PROGRESSIVE DENTAL GROUP

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Our Mission

Our mission is to provide quality oral healthcare for members of our community in a comfortable environment where exceptional customer service is our standard. Fundamental to our mission is the respect for the humanity, dignity, and individuality of each of our patients. We will employ measures that empower our patients to achieve and maintain optimal oral health within the context of their general health.

 

"Warm smiles transforming smiles."

  • Progressive Dental is wonderful with small children and teenagers as well as adults. My family has been with Dr.Underwood for over 10 years. They take time to train patients on tooth care at home.
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Advantages of a dental crown

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For teeth that may be severely damaged, one may want to consider the option of dental crowns. Dental crowns are an effective treatment and are recommended when a tooth is severely decayed and can no longer hold a filling. Furthermore, they are also recommended when a tooth is cracked or broken and may be in danger of cracking to the root; a crown completely covers the tooth. Crowns look and function like natural teeth. When a tooth becomes severely damaged by decay, or when the size of an old "filling" goes beyond a certain area of the tooth, a crown (commonly referred to as a cap) is needed. A crown not only protects the remaining tooth structure, but can improve the overall appearance of the tooth. Porcelain crowns reflect light with a natural healthy glow. The type of crown used during this type of procedure will be based on the recommendation of the dentist.

I have a few missing teeth, what can I do?

We may recommend a bridge be utilized to replace one or more teeth. These restorations are cemented onto the teeth and are referred to as "fixed" dentistry as opposed to a restoration of missing teeth with a removable appliance or partial denture.

At Progressive Dental Group, we realize that your goals and needs are unique. That's why we take pride in making careful evaluations and specific and personalized recommendations for you.

Stages of a crown

bridgeAfter ensuring your comfort with numbing medicine there are 5 steps over the course of 2 appointments to complete a crown:

  1. Remove any cavities, old fillings and cracks from the tooth
  2. Based on the amount of tooth structure you have remaining, you may need to build the tooth up to recreate normal tooth shape and anatomy
  3. Gently place a cord around the tooth to make an impression of the tooth.
  4. Make a temporary crown before you leave the office allowing you to smile, speak and function normally
  5. Return in 3 weeks for cementation of the final crown

Allow our doctors to make beautiful porcelain teeth restorations that offer the look and texture of natural tooth enamel, so you can smile with confidence.

Get your smile back!

An alternative way to replace missing teeth is choosing the option of partial dentures. A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. One benefit of wearing a denture is that it helps you to properly chew food. This can be quite a difficult task with missing teeth. Also, a denture may improve speech or prevent a sagging face by providing support for cheeks and lips.

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. They are usually connected by metal framework. Removable dentures also attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or crowns with precision attachments. A full denture replaces all the natural teeth that have been removed.

 

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About Our Dentures

At Progressive Dental Group, we have training and experience necessary to provide denture patients with a variety of functional, attractive prosthetic options. With properly fitted dentures, you can enjoy a traditional meal again, and speak without worrying about impaired pronunciation due to missing teeth. In addition, dentures fill out sunken areas caused by missing teeth, providing the underlying structure needed for a fuller, healthier appearance. And, because you are able to eat a greater variety of nutritious foods and enjoy social occasions, dentures contribute to your overall health and happiness

Denture Types

There are several types of dentures designed to suit the needs of a variety of patients. Traditional full dentures can replace all of your teeth, or a full row on top or bottom. They are removable, rest on top of the gums, and are held in place with suction. Partial dentures, for patients who have one or a few missing teeth, are removable, attaching with clasps to dental crowns, or secured to a dental implant.

Implant-retained dentures are attached to titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Special abutments on top of the implants attach to the denture appliance for a firm hold. The dentures are securely attached to the dental implants but they can be removed for cleaning.

Advantages of composite fillings

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Take notice how tooth-colored fillings can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. At Progressive Dental Group, we offer several solutions to provide tooth-colored restorations; there are alternative, natural-looking materials to replace fillings made of silver or mercury.

Many will agree that the best advantage is esthetics. Silver or mercury fillings are outdated and have several weaknesses. Some of those weaknesses consist of cracking teeth due to the expansion of these types of materials, and the restorations turning black due to the corrosion of these metals. Let us put your mind at ease. Don't be a "metal mouth." Replace old fillings or get new ones with tooth colored restorations. This way you will achieve a more natural smile.

Complications with defective amalgams

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In the picture below, you can see the “creep” or pulling of the silver filling material away from the tooth margins. Defects and fractures can be resolved with tooth colored, composite fillings or “bonding” to improve esthetics and restore function.

 

"I chipped my front tooth!... What now?"

trauma

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“I hate going to the dentist.” OR “I had a bad experience when I was a kid.” As dentists we are accustomed to these sentiments during your initial visit. We know going to the dentist isn’t your idea of an exciting afternoon but we’d appreciate the opportunity to calm your fears and show you that all dentists are not created equal. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, inviting, and relaxing environment designed to decrease your anxiety and change your attitude about future dental experiences.

You are not alone

If you have put off going to the dentist for some reason you are not alone. Maybe you get particularly anxious about going to the dentist and it has been many years since your last exam or maybe regular dental care hasn’t been in your budget. Don’t worry about it! PDG will in no way judge you or make you feel bad about the current condition of your teeth. The most important thing is to get you out of pain, quickly and comfortably.

Chipped your front tooth? Crown come off while eating dinner? Not to worry! Our emergency policy is simple! If you have a tooth-related emergency, then we do too.  If you can, call as early in the day as possible, so that we can serve you quickly to save your smile!

 

Healthy smiles start here

perio2Our hygienist performs routine cleanings, as well as scaling and root planing procedures with attention to the special needs of porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental materials. They also have expertise in the latest periodontal and soft tissue management, home care education, and preventive tooth and gum care.

We believe a healthy smile is the strongest foundation for a beautiful smile. Therefore, your periodontal care is of utmost priority. We customize cleanings to properly care for your specific periodontal (gums & bone) needs. Whether a six-month or more frequent cleaning or full periodontal therapy, our hygienist will always strive to great treatment while maintaining your absolute comfort.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis before and after 3

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Contact Us

  Email us at: info@progressivedg.net

  P:(770) 593-4976

  F:(770) 593-2295

   Hours: We have convenient early morning and evening appointments available

   2485 Park Central Blvd #3, Decatur, GA 30035