Atlanta Dentist | Cosmetic Dental Implant Center - Atlanta, GA - Dr. Jim Fagan

Select below from the list of topics put together by Dr. Fagan about common conditions found in patients. Each topic contains information about the condition and treatment process, supported with graphic illustrations. Many of these topics show a sampling of before and after results of our patients. For further information or to make an appointment, please contact our office by e-mail(jimfagandmd@AOL.com or ReBeWh@AOL.com) or call during office hours(Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30)@404-255-5006.

ZOOM WHITENING

Our practice provides two kinds of tooth whitening systems: One is an in office 1-hour system called ZOOM!, as seen on ABC's hit show, Extreme Makeover. The other is a take-home system using trays for 10-14 days or nights called Nite White.

DO YOU WANT TO ZOOM!? The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It's safe, effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.

GET READY TO ZOOM! The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System will make your teeth dramatically whiter in a little over an hour. The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The ZOOM! clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! whitening gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light. The ZOOM! light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care, your smile will sparkle for years.

TUNE INTO ZOOM! Ask the staff of Dr. Fagan how the ZOOM! In-Office Whitening System will work for you. Take your first step to feeling good, looking great and making a memorable impression every time you smile. You owe it to yourself!

DO YOU WANT TO NITE WHITE? Nite White is a fast, safe and effective tooth whitening system. The whitening gel is a thick solution, which is dispensed to patients by a dentist and applied by the patient at home using a clear and inconspicuous custom-fitted tray. The delicious Peppermint Cream flavored gel is worn overnight while you sleep for ultimate performance and maximum convenience. In only 10-14 nights, you can achieve exceptional whitening results. The active ingredient in Nite White, carbamide peroxide, has been recognized by FDA for many years as an oral antiseptic and is now used for its superior tooth whitening properties. Nite White is available in a variety of carbamide peroxide concentrations to whiten even the most difficult stains. If you would prefer a daytime whitening alternative to traditional overnight systems, Day White whitens teeth in only 30 minutes twice a day. If you have any questions about whitening options, please consult the staff of Dr. Fagan at 404-255-5006.

Call the office of Dr. Fagan to schedule your ZOOM2 tooth whitening experience at 404-255-5006! Ask about seasonal specials and mention you saw this on the website to receive an additional 5% discount off the seasonal special.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

PORCELAIN VENEERS are an excellent method to achieve a smile makeover utilizing the IPS EMPRESS system. They are ultra-thin sculpted pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that fit over the front of your teeth. They are wonderful for fixing teeth that are significantly discolored, chipped, pitted, malformed or crooked, or if you have unwanted spaces. In certain situations, a change in upper lip fullness and balance can be obtained by placing porcelain laminate veneers on your four front teeth.

Unlike crowns or caps, porcelain laminate veneers don't require the removal of much tooth structure. Veneers are usually created in a dental laboratory from an impression taken in the dental office. During the first visit, the color is matched using a shade guide. Then the teeth are prepped, removing 1/2 a millimeter of the facial enamel. Then the teeth are fitted with temporaries while the veneers are being created at the lab. The veneers are then cemented directly onto your teeth and polished to a natural, aesthetic smile.

Porcelain Veneers are stronger and have a longer life than composite bonding, but the process requires more time. Veneers typically won't stain, making them a popular and efficient way of improving your smile. Treatment may take two or more office visits to complete and will last for years (as long as properly maintained and examined). Dr. Fagan utilizes the IPS EMPRESS porcelain veneers to bring back or renew lost smiles.

Call the office of Dr. Fagan at 404-255-5006 for a consultation on Porcelain Veneers to find out how they can benefit you or help improve your smile.

COSMETIC BONDING

COSMETIC BONDING is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained or gapped. It is the most versatile and effective way to aesthetically restore your smile. Composite materials are used to replace old unattractive fillings, change the color of your teeth or reshape and recontour a less than ideal smile. Composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Composite fillings have a slightly higher rate of wear than your traditional silver fillings.

Most procedures take as little as 20 to 30 minutes per tooth, depending on how complicated your particular treatment may be. At your actual bonding appointment, the dentist will use a mild etching solution to condition the surface of the tooth so the composite will adhere to it. Next, the dentist applies a couple layers of the bonding adhesive material onto the tooth, and then he applies the composite resin material. Dr. Fagan then uses a light source to set the material. The last step is shaping, smoothing and polishing the surfaces. As with your natural teeth, cosmetically bonded teeth may chip or stain. A bonded restoration should last for years before requiring a touch-up or replacement. The procedures are painless and most are quick enough to be completed in one visit.

