A smile is such a simple gesture, yet it holds so much power. It is innately human - a universal way to convey happiness, greet one another and signal that we're nice people. Smiles communicate how we're feeling and are great for breaking the ice or awkward moments. A good-natured smile moves mountains, but if you're like the average person, it may not be perfect. And that's okay. But is it healthy?
Studies from the CDC show that 1 in 4 U.S. adults from 20 to 64 have cavities. Perhaps even more surprising is that approximately 34 million school hours are lost every year due to emergency dental care. For children, missing time could mean the difference between moving forward and being held back.
If you're one of the many people who feel ashamed about their teeth, need preventative oral care, or suffer serious issues like tooth decay, it's time to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, Merchants Walk Dental is here to serve you with the highest quality dental work in East Cobb, from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry.
At Merchants Walk Dental, your healthy teeth and gums are our passion. Our dentists and hygienists are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible in a comfortable, stress-free setting. Since opening in 2017, we have become the premier dentist in Acworth, GA, offering many dental services such as:
As experts, we know how important oral hygiene is for your health. We feel that it's important to go the extra mile to speak with our patients about the best practices involved with brushing, flossing, and healthy gums. We know what an impact a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so dedicated to providing our patients with cleaner, straighter teeth than ever before.
Having served Georgia and East Cobb for years, we understand that no two patients will ever have the same needs. That's why we provide personalized services like cleanings and root canals tailored to each patient's unique needs. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees, so we accept most major dental insurance plans to ensure you can keep your teeth clean and healthy all year long.
If you're searching for an expert team of friendly dentists and hygienists, look no further than Merchants Walk Dental. We pride ourselves on the best dental care coupled with warm, engaging customer service. You can rest easy knowing you're in capable, welcoming hands whether it's your first or fortieth visit to our office.
Here at Merchants Walk Dental, we understand that getting your teeth cleaned isn't something everyone looks forward to. However, getting regular teeth cleanings performed by a trustworthy dentist is the best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral hygiene issues. And while it's easy to avoid the dentist, doing so for too long can be bad for your overall health.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
It's a question we get all the time - what is periodontal treatment? This treatment focuses on your gums and preventing the common diseases that attack them. When left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens, forming hard-to-remove tartar. This tartar irritates your gums and will eventually lead to a litany of problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, and more.
During your teeth cleaning session at Merchants Walk Dental, we'll examine your gums closely to ensure they're healthy and functional.
Each of our teeth cleaning appointments has comprehensive check-ups, including:
The only surefire way to prevent tartar buildup and, by proxy, gum disease is by brushing and flossing diligently at home. If you have been slacking on regular brushing and have not visited a dentist recently, your gums could be suffering. If you have any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Merchants Walk Dental to schedule a dental exam in Acworth, GA:
If you have had a cavity filled before, you're not alone. Tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 - a stunning statistic that, in many cases, is entirely preventable. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use composite resin fillings to keep our patient's teeth healthy and functional. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more discreet, match the color of your teeth, and are free of mercury.
While fillings can have a few uses, our doctors typically use fillings to "fill" a part of your tooth that is decaying. This hole of decay is called a cavity. Sometimes, fillings are also used to fix broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth from grinding and nail-biting. Fillings are a great way to restore decaying teeth to their normal shape and function while preventing sensitivity and inhibiting further decay.
During your dental exam at our office in East Cobb, your dental hygienist will check for signs of cavities and tooth decay to ensure your oral hygiene remains in peak condition.
Abscesses- Without professional dental treatment, infected teeth lead to dental abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Nerve Pain- When your tooth is cracked and left without treatment, it can make its way to your nerve, resulting in extreme pain and damage.
Substantial Decay- If you leave an infection to fester without having a root canal, the infection can spread to other teeth in your mouth. If you don't address the initial signs of decay, you'll have to undergo treatment for multiple teeth.
Tooth Loss- Extensive decay and trauma often cause damage to your tooth's pulp. Our root canal treatments in Acworth remove this infected pulp. However, if you choose to ignore the problem, the infected pulp will rot your entire tooth, causing you to lose it forever.
One mention of the word root canal can send shivers up the spine for many people. Root canals get a bad rap, but the treatment has come a long way over the last decade.
