Jon is Dr. Padolsky’s youngest child and the only one still in the Atlanta area. He took over managerial duties at the Atlanta Dental Group PC in 2009 and has worked hard ever since at improving the practice. Jon lives in Canton with his wife, Tiffany. Their only child, Jackson was born in May of 2009.

Dr. Johnson grew up in Roswell, Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree at The University of Georgia before completing her dental degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. During her studies, Dr. Johnson helped develop a student implant training simulation for Nobel Biocare.

Dr. Johnson is very involved in community service projects, having participated in the North Carolina Missions of Mercy, Habitat for Humanity, and Dentists for Della, a project providing care for Georgia war veterans. She has also traveled to Peru and Trinidad for mission work.

Dr. Johnson is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Dental Political Action Committee.

Sarah married her husband, Chris, in November of 2012.  They have two dogs, Bateman and Rinny, as well as a cat, Harley.

Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky has been practicing dentistry since he graduated from Emory Dental School in 1982. He married his wife, Linda, in July of 1979 and has three children (Benjamin, Sarah, and Jonathan).

Dr. Padolsky founded the Atlanta Dental Group PC and is devoted to his patients’ health and well being. His commitment is illustrated in the number of continuing education courses he has taken in order to be up to date with the newest procedures, techniques and technologies. In 2002 he earned the highest honor available to members of the American Academy of General Dentistry, the Mastership (MAGD) aw

Introducing our new blog

We will be updating this blog with new posts regularly, so check back again soon!

The post Coming Soon appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

With the sheer volume of listings on the internet or other directories for dentists here in Atlanta, the question of how you would pick one becomes overwhelming unless you have some solid criteria to work from. After all, there are a large number of good practitioners in our area who can render decent service for most people’s general dentistry needs, especially when we are looking at simple actions like filling a tooth or getting a routine dental cleaning.

So what items can you look for and use as a sort of “check-off” list in order to find a highly qualified and trustworthy dentist?  When looking over a potential dentist, note the following things on their website, listing or in person if you happen to be visiting them directly. The better each one of these items are, the better your chances of choosing an absolute gem.

Education – Check where they went to school and what degrees or certs they achieved. This is often on their wall in reception, and is usually described in detail on the dentist’a bio on their website.

Continuing Education and Advanced Training – Check as well for any continuing education they have taken, how extensive it was, and on what subjects. The more certifications they have, the more sweat they have poured onto becoming proficient at their craft. By the way, the doctor does not earn these certificates without showing that they can competently attain the result called for in the training.

Awards and Honors – Has this dentist achieved special recognitions for their skills and achievements? One of the best demonstrations of achievement is receiving a fellowship in an advanced dental society. Those are only conferred after the doctor has demonstrated that they can get a consistent and top-quality result. This is a great reassurance if you are interested in  specific service (such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, etc.)

Do they teach others? – This is an added plus that puts icing on the cake. A dentist who has a history of instructing others in the clinical skills they practice has an understanding that is a cut above the general practitioner. And the teacher will also be able to better help you understand what they are doing when they are working with you (this relieves a lot of nerves, as you can imagine).

Are they friendly and reassuring? – Granted, the ability to competently give you what you need is the most important, but someone who is genuinely caring, friendly and reassuring makes all the difference in the world as far as the experience is concerned. Don’t underestimate this. If it was a choice between two equally qualified and competent doctors, I’ll take the friendlier and gentler of the two any day of the week. Often you can get a good glimpse of their personality just from their pictures (or videos of they have any). If no way to know form these, go meet them. You’ll find out fast.

Testimonials from happy patients? – If they have them, then read them and note what they say. Patients are the best evidence that everything you are seeing is backed up by result.

Dr. Padolsky is pretty much at the top of the list on every one of the qualifications you would check to see if you have an expert who will give you top-quality service. And you should absolutely meet him for an initial consultation. If you can’t already tell he’s one of the nicest and most gentle doctors you’ll ever see just from his pictures, you’ll be completely certain once he sits down with you.

Good hunting.

The post Looking for a Dentist in Atlanta? appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

The first thing you need to know when it comes to dental emergencies is that you should call a dentist immediately so you can get seen and treated as soon as possible. Real dental emergencies can only get worse and lead to complications, such as severe infection or intensified pain, if you wait.

