A Simple at Home Test to Check the Health of Your Gums

If you want to take a simple at home test to check the health of your gums, Take the Healthy Mouth Test to get the information you need.

"Healthy gums mean a healthier you," says Marietta Emergency dentist, Kirk Kimmerling.

Marietta Dentist Wants You To Protect Yourself From the Flu

Marietta cosmetic dentist, Kirk Kimmerling DDS wants every patient live a healthy life.  Read how to protect yourself and family from the common cold and the dreaded Flu. 

http://www.drkirkkimmerling.com/marietta-emergency-dentist-wants-you-to-protect-from-the-flu/

Dental Implants Make People Healthier And Happier

Are you missing a tooth or multiple teeth and it's negatively affecting your life?  Many people with missing teeth have difficulty chewing food, speaking and even suffer low self-esteem due to the loss. The next best thing to having your natural teeth is replacing them with a dental implant says a dentist in Marietta, GA.  Dental implants are readily used, look natural and allow people to gain back the beautiful smile they once had.
Why replace missing teeth with implants?

1. Dental implants can restore your appearance.
2. Having the teeth replaced raises self-esteem.
3. Dental implants can improve speech.
4. Dental implants make eating more pleasurable and satisfying.
5. The proper teeth aid in better digestion for a healthier you.
6. The procedure is highly successful, as most people have a good result.
7. There is little discomfort after surgery, and over the counter medicine usually keeps a patient comfortable.
8. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or secure a full denture.
9. Only your dentist needs to know you were missing teeth.
10. Dental Financing with companies such as Care Credit make it possible for some to afford the care.

The loss of a tooth can occur for many reasons.  Some of the most common include a cracked tooth, sport injuries, accidents, dental decay, gum disease, and root canal failure.  Regardless of how it is lost, dental implants are the procedure of choice and the best alternative to replace the missing teeth.
Let's look at the implant procedure.
An implant procedure is basically the same whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth.  However, some people require extra procedures such as bone graft or a sinus lift.  An implant can be quite simple  in uncomplicated cases.  The gum tissue is opened and the jawbone exposed.  If a bone graft is recommended, it is placed to help anchor the implant more securely in place.  A special drill is used to prepare the bone, and the implant is placed.  After the procedure, sutures are used to secure the tissue during healing.  Some people will require a sinus lift to make room for the implant to fit.  Both the bone graft and sinus lift adds expense to the overall cost if they are necessary.  The implant is now left to osseointegrated with the bone.  A  crown (tooth)  is later placed on top.  The implant will be secure enough to chew, speak and brush your teeth with confidence.  Best of all, it will look like a natural tooth.
Let's look at the time involved in the implant process.
After the surgery, the osseointegration of the implant takes approximately three to six months.   After healing and integrating, the implant will be uncovered and a post attached to support the artificial tooth.  An impression is taken, and a crown is specifically fabricated with a shade to match existing teeth. It usually takes two to three weeks to fabricate a crown.  It is then attached to the implant.
Dental implants are the latest technology.  They are a permanent solution for those missing a single or multiple teeth.  They are the durable, permanent and the best solution to replace teeth. Dental implants are widely available and people should consider the option says Marietta, GA  dentist.

Chronic Stress And Your Oral Health

Chronic stress is well-known to have destructive effects on oral health says Marietta dentist.   Millions of people are unaware that they clench and grind their teeth.  It can occur while awake or asleep, and the tempromandibular joint (TMJ) can be affected.  This is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull and if over-stressed, can become sore and radiate pain.  TMJ discomfort can be a manifestation of stress, and a dentist is your first stop for information.

The specific term for clenching and grinding teeth is bruxism.  Some people grind and clench without manifesting pain or complications, however others have excruciating, radiating pain.  Those with acute discomfort claim it feels like a migraine, sinus headache or even mimics wisdom tooth pain.  It can radiate down the shoulders and neck causing significant discomfort as the muscles in the face become increasingly stressed and tense. Grinding and clenching can cause teeth to become sensitive over time.  Some people are aware a problem exists years before seeking treatment, and wait for it to become acute.

TMJ can occur from a misaligned bite,  broken teeth, dental restorations, trauma, clenching or grinding. If the jaw develops degenerative changes, discs can swell, shift, click, and even lock.  The jaw can be sore enough to make chewing food difficult.

