 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?
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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. 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.  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. 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! General dentistry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the oral health of the smile, whereas cometic dentistry places emphasis on the appearance of the smile. Holistic dentistry is an approach that involves considering how the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums can affect the health of the whole body. At Social Circle Dental, you can find all three types of dentistry. Dr. Jones and our team will work with you to prevent oral health conditions, determine the most conservative treatment, and restore beauty to your smile. Well-known in Monroe as well as other communities in Georgia and the adjacent states, Dr. Jones has been transforming smiles for more than 35 years.  THE BENEFITS OF COMETIC DENTISTRY Although cosmetic dentistry, focuses on how attractive your smile can be, it can offer several benefits to your overall health and well-being. We notice confidence increases when a patient has his or her teeth whitened or walks out of our office with a beautiful porcelain veneer. A person with an attractive smile reaps several benefits:
 EXPLORING THE OPTIONS Our Cosmetic procedures include:
We offer at-home teeth whitening treatment that allows you to gradually whiten your teeth and attain the smile of your dreams. Porcelain veneers are wafer thin shells placed on teeth that are discolored, misshapen, misaligned, or gapped. Crowns, inlays, and onlays can be fabricated in a single appointment by utilizing CEREC (Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic) technology and are used to treat decayed or damaged teeth. Dental implants are titanium rods placed into the jawbone during surgery that are eventually paired with porcelain crowns to restore beauty to the smile. Bridges contain artificial teeth and crowns to restore missing teeth, giving you the beautiful smile you deserve. We would love to talk with you about the health and beauty of your smile. Schedule a consultation by calling 770-464-1900 today. In times of increased everyday stress and anxiety due to work pressure, relationships, and fast-paced lifestyles, we push aside the personal time that is necessary for our minds and bodies to recharge. In turn, we become even more stressed, tired, and unhappy – and this cycle continues week to week. The good news is that there are two really simple ways to overcome the stressors of everyday life: smiling and laughing. Smiling and laughing are powerful yet simple ways to remain balanced day to day. These two actions can relieve stress, fear, pain, and conflict. When we smile and laugh, we support our physical, mental, and social health. How Laughter and Smiling Affects Your Physical Health They Release Chemicals. When we smile, the movements of our muscles send signals to our brains. These signals release serotonin and endorphins, which are known as the “feel-good” chemicals of the brain. These chemicals make us happy when they are released, and they can reduce perceptions of pain. They Relax the Body. Laughter, particularly a good hard belly laugh, can relieve built-up body tension and stress. When we laugh, the muscles we use to do so will relax, and they can stay relaxed for 30–45 minutes after that. They Reduce Stress. When endorphins are released in the brain, stress hormones, such as cortisol, are reduced. When we feel stressed, anxious, or fearful, our bodies release more cortisol. This cortisol release creates negative, unpleasant, stressful feelings. We can lower our cortisol levels by laughing and relaxing. They Support Lung Health. When we laugh, our lungs expand and become replenished with oxygen. We let a lot of air out and a lot of air in. This process is similar to deep breathing techniques used to relieve stress. Deep laughter sends more oxygen-rich nutrients and blood throughout the body. They Support Heart Health. Laughing on a regular basis lowers blood pressure, increases blood flow, and improves the function of blood vessels, which can all decrease your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. They Promote a Healthy Immune System. Laughter is a great way to reduce stress hormones and increase “feel-good” hormones. Due to these processes and changes in chemicals, our immune systems increase the numbers of white blood cells and other infection-fighting antibodies. This improves our everyday health and protects us from viruses. They Serve as Exercise. A good laugh is also good exercise. It burns calories, provides our body with movement, increases conditioning and toning, and keeps our cardio systems working.  