Let me give you a solid idea of what constitutes a dental emergency. Emergencies would fall within the following general categories:

• things that are causing chronic or recurring pain in your teeth or jaw (whether you know what is causing this or not)
• teeth that have fractured, broken off, become damaged or have been knocked out
• infections in and around your teeth and gums, such as swelling or abscesses
• Injuries to your teeth that have caused them to become loose,
• Dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges, that have come loose or fallen off, exposing your ground-down natural teeth

These situations are as important for child as they are for you as an adult. Yes, even a baby tooth that has gotten knocked out. Did you know that it is important to try to save that tooth and re-insert it if possible? That’s right. Baby teeth that get knocked out early can no longer keep your child’s adjacent teeth from shifting position and altering their bite. This could lead to orthodontic problems up the line.

There are a number of things you would be wise to do yourself as preliminary care before you actually get to the dentist.  These things can alleviate the immediate pain and protect you from further infection before you get to sit in the dental chair. They are spelled out in detail on our website on the page entitled “Emergency Dental Treatment”. For general information, you can also go to the following link and get instructions:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/handling-dental-emergencies

Now, with all the dentists in the Atlanta area, how can you tell who is going to take care of you with the greatest expertise, care and speed? Here are a few things that will tell you that you are in good hands:

• Does the office advertise that it accepts emergencies?
• Does the office say that they will work to get you in the same day? Will they see you on weekends?
• Does their website give you an idea of exactly what you can expect when you come to see them for an emergency appointment?
• Does the website have any bio of the doctor or doctors who will be treating you ?
• Does the doctor have any special certifications in advanced procedures beyond just a dental degree? Advanced training in orthodontics, TMJ Pain treatment, cosmetic dentistry and replacement of missing teeth are huge plusses. It means the dentists can not only get you out of pain (which about anyone can do), it means that they can really correct the underlying problem and likely fix you up so you are as good as new

Dr. Padolsky has advanced training and certifications in all the dental skills above, and he has been in practice since 1982, so he’s an experienced hand. He even trains other dentists in dental techniques, so he knows his procedures cold.

Dr. Padolsky welcomes dental emergencies, and our staff will work feverishly to get you in our office and taken care of the same day. And yes, he’ll even see you on a Saturday.

Just give us a call immediately when you or your child has a dental emergency. We’ll make sure it all gets taken care of, and fast.

The post What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Consider trying to find an Atlanta dentist who is very experienced, has achieved numerous awards for his technical excellence, and can take care of any dental situation you may have in the comfort of his office. This is a daunting task, as there are hundreds of practitioners in the area and the search can be maddening. On top of that, trying to find a top-flight Atlanta dentist who is also very reasonably priced can seem impossible.

Dr. Mark Padolsky of the Atlanta Dental Group is one of those extremely qualified practitioners. He’s been practicing dentistry since 1982 and is probably the most credentialed dentist in the state of Georgia. He holds fellowships in four prestigious dental societies in recognition of his technical expertise, and holds a Mastership (the highest honor) in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Padolsky has also taught different aspects of dentistry at two major universities, and has been a guest lecturer in the dental schools of several others. As a dentist, he can expertly treat gum disease, restore teeth with top-quality crowns and bridges, completely restore the beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry and replace one to all for your teeth using dental implants.

So why is he currently offering a comprehensive exam for new patients, which includes the latest in diagnostic technology, for only $49? Simply put, he wants to make his services and expertise easily available to as many people as possible.

If you are a new patient, and you come into our office during any weekday for an initial exam, you’ll get the following:

• A low-radiation digital Panoramic X-ray (and any other digital X-Rays you might need)
• An intraoral camera tour of your mouth (which you’ll be able to see on a screen)
• Extraoral photos of your smile
• A comprehensive oral exam by Dr. Padolsky, which will include both an oral cancer screening and a full head and neck exam for any signs of jaw joint difficulties resulting in pain
• A full discussion of what was discovered, where Dr. Padolsky will use your digital X-ray images to show you directly any areas of difficulty
• A full consultation with the doctor about your treatment options. Here Dr. Padolsky will also make sure to answer any of your questions so you are very well informed and can make a comfortable decision about how to proceed
• A full written treatment plan

Just mention this $49 New Patient Exam offer when you call us for an appointment. You’ll get one of the best deals ever for an exam with a top-tier Atlanta dentist.

The post Our $49 New Patient Special – one of the best deals in Atlanta GA appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Dental technology for replacing missing teeth has advanced by leaps and bounds over the last 30 years. Many Atlanta dentists can provide the time-honored traditional solutions, but it takes extensive extra training and experience to be able to expertly provide the full range of newly available options.

Dr. Mark Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist who has been in practice since 1982. He has made it a priority to keep up with the latest in technologies so he can give his patients the best that dentistry has to offer. One of his areas of special expertise is the replacement of missing teeth.

Let’s take a look at what options you now have that Dr. Padolsky can deliver.

