Dear Patients,
We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our communities have been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our office’s commitment to your safety.
Our mission has been to provide the highest quality dental care to our community always operating in your best interest. As we prepare to reopen our doors after COVID-19 National shut down, we would like to introduce you to the steps taken to demonstrate our dedication and our commitment to serving you. At your next appointment, in addition to upholding the OSHA standards that we have always maintained, you will notice updated office protocols, new technology, and additional equipment above and beyond the required. Please read them over so you know what to expect when you come to your appointment.
Temperature checks
All team members and patients will be screened daily. Anyone with a temperature of 100° or higher will not be permitted to enter our building.
Prior to your appointment
You will be asked to complete two documents: a COVID-19 prescreening form as well as an update on any changes in your medical history or new medications. Currently, we are integrating new software and in a few weeks we will go completely digital. All necessary forms will be available to complete online. You’ll be able to fill them out in the privacy of your own home and submit them to us prior your appointment. We will follow up with a separate e-mail with instructions. We also are happy to assist you with any questions.
Arrival
We ask that patients “check-in” by calling us at 470-695-3534, letting us know you have arrived. Please include your car’s make and color. Relax in your vehicle; we will be out to greet you with a warm welcome and a temperature reading.
Additional prevention measures
Patients will be asked to sanitize their hands before being taken directly to their patient suite. Please wear a mask if you have one.
Our new ‘look’
You will notice your hygienist or assistant fully equipped in PPE (personal protection equipment) and happy to see you and always smiling underneath it all.
Behind the scenes
As always, each clinical suite has been meticulously prepared for your arrival. In addition to every surface being treated with the proper disinfection tools, we have added the award-winning REME HALO® in-duct air purifier technology. The system has been thoroughly tested to safely remove the risks of airborne and surface bacteria, mold spores and viruses. It utilizes RGF’s proprietary Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy technology and produces Hydro-Peroxide plasma that is distributed through the air handler, through the duct system and into the conditioned office space. Unlike passive air technologies, which need pollutants to pass through the unit for purification or filtration, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier sweeps through our office actively purifying pollutants at the source. In addition, the charged plasma induces particles to coagulate or stick together making them bigger and easier for the filter to catch. With increased ionized hydro-peroxide output and the enhanced catalyst with zinc, it is capable of purifying every cubic inch of air within our building envelope. It is effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: Particulates, Microbials and Gases.
Time to say goodbye
At the end of your appointment, we will schedule your next appointment, process your payment and email your receipt. We will escort you to the side door to return to your car. This will limit crossing paths as much as possible.
We ask that you please be patient and understand that we will do our best to accommodate your scheduling needs as we know many of you are anxious to get back into our office. All appointments will be scheduled in a manner that promotes social distancing and allows for adequate time for us to disinfect all areas of use in between patient appointments.
We appreciate your understanding regarding our new procedures and hope you appreciate the added safety measures we are taking to ensure your care. Thank you for allowing us to be a dedicated part of your healthcare team.
If you are ever unable to make an appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. We would be glad to reschedule the appointment at a more convenient time if necessary. We look forward to seeing you again and serving your needs.
Sincerely,
Northgate Station Comprehensive Dentistry Team.
Here Is What Our Patients Say About Their Experience With Us:
Phillip Hunt on 04/11/2018: Always an excellent experience.
Greg Mikkelsen on 04/03/2018: Very professional, high tech, great staff.
Bruce Moore on 03/20/2018: Great place.
Turrena Moore on 03/20/2018: Amazing Staff from front desk all the way to the back.
Jean Domanik on 03/07/2018: Very caring & professional staff and Doctor!
Elzada Ganaway on 03/03/2018: WOW! We definitely have Georgia treasures in Dr. Muecke and Lana. All the personnel are outstanding and compassionate too. The equipment and technology make you think you have gone through a time warp into the future. Many thanks for a superb experience. Z G
Peggy Butler on 02/24/2018: Also good service and friendly staff!
James Johnson on 02/22/2018: Excellent service.
Brian Rogers on 02/21/2018: This practice has state of the art equipment and top notch staff. Dr. Muecke is the most talented Dentist I have visited in 30 years!
Katie Nichols on 02/21/2018: We love this practice!
