Dentist, Kirk Kimmerling In Marietta, GA Gives Back To His Community

Most people in Marietta, GA know, Dr. Kirk Kimmerling by name.  Although he has an outstanding reputation as a dentist, it is his readiness to help others less fortunate that is bringing him attention. Recently, Dr. Kimmerling took Tosha Phillips, of Douglasville, GA under his wing.  After completing a Family Dependency Treatment Court Program in Cobb County, Dr. Kimmerling is helping Tosha by rejuvenating her smile at no charge.

Tosha, a 35-year-old Mother with a seventeen year old son has successfully completed a 14 month treatment program under the direction of Judge Juanita Stedman's Family Dependency Treatment Court. Tosha entered the program after being addicted to methamphetamines and is successfully re-entering society as a productive citizen.

Tosha said her front tooth has been black for almost 15 years, and Dr Kimmerling is not only fixing her black tooth, but whitening her smile as well. It is giving her the self-confidence she needs to re-enter the workforce in a more positive light.

Jim Reuther, Network Domino business owner and long time patient of Dr. Kimmerling approached him asking for help.  Dr. Kimmerling, no stranger to helping others in the community, immediately accepted Tosha.   Dr. Kimmerling provides dentistry, free of charge to Calvary Children's Home for over 15 years.

"It's my great pleasure to make a difference in people's lives and I enjoy helping through dentistry," Dr. Kimmerling said.

Tosha has turned her life around, and credits the treatment program to her success.  She recently has moved into an apartment of her own and is looking for employment.  Tosha is grateful for Reuther, Judge Stedman and all the Dr. Kimmerling is doing for her.  She has become a role model to many that have drug and court issues.  "Her motivation to make a difference in her life as well as her son's makes me want to help return her smile to something pretty," says Dr. Kimmerling.  Tosha has been clean from drugs for a year and a half.  She speaks openly about the mistakes that she's made, and vows to be a different person.  She's has a brightness and enthusiasm that let's you know that she has changed her life and intends to keep it that way.  Tosha does not mind talking about her journey, as there is no shame for Tosha  because she is the success story that makes other people and families hopeful.

Dr. Kimmerling is a practicing dentist in Marietta, GA for over 26 years that has a history of helping others. Although Dr. Kimmerling is Emory University trained and highly intelligent, it is not his intelligence that brings him accolades. It is his giving back to the community that people are talking about. Dr. Kimmerling helps people even though he knows that not all stories end in success.  "It's the people who do make it that keep me wanting to participate, and I don't mind helping those that don't make it.  My dentistry may be the only bright spot in a dark existence,"  says Dr. Kimmerling.  He plans on continuing as long as he is a practicing dentist in Marietta, GA.  Tosha Phillips is not the first person Dr. Kimmerling's helped, and will not be the last.  He's a mentor of people.  Cobb County needs as many Dr. Kirk Kimmerling's it can get.

Every Child Needs To Visit The Dentist Regularly Says Marietta Dentist

Regular dental cleanings are important for children to begin around the age of three says Marietta, GA dentist.  At this age, children have approximately 20 primary teeth and need regular dental visits.  The primary teeth guide the alignment of permanent teeth, and extracting them early due to decay can cause unwanted outcomes.

A child's first dental visit can be very exciting event.  If the child is excited, many times the visit will be the same.  As a child approaches the age of five or six, parents should stay in the waiting area and let the dental team take over.  Children are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment when getting their teeth cleaned independently.  Dental staff understand the anxiety appointments can bring.  If your child cries uncontrollably at an appointment, perhaps another day they'll do better. Choose a dental office that is understanding, and is willing to try again.   Young children can understandably cling to parents for security, but once they are 5 or 6 years of age, parents should let them try appointments alone.

When choosing a dentist for your child, there are a few items a parent may want to consider.  The waiting room at a dentist’s office can sometimes be a scary place for children, so seek a dentist that will see your child on-time.  Although, every office has unforeseen emergencies, many do an excellent job at keeping appointment times. It could be key in keeping anxiety low and producing a more favorable visit.  If your appointment is at 9:00 am, your child should arrive only a few minutes before the hour, and be taken back on-time or minutes after.  Children should not be kept waiting, and allow unnecessary anxiety to build.

Positive first visits are important for your child, and the parent should consider a morning appointment. Children are refreshed during the morning hours and can become weary as the day progresses. Pick an appointment time that allows your child to eat breakfast without rushing and make the appointed time easily. Many children benefit following this simple rule.