Of course, the long-standing solution for a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A bridge is a connected series of dental crowns used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth, and the crowns on each end of the bridge need to be placed over the teeth adjacent to the gap so the bridge is firmly anchored.

This involves the shaving down of the teeth on each end of the gap so the bridge can be cemented onto them. Dr. Padolsky is very precise in his preparation of your bridge so as much of your natural tooth structure is preserved and the bridge rests upon a strong foundation. He also makes the bridge out of the highest quality materials that are both durable and aesthetic, and meticulously fabricates the bridge so it fits perfectly in your bite and blends seamlessly with your other teeth.

And of course, if you are missing several teeth in a row or all of your teeth, Dr. Padolsky can provide top-quality partial and full dentures that fit very comfortably and look very lifelike.

But there are and always have been drawbacks to these solutions, no matter how well they are made or fitted. Bridges compromise the teeth that have been ground down and this can lead to future decay or fracture. And bridges only last an average of ten years.

Dentures have improved markedly over the years, but they do not prevent the bone loss that occurs in the jaw as a natural result of having missing teeth. This causes the denture to lose its fit over and over, requiring multiple relines and replacements. And dentures only provide a fraction of the chewing power of real teeth, denying you the ability to eat many of the foods you need for proper nutrition.

The major development that has changed the game in terms of tooth replacement is the dental implant. An implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jaw to act as an artificial replacement for a missing tooth. It serves as the foundation for a new replacement tooth and is as strong as a real tooth. Dental implants can be placed to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth in a row or an entire arch of missing teeth.

With dental-implant supported replacement teeth (which includes individual crowns, bridges and even a full-arch set of new teeth), chewing power is restored to near that of natural teeth, bone loss in the jaw is prevented, and the implants normally last a lifetime with proper care.

Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist that can provide the entire range of implant services. If you come to our office, you can discuss your options with him and decide which option would be best for you. Dr. Padolsky always makes sure to completely explain the pros and cons of each option so you know what to expect. And he will always answer any questions you have so you are certain about your options and are comfortable.

So come in and see Dr. Padolsky for a comprehensive exam, and find out what can be done for your lost teeth. All you have to lose…is the gap in your smile.

The post What Are Your Options if You Are Missing Teeth? appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist who stresses preventive care.  Although he can restore broken-down teeth and replace them when necessary, it is far more comfortable and cost-effective for you to prevent the need for such solutions in the first place. The main prevention is simply to keep your teeth cleaned well and regularly.

In addition to good home oral care, regular professional teeth cleanings are vital to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Bacteria accumulates on your teeth from your food and beverages, and if these bacteria are not routinely cleaned off with professional instruments, it can lead to infection. The biochemicals generated by the infection lead  to tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. If let go too long, it can progress into gum disease.

Many things determine how fast this accumulation takes place. Diet is one of the main influencers. A diet full of sugars and starches creates a very fast accumulation of bacteria. However, even if you eat very healthy foods and brush and floss well, some bacterial accumulation still takes place. It just accumulates at a slower pace.

Too much acid content in your mouth, inadequate saliva flow, a compromised immune system and medications also play major roles in accelerating this accumulation. And inadequate oral hygiene allows the bacterial accumulation to continue unchecked.

For a person with an excellent diet, no major health issues and good personal oral hygiene care, a professional cleaning  every four to  six months has generally been found to be adequate. It should be noted, however, that no two people’s condition is exactly alike, so the only real way to predict this would be by getting a professional cleaning and seeing how things shake out in follow-up visits.

Now of course, if you haven’t had a professional cleaning in a long time (even as little as nine months), you should get yourself into the dental chair as soon as possible. If you can’t get in for a cleaning appointment immediately, here are some things you can do to minimize any further deterioration:

1) Start brushing and flossing (yes, both) after every meal.

2) Use a strong plaque-fighting toothpaste, preferably one from a dental office if you can get it. These are professional-grade formulas.

3) Knock off eating sugary or starchy foods and sugary drinks (this includes foods made with refined flours). A consistent diet of nutritious whole foods can never hurt.

4) Get a hold of a professional-grade mouthwash and use it according to instructions.

You can call us for advice on what to do before seeing us. But definitely set up an appointment to see us for an exam and professional cleaning as soon as possible. We’ll make sure you are seen and taken care of fast.

Part of our service includes training you on the most effective home oral care techniques and recommending the best products to use for your circumstances. And of course, we will work with you on a maintenance program of regular hygiene visits to help you maintain your oral health. How often you will need a maintenance cleaning will depend on your individual needs.

The post How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned? appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Before discussing how to tell if you have gum disease, it would be good to have a fundamental understanding of what it is. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that eats away tooth structure, gum tissue and the bone supporting the teeth.