Source: Fix.com Blog How Laughter and Smiling Affect Your Mental Health Smiling and laughter not only support our physical health but also have similar effects on our mental health. They are powerful tools for releasing difficult emotions and making us feel good. When strong emotions such as anger, sadness, or fear are present, laughing can alleviate some of that emotional distress. Smiling and laughter are great ways to reduce stress, and laughing during stressful times helps us stay focused on tasks, accomplish more in a day, and be proud of what we have done. When we remain attentive during our busy work or home lives, we can get more done and have the freedom to engage in fun activities. The ability to smile and laugh during times of stress lets us shift our perspective to something more positive. This means you can see tough or challenging situations in a new light that is less restricting and threatening. By using smiling and laughter as a strategy during tough times, you can begin to feel less overwhelmed and therefore happier. Source: Fix.com Blog When we smile, it influences not only ourselves but also those around us. Have you ever seen someone smile and smiled too? Have you seen a child laughing and started to laugh with them? This is because laughter is mediated by social interaction and contexts. Smiles and laughter are contagious because when we see someone else happy, we become happy too. The happiness we feel when we laugh or smile extends to others and helps strengthen relationships. When we are happy and playful with others, it supports emotional connections with people who are close to us. Positive relationships involve humor, play, and happiness. In team settings, humor and laughing can enhance how successful a group is. Laughter can promote group bonding and help navigate through disagreements, resentments, and conflict. When we can exhibit humor and laughter in a negative situation, it becomes light-hearted. In stressful group meetings or situations, humor is a powerful tool to encourage a strong, happy group. Sometimes, busy days do not have room for much else. We tend to push aside fun or personal activities because we have deadlines to meet, children to drive to extracurricular activities, or worries about tomorrow’s work. Here are some simple, fun ways to keep smiles and laughter a part of your everyday routine:  Source: Fix.com Blog Laughter Yoga and Exercise Laughter yoga, an technique to promote laughter and exercise, is becoming more popular across the globe. This technique focuses on the concept that there is a link between the body and the brain and that laughter can enhance that link. It’s main idea is that your body knows how to laugh even if your mind is not happy or in the mood to laugh. Therefore, you do not need to have a sense of humor or even be happy during these exercises. During these exercises, the group takes a series of breaths between laughs and facial poses that promote relaxation in the body and mind. Often, when people begin to engage in different kinds of laughter, the laughter becomes real because having many people laugh together in a group setting multiplies each laugh. Each person’s laugh promotes laughter in another, and so on. Therefore, contagious laughing occurs. The simplest way to have a happier, healthier life is to laugh and smile more. By creating more opportunities for laughter and smiling in your life, you will begin to flourish as a person, a friend, and a professional. Your day-to-day life will become more relaxed, positive, balanced, and creative. Laughter and smiling provides our bodies and minds with the necessary recharges we require in our busy lives.  A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and acts as an anchor point for a crown. Implants are often considered the type of restoration that closely matches the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth. However, with years of experience in caring for patients of all ages, Dr. Don Jones knows that no one solution is right for everyone. For the individual who does not want a dental implant, or for health reasons is not a good candidate, Dr. Jones may suggest a tooth bridge. Social Circle Dental patients achieve restored appearance and function with this option.  When a Tooth is Lost You may believe that, with 31 other teeth in your mouth, the loss of just one isn’t important. That is not true. A single missing tooth leaves more than a flaw in the cosmetic appearance of your smile. Your teeth rely on one another for structural support. When a tooth is missing, its neighbors gradually shift out of alignment. Now, in addition to a gap, you have crooked teeth. They create food traps that can lead to decay and gum disease, and make it more difficult to brush and floss efficiently. A full set of teeth also helps to maintain the balance of the bite. Depending on its position, a missing tooth may force you to chew on one side, causing unsual wear, and possibly triggering TMJ disorders. Bridging a Divided Smile A dental bridge is a non-removable restoration that anchors an artificial tooth into place at the site of one that is missing. Teeth on either side of the gap are shaped and prepared. Then, Dr. Jones takes digital impressions of your mouth. A robust software application uses this information to design the crowns and attached pontic (artificial tooth). The bridge is fabricated from strong, lustrous ceramic, and cemented into place. In many cases, Dr. Jones can complete a dental bridge in one visit, using CEREC technology. The ceramic material looks very natural, and the bridge is metal-free and biocompatible. Dr. Jones provides instructions on home hygiene to keep your bridge sparkling clean and your mouth healthy. With good care, the bridge will last many years.  The sooner you have a missing tooth replaced, the better for your appearance, oral health, and whole-body wellness. However, please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Jones, even if it has been awhile since you lost the tooth. He will work with you to determine if a tooth bridge is your best option. Call Social Circle Dental at 770-464-1900 to schedule a consultation.
