Toggle navigation
Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
70 Westridge Parkway, Suite 200 McDonough, GA 30253(678) 583-0330
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Home
  • Meet Our Dentist
  • Meet Our Team
  • Our Office
  • New Patients
  • Reviews
  • Appointment Request

My Blog

Posts for: October, 2016

Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
October 24, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: braces   tooth extraction  
ExtractingCertainTeethcanBoostOrthodonticEffectiveness

We treat most malocclusions (bad bites) with braces or clear aligners. But not all malocclusions are alike — some can require extra procedures to achieve successful results.

One such example is when incoming teeth crowd other teeth and cause them to erupt abnormally. The crowding also reduces the space needed to move the misaligned teeth to better positions. To make more room we'll often remove some of the teeth before undertaking orthodontics.

The key is to extract the right teeth. The best candidates are those whose absence will have minimal effect on both appearance and dental function. That's commonly the bicuspids, located right on the edge of the “smile zone” (the teeth most visible when we smile) between the cuspid (eye) teeth and the back molars.

Once we choose and remove the teeth our next concern is to protect the bone at the extraction site. The bone in our jaws benefits from the pressure created when we bite or chew. This stimulates new bone cells to form and replace older cells. Without it, as when we have a missing tooth, the amount of bone can diminish over time and affect the success of any future orthodontics.

To prevent this, we take care not to damage the gums and bone removing the tooth. We may also install a graft under the empty socket to encourage bone growth.

If we've removed teeth outside the smile zone, the resulting orthodontics will move teeth into the opened space. In the end, you won't even notice they're gone. Teeth lost or congenitally missing in the smile zone, though, may eventually require a replacement tooth. A dental implant is the best choice, but it should be put on hold for a younger person until their jaw has fully developed.

In the meantime, we can install a spacer or a temporary restoration to hold the empty space and prevent other teeth from drifting into it. This can be incorporated into braces or aligners, or with a removable partial denture or a temporary modified bridge.

Extracting teeth to aid orthodontics first requires a well-laid plan that could encompass several years. The end result, though, can be well worth the time and effort — better function and a new, attractive smile.

If you would like more information on the process of straightening teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Removal for Orthodontic Reasons.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
October 16, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   wisdom teeth  
ArianaGrandeBreaksFree-ofHerWisdomTeeth

Via a recent Instagram post, pop diva Ariana Grande became the latest young celebrity to publicly acknowledge a dental milestone: having her wisdom teeth removed. The singer of hits such as “Break Free” and “Problem” posted an after-surgery picture of herself (wearing her signature cat-eye eyeliner), with a caption addressed to her teeth: “Peace out, final three wisdom teeth. It’s been real.”

With the post, Grande joined several other celebs (including Lily Allen, Paris Hilton and Emile Hirsch) who have shared their dental surgery experience with fans. Will "wisdom teeth removal" become a new trending topic on social media? We aren’t sure — but we can explain a bit about the procedure, and why many younger adults may need it.

Technically called the “third molars,” wisdom teeth usually begin to emerge from the gums between the ages of 17 and 25 — presumably, around the same time that a certain amount of wisdom emerges. Most people have four of these big molars, which are located all the way in the back of the mouth, on the left and right sides of the upper and lower jaws.

But when wisdom teeth begin to appear, there’s often a problem: Many people don’t have enough space in their jaws to accommodate them. When these molars lack sufficient space to fully erupt (emerge), they are said to be “impacted.” Impacted teeth can cause a number of serious problems: These may include pain, an increased potential for bacterial infections, periodontal disease, and even the formation of cysts (pockets of infection below the gum line), which can eventually lead to tooth and bone loss.

In most cases, the best treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is extraction (removal) of the problem teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine, in-office procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia or “conscious sedation,” a type of anesthesia where the patient remains conscious (able to breathe normally and respond to stimuli), but is free from any pain or distress. Anti-anxiety medications may also be given, especially for those who are apprehensive about dental procedures.

So if you find you need your wisdom teeth extracted, don’t be afraid to “Break Free” like Ariana Grande did; whether you post the results on social media is entirely up to you. If you would like more information about wisdom tooth extraction, please call our office to schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Wisdom Teeth” and “Removing Wisdom Teeth.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Implants can Support a Total Tooth Replacement Restoration

By Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
October 01, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implants  
ImplantscanSupportaTotalToothReplacementRestoration

You may be familiar with a dental implant used to replace a single tooth — but implant technology can do much more. Implants can also support other restorations including total teeth replacement on a jaw.

The reason they're so versatile is because implants replace the tooth root as well as the visible crown. We use a metal post, usually made of titanium, which we surgically implant in the jawbone as a root substitute. Because of a special affinity with titanium, bone around the implant grows and adheres to it and creates a durable bond.

