Request Request Appointment Forms Download Our Forms Reviews Read Our Reviews Like Us Like us on Facebook Gallery See our Instagram Call Give us a Call Map View our Map

April 21, 2012

Healthy Smiles for Teenagers

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Family Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 6:16 pm

If you’re a high school senior, you’re probably looking forward to prom, graduation, and college. Now is a perfect time to visit Dr. Pate to brighten your smile for these special occasions. Behavior and lifestyle changes during the teenage years can affect your oral health. Let’s take a look at the common dental problems that affect teenagers, and the treatments Dr. Pate can use to restore the issues before the big day.

Body Development

As your body develops, so does your mouth. Your teeth may shift and become crooked, or your bite may become misaligned. Braces are a common option to restore your alignment. However, if you’re worried that a mouth full of metal will hinder your adult image, Dr. Pate offers Invisalign clear braces to straighten your smile without wires and brackets. As a bonus, they are removable so you can take them out during your prom or graduation ceremony. Additionally, your wisdom teeth begin to develop and erupt in the late teen years. Third molars often don’t have enough room to grow in properly, creating pain and crowding that cause the need for an extraction. Summer is a great time to schedule your extraction so you have enough free time to recover. Furthermore, puberty and menstruation cause hormonal changes in your bloodstream. These changes can increase blood circulation to your gums and may cause tender, sore, or swollen gums.

(more…)

April 18, 2012

Keeping Back Teeth Healthy

Filed under: General Dentistry,Preventive Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 2:10 pm

When you smile, other people typically only see the front, outer surfaces of your teeth. Many cosmetic treatments, like whitening, veneers, and bonding, brighten these surfaces to improve your physical appearance. However, it’s just as important to take care of the parts of your mouth that other people can’t see. Proper dental care and regular visits to Dr. Pate can help keep front and back teeth healthy so you can function properly.

Why are Back Teeth Overlooked?

The Academy of General Dentistry reports that more people are concerned with achieving a beautiful smile than a healthy one. Many people don’t pay close attention to their back teeth because they aren’t visible and don’t impact overall appearance.

In addition, brushers often have difficulty reaching and cleaning their back molars. Your back teeth are responsible for grinding and crushing your food before you swallow. Your “chewing surfaces” also have deep ridges to help with chomping. Since your back molars are frequently exposed to food, and food can get stuck in the grooves, it’s important to thoroughly clean these teeth to remove debris. If you need help reaching the back of your mouth, try using a toothbrush with a long handle. You should also remember to start your brushing routine at the back of your mouth—while your toothbrush and paste are fresh, and before you tire of brushing. Additionally, at your regular dental cleaning with Dr. Pate, our hygienists will help clean those difficult-to-reach angles that you can’t scrub on your own.

(more…)

April 17, 2012

Overcoming Dental Fears

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 5:20 pm

An estimated 30% of people avoid visiting the dentist due to fear and anxiety. Recent research from the University of Sydney found that women in their 40s are more likely to experience dental fear.   This is because members of this demographic are more likely to have felt trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, or stress that interferes with a relaxed state of mind. In addition, people with a low pain tolerance, high sensitivity, or difficulty sitting still may fear dental discomfort. Fortunately, Dr. Pate can help relieve your nerves with sedation dentistry to make your appointment relaxing and comfortable.

Tips to Fight Dental Anxiety

To achieve their bright superstar smiles, Robert de Niro, Kelly Osbourne, and Billy Ray Cyrus all had to overcome their dental phobias. Here are some strategies you can use to cope with your dental fear so you, too, can receive the healthy and beautiful smile of your dreams.

April 4, 2012

Do You Need Dental Implants in Atlanta?

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 3:24 pm

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Missing teeth can impair your appearance and ability to function normally. Fortunately, Dr. Pate offers restoration of dental implants — a comfortable prosthetic to restore your smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Comfort: Dental implants are planted into your jaw bone and serve as the root of your missing tooth. As your mouth heals, your bone will grow around the implant post, creating a comfortable and sturdy finish.
  • Durability: Since dental implants are surgically placed in your mouth, they will stay in place without slipping and sliding. The prosthetic crown attached to your implant is strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
  • Space: With missing teeth, your adjacent teeth have the potential to shift into the open gap, creating bite misalignments. Dental implants, however, sit in the same spot where your tooth once was, holding proper spacing and alignment.
  • (more…)

April 2, 2012

What to Do Before and After Your Atlanta Dental Appointment

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 5:30 pm

During your appointment with Dr. Pate, our team will thoroughly clean and protect your teeth. However, once you leave our Atlanta dentist office, you need to follow proper maintenance and care instructions to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Try these tips to keep your smile healthy immediately before and after your dental cleaning.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

  • Regular hygiene. Your best defense against dental diseases is to correctly brush and floss daily. It’s simply not enough if you “cram” and only floss a few days before your appointment. In addition, it’s best to show Dr. Pate your natural behaviors and condition of your mouth so you will know what to change. For example, if you have bad breath, you don’t need to worry. Coming to your appointment in your natural state will help Dr. Pate accurately diagnose any problems.
  • Prepare. Keep a file at home of your oral history so you can review what’s going on inside your mouth. You should also gather all your medical and health information so you can discuss your conditions with Dr. Pate.
  • Relax. Stress and anxiety can make your dentist appointment more uncomfortable. Be sure you get plenty of sleep the night before and arrive early enough to relax in the waiting room. If you’re still nervous, ask Dr. Pate if you would benefit from sedation.

(more…)

March 23, 2012

Second Opinions From Your Atlanta Dentist

Filed under: General Dentistry,Preventive Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 4:10 pm

You need to fully understand the condition of your mouth to make a well-informed decision about dental treatment. If you don’t feel confident with your diagnosis or the information you have received from a dental professional, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with Dr. Pate and seek a second opinion. There is no insult in seeking a second opinion — in fact, if you’re not comfortable with Dr. Pate’s treatment recommendation, he wants you to get a second opinion!

Benefits of a Second Opinion

A second opinion allows a new dentist to examine your mouth with a fresh perspective. Dentists have different training, backgrounds, philosophies, and techniques, so a new set of expert eyes can provide additional information to help you understand your situation and options. Here are a few advantages that you may receive from your second opinion:

  • Further oral health information and explanation
  • Alternate treatment options
  • A different diagnosis
  • Different treatment costs
  • Peace of mind
  • Cosmetic recommendations

If the second opinion differs from the first opinion, consider seeking a third opinion to help balance your options and make the best decision for your health.

(more…)

March 22, 2012

Are You a Sleeping Beauty?

Filed under: Healthy Living,Stop Snoring — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 2:18 pm

We have discussed the importance of getting a good night’s sleep to keep your body strong and healthy, but there may be another reason you want to stay rested. A recent survey from Sweden shows that getting an adequate amount of sleep can help make you more attractive. Dr. Pate can help resolve your sleep problems so you can really get your “beauty sleep.”

Researchers asked observers to rate a series of photographs. Each participant had two photos—one taken after a good night’s sleep, and one taken after being awake for 31 hours. The observers rated the participants in the sleep-deprived photos as less healthy, less attractive, and more tired.

So how does sleep make you look more attractive? First of all, sleep gives your body the energy it needs to function properly throughout the day. If you stay awake all night, you won’t feel refreshed the next day and your body will feel sluggish. When it comes to appearance, sleep deprivation often leaves bags under your eyes and droopy skin. On the contrary, when your body is well-rested, your eyes will appear wider and your facial muscles will lift.

(more…)

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »