Peter A. Pate, DDS Dental Blog

April 21, 2012

Healthy Smiles for Teenagers

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

Body Development

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

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April 18, 2012

Keeping Back Teeth Healthy

Filed under: General Dentistry,Preventive Dentistry — Tags: atlanta childrens dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta tooth decay, brookhaven dentist, buckhead dentist, childrens dentist atlanta, dentist atlanta, dentist brookhaven, dentist buckhead, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, tooth decay atlanta — dr_pate @ 2:10 pm

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

Why are Back Teeth Overlooked?

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

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

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April 17, 2012

Overcoming Dental Fears

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta sedation dentist, buckhead dentist, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, dentist lenox, dentist sandy springs, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, lenox dentist, sandy springs dentist, sedation dentist atlanta — dr_pate @ 5:20 pm

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

Tips to Fight Dental Anxiety

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

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April 9, 2012

Need Bonding or Veneers?

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: atlanta bonding, atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta smile enhancement, atlanta veneers, bonding atlanta, brookhaven dentist, buckhead dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, dentist atlanta, dentist brookhaven, dentist buckhead, dentist lenox, dentist sandy springs, lenox dentist, sandy springs dentist, veneers atlanta — dr_pate @ 2:22 pm

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are two common cosmetic procedures that Dr. Pate can use to brighten your smile. Both restorations are placed over your teeth to hide discolorations, chips, gaps, and other imperfections. At your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Pate, your Atlanta dentist will discuss all your options and determine the cosmetic treatment that meets your needs. Take this quiz to see if you know the difference between bonding and veneers.

1. What material does bonding use?

a. Porcelain
b. Composite resin
c. Amalgam

2. Who creates your porcelain veneers?

a. A dental ceramist
b. Dr. Pate
c. A periodontist

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April 4, 2012

Do You Need Dental Implants in Atlanta?

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dental implants, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta smile enhancement, buckhead dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, dental implants atlanta, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, dentist sandy springs, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, sandy springs dentist — dr_pate @ 3:24 pm

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

Benefits of Dental Implants

Comfort: Dental implants are planted into your jaw bone and serve as the root of your missing tooth. As your mouth heals, your bone will grow around the implant post, creating a comfortable and sturdy finish.
Durability: Since dental implants are surgically placed in your mouth, they will stay in place without slipping and sliding. The prosthetic crown attached to your implant is strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Space: With missing teeth, your adjacent teeth have the potential to shift into the open gap, creating bite misalignments. Dental implants, however, sit in the same spot where your tooth once was, holding proper spacing and alignment.
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April 2, 2012

What to Do Before and After Your Atlanta Dental Appointment

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, buckhead dentist, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, dentist lenox, dentist sandy springs, family dentist atlanta, general dentist atlanta, lenox dentist, prepare for dentist appointment, sandy springs dentist, what to do after dentist appointment — dr_pate @ 5:30 pm

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

What to Do Before Your Appointment

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

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March 27, 2012

Celebrity Dental Disasters

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta smile enhancement, atlanta veneers, buckhead cosmetic dentist, buckhead dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, cosmetic dentist buckhead, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, smile enhancement atlanta, veneers atlanta — dr_pate @ 3:27 pm

Has your favorite celebrity received a smile makeover? Cosmetic dental services can beautify your smile, but if not done properly by your experienced Atlanta dentist, treatments could leave your teeth looking unnatural and unhealthy. Let’s take a look at how a visit to Dr. Pate can help you avoid the following dental disasters.

Unnatural-Looking Veneers

After chipping her teeth on microphones, actress and singer Hilary Duff received a set of porcelain veneers to hide her imperfections. Unfortunately for Duff, her new teeth looked too big and too long. She later returned to her cosmetic dentist for a redo, and she now has the beautiful, natural-looking smile she flaunts today. To prevent an odd-looking, oversized smile, Dr. Pate will take impressions of your teeth and gums to create the perfect size and shape for your veneers. A dental ceramist will hand-sculpt your veneers to complement your mouth and face appropriately.

Over-Whitening Teeth

As you age, your teeth begin to show signs of wear, one of which is discoloration. Regis Philbin is just one of many celebrities who displays a bright white smile despite his years. Philbin’s smile, however, some people consider too white. If you over-whiten your teeth, it can cause sensitivity, irritation, erosion, and further discoloration. A pageant-white smile can look fake on an aging adult. Luckily for you, Dr. Pate offers professional in-office or take-home bleaching treatments to safely and effectively brighten your smile to the perfect shade. Some cosmetic dentists believe that Philbin’s blinding smile is the result of veneers—not bleaching—but either way, the shade of white you choose should look completely natural. (more…)

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