When tooth decay and infection are left to fester, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene. Often, root canals in cityname, GA, are the best choice for patients with extensively diseased teeth. The goal of a root canal is to save and repair teeth by removing the infection from the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
Signs of tooth decay that may require a root canal include:
When a substantial cavity threatens a person's tooth and fillings aren't working, many dentists will use crowns to fix the problem. A crown is an aesthetic cap or a tooth-shaped covering placed over another tooth or implant for stability. Typically, crowns improve appearance and strength of a patient's teeth.
Crowns are also used to restore the size and shape of damaged or chipped teeth. When used for this purpose, dental crowns are usually bonded to the tooth using dental-grade cement.
During your dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will keep a sharp eye out for signs of tooth decay, which may require a crown. Benefits of dental crows from Merchants Walk Dental include:
Restorative dental treatments can be complicated, but dental crowns are straightforward and minimally invasive. During the process, your tooth's enamel is cleaned, and your damaged tissue is removed. Once that process is complete, we'll cast a custom crown for your tooth. While the crown is created, Dr. John Bishara or Dr. Milli Patel will provide you with a temporary crown for normal functionality.
Damaged enamel or structural damage can cause pain and sensitivity. Having a dental crown installed will help alleviate a good amount of your pain.
Our dental crowns are made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can withstand years of chewing, biting, and grinding.
When you lose one or more teeth, whether due to decay or another factor, it's important to fill the space where the tooth is missing. That's where dental bridges come in. Bridges are essentially fake permanent teeth used to fill holes caused by missing teeth. The false tooth is fused between two dental crowns giving it the bridge concept. Dental bridges are then typically anchored to healthy teeth using resin and cement.
The health of your teeth, their position, and the state of the surrounding bone will help our team determine if bridges are right for you. If not, dentures in Acworth, GA, might be a better option. Dentures come in two forms: partial and complete. Dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth but aren't able to use bridges. Complete dentures all your missing teeth, while partial dentures replace one or two teeth.
Getting cosmetic dentures can be a life-changing experience. It often requires physical and emotional preparation. At Merchants Walk Dental, our team will take as much time needed to consult with and prepare you for your denture procedure.
Whether you need dental bridges or cosmetic dentures, we're here to help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth, but you cannot or will not get crowns, bridges, or dentures. Failing to replace a lost tooth will cause a bevy of problems as time goes on. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant serves as a permanent artificial root anchored into the jawbone.
When our team puts a dental implant in place, your jawbone grafts itself to the titanium post making it as strong as your original root and tooth. The result is a natural, beautiful, fully-functional set of teeth that lasts for years.
Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is key for long-term oral health and confidence. The best way to learn those habits is at home and in a dentist's office.
At Merchants Walk Dental, our goal is to foster long-lasting relationship with the families in our community who trust us to care for their children's dental health.
When you choose Merchants Walk Dental as your child's dentist, you can rest easy knowing we treat your loved one just like ours. Our professional hygienists and experienced doctors are trained and certified to give your kids a comfortable dental experience. We like to mix fun with education, putting your child at ease while helping them understand the importance of proper dental care.
Common habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking can have profound effects later in life. Our doctors are keenly aware of these habits, and work hard to help you and your child develop creative solutions to halt that behavior.
Our pediatric dental services improve the health of your child's teeth and gums with:
Dental Surgery, DDS
Dr. John Bishara, DDS was born and raised in Nazareth Israel. His last name, "Bishara" translates to the annunciation, which is the announcement of the incarnation by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
Dr. Bishara attended Valdosta State University, where he received his Bachelors degree of Science in Biology with honors. He then pursued his education at the University of Detroit Mercy to earn his Doctoral Degree of Dental Surgery, DDS.
Since earning his degrees in 1999, he has been practicing General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bishara spent his first four years practicing dentistry in St. Simons Island before moving to Marietta, Georgia to establish his own practice. In 2010, Dr. John Bishara completed a one year residency at MCG, specializing in dental implants.
Dr. John Bishara has proven to be an exceptional dental practitioner by creating a dental environment perfect for any individual and family, while offering an array of services to meet each of their needs. He takes pride in creating beautiful, confident smiles on a daily basis. Dr. John Bishara is dedicated to a lifelong career in Dentistry by furthering his education in every way possible.