The infection starts as a clear, sticky biofilm of bacteria on the teeth and gums known as plaque. As the amount of plaque increases, it starts to form hardened bacterial deposits known as calculus. These deposits develop above and below the gum line.

The bacteria emit toxins that cause inflammation and erosion of tissue. As the infection grows, it gradually causes the gums to detach from the teeth and eats away the bone that holds the teeth in place. When the infection becomes severe, the teeth become loose and can even fall out.

Gum disease often does not cause any pain or discomfort until it is well advanced, so a knowledge of what to look for is vital if you are to catch it before it becomes a severe problem.

Here are the main things to look for. If you notice ANY of the above, you should make an immediate appointment at our office for a full examination.

• Red or swollen gums – this is a result of inflammation.
• Tender or bleeding gums (especially when you brush or floss) – this is evidence that the infection has taken hold, but it also may be a sign that you have caught it early, as the gums stop bleeding when the gum detachment has progressed far below the gum line.
• Persistent bad breath that does not go away – this isn’t just a social liability, it’s a danger signal.
• Teeth that have shifted position – this happens when bone support has been reduced.
• Teeth that have become loose – this is evidence the gum detachment and erosion of bone has become advanced.
• Gums that have receded away from the tooth crown, making the tooth appear longer – this is evidence that gum tissue has actually been lost, and could be a sign of bone loss as well.
• You detect an abscess below the gum line – this is a sign the infection has advanced.
• Painful Chewing – this is an indicator of advanced inflammation and infection.

Treatment for any stage of gum disease involves thorough removal of the built-up plaque and calculus. Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist who uses ultrasonic cleaning instruments, topical antibiotic therapy and dental lasers to make gum disease treatment efficient and minimally invasive. His use of these technologies also allows him to effectively resolve many severe cases of gum disease without the need of surgery.

The post Gum Disease – How Can You Tell If You Have It? How Do You Treat It? appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist who welcomes emergency patients and provides quick and effective care for any type of situation. At the same time, he believes in helping his patients prevent such emergencies so these situations can be minimized or eliminated. Prevention of dental emergencies is actually easy if you know what causes them and take proper precautions.

There are two basic sources of emergencies. The first source is the emergency created by an accidental injury. This is the cracked or loosened tooth resulting from impact to the mouth, or the chipped-off tooth coming from chewing on an unanticipated small pebble that was not previously washed out of the salad you are eating.

Here is a quick rundown of what you can do to prevent injuries or minimize their impact.

1. Wear mouthguards when playing contact sports whenever possible. If you get hit in the face with a ball or an elbow, a mouthgaurd can diffuse the impact or at least minimize any damage that occurs.
2. Wash your fresh produce thoroughly in water before eating. It needs to be done to flush out grit, small pebbles and rocks if for no other reason.
3. Make sure you wear seatbelts and shoulder harnesses in the car when you are driving. The reasons for this are simple and obvious.

The second type of emergency stems from a long-term deterioration of your dental health. What pops up as an “emergency” is actually at the end of a long chain of events that were eroding your tooth, gums or jawbone over time. This is the subject of tooth deterioration and gum disease.

Tooth deterioration leading to cavities and erosion of dental enamel stems mainly from acids that eat away the structure of the tooth. One dietary promoter of these corrosive acids is sugar. As far as diet goes, eliminating sugar as much as possible will make a significant difference.

The main generator of tooth deterioration is bacteria that remains on the teeth after eating. These bacteria form a sticky biofilm known as plaque. (and sugar promotes bacterial growth at a very high rate). Without regular brushing and flossing, the plaque keeps building up on the teeth and down around the gum line. This bacterial plaque emits toxins that cause inflammation of the gums and erosion of the tooth structure.

Good oral hygiene practices are essential to preventing dental emergencies stemming from long-term deterioration and infection. And that includes regularly scheduled professional cleaning visits at the dentist, as even the best home oral care can’t clean away everything.

Dr. Padolsky and our hygienist provide thorough and gentle cleanings that remove this accumulated plaque and keep your teeth and gums healthy. They also educate you thoroughly on how to effectively maintain your oral health at home.

Adequate oral hygiene care is the best prevention of future emergencies.

The post Dental Emergencies – How to Prevent Them appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Lasers have been developed for many uses in the medicine, aviation, industry and the military. In medicine, lasers have replaced scalpels for many procedures. The focused light beam and heat can very precisely remove or sculpt soft or hard tissue. The heat also acts to kill pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms), giving the laser a second function as a disinfecting agent.

Lasers have been developed for many dental procedures, and their use has made treatments faster, more comfortable and minimally invasive. One area where they have made a significant impact is treating periodontal (gum) disease. Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist who has incorporated laser technology into gum disease treatment.

Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the tissues and erosion of teeth, gums and supporting bone. The bacteria forms a sticky film on the teeth and gums known as plaque. As plaque accumulates on the teeth and under the gum line, it forms hardened deposits of bacteria called calculus.

Those bacterial deposits have to be thoroughly removed to stop the deterioration of gum and bone and restore oral health. Gum disease also destroys the surface layers of gum tissue that attach to the tooth roots, and this diseased tissue must also be removed so new tissue can regenerate as part of the healing process.

A combination of hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling instruments strip bacterial deposits off the teeth. These deposits can go deep below the gum line. In some cases, the bacteria can penetrate below the point of gum attachment.

Sometimes the infection runs deep enough that simple removal of the plaque off the exposed tooth surfaces is inadequate. This is where periodontal surgery becomes necessary. And this is where Dr. Podolsky uses the dental laser.

In periodontal surgery, a small flap of gum tissue covering the tooth roots is pulled back so the deeply buried deposits of calculus can be removed. Though special scaling instruments are used to clean the deposits off the tooth roots, the laser is used to:

1. remove the diseased surface layer of gum tissue
2. kill any bacteria left after the deposits have been scaled off
3. seal the gum tissue so it can heal rapidly
4. stimulate the regeneration of new gum tissue and bone cells

The laser is precise. Only the targeted tissue is affected, and the surrounding tissue is not. Laser therapy also replaces the use of a scalpel for most of the surgery. Because of the laser’s actions, the procedure is less invasive, more comfortable and healing is faster than when traditional methods are used.

If you have inflamed gums, an abscess below your gum line, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing or other symptoms of gum disease, you should see Dr. Padolsky for a complete examination as soon as possible. You don’t have to fear what might happen even if your situation is so severe that it requires some periodontal surgery. We’ve made that a far more efficient and comfortable experience.

The post Laser Therapy for Treating Periodontal Disease appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

The medical disciplines, including dentistry, have benefited greatly from modern technology. Lasers, digital imaging, computer software and electronics have all played a significant role in making treatment faster, more precise and minimally invasive. Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist who has incorporated many of the latest developments in dental technology to give his patients the most efficient and gentle care possible.

For diagnostics, Dr. Padolsky takes digital X-rays, a major advance over traditional film X-rays. Digital X-ray devices emit only a fraction of the radiation generated by film X-ray machines. The digital images are also clearer than film X-rays and can be magnified for close scrutiny of small areas. Digital X-rays additionally have no real processing time. The images are available in seconds.

Dr. Padolksy also uses the most advanced development in dental diagnostics, the cone beam 3D CT scanner. The scanner executes a series of digital X-rays taken in a complete circle around the patient’s head. These images are computer-processed into crisp 3D 360 degree views of the patient’s teeth, jawbone and surrounding anatomy. 3D imaging provides minute detail that is unavailable in two-dimensional Xrays, and is a vital tool for precision planning of dental implants and other treatments.

Another advanced tool Dr. Padolsky employs is a dental laser. With the laser, Dr. Padolsky is able to treat gum disease effectively without the use of a scalpel. The laser beam affects only the diseased gum tissue being removed and does not affect any surrounding healthy tissue.

The laser also helps kill the disease-causing bacteria and disinfects the tissue as it works. Treatment with the laser is more comfortable and faster-healing than treatment with a scalpel.

Another replacement for a scalpel is the electrosurgery device. Gum tissue is sculpted with a tiny electrical current. The current seals the tissue as it works, creates almost no bleeding and is practically pain-free. It is used to recontour a gum line or as an additional tool to clean out gum infection.

Even dental cleanings have become more comfortable and more thorough due to modern technology. Traditional cleanings have been done with hand instruments that scrape the accumulated plaque and tartar (hardened deposits of plaque) off the teeth. They are still used occasionaly, but the majority of the work is now done with an ultrasonic scaler.

The ultrasonic scaler uses high-frequency vibrations to gently break up these deposits. The vibrations also serve to break the cell walls of the bacteria, thus killing them. Ultrasonic cleaning is more gentle on the teeth and the scaler’s strength can be adjusted for patient comfort.

These are just some of the high-tech tools Dr. Padolsky uses to provide treatment that is comfortable, minimally invasive and fast-healing. In a separate article, we’ll tell you about a revolutionary new technology that allows you to now receive a dental crown in one visit. And as you have probably guessed, Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta dentist who can do just that.

