PREVENTION
Regular Dental Visits
In order to maintain a healthy smile, it is vital to have professional cleanings and regular check-ups. Therefore, you should visit your general dentist twice a year (once every six months). At each appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and provide an evaluation of existing dental problems and proposed treatment.
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Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth and the sugars consumed in your diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, which causes the bacteria to produce acids. These acids break down the minerals in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists can remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings or cover the tooth with a crown. Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control and fluoride treatment.
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Diet Control
The teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups help minimize and avoid cavities and other dental problems. Consuming sugary and starchy foods should be limited, including candies, cookies, chips and crackers. Healthier foods, such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, help promote stronger teeth.
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Sealants
The grooves that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) are extremely difficult to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria react with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Tooth sealants can protect these areas by sealing the grooves, preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating. The sealants are made of a resin material that is applied to the back teeth, molars, premolars and any area prone to cavities. Sealants last for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.
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Fluoride
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking fluoridated water and daily brushing and flossing ensures significantly fewer cavities. Many, if not most, public water sources contain fluoridated water. Your dentist can evaluate the level of fluoride in your primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements if necessary. There are also many kinds of toothpastes, mouthwashes and even some dental flosses that contain fluoride.
222 12th St. N.E., Suite 1A | Atlanta, GA 30309
Michelle Greissinger, D.M.D., MAGD
Dr. Michelle Greissinger is a graduate of the University of Georgia in Athens and the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, where she received her DMD in 1997. Since 1997, Dr. Greissinger has practiced dentistry in the Ansley Park area of Atlanta at Ansley Midtown Dental. She has also participated in post-graduate training at the LVI Institute, the Nash Institute and various other post-graduate training institutes, and is certified in the use of both hard and soft tissue lasers. Dr. Greissinger received her AGD Mastership in 2014. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of Georgia, Georgia Dental Association, Georgia Academy of General Dentistry, and the Hinman Dental Society.
Arsala Shah, D.M.D.
Dr. Arsala Shah earned her DMD from the Dental College of Georgia in Augusta. In addition to her doctorate in dental medicine, Dr. Shah holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and a Master’s Degree in Biology from Georgia State University.
Dr. Shah has been a dental patient for much of her life due to a genetic disorder. She underwent numerous procedures and surgeries as a child and as an adult, which sparked her deep passion for dentistry. Dr Shah has a keen understanding of what it is like to be a patient and is dedicated to providing the very best patient care for those sitting in her chair.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Shah enjoys board games, reading, volunteering, hiking and traveling the world. She has visited more than 20 countries with her husband and has collected over 40 magnets from each city they have explored. Dr. Shah enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy novels and loves to collect used versions of her favorite books.
We are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Our staff is trained and skilled, and we strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. Each member of our treatment team is a registered assistant, and our office staff has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the latest in technological advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.
Ludell Owens
Dental Hygienist
Hello! My name is Ludell and I have been a dental hygienist a little over a year now. In my free time, I love to workout and go for walks on trails. Dental Hygiene has been a passion of mine for quite some time. One of my favorite things about being a dental hygienist is the light bulb that switches on for my patients when they connect oral health to the rest of our bodies.
Kristy Kent
Dental Hygienist
Kris grew up in the beautiful mountains in NC. After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology and playing four years of collegiate basketball at Western Carolina University she moved to Albany, GA where she completed the dental hygiene program at Darton College in 2005. Kris joined the Ansley Midtown Dental practice in 2018. She enjoys playing golf and spending time with her wife, 2 kids and 2 dogs.