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Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

December 9, 2011

MOST OF OUR PATIENTS KNOW THAT a visit to Lake Oconee Dentistry sometimes involves an x-ray or two. And though it’s true that discovering and treating oral problems before they get out of hand is best way to save unnecessary time, money, and pain, some people are skeptical about x-rays and have questions about their impact on health.

Well we have some good news for those of you with concerns—x-rays pose very little danger to your health…and the amount of radiation you receive during routine x-rays here at our practice is MUCH smaller than the amount you receive daily from natural radiation sources.

Exposure to tiny amounts of radiation is a natural component of life! Each year, the average United States citizen is exposed to about 360 mREM from common things like the earth itself, natural materials, cosmic radiation, and even from other people! In fact, the State Department of Health has set the yearly maximum safe radiation level at 5000 mREM.

Our dental x-rays only emit .30 mREM per unit…SO, even if you have a full mouth series taken, you’re still only being exposed to a mere 6 mREM! This means you’d have to have around 60 full-mouth series to really be at risk…and we promise we’ll never need to take that many in a year’s time!

X-rays are an important part of dental care, as we use them to diagnose problems that we might not otherwise be able to detect. We promise you’re in the best of hands here at our practice, so don’t let x-ray fears worry you.

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding dental x-rays, please don’t hesitate to contact us!We would love to help put your mind at ease!

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Straighten Your Smile With Zero-Reduction Veneers

November 2, 2011

FOR SOME OF US, THERE MAY BE A SIMPLER, YET EFFECTIVE way to have a drop-dead gorgeous smile. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistrywe offer a leading-edge “prepless” veneer solution that answers the concerns some people have had about smile makeovers.

Traditional veneers require a considerable amount of tooth reduction—that is, the size of your teeth must be reduced in order to “cap” or cover your teeth with a veneer. Unlike traditional veneers, our prepless veneers are extremely thin (generally about 0.2 to 0.4 mm) and require little to no reduction of your tooth enamel. Plus, they’re unbelievably strong!

Prepless veneers are also aesthetically pleasing because they block out undesirable colors and allow the beauty of the natural teeth to shine through. Because all of the color is built straight into the veneer instead of added onto the surface, Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell are able to make the most of the available space.

Though the simplicity of a prepless veneers procedure makes it one of the most appealing of our cosmetic dentistry options, it is not always the best solution for everyone. Because the veneers are so thin they are best suited for patients whose teeth are a little smaller or slightly spaced out. The only way to really determine if you are a good candidate for prepless veneers is to visit with Dr. David Bradley or Dr. Patti Bradley or Dr. Boswell And keep in mind… Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are typically not the best candidates for prepless veneers as those activities could cause the veneers to chip or crack.

If you are wondering whether or not prepless veneers are the solution for you thenset up a smile consultation today! Our doctors would love to go through your options with you.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Not All Dental Habits Are Good Ones

October 25, 2011

YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE: brush your teeth daily, floss regularly, and have your regular checkups with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell twice a year. For the most part, getting in the habit of completing these simple tasks will keep your teeth healthy and strong. However, there are a few less-than-desirable oral habits that can override your good habits and compromise your dental health!Here are some tips to help you avoid those dental habits that can damage your teeth:1. Crunching, Sucking, and Sipping

After slurping down that ice cold and refreshing beverage, try not to crunch the leftover ice between your teeth. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can cause your teeth to fracture. Be careful when eating popcorn too!

Sipping sugary soda is also bad for your teeth. The constant exposure to the acids and sugar can lead to tooth decay.

Solution: Switch to crushed ice & drink your soda through a straw!!2. Using Your Teeth As “Tools”

Some people rely on their teeth for odd jobs like opening a tightly screwed bottle of nail polish, tearing open a bag of chips, straightening a bent fork, or ripping a price tag off a new article of clothing. These actions are actually quite hard on your teeth and can even cause a weakened tooth to fracture or chip.