Having served the East Cobb and Acworth for years, we know your dental needs are unique and different from your neighbor. That's why we offer a variety of dental services to address each patient's special circumstances, from standard cleanings to complex root canals. By using the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry, we can better serve each client on an individualized level, leading to better comprehensive dental care.
We're taking new patients and accept most major forms of dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy and clean without breaking the bank. Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and learn more about our history!
The winner purchased the ticket through the Georgia Lottery mobile app and matched all five winning numbers for the Saturday, March 8 drawing.GEORGIA, USA — We have a lucky winner! An Acworth resident won more than half a million dollars in the Saturday Fantasy 5 drawing, according to officials with the Georgia lottery.The resident won nearly $530,000. The winner purchased the ticket through the Georgia Lottery mobile app and matched all five winning numbers, which were 7-15-21-25-38, for the Saturday, March 8 drawing....
The winner purchased the ticket through the Georgia Lottery mobile app and matched all five winning numbers for the Saturday, March 8 drawing.
GEORGIA, USA — We have a lucky winner! An Acworth resident won more than half a million dollars in the Saturday Fantasy 5 drawing, according to officials with the Georgia lottery.
The resident won nearly $530,000. The winner purchased the ticket through the Georgia Lottery mobile app and matched all five winning numbers, which were 7-15-21-25-38, for the Saturday, March 8 drawing.
The next Fantasy 5 drawing will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at 11:34 p.m. ET, with an estimated jackpot of $180 million.
Monday, March 10, the winning numbers were 11-18-35-38-42.
Fantasy 5 drawings take place daily at 11:34 p.m. ET. Tickets cost $1 per play, and for an extra $1, players can add Ca$h Match, which allows players to win up to $500 instantly. Players can win Ca$h Match up to five times on each ticket.
According to the Georgia lottery, the jackpot always starts at $125,000 and grows from there.
Players win cash prizes by matching two, three, four or five winning numbers.
Players can check their tickets online at the Georgia Lottery website or by visiting any Georgia Lottery retailer.
The odds of winning the Fantasy 5 jackpot are 1 in 850,668, while the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 10.6.
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CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - A Cherokee County jury has found a 26-year-old Acworth man guilty of multiple domestic violence charges after a four-day trial.On March 13, Jonathon Bailey Panter was convicted of family violence aggravated battery and two counts of family violence aggravated assault for a series of assaults that occurred between Feb. 13 and 18, 2024, at a home in Cherokee County, where he lived with the victim.Brutal Assault Leads to InvestigationThe backstory:The case ...
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - A Cherokee County jury has found a 26-year-old Acworth man guilty of multiple domestic violence charges after a four-day trial.
On March 13, Jonathon Bailey Panter was convicted of family violence aggravated battery and two counts of family violence aggravated assault for a series of assaults that occurred between Feb. 13 and 18, 2024, at a home in Cherokee County, where he lived with the victim.
The backstory:
The case came to light after a friend took the injured woman to the hospital, where medical staff and law enforcement noted extensive injuries. The victim, who told deputies that Panter had beaten her "half to death," suffered bruises and abrasions across her body, as well as petechial hemorrhaging in her eye, a sign of strangulation.
Investigators from the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office gathered evidence, including photos of the victim’s injuries taken by both law enforcement and the victim herself. During the trial, prosecutors introduced nearly 90 exhibits, and nine witnesses testified for the State, while the Defense called five witnesses.
What we know:
After approximately four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Panter on three of six charges. Superior Court Judge Tony Baker will set a sentencing date in the near future.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Macelyne A. Williams of the Domestic Violence Unit, under the Office of the District Attorney, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — An Acworth man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of aggravated battery and family violence.According to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, Jonathon Bailey Panter, 26, was charged in February 2024 after he violently assaulted a woman multiple times.The DA’s office said Panter and his victim lived at the same residence and after she sought medical treatment at a hospital, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the multiple assaults....
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — An Acworth man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of aggravated battery and family violence.
According to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, Jonathon Bailey Panter, 26, was charged in February 2024 after he violently assaulted a woman multiple times.