Some children pick up easily on a parent's nonverbal communication.  If you have anxiety about your child's appointment, they may easily sense the fear. Never discuss past bad experiences, and only tell your child they have an appointment a few days in advance. Be brief about its explanation and do not make continual comments or bribes.  Hopefully, your nonchalant attitude will become your child's.

The dentist will alert you of any problems at your child's visit.  If all goes well, you will be scheduled back in six months for a return cleaning.  If decay exists, a treatment plan will be established.  Parents can greatly determine the level of anxiety a child will have during the restorative treatment as well. Most children can complete it without significant distress, however special pediatric dentists exists to accommodate special needs.

The dentist does not need to be a dreaded event, so the right dental office and parental attitude can make a difference.  Help set the stage for your child to experience a good dental visit says a dentist in Marietta, GA.

A caring and compassionate dental team can help most children happily commit to regular dental visits.  Children can have natural anxiety towards the dentist, so parents need to be aware of simple differences they can make.  A little knowledge, and most children can do very well.

###

Kirk Kimmerling is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates. Dr. Kimmerling is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health. Having practiced as a dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) for over 26 years, Dr. Kimmerling strives to provide the very best treatment in a secure, relaxing environment. While Dr. Kimmerling specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine cleanings to dental implants. He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art office are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and maintaining a lifetime of excellent dental health.

Appointments
We know you have many choices when choosing a Dentist in Marietta , GA so we have made requesting an appointment a simple process via our Web site. If, for any reason you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, or will be delayed, please call us as soon as possible.

Insurance and Billing
We accept most traditional insurance plans, contact our office to verify acceptance of your plan. Verde Pointe Dental Associates does not participate in Health Management Organizations; however, we will be happy to file your insurance claims for you. We accept checks, cash or credit cards. Please see our Financial Coordinator for details. We are happy to file insurance for your reimbursement as long as you are free to choose your own dentist.

Financing Options
CareCredit is here to help you pay for treatments and procedures your insurance doesn’t cover. We offer No Interest* financing or low minimum monthly payment options so you can get what you want, when you want it. You can even use CareCredit for your family and favorite pet.

For the top cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA), please call Dr. Kirk Kimmerling at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, or visit the website for more information. http://www.drkirkkimmerling.com

Pits And Fissures Can Cause Your Child Decay

Many children erupt permanent molars that have pits and fissures says a dentist in Marietta, GA.  Pits and fissures are small grooves and holes where the enamel forms inward on itself allowing bacteria and food to become trapped. Some are very narrow, so they are impossible to clean with a toothbrush.  This allows the perfect hide-a-way for bacteria to cause decay.  Most childhood decay is a result from pits and fissures, so it is necessary to protect your child's teeth if they have the defect.  Pits and fissures are mostly formed on back teeth, the first and second molars.  The problem was solved with the invention of the dental sealant.  They can be placed on your child's teeth to help fill and cover the grooves and holes.  Sealants rid the teeth of places the bacteria can hide.  It is usually recommended that the back eight molars be sealed, two in each quadrant of the mouth. Your dentist may suggest others.

A dental sealant is highly effective if placed properly. It is a material that is painted on the child's teeth and no drilling is necessary.  This saves your child from receiving the dreaded injection, therefore sealants are quick and painless. Normal teeth brushing and mouth rinses can not resolve the problem, so sealants are an excellent option to fill in the natural pockets, crevices and micro holes in tooth structures.

Bacteria that naturally resides in the mouth fills the tiny crevices and holes.  Since bacteria produces an acid that erodes enamel, some pits and fissures can not be kept clean, the decay process is left unobstructed.  It is possible for the smallest dot of  decay on a tooth, once drilled upon by the dentist can open exposing a large cavity.  The sealant is an excellent option to fill the pits and fissures preventing decay.  Sealants are important to place, since the susceptibility of teeth with pits and fissures to decay is much higher than teeth with a smooth surface.

Sealants should be applied to teeth as soon as they erupt in the mouth.  It is important that your dentist use a rubber-damn to be placed properly.   Most children get their first set of molars around the age of six.  As soon as the tooth is grown in enough to attach a rubber-damn, then a sealant can be placed.  First molars do not all grow in at the age of six.  Some children get these molars at five and later than the age of six. Around twelve, a second set of permanent molars erupt and may need sealed.  Since decay can happen soon after a tooth erupts, it is important to have sealants placed as soon as possible.  Once a tooth has decay, a sealant can not be placed.

