooth whitening? Actually, this cosmetic dentistry procedure is a good option for most people, but there are some for whom it is better suited, as well as some who may need to put off whitening for the moment.

You are a good candidate for whitening if:

Your teeth are in good condition
Your gums are healthy
You have kept up with your regular cleanings
You have realistic expectations about the whitening process
You are prepared to avoid foods and beverages that could re-stain your teeth
You have few (or no) fillings

You should also know more about the various types of whitening out there. Bleaching is the most common type of teeth whitening, but it is generally best suited for patients with yellowed teeth or teeth with yellow undertones. Patients with brown or gray teeth may find that bleaching does not quite get the job done for them. However, there are other options that can help you if your teeth are gray or brown, rather than yellow.

If your teeth are mottled as a side effect of too much fluoride exposure, bleaching may not be the right technique for you, either, as it can result in uneven whitening that is more noticeable than your current condition. We recommend speaking with a tooth whitening specialist about your specific condition prior to making any decision. We are happy to discuss your specific needs at any time.

You are not a good candidate for teeth whitening if:

You have chronically sensitive teeth
You have oral cancer
You have periodontal disease
Your teeth are excessively worn
You have damaged enamel
Your teeth appear translucent (see-through)
You are pregnant
You are under the age of 16 (Note that teeth whitening is not recommended for children of any age)

If you fall into any of the above categories but feel that you might still be a good candidate for whitening, we would be happy to discuss your options and explain your potential choices.

How Does the Teeth Whitening Process Work?

There are several different professional teeth whitening systems on the market currently. Our office uses the Zoom! system, which utilizes professional-grade bleach and trays that fit your mouth. The process is relatively simple.

First, you’ll speak with your dentist about your goals and expectations for the whitening process. Once your dentist has outlined how the process works and answered any questions you might have, you’ll be fitted with a tray – a tray that fits your mouth perfectly will be chosen to help ensure comfort during your in-office visit. We create the tray (and all take-home trays) based on an impression we take of your mouth while you are in the office. This ensures a completely custom fit and no discomfort at all.

Next, a powerful bleaching gel will be added to the tray, and you’ll hold the tray in your mouth for a specified amount of time. The exact duration will depend on several factors, including your personal level of staining, the desired amount of whitening, and any tooth or gum sensitivity you might have. However, the Zoom! system can usually take care of most stains in an hour or less.

When the waiting period is over, your dentist in Alpharetta will remove the tray and assess your teeth. You’ll also be given additional trays to take home so that you can continue the whitening process on your own. If at-home whitening is needed, you will only need to wear your tray for a couple of hours per day. Understand that wearing it for too long can cause tooth sensitivity. Note that at-home bleaching may or may not be necessary, as it depends on the amount of staining on your teeth and your goals in regard to whitening.

Aftercare Considerations with Teeth Whitening

After receiving teeth whitening from your dentist in Alpharetta, you’ll need to make sure to take care of your teeth. While they will be considerably whiter, that state is not permanent. In fact, your teeth will eventually need to be bleached again. The good news is that you are largely in control over how long it takes for staining to build up again.

There are several important considerations for aftercare once you’ve completed your tooth whitening. One is that if you experience any sensitivity, which is common, you should stop the whitening process until it passes.

Note that your teeth will be especially susceptible to staining for several days immediately following your visit to the dentist. You will need to take extreme care during the first 48 hours to avoid eating or drinking anything that might stain your teeth, including sodas. It is highly advised that you drink nothing but water during this period, and refrain from eating foods that might tarnish that bright, white smile.

Another important consideration is that you need to avoid consuming foods or beverages that might stain your newly-whitened teeth in the long run, as well. While your enamel will reseal within about 48 hours, you need to avoid stain-inducing foods and drinks to prolong the benefits of the whitening procedure. If you’re a coffee drinker, it’s time to quit.

Even tea should be consumed in moderation. Red wine should be taken off your menu. If you smoke, it’s important that you quit immediately, as you will quickly rebuild the stains that discolored your smile.

What Should You Know before Making an Appointment with a Dentist for Teeth Whitening?

While the teeth whitening process is relatively simple, there are a few things that you should know about before making an appointment for this cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Your Teeth Will Not Be Permanently White

This has been mentioned before but it bears repeating. Tooth whitening is not permanent. Daily living will eventually discolor them once more, and you will need to return for another treatment. However, your actions largely determine how long it is between whitening appointments.

