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Tooth abscesses, fractures, damaged fillings, and tooth decay can cause toothaches. The pain may be sharp, constant, or throbbing. Symptoms of toothaches may be accompanied by swelling around the teeth. When toothaches strike, it's important to have an experienced, compassionate dentist to turn to. A toothache should be treated immediately because it can be a sign of infection. A tooth's root canal is comprised of blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. When a tooth becomes damaged, an infection can develop, and the body reacts with an inflammatory response. Tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, and tender gums are all symptoms of infection.  Toothaches lead as one of the most common dental emergencies. If a toothache lasts longer than a day, an earache develops or opening the mouth becomes painful, it is important to contact the team at Social Circle Dental. Left untreated, an infection can spread to the face and skull or enter the bloodstream. At your appointment, Dr. Jones will review your medical history and examine the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck. He may ask when the pain started and what makes it better or worse, and then take x-rays. After the cause of the toothache is determined, Dr. Jones will devise a treatment plan with you.  Tooth decay is the most common cause of a toothache. If tooth decay is the reason for the pain, Dr. Jones may recommend a dental filling with a biocompatible material called composite resin. If an infection has developed in the dental pulp, a root canal may be recommended. A root canal can save the natural tooth as well as provide pain relief. Regardless of the cause of the toothache, Dr. Jones will explore the most conservative, safest, and most effective treatment to restore health, function, and beauty to your smile. Have you experienced any symptoms of a tooth infection? If you have, do not delay treatment. Dr. Jones and the team at Social Circle Dental can help. Call 770-464-1900 today to schedule an appointment.
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 Holistic Dentistry can involve more than the diagnosis and treatment of the mouth, teeth, and gums. Taking dentistry a step further, holistic dentists are mindful of how dental materials, technology, and procedures affect overall health and wellbeing. Holistic dentistry is about treating the whole body and often involves choosing the most conservative treatments. Patients can find this approach to dentistry at the office of Dr. Jones in Social Circle. Using safe and effective dental materials Dr. Jones operates a mercury free dental practice avoiding the toxicity of amalgam or other metals. His metal-free dental restorations are made of composite resin or porcelain; both are biocompatible materials. Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that is versatile and used for smaller dental fillings. Porcelain is a stain resistant, stronger, more durable material that is natural looking and blends nicely with the smile. We provide porcelain dental crowns and veneers, which can restore the health and beauty of the smile.  Utilizing innovation and providing ultimate convenience, Social Circle Dental uses CEREC (Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic) technology to provide beautiful porcelain dental crowns in a single appointment. Following tooth preparation and digital impressions, crowns are milled in the office. After checking the fit, size, and appearance of the crowns, they are bonded to the teeth.
Ensuring a team approach to diagnoses and treatments, we can utilize an intraoral camera to educate patients about conditions. The technology helps to identify issues that may not be visible with the unassisted eye. After capturing detailed images inside of the mouths, we can view them on a computer screen and discuss them. Providing conservative dental treatment Dr. Jones is concerned about the effects cosmetic and restorative procedures can have on the overall body. Therefore, he recommends the most conservative treatments. For example, he provides teeth whitening treatment that can gradually brighten the smile. With this method, he avoids using strong bleaching chemicals that can irritate the gums. Instead, he will customize precisely fitting whitening trays and provide gentle bleaching gel for brightening teeth at home. For chipped, cracked, gapped, or misaligned teeth, he can provide veneers. For treatment, he will keep as much of the natural teeth intact as possible during the tooth preparation procedure. Dental materials, technology, and types of procedures are a few factors to consider when selecting the right dentist for you and your family. To learn more about Dr. Jones’ holistic approach to dentistry, call 770-464-1900.  Dr. Don Jones is your friend, neighbor, and partner in oral health. He has been putting beautiful, healthy smiles on faces in Georgia since he graduated from dental school in 1976. He opened his office in Social Circle in 2004, and moved to his new location at Brookstone Place in early 2014. From the day he graduated, Dr. Jones has made it his mission to give every patient the best care possible. Throughout his career, this passion for helping people has never faded; it has only been refined by the wisdom that comes with experience. He practices biologic dentistry, for your health and well-being. Dr. Jones attended Emory University, in Atlanta, GA for undergraduate studies. He then went on to earn his dental degree from Medical College of Georgia's School of Dentistry in Augusta, GA in 1976. He has never stopped expanding his knowledge, and dedicates many hours every year to continuing education, keeping up-to-date on the latest technology and acquiring new skills.  In 2002, when he experienced some personal health issues, it was suggested by his physician that they may have been mercury related. At this point, Dr. Jones made a personal choice to stop exposing his staff, his patients, and himself to mercury; since amalgam fillings contain mercury and have been proven to lead to fractures in teeth over time, Dr. Jones and Social Circle Dental stopped using all dental materials containing mercury in 2002.
