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 Smyrna, 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 Smyrna, 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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna, 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 Smyrna 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!
"It does not surprise me that they have issues with rats because it always seems like it’s kind of a mess in there.”ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Less than a day after an Atlanta News First investigation uncovered a rat infestation inside the Kroger on South Atlanta Road in Smyrna, workers cleaned the loading dock area and patched up drain holes to keep...
"It does not surprise me that they have issues with rats because it always seems like it’s kind of a mess in there.”
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Less than a day after an Atlanta News First investigation uncovered a rat infestation inside the Kroger on South Atlanta Road in Smyrna, workers cleaned the loading dock area and patched up drain holes to keep out the rodents.
Customers were appalled.
“I don’t believe it; I don’t believe it. No hell no, I don’t believe it,” a Kroger shopper said.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s not surprising. This particular Kroger tends to be very lax,” Christine Craig, another Kroger shopper, said.
On Monday, the Georgia Department of Agriculture shared photographs taken at the store, which showed rodent droppings and urine spots in the storage area. The inspector also identified where rats had been gnawing on products, creating burrows.
“It does not surprise me that they have issues with rats because it always seems like it’s kind of a mess in there,” Craig said.
Then Tuesday afternoon, a state inspector took video showing the contaminated products from the store being dumped out of a Kroger trailer and into the landfill as ordered by the Department of Agriculture.
“Well, I’m glad somebody spoke up but I’ve never noticed anything in the store,” another Kroger shopper said.
A Kroger spokesperson said they are working with the state to eliminate the problem. That said, Atlanta News First did not see an inspection report posted within 15 feet of the entrance to the store as required by law. Atlanta News First asked corporate about it and has not received a response.
“I come in here for very specific things and I make sure I clean them off really well. But definitely not someplace I come unless I absolutely have to,” Craig said.
The State Department of Agriculture told Atlanta News First that every grocery store should have an inspection posted for people to see near the front door. If you don’t see it or notice a problem at the store, you can contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved.
The inspector found rodent activity in the storage area, as well as in a trailer parked in the loading dock, and immediately issued a stop-sale order.ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Georgia Department of Agriculture made a disturbing discovery inside a Kroger grocery store in Smyrna recently.“It’s enough to turn your stomach, it’s just disgusting,” Amber Dent, a former Kroger employee, said.Dent worked as an overnight associate at the Kroger on South Atlanta Road and complained about a rat...
The inspector found rodent activity in the storage area, as well as in a trailer parked in the loading dock, and immediately issued a stop-sale order.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Georgia Department of Agriculture made a disturbing discovery inside a Kroger grocery store in Smyrna recently.
“It’s enough to turn your stomach, it’s just disgusting,” Amber Dent, a former Kroger employee, said.
Dent worked as an overnight associate at the Kroger on South Atlanta Road and complained about a rat problem.
“It was disgusting, revolting. The smell alone is nauseating,” Dent said. “Initially, I had heard stories about the rats. It was a thing buzzing around the store but then I started seeing them. I started seeing them come in at night.”
And after three months of working at the store, she left her job and complained about the conditions publicly. Atlanta News First instructed her to inform the Georgia Department of Agriculture. And on Friday, a state inspector paid a visit to the store.
“Our inspector found pretty significant evidence of rodent activity at the establishment,” Dent said.
The inspector found rodent activity in the storage area, as well as in a trailer parked in the loading dock, and immediately issued a stop-sale order.
“We’re talking about rodent droppings, evidence of burrowing done by the rodents, as well as a strong smell of urine in the trailer,” Matthew Agvent, a Georgia Department of Agriculture spokesperson, said.
So, Atlanta News First tried to question management at the store about the rat problem and they instructed us to contact the corporate office.
Kroger’s corporate office sent the following statement:
“Food safety is Kroger’s No. 1 priority. We are actively working with the Georgia Department of Agriculture regarding this isolated incident and following their guidance and direction. We are also bolstering operational and training protocol at the store.”
“It’s just sad to say that it took me coming in and experiencing it for a short period of time and speaking up for something to be done,’ Dent said.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture said they will be back out at the store this week to destroy all the contaminated food. Plus, they will reinspect the store next week to make sure that the rat problem has been eliminated.
Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved.
TwelveStone Health Partners, a leading provider of comprehensive chronic care medication services, celebrates with the Smyrna business and healthcare community at its upcoming ribbon cutting Wednesday, August 2nd, starting at 10:00. The free event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. TwelveStone celebrates the opening of our newest location at 3200 Highlands Parkway, Suite 410 Smyrna, GA 30082.The new Smyrna location joins 13 other infusion center locations in Georgia (Canton, Cumming, Duluth, Lithoni...
TwelveStone Health Partners, a leading provider of comprehensive chronic care medication services, celebrates with the Smyrna business and healthcare community at its upcoming ribbon cutting Wednesday, August 2nd, starting at 10:00. The free event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. TwelveStone celebrates the opening of our newest location at 3200 Highlands Parkway, Suite 410 Smyrna, GA 30082.
The new Smyrna location joins 13 other infusion center locations in Georgia (Canton, Cumming, Duluth, Lithonia, Peachtree City) and Tennessee (Bellevue, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Springhill, Skyline, Mt. Juliet as well Roanoke, Virginia.