The post Our Advanced Dental Technology appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

The traditional method of preparing, fabricating and placing a dental crown requires at least two appointments at the dental office and a long intervening time between the first appointment and the second. This is because a dental lab is needed to fabricate the crown after the tooth is prepared to receive it, impressions are made for the lab and a temporary crown is placed.

Lab time varies widely depending upon which lab is used. Generally speaking, it is anywhere from a one week to three week turnaround time for the fabricated crown to be delivered to the dental office. If the fabricated crown is not properly made (either in shade, contours or fit), the entire fabrication cycle repeats.

Most of the time, this means missing work twice (unless the office is open on days when you are off), and having to be numbed up twice –  to say nothing of the fact that wearing a temporary acrylic crown is not as dependable in strength as a final porcelain restoration.

Due to advances in dental technologies, this no longer has to be the case. Dr. Padolsky uses a state-of-the-art system allows him to prepare your teeth in need of restoration and provide a well-fitting and natural-looking porcelain dental crown in just one visit.

The system is in our office and is known as CEREC ® [CEramic REConstruction]. It uses Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to fabricate dental restorations in a little over an hour. The CEREC system consists of a digital impression scanner, a 3D imaging design station and a computerized milling unit for the crown.

Dr. Padolsky starts the procedure by gently removing some of tooth structure to prepare it for the crown. He then takes a 3D digital impression of the dental arch, which includes a complete impression of the prepared tooth. The impression data is transferred to the CEREC system’s digital software, which Dr. Padolsky uses to design the exact shape and contours of the crown.

The digital design is then fed into the system’s computerized milling unit, which fabricates the crown in about an hour out of a solid block of high-quality porcelain that is shade-matched to the color of your teeth.

Dr. Padolsky is then able to place the crown, making any fine adjustments needed until it achieves a perfect fit and aligns comfortably in your bite. Even if it needs extra adjustments that require some fine-tuned milling, it can all be done right in the office during the same visit.

The crowns themselves, being milled out of a single block of porcelain, are also less subject to chipping, cracking or breaking than standard lab-fabricated crowns. The porcelain is also made to have the look of real tooth enamel, thus making the result very natural-looking.

Dr. Padolsky is one of only a few Atlanta dentists who has the CEREC system. He is also one of only a small percentage of Atlanta dentists who is open all day Saturday for full-service dentistry. So not only can you receive a durable and natural-looking new dental crown in only one visit, you might not even have to take off work.

The post One-Visit Crowns appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Can you imagine yourself at the dinner table of a get-together with friends, and one of your friends accidentally bites down on a bone and breaks off a piece of their tooth, exposing the nerve? Or what about when you find your spouse has just had a crown fall off?

We all have a natural urge to help in such situations, so it would be quite beneficial to know what you can do in such circumstances.

First, let’s separate out the “urgent” emergencies from the “non-urgent” emergencies. Urgent emergencies would be situations where the person is experiencing unbearable pain or has bleeding that won’t stop after a short period of time. Unless you can find a dentist immediately who can see them, take them to the nearest medical emergency room for immediate short-term treatment.

The staff in the emergency room can at least alleviate the pain and/or stop the bleeding until a dentist can be found to handle the underlying problem. Emergency room personnel cannot perform extractions. Only a dentist can.

In any case, get them to the dentist AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Not knowing what is at the root of the problem, you cannot tell how much time you have before the condition starts to affect the rest of the body. There is no intention to be unduly alarming here, but some heavy infections, such as abscesses, can migrate into the bloodstream and cause serious trouble, and fast.

Non-urgent emergencies are still genuine emergencies, but the condition can be managed somewhat until your dentist is able to be contacted for your friend or family member. This includes such things as the following:

• A cracked or broken tooth (providing it isn’t causing severe pain)
• A filling that comes out
• A crown or bridge that comes loose
• A broken or damaged retainer or night guard
• Food lodged between the teeth
• A dull toothache

If you happen to have someone right in front of you as you read this article and they have a non-urgent emergency, just go to our Emergency Dental Treatment page and read what it says you can do.

Further information is available by clicking these links:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/handling-dental-emergencies
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dental-emergencies

Of course, if you are reading this now and you are not yet in front of a person who has such an emergency, you can always come back to our website if you have online access. But to be totally prepared, do the following:

Print the pages from the above links and put them in your car’s glove box. You are usually not very far away from your car no matter what else is going on. If you want to be so prepared that it would not matter where you are, make a copy of the pages and put them in a small pocket in your purse (if that is what you are carrying), or make a small card with the weblinks and instruction and put it in your wallet.

Dr. Padolsky is an Atlanta Dentist who gladly accepts emergencies. He is even open for full services on Saturday so you have the most convenient times available to get what you need. He is very experienced and skilled in all major dental procedures, and can competently take care of emergencies of almost any nature in the comfort of our office.

