Several health issues can stem from oral health conditions and diseases. Holistic dentist Dr. Jones and our team at Social Circle Dental show a special interest in the general health and wellbeing of our patients. We are happy to educate them about tooth decay and gum disease as well other health conditions.


Tooth decay
The bacteria that cause decay feed on sugar in the mouth and multiply. They mix with saliva to form a sticky film called plaque. Tooth decay can develop when plaque is not removed. Symptoms of tooth decay include toothaches, tooth sensitivity, and pain when biting as well as mild to sharp pain when drinking or eating hot or cold foods or beverages. Eventually, bacteria can lead to gum disease.

Gum disease
The leading cause of tooth loss among adults ages 65 and older is gum disease. It can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and pregnancy complications. Therefore, it is critical to understand the development of gum disease and its symptoms.


Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is a symptom of gingivitis. The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which involves gums separating from the teeth. This allows plaque bacteria to infect the bones, roots, and fibers. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment after noticing symptoms of gum disease.


Your habits, diet, and lifestyle can affect your risk of gum disease. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors. The habit can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Clenching and grinding your teeth can also lead to gum disease. Eating foods low in nutrients can affect your immune system resulting in difficulty fighting off an infection such as gingivitis. Regardless of your habits, diet, or lifestyle Dr. Jones and our team will provide compassionate dental care.


The importance of good oral hygiene
An excellent oral hygiene regimen is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease. This should include brushing at least twice a day, flossing before bedtime, and maintaining dental check-ups at least biannually. 


Are you looking for a dentist who is mindful of your overall health and wellbeing? If you are, consider Dr. Jones at Social Circle Dental. He would be honored to join you on your journey toward a healthier smile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones by calling our friendly team at 770-464-1900 today.

​

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, (for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.)
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.​

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.​

​​Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/ disinfecting-your-home.html
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  
  

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/ disinfecting-your-home.html
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

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, patients in Athens, Georgia and surrounding areas, turn to a compassionate holistic and biological dentist in Social Circle, Dr. Jones. 


A toothache should be treated immediately because it can be a sign of a tooth infection. A 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 symptoms of toothaches.

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. There may be x-rays taken. 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 the smile.


Have you experienced any symptoms of a tooth infection? If you have, do not delay treatment. Dr. Jones and our team can help. Call 770-464-1900 today to schedule an appointment.
​

Biology is defined as, "the science that deals with all forms of life, including their classification, physiology, chemistry, and interactions." A biological dentist is typically concerned about the effects dental materials, techniques, and procedures can have on the whole body. Patients in Social Circle, Monroe, Covington and surrounding areas will often ask, "Is there a biological dentist near me who provides cosmetic and restorative treatments?" They can find Dr. Jones at his mercury free and mercury safe dental practice in their hometown.


Using safe, effective dental materials

From cosmetic to restorative treatments, Dr. Jones takes extra precautions by using the safest, most effective dental materials. He provides an at-home teeth whitening program that includes bleaching gel best suited for your needs. The program includes customized whitening trays to ensure precise fit, protecting the gums from the bleaching agent. Dr. Jones opts for this program over in-office bleaching treatments, which use powerful chemicals than can irritate the gums. 


For restorations, he avoids amalgam, composed of about half mercury as well as other metals. Instead, he uses a porcelain material, which is strong, durable, and blends nicely with teeth. For dental crowns and veneers, he will only minimally file the affected tooth for the restoration. When possible, he will provide the most conservative veneer therapy to patients.


​

Years ago, having an amalgam filling may have seemed like a good idea. However, the silver filling may have expanded overtime, causing tooth damage. You may now have an unsightly tooth in need of treatment and a new filling. Patients often ask, “Is there a dentist near me recommended for safe amalgam filling removal?” The answer is “yes” and this highly recommended dentist can be found at Brookstone Place in Social Circle. Patients have been turning to Dr. Jones for years for his skills and expertise in safely removing and disposing of amalgam. In doing so, the dentist follows strict protocol set by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. 


Amalgam is composed of about half mercury and other metals. Dr. Jones and our staff take many precautions to remove amalgam fillings safely. We wear non-latex gloves and remove the amalgam in chunks rather than grinding it. We use a high suction vacuum to remove mercury particles and vapors. Amalgam can pose a danger to patients as well as the environment. By safely disposing of amalgam, we can safeguard the environment from potential hazards. 

Aesthetics and tooth damage are common reasons patients request amalgam filling removal. Some patients simply do not want metal in their mouths any longer. Others have worn or damaged teeth from clenching and grinding. Although it is rare, some patients are allergic to metal. They may develop symptoms such as rashes and itchy skin due to amalgam fillings. We can replace the fillings with tooth-colored composite resin. The material is versatile, durable and blends nicely with the smile. 


During a consultation appointment, Dr. Jones will carefully examine the mouth, teeth, and gums and review medical records before the procedure. We may take  x-rays to examine the jawbone and soft tissues. After the procedure, patients can embrace healthier and more natural looking, beautiful smiles. 


Do you have an amalgam filling that bothers you? Dr. Jones can remove it. He has more than 40 years of experience in dentistry and provides gentle and compassionate care. Schedule a consultation with him by calling our friendly team at 770-464-1900 today.
​

There are several reasons patients request amalgam filling removal. They range from cosmetic to health reasons. When patients want the silver fillings removed and disposed of safely, they can visit Social Circle Dental. With Dr. Jones, they are in skilled and gentle hands for every step of the procedure. Dr. Jones will explain the reasons patients ask him to remove amalgam fillings. 

