A smile is such a simple gesture, yet it holds so much power. It is innately human - a universal way to convey happiness, greet one another and signal that we're nice people. Smiles communicate how we're feeling and are great for breaking the ice or awkward moments. A good-natured smile moves mountains, but if you're like the average person, it may not be perfect. And that's okay. But is it healthy?
Studies from the CDC show that 1 in 4 U.S. adults from 20 to 64 have cavities. Perhaps even more surprising is that approximately 34 million school hours are lost every year due to emergency dental care. For children, missing time could mean the difference between moving forward and being held back.
If you're one of the many people who feel ashamed about their teeth, need preventative oral care, or suffer serious issues like tooth decay, it's time to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, Merchants Walk Dental is here to serve you with the highest quality dental work in East Cobb, from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry.
At Merchants Walk Dental, your healthy teeth and gums are our passion. Our dentists and hygienists are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible in a comfortable, stress-free setting. Since opening in 2017, we have become the premier dentist in Johns Creek, GA, offering many dental services such as:
As experts, we know how important oral hygiene is for your health. We feel that it's important to go the extra mile to speak with our patients about the best practices involved with brushing, flossing, and healthy gums. We know what an impact a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so dedicated to providing our patients with cleaner, straighter teeth than ever before.
Having served Georgia and East Cobb for years, we understand that no two patients will ever have the same needs. That's why we provide personalized services like cleanings and root canals tailored to each patient's unique needs. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees, so we accept most major dental insurance plans to ensure you can keep your teeth clean and healthy all year long.
If you're searching for an expert team of friendly dentists and hygienists, look no further than Merchants Walk Dental. We pride ourselves on the best dental care coupled with warm, engaging customer service. You can rest easy knowing you're in capable, welcoming hands whether it's your first or fortieth visit to our office.
Here at Merchants Walk Dental, we understand that getting your teeth cleaned isn't something everyone looks forward to. However, getting regular teeth cleanings performed by a trustworthy dentist is the best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral hygiene issues. And while it's easy to avoid the dentist, doing so for too long can be bad for your overall health.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
It's a question we get all the time - what is periodontal treatment? This treatment focuses on your gums and preventing the common diseases that attack them. When left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens, forming hard-to-remove tartar. This tartar irritates your gums and will eventually lead to a litany of problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, and more.
During your teeth cleaning session at Merchants Walk Dental, we'll examine your gums closely to ensure they're healthy and functional.
Each of our teeth cleaning appointments has comprehensive check-ups, including:
The only surefire way to prevent tartar buildup and, by proxy, gum disease is by brushing and flossing diligently at home. If you have been slacking on regular brushing and have not visited a dentist recently, your gums could be suffering. If you have any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Merchants Walk Dental to schedule a dental exam in Johns Creek, GA:
If you have had a cavity filled before, you're not alone. Tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 - a stunning statistic that, in many cases, is entirely preventable. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use composite resin fillings to keep our patient's teeth healthy and functional. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more discreet, match the color of your teeth, and are free of mercury.
While fillings can have a few uses, our doctors typically use fillings to âfillâ a part of your tooth that is decaying. This hole of decay is called a cavity. Sometimes, fillings are also used to fix broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth from grinding and nail-biting. Fillings are a great way to restore decaying teeth to their normal shape and function while preventing sensitivity and inhibiting further decay.
During your dental exam at our office in East Cobb, your dental hygienist will check for signs of cavities and tooth decay to ensure your oral hygiene remains in peak condition.
Abscesses- Without professional dental treatment, infected teeth lead to dental abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Nerve Pain- When your tooth is cracked and left without treatment, it can make its way to your nerve, resulting in extreme pain and damage.
Substantial Decay- If you leave an infection to fester without having a root canal, the infection can spread to other teeth in your mouth. If you don't address the initial signs of decay, you'll have to undergo treatment for multiple teeth.
Tooth Loss- Extensive decay and trauma often cause damage to your tooth's pulp. Our root canal treatments in Johns Creek remove this infected pulp. However, if you choose to ignore the problem, the infected pulp will rot your entire tooth, causing you to lose it forever.