Dr. Jones received mercury safe training from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Few dentists have the skills to remove amalgam fillings without exposing the patient to harmful levels of mercury vapor while drilling. He maintains membership in several respected dental organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists, and the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. When he isn't busy creating fantastic smiles, Dr. Jones enjoys working with computers, photography, ham radio, fishing, hunting, and participating in the church choir. He is married to a beautiful wife, is the proud father of five wonderful children, and is a respected pillar of the community in Social Circle, GA. He earned his Eagle Scout award when active in Scouting, and is an Assistant Scout Master for a local Boy Scout Troop. All three of his sons have also attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He is also active in his church and community events. If you haven't seen Dr. Jones lately, isn't it time for a visit? The terms "mercury free," "mercury safe" and "biologic dentistry" can be confusing. What do they mean? The short answer is that Dr. Jones cares about your oral and whole health. He makes every effort to improve your health, and he is careful to avoid anything that might put you at risk. A century ago, if you had a cavity, your dentist might have filled it with tin, lead, or iron. Of course, these materials were eventually officially classified as toxic, but it took many years and many illnesses. For example, the United States was still allowing lead fillings in the early 1900s, when three other nations banned it from even being used in house paint. Many dentists continued to use these and other frightening materials for as long as they were legal, durable, and cost effective.  A few select dentists were concerned about patient health and chose to quit using these dangerous materials long before they were "officially" toxic. At the time there was no name for this practice, it was simply concern for the patient's well-being. Today, we would call them biologic dentists. Dr. Jones isn't just a tooth repairman - he is a doctor of oral health. He is concerned about the way dental materials, oral disease, and procedures affect your mouth, and the rest of your body. Any law-abiding dentist follows regulations. A biologic dentist also follows his or her own conscience and common sense. Dr. Jones only uses materials and procedures that he believes are safe. Mercury free dentistry is just that. We do not use any product in this office that contains mercury. Amalgam fillings are often called silver, but they contain about half mercury. By itself, mercury is one of the most toxic elements on earth. To make amalgam, it is mixed with other metals that stabilize and harden it. At this point in time, it is believed that mercury bonds with the other metals, making amalgam fillings safe to use. Although the FDA reports than no toxic effects of amalgam have been proven, there is considerable controversy about the topic. To learn more about this issue, visit http://www.dentalwellness4u.com  Mercury safe means that Dr. Jones has extra training in removing amalgam fillings. Despite the reported stability of amalgam when undisturbed, it does release mercury vapor when heated. If you breathe mercury vapor, 80% of it is absorbed by your body immediately. A small amount of friction, like a pencil eraser, heats the filling, releasing a small amount of vapor. Consider the amount of friction, and heat, created by drilling and cutting. The amount mercury vapor created by removing an amalgam filling is many times the toxic level set by OSHA.
