Frequently Asked Questions in Decatur GA

Every person is different, and so is their smile. In general, healthy adults and children should come in every six months for a check-up and cleaning. If you have gum disease or medical conditions that impact oral health, we may recommend visits every 3–4 months. At your visit, we’ll assess your unique needs and create a personalized care plan to support your long-term health.

We offer a full range of services—from fillings and crowns to implants, cosmetic dentistry, gum treatments, and sleep apnea care. Dr. Levine’s advanced training means most procedures can be done right here in our office. Every treatment is tailored to you, and costs depend on your individual needs and insurance. We’re committed to financial transparency and will walk you through your options before anything begins. We also offer membership plans and flexible financing to make care more accessible.

Absolutely. We leave room in our schedule each day for urgent needs, because we believe no one should have to wait in pain. Whether it’s tooth pain, a broken tooth, swelling, or something just doesn’t feel right—we’re here to help. Dr. Levine is passionate about being accessible to patients when it matters most. While we do our best to accommodate you quickly, we appreciate your patience as we balance emergencies and scheduled visits.

Cavities and gum disease often go unnoticed until they become more serious. You might feel sensitivity to cold or sweets, or even pain—but sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. That’s why X-rays and regular checkups are so important. Cavities can reach the nerve and require a root canal, and gum disease can cause bone loss and even tooth loss if left untreated. Preventive care is the key to catching issues early and avoiding major procedures later.

You play the most important role in your oral health. We’ll help you build a home care routine that fits your lifestyle and supports your long-term wellness. Dr. Levine recommends products based on your individual needs—from water flossers and remineralizing pastes to natural antibacterials and oral probiotics. With the right tools and habits, we can help you stay healthy between visits and reduce the need for future dental work.

We use only top-quality, research-supported materials in our office. For most fillings, we use tooth-colored composite or resin-modified glass ionomer, which blend naturally with your teeth. For crowns, the best material depends on where the tooth is. Zirconia is ideal for molars because it’s strong and long-lasting. For front teeth, we often use a high-strength ceramic called LiSi Press for a natural, beautiful look. We don’t place silver (amalgam) fillings due to long-term concerns, but if your existing silver fillings are in good shape, there’s no need to remove them.

If you’re in pain or something breaks, contact us right away. Dental emergencies are medical issues that should be addressed promptly. Dr. Levine will assess the problem and guide you toward the right solution—whether it’s a filling, root canal, crown, or extraction. If a tooth needs to be removed, we offer a range of replacement options like implants, bridges, or dentures, all tailored to your needs. We’ll make sure the process is clear and comfortable, every step of the way.

All treatments have potential risks, but we’re here to guide you through every decision with transparency and care. Dr. Levine always takes time to explain your options, including benefits and risks, so you can make informed choices. In rare cases, a tooth’s nerve can be affected during treatment, which may require a root canal. Some teeth may not be savable and need to be removed. We look at your whole health—not just your teeth—to make sure your treatment is safe and supports your overall well-being.

You’re not alone—dental anxiety is very common, and we take it seriously. Dr. Levine believes that trust, gentle care, and clear communication can help you feel safe again in the dental chair. She also offers sedation options tailored to your comfort level, including IV sedation for more complex or anxious cases. Many patients who start with sedation find that, over time, they no longer need it—because their experience becomes one of comfort, not fear.

Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-feeling way to replace missing or unsalvageable teeth. They’re anchored into the jawbone, which helps maintain bone health and prevent shifting of nearby teeth. Dr. Levine uses advanced digital tools to plan and place implants with precision, using only top-quality materials. That said, implants aren’t right for everyone—your medical history, bone health, and personal preferences matter. We’ll review all your options with you, including bridges and dentures, and help you choose what’s best for your unique situation.

Yes—and in fact, it’s highly recommended! Oral health is closely linked to overall health during pregnancy. The safest time for routine dental work is during the second trimester, but preventive care and urgent treatment can often be done safely at any stage. We’re careful with X-rays and medications, and we’ll always tailor your care to support both you and your baby. As a mom herself, Dr. Levine brings both clinical knowledge and personal understanding to prenatal dental care.

We offer safe, effective whitening options that are customized to your smile. A check-up before whitening is important to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, and that you're using the right product for your needs. Whitening works best right after a cleaning. If you have sensitivity or gum recession, we offer gentler options that still give you great results without discomfort. Whether in-office or at-home, we’ll help you brighten your smile safely and confidently.

Bad breath can have many causes—like gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, diet, or even sinus issues. Dr. Levine takes a whole-health approach to identify the root cause rather than just masking symptoms. If dry mouth is caused by medication, we can recommend products to help restore moisture and reduce cavity risk. With the right diagnosis and personalized care, we can help you feel fresher and healthier.

It depends on your oral health. For most people, every six months is ideal. But if you’ve had gum disease or ongoing dental issues, we may recommend visits every three to four months. That’s how long it takes for harmful bacteria to regroup and start causing damage again. Regular visits help prevent small problems from becoming big ones—and big problems from impacting your overall health.

Brushing and flossing are essential, but they’re only part of the puzzle. Cavities are caused by harmful bacteria, and some people naturally have higher-risk bacterial profiles—even if they do everything “right.” Genetics, diet, pH, and dry mouth all play a role too. The good news: we can test your oral bacteria and create a personalized prevention plan to shift your mouth toward a healthier balance. Our goal is to help you stay ahead of cavities—not just treat them.

At your first visit, you’ll be welcomed like family. We’ll take time to get to know you, take necessary X-rays and 3D scans, and perform a detailed exam. Most patients will also receive a cleaning that day—unless there are urgent concerns like gum disease, in which case we’ll create a plan to treat that first. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your oral health, your options, and what comes next. We also provide upfront cost information and help you schedule follow-ups with ease.

We recommend a child’s first dental visit around age 3—or earlier if you notice anything unusual. These early visits are more about getting comfortable, counting teeth, and building positive memories. We call them “happy visits” because that’s exactly what we want them to be! If your child has special needs or requires care from a pediatric specialist, we’ll help coordinate and make sure they get the best possible start.