🦷 Family Dentistry FAQs
Welcome to Rockdale Family Dentistry! Below you'll find answers to common questions about our dental services, procedures, and what to expect during your visits. We're here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!
General Practice Information
We offer comprehensive family dental care including preventive services, cosmetic dentistry, restorative fillings, crowns, dental implants, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics (root canals), clear aligners, and advanced digital scanning technology.
Our dental team has over 20 years of combined experience providing compassionate family dental care. We stay current with the latest dental techniques and technology through continuing education.
Yes! We welcome new patients and families to our practice. We accept patients of all ages, from children to seniors.
Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM. We offer flexible scheduling including early morning and late afternoon appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.
We are conveniently located at 1927 Highway 138 SE in Conyers, GA 30013, easily accessible from I-20 and serving the Metro Atlanta area including Covington, Lithonia, Stockbridge, and Loganville.
Consultation & Appointments
No referral is necessary! You can call us directly at (770) 922-7831 or request an appointment online to schedule your visit.
Please bring your photo ID, dental insurance card (if applicable), a list of current medications, and any previous dental records or X-rays if available.
New patient exams typically take 60-90 minutes, while routine cleanings take about 45-60 minutes. Treatment appointments vary depending on the procedure.
Yes, we provide emergency dental care for existing and new patients. If you have a dental emergency, please call our office immediately at (770) 922-7831.
We recommend regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months for most patients to maintain optimal oral health and catch any issues early.
Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer a full range of cosmetic services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, smile makeovers, and clear aligners to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.
Professional teeth whitening results typically last 1-3 years with proper care. Avoiding staining foods and beverages, maintaining good oral hygiene, and occasional touch-ups help maintain your bright smile.
Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent treatment as a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed. With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years or longer.
Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental insurance as they are considered elective. However, some procedures that improve both function and appearance may be partially covered. We can help you understand your coverage.
Restorative Dentistry
Tooth-colored (composite) fillings are made from a durable resin material that matches your natural tooth color. They bond directly to the tooth structure, providing excellent strength and a natural appearance.
With proper care and regular dental visits, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer. Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene, diet, and teeth grinding habits.
Fillings repair small to moderate areas of decay, while crowns cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is severely damaged, weakened, or after root canal therapy.
Yes! We use advanced digital scanning technology to create precise impressions without messy traditional molds, making the process faster and more comfortable.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone that serve as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last 20-30 years or even a lifetime. They have a success rate of over 95% and are the most durable tooth replacement option.
Most adults with good overall health and sufficient jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. We will evaluate your individual situation during a consultation to determine the best treatment plan.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during placement. Most patients report minimal discomfort afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
The complete process typically takes 3-6 months, allowing time for the implant to integrate with your jawbone (osseointegration). Some cases may qualify for same-day or immediate load implants.
Periodontics (Gum Health)
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It ranges from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to serious disease that can damage soft tissue and bone, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
Treatment depends on the severity and may include professional cleanings, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotic therapy, and in advanced cases, surgical intervention. Early treatment is key to preventing progression.
Yes! Good oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash), regular dental cleanings, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a healthy diet can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease.
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)
Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp (nerve tissue) from inside a tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals, then seal them to prevent further infection. This saves the natural tooth from extraction.
Modern root canal therapy is no more painful than getting a filling. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort. Root canals actually relieve the pain caused by tooth infection.
Most root canal procedures can be completed in one visit lasting 60-90 minutes. Complex cases involving multiple canals may require a second appointment.
After root canal therapy, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect it and restore full function. With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
Clear Aligners & Orthodontics
Clear aligners are transparent, removable orthodontic trays that gradually straighten teeth. They are a discreet alternative to traditional braces and are custom-made for your teeth using advanced 3D technology.
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case but typically ranges from 6-18 months. You will wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before moving to the next set.
Clear aligners are highly effective for treating many orthodontic issues including crowding, spacing, and bite problems. Your dentist will evaluate whether clear aligners are the best option for your specific needs.
You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This prevents damage to the aligners and allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions.
For best results, clear aligners should be worn 20-22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Digital Scanning Technology
Digital scanning uses advanced intraoral cameras to create precise 3D images of your teeth and mouth. This technology eliminates the need for messy traditional impressions and provides highly accurate digital models.
Digital scanning is faster, more comfortable, more accurate, and allows for immediate visualization of your treatment plan. It also enables better communication between dental specialists and faster fabrication of restorations.
Yes, digital scanning is completely safe and non-invasive. There is no radiation involved, and the scanner simply captures detailed images of your teeth and oral structures.
Prosthodontics (Bridges & Dentures)
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. This includes dental bridges, dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported restorations.
We offer full dentures (for complete tooth replacement), partial dentures (when some natural teeth remain), and implant-supported dentures for superior stability and comfort.
Care for bridges and crowns by brushing twice daily, flossing carefully around them (using floss threaders for bridges), avoiding hard foods, and maintaining regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Most patients adjust to new dentures within a few weeks. Initially, eating and speaking may feel awkward, but with practice and patience, dentures will feel more natural and comfortable.
Preventive Care
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing miss. This prevents cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems while keeping your smile bright and healthy.
Yes, dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay. They are especially beneficial for children and teens but can benefit adults too.
Fluoride treatment strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. We offer professional fluoride applications during dental visits, especially beneficial for children and patients at high risk for decay.
Prevent cavities by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, drinking plenty of water, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.