Your Teeth Will Be Sensitive

No matter how sensitive your teeth are beforehand, there is a very good chance that they will be sensitive after the treatment. This should pass in a short time, usually no longer than 48 hours. If the sensitivity is severe, speak with your dentist in Alpharetta. You can also take over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to help.

Keep the Gel Off Your Gums

You will likely be sent home with trays and gel to continue the whitening process on your own. Make sure that you do not get the whitening gel on soft tissues, like your gums, or the inside of your cheeks or lips. It can cause irritation and even nausea.

Ongoing Sensitivity

If you experience ongoing sensitivity after completing your teeth whitening procedure, it might be related to other whitening efforts you are taking. Stop using the whitening/bleaching toothpaste for several weeks, for instance. Giving your teeth a break will alleviate the discomfort you feel and give them time to heal.

It’s also important to note that if you do not intend to stop consuming beverages or foods that stain your teeth, your results will not be as expected. This is particularly true for tobacco users. If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, our advice is to quit before going through the teeth whitening process.

You can also prolong the results you experience from teeth whitening by avoiding tomato-based sauces or chewing hard candies. Many berries can also stain teeth and cause premature darkening, so pay close attention to what you eat and drink. We recommend using a straw if you will be drinking anything other than water, as this can help prevent contact between the liquid and your teeth.

Contact Our Alpharetta Dentist Office to Schedule Teeth Whitening

If you are ready to schedule your teeth whitening procedure, we look forward to hearing from you. Give us a call at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta at 678-624-0307 to schedule your appointment, or use our online contact form to get in touch with us.

10 Major Benefits of Dental Implants

Posted on September 18, 2017April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

Many people every year understandably become discouraged when they lose their teeth. For some, it is just a few teeth that were lost due to trauma or decay, while others can lose an entire set. Dentures are fine for some, but they have their definite disadvantages. For one, they are not really teeth, and they require constant care in order to work effectively. This does not even take into account the fear that many have that their dentures will fall out at the most inopportune of moments! You no longer have to live in despair if you are in this situation. Dental implants have emerged as a viable and effective alternative to natural teeth. Take a few moments to read through these ten major benefits of dental implants and then decide for yourself.

A Viable Alternative to Natural Teeth

While it is always ideal to retain your own natural teeth, this is not always possible. Once that second set of teeth comes out for almost any reason, it is lost forever. There are also a number of trauma-related events that can leave you without a partial or full set of teeth, and this does not even begin to take into account decay that can enter in at any stage. Whatever the reason might be for you, dental implants are effective as a viable alternative to natural teeth.

Each dental implant will be strong and stable. It will look and function just like your natural teeth did. In fact, nobody will even know that you have dental implants unless you choose to tell them. When you engage the services that implant dentistry can provide you, your smile will come back and you will have a much healthier and more vibrant perspective on life. Other types of cosmetic dentistry, such as dentures and bridges, do not recreate this natural look and feel, leading only to further bone decay down the road.

They Are Durable and Long Lasting

With many types of dental procedures, durability is always a lingering question. It can be rather expensive, and then you have to worry about something breaking or needing to be repaired somewhere down the road. However, restorative dentistry is much more durable and cost-effective in the long-term by comparison. With dental bridges, you are looking at a life expectancy of no more than seven years, and perhaps as little as five. At some point, even the best designed and constructed of dental bridges will need to be replaced. There is not really any such concern when you allow a dental implants specialist to take over. Your implant might need an adjustment from time to time, but that is to be expected. With proper care, your new teeth can last forever, just so long as they are cared for properly and regularly checked over by your dentist in Alpharetta.

You No Longer Have to Worry About Your Teeth

Many adults spend much of their time worrying about the state of their teeth. Perhaps yours are crooked, chipped, or not aligned properly. You might have stained teeth that make your smile anything but appealing. Whatever the reason might be for you, the worry is always there at the front of your mind. When you get dental implants, you will begin to live life without that worry lingering over you. You will no longer shy away from meeting new people out of fear for what your smile might look like. You will become more confident and engaged with others around you. In addition, you will not need to worry about your teeth falling out or about unsightly stains to creep into the equation. A dental implants specialist will see to it that your smile is returned to its natural state as quickly as possible. They will not move and they will not become dislodged. There will be no more crooked teeth in your future, and your life will become much more fulfilling as a result.