Solution: Keep some simple tools like scissors and pliers handy and leave the dirty work to them!3. Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth wears them down and weakens them.

Solution: During the day, be more aware of what you’re doing with your teeth when you feel stressed or anxious. Notice if your jaw muscles are often sore. For those of you who grind at night, ask Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellabout custom mouth guards.4. Using A Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

It may be surprising, but a firm toothbrush is actually worse for your teeth than a soft-bristled one. A brush with bristles that are too firm can wear down tooth enamel more quickly and may irritate your gums and make your teeth sensitive.

Solution: Stick with soft-bristles and ask one of our team members about the best type of toothbrush for your particular mouth.5. Not Brushing Or Flossing Properly

Though you may brush and floss everyday, if you aren’t doing it correctly it could cause harm as well as good.

Solution: Make sure that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes TWICE a day. Be gentle. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and consider purchasing an electric one. Ask one of our team members the most effective way to floss. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.If any of these bad habits apply to you, overcome them and develop a healthier oral routine! We promise you’ll see results and have more reasons to smile!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook!!

We Let YOU Be Part Of The Team With The Intra-Oral Camera

September 13, 2011

HERE AT LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, OUR TEAM TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN utilizing the most advanced technologies available in caring for your oral health.

One of the neat things about today’s technologies—especially in the case of using an intra-oral camera—is that YOU can be involved in the process of diagnosing the health of your teeth.

Our intra-oral camera is an amazing handheld device that combines an extremely bright light source with a tiny, high definition video camera. Most intra-oral cameras look a lot like a writing pen, and when moved around inside your mouth, they give our team the ability to see enlarged, detailed images of the surfaces of your teeth, the condition of your gums, and other valuable information about the tissues inside your mouth.

Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell or a team member will use this tiny device to capture close-up pictures of your teeth that we often display on a monitor. Intra-oral cameras don’t cause any type of pain, discomfort, or ill side effects. They help us see tarnished or corroded fillings, decay, bleeding gums, plaque, or hairline fractures in your teeth, in real time, as you sit comfortably in our dental chair!

If you’re interested in seeing the images, an intra-oral camera allows you to see what Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell and our team see. It’s not only quite fascinating for many of our patients, but it also helps you better understand the recommendations we make. You’ve heard the old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”Recently, an intra-oral camera was used on an episode of The Doctors:

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we place great importance on each long-standing relationship we have with you, our valued patients. Thank you for the trust you place in us. If you have any questions about intra-oral cameras—or any other matter related to your oral health—please don’t hesitate to ask.

No matter where you are, you can also check out more about our practice by visiting and LIKING our Facebook page:

Fight Cavities By Avoiding Plaque And Tartar

August 29, 2011

WHEN MOST OF US HEAR WORDS LIKE sticky, bacteria, acid, and decay we tend to cringe a little…and with good reason! Unfortunately, all of those words are characteristics of plaque and tartar—two terms that you’ve probably heard us use when we visit with you about dentistry!Don’t worry, there’s no need to panic—we have some handy tips on how to avoid plaque and tartar. But first, let’s back up a little. In order to figure out how we can best prevent plaque and tartar we need to know exactly what they are, right?

The best way to understand plaque is to think of it as a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria (and other unfriendly materials) that coat the surfaces of your teeth. When sugars and starches come in contact with plaque, an acid is created that can attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down tooth enamel and lead to cavities, decay, and/or gum disease.

Tartar, on the other hand, is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on your teeth. For most of us, tartar deposits begin to build up faster as we age. Unlike plaque, tartar bonds quite strongly to tooth enamel and can only be removed by a dental professional like Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell. Prolonged tartar buildup can cause a tooth’s enamel to break down, resulting in decay and/or cavities.

So… in order to avoid cavities we have to avoid tartar, and in order to avoid tartar we have to avoid plaque. Here are some recommendations from Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell on the best ways to fight plaque and tartar buildup.

  • Floss once a day.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride and fights plaque.
  • Use a quality toothbrush and remember to replace it every three months, or as soon as the bristles have worn down.
  • Add a mouthwash to your routine to provide longer protection even after you’re done brushing.
  • Eat well-balanced meals.
  • Brush after snacks.
  • Visit Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell regularly for oral exams and cleanings so that any tartar buildup you might have can be removed.

Take care of your teeth and fight cavities! Your bank account and smile will thank you. And since avoiding plaque altogether is impossible, don’t forget to schedule your regular dental appointments with us so we can help brighten your smile and keep your teeth healthy for life!

Don’t forget to join us on Facebook by clicking on the image below so you can keep up with everything going on in our practice, and so we can get to know you better. We look forward to connecting with you there!

Basic Information About Dental Crowns

August 19, 2011

ARE YOU WALKING AROUND WITH ONE OR MORE BROKEN, CRACKED, OR DISCOLORED TEETH? If your self-esteem has been dwindling when you smile, because of an unfortunate accident or a case of advanced tooth decay, you’re probably a prime candidate for dental crowns. Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell have a great deal of experience in many cosmetic dentistry procedures—including dental crown placement. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we want to assist you in having a smile you’re proud to flash to the world each day.

Dental crowns are often called “caps” that cover your tooth completely. Often used in connection with many cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, dental crowns are a tooth restoration solution used to protect and restore function to damaged, discolored, or decaying teeth. And, they look and function just like natural teeth. Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell may recommend them if your tooth has so much decay that it would have trouble holding a filling—or if it’s in danger of cracking down near the root.

Curious about the benefits of a dental crown procedure? Here are a few reasons why a dental crown may be the very best option for improving both your appearance AND your health:

  • Prevent a weak tooth from decay or breaking.
  • Hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
  • Restore a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down.
  • Cover a dental implant.
  • Cover and support a tooth with a large filling—especially if there isn’t a lot of tooth left.
  • Hold a dental bridge in place.
  • Cover misshaped or severely stained and/or discolored teeth.

Protection And Durability

Dental crowns also protect damaged teeth from intrusive bacteria that is present in saliva—thereby preventing further decay. And they help support the tremendous pressures of chewing. They typically last many, many years if accompanied by good oral hygiene—sometimes for a lifetime. However, it’s good to have them regularly checked by our team to be sure.

To learn more about dental crowns, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact us. We deliver the highest-quality treatment for restoring your smile and confidence. So, what are you waiting for? Set up a brief consultation with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell today to see if dental crowns are the right solution for you. We look forward to helping you rediscover a brilliant, confident, and healthy smile.

Also, be sure to join us on Facebook by clicking on the image below! It’s a great way to stay connected with our practice.

The Benefits Of Dental Crowns

August 10, 2011

WHEN MOST PEOPLE HEAR THE WORDS “COSMETIC DENTISTRY” they automatically associate it with smile design, tooth whitening and dental reconstruction. However, here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we like to remind our patients and friends that cosmetic dentistry often does much more than affect your appearance—it can also improve your health and save your smile! Dental Crowns can not only fix the appearance of a tooth, but also restore it to its original shape—providing added strength and stability to your entire mouth.

You may have the general impression that creating and placing a cosmetic crown is a more involved process than simply filling a tooth, but both seem to have the same general effect, right? Well, not really. There are actually quite a few differences between the two. So, why is it that in some cases a dental crown may be a better option than a traditional filling?

  • Added strength: Cosmetic Crowns cup over and encase your entire tooth, making them much more durable and protective than fillings.
  • True to the natural shape of your teeth: Crowns are fabricated in a dental laboratory where skilled artisans/technicians can visualize and examine all aspects of your bite, creating a precise fit.
  • Some fillings can actually weaken a tooth: Dental fillings, especially large ones, can have a weakening effect on a tooth because they rely on a tooth’s remaining structure to hold and support them.
  • Crowns provide more protection for damaged teeth: Fillings are typically recommended for minor cavities and decay. If you are victim to cracks and chips in your teeth, dental crowns may be a much more reliable and realistic solution.