Steve Mengert on 02/13/2018: Excellent. Latest technology enabling a much More satisfactory experience. Very pleasant surroundings.
Margaret Wendelburg on 02/07/2018: Excellent care….pain free dentistry.
Amy Crosby Remling on 02/07/2018: Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent service.
Lamar Keene on 02/04/2018: Very efficient, friendly, professional.
Mark Newton on 02/03/2018: Dr. Muecke spends a lot of time with you and is very knowledgeable. Great to have a dentist with an office so convenient to Big Canoe.
Peggy Butler on 01/31/2018: Always nice and accommodating!
Virgina Hopkins on 01/24/2018: Everyone was very efficient,very competent,and very pleasant.
David Brooks on 01/21/2018: Love the fact that he & Savannah explain each step before they do them. Good chairside manner. Lana is super too. Excellent demeanor with feeling of welcome from front desk. Very professional environment. Five stars.
Brian Rogers on 01/17/2018: Staff was great and welcoming. Lana is a real pro. Dr. Muecke is an excellent communicator with years of experience. This office is a great addition to Big Canoe and the area!
Keller Wilson on 01/16/2018: I receive comprehensive dental care.
Wanda Stewart on 01/13/2018: Great service!
Jean Domanik on 01/06/2018: Kind, caring, professional attention – on the patient.
Mark Green on 12/13/2017: As usual, my visit to Northgate Comprehensive Dentistry was very satisfactory. The office is inviting and comfortable (how often do you hear this about a dentist office?). The equipment there is state of the art and so clean and new. The technician Svetlana is very thorough and such a pleasant person. And Dr. Muecke was his usual professional self. Inspires a high level of confidence. It was seamless, and I really like the text and email alerts confirming the time. No waiting. Oh, did I mention that the dentist chairs are amazing? A real treat in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains!
Reviews For Our Sandy Springs Office:
Barbara Wilensky: Great as usual!
Brenda Tasker: Always a pleasant visit.
Erin S: I am a 43 year old, real-estate agent. My looks are very important to me. I had some “orthodontic work” back in my teen years which involved the removal of four back teeth. As I grew older, I noticed my teeth began to incline inward which eventually resulted in unattractively thin lips and deep wrinkles around my mouth. My teeth were getting noticeably shorter and more easily stained. My lips and wrinkles bothered me so much, I considered undergoing plastic surgery to have fuller lips and to get rid of those wrinkles. Luckily, I met Dr Muecke before I went for that surgery. I had Invisalign treatment for 10 weeks which put my teeth back in the right places and beautiful veneers to replace lost tooth structure. By doing this I got my lips and my face back. Long term results, No plastic surgery!
Sharon Moore: Very nice office and super staff. I was worried about my teen daughter. She had some terrible dental experiences elsewhere a few years ago. From that experience she developed a severe dental phobia and would not go even to clean her teeth. A few months ago she was in a lot of pain and I took her to see Dr. Muecke. He and his assistant Kandi did a great job managing her anxiety and fear of dentists. I was shocked when on the way home my daughter said: “ It was actually fun, Mom! I’ve learn so much about my teeth…”…great place! Would definitely recommend this practice.
Rod Allison: Outstanding! I drive from Nashville for this great service!
Teresa W: The best! I’ve always been terrified of visiting the Dentist. Thanks to Dr. Muecke and his wonderful staff, this is no longer the case :). Everyone in the office is super friendly and attentive. Dr. Muecke is the most gentle dentist I’ve ever had. He is very informative and his staff is very supportive. They vent over four options on how to fix my teeth and explained pros and cons of each option. At the end of my consultation I was able to make my own decision comfortably, knew exactly what to expect and the cost. Thank you Dr. Muecke, Kandi, Lana & Fran! Love my visits with no surprises.
Philip R: Dr. Muecke’s work is exceptional! The level of care this practice offers is absolutely wonderful. The staff is kind and makes you feel welcome.
Carolyn Wynens: First-rate Dental Care Professional, advanced dental care I’ve counted on for many years.
Elizabeth N: My family and I have been going here since 1991. Dr Muecke always have the best staff and over the years, I have gotten to know personally most of them. You can imagine, in 20+ years we have been through a lot. The doctors and staff are always receptive to my needs and questions. They always make you feel very special. I would highly recommend this office to anyone.
