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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw 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!
770-691-5051
KENNESAW, Ga. — A recent Kennesaw State University graduate is going viral after his mother posted an emotional graduation ceremony video to social media.As hundreds gathered in their caps and gowns, Sean Hanford stood out.“It wasn’t really about the cap and gown, it was about the seasons of uncertainty that led up to that moment,” he said.It was a moment that highlights the peaks and many valleys came full circle with a flood of emotions.“He was crying, and I said you know what this ...
KENNESAW, Ga. — A recent Kennesaw State University graduate is going viral after his mother posted an emotional graduation ceremony video to social media.
As hundreds gathered in their caps and gowns, Sean Hanford stood out.
“It wasn’t really about the cap and gown, it was about the seasons of uncertainty that led up to that moment,” he said.
It was a moment that highlights the peaks and many valleys came full circle with a flood of emotions.
“He was crying, and I said you know what this is, Black boy joy,” said Lori Hanford.
Sean’s biggest cheerleader is his mother, Lori Hanford, a celebrity media correspondent also known for her role on Netflix’s hit show “The Later Daters.” Hanford said she posted the video to her social media pages for the world to see.
“I wanted the world to see that Black boys, they can do it, they can persevere. I didn’t think it would be a viral moment, but I wanted to capture a Black boy crying and being emotional because I think we teach our sons not to cry, that makes you weak,” she said.
TRENDING STORIES:
The video has over four million views, but the story behind it began when Hanford’s mother formed a village of mentors for her son at a young age.
“I put him in the Steve Harvey mentoring program for boys. Every time he wanted to give up in college, it might be a text from Mr. Harvey or Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth and Pastor Kerri, you know, they made him an intern,” she said.
Sean’s freshman year of college was paid free of charge, thanks to the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation scholarship. He was also awarded a scholarship from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and received other scholarships.
The graduate worked a full-time job, mentored young boys, became a realtor, and a business owner, all while he studied at Kennesaw State University and endured rising costs.
His mother said there were times when they couldn’t afford the meal plan, but she credits God for surrounding her family with countless community leaders, attorneys and organizations for relieving some of the financial burden.
“Really, thanks to my mom, she connected me with great people, great mentors,” Sean Hanford said.
The graduate says he wants to own a real estate brokerage company in the near future. He said he is thankful to all of his mentors and those who helped him graduate from college with minimal debt.
Sean Handford said he wrote down his goals and prayed over them daily as he held on to bible scriptures to help his dreams become reality.
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Saturday, December 6 3 p.m. – Kennesaw State (6-2, 0-0 CUSA) vs Georgia State (1-8, 0-0 Sun Belt) Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | VyStar Arena (3,805) TV: ESPN+ (Bryce Gaubert, Brandon Johnson, Carolyne Harris)Follow KSU Men's Basketball - | KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State men's basketball continues its three-game homestand with the annual contest against Metro Atlanta rival Georgia State, as the two teams will face off on Saturday at 3 p.m. at VyStar Arena. The game...
Saturday, December 6 3 p.m. – Kennesaw State (6-2, 0-0 CUSA) vs Georgia State (1-8, 0-0 Sun Belt) Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | VyStar Arena (3,805) TV: ESPN+ (Bryce Gaubert, Brandon Johnson, Carolyne Harris)
Follow KSU Men's Basketball - |
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State men's basketball continues its three-game homestand with the annual contest against Metro Atlanta rival Georgia State, as the two teams will face off on Saturday at 3 p.m. at VyStar Arena. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, while the halftime entertainment will be the Zooperstars.