The event will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Smyrna Chamber of Commerce followed by an open house where facility staff will offer tours and describe how their team provides a patient-centric process with a focus on assisting patients with chronic condition management.
“We are excited to have this new center expand our greater Atlanta infusion center locations to include the southern portion of the city,” shares Shane Reeves, chief executive officer of TwelveStone Health Partners. “Our rapid growth enables patients to receive a higher-level of care closer to home.”
Patients of the infusion centers receive their treatment in a private treatment room, and benefit from the care and support of certified clinicians. Free Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks are also offered to patients and caregivers which creates a positive patient experience with personalized attention.
Learn more about TwelveStone Health Partner’s innovative infusion centers here.
About TwelveStone Health Partners
TwelveStone Health Partners incorporates the objective of glorifying God into its mission by delivering a higher level of service to partners and patients. As an organization, TwelveStone supports the transition from acute to post-acute care environments and the transition from sickness to health. Founded in 2016 TwelveStone is the third iteration of pharmacy organizations founded by Shane Reeves and the Reeves family. Today TwelveStone is rapidly expanding across the Southeast anchored by spa-like infusion centers conveniently located in suburban communities supported by additional services including package medications, home infusion, enteral and injections. TwelveStone is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to those with chronic, complex conditions in the environment that is most convenient for both the patient and their loved ones. For more information, visit www.12stonehealth.com.
SMYRNA, Ga. — Construction on Windy Hill Road has been a multi-year project.It’s beginning to take shape, but the deadline to complete it has been extended.Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell talked to Smyrna business owners about how the project is affecting their business.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]There are mixed reactions among business owner...
SMYRNA, Ga. — Construction on Windy Hill Road has been a multi-year project.
It’s beginning to take shape, but the deadline to complete it has been extended.
Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell talked to Smyrna business owners about how the project is affecting their business.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
There are mixed reactions among business owners about how long the project is taking.
Once completed, the transformed Windy Hill Road will be a game-changer.
“I’m more excited now than ever in 25 years now on Windy Hill Road,” business owner Michael Farkas said.
Farkus owns the clothing store, Michael’s Clothing.
He said he gave up parking spaces to make room for the project, but he’s optimistic about the future.
“It’s going to be absolutely beautiful,” Farkas said.
The owner of Old South Bar-B-Q, Joy Llewallyn, makes her customers feel right at home.
But the past three years have been somewhat challenging because her restaurant is surrounded by construction.
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“We have a lot of people complaining that they don’t come as much because of all the construction,” Llewallyn said.
The Windy Hill Road project broke ground in 2020.
The stretch between South Cobb and Atlanta Road is being lowered to create express lanes with tunnels.
At street level, there will be intersection improvements, bike lanes, walking paths, and parks.
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“The worst part is what’s fixing to happen, which is when they take me off the red light corner,” Llewallyn said.
The project was set to wrap up this summer, but that won’t happen.
City officials aren’t sure how long it will take to finish.
But we do know construction workers will begin installing the bridges and walls soon.
IN OTHER NEWS:
SMYRNA, Ga. — More than a dozen people have come forward as victims of sex trafficking at metro Atlanta hotels.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell was in Smyrna Wednesday, where a lawsuit alleges that sex trafficking took place at a Red Roof Inn off Windy Hill Road in Smyrna as well as three other metro Atlanta hotels.Eleven victims...
SMYRNA, Ga. — More than a dozen people have come forward as victims of sex trafficking at metro Atlanta hotels.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell was in Smyrna Wednesday, where a lawsuit alleges that sex trafficking took place at a Red Roof Inn off Windy Hill Road in Smyrna as well as three other metro Atlanta hotels.
Eleven victims initially came forward, but now there are a total of 15 survivors. Some of the victims were as young as 16 years old.
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According to the lawsuit, filed on behalf of nearly 20 women by attorney Patrick McDonough, a front desk employee at the Red Roof Inn said there was never a minute that prostitution wasn’t going on at the motel from 2008 to 2016.
“Their own employees would testify that there would be 10, 15 different girls that were being trafficked everyday,” McDonough said. “Multiple of the clients were at the Smyrna Red Roof hotel, and it’s all the same pattern. Horrific things happened. We have 16 year old children that were literally choked in front of hotel employees”
“We think it’s abundantly clear on all of the public record that the hotel not only should have known about it and (not) turned a blind eye, but had actual knowledge that sex trafficking was going on at this hotel,” McDonough said.
Lawyers initially filed four individual lawsuits in 2019, but since that time, another 11 survivors have come forward.
McDonough said the survivors came forward to try to “change the behavior at the hotels so this doesn’t happen to any other young girls in the future.”
Hotel lawyers have now filed a motion for summary judgement, arguing that the lawsuits shouldn’t be allowed to go forward.
Newell stopped by the Red Roof Inn on Wednesday and was told the manager was not around.
A representative for the Red Roof Inn sent a statement, saying,
“The company will fight these allegations vigorously. We condemn sex trafficking in all forms.”
Cobb County nonprofit helps combat sex trafficking with program for students, teachers