Amalgam fillings can be safely removed following a protocol set by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Dr. Jones is a member of this organization, and received training directly from them. The protocol includes measures like filtering the air, and removing the filling in large chunks instead of grinding it up. For more information visit http://www.iaomt.org If you are looking for a dentist who will look out for your oral and overall, health in every way possible, call Social Circle Dental at (770) 464-1900 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones. 10. RESPECT FOR YOUR TIME We know how important it is to keep appointments running on schedule and to ensure that each patient gets Dr. Jones' undivided attention. We book just one patient in a slot, allowing plenty of time. We also utilize time saving modern technologies such as CEREC for same-day restorations. 9. RESPECT FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION We offer financing options and we help you file dental insurance claim forms. 8. RESPECT FOR YOUR FEELINGS We understand that patients of any age may feel anxiety at the thought of a trip to the dentist. We provide a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Our staff is friendly and our care is compassionate. You get easy to understand explanations to help you make educated care decisions. We return calls and answer correspondence promptly so you don't feel forgotten. 7. RESPECT FOR YOUR FAMILY Comprehensive care for everyone under one roof makes your family part of the Social Circle Dental family. It's convenient for you, and it allows us to apply an understanding of your genetic, medical, and dental background to current treatment.  6. RESPECT FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH NEEDS We foster a broad network of like-minded practitioners. While we strive to accommodate all of your oral needs in-house, that network gives us the ability to refer you to a trusted associate for very specialized dental procedures, or other health issues. 5. A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Dr. Jones has more than three decades of experience in preventing, detecting, and treating dental problems. His passion for providing healthy dentistry continues to grow, along with his knowledge base and artistry. 4. GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY WITH HOLISTIC STANDARDS Holistic dentistryHolistic Dentistry recognizes the intimate relationship of oral health to whole body wellness. It is important that your dentist be able to deliver the gorgeous smile of your dreams. Dr. Jones provides safe general and cosmetic dentistry with attention to healthy materials and techniques that look great while doing no harm.  3.
MERCURY FREE DENTISTRY Conventional “silver” amalgam fillings are comprised of about 50 percent mercury. We do not place amalgam fillings and we keep none of it on premises. Instead, we provide body-safe alternative materials that are strong and durable, and look natural. 2. MERCURY SAFE DENTISTRY Our patients may request that old amalgam fillings be replaced, or those teeth may require additional dental work. We adhere to the strict protocols established by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) for safe removal and disposal of mercury fillings. And the number one way Social Circle Dental can enhance your life is... 1. BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY Biological dentistry takes a holistic approach to the next level. We not only operate a mercury free practice with mercury safe removal techniques. We treat each patient as an entire person, not a mouth, or a single dental problem. That requires an understanding that everything we do to your mouth impacts other areas of your body. We utilize only biocompatible materials, and provide advice on nutrition and detoxification to improve overall wellness. Become a Social Circle Dental patient to start taking advantage of the benefits of an enhanced life through biological dentistry. We thank you for allowing us to take care of your dental needs and look forward to serving you. Dental implants are true marvels of modern dentistry. An implant is a tiny cylinder made of a strong biocompatible material. In a brief surgical procedure, it is precisely placed into the jawbone to replicate the root of a missing tooth. Dental implants serve a number of roles, as stand alone restorations and to stabilize dentures. For most patients, an implant is a sensible long term solution to replace a missing tooth. It is not, however, their only option. Dr. Don Jones of Social Circle Dental explains alternatives for those who are not good candidates for implants or simply don’t choose that method.  Dental Bridges Imagine if our country’s infrastructure did not include bridges. There’d be no easy way to cross a waterway or highway by vehicle. That would seriously impair the function of our interconnecting system of roads. Your teeth are also designed to perform together. When one is missing, chewing functionDentures, appearance, and overall oral health are negatively impacted. A dental bridge spans the gap to keep your mouth operating efficiently. A bridge can be used to restore a single missing tooth or up to three consecutive teeth. It consists of a pontic or artificial tooth, held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the space. A bridge is not removable, so a little extra attention is needed to keep it clean. While the pontic and crowns cannot develop decay, natural dentition under the crowns and throughout the rest of the mouth can. Soft tissues around the crown can also develop gum disease without proper hygiene. Dr. Jones instructs patients on the best brushing and flossing techniques. Twice a year examinations allow his hygiene team to deep clean the mouth a deep cleaning, and give Dr. Jones a chance to inspect your bridge thoroughly.  Partial dentures