One mention of the word root canal can send shivers up the spine for many people. Root canals get a bad rap, but the treatment has come a long way over the last decade.
When tooth decay and infection are left to fester, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene. Often, root canals in cityname, GA, are the best choice for patients with extensively diseased teeth. The goal of a root canal is to save and repair teeth by removing the infection from the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
Signs of tooth decay that may require a root canal include:
When a substantial cavity threatens a person's tooth and fillings aren't working, many dentists will use crowns to fix the problem. A crown is an aesthetic cap or a tooth-shaped covering placed over another tooth or implant for stability. Typically, crowns improve appearance and strength of a patient's teeth.
Crowns are also used to restore the size and shape of damaged or chipped teeth. When used for this purpose, dental crowns are usually bonded to the tooth using dental-grade cement.
During your dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will keep a sharp eye out for signs of tooth decay, which may require a crown. Benefits of dental crows from Merchants Walk Dental include:
Restorative dental treatments can be complicated, but dental crowns are straightforward and minimally invasive. During the process, your tooth's enamel is cleaned, and your damaged tissue is removed. Once that process is complete, we'll cast a custom crown for your tooth. While the crown is created, Dr. John Bishara or Dr. Milli Patel will provide you with a temporary crown for normal functionality.
Damaged enamel or structural damage can cause pain and sensitivity. Having a dental crown installed will help alleviate a good amount of your pain.
Our dental crowns are made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can withstand years of chewing, biting, and grinding.
When you lose one or more teeth, whether due to decay or another factor, it's important to fill the space where the tooth is missing. That's where dental bridges come in. Bridges are essentially fake permanent teeth used to fill holes caused by missing teeth. The false tooth is fused between two dental crowns giving it the bridge concept. Dental bridges are then typically anchored to healthy teeth using resin and cement.
The health of your teeth, their position, and the state of the surrounding bone will help our team determine if bridges are right for you. If not, dentures in Johns Creek, GA, might be a better option. Dentures come in two forms: partial and complete. Dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth but aren't able to use bridges. Complete dentures all your missing teeth, while partial dentures replace one or two teeth.
Getting cosmetic dentures can be a life-changing experience. It often requires physical and emotional preparation. At Merchants Walk Dental, our team will take as much time needed to consult with and prepare you for your denture procedure.
Whether you need dental bridges or cosmetic dentures, we're here to help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth, but you cannot or will not get crowns, bridges, or dentures. Failing to replace a lost tooth will cause a bevy of problems as time goes on. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant serves as a permanent artificial root anchored into the jawbone.
When our team puts a dental implant in place, your jawbone grafts itself to the titanium post making it as strong as your original root and tooth. The result is a natural, beautiful, fully-functional set of teeth that lasts for years.
Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is key for long-term oral health and confidence. The best way to learn those habits is at home and in a dentist's office.
At Merchants Walk Dental, our goal is to foster long-lasting relationship with the families in our community who trust us to care for their children's dental health.
When you choose Merchants Walk Dental as your child's dentist, you can rest easy knowing we treat your loved one just like ours. Our professional hygienists and experienced doctors are trained and certified to give your kids a comfortable dental experience. We like to mix fun with education, putting your child at ease while helping them understand the importance of proper dental care.
Common habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking can have profound effects later in life. Our doctors are keenly aware of these habits, and work hard to help you and your child develop creative solutions to halt that behavior.
Our pediatric dental services improve the health of your child's teeth and gums with:
Having served the East Cobb and Johns Creek for years, we know your dental needs are unique and different from your neighbor. That's why we offer a variety of dental services to address each patient's special circumstances, from standard cleanings to complex root canals. By using the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry, we can better serve each client on an individualized level, leading to better comprehensive dental care.
We're taking new patients and accept most major forms of dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy and clean without breaking the bank. Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and learn more about our history!
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Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) appeared in Johns Creek on Thursday afternoon as primary care provider Village Medical hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of its new facility in Gwinnett County.The practice, located inside the Walgreens on Kimball Bridge Road, is Village Medical’s first location in Johns Creek.Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry joined McBath and Village Medical regional president, Mia Willhite, in commemorating the opening and touring the space.“The great thing about Village Medical is...
Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) appeared in Johns Creek on Thursday afternoon as primary care provider Village Medical hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of its new facility in Gwinnett County.
The practice, located inside the Walgreens on Kimball Bridge Road, is Village Medical’s first location in Johns Creek.
Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry joined McBath and Village Medical regional president, Mia Willhite, in commemorating the opening and touring the space.
“The great thing about Village Medical is it’s another great business that is in line with Johns Creek’s strategic core economic development mission, which is to be a center for health, innovation and wellness,” Bradberry said during his remarks. “Health is something that we take very seriously here, and so I think that [Village Medical] being located here is fantastic.”
Village Medical partners with Walgreens and private physicians to bring a slew of medical services to residents with reduced access to proper health care. The provider has opened 20 facilities across metro Atlanta alone, and operates approximately 700 locations across the United States.
“We count it as a privilege to be able to be standing here in Johns Creek and to have a clinic that truly has the space to give back so much to this community,” Willhite said. “Not only are we committed from a health equity perspective, but also committed to the space of doing what we do in a meaningful way, and doing it in a way that touches the lives of the people who live here.”
According to a press release, Village Medical’s expansion is reflective of the organization’s goal to “advance health equity” by closing gaps in primary care access. Rep. McBath said proper access to primary and preventive care is crucial for Georgians to live long, healthy lives.
“I always want to say [access to affordable health care] is your right; it’s not a privilege,” McBath said. “No parent, no hard-working Georgian, should ever be forced to choose between paying for the doctor or putting food on your table.”
McBath cited data from the Kaiser Family Foundation in her remarks, which claim a third of Georgians live in areas with a shortage of primary care facilities. The representative also said that less than a third of adults over the age of 65 reported receiving preventive care in her community.
“Today’s ribbon-cutting is just a step in the right direction, increasing access to care right here in our community in Johns Creek,” McBath said. “I’m pleased that Village Medical understands the importance of improving health care outcomes for everyone in this district, while saving federal dollars and keeping people healthier.”
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Veterinarians see more and more dogs overdosing on marijuana, especially edibles containing high levels of THC.Channel 2’s Tom Regan was at the Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek where in some serious cases, a dog can suffer seizures.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]The director of ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, tells Channel 2 Action News that cannabis ...
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Veterinarians see more and more dogs overdosing on marijuana, especially edibles containing high levels of THC.
Channel 2’s Tom Regan was at the Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek where in some serious cases, a dog can suffer seizures.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The director of ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, tells Channel 2 Action News that cannabis toxicity cases involving dogs have risen sharply in recent years.
“We have had an increase of almost 7,000 in the last five years and 11% last year. The increase is mostly in chocolate bars, brownies, and gummies that contain THC,” said ASPCA Animal Poison Control Director.
The surge in emergency calls and veterinary visits coincides with the growing legalization of marijuana in many states. Even in states where recreational marijuana use isn’t legal, more people are buying and consuming marijuana products.
Unfortunately, dogs are getting hold of some of the products and getting sick.
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Veterinary doctor Rob Lafferty says he’s seeing more four-legged patients showing up dazed and confused with their owners at his Alpharetta practice. Many of the animals have urinary incontinence.
“They are just peeing. They’re just stoned and wobbly,” said Lafferty.
He recalled the story of one dog who had eaten five cannabis gummies.
“We nicknamed the dog Cheech and Chong because he was out like a light. But he was alright. Gave him some fluids,” said Lafferty.
Some dogs can suffer potentially serious health risks from consuming large quantities of high-potency marijuana products.
“If they get a big dose, they can get hypertension, or their blood pressure can go down seizures. There’s no antidote for marijuana toxicity,” said Lafferty.
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At Newtown Dog Park in John’s Creek, dog owners said if people really love their dogs, they should put pot products far out of reach.
“To hear people are irresponsible and leave them out and the dog gets them. That’s awful,” said Phil Greenspon.
“Something so small, can knock a person out and it’s going to do even worse to a dog,” said Natalie DeLaguardia.
