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August 9, 2012

Tantalizing Tongue Trivia

Have you ever wondered why your tongue changes its appearance? Or why your tastebuds seem not to work sometimes?  When your tongue acts strangely, it may be trying to tell you something. Check out these interesting facts from Dr. Peter Pate and boost your knowledge about the tongue!

Tongue Facts

  • The tongue is the strongest muscle in the body and allows you to eat, drink, talk, and make funny faces (about 85% of the population can curl their tongues into a tube).
  • Your tongue is the only muscle that is connected at only one end.
  • Even after brushing and flossing your teeth, bacteria at the back of your tongue can still make your breath foul. In fact, approximately 50% of the bacteria in your mouth reside on the surface of your tongue. Be sure to brush your tongue as a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. You can use the soft bristles of your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
  • Your tongue is like a fingerprint; no two are alike. (more…)

August 8, 2012

Technology for Better Dental Care

At Dentistry in Buckhead, we pride ourselves on exceeding our patients’ expectations. Dr. Pate and our trained, compassionate team will make you feel like part of the family by providing personalized attention and exceptional dental care, backed by advanced technology. Here, Dr. Pate lists just a few of the technological advances that we offer to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

DIAGNOdent

Cavities are the most common dental issue that Dr. Pate treats. DIAGNOdent uses a low-intensity laser to detect signs of decay more precisely and at an earlier stage than previous methods. When cavities are found early, there is less decay to remove, so Dr. Pate can preserve more of your natural tooth structure. DIAGNOdent’s laser detection also allows Dr. Pate to monitor areas of concern without the repeated use of X-rays.

Digital X-Rays

The greatest advantage of digital radiography is safety. Digital X-rays require up to 90% less radiation and provide a much clearer picture of your teeth than a traditional X-ray machine. You can view the detailed images on a monitor as Dr. Pate explains his finding and treatment recommendations. Also, digital X-rays are much easier to store, study and transfer than traditional film records, and they require no hazardous chemicals for development.

Intraoral Camera

Ever wonder what the inside of your mouth looks like up close? Our intraoral camera lets us take you on a virtual tour of your mouth. We prefer to keep our patients at the center of their treatment plans. The camera captures images that give us visual aids to guide you through your diagnosis and treatment options, so you’ll be informed every step of the way. (more…)

Getting to the Root of Tooth Sensitivity

Chances are, you have experienced the discomfort of sensitive teeth.  Sensitivity in the  mouth can be a sign of other underlying issues.  Teeth feature three primary layers: the protective outer enamel, the sensitive dentin, and at the core, a canal that houses nerves and connective tissue. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the body and the second hardest naturally occurring substance on our planet. Dentin is a softer tissue that features tiny tubules, or channels, that allow sensations of pressure and temperature to be conducted to the tooth’s nerve. The nerves that lie within the inner canal then send signals to the brain.

Thin Enamel

Acid erosion and tooth wear can thin the protective enamel on the outside of teeth. Thin enamel provides less insulation, making teeth more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and pressure. Erosion is most often caused by acid in foods or from stomach acid. Enamel wear most often results from grinding and clenching teeth, a condition called bruxism.

Exposed Dentin

The crowns of teeth are covered with enamel, but the roots are not. If the gums recede, roots become exposed. The slightest pressure, such as that from wind, can cause intense pain to exposed teeth roots. Temperature fluctuations will also cause discomfort. Gums can recede for a number of reasons, including gum disease, grinding, or aging. (more…)

June 17, 2012

It’s Father’s Day! Smile!

You can’t be the life of the party without a spectacular smile. Studies have shown that smiling at work and in your personal life can greatly improve the moods of those around you. As the saying goes, smiling is contagious.

Do you like your smile? Small blemishes and imperfections on your teeth can make you self-conscious, causing you to smile less or hide your smile in public. This Father’s Day, Atlanta’s family and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Peter Pate, can help you put your best smile forward.

A Wide Variety of Cosmetic Dentistry Choices

At Dentistry in Buckhead, we offer a wide variety of cosmetic procedures to shape your smile into a masterpiece. If you’re short on time and would like to brighten your smile quickly, our in-office Zoom! treatment can lighten your teeth in just one office visit. The procedure often results in teeth that are eight to ten shades brighter. We also offer professional-strength take-home whitening kits that enable you to whiten when your schedule allows.

Porcelain veneers can cover a variety of imperfections at once. They can change the shape, size, and color of multiple teeth to create optimal uniformity. Modern, minimally invasive veneers are secured to the front of your teeth to create a flawless smile.

For chipped or permanently stained teeth, Dr. Pate may recommend dental bonding. This quick cosmetic procedure involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin that works like sculpting clay. Dr. Pate hardens the resin using a curing light, then sculpts and polishes the resin to the ideal shape. If you have only one or two blemished teeth, bonding is a simple and inexpensive alternative to porcelain veneers.

Your Smile is Your Choice

A healthy, beautiful smile is no accident. At our office, it is the combined effort of a devoted dentist and an informed patient. After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Pate will consult with you to decide the best option for achieving the smile of your dreams. To schedule a consultation, call Dentistry in Buckhead at (404) 266-9424. We proudly welcome patients from the Buckhead area, as well as Sandy Springs, Lenox, Brookhaven, Atlanta, and surrounding communities.

June 3, 2012

Keep Your Smile Bright This Summer

Kids miss about 51 million hours of school and adults miss about 164 million hours of work each year due to unforeseen dental treatments. During the summer, children are out of school and adults spend a few days of vacation away from the office. Dr. Pate encourages you to take advantage of your time off to handle your dental needs.

Summertime Dental Emergencies

The Academy of General Dentistry reports that the majority of dental emergencies during the summer are caused by swimming pool accidents. Running on slippery ground, diving into shallow pools, and playing summer sports can break, loosen or knock out healthy teeth. Fortunately, Dr. Pate offers dental crowns and dental implants to restore your smile mishaps. Additionally, chlorinated water is shown to erode and stain your tooth enamel, but Dr. Pate can hide discolorations with veneers, bonding, or whitening.  Visiting Dr. Pate during the summer will help protect your mouth from summertime damage.

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May 23, 2012

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart!

Research shows that people who receive professional dental cleanings on a regular basis are 24% less likely to have a heart attack, and 13% less likely to have a stroke.  Dr. Pate would like to explain how keeping your teeth clean can also help keep your heart healthy.

Oral Bacteria in the Bloodstream

Gum disease weakens your gum tissue and creates an opening for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. As these bacteria travel through your body, they can inflame other cells and tissues. In fact, patients who have heart attacks or strokes often have the same bacteria that cause gum disease accumulated in their arteries. Here are some ways that oral bacteria can contribute to a stroke as it travels through your bloodstream:

May 22, 2012

What’s Your Dental IQ?

You probably know that daily dental hygiene is important to keep your mouth healthy. However,  brushing and flossing are only effective if you do it properly. Dr. Pate wants to test your knowledge to see how much you know about preventive dental care.

1. How long should you brush your teeth?

A. One minute
B. Three minutes
C. Ten minutes

2. How often should you floss?

A. Every day
B. Once a week
C. Only before my dental appointment

(more…)

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