A FEW NOTES
♦ The series between the two schools restarted two years ago after a 35-year break, and the Owls have claimed the past two meetings, including last year's come-from-behind 81-77 victory. ♦ KSU is looking for its fourth home victory of the season, while Georgia State is looking for its first road win as it concludes a six-game road swing. ♦ KSU has always been a fast-paced team under Pettway, and that's not changing in his third year at the helm of the Owls. KSU ranked in the top five in the nation in adjusted tempo in his first year, and currently is 11th at 73.6 (possessions per 40 minutes). ♦ The Owls are also scoring at high rate, currently seventh in the nation at 94.9 points per game, which easily leads Conference USA. Senior guard Simeon Cottle meanwhile paces the league in scoring at 21.4 points per game, 12th in the nation. ♦ KSU is having another strong year in the boards as well, ranking second in total rebounds per game (47.4 rpg) and 13th in rebound margin (+11.8) in the nation. ♦ Following Saturday's game, the Owls will play their last home game of the month with a rare Monday afternoon contest, as they will tip at 12 pm start against Southern Wesleyan.
KENNESAW, Ga. --The Georgia State men's basketball team got a 37-point performance from the bench, but fell 92-69 to the Kennesaw State Owls on the road Saturday.The Panthers had two players score in double figures, led by Malachi Brown, who had 15 points and four steals. Micah Tucker added 12 points and two steals and Anthony Enoh added eight points and eight rebounds.Led by Enoh's four offensive rebounds, Georgia State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 14 boards that resulted in ...
KENNESAW, Ga. --The Georgia State men's basketball team got a 37-point performance from the bench, but fell 92-69 to the Kennesaw State Owls on the road Saturday.
The Panthers had two players score in double figures, led by Malachi Brown, who had 15 points and four steals. Micah Tucker added 12 points and two steals and Anthony Enoh added eight points and eight rebounds.
Led by Enoh's four offensive rebounds, Georgia State did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 14 boards that resulted in 20 second chance points.
Georgia State forced 19 Kennesaw State turnovers while committing 12 themselves in Saturday's game. The Panthers turned those takeaways into 20 points on the offensive end of the floor. Brown's four steals led the way for Georgia State.
How It Happened
Georgia State struggled out of the gate, falling behind 43-28 heading into halftime.
Kennesaw State kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 70-47 advantage before Georgia State went on a 5-0 run, finished off by Brown's three, to shrink the deficit to 70-52 with 9:37 to go in the contest. Kennesaw State responded and outscored the Panthers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 92-69. Georgia State got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 31 of its 41 total points.
Game Notes
» The Georgia State bench came alive by adding 37 points to its scoring output. » The Georgia State defense forced 19 turnovers. » Georgia State cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game. » led the Panthers with 15 points. » Georgia State got a team-high eight rebounds from .
The Panthers return home to host Jacksonville State on Dec. 13.
Kennesaw, GA (November 26, 2025) – The City of Kennesaw signed a Friendship Agreement with the Municipality of Montepulciano, Italy, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, during a ceremony at Kennesaw City Hall, formalizing a collaborative relationship between the two communities.Mayor Derek Easterling and Montepulciano Mayor Michele Angiolini delivered opening remarks before signing the agreement. The ceremony included participation from representatives of both cities and Kennesaw State University (KSU), which has maintained a long-st...
Kennesaw, GA (November 26, 2025) – The City of Kennesaw signed a Friendship Agreement with the Municipality of Montepulciano, Italy, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, during a ceremony at Kennesaw City Hall, formalizing a collaborative relationship between the two communities.
Mayor Derek Easterling and Montepulciano Mayor Michele Angiolini delivered opening remarks before signing the agreement. The ceremony included participation from representatives of both cities and Kennesaw State University (KSU), which has maintained a long-standing academic presence in Montepulciano.
Speakers included:
“This agreement reflects years of collaboration between our community, the Kennesaw Sister Cities Commission and our partners at Kennesaw State University,” states Mayor Derek Easterling. “We look forward to continued exchanges that strengthen cultural, educational and economic ties with Montepulciano.”
Following the signing, attendees participated in a toast with wine from Montepulciano. The commemorative wine label was designed by KSU students.
Background
Kennesaw established the Kennesaw Sister Cities Commission (KSSC) in August 2021 to explore international partnerships. Montepulciano was identified as a strong match due to a 25-year relationship with KSU through its study abroad programming and its role in the restoration and use of the historic Poliziana Fortress.