Why patients want amalgam fillings removed

Tooth damage and esthetics are common reasons patients ask Dr. Jones to remove amalgam fillings. Since amalgam is composed of about half mercury and other metals, Dr. Jones will safely remove and replace them with biocompatible materials. Constant chewing adds pressure to the teeth. Habits such as grinding and clenching the teeth can wear them down. Eventually, the teeth may chip and crack. If the teeth become damaged, Dr. Jones can restore them before other issues develop. Patients also turn to Dr. Jones for cosmetic reasons. The silver appearance of the fillings may be bothersome when smiling. 

Where patients can count on safe dental care

Dr. Jones operates a mercury free and mercury safe dental practice, which means he keeps the potential danger of amalgam out of his office and has the training to remove safely and dispose of amalgam. He has training from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, which includes following a strict protocol for the safe removal and disposal of amalgam. The removal of an amalgam filling involves taking many measures to protect the patient, dentist, and staff. We wear protective garments and non-latex gloves during the procedure. A rubber dam or a similar material called Isolite is used to isolate the tooth. We administer oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask and utilize a high volume suction vacuum with mercury filters. We use in-office air purifiers to remove mercury particulates from the immediate environment.

Mercury can pose a danger to people as well as the environment. At Social Circle Dental, we take the appropriate precautions to ensure safe and effective amalgam filling removal. Do you want to explore the treatment? If you do, call 770-464-1900 today.

​

Various dental procedures can restore health, beauty, and function to the smile. Many people will spend the extra time finding a dentist who practices holistic dentistry. Holistic dentists are mindful of the effects dental materials and procedures can have on the whole body. Patients in Covington and Conyers GA have been seeing respected holistic and biological dentist Dr. Jones for years. Families often rave about his conservative dental treatments that provide beautiful results. 

What you can expect at Social Circle Dental

You will visit with a highly respected dentist and dental team that provide treatments with your overall health and wellbeing in mind. Dr. Jones decided in 2002 that he would no longer place amalgams. In addition, he provides a mercury free and mercury safe dental office and practices mercury safe dentistry. As a mercury safe dentist, Dr. Jones has training from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and follows its strict protocol for safely removing and disposing of amalgam. 

Dr. Jones has been transforming smiles for over 40 years. Do you want to learn more about why patients choose Social Circle Dental? Dr. Jones will be happy to talk with you during a consultation appointment. Call our team at 770-464-1900 today to schedule your appointment.
​

Understanding CEREC 

CEREC is short for "ceramic reconstruction." It is a precise method of creating a lovely, dental crown from a solid cube of porcelain. Suppose you've broken a tooth or have an area of decay so large that your tooth just won't hold a conventional filling. I prep the tooth, removing damaged portions and shaping the remaining structure carefully. Then I take digital images. This information goes into a robust computer program that tells the milling machine exactly how to form your crown, while you wait.​


The benefits of CEREC 

Porcelain is a beautiful match for the luster and light reflecting qualities of natural tooth enamel. It is strong enough even for the bite force on molars, and it is durable, lasting indefinitely with good oral hygiene. 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a CEREC crown, though, is convenience. Having a traditional crown fitted, crafted, and placed typically takes at least two visits. I can prepare your tooth, make a CEREC crown, and cement it in place in just one appointment. That's less time out of your busy calendar, and no need to baby a temporary crown for a few weeks. 

For very complex cases or patients who want more subtle color variation, I also offer high quality porcelain crowns made at an off site dental lab. Be assured that we'll make every effort to schedule those visits around your other activities. 
​

Do I sound excited when I describe CEREC dental crowns? That's because I am. I really enjoy helping patients throughout the Athens, Monroe, and Loganville areas benefit from great dental health, radiant smiles, and more time doing the things they love. Call Social Circle Dental today at 770-464-1900 to become my newest patient.

Dr. Don D. Jones, Jr.

CEREC, short for ceramic reconstruction, is an innovative method of using CAD/CAM technology to design and fabricate all porcelain restorations, at the dentist’s office. That means that the patient’s treatment can be completed in one visit, without the expense of a temporary crown and another day away from work, while the finished piece is made at an off site lab. 

That’s good news for most patients. However, Dr. Don Jones knows that each tooth, smile, patient, and lifestyle is unique. At Social Circle Dental, CEREC is not a cookie-cutter solution for all patients. Dr. Jones takes time to thoroughly analyze your situation. Then he applies training, skill, experience, and artistry to develop the best restoration plan to meet your needs. 

CEREC is a wonderful solution when you need a strong, natural-looking crown in one visit, but it isn't right for every situation. Patients throughout Social Circle and surrounding areas trust Dr. Jones to explain their options and help them make informed dental healthcare decisions. 

Call 770-464-1900 to become Dr. Jones’ newest patient at Social Circle Dental.

Natural-looking results

We use ceramic, which is a strong and durable material, to create the dental crowns. As a mercury free dental practice, we also use composite resin for dental fillings. Composite resin is a versatile, tooth-colored material. Porcelain and composite resin blend nicely with the smile, making them ideal materials for cosmetic and restorative treatments.


Are you looking for a method to restore a tooth in a single appointment? A same-day crown may be ideal for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones today by calling 770-464-1900.
​​