COSMETIC CROWNS

COSMETIC CROWN restorations are similar to Porcelain Veneers, because they too are attached to individual teeth. Crowns completely cover the tooth on all sides, helping to correct any problems that you might have with alignment. Crowns are used to repair and strengthen teeth that have undergone root canals, have severe erosion or extreme malposition. The use of crowns is essential in any situation that requires greater strength and aesthetics. Crowns are fabricated from porcelain and metal and are indistinguishable from adjacent teeth.

Having crowns applied takes two or three appointments so that your teeth can be prepared and impressions can be made. The impressions are used to make a porcelain crown that fits into the contour of the remaining teeth. While your permanent crowns are being created in a laboratory, you will wear temporary crowns that maintain your appearance and ability to function. Often, crowns are added to existing teeth to create better connecting surfaces for attachment of partial dentures. As with all treatments, crown restorations require meticulous oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are effective in eliminating plaque and bacteria. Crowns or caps can last the longest compared to other treatments depending on placement, forces placed on them and patients’ home care.

INLAYS AND ONLAYS

INLAYS and ONLAYS are used to replace your silver fillings. These restorations are usually made from composite resin material, porcelain or gold. Once placed, they are virtually undetectable in the mouth, and they conserve much of your natural tooth structure.

For an inlay to be successful, it is best if the cavity involves only the occlusal surface (chewing surface) and one proximal surface (surface in between the teeth). The other proximal surface should be free of decay. An onlay, which is similar to an inlay, covers the entire proximal surface and protects the cusps from fracture. Treatment involves isolation of the tooth and removal of the old fillings under local anesthesia. Once your dentist makes an impression, the inlay/onlay is created from porcelain, gold or composite resin material. The inlay/onlay is then cemented securely into place. Inlays and onlays usually take two to three appointments to complete. The onlay is another alternative for covering larger surface restorations. An inlay/onlay looks exactly like the rest of the tooth and is so durable that it doesn't need to be replaced for years.

COSMETIC BRIDGES

COSMETIC BRIDGES are useful as corrective measures after an accident or serious dental decay that resulted in the loss of one or more teeth. These restorations - generally made of porcelain fused to gold - are used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are a method by which to restore your bite and create a pleasant smile. It also takes a great deal of time to both prepare the area and take an impression. Fixed bridges are placed on the neighboring teeth, so they span the site of the missing tooth. The bridge is fitted with porcelain teeth to replicate the missing teeth to restore function and aesthetics.

REMOVABLE BRIDGES (full or partial) are used in dental situations to replace missing teeth and to restore support and proper function. These bridges are constructed of ceramic and metal and require creation of a study model made from impressions. The removable partial is also fitted with ceramic or acrylic teeth to replicate the missing teeth and combined with metal that is shaped to fit the inside contours of the mouth. Multiple visits are required for adjustments to the bite and fit of the appliance. Fixed or removable bridges require meticulous cleaning. A fixed bridge always requires flossing with a floss threader. Removable bridgework requires meticulous cleaning after meals and soaking in a solution to remove plaque and bacteria.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Fagan, as a Diplomate of The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, has been recognized for his expertise in dental implant placement as well as implant reconstruction for 23 years. Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers on dental implants.

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS? Dental Implants are a safe, medically proven, esthetic alternative to traditional crowns, bridgework and dentures. Because implant restorations look and feel just like natural teeth, they offer new levels of comfort, security and confidence over traditional treatments. For more than two decades, Dr. Fagan has been successfully restoring quality of life to people just like you using Zimmer Dental implants.

HOW DO THEY WORK? A dental implant is a small "anchor" made of titanium that is inserted into the jawbone to take the place of your missing tooth root. After osseointegration (when the surrounding bone has healed to the implant), a replacement tooth is secured to the top of the implant. This new tooth looks, feels and performs similar to your natural teeth.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Choosing dental implants as a treatment option offers you a number of significant advantages.

*MAINTAIN ANATOMY. If you have missing teeth, the bone begins to shrink over time. Unhealthy bone loss can make your jawline recede and change your facial structure. Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone so your face retains its natural shape.

*KEEP YOUR HEALTHY TEETH. A better long-term alternative to bridgework, dental implants eliminate the need to grind down healthy teeth when replacing one or more adjacent teeth. Your own natural healthy teeth are not compromised.