Sometimes the health of your mouth can be judged by having clean teeth, pain-free gums, and fresh breath. However, there's more to be aware of and often you can't detect potential problems at home. That's why it's so important to have a dentist who you trust and who believes that prevention is an essential part of the dentistry practice. Dr. Don Jones of Social Circle Dental knows that keeping your mouth in its best condition is as much about preventing issues as it is about correcting problems or making cosmetic improvements. Dr. Jones offers these tips for keeping your mouth healthy.  1. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT Sugar is in many of the beverages we drink and foods we eat, and too much sugar can lead to tooth decay. Try to maintain a healthy diet of vegetables, lean meats, fruits, whole grains and legumes, while limiting highly processed foods. When you do consume foods or drinks with a high quantity of sugar, such as hard candy, cupcakes, soda, and fruit juice try to brush your teeth afterwards or rinse your mouth with water. 2. PROPER CARE AT HOME Be sure that you're brushing and flossing using the correct technique. Brush with a soft toothbrush and a brand of toothpaste that you like. Use short, circular, and gentle motions to get rid of surface bacteria without damaging the gum line. Use floss to remove plaque that settles between the teeth. In addition, be sure to replace your toothbrush every two to three months. 3. CUT THE TOBACCO PRODUCTS Smoking and chewing tobacco are not just harmful to your overall health; they damage your mouth as well. The nicotine and tar can not only discolor your teeth, they also eat away at your gums, creating the perfect environment for plaque and bacteria to develop and grow. 4. USE YOUR TEETH PROPERLY While your teeth are strong, they can break. Protect your teeth with a mouth guard when playing sports where you could be hit in the mouth. Also, don't use your teeth to open packaging or bottles and avoid chewing on hard items such as candy, pens, or ice.  5. VISIT THE DENTIST
Brushing, avoiding sugar and tobacco, and protecting your teeth at home are all essential to having a healthy mouth. Keeping up with your dental checkups is also critical. Dentists can catch potential problems before they cause bigger issues. They can also provide tips for improving your at-home care, and provide you with a professional cleaning that can't be replicated at home. Dr. Jones believes that a healthy mouth is essential to having a healthy body and sense of wellbeing. He treats every patient with gentle care, a friendly nature, and in the least-invasive manner possible. Call 770-464-1900 today to schedule an appointment. In times past, if you needed a cavity filled, you went to a dentist, and he filled the cavity. Alternatively, perhaps your gums were bleeding, so you went to a dentist to have them checked out. Dentists were concerned with the health of your mouth and offered the best care to ensure you had healthy teeth, gums, and tissue inside the mouth. In recent years, however, studies have shown that connections exist between the health of the mouth and the health of the body. Some dental problems are actually risk factors of medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and strokes. Because there appears to be such a strong connection, Dr. Don Jones believes that the philosophy of biological dentistry is important. His skills, experience, and gentle manner have provided patients with excellent results for more than 35 years.  Biological dentistry includes several distinctions not found in general dentistry. Namely, professionals committed to biological dentistry go above and beyond current safety and health guidelines and use only the safest and most biocompatible materials and techniques to treat their patients. For example, Social Circle Dental only uses mercury-free materials. Mercury is a metal that has been used in fillings for many years. However, using these fillings exposes the patient to increased levels of mercury. Dr. Jones will not use materials that include even the smallest amount of mercury. Additionally, he is skilled at removing mercury fillings should a patient choose to replace them. Removing mercury fillings takes special steps and precision to be sure that the patient or dental team is not exposed to the mercury vapors.  If you're looking for a dentist who cares about the health of your entire body and who believes in finding the least invasive approach to your dental treatment, call Dr. Don Jones of Social Circle Dental to schedule a consultation. Dr. Jones provides a wide variety of dental services and has a wealth of experience in preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. He will work with you to ensure that you have the best treatment path to getting, or keeping, a happy and healthy smile.
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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
March 2019
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