A denture is a removable prosthetic. While it doesn’t provide quite the same level of stability as an implant or bridge, a partial denture is a sound solution to replace one or more missing teeth in an arch. Modern denture materials look natural and are quite durable. A partial denture restores appearance, improves chewing function, and helps to keep other teeth from shifting out of place. You simply take the denture out for easy cleaning and good oral hygiene. No one else has exactly the same mouth, health, lifestyle, schedule, or budget as you do. At Social Circle Dental, you won’t be pressured into a one-size-fits-all treatment for your unique situation. You get patient explanation of available options and compassionate, personalized care. Call 770-464-1900 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones. If you have a gap from a congenitally missing tooth, or have lost one due to trauma or extraction, you may be considering a dental implant. This method of tooth replacement has been in use in this country since the early 1980s. It is gaining popularity because the implant restoration looks natural, feels normal in the mouth, and functions like a real tooth – plus, it can last a lifetime with good care. Many patients are concerned, though, about how dental insurance will respond to a tooth implant procedure. Social Circle dentist, Dr. Don D. Jones, shares these important points.  The insurance landscape is changing Every insurance plan is different, and coverages and conditions can change at any time, with appropriate notice to participants. However, at this time, dental insurance plans generally apply the following logic to dental implants. First, because other options for tooth replacement are available, getting a dental implant is considered “elective.” Second, elective procedures are not covered if a less costly alternative is available. So, dental insurance typically pays a limited amount – roughly the “usual and customary fee” for a partial denture or bridge – toward the cost of a dental implant. There may also be some coverage for diagnostic tests and tooth extraction, and medical insurance could cover bone grafts if necessary. As dental implants become more common, some premium insurance plans are covering the cost of the procedure. If you participate in an FSA (flexible spending account), where you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, you are in luck. Because a dental implant is not considered purely cosmetic in nature, the procedure is an eligible expense (the oral surgery, placement of the post, and the crown restoration).  Not your only option It is important to know that a dental implant is not your only choice to restore your smile and oral function. Dr. Jones will be happy to talk with you about the possibility of a dental bridge or a partial denture. Regardless of insurance status, these alternatives make sense for many patients. Here to help Dr. Jones and his team at Social Circle Dental want you to have the dental care you need and the attractive smile you deserve. They will obtain an estimate of what your insurance plan will pay for a dental implant or other procedure, and provide assistance in filing the insurance claim. In addition, Social Circle Dental accepts payment by major credit card, and financing through CareCredit and Lending Club. If you are considering a tooth implant procedure, call Social Circle Dental at 770-464-1900. Dr. Jones is passionate about helping patients make informed decisions to get the dental healthcare they need. American culture has been in the midst of a teeth whitening craze for quite some time. Who can forget the Friends episode where Ross takes teeth whitening a little too far? Today, it seems like you find teeth bleaching products in every drug, grocery, and discount store. Despite the popularity of this procedure, a lot of misconceptions about teeth whitening persist. Dr. Don Jones of Social Circle Dental is here to debunk the myths about having your teeth whitened. Myth #1 – Teeth whitening is painful The procedure is not painful – in fact, it's not even uncomfortable. Dr. Jones takes impressions of your mouth to create trays with a customized fit. The trays are flexible and smooth. They fit snugly to keep the whitening agent on teeth (not soft tissues) to minimize risk of sensitivity. You simply fill the trays with prescription strength whitening gel and wear them for an hour or so each day at your convenience, until you reach the desired shade of brilliance. Myth #2 – Teeth whitening harms tooth enamel Because teeth whitening products are not considered to be drugs, they are not regulated by the FDA. However, many have received the American Dental Association's seal of acceptance, affirming safety and effectiveness. Used properly, teeth whitening has no effect on mineral content or hardness of tooth enamel.  