Loureen: Always great service and exceptional dental care. No waiting time at all. Doctor Muecke is a very good, experienced dentist and his staff is super welcoming and supportive. I am so glad I came here several years ago. They are the best in Atlanta. Period.
Eleanor Ridley: Everything one wants for an outstanding dentist, assistant and office.
Amanda K: Changed my life! I came to see Dr. Muecke because I felt like my previous dentist did not know what to do with me. I had constant headaches and jaw pains, not to mention, my teeth looked horrible. My father was an incredible man whom I love deeply but, unfortunately, I inherited his bad teeth. Over the years, I had significant amount of dental work and it seemed like my teeth could not “work together as a set” any longer. A good friend recommended Dr. Muecke. to me The best decision I’ve ever made! His clinical expertise and his diagnostic process is so thorough and unique. After 3 easy, pain-free visits I am now is a new, happy and attractive person. I feel great! Only regret, I did not meet him 30 years ago.
Brenda Tasker: They always take good care of me.
Gabriele S: Beautiful office. Great experience!
T G : Excellent care in a comfortable atmosphere!
Brandon C: The staff and office are great and I love that everyone makes you feel welcome the minute you walk in the door.
Dental Implants or Bridges?
When considering dental implant options amidst other options like bridges and dentures, it is important to consider the point that dental implants last much longer than the other options.
A dental bridge, the creation of a tooth supported by anchors to real teeth on each side, requires grinding down adjacent teeth to make the bridge. Bridges cause increased tooth destruction and only last ten to fifteen years before requiring a replacement bridge. In contrast, implants can last a lifetime.
Dental implants have been perfected for over forty-five years, and consist of titanium, a similar material to what is used in orthopedic knee and hip replacements. With advances in implant techniques over the last ten years, implants have emerged as the ideal treatment option.
If a tooth is lost, the sooner an implant is installed, the better. Over time, bone loss at a missing tooth site can occur and losing too much bone can require a graft. Dental implant surgery takes about one hour. After an implant is placed, it heals for a few months, allowing time for the bone to fuse to the implant. Once fused, Dr. Larsen takes an impression of the mouth and uses it to fabricate the crown for the implant.
Patients sometimes have the wrong idea of what to expect after dental implant surgery, says Dr. Larsen. If you’ve lost a tooth due to extraction, it’s going to hurt much less than that. “I’ve had patients say it’s easier and less painful than having a crown done,” he says. Dental implant surgery has a success rate of anywhere from 96 to 98 percent.
Rare side effects and complications can include improper fusion of the implant to the jaw bone. If that occurs, the implant is removed, the bone heals, and the patient can try again.
Implant patients experience less alterations to life after an implant surgery, compared to a bridge or a denture. Implants can be brushed and flossed like a real tooth, unlike a bridge, where food particles can get wedged underneath the appliance and may require removal by a dentist. Dentures usually require regular removal and cleansing by the patient.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Endosteal (in the bone): This is he most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.
Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.
What do you notice when you grin in the mirror? Do you like the reflection that you see or do you notice a yellow and dingy color on your teeth that make you seem older than you really are? It could be time to see your dentist and learn about teeth whitening techniques that can change your life.
White teeth can make you look healthier and younger than you actually are, but discolored teeth can do the exact opposite. They can make you look aged and not as good as you should. Teeth stains can occur because of a variety of reasons like drinking water that has a lot of fluoride in it or drinking tea, coffee, or red wine. Anyone can suffer from the effects of having a yellowish smile. Even if you brush your teeth regularly and floss often, your teeth can turn yellow.
There are many new teeth whitening techniques out there that can help you turn yellow teeth into bright white ones that will attract attention. Imagine having teeth as white as when you were a little child.
Think about the way that you whiten laundry by adding a little bleach to make your clothing whiter. Teeth whitening works the same way by using non-invasive bleach to get rid of stains and it brightens the color of your teeth enamel to a beautiful, sparkling white color.
You can use special toothpastes that have whitening agents in them. When you use these types of toothpastes for a while, they can help your teeth to stay looking bright. If toothpaste does not give you the results that you want, try over-the-counter kits that will whiten your teeth or whitening strips. If you have serious discoloring issues, you may want to visit your dentist. There are professional procedures available that can really whiten your teeth.