We hope that helps you better understand the differences between crowns and fillings. If you suspect that a dental crown may be helpful for you in restoring a problem tooth, set up a consultation with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell today. We would love to help you determine what the best solution is for you.

Oh, and one more important note…We appreciate the trust you place in our practice and in our recommendations. We deeply value that trust, and never make any treatment recommendation that isn’t in your very best interest. If there is ever anything about a recommendation that you don’t completely understand, don’t hesitate to say something. We love answering your questions.

Also, take a moment to Like us on Facebook to stay connected with Lake Oconee Dentistry and learn about our promotions and offers. We look forward to connecting with you there!

Positive Views About Dentistry Will Benefit Your Child’s Health

July 26, 2011

IF YOU’RE A PARENT, YOU INTUITIVELY UNDERSTAND that your children look to you as they form their own early opinions about life and all of its complexities. This principle applies to the things that you believe and the priorities you value. Kids ride piggyback on many of our opinions until they grow old enough to adapt, interpret, and challenge those beliefs on their own.

So, how does this notion relate to dentistry? Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we believe that the best way to help your children not only understand the importance of oral health, but also make it a priority in their lives, is to get them in the habit of seeing us when they’re young.

Kids whose parents start taking them to the dentist at an early age have much better oral health in the long run.

As parents it’s our obligation to make sure our children are getting the best oral health care possible to help ensure they keep healthy smiles for life. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell know that preventative care is much less costly than restorative care. Sometimes, people don’t look at regular preventive care this way, yet it’s an important principle to teach our children. Indeed, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

You can also help your children understand the benefits of a healthy smile, and having a mouth free of pain and hassle. If children hear a parent disparaging dental care they may start putting up a fight when it’s time for the next cleaning appointment.

Here’s a short video from CNN on the importance of early childhood dental care:Early visits to our practice help prevent future problems with tooth decay and gum disease—and perhaps most importantly, help your children become accustomed to visiting the dentist regularly so they won’t be hesitant in the future. These visits also show your kids that sound oral health is important to YOU, and that it’s a high priority.

If you haven’t already done so, feel free to “like” us on Facebook by clicking on the logo below! It’s a great way to stay updated on everything going on at our practice!

Stay Informed About Early Childhood Caries

July 19, 2011

EACH YEAR, MANY INFANTS AND TODDLERS SUFFER FROM EXTENSIVE TOOTH DECAY that could be avoided—and the culprit is surprising. Milk and sweet liquids are the biggest contributors to something referred to as ECC (Early Childhood Caries).

Just like adult mouths, babies’ mouths are full of bacteria that feed on the sugars found in the foods and liquids they consume. One of the byproducts of these bacteria buffets is an acid that can attack tooth enamel and cause cavities.

Now, don’t worry… We’re not suggesting that you stop using baby bottles or that you don’t give milk to your infants and toddlers. Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell simply recommend being aware of the issue and taking some simple preventive steps to help avoid a potential problem.

Here’s a short video from Nursery Water about preventing baby bottle tooth decay:

Many parents give their children a bottle to suck on as a way of helping them settle down and doze off at night. Unfortunately, studies show thatwhen a baby falls asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, the fluid from the bottle can settle in a pool around their fragile teeth. This allows the bacteria in the baby’s mouth to feed off the sugar present in the liquid ALL night long, creating a steady stream of tooth-decaying acid. If your child absolutely needs a bottle to suck on as he or she goes to sleep, your best bet is to fill it with warm water. Or, once asleep, at least be sure to remove the bottle from your child’s mouth.

Here are a few other ways you can take care of your baby’s teeth:

  • Only Fill Bottles with Milk Or Formula. If you choose to give your child juice or other sugary drinks, make sure you only do so in a sippy cup so that the sugar doesn’t sit at the front of their mouths too long.
  • Clean Your Baby’s Teeth and Gums. Even before your child’s first teeth have come in, it’s important to gently wipe their teeth with a wet towel or gauze after they are fed.
  • Don’t Dip Pacifiers In Anything Containing Sugar. Some parents dip pacifiers in sweet substances like honey. This can be very damaging for baby teeth.