The DA’s office said Panter and his victim lived at the same residence and after she sought medical treatment at a hospital, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the multiple assaults.
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“She had bruises and abrasions on her legs, midsection, arms, neck and face,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “She also had petechial hemorrhaging in her eye, which is a sign of strangulation. She told CSO deputies that Panter beat her ‘half to death.’”
In mid-March, Panter was found guilty of the assault and family violence charges after prosecutors showed a jury nearly 90 pieces of evidence detailing the victim’s injuries.
TRENDING STORIES:
On Wednesday, Panter was sentenced. Prosecutors recommended a 60-year sentence, with the first 35 years to be served in prison, but the judge sentenced him to 20 years. He was also banned from returning to Cherokee County and ordered to not contact the victim.
“The evidence we presented at the sentencing hearing showed that this defendant has demonstrated no remorse for his actions and continues to shift the blame onto others for the crimes he committed. His refusal to take responsibility underscores the necessity of a substantial prison sentence,” Assistant District Attorney Macelyne A. Williams, of the Domestic Violence Unit, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the State, said in a statement.
Due to being a repeat offender, the DA’s office said Panter would not be eligible for parole.
“This defendant violently attacked an especially vulnerable woman who felt she had no one to turn to, and nowhere else to go,” District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said. “This case is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact domestic violence has on victims and communities. We will continue to pursue justice for victims and work to make sure offenders are removed from our streets.”
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The National Weather Service confirmed the twister landed in Paulding County, remaining on the ground for about 12 minutes.Amanda Lumpkin, Patch StaffPAULDING COUNTY, GA — At least a dozen homes were damaged after a fierce severe storm and an EF-1 tornado wreaked havoc in Paulding County during the weekend.The National Weather Service on Sunday confirmed the twister landed around 11:41 p.m. Saturday west of the S...
Amanda Lumpkin, Patch Staff
PAULDING COUNTY, GA — At least a dozen homes were damaged after a fierce severe storm and an EF-1 tornado wreaked havoc in Paulding County during the weekend.
The National Weather Service on Sunday confirmed the twister landed around 11:41 p.m. Saturday west of the Sudie community in Paulding, blowing maximum winds of 110 mph.
After touching down, the NWS said the tornado headed northeast for at least 11 miles through the Dallas and New Hope areas before finally ascending about 12 minutes later.
Both the NWS and Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson said no one was injured.
Henson on Sunday said the storm, which was forecast to slam most of Georgia, forced several trees and power lines to falter and caused at least 12,000 residents to lose power. He added at least 14 homes, including his house, were damaged in the storm.
Authorities collaborated to clear heavily impacted roads, including GA-61.
"Last night, we witnessed the true spirit of Georgia and the strength of our community. The storm arrived fast, but so did we. Our deputies were quick to act, ensuring safety and support across the county. Our jail staff worked diligently, clearing debris to keep roadways open for emergency vehicles to reach those in need," authorities said in a Facebook post published early Sunday.
"Despite the damage, it's a blessing that no one was seriously injured. We saw neighbors helping neighbors, coming together in a remarkable show of unity and care. It was a collective effort, from Sheriff (Ashley) Henson—who surprised us all with his chainsaw expertise—to our dedicated emergency services, road crews and power teams."
Henson said the canopy at a gas station overturned near GA-61.
Paulding County government officials shared photos of what appeared to be debris in retail plaza parking lots, a tree resting on a building and other damage.
In a joint statement, the Paulding County Board of Commissioners spoke to the county's ability to unify during hardship.
"Our hearts go out to all those affected by the severe storms that swept through our area. We know that many of our residents have experienced damage to their homes, property and businesses, and some may be facing challenges in the days ahead. Please know that you are not alone," the commissioners said in a Facebook post published Sunday.
... To our first responders, public works teams and volunteers who have already stepped up to help – thank you. Your dedication and resilience are what make Paulding County such a special place. In challenging times, the strength of our community shines the brightest. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another as we rebuild and recover. Stay safe, Paulding County. We are here for you."
With the storm long gone, the NWS predicted a sunny day with a high temperature of 59 degrees in Paulding through Monday. Showers are not likely to return until Wednesday night, according to the forecast.
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