The American Dental Association suggests that you get a dental examination with our dentist to see if teeth whitening is for you. Let our dentist evaluate your teeth and overall dental health by looking at hard and soft tissues, checking out the condition of restorations, and in some cases reading x-rays to determine irregularities.
Not everyone will be suited to teeth whiteners. Many people that have grayish teeth may not get good results from teeth whitening. People that have yellow teeth can usually see amazing benefits from using bleach. If you cannot find the right teeth-whitening techniques for your needs, you may want to look at porcelain veneers or even bonding.
Chairside bleaching is another name for professional teeth whitening. It usually takes one visit to the dentist to get it. ZOOM and DASH are popular product choices for this type of dental procedure. The same company manufactures both products but DASH does not need a UV light to work. This ends up leading to less UV light exposure and a decrease in sensitivity after this procedure. Many patients are deciding to use DASH.
When you visit your dentist, a gel may be put on your gums or shield made from rubber to protect your soft tissues from any type of bleach chemical burn. The bleaching agent can be put on the teeth and a light will be used if you are using ZOOM. It usually takes about three sessions taking up to fifteen minutes each to get the best results. This will depend on the sensitivity of the patient.
In some cases, teeth-whitening procedures start in the office and are finished at home. During your starter visit to the dentist office, teeth impressions can be made. You can have custom trays that are made for the bleaching process. On your second visit, the trays will be fitted for use. You may also get an oxidizing agent to use for about thirty minutes twice a day from home. You can use this technique for two weeks. If a higher concentrate of this agent is used, the amount of time the tray should be left on will be less and the process should only be done a couple more times.
You want to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once to see best results. Visit your dentist often to keep your smile looking joyful. You can have your ideal smile that is white and keeps you looking younger.
Those who suffer from uneven, chipped, or stained teeth find that porcelain veneers are the ideal solution. Usually, an imperfect smile causes one to feel self-conscious, thus leading to low confidence and low self-esteem. In situations like these, the individual may end up covering their mouth when they smile, or perhaps won’t even smile at all. Porcelain veneers are a great way to achieve a beautiful smile and regain one’s confidence.
Porcelain material is very durable and it holds comparable properties to natural tooth enamel. For example, porcelain and enamel are alike in color, texture, and translucence. Though, porcelain unlike natural teeth does not decay or stain. Any stains or damage to the teeth can be fixed by placing a thin layer of porcelain. This certainly creates a great smile.
Prior to the application of porcelain veneers, the teeth surface must first be roughened so that the veneers will attach better to the teeth. Afterward, a teeth mold is made to ensure that the veneers will fit perfectly. Once the porcelain veneers are constructed, the patient goes back to the dentist to ensure that the veneers are the proper shade and that they are a perfect fit. This is the time when necessary shaping and trimming are done. The teeth of the patient are cleaned thoroughly then the porcelain veneers are attached to the teeth permanently.
Those who have stained teeth may want to think about teeth whitening treatment before proceeding with a porcelain veneer procedure. There is a chance that dark stains and discolorations may appear through the porcelain, and as soon as the veneers are applied, it will be useless to go through a whitening treatment.
To complete the entire porcelain veneer procedure, two dental visits are necessary. For a pain-free experience, a local anesthetic is usually used.
Porcelain veneers are durable and permanent so they should last when they are cared for properly. These veneers should feel natural enabling you to do the same functions that you are used to with your natural teeth. Extra care is necessary by avoiding ice cubes and hard candies as veneers can be chipped when chewing on or biting into hard substances. In addition, stay clear from grinding or clenching your teeth because this can cause deterioration.
Patients want a dentist who is as thorough as possible in providing dental care. Dr. Stephen Muecke, along with his associates and hygienist pride themselves in following the ADA guidelines in caring for both new and existing patients. Each individual is provided with the most comprehensive dental exams available. The exam is performed using a stringent examination procedure combined with radiography.
ADA recommendations include a comprehensive dental exams for patients new to the practice. In addition, established patients should have the comprehensive exam every three years. According to the ADA the comprehensive oral exam included an extensive evaluation and recording of all intraoral, extraoral and soft tissues.