Animal advocates say in some states, including New York, dogs overdose after eating the remnants of marijuana joints discarded on the ground.
IN OTHER NEWS:
ATLANTA - There's something satisfying about putting the correct puzzle pieces together. If you have to force it, it probably isn't meant to be. If only finding the right place to live were that obvious.For the Phillips family of four, in some ways, it was."We really get the best of what's called 'metro Atlanta,'" Antonio Phillips said.It's been nearly two years since they moved just north of Atlanta, right on the Johns Creek/Alpharetta line.They say the impeccable schools and job ...
ATLANTA - There's something satisfying about putting the correct puzzle pieces together. If you have to force it, it probably isn't meant to be. If only finding the right place to live were that obvious.
For the Phillips family of four, in some ways, it was.
"We really get the best of what's called 'metro Atlanta,'" Antonio Phillips said.
It's been nearly two years since they moved just north of Atlanta, right on the Johns Creek/Alpharetta line.
They say the impeccable schools and job opportunities pointed them to this region.
Odds are you've heard someone refer to Atlanta as "Black Mecca," but new census data shows Atlanta's suburban cities are becoming more diverse. The areas with the fastest growing Black populations have shifted.
For decades, Black people have found success in many of its south and western suburbs such as Henry County, Stone Mountain, Fayetteville, and Douglasville. They're all around, but not quite the city.
"Many any single fam homes will be $500-700,000. If they have that capital, it makes sense for Black families to stay [in Atlanta], but many Black families are seeing $300,000 single-family homes in the suburbs," Georgia Tech Assistant Professor Allen Hyde said.
According to census data, over the past 10 years, dozens of Georgia cities have become majority-minority.
Many of them are just north of Atlanta such as Dacula, Snellville, Suwanee, Peachtree Corners, and the Phillips' stomping grounds, Johns Creek.
"We are considered the most diverse city in Georgia. Had the first ever for a city Diwali festival. We just celebrated Lunar new year," Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said. "Fifteen years ago they were talking about the transition from semi-rural to suburban. The last one we did about five years ago talked about going from suburban to semi-urban."
The Phillips say their kids don't have an abundance of teachers or peers who look like them-- yet. But they are excited to have the entire metro to diversify their experiences.
"We still have a sense of community, even though we're not in the heart of the city," Charmina Phillips said. "Our daughters are kid-preneurs. They're at the New Black Wall Street [in Stonecrest] every week."
But they say there is a downside to living in such an expensive and sought after area.
"It has to do with the timing of real estate right now. since the pandemic, there's been a 20 or 30% increase on homes. That has been a struggle," Antonio Phillips said.
For the first time since moving from Florida, the Phillips rent their home. Their two elementary school kids have noticed.
"They said, 'Daddy, this backyard is not appealing,'" Antonio Phillips said while laughing. "[In Florida] we had the lake behinds us. It was greener, but we moved here with intention, and they're realizing it more now than before. Extracurricular activities are right here. Everything is."
The family hasn't ruled out making adjustments in the long run.
"I cannot see how we'd be able to purchase a home within 5 miles of this home. We can't do both. It just doesn't work," Mrs. Phillips said. "The reality is at some point in time we're going to have to make that hard decision."
In November, JPMorgan Chase announced a joint venture with Haven Realty Capital. They'll build new "for-rent homes," usually on empty plots of land, in Atlanta and surrounding counties to help alleviate the affordable housing shortage.
"We're seeing a lot of investment that you didn't see in the 1970's in majority black impoverished areas," Hyde said. "Basically, the winners keep winning."
"White families are moving to the city. we do have a discussion about gentrification. We also see people who see new homes and see that as an investment opportunity for them."
Since 2010 in Johns Creek, census data shows diverse communities grew as nearly 15% of the city’s white population moved.
"No one is going to say, 'I'm moving out because my community is becoming too diverse,'" he said, acknowledging the increasing demographic changes.
The Phillips say the unifying factor is everyone's desire to find and thrive in that place that's their own personal perfect fit.