Your Natural Smile Will Return

If your teeth do begin to fall out, you will notice that the shape of your face is altered as a result. Much of this is due to a weakened bone structure. Your jawline may begin to sag, and this is just the first of many incidences where your natural smile can be altered. Your dentist in Alpharetta will explain to you why this does not have to be the case. While a face that has no teeth can end up appearing depressed and in a sunken state, as soon as your dental implants are added you will begin to feel and notice the difference. Restorative dentistry is just that – it is designed to restore the original shape to your face and the natural glow to your smile. You may be considering other replacement options for your teeth, but they may have the unintended effect of further altering the natural look to your face over time. Talk to a dental implants specialist to discover how they may be able to help keep that from happening in your case.

Your Jaw Bones Will Be Protected and Healthy

As alluded to earlier, empty spaces in your mouth should not be left there for any longer than necessary. This is because a host of health-related issues can result, particularly if you have a large gap due to a few missing teeth. One of the effects will almost certainly be the loss and deterioration of certain portions of your jawbone. The bone itself is designed to support a natural tooth. When that is taken away, it ceases to perform that function and it will weaken over time as a result. Dental implants replicate natural teeth, and this means that they will facilitate the important role that the jawbone plays in your mouth. Your natural bone will be stimulated as a result and any further bone loss will be prevented.

Your Teeth Stay in Your Mouth at All Times

Teeth are meant to stay in your mouth. That is simply how we were designed as humans. While dentures and other types of tooth replacement options serve their purpose, the natural state of things in our mouth is compromised as a result. Dental implants stay in your mouth. They do not come out. You do not have to worry about taking them out at the end of the day to soak in a cup. You will be able to brush and floss just as you normally would. When you are at a social gathering, you no longer have to worry about one or more of your teeth falling out. In short, this once again illustrates why dental implants truly are the next best thing to natural teeth.

Cavities Are Eliminated

Here is one area where dental implants actually win out in comparison to natural teeth. Because they are made from synthetic material, cavities simply cannot occur. You will not have to worry about holes occurring, nor do you ever need to find the time to get a cavity filled. It simply cannot happen, as your dentist in Alpharetta will tell you. It is important to mention that this does not mean you no longer need to visit your dentist. In fact, this becomes more important than ever. You have just made an investment in your mouth and to further your oral health. You need to ensure that your gums remain healthy and vibrant for the rest of your life. Make sure that you brush and floss just as you normally would, and pay regular visits to your dentist in order to get a checkup and deep cleaning. This will keep your mouth and your smile in the best shape possible.

Healthy and Natural Teeth Are Protected

As we age, teeth can become loose and dislodged. If this is happening to you, that is likely why you are considering restorative dentistry as an option in the first place. That is certainly understandable. With other types of tooth replacement options, it is difficult to keep the teeth protected, much less healthy and natural looking. Dental implants solve that problem. They look and feel just like any other tooth in your mouth. You might have heard horror stories from people who have dentures. There are times when they slip at the most inopportune of moments, and they can even fall out when you least expect it. Not only can this be embarrassing for the person it is happening to, it can provide quite a shock to anyone who is nearby. With dental implants, there is a natural fusion with your jawbone once again. This means that your new teeth will not move. They will not even shift in your mouth, so you do not have to worry about braces at a later date either.

They Are More Predictable Than Other Alternatives

When you are considering ways to restore that natural look to your mouth, you are obviously concerned about predictability. You want to know what is going to happen, and you want to be assured that your natural smile and healthy teeth will return and remain for the foreseeable future. Other types of tooth replacements simply cannot promise this. They might work for a brief time span, but there is always that lingering doubt at the back of your mind. You wonder if today might be the day that your teeth begin to fall out again. A dental implants specialist can demonstrate to you why implants are simply much more predictable than other alternatives available today. There are many success stories to prove this. Implants replace missing teeth. They can even replace an entire mouth full of teeth. You will be able to forgo the use of dental applications and root canals will become a thing of the past. This alone should be a good reason for you to contact your dentist in Alpharetta right now.