As long as a sealant remains intact, bacteria can not cause decay.  Sealants are able to protect your child's teeth if placed properly.  However, if  a sealant becomes cracked, broken or in need of repair it can trap food and promote decay.  Therefore, regular dental hygiene visit are important to let you know if your child needs sealants or if one is in need of repair.  It has been discovered that sports drinks and colas contribute to the degredation of the sealants.

Sealants are an important part of keeping your child's teeth healthy.  They are less costly than a filling, so it is an advantageous way to protect your child's teeth. Daily teeth brushing, flossing, limited snacking and regular visits to the dentist each are essential for a healthy mouth for your child says Marietta,Ga dentist.

###

Kirk Kimmerling is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates. Dr. Kimmerling is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health. Having practiced as a dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) for over 26 years, Dr. Kimmerling strives to provide the very best treatment in a secure, relaxing environment. While Dr. Kimmerling specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine cleanings to dental implants. He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art office are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and maintaining a lifetime of excellent dental health.

For the top cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA), please call Dr. Kirk Kimmerling at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, or visit the website for more information.  www.drkirkkimmerling.com

Why Replace Old Fillings Explains Marietta Dentist

Dental fillings do not last forever says dentists in Marietta.   So, how do you know when one needs replaced?   Many patients wait until a tooth hurts to seek treatment. Dentists hear, "Why should I replace it, it doesn't hurt?"   However, waiting on a filling that needs replaced is not smart.  By the time a tooth hurts, more expensive treatment is usually necessary.

Old fillings overtime discolor, darken, crack, leak and can pull apart from tooth.  A filling is considered leaking if does not fit tightly against the tooth.  In some circumstances, the leaking causes sensitivity and it  is obvious it needs replaced with a new filling.  If decay has advanced deep into the center of the tooth, the nerve will die requiring costly root canal therapy.  Since it is not possible to brush between a filling and the tooth, the decay process may not noticeable until it causes pain.  It is important to repair the tooth before it progresses to root canal therapy.

An old filling can be detrimental to your gums.  It can trap plaque along the gumline causing a periodontal gum condition. Unhealthy gum tissue allows bacteria to enter the blood stream causing an inflammatory response linked to disease.  As a professional Marietta, Ga dentist, we will let you know at your cleaning appointment if it is time to replace your old fillings.

If you clench or grind your teeth, the stress may cause fillings to need replacement sooner.  Clenching and grinding can crack your teeth and cause small craze lines to develop. Although, not all cracks and craze lines need repaired, this  may be an indication that you need to ask your dentist if an appliance will help your fillings last longer.   At your cleanings, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for special fluoride that can be applied at home.  It helps strengthen teeth and possibly remineralize beginning decay.

Techniques in restoring teeth from decay have come a long way says dentist in Marietta, GA.  Teeth that have discolored spots are not necessarily cavity, but could be.  The most common method for a dentist to determine if a tooth needs repaired is a simple examination with a dental instrument called an explorer.  Decay in a tooth is softer and the explorer will stick to the tooth.  Healthy dentin is much harder and the explorer will not stick.  Other methods are also available to detect decay.  X-rays show large decay, but are more difficult for the dentist to detect smaller areas of decay.  Cavity-dye is another option.  It can be placed on the tooth and does not rinse away from the decay.  This allows a dentist to clearly discern a cavity.  Diagnodent by Kavo is a laser that helps detect a cavity early.  A wand scans your tooth, and indicates if decay exists.  Your dentist also has access to a software called Logicon that compares your personal x-ray to a database of x-rays.  It is sophisticated and able to accurately diagnose.

See your dentist twice a year for  a checkup and cleaning.  He will let you know if an old filling needs replaced.  It may save you from a more extensive problem in the future.


###

Kirk Kimmerling is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates. Dr. Kimmerling is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health. Having practiced as a dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) for over 26 years, Dr. Kimmerling strives to provide the very best treatment in a secure, relaxing environment. While Dr. Kimmerling specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine cleanings to dental implants. He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art office are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and maintaining a lifetime of excellent dental health.

For the top cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA), please call Dr. Kirk Kimmerling at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, or visit the website for more information.
www.drkirkkimmerling.com