With a single tooth replacement (the implant's original purpose when they were introduced in the 1980s) we attach a life-like porcelain crown to the individual titanium post. But with their continuing development we've adapted implants for other applications, like using a few strategically-placed implants as a stable platform for removable dentures or fixed bridges.

We're now able to use implants to support a full prosthetic (false) dental arch. Though similar in appearance to a removable denture, this particular prosthesis is permanently joined to the supporting implants with retaining screws.

Of course, the application requires careful pre-planning, which includes making sure you have enough healthy bone to support the implants. We'll also need to determine how many implants you'll need (usually four to six for this application) and create a surgical guide to place them in the best location for supporting the prosthesis. A dental technician will then create the prosthesis to match your jaw ridge contours and facial structure.

Using implants this way has a benefit other types of restorations can't provide: they may help stop future bone loss. The jawbone life cycle depends on stimulation from the attached tooth as you bite and chew — stimulation that ends when you lose the tooth. Traditional dentures and other restorations can't replicate that stimulation. Implants, on the other hand, directly encourage bone growth and can stop gradual bone loss.

If you need some form of total teeth replacement, consider one supported by implants. You may find they'll provide an excellent long-term solution to both function and appearance.

If you would like more information on the different applications for dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.


0 Comment(s) Permalink


November (3) September (3)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (3)
        • You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
        • Could a Dental Bridge Be a Better Choice Than Implants?
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
  • 2020
      • December (4)
        • When To Replace a Dental Crown or Bridge
        • This Odd Tongue Condition Isn't Something To Fret Over
        • The Importance of Preventive Dental Care
        • Vivica Fox and Zendaya Have This in Common: A Gorgeous Smile
      • November (3)
        • How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
        • Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
        • A Mild NSAID May Be All You Need To Manage Discomfort After Dental Work
      • October (3)
        • Zac Efron's Smile Transformation Could Happen to You
        • 4 Tips To Make Dental Care Easier for Children With Special Needs
        • Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
      • September (3)
        • 3 Ways We Can Improve a Smile Affected by Unformed Teeth
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
        • Lingual Braces Might be a Better Fit for Your Active Lifestyle
      • August (3)
        • Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth
        • Mouth Breathing Can Lead to Serious Oral Problems, Especially for Children
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
      • July (5)
        • Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
        • Even All-Natural Fruit Juices Could Raise Your Child's Risk for Tooth Decay
        • Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
        • What Are Veneers?
        • Why Kathy Bates Chose This Alternative to Braces and so Might You
      • June (4)
        • Exciting New Discovery Could Help in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance
        • That Odd 'Lacy' Mouth Sore is No Cause for Alarm
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings Restore Damaged Teeth
        • What Really Happens During a Root Canal Treatment
      • May (3)
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
        • Why Is Your Smile Gummy? Here Are 4 Possibilities
      • April (4)
        • 4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • Restore Smile With Dental Implants
        • Avoid Becoming a Dental Injury Statistic - Get a Custom Mouthguard for Your Young Athlete
      • March (4)
        • Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
        • 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
        • How Crowns and Bridges Can Help Your Smile
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
      • February (4)
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
        • How Root Canals Can Help Soothe Your Pain
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Avoid Harm From Gum Disease
        • You Don't Have to Live With Uncomfortable Cracked Mouth Corners
      • January (3)
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • These 4 Habits Could Help You Avoid Gum Disease
        • Follow the Fast-Food Lead: Cut Back Sodas in Your Child's Diet
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Certain Osteoporosis Drugs Could Pose a Future Risk to Your Dental Health
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Your Smile Can Be Your Passport to the World - Take Care of It With These Tips
      • November (4)
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
        • The Versatility of Dental Crowns
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
      • October (3)
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
        • 3 Reasons Why Correcting a Poor Bite Is Worthwhile at Any Age
        • How to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk From Halloween Candy
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
      • August (3)
        • "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • To Extract or not Extract? The Big Decision About Your Child's Wisdom Teeth
      • July (4)
        • Restore Your Smile With Dental Implants
        • Taking a Trip Abroad? Do This to Protect Your Dental Health
        • How Early Dental Visits Can Improve Your Child's Oral Health
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • June (4)
        • Crown Lengthening Could Help with Treating Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Not So Fast Replacing That Tooth - Consider Saving it First
        • As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
        • Signs You May Need a Tooth Extracted
      • May (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Root Canal Therapy Might Just Save Your Tooth!
        • See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
      • April (3)
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
      • March (4)
        • Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
        • Beat Dental Plaque While Wearing Braces with These Tools and Tips
        • FAQs About Veneers
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Correcting a Poor Bite Improves Dental Health as Well as Smile Appearance
        • We may Need to Build up the Bone in Your Jaw before Implants
        • Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
      • January (4)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Have Tooth Pain? A Root Canal Might Be Right for You