Teeth that are chipped, cracked or grinded down need repair from a dentist.  Repairing them helps keep the bite in the correct alignment.  Preventative treatment can be important before significant destruction to the tempromandibular joint occurs.   If a partner hears grinding at night, take action and alert your dentist.  He may suggest proactive treatment.

Treatments for TMJ include...

A dental appliance

Muscle relaxant medication

Anti-inflammatory medication

Chiropractic manipulation

Physical Therapy

Massage Therapy

Botox injections

Dry Needling

Surgery

Braces

The night guard provides a cover to the chewing surface of teeth, stopping the constant contact. Since, much grinding happens when people are asleep and unaware, a night guard may be the only needed remedy for many. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.  This can cause the  jaw to unnecessarily to strain.

How to reduce the stress...

Exercise on a regular basis

Eat a balanced healthy diet

Get plenty of rest every night

Focus on the positive in life

Focus on eliminating stressful triggers

Practice relaxation techniques or yoga

Engage in relaxing hobbies

Make an effort to maintain a positive mental attitude

Reducing stress is important to oral health, as the risk of periodontal disease (gums disease) doubles in those affected by significant stress. People with increased stress levels also tend to increase poor habits such as eating junk food, skipping exercise or even forgoing normal oral hygiene practices.   It is best to do what you can to keep stress under control.

If you have sore jaws in the morning or are aware you clench and grind, perhaps speaking to a dentist is wise.  It may allow early detection of  a TMJ problem  before it becomes acute.  A simple fix can prevent more severe future problems with degenerative changes, says the dentist in Marietta, GA.

Kirk Kimmerling DDS Honored By Talk Of The Town

Kirk Kimmerling DDS has been honored by Celebration Media, U.S. CMUS as one of its 2010 Talk of the Town Award Recipients for excellence in customer satisfaction.  Dr. Kimmerling offers a high standard of dental care in Marietta, GA, and his patients have rated him highly across the internet with 5 out of 5 stars.  It is the great pleasure of CMUS to offer Dr. Kimmerling the award in the category of Dentists of the Health and Medical sector.    Dr. Kimmerling's ratings are calculated on consumer reviews, websites, blogs and social networks across the internet.  Talk of the Town awards businesses that have  4 or 5 star overall rankings in many categories.  Dr. Kimmerling received the prestigious ranking of 5 out of 5 stars.  Only the very best businesses have been chosen to receive the award.  It can be viewed online at TalkOfTheTownNews.com.

Kirk Kimmerling DDS is located off Dallas Highway in West Cobb across from the Avenues of West Cobb.  He is a Marietta dentist that has demonstrated a high level of excellence in customer service as exhibited in on-line patient reviews on such sites as;  Yelp, Kudzu, Google, Yahoo, and more.  The award is offered to companies and professionals in the following categories; hospitals, dentists, accountants, physical therapists, veterinarians optometrists, insurance, chiropractor, lawyers financials planners, restaurants, bakeries, event centers, home improvement companies, florists, spas salons and mortgage companies and more.

Kirk Kimmerling DDS is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates near Kennesaw.  He a part of a group practice with Alex Krempa DMD and staff that is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health.   Dr. Kimmerling has practiced as a dentist for over 26 years. He striving to provide the very best treatment in a friendly, relaxing environment. While Dr. Kimmerling specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine cleanings, tooth colored fillings and root canals to dental veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants and more. He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art dental office are dedicated to helping patients achieve the beautiful smile they desire and maintain a lifetime of excellent dental health.

Dr. Kimmerling was pleased to accept the award from Celebration Media, as he appreciates the kind words of his dental patients.  "It is a privilege to take care of the dental needs of  the people in Cobb County for the past 26 years and I enjoy the practice of dentistry," says Dr. Kimmerling.  The Talk of the Town Award recognizes a host of different businesses and professionals that have scored high across the internet for customer satisfaction.  Celebration Media, U.S. is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan.  It is a strong consultancy firm that specializes in solutions for improved customer care and operational development.   It is their mission to uncover businesses that are highly rated across the internet in service to their community.

Celebration Media. U.S. CMUS  has bestowed on Kirk Kimmerling DDS the honor of excellence in patient reviews and spotlights him for his achievements in success.  Congratulations Kirk Kimmerling DDS on the award of dentist in Marietta.

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.


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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