great dentist buckhead atlanta ga Archives

October 22, 2011

Is It Wise to Pull Wisdom Teeth?

Do you still have your wisdom teeth? If you do, and they’re straight, you may or may not have any problems…yet. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed as they begin to erupt—meaning as they break through the gum line. Long feared a painful event, and rightfully so, dentists admit, nearly 80% of the population has wisdom teeth extracted as they begin to break through.

Every year, millions of people have wisdom teeth removed that have no obvious sign of disease. Routinely, dentists advise extraction at the early signs of wisdom teeth. Most individuals start to get their wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 25.

The “wisdom”—pardon the pun—behind this practice is generally endorsed for reasons of crowding, difficulty of reaching and cleaning the teeth and gums, the increased potential for infection and gum disease, and other problems down the road. Almost without exception, dentists are in favor of extracting wisdom teeth for these motives. Still, there are plenty of individuals whose wisdom teeth come in straight, without any problems. These folks are indeed the exception to the rule, earning peculiar bragging rights. But is it wise to keep extra teeth that will require the same care all teeth do?

Interestingly, some health experts are changing their opinion about extracting wisdom teeth before problems arise. They contend the latent health risks of extracting wisdom teeth for preventive reasons outweigh anticipated problems. Bottom line – each case is unique.

If you have wisdom teeth coming in, or if you have a teenager with emerging wisdom teeth, visit Dr. Peter Pate for a consultation. Before you make any decisions, Dr. Pate can ascertain the progress of the teeth to help you make an informed choice of action. Call us at 404-266-9424 or request an appointment online. You would be wise to do so.

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April 6, 2011

Your Mouth, the Tattle Tale

“You are what you eat!” Did you know that during a dental checkup, I am usually able to determine how you have been eating? I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and I can often spot potential nutritional imbalances by examining your teeth and gums.

Your gums reveal nutritional deficiencies such as low zinc, iron, and folic acid. These deficiencies can promote gum disease. Indications of other conditions, such as infection and diabetes, may also be identified during your dental visit.

Your teeth will tell me if your diet consists of too many sugary or acidic foods. Foods high in acids or sugar will cause tooth enamel to soften, and may eventually lead to tooth decay. Untreated decay can lead to infection and tooth loss.

Since your dentist is often the first member of your healthcare team to discover potential nutritional problems, you should not skip your regular dental cleanings! During your exam, I will look for signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Studies have shown that poor periodontal health can increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and preterm births.

I hope this post inspires you to establish good eating habits to promote the health of your teeth and gums! Stay tuned for an upcoming post listing specific foods that are great for your oral health.

If you experience tooth pain, or are in need of your regular exam and cleaning, contact my Atlanta dentist office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment. Remember – your mouth is your first line of defense in fighting disease.

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July 29, 2010

Buckhead’s Family Dentist

Filed under: Family Dentistry — Tags: atlanta dentist, best dentist buckhead atlanta ga, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead atlanta family dentist, buckhead atlanta ga dentist, childrens dentist atlanta ga, childrens dentist buckhead atlanta ga, general denitst buckhead ga, great dentist buckhead atlanta ga, kids dentist buckhead atlanta ga — dr_pate @ 12:36 am

With appointments as early as 7am, Dentistry in Buckhead makes dental visits convenient for the whole family. I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a restorative and cosmetic family dentist in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. I designed my office to make patients of all ages—that’s you and your family–feel comfortable and welcome. As a husband and father, I’m sensitive to the importance of having reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable medical professionals to care for my family.

Each of my fabulous team members has a sincere dedication to excellence in patient care, customer service, and professional growth. You’ll also appreciate our state-of-the-art technology, which includes digital X-rays for significantly reduced radiation exposure—80% less than traditional radiographs. Patient safety and comfort are top priorities to us. If you’re nervous about dental visits, ask me about sedation dentistry. I offers a few options that have helped many people change the way they feel about going to the dentist. In fact, we need to talk about your goals, concerns, and anything that I can do to make your experience in my office more rewarding.

In addition to being a dentist, I’m a small business owner. To me, this means that I have to continually earn your business. At Dentistry in Buckhead, my team and I invest in people, not just teeth. We’re interested in your family’s total health. (more…)

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