Most people are worried about being blindsided by unexpected dental treatments or procedures when they go to the dentist– especially if it’s been a while since their last visit. Having a baseline knowledge of oral health and dental treatments can help you be prepared for whatever your dentist recommends. 

At Smiles 4 Grant Park, Dr. Abbey Lee believes in providing high-quality, gentle treatments only when necessary. Dr. Lee is a trustworthy dentist in Atlanta, GA. Call our office today to schedule an appointment! 

Before your dental visit, ask yourself these five questions to determine which dental services you might need: 

1. When was my last dental visit? 

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends that patients visit the dentist twice a year? Based on your specific needs, you may need to visit even more frequently. 

If it has been longer than six months since your last dental visit, you will need a dental cleaning and exam. This is standard procedure for bi-annual visits. During this time, the dental team will evaluate your smile for signs of decay, disease, and other oral health issues. They will also clean your teeth with professional tools and techniques. 

2. Do I have any dental pain? 

Tooth pain can indicate that something is wrong. The most common reasons for a toothache include: 

• A cavity
• Trauma
• Gum disease
• An abscess
• Damaged filling
• Teeth grinding
• Impacted wisdom teeth

Sinuses and lodged food particles can also cause dental pain. 

Treatment for tooth pain depends on the cause. For example, a cavity will require a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown, depending on the size and severity of the cavity. If the pain is caused by teeth grinding, the dentist may recommend a custom mouthguard along with other therapies. 

3. Are my gums bleeding? 

Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing is a major indicator of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. At this stage the disease is reversible, so it’s important to seek treatment right away. 

Other symptoms of gingivitis and more advanced stages of gum disease include: 

• Persistent bad breath
• Swollen gums
• Tooth pain
• Loose teeth
• Gum recession

Treatment may involve a deep dental cleaning (scaling and root planing), the pinhole surgical technique, and laser treatment. 

4. Do I like the way my smile looks? 

The appearance of your smile is important because it’s the first thing people notice about you. If you are insecure about your smile for any reason, Dr. Lee can help you achieve the smile of your dreams! 

Our cosmetic dentistry services include: 

• Teeth whitening
• Dental veneers
• Dental bonding
• Invisalign®
• Gum contouring
• Snap-On-Smile®
• Botox®

Any of these services can be combined for a complete smile makeover. 

5. Does going to the dentist make me nervous, anxious, or scared? 

If your answer is yes, look for a dentist who offers sedation dentistry and uses the latest technology. Our office provides nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and local anesthesia to help you feel at ease during your dental treatment or procedure. We also use laser technology to ensure your treatment is as gentle and safe as possible. 

What’s your conclusion? 

Hopefully, you now have an idea of what the dentist might recommend at your next dental appointment. But what if he or she recommends something you still didn’t expect? You can always visit another local dentist for a second opinion. 

To avoid second-guessing, choose a trustworthy dentist like Dr. Lee. Our hundreds of 5-star Google reviews speak for themselves! Contact us today at (404) 328-7177 to schedule your dental appointment today.