Between the comprehensive exams, established patients should have periodic oral exams that help to determine changes in health or dental status since the last exam. The comprehensive exam forms the foundation for the routine or periodic oral exam and includes much more than a simple cleaning.
Oral health provides several clues to overall health. Medical conditions are often discovered in a comprehensive dental exam before appearing elsewhere in the patient’s body. Examples include:
Using the comprehensive the dental team and patient devise a strategy for comfort and long-term health.
X-rays, properly known as Dental Radiographs can serve many purposes, including the location of hidden dental structures, benign or malignant masses, areas of bone loss and cavities.
The radiographic image is formed using a controlled amount of x-ray radiation to penetrate the mouth at different levels which all depends on the anatomical densities before striking the film or a sensor. Less radiation is able to penetrate to the film through the teeth giving them a lighter appearance. Dental cavities, infections and other changes in bone density or the periodontal ligament will appear darker as they allow x-ray greater penetration. Fillings, crowns and other dental restorations may have a light or dark appearance, depending on the density of the material used to create the restoration.
According to the ADA website, the dosage of X-ray radiation the patient receives is typically small (0.150 mSv is all that is required for a full mouth series), and no more than a patient would receive in a few days exposure to background radiation exposure or while making a cross-country flight in an airplane but it is concentrated and aimed at a smaller area of the body. Use of a lead apron, lead shield or a lead thyroid collar can further reduce any incidental exposure to the body. Using digital technology instead of film can reduce the exposure significantly. Atlanta-Smiles uses digital technology to improve safety for the family or patients as well as the staff.
Once the image is formed by exposure to x-rays, it must be developed. Traditionally film was developed using chemicals in a darkroom to prevent destroying the image with normal light. The process was time-consuming and a simple mistake in the process, an incorrect exposure or other mistake could make retakes necessary. This exposed the patient to additional radiation from the x-rays. Digital x-rays use an electronic sensor to replace traditional film address many of these issues and are seeing widespread use in dentistry with the development of technology. They reduce the radiation needed and reduce the time for processing, often allowing an instantaneous view on the computer. Historically, digital sensors were costly and had poor resolution. Newer sensors are helping to overcome problems of the past while improving the ability to perform dental exams.
A smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you, so what are people seeing when they first meet you? If you do not have the prettiest teeth right now, you may not feel comfortable smiling at other people. There are so many modern dental restorations available right now that your dentist can help you get the smile of your dreams.
Dental restorations are improving each year. New technology is opening up many new options for repairing and even replacing teeth.
Learning about Dental Restorations
Dental restorations are products that repair or restore dental function and integrity. These restorations can help to improve broken teeth. They can replace teeth that are missing or fill in gaps. Dental restorations may be used to help with a bite issue or help make chewing function better. Many old-fashioned dental treatments can be switched out with newer and better dental restorations that are more attractive.
Thanks to modern technology, you can enjoy having a healthy mouth again. Your smile can look better than it ever has.
If you have a dental need, you can find a dental restoration to fix it. Dental fillings can repair teeth that are decayed. Crowns and caps can help replace past filling and help with sensitive teeth that are chipped. Dental restorations can help the appearance of discolored teeth or teeth that are not formed correctly.
When it comes to missing teeth, you can choose from dental implants, fixed bridges, or denture. These products will help you to chew correctly.
Root canal therapy is a great choice for a damaged tooth. It can help fix dental pulp disorders that affect nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that is inside of the tooth. Root canal therapy can save a tooth that is abscessed or infected. It can help you save your tooth instead of having to have it removed.
Services
Our services include cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening and dental bridges.
Consultations and Diagnostics
Your consultation appointment is the foundation for creating your individual plan for oral health. Our philosophy is to provide optimal services for patients in the manner in which they choose.
Bridges
We are now able to construct beautiful porcelain over metal as well as full porcelain and resin-based bridges to produce the best results for each particular situation.
Cleanings/Check Ups
Whether a six month checkup or full periodontal therapy, our hygienists will always strive to provide the very best treatment while maintaining your absolute comfort.
Invisalign Teen
With Invisalign Teen®, you can straighten your teeth without metal wires and brackets getting in the way. You’re free to enjoy the things that make these the best times of your life.