*PAINLESS. WORRY-FREE. SECURE. Because dental implants are securely anchored, there is no slipping or movement. This eliminates some of the key problems of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation and pain from exposed nerves. The result is superior comfort, reliability and freedom from embarrassment.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE IMPLANT PROCEDURE? The dental implant process involves several steps that take place over a time period that averages from 4-9 months. The typical process will include:

*PRE TREATMENT CONSULTATION: After a careful evaluation of your dental & medical health, Dr. Fagan will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. *INITIAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT: Dr. Fagan places the dental implant into your jawbone while you are sedated under either local or General Anesthesia. Over the next several months, bone will heal to the surface of the implant, anchoring it into position. *IMPLANT PROSTHETIC ATTACHMENT: During this phase, Dr. Fagan attaches a "post" to the implant. An impression will be taken, and soon after, an artificial replacement tooth will be created for a natural restoration.

*PROPER MAINTENANCE: Dr. Fagan will guide you on the proper care and maintenance of your new implants before, during and after the procedure. By following a regular routine of careful oral hygiene and regular checkups, your implants will look, function and feel great for many years to come.

SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT - There are several different types of implants offered by Dr. Fagan, depending on your individual case. If you are missing a single tooth and currently use a removable partial denture or tooth-supported crown, an implant-supported crown may be the better alternative. Single tooth replacements look and feel so natural that only you and Dr. Fagan will know the difference.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED CROWNS ARE A NATURALLY BETTER SOLUTION. *Looks, feels and performs similar to your natural tooth. *Does not compromise your adjacent teeth. *Preserves surrounding bone (Replaces tooth root). *Prevents bone collapse and jaw line recession. *Oral care same as natural tooth. *Restores a secure natural biting strength. *Restores self-confidence and appearance.

MULTIPLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT - If you are missing multiple teeth, removable partial dentures can slip, come loose and cause irritation. An implant-supported bridge stays secure and strong and won't cause problems for your adjacent teeth. So comfortable and natural, they'll look and feel just like your own teeth.

EXPERIENCE NEW COMFORT AND STABILITY WITH AN IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE. *Looks, feels and performs like your natural teeth. *Does not compromise adjacent teeth. *Preserves surrounding bone (replaces tooth root). *Bridge attaches securely to implants. *Prevents bone collapse and jaw line recession. *Restores natural biting strength. *Eliminates recurrent wear around prepared teeth. *Improves appearance and self-esteem.

COMPLETE LOWER OR UPPER TOOTH REPLACMENT - If you are missing all of your teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw and currently use a removable full denture, then an implant-supported bridge or implant-supported denture could be the right solution for you. Unlike removable full dentures which can fit poorly, cause gum irritation and pain from exposed nerves, implant-supported bridges or dentures virtually eliminate slipping and movement, so there's no pain, no embarrassment and no worries. You'll be able to laugh and speak with confidence, and enjoy your favorite foods with ease.

EXPERIENCE NEW FREEDOM WITH AN IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE OR DENTURE. *Maintains integrity of facial structure (prevents further bone deterioration). *Increases comfort and stability. *Restores natural biting strength. *Improves health due to better eating habits and improved digestion. *Eliminates need for adhesives. *Improves appearance (lost lip support restored). *Builds confidence in eating and speaking more clearly.

For a consultation on Dental Implants, call the office of Dr. Fagan at 404-255-5006 to find out more and if you are a candidate for dental implants and how they can benefit you or help improve your life.

TMJ DYSFUNCTION

People who suffer from symptoms such as headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw muscles or dull, aching facial pain may suffer from TMD-temporomandibular joint disorders. The muscles and joints may not function properly, resulting in cycles of pain and spasms. These disorders can have a variety of causes and can be treated. You may also have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Since TMD symptoms (e.g., tooth clenching or grinding, headaches, jaw pain or discomfort, clicking, grating, difficulty in closing your jaw) can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely, and treatment takes time to be effective.

Misalignment of the jaw can be treated using different devices applied by Dr. Fagan, such as a pain release splint or orthotic. Treatment is based on determining the underlying cause of the problem and correcting it. If possible, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can help to reduce inflammation in the jaw. Muscle spasms or muscle tension may be relieved by using TENS or moist heat packs on the affected area. A diet of soft foods is recommended. Biofeedback or relaxation exercises may also be effective. Surgery of the jaw is rarely required.