Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident about your care.
Questions Are Always Welcome
Explore answers to some of the questions patients ask most often about appointments, treatments, insurance, and what to expect from our team.
Our Approach to Care
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Biological dentistry considers oral health as part of a person’s overall health while still relying on careful diagnosis and sound dental treatment. At Atlanta Dental Wellness, that means looking beyond a single tooth. We consider your health history, current symptoms, material preferences, sensitivities, bite, gum health, and long-term goals. We explain what we find, discuss reasonable options, and help you make an informed choice without pressure.
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Yes. Your concerns and prior experiences are relevant to the conversation, and you should not feel dismissed for asking detailed questions. Many patients come to us after feeling unheard elsewhere. We will review the information that may affect dental care, including diagnosed conditions, allergies, medications, chemical or fragrance sensitivities, and concerns about particular materials. Dentistry cannot determine or treat every cause of a systemic symptom, but we can evaluate oral conditions carefully and coordinate with another healthcare professional when appropriate.
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Material selection is individualized according to the tooth, the planned treatment, clinical performance, and the patient’s health history and preferences. A material that works well in one situation may not be the right choice in another. We can discuss the composition, benefits, limitations, and alternatives relevant to your treatment. When material sensitivity is a concern, ask us whether additional review or biocompatibility testing may be appropriate for your situation.
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Yes. We aim to preserve healthy tooth structure and recommend treatment according to what the examination and diagnostic information show. Conservative care does not mean delaying a problem that needs attention. It means distinguishing between what can be monitored, what may benefit from preventive support, and what requires restorative or periodontal treatment. When more than one reasonable option exists, we will explain the tradeoffs so you can participate in the decision.
Mercury Amalgam Fillings and SMART Removal
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Not every intact amalgam filling needs to be removed, and the decision should be made tooth by tooth after an examination. We assess each filling for decay, cracks, leakage, wear, symptoms, and the amount of healthy tooth structure that would be affected by replacement. We also listen to your material concerns and health history. If removal is appropriate or you choose replacement after discussing the benefits and tradeoffs, we can develop a plan based on your individual needs. Removing an intact filling can sacrifice tooth structure, so the decision should not be presented as automatic or as a treatment for a medical condition.
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SMART is a set of exposure-reduction measures used when an amalgam filling is removed. Atlanta Dental Wellness follows the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology’s Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. The protocol uses specific barriers, suction, air management, and other safeguards intended to reduce exposure to mercury particles and vapor during removal. SMART addresses the removal process; it does not by itself determine whether a filling should be removed or guarantee a particular health outcome.
X-Rays, Fluoride, and Prevention
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Dental X-rays are recommended when they are needed to diagnose or monitor something that cannot be evaluated fully by sight alone. They can reveal decay between teeth, bone changes, infection, and other conditions that may not be visible during an examination. The type and timing should be based on your age, dental history, symptoms, disease risk, prior images, and the treatment being considered—not a single schedule for every patient. Atlanta Dental Wellness uses digital imaging and will explain why a recommended image is useful, especially if radiation exposure is a concern for you or your child.
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Yes. You are welcome to discuss your preferences and ask what preventive options are appropriate for you or your family. Fluoride has established cavity-prevention benefits, but recommendations should still consider age, cavity risk, enamel condition, diet, saliva flow, home care, and personal priorities. We will explain the benefits and limitations of the available choices so you can make an informed decision. Declining one preventive measure does not remove the need for an effective cavity-prevention plan.
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Brush thoroughly twice a day, clean between the teeth daily, limit frequent exposure to added sugars, and keep preventive dental visits based on your individual needs. Cavity and gum-disease risk also can be affected by dry mouth, medications, smoking or vaping, diabetes, diet, existing dental work, and how frequently teeth are exposed to fermentable carbohydrates. An electric toothbrush, floss or another interdental cleaner, and products chosen for your risk profile may help. Xylitol-containing gum or mints may be one useful addition for some patients, but they do not replace brushing, interdental cleaning, or professional care. Keep xylitol away from dogs because it is highly toxic to them.
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Oral health is part of overall health, and conditions in the mouth can affect comfort, nutrition, sleep, communication, and quality of life. Some oral and systemic conditions are associated and may share risk factors; diabetes and gum disease are an important example. An association does not mean that every medical symptom begins in the mouth or that dental treatment will cure a chronic illness. Our role is to diagnose and treat oral disease carefully, consider the whole health history, and communicate with your other healthcare professionals when coordination may help.
Sensitivities and the Office Experience
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Atlanta Dental Wellness welcomes patients with fragrance and chemical sensitivities and asks visitors to refrain from wearing scented products. Please tell us about your sensitivities before the appointment so our team can understand your concerns and discuss what can reasonably be accommodated. Because individual triggers vary and no shared environment can be guaranteed free of every exposure, advance communication is important.
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Your first visit is designed to understand your concerns, health history, priorities, and current oral health before a treatment plan is chosen. Depending on the reason for your visit, the appointment may include a conversation with the team, a clinical examination, periodontal measurements, photographs or digital X-rays when indicated, and a discussion of findings. If treatment is recommended, we will explain the reason, options, timing, fees, and next steps. Bring a current medication and supplement list, relevant health information, and any questions you want to discuss.
Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling
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Atlanta Dental Wellness accepts PPO dental plans as an out-of-network provider and can file claims on your behalf. Your plan may reimburse only part of the fee, and coverage varies by plan, deductible, annual maximum, and procedure. Before treatment, the team can provide an estimate showing the fee, expected insurance contribution, and estimated patient portion. Insurance estimates are not a guarantee of payment, so contact your plan if you need confirmation of a specific benefit.
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Treatment fees and estimated insurance benefits are reviewed before care, and third-party financing may be available for eligible patients. For treatment completed over multiple visits, ask whether the estimated patient portion can be divided across those appointments. The current page identifies CareCredit and LendingClub Patient Solutions as financing resources; approval, interest rates, and repayment terms are determined by the financing company.
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Call (404) 233-1102, email care@atldentalwellness.com, or use the online scheduling option to request an appointment. The team may contact you for additional information so the right amount of time can be reserved. A credit card is required to hold a new-patient appointment. Please provide at least two business days’ notice when possible if you need to change your visit. The current office policy applies a $75 fee to appointments canceled within 24 hours, missed appointments, or arrivals more than 10 minutes late when the visit cannot be completed; call the office promptly if you are delayed.
Ready to talk through your questions?
A first visit is a chance to be heard, understand what is happening, and decide what feels right for your health and goals. Schedule with Atlanta Dental Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia, by clicking below.