ECC is an infectious disease that can begin as soon as the baby’s first teeth appear, and it can have lasting, damaging effects on your child’s oral health. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we want to help you take care of your baby’s teeth. Not only are they more susceptible to cavities than are adults, but they are also at risk of gum disease if the bacteria in their mouths gets too out of hand.

If you think your child may be a victim of baby bottle tooth decay, set up an appointment to come in and see one of our doctors, or a member of our team today. We’d love to help return your baby’s mouth to its healthiest state! Feel free to contact usif you have any additional questions or concerns!

Our Thoughts On Caring For Your Children’s Teeth

May 10, 2011

EVERY PARENT KNOWS THAT TAKING CARE OF THE SMALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY IS A FULL-TIME JOB. Along with diaper changes, bath time, and medical checkups, parents also need to take care of their children’s teeth. But what are the best ways to go about caring for teeth (and baby gums!) during those early years? Here are some of Dr. Bradley’s thoughts on the matter…

Birth To 18 Months: No Toothpaste Required!

AtLake Oconee Dentistrywe believe, like most dentists, that oral care is important to everyone—no matter what their age. Our doctorsrecommend that you begin cleaning your children’s teeth as soon as the teeth begin to come in. For babies younger than 18 months, the best way approach is to use a wet cloth or gauze—without toothpaste. Gently rub their teeth and gums with a cloth over your fingertip. This, along with nursing and/or drinking water, is all the oral hygiene that your child needs at the infant stage. Once your child has more of a “full set” of teeth, your can use a small, soft toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth with water.

When To Start Toothpaste? 18 MonthsIn general, children should not use toothpaste until they are at least 18 months old—and when you do start using toothpaste, make sure it is a safe “children’s toothpaste” made especially for young ones. Young children have different dental needs than grown-ups—and children’s toothpaste is made for this purpose.

What To Look For In A Children’s Toothpaste:

  • SAFE TO SWALLOW: Most young children tend to swallow while brushing, rather than spitting out the toothpaste—so we recommend that your children’s toothpaste is formulated with this in mind.
  • USE ONLY A PEA-SIZED AMOUNT: Don’t use too much toothpaste—just squeeze a small, pea-size (or smaller) amount onto the toothbrush. Your child doesn’t need much toothpaste to be effective, and you don’t want your child to swallow too much toothpaste.
  • CONSIDER LOW-FLUORIDE CHILDREN’S TOOTHPASTE: Fluoride is an important element of keeping teeth healthy and strong, but too much fluoride can be harmful for young children. Several varieties of children’s toothpaste have lower amounts of fluoride or are fluoride-free.
  • FUN FLAVORS: Try some different flavors of toothpaste and see what your child likes. Some children—especially at the toddler stage—are very picky about flavors and might be reluctant to use a certain flavor of toothpaste. So be prepared to buy a few different varieties of children’s toothpaste and see which one is your child’s favorite.

When can my child use adult toothpaste?

At our practice, we typically recommend switching to adult toothpaste with fluoride when your child is able to spit out most of their toothpaste after brushing. This usually happens around age 4-6. However, they should still only be using a “pea-size” amount.

REMEMBER: Brushing your child’s teeth is part of parenting, and you need to start at a young age. By taking the time each day—before bedtime and in the morning—to clean your child’s teeth with a specially formulated children’s toothpaste, you will be helping to create a lifetime of healthy dental habits and happy smiles!Don’t forget to come in for regular checkups and cleanings so that your children’s teeth stay healthy and strong! Set up an appointment with us through our contact page or by calling our practice at (706) 453-1333.

And please join us on our Facebook Pageand Twitter Account. It’s a great way to keep up with everything going on in our practice and we would love to stay connected with you there!

 

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