Are you looking for a dentist office that is warm, friendly, non-judgmental, and just a lot of fun to be around?  I’m blessed enough to get to do that every day!  Meet my wonderful crew!  Many of the staff have been working at this location for over 20 years.  I know that your experience going to the dentist is not just about the doctor, but the entire team.  They know the patients on a personal level, they care about them, and would do anything possible to make going the dentist enjoyable.

As a team we can together offer a wide range of services such as tooth whitening, periodontal therapy (gum therapy), amazing cosmetic dentistry, extraction of teeth, root canals, and many more procedures that you would expect as well as specialty procedures.

If you need a dentist and live in Rome, Georgia or anywhere for that matter, give us a call to set up your consultation.  Not only will you receive top quality care, but you will find a team behind the care who is interested in your best interest and ready to help you achieve a beautiful smile that will last you a lifetime!

The post The Best Team In Town first appeared on Rome Smiles- Dr. Scott Scharnhrost DDS.

What you don’t know, can hurt you.

As many of you may know,  I recently moved to Rome, GA from Virginia. In order to drive your car in Virginia you must pass a safety inspection.  For the first year’s safety inspection I took my car to the dealership.  They did a very thorough job- a little too thorough I thought at the time.  The technician informed me that they found a lot of issues and that led to a lot of expensive repairs.  Because I had moved from another state where this process was new to me, and I was bitter about the entire process, the next year I took my car to a shop that was recommended by a friend where they “stick to the basics and give you a sticker.”

I took my car for its annual inspection and happily passed with no unwanted findings.  I did that for the next several years.  Last month I was driving home for the day down route 411 at full speed. I approached a stop light going 55 mph  and hit my brakes to stop.  The pedal went all the way to the floor and my car kept going right through the intersection.  I thank God that no cars were in front of me.

I began thinking about this in relation to my responsibility as your dentist.  What kind of dentist are you looking for?  Do you want a dentist like the 1st dealership – one who is as detailed and thorough as possible and gives you the honest truth like it or not?  This means taking x-rays at the proper intervals, recording the health of your gums, evaluating your bite,  performing an oral cancer exam, and looking for anything that could become a problem in the future.

Or do you want a dentist like the slap-a-sticker-on-the-car shop? A dentist who gives you a high five for remembering to come in and doesn’t warn you of any trouble or danger ahead?  You might like me as a dentist if you only got good news- and I love to give it.  But you will hate the dentist so much more when you have big complicated issues to correct.  Personally,  I believe that friendship is based on trust and respect.  The great news is that with a proper exam we can catch problems when they are small.  The earlier we find them the easier and cheaper they are to treat.  If the honest results of the exam seem overwhelming, we will work with you on how to best approach the treatment in a way that fits your budget and needs.

If it has been a while since you have been to the dentist, I invite you to call and set up an appointment for a thorough exam and consultation. 

The post What you don’t know, CAN hurt you. first appeared on Rome Smiles- Dr. Scott Scharnhrost DDS.

Five Signs You May Need a Root Canal

1.  Severe tooth pain.
Is the pain you’re having a quick sensitivity to temperature, a shock when biting, or is it something worse? If the pain you are having is persistent, aching/throbbing, and more than quick sensitivity most likely the nerve inside your tooth is dying and you may need a root canal.

2. A discolored tooth.
Have you ever noticed that one of your teeth is darker than the rest? This could be a sign that due to some type of dental trauma the nerve inside of it has died. If you are not having pain, count your blessings! Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean you don’t need treatment. The dead tissue inside the tooth could create damage from within the tooth itself or the bone around it and will most likely lead to an abscess, or infection.

3. Gum Swelling.
Any kind of swelling in your mouth is a sign of danger. Infection from a rotten tooth or from gum disease can get out of hand very quickly. If you notice any swelling in your gums, face, or neck you should contact us immediately.  If the swelling makes it hard to breath, seek emergency medical care immediately!  If you are swollen your immune system has already lost the battle and you need help.

4. Persistant Gum Pimples.
Have you ever noticed a bump on your gums that pops up every now and then? It may swell, rupture, and then disappear for a while before it comes back. Chances are you have a draining abscess. Although unfortunate, the good thing for you is that your body has found a way for the infection to drain and release the pressure. This will help you avoid a trapped infection that creates the swelling as mentioned above.

5. Prolonged Sensitivity.
So what’s the difference between a long lasting toothache and sensitivity? Sensitive teeth are a sign that you have something irritating your tooth. Maybe you have recession that is exposing the roots, a cavity, cracked tooth, or perhaps you are grinding your teeth at night. Whatever it may be, tooth sensitivity is your body’s way of warning you that something is going on. The fact that it is quick means the nerve inside is healthy enough for now and if you fix the problem the tooth can be saved without a root canal. But if the symptoms are merely covered up by sensitivity-fighting toothpaste or an over the counter pain killer without addressing the real problem the nerve could go over the edge and die. That is when you get the kind of pain that just won’t go away.

If your having any of these problems, or have a question regarding any other problems in your mouth, give us a call and set up a consultation!

The post Do You Need A Root Canal? first appeared on Rome Smiles- Dr. Scott Scharnhrost DDS.