Myth #3 – All teeth whitening products are the same Over the counter products lack the strength to loosen and lift deep stains. Light activated one-hour systems temporarily dehydrate tooth enamel. Dr. Jones recommends at home whitening for the most effective yet gentle smile boost. He chooses the bleaching agent best suited to the type of stains you have to accomplish your whitening goals. Myth #4 – There's no need to have a dentist's oversight for teeth whitening A dentist has a minimum of eight years of formal education, including general medical background and clinical experience. He or she is in the best position to answer your questions about teeth whitening, evaluate your oral health, recommend the correct treatment plan, and monitor your progress. Myth #5 – Teeth whitening results don't last As long as you continue to eat, drink, and grow older, no tooth bleaching system is once and done. However, take home trays are a convenient way to keep your smile dazzling and youthful looking, with just an occasional touch up. Now that you know the truth, are you ready to brighten that smile? Call Social Circle Dental today, at 770-464-1900 to start creating your sparkling smile with professional teeth whitening.   There are many causes of stains on teeth. Over time, foods and beverages such as berries, sauces, coffee, and tea can stain the teeth. Smoking can not only wreak havoc on the body but can also leave yellow or brown looking teeth. These are just a couple of reasons patients in Monroe, Loganville, Covington, and the surrounding areas visit Social Circle Dental to give their smiles an aesthetic boost. They can find safe and gentle teeth whitening treatment with Dr. Jones. Dr. Jones is a general, cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentist who is mindful of the effects dental treatments can have on the entire body. As a biological dentist, he knows the impact oral conditions and diseases can have on overall health and wellbeing. Dr. Jones believes in providing conservative, yet effective treatment. Therefore, he provides teeth whitening that is as safe, comfortable, and convenient as possible. Dr. Jones recognizes the value of whitening the teeth in the comfort of your home. During a consultation, we will examine the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. If you are a candidate for teeth whitening, we will devise a treatment plan.  During the procedure, we take impressions of the dental arches. We use these molds to create customized whitening trays. We have several types of gentle professional grade whitening gel available. We will choose the right one for you and provide the trays, as well as instructions for whitening teeth at home. After a couple of weeks, you can embrace a smile up to eight shades brighter! According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a teeth whitening treatment can provide results for a year or two. To maximize results, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing before bedtime. To maintain the longevity of your pearly whites schedule dental check-ups with Dr. Jones at least biannually. If you consume beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine, or cola, we recommend drinking through a straw to avoid tooth discoloration. Afterwards, we recommend brushing or rinsing your teeth. Do you want a more beautiful smile? Teeth whitening is one of the many treatments available at our Social Circle office to help you achieve that goal. Call 770-464-1900 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones. A veneer is simply a very thin layer of porcelain covering the visible surface of the teeth. It can replace worn-off enamel, repair small chips, and add strength to the tooth. A veneer can also completely change the appearance of a tooth, with minimal alteration to the underlying structure. During your preliminary consultation, Dr. Jones will explain what to expect, and discuss any potential alternatives. Veneers are a good choice for many patients, because the procedure is very conservative, yet provides dramatic cosmetic improvement. A small amount of enamel may be removed to accommodate the thickness of the restoration. However, the amount is minimal because veneers are only about as thick as a fingernail. Depending on the condition of the tooth, and the nature of the changes to be made, reduction might be unnecessary. When the procedure is complete, your tooth will be protected, because the porcelain will serve as artificial enamel.  Once the tooth or teeth have been prepared, Dr. Jones will carefully take impressions and send them to a dental lab, where your veneers are created. We only work with quality facilities, using the finest dental porcelain. Your veneers are crafted according to the doctor’s specifications, including the subtle variations of color and translucency that are necessary for a truly natural appearance. This typically takes two or three weeks; you may be provided with a temporary during that time. We will schedule the next appointment when your finished veneers arrive from the lab. Dr. Jones will check the fit and appearance before permanently bonding them in place. If adjustments are needed, the doctor may be able to make them here in our office, but he will return the veneers to the lab if necessary. It is important to choose a dentist who is always mindful of health issues, because any restoration (including cosmetic) has the potential to affect your bite. If the veneers are not fitted just right, they may be uncomfortable and they can fail prematurely due to excess stress. If you want a smile that is equally healthy and beautiful, call Social Circle Dental at (770) 464-1900 and schedule a consultation today!  |
AuthorSocial Circle Dental is a holistic dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures, while focusing on your overall health and well-being. Archives
August 2017
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