We work diligently to get you or anyone you know taken care of immediately when there is an emergency. Give us a call no matter what time of day or night. We’ll get you in for treatment as soon as possible.

The post What to Do If a Friend or Family Member Has a Dental Emergency appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Do you have a dental emergency?
We know that dental emergencies can be stressful, and we are here to help. If you are in pain or feel that you or a family member has a dental emergency, call us at once. Dr. Padolsky has over 30 years of experience in handling dental emergencies. We will get you in to see him on the same day, even on Saturday.

When you arrive, Dr. Padolsky will listen carefully to your concerns and do a thorough examination, including any needed X-rays. He will get you out of pain, pinpoint the source of the problem, and begin the proper treatment.

Even if you are unsure whether you have an emergency, go ahead and call us so that we can guide you on what needs to be done. Handling a dental emergency quickly often prevents more serious issues.

Dental emergency situations
Here are some common indicators of potential dental emergencies:

• a cracked, chipped or broken tooth
• a knocked-out tooth
• severe pain and/or swelling
• something stuck between the teeth
• accident or sports-related injury causing to the mouth

You can learn more about how to handle specific dental emergencies by following this link:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/handling-dental-emergencies

To make an appointment, call 404-476-5504 or click here to request an appointment online.

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Dentists typically try to save teeth whenever possible, but when a tooth is badly damaged or decayed, extraction may be the best solution. Extractions may also be needed to remove wisdom teeth or place implants.

To Extract or Not to Extract
Here are some of the factors that might be considered when deciding whether to save a tooth:

• Is saving the tooth the best way to maintain tooth and bone health?
• Would placing an implant be a better solution?
• What procedures are needed to save the tooth?
• How long will the solution last?
• How much will it cost?

Dr. Padolsky is a highly skilled and competent oral surgeon with many years of experience. He will meet with you, discuss any concerns and after doing a thorough examination, he will recommend the best solution for you.

What should I expect if I need an extraction?
Dr. Padolsky performs extractions using gentle and minimally invasive techniques, and he is excellent at keeping you comfortable.

First, he will numb your mouth so that you hardly feel the injection. Once your tooth and gum are completely numb, he quickly and gently removes the tooth. Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Dr. Padolsky uses advanced techniques to prevent any damage to the tooth or surrounding tissues.

What is the healing process after a tooth extraction?
Once your tooth has been removed, our staff will give you instructions on what to do for the days that follow, but here are some basic guidelines to promote healing.

• Avoid smoking, rinsing your mouth out vigorously, or using a straw for the first 24 hours.
• If you must rinse your mouth, do so very gently with water.
• After the first 24 hours, you can brush and floss the other teeth, but do not clean the teeth next to the tooth socket
• Eat soft and cool foods for the next few days
• You can apply an ice pack (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling or pain

Dr. Padolsky will decide whether you need pain medication or antibiotics after the extraction. You can expect a healing time of one to two weeks.

When do wisdom teeth get removed?
Wisdom teeth are typically removed when a person is in their late teens to early twenties. When wisdom teeth teeth fail to erupt, they may be blocked by other teeth and are “impacted.”

You may experience pain or feel as though you are teething. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to other teeth and infection, so they should not be ignored. Dr. Padolsky performs minimally invasive wisdom tooth extractions. 

To make an appointment, call 404-476-5504 or click here to request an appointment.

The post Tooth Extractions appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

Same-day Dental Emergency Treatment
Do you have a dental emergency? Quickly handling dental emergencies can prevent them from becoming even bigger problems down the road. Dental emergencies are high-priority in our office.

If you suspect that you or a family member has a dental emergency, please contact us immediately, so that we can get you in to see Dr. Padolsky on the same day. You can contact us any time, including Saturdays.

Competent Emergency Dentist
Dr. Padowlsky has spent his entire career successfully providing emergency dental care. When you arrive, he will first get you out of pain if needed. He will find out your concerns, examine your mouth, and take any needed X-rays to detect the source of the problem. Based on his findings, he will determine and begin the appropriate treatment that day.

What are dental emergencies?
Here are some of the scenarios that indicate a dental emergency:

• toothache
• loose crown
• lost dental filling
• dental abscess
• cracked, broken or chipped tooth
• sports-related injury affecting one or more teeth

Even if you are not sure whether you have an emergency, go ahead and call. Our friendly staff will help determine what you need to do.

Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies
Here are a few helpful tips to begin handling a dental emergency:

Toothache: Rinse out your mouth with warm (not cold) water and gently floss to remove any food particles. If there is any swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.

