Frequently Asked Questions

Questions on Everyday Dental Care

I want to know more about changing my smile. What do you suggest?

An appointment. Your smile and your goals are unique. Dentistry at East Piedmont offers a wide range of cosmetic services, and after your consultation, you’ll know which services will deliver the smile of your dreams.

How can I improve my smile?

That sounds like an easy question to answer, but it isn’t! Your smile is unique, and we won’t compromise your individuality with smile enhancements. Smile design dentistry done right requires an initial consultation in which we will discuss your goals, preferences, and options for care. Generally speaking, we may suggest porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, all-white restorations, and/or replacement teeth. Orthodontics may also be involved. After your comprehensive evaluation and consultation, we’ll present a smile makeover plan for your new smile. We offer digital imaging for smile previews, as well.

My teeth are stained. Can you help?

Yes. We offer whitening solutions to brighten teeth dramatically at home or in our office. Call our Marietta dental office for an appointment today at (770) 321-5558!
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What do you do to maintain a safe and sterilized environment?

Your safety is important to us, so we sterilize our reusable instruments in an autoclave and use disposable products as much as possible. Each operatory is cleaned thoroughly between patients. We adhere to guidelines set by the CDC and OSHA and perform weekly tests on our sterilization equipment. Our state-of-the-art sterilization center ensures your safety.

What are crowns in an hour?

With innovative CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns, inlays, and onlays in about an hour. This means that in just one visit, you can get a custom-made, all-white, reliable restoration. No temporary crowns. No follow-up visit. It’s that simple.

How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?

Depending on your unique case, we may suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign clear braces. Read more about these procedures in our services area.

I have old, dark fillings. Is there any hope for my smile?

Dark fillings and metal crowns can be replaced with strong, aesthetic solutions. Dr. Patel has placed composite resin fillings for years, and we also offer porcelain crowns.

What payment methods do you accept, and what are your financing options?

For your convenience, we take cash, check, and major credit cards. Third party financing is available to qualified applicants through CareCredit.

What’s involved in a new patient exam?

One of the things that sets our office apart from other dental offices is our commitment to getting to know you as a person, not just a patient. On your first visit, you will meet with our patient coordinator, discuss your current dental needs in a private consultation room and then go to a serene, relaxing treatment room to start your new patient experience. A full series of digital photos will be taken, digital x-rays (if needed) will also be performed and our hygienist will perform a complete periodontal exam. Dr. Patel will then perform a comprehensive exam, complimentary oral cancer screening and spend time with you reviewing the findings. Many patients complain that their previous dentist never spent any time with them and he/she was in and out of their check-up appointment without so much as a word to them. That will never be the case at Dentistry at East Piedmont. We are dedicated to creating a positive experience every time and with every patient.

Why are you not on my insurance plan?

We have chosen not be participating providers on ANY insurance plans. When you agree to be a provider, you also agree to provide “covered” services, not services that are needed. You should have the right to choose the type of care you need and desire, not what your insurance dictates. Dr. Patel will strive to provide you with options from the most optimal treatment to more affordable short-term options. We will do everything possible to make sure you receive the maximum allowable benefits from your insurance plan, submit claims and pre-treatment estimates and do everything possible to give you accurate estimates for your out of pocket costs and provide you with the highest level of care available.

What are No-Prep Veneers and can I get them?

No Prep-Veneers are porcelain restorations that are specifically designed to fit over your existing dentition or teeth with no alteration of the actual tooth itself. These prepless veneers are extremely thin, about the thickness of a contact lens and are an excellent option when building out a smile, placing veneers on someone very young or covering healthy teeth that are stained and do not respond to whitening. To see if you are a good candidate, contact us at (678) 648-4214 and receive a complimentary smile analysis.

Is there really a difference between whitening products at the drug store and professional whitening?

In a word, Yes! Over the counter whitening products are made for the general public with no consideration for the shape of their teeth, how big or small their mouth is and whether or not they have sensitivity. They work “ok” for most people and can bring teeth up a shade or two. Results do not tend to last very long and you need to whiten frequently in order to maintain the result. Professional whitening products are designed to work with custom made, whitening trays. The product is extremely effective, with maximum results being reached typically after a week or so and multiple shades achieved. The actual result depends on the individual’s ability to whiten, however, teeth tend to be consistently white at the gumline and in between the teeth unlike with over the counter whitening strips. Touch ups do occur but it tends to be many months before it is necessary and usually one to two applications are all that are required. Depending on the product chosen, trays need to be worn for only 30 minutes to 1 hour.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry safely eases worries and discomfort so you can receive the dental care you need, anxiety-free. With your customized treatment plan, the level of sedation will be tailored to your personal needs.

Our sedation options include Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), Oral Sedation and IV Conscious Sedation (twilight state).

How does sedation dentistry work?

While it is sometimes referred to as ‘sleep dentistry,’ this is not entirely accurate. During conscious sedation, patients are awake enough to respond to verbal cues and breath independently but may not remember the appointment due to amnesia depending on the level of sedation chosen.

Medication dosage is custom tailored to maintain maximum comfort. In addition to sedatives, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications can be given to increase healing and minimize the medications taken at home.

Is sedation dentistry right for me?

Many patients avoid getting the dental care they need due to fear and anxiety. In fact, dental anxiety is one of the top fears reported by Adult Americans. Fortunately, we now offer convenient in house sedation to ensure each patient gets the smile they deserve in maximum comfort.

Sedation Dentistry is available for routine dentistry such as cleanings, fillings and crowns, as well as surgical procedures like extractions, implants, and grafting. This service is also a great solution for patients with a severe gag reflex or certain systemic health issues. A thorough evaluation of your health and medical history will be taken at consult to ensure this treatment option is right for you.

Janeime & Lindsey
Answer Questions on Everyday Dental Care

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Good oral health is the cornerstone of overall wellbeing, and at Dentistry at East Piedmont, we’re dedicated to ensuring that every visit contributes to the lasting health of your smile. Our approach begins with a thorough understanding of your dental needs and concerns, ensuring that each treatment plan is as unique as you are. Whether it’s a routine check-up, a specific dental concern, or a long-term care plan, we’re here to provide you with top-notch, compassionate dental care. Book your appointment now to experience comprehensive dental care tailored to your individual needs.

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