The Friendship Agreement, developed after a series of virtual meetings and collaborative discussions, outlines shared goals in cultural exchange, education, economic cooperation and community engagement. The agreement also acknowledges KSU’s central role in connecting the two communities.
Ongoing and past initiatives facilitated through KSU include nursing internships at Nottola Hospital, digital archiving work in Montepulciano’s Historical Archives, and marketing and entrepreneurship activities with local wineries.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two cities will encourage exchanges among civic groups, schools, universities and businesses; support cultural and educational programs; promote tourism and economic development initiatives; and collaborate on joint events. The agreement is nonbinding and may be amended or discontinued with written notice.
University of Alabama Athletics/Crimson Tide PhotosKennesaw, Ga. | VyStar Arena Saturday, Dec. 6 | 12:00 p.m. Watch Live Stats KSU Game NotesFollow KSU Women's Basketball - | KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State women's basketball will look to get back into the win column against Thomas (Ga.) following the road loss at Alabama.After trailing by 20 points, the Owls brought it within seven points, but their comeback effort came ...
University of Alabama Athletics/Crimson Tide Photos
Kennesaw, Ga. | VyStar Arena Saturday, Dec. 6 | 12:00 p.m. Watch Live Stats KSU Game Notes
Follow KSU Women's Basketball - |
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State women's basketball will look to get back into the win column against Thomas (Ga.) following the road loss at Alabama.
After trailing by 20 points, the Owls brought it within seven points, but their comeback effort came up just short. Keyarah Berry led KSU with 19 points, eight rebounds and three steals. In her second straight start, Shania Nichols scored 18 points and had a season high four assists.
Saturday will be Thomas's third game in five days, playing Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Life this past Tuesday and Thursday. The Night Hawks went 1-1 during that stretch. Against Life, LaTarius Montogomery scored 20 points and swatted seven shots.
KSU has won both all-time meetings against Thomas. These two teams last played on Nov. 9, 2021 – Octavia Blue's first game as the Owls head coach. They reached the century mark for the first time in program history, winning 100-31. The Black and Gold also a tied a program record for the most steals in a single game at 22.
The Owls will be partnering with the Wellstar Pediatric Center for their annual Teddy Bear Toss. To learn more about the about the Teddy Bear Toss, click here.
Tip-off is set for 12:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
Berry Nice After being named to the CUSA Preseason Team, graduate guard Keyarah Berry is living up to the hype. She recorded back-to-back double-doubles for the first time in her career, doing so against South Alabama and USC Upstate. She is also contributing on the defensive end, recording a career high five steals against the Spartans. Berry currently leads in CUSA in scoring (17.1 points per game), is tied for second in field goal percentage (48.5%) and ranks third in steals (3.1).
Lockdown Defense Effort has been a calling card of the Owls under head coach Octavia Blue. KSU has forced 15-plus turnovers in six games and held their opponent to under 40% shooting in four contests. Among CUSA teams, KSU ranks third in steals (10.7) and fourth in scoring defense (59.1).
Sharpshooter Junior transfer Shania Nichols has made her impact on the program. In her last two games, she is averaging 19 points per game on 68.8% shooting. She scored 18 points and dished out four assists at Alabama. Nichols started against USC Upstate, leading all players with 20 points and five 3-pointers.
Back to Form After missing all of last year with a season-ending injury, redshirt sophomore Trynce Taylor has shined in her return. Against Tennessee Tech, she hit the game winner to take down the undefeated Golden Eagles. In that contest, she scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. At ETSU, she corralled a career high 12 rebounds. Taylor is averaging 9.1 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Tennessee Takeover Tennessee native Latazia Williamson had a career day for the Owls in their win over ETSU. The junior popped off for 20 points, shattering her previous career high. In the third quarter alone, she posted 10 points including eight unanswered to close out the quarter.
PURCHASE TICKETS Season and single-game tickets are available for the 2025-26 Kennesaw State women's basketball campaign. Click here to secure your seat inside VyStar Arena and don't miss a second of the action!
The Owls Fund The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.