Dental abscess: Call our office immediately. Dental abscesses can result in serious infections when left untreated. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) and repeat as needed.

A lost filling: Sugarless gum can be used to create a temporary seal for the tooth. You can also try using over-the-counter dental repair cement from your local drugstore.

Broken tooth: Try to save all of the broken pieces. Rinse your mouth with warm, not cold, water to remove any fragments. You can apply a cold compress to help with swelling.

A loose crown: Crowns can sometimes be temporarily repaired at home. You will need to prepare the inside of the crown with toothpaste, denture adhesive or an over-the-counter dental cement. Then, carefully try to slip the crown back over your tooth. You should visit us as soon as possible so that Dr. Padolsky can properly affix your crown.

To make an appointment, call 404-476-5504 or click here to request an appointment online.

The post Emergency Dentist appeared first on Atlanta Dental Group.

General dentistry covers a broad range of services—from routine cleanings and gum maintenance to fillings, crown bridges, and major restorative actions. Your general dentist diagnoses, treats and oversees you and your family’s dental treatment, so choosing an excellent one can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.

Choosing right general dentist
Here are six factors to consider in choosing a general dentist:

• Ask for Referrals. Try asking your friends, family members, neighbors, or associates for recommendations. Your local doctor or pharmacist might also be able to make a recommendation. The American Dental Association website can assist you in finding members in your area. https://findadentist.ada.org
• What are dentist’s education and credentials? What is the dentist’s level of education and what certificates and continuing education has the dentist completed? The more credentials and expertise the dentist has, the more likely it is that all of your dental needs can be met in a single office.
• Is the dentist a good listener?  Not only should a dentist be knowledgeable and skilled as a practitioner, but it is equally important that your dentist listens to you and makes you feel comfortable expressing your concerns. The time spent understanding your views and situation can equate to higher-quality, more individualized care and better results.
• What kind of atmosphere does the dental practice provide?  Do the dentist and staff make you feel comfortable? How do they treat patients—and each other? A friendly environment goes far in making your dental care go smoothly. You may be able to get a feel for atmosphere by looking at the dentist’s website and viewing the pictures and patient testimonials. Visiting in person is, however, the best way to know whether you feel comfortable.
• What is the dentist’s approach to preventative dentistry? We cannot rely solely on the dentist to keep a healthy smile. We need dentists and staff who are committed to properly educating us on good habits and ways to achieve excellent oral health. You can often learn about the dentist’s approach to preventative dentistry on the “about us” or “about the doctor” pages of a website.
• Can the dentist accommodate my schedule? Chances are you and your family have only certain windows of time for dental appointments. You want to make sure that the dentist offers appointment hours that are convenient for you. These are typically listed on their websites.

Why Choose Dr. Padolsky as your general dentist?
Dr. Padolsky has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years and is committed to giving his patients the best care possible. Dr. Padolsky offers a wide range of services to the entire family—from routine check-ups to or more complex procedures as well as dental emergency care. He is excellent with children and highly experienced in treating them.

Dr. Padolsky is known for his warm and caring manner. He and our friendly staff take the needed time to get to know you. We strive to ensure that you and your family are comfortable throughout your dental procedures. We offer convenient hours and are open on Saturdays to make it easier for you to come in for your appointments.

Call 404-476-5504 to make an appointment or click here to request an appointment online.

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Reasons for tooth extractions

Dr. Padolsky strives to save teeth whenever possible, but it may be necessary to extract teeth under certain circumstances.

• Damaged tooth –  if a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved, an extraction may be recommended
• Implant placement – one or more teeth may need to be extracted to allow the placement of a single implant or other dental restoration
• Crowded teeth – if there is not enough space for all of your teeth, one or more teeth may require extraction as part of an overall orthodontic treatment plan
• Wisdom teeth – when wisdom teeth (the last set of molars) cannot break through the gum or there is not enough room for them, they may require extraction
  read more about wisdom tooth extraction

Minimally invasive tooth extractions
Dr. Padolsky has many years of experience in oral surgery and is highly skilled at tooth extractions. Dr. Padolsky performs gentle and minimally invasive extractions using advanced techniques. He can quickly extract teeth with little to no discomfort and with no damage to the surrounding teeth and tissues.

Keeping you comfortable during your visit
Dr. Padolsky and our staff do our utmost to ensure you are kept comfortable throughout your visits. First, Dr. Padolsky will numb your mouth to make the injections as comfortable and painless as possible. After the tooth and gum are completely numb, he will gently and quickly extract your tooth. Once the tooth extraction procedure is complete, stitches are placed to ensure proper healing of the gum.

To make an appointment, call 404-476-5504 or click here to request an appointment online.

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