You Can Eat What You Want to Again

This is a feature of dental implants that should excite many readers out there. When you are suffering from teeth loss, you might forgo certain pleasure foods because it brings you too much pain to eat them. Steak is a good example. If you have large sections of your mouth that are lacking teeth, you might not find it very enjoyable to chew through your favorite type of meat. If your teeth are decaying, you might not be able to drink sugary drinks or coffee out of fear that your smile will appear even more stained than it already is. Dental implants will solve all of that for you. You will get a healthy set of teeth back that you can use to eat to your heart’s content. It will be easier to keep them clean, and you will be able to have the beverages that you like the most. Just keep it in check so that you continue to live a healthy lifestyle based on what you eat.

These are just 10 of the many benefits to dental implants that you will want to consider. Your dentist in Alpharetta can go over them with you in much more detail. The important thing is to take care of your oral health and consider the advantages of dental implants, should they be a viable option for you.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentists Today

Contact Old Milton Dental for all of your dental implant needs. We can be reached by phone at 678-624-0370, or you can contact your dentist in Alpharetta via our online contact form.

Good to Know Facts About Invisalign

Posted on August 28, 2017April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

Invisalign is a clear aligners solution that is becoming increasingly popular around the globe, helping patients across the nation find new solutions to straightening their misaligned teeth. Our dentists in Alpharetta want to help you understand the benefits of this cosmetic dentistry procedure, and have compiled a list of the top Invisalign facts that can give you insight on the clear aligners that are sweeping the world of orthodontics.

No Metal in Your Mouth

Did you know that Invisalign is completely metal-free? These invisible aligners are made of a special plastic that fits over your teeth, helping to straighten them without being bogged down by the cumbersome and irritating metal braces.

Easy Hygiene Maintenance

Invisalign makes it super easy for you to maintain your oral hygiene. You can remove the aligners completely from your mouth, which is great for brushing and flossing. You don’t have to worry about metal braces getting in the way of your daily routine. Simply remove the invisible aligners, brush and floss, and place Invisalign trays back in.

Invisalign Is Affordable

Patients are worried that Invisalign tends to be more expensive than traditional braces since it’s a newer advancement. However, this is not the case. One of the best facts about Invisalign is that it costs about the same as a traditional braces treatment, making it easier than ever to invest in this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment!

Invisalign Gives You More Free Time

Spend less time at your orthodontist’s office, and more time at home doing what you love. Invisalign does not require as many checkups as traditional braces do, giving you the freedom to live your life while achieving a beautiful smile.

Get Your Invisalign Consultation Today

Our top Invisalign facts show that the clear braces procedure is easy, effective, and wildly popular. Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics have worked together to create these clear aligners. Visit Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA today to schedule an appointment, or give us a call at (678) 624-0370 to talk about Invisalign.

Common FAQs About Root Canals

Posted on August 21, 2017April 23, 2019 by Alpharetta Dentist

Root canals are a scary term amongst patients across the globe. At Old Milton Dental, we understand how scary this procedure can be. However, we want to debunk some of those myths and answer some of the most popular questions about root canals. Our Alpharetta dentists have compiled the biggest list of FAQs about root canals to bring you more comfort and clarity.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Right off the bat, we wanted to answer this question about root canal pain to help reassure you that this endodontics procedure really is quite simple. While the infection itself causes a massive toothache, root canal therapy is not painful. Your dentist can offer a variety of pain managing techniques, such as anesthetics so that the patient is comfortable during the procedure. Our Alpharetta dentists report that most patients are comfortable and pain-free while the procedure is taking place.

When Would I Need a Root Canal?

You would need a root canal if your cavity has gone deep enough to cause infection and inflammation in the root of the tooth. Typically, you need a root canal if your tooth meets any of the following symptoms:

Discomfort when chewing or biting
Severe pain or toothache
Lingering sensitivity to heat and cold when eating or breathing
Discomfort that is so bad that you wake up at night

Is There Any Sensitivity After a Root Canal Procedure?

There is a possibility of discomfort after the procedure is performed, however, the sensitivity subsides very quickly. If you are experiencing pain, your endodontics professional can prescribe medication, or you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever to quickly alleviate any symptoms.

Does Root Canal Therapy Remove My Tooth?

No, root canal therapy is a great solution to an infected tooth that does not result in the tooth being pulled. If the decay were to progress further, tooth extraction might be necessary.

Inquire About Root Canals Today!

After reading our FAQs about root canals, if you have any of the above symptoms and you wish to speak with an endodontics professional, our dentists at Old Milton Dental are here to help. Visit us in Alpharetta, GA, or call us at (678) 624-0370 to schedule an appointment.