DeMercy Dental Generations of Family Care By Marsha Cornelius Theres something reassuring about a traditional family-owned business rather than the corporate feel of a franchise chain.DeMercy Dental has been in business in Roswell for over 30 years. Established by Dr. Jeff DeMercy, who has treated multiple generations of patients, and his wife Tammy, who has served as office manager since their beginning on Grimes Bridge Road, this family practice has continued to grow. Their daughter, Dr. Amanda Kossick, has been a partner since 2013, and niece Allyssa is one of the staff hygienists. Some of DeMercys patients were first seen as toddlers and are now bringing their own toddlers to the dental practice they know they can trust. We encourage children as young as 1 or 2 years old to come in for a Happy Visit, Dr. Kossick says. Its a great way to introduce children to regular dental visits and dispel their fears. The Happy Visit starts with a fun ride in a dental chair: up and down, sitting up and lying back. The dentist familiarizes children with the different instruments, and of course, Mr. Thirsty. We get them comfortable in a foreign environment, says Dr. Kossick. Sorry, theres no candy at the end. Instead, each Happy Visitor is rewarded with their first toothbrush and floss. Its all part of that family commitment to operate a friendly, thorough practice, not an in-and-out franchise, where employees dont know your name until they look at your chart. Traditional Dentistry Weve got our patients covered with all the basics, says Dr. DeMercy, including routine checkups and cleanings, digital x-rays, fillings/bonding, crowns and bridges, veneers and dental implants, dentures, periodontal health, Invisalign, and teeth whitening. Theyre also on board with the latest in technology like 24-hour emergency service, text and email communication and reminders, and financing options. But the top priority at DeMercy Dental is making each patient feel welcome. Innovative Dentistry Dr. Kossick has advanced training in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The apnea in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least 10 seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. According to the National Sleep Foundation, over 18 million adults suffer from OSA, and it isnt just adults. Although not as common, 10-20% of children habitually snore, which is one of the signs of sleep apnea. Pediatric apnea is sometimes caused by large tonsils, says Dr. Kossick, a problem that is easily fixed. How Is OSA Linked to a DentistOften, a dentist is the first line of defense against obstructive sleep apnea, says Dr. Kossick. Seeing a patient every six months will give us a heads-up to several conditions that could be causing OSA. What Do Dentists See That Alerts Them to OSA?Signs of sleep apnea include a small upper airway; a large tongue, tonsils, or uvula; a small jaw or large overbite; excessive teeth grinding; and of course, snoring. Dr. Kossick works with a local ENT specialist and refers patients when necessary. Sleep apnea isnt just about waking up at night. Left untreated,?other symptoms can include excessive sleepiness during the day, high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, or depression. The No. 1 recommendation for OSA is the continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP), which is a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth and gently blows air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep. If a patient cant wear the CPAP or has a mild sleep apnea diagnosis, we now have the technology to create a mouth appliance that can help open the airway, says Dr. Kossick. Gum Disease The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research defines gum disease as an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal (gum) disease can lead to sore gums that bleed, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss. Persons with an unhealthy immune system are sometimes at risk from this buildup of plaque, says Dr. Kossick. This bacteria in the mouth can lead to health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimers. Regular checkups and cleanings are an important part of prevention because plaque and tartar are removed. Dr. Kossick is trained in Periolase, where a laser is used to remove harmful buildup under the gums if further treatment is needed. Dr. DeMercy says, Our goal is to bring new patients into the family and hopefully make a difference in their lives. DeMercy Dental10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 140Roswell, GA 30075770-641-8010DeMercyDental.com
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