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech baseball will honor former Yellow Jacket standout and Major League Baseball relief pitcher Jim Poole, who was diagnosed with ALS two years ago, by designating a student-athlete each year to wear his No. 21 jersey. The student-athlete selected must exemplify Poole’s characteristics both on and off the field.This year, senior catcher Jack Rubenstein will wear No. 21, having shown a longstanding commitment to Poole’s ideals – self-determin...
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech baseball will honor former Yellow Jacket standout and Major League Baseball relief pitcher Jim Poole, who was diagnosed with ALS two years ago, by designating a student-athlete each year to wear his No. 21 jersey. The student-athlete selected must exemplify Poole’s characteristics both on and off the field.
This year, senior catcher Jack Rubenstein will wear No. 21, having shown a longstanding commitment to Poole’s ideals – self-determination, a strong academic work ethic, and high moral fiber on and off the field. Rubenstein is entering his second season as a leader of the Yellow Jackets after transferring from Emory. He is currently majoring in Georgia Tech’s real estate development master’s program.
Poole arrived on The Flats in 1985 and had an immediate impact, as Georgia Tech baseball would win the first of four-straight ACC Tournament Championships. During his four years, he pitched in 120 games and struck out 263 batters in 188 innings. He still ranks first in the Tech record book with 22 career saves, including 10 as a junior and nine as a senior. He was named all-ACC his last two seasons. Poole would be enshrined into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame just nine years later in 1997.
A stellar worker in the classroom, Poole elected not to turn professional after being selected in the 34th round of the 1987 MLB Draft by the LA Dodgers, and returned to Georgia Tech for his senior year, recording a 2.03 ERA and 113 strikeouts in only 71 innings. Once again, the LA Dodgers would call his name in the 1988 MLB Draft, this time taking him in the ninth round. He would return to graduate from the Institute with a degree in electrical engineering in 1990.
Poole played 11 years in the major leagues, predominantly with the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, and San Francisco Giants. In 431 games played, he finished with 22 victories and a 4.31 ERA, as well as 256 strikeouts and four saves. He helped pitch Cleveland to two American League Championship Series (1995, 1998), making it to the 1995 World Series where he would face the Atlanta Braves.
Following his retirement at the end of the 2000 season, Poole returned to Georgia Tech to join the Alexander-Tharpe Fund as a fundraiser and supporter of the baseball program. He then began serving as the pitching coach at Johns Creek High School in 2010, teaching many young men about pitching mechanics, while also conveying his personal pitching philosophy.
He later joined the business world as a Personal Wealth Advisor for the Baseball Division of BIP Wealth.
Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, with an estimated 30,000 people living with ALS in the United States at any given time. Primarily affecting people between the ages of 40 and 70, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. There is no known cure.
For more information about ALS, visit www.ALS.org.
STATEMENTS FROM GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS
Senior Georgia Tech catcher Jack Rubenstein:
“I’m humbled and honored to be selected to wear 21 to recognize Jim. Jim means a great deal to everyone associated with GT Baseball and he is a great example for everyone on how to play the game and how to live life. I’ll do everything I can to keep those values and honor him in this jersey.”
Georgia Tech head baseball coach Danny Hall:
“Jim Poole was the picture-perfect definition for the term ‘student-athlete.’ He achieved excellence on and off the field. He has approached his battle with ALS with the same competitive spirit that made him one of the very best to ever play on The Flats. It is an honor to recognize his jersey number for his competitive spirit and determination.”
Alexander-Tharpe Fund
The Alexander-Tharpe Fund is the fundraising arm of Georgia Tech athletics, providing scholarship, operations and facilities support for Georgia Tech’s 400-plus student-athletes. Be a part of developing Georgia Tech’s Everyday Champions and helping the Yellow Jackets compete for championships at the highest levels of college athletics by supporting the Annual Athletic Scholarship Fund, which directly provides scholarships for Georgia Tech student-athletes. To learn more about supporting the Yellow Jackets, visit atfund.org.
For the latest information on the Georgia Tech baseball team, follow us on Twitter (@GTBaseball), Facebook, Instagram (@gt_baseball) or visit us at www.ramblinwreck.com.