Gentle, Comprehensive Dental Services Near You
By Dr. James Forester | Sep 26, 2023 | General Oral Care
Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people. The thought of sharp instruments and unfamiliar procedures can make even the bravest souls anxious. However, modern dentistry has evolved significantly. Today, dentists offer a wide range of gentle, comprehensive dental services near you that prioritize your comfort and overall oral health.
Are you looking for a skilled and compassionate dentist in Johns Creek, GA? Look no further than Dr. James G. Forester at Lifetime Smiles. Together with his friendly team, Dr. Forester provides comprehensive dental services near you that won’t break the bank. Come see why our patients love being a part of our family! Contact us today at (678) 730-6754.
In today’s blog, we discuss common dental services near you that can help elevate your appearance and oral health. Here, our team explains what each service entails, what patients can expect during their appointments, and the remarkable benefits these services bring.
Dental Cleanings and Preventive Care
It cannot be overstated – routine dental cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends working with your dentist to determine a treatment schedule that works best for your smile. However, as a general rule of thumb, most patients get the most benefit from twice-yearly dental cleanings.
During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This process typically involves:
- Scaling, which chips away at hardened plaque
- Polishing, which beautifies teeth and makes future plaque build-up more difficult
- Fluoride treatments, which help keep oral bacteria at bay while strengthening tooth enamel
Benefits
An immediate perk of these dental services near you is that your teeth will feel and look cleaner, smoother, and brighter. But that’s not all – here are some other major perks to frequent dental cleanings:
- Prevention of cavities and gum disease, which keeps your smile healthier longer
- Fresher breath
- Early detection of oral health issues, which allows for timely intervention
Oral Examinations
When it comes to dental services near you, regular oral examinations cannot be ignored. In addition to dental cleanings, oral exams are vital to monitor the health of your teeth and gums.
During an exam, our dentist visually inspects your mouth, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues. We may also take X-rays to get a more comprehensive view of your oral health.
Benefits
Yearly oral exams offer a multitude of benefits, including:
- Early detection and treatment of dental problems
- Preventing more serious and costly issues from developing
- Peace of mind knowing your oral health is being monitored by a trusted professional
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are essential for diagnosing hidden dental problems. They allow dentists to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.
In the past, dentists relied on film-based X-ray machines that blasted patients with higher levels of radiation. However, dental services near you are evolving. Today, modern, digital X-rays use roughly 90% less radiation, making them safer for all patients (including children and expectant mothers).
Benefits
X-rays allow us to see what our eyes cannot. As such, they offer many benefits, such as:
- Detection of cavities between teeth and under existing restorations
- Evaluation of jawbone health
- Diagnosis of impacted teeth and oral infections
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a great way to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. During the procedure, the dentist removes any damaged portions of the tooth before filling the space with a suitable material (like composite resin or metal amalgam).
Benefits
When it comes to restorative dental services near you, dental fillings offer a slew of benefits, including:
- Restoring the strength and functionality of the tooth
- Preventing the spread of decay
- Aesthetic improvements using tooth-colored fillings
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental service near you that can truly enhance your overall appearance. It involves the use of whitening agents to remove stubborn stains and lighten the color of teeth. In-office teeth whitening treatments can provide immediate results, whereas take-home kits provide delayed (but similar) results.
Benefits
Teeth whitening offers numerous physical and mental benefits, including:
- Enhanced smile aesthetics
- Boosted self-confidence
- Non-invasive and relatively quick procedure
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns restore severely damaged or decayed teeth, as well as enhance oral aesthetics. These tooth-like caps cover the entire tooth, providing strength and protection. Patients can expect two appointments, one for preparation and another for placement.
Benefits
Dental crowns offer restorative and cosmetic perks, such as:
- Preserving the natural tooth structure
- Restoring functionality and appearance of the patient’s smile
- Long-lasting results
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are dental prosthetics that are ideal for replacing one or more missing teeth in a line. Typically, these prosthetics attach to neighboring teeth or dental implants for support. The procedure can involve multiple appointments to adequately plan, place, and monitor the bridge.
Benefits
Of course, replacing missing teeth is the biggest benefit, but here are some other awesome benefits:
- Improved chewing and speaking abilities
- Maintaining facial shape and smile aesthetics
- Preventing adjacent teeth from shifting
Dental Implants
Dental implants are revolutionary devices. They are tiny, titanium screws that fuse with the jawbone, serving as a replacement tooth root for missing teeth. Once healed, the implant can support lifelike restorations, like a crown, bridge, or denture.
Benefits
When it comes to restorative dental services near you, dental implants are among the most beneficial because they offer numerous benefits, like:
- Long-lasting and durable tooth replacement
- Enhanced stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures
- Preservation of jawbone health and facial symmetry
Root Canal Therapy
Dentists perform root canal therapy to save a severely infected or damaged tooth from extraction. During the procedure, your dental team removes the infected pulp and cleans the inside of the tooth before sealing it.
Benefits
Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not as painful as they used to be (thank you, modern anesthetics!). Here are some other benefits of health-saving root canals:
- Saving a tooth that would otherwise require extraction
- Elimination of pain and discomfort caused by infection
- Preserving the natural tooth structure
Orthodontic Services
Orthodontic dental services near you (like braces or clear aligners) can help straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Orthodontic treatment usually involves regular adjustments and check-ups to track progress.
Benefits
Orthodontia is beneficial for many reasons, including:
- Improved alignment and bite function
- Enhanced smile aesthetics
- Reduced risk of dental issues, like gum disease and cavities
Explore More Dental Services Near You
The diverse range of gentle, comprehensive dental services near you ensures that you can maintain or achieve the smile you want while addressing any oral health concerns. So, whether you’re due for a routine cleaning or contemplating a smile makeover, rest assured that today’s dental services are designed to make your experience as pleasant and effective as possible.
Want to learn more about available dental services near you? Contact Lifetime Smiles in Johns Creek, GA, today! You can reach us online here, or you can give us a ring at (678) 730-6754.