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Monitoring Your Child's Thumb Sucking Could Help Avoid Future Bite Problems
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
      • November (4)
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
      • October (3)
        • How to Reduce Tooth White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
      • September (4)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
        • How Oral Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Smile
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
      • August (4)
        • Back to School Do's and Don'ts
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
      • July (4)
        • How Dental Crowns Help Your Smile
        • We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Cleaning Around Implants Crucial to Protecting Them from Loss
      • June (4)
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • 3 Common Causes for Chronic Dry Mouth and What You can do About It
        • Signs You May Need a Root Canal
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • May (3)
        • Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
      • April (2)
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
        • Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
      • March (3)
        • Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
        • The Importance of Professional Cleanings
        • Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
        • A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
      • January (3)
        • New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
        • What Veneers Can Do for Your Smile
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • Boost Your Overall Health by Reducing Gum Inflammation
      • November (3)
        • Diabetes and Oral Health
        • Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • October (2)
        • Take Steps to Reduce Mouth Acid and Avoid Dental Erosion
        • Chronic Dry Mouth Could be Increasing Your Risk of Dental Disease
      • September (3)
        • Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • What are Dental Implants?
      • August (3)
        • Tooth-Healthy Tips for a Summer Barbecue
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • 4 Situations Where a Crown Could Improve an Existing Tooth
      • July (3)
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
        • Reasons You Might Need A Dental Crown
        • Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
      • June (2)
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
      • May (3)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Don't Neglect Your Flossing Habit
        • A Bonded Retainer Could be a Preferred Choice over a Removable One
      • April (2)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Lasers Beginning to Change Some Root Canal Procedures
      • March (4)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Even if a Root Canal Won't Work, This Procedure Could Save your Tooth
        • The Many Uses for Porcelain Veneers
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • February (1)
        • Get an Early Start Treating Root Resorption Before it's Too Late
      • January (4)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • What Causes Bad Breath?
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
        • So, What's a Dental Implant?
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
      • October (3)
        • Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Implants can Support a Total Tooth Replacement Restoration
      • September (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Root Canals: No Pain and Lots to Gain
        • Dentures Still an Effective Restoration for Total Tooth Loss
      • August (2)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
      • July (3)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Get Your Smile Back With Dental Implants
        • 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
      • June (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
      • May (3)
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
        • What Are Crowns and Bridges?
      • April (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • March (3)
        • Erosion and Other Problems may be Signs of Bulimia
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Welcome To Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (50)
  • oral hygiene (18)
  • oral health (21)
  • bulimia (1)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • gum disease (8)
  • Crowns (6)
  • Bridges (2)
  • medication (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (9)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • tooth decay (6)
  • dental implants (14)
  • restorative dentistry (5)
  • tooth loss (1)
  • braces (7)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • dentures (3)
  • Root Canals (2)
  • wisdom teeth (5)
  • tooth extraction (2)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • orthodontics (3)
  • veneers (6)
  • partial denture (2)
  • bad breath (1)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • root resorption (1)
  • apioectomy (1)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • mouthguards (4)
  • root canal treatment (7)
  • laser dentistry (2)
  • orthodontic treatment (14)
  • bonded retainer (1)
  • missing teeth (2)
  • thumb sucking (3)
  • nutrition (4)
  • pediatric dentistry (10)
  • dry mouth (2)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • root canal (3)
  • antibiotics (2)
  • periodontal surgery (1)
  • Professional Cleanings (1)
  • flossing (1)
  • periodontist (1)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • dental crowns (2)
  • Oral Cancer Screening (1)
  • Oral Cancer (2)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • teeth whitening (2)
  • crown (2)
  • toothache (2)
  • dental injury (3)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • apicoectomy (1)
  • gum recession (3)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • bridge (2)
  • loose tooth (3)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • crown lengthening (1)
  • dental implant (3)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • retainers (1)
  • lingual braces (2)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • osteoporosis (1)
  • tooth extractions (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • Damaged Teeth (1)
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings (1)
  • mouth sore (1)
  • clear aligners (1)
  • fluoride (1)
  • dental care (2)
  • dry socket (1)
  • Preventive Dental Care (1)
  • Dental Crown (1)
  • bridgework (1)

Categories:

  • Oral Health (82)
  • Dental Procedures (99)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (1)
 
 
 
New Patient Forms
 
CareCredit - Apply nowApply Now
 
 

Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Reviews

Our Location

McDonough, GA Dentist
Brooks Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
70 Westridge Parkway, Suite 200
McDonough, GA 30253
(678) 583-0330
dentist Call For Pricing

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Dentist Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map