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 Sandy Springs, 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 Sandy Springs, 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 Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs, 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 Sandy Springs 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!
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department is offering adaptive fishing July 25 from 10 a.m.-noon along the Springway trail at Morgan Falls Overlook Park.The Recreation and Parks Department invites all levels to participate, including seasoned anglers and first-timers, to discover the joys of fishing in the river and its tributaries.Adaptive recreation refers to activities modified to be accessible and inclusive for those with disabilities.In partnership with the Georgia Department of Na...
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department is offering adaptive fishing July 25 from 10 a.m.-noon along the Springway trail at Morgan Falls Overlook Park.
The Recreation and Parks Department invites all levels to participate, including seasoned anglers and first-timers, to discover the joys of fishing in the river and its tributaries.
Adaptive recreation refers to activities modified to be accessible and inclusive for those with disabilities.
In partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Empower Therapy, the program can support 16 adaptive anglers and their families, offering personalized assistance based on individual needs.
Having a smaller, sensory-friendly event on even terrain can make all the difference for some participants, while others may benefit from adaptive equipment including six available mobility chairs.
Bordering 22 miles of Sandy Springs, the Chattahoochee River is the most popular natural feature in Metro Atlanta.
Morgan Falls Overlook was the first new park created by Sandy Springs when it opened in 2010 near a 120-year-old hydroelectric dam. Amenities include a picnic pavilion with tables, porch swings with a scenic view, a playground, boat dock, hiking trails, fire pit and restrooms.
Adaptive fishing participants are asked to meet in the park’s lower gravel lot near the river and make their way to the Morgan Falls Loop by Orkin Lake, which features a boardwalk and paved walkway. The Morgan Falls Loop is a new section of the city’s trail and path network, or Springway.
While program providers received special permission to fish for the adaptive event, the city says fishing is not typically permitted there.
In addition to adaptive fishing, the city also invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Chattahoochee River with its adaptive kayaking program.
Led by American Canoe Association instructors, the kayaking program offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the river with maximum independence.
Customized kayaks with specialized equipment are available with a ramp, transfer seat and kayak launch area for smooth river entry. The city says volunteers are always welcome.
To learn more or to register for adaptive recreation offerings, visit www.sandyspringsga.gov/adaptive-recreation.
— Hayden Sumlin
“Georgia continues to lead the way in the future of mobility and technical innovation, attracting world-class companies like Mercedes-Benz that are driving the automotive industry forward,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We're excited that a job creator that already has close ties to Georgia is doubling down on that choice and growing their presence here in the best state for business and opportunity.”Mercedes-Benz opened its “1MB” facility in 2018 in Sandy Springs, which currently supp...
“Georgia continues to lead the way in the future of mobility and technical innovation, attracting world-class companies like Mercedes-Benz that are driving the automotive industry forward,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We're excited that a job creator that already has close ties to Georgia is doubling down on that choice and growing their presence here in the best state for business and opportunity.”
Mercedes-Benz opened its “1MB” facility in 2018 in Sandy Springs, which currently supports approximately 800 jobs in Georgia.
“We thank the State of Georgia for its support in deepening Mercedes-Benz’s roots in the Atlanta area as we bring even more talented team members to this world-class city,” said Jason Hoff, CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America. “This strengthens our position for continued growth and reinforces our established commitment to the U.S. market. Bringing our teams closer together will enable us to be more agile, increase speed to market, and ensure the best customer experience.”
The ”1MB” facility located in Sandy Springs will house the existing sales teams as well as financial services teams and corporate functions. The new state-of-the-art Research & Development hub will be located near Sandy Springs. The company anticipates that the move to metro Atlanta will be completed by August 2026. To learn more about Mercedes-Benz, visit www.mbusa.com/en/careers or group.mercedes-benz.com/careers.
“We’re excited to see Mercedes-Benz expanding in Sandy Springs,” said Mayor Rusty Paul, City of Sandy Springs. “Since establishing their headquarters here in 2018, they have been outstanding corporate partners. Their decision to grow in Sandy Springs highlights the success of the city’s recent infrastructure and capital investments which are now clearly paying dividends. This expansion represents a wonderful opportunity and a significant milestone for our continued development.”
“Having a globally recognized brand like Mercedes-Benz reaffirm its commitment by investing and growing here in Fulton County is a testament to the strength and vitality of our community,” said Chairman Robb Pitts, Fulton County Board of Commissioners. “It proves Fulton County continues to be a destination for corporate solutions, providing major companies an accessible, vibrant, and growing community for their business to thrive in.”
"This expansion is a testament to both Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to excellence and metro Atlanta's strength as a hub for innovation and talent. When the 1MB facility opened in 2018, it quickly became an integral part of our business landscape, driving economic growth and elevating the region’s global presence,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We are proud to see this partnership deepen as Mercedes-Benz continues to invest in our future shared success."
Assistant Director of Statewide Projects Elizabeth McLean represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the City of Sandy Springs, Select Fulton, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Georgia Power.
“Since the strategic decision to relocate Mercedes-Benz USA to Sandy Springs in 2018, we have watched Mercedes-Benz become an integral part of our business community. Their continued growth and community involvement are a prime example of why we recruit industry leaders such as Mercedes-Benz to Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This expansion and commitment to R&D in the metro Atlanta area will further strengthen the company’s long-term success, and highlights the talent and collaborative partnerships fostered by the University System of Georgia.”
About Mercedes-Benz AG
Mercedes-Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 175,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production, and sales of passenger cars, vans, and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes AMG, Mercedes Maybach, and G Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars.
Garrison Douglas - Press SecretaryOffice of Governor Brian P. Kempgarrison.douglas@georgia.gov
Carter Chapman - Deputy Press SecretaryOffice of Governor Brian P. Kempcarter.chapman@georgia.gov
Jessica Atwell - Commnuications ManagerGeorgia Department of Economic DevelopmentJAtwell@Georgia.org
In Sandy Springs, Ga., officials are looking to AI for a project that would address an increase in permit requests by improving the efficiency of the process.Local governments are using AI for a variety of appli...
In Sandy Springs, Ga., officials are looking to AI for a project that would address an increase in permit requests by improving the efficiency of the process.
Local governments are using AI for a variety of applications, including the permitting process. The city of Sandy Springs has been using technology to better serve residents for years.
The midsize Georgia city is looking to fund the project with a Partnership for Inclusive Innovation grant, which it applied for with Georgia Tech in May. If the city is awarded the grant, which officials expect to learn in July, work will begin in September. If not, they will explore alternative ways to fund it, according to Keith McMellen, the city’s director of data strategy, analytics and AI integration.
The permitting process is a challenging one, McMellen said, noting the time it takes and the number of reviews, which was the catalyst for leveraging AI to review permits more efficiently.
The plan, he said, is to develop AI models that will review plans and permit documents to ensure they are accurate and complete — and, ultimately, quicken the review process.
The project will include the use of optical character recognition and image recognition technology to identify and extract key data points from documents, including those with handwritten information. Inconsistencies or missing information will be flagged for human review.
“It’s not to replace humans, it’s to just make things more efficient,” McMellen emphasized.
A successful AI implementation requires high-quality data, and for this endeavor, city officials are looking to train the models on existing data from previously submitted documents to learn where information is located and how to verify it.
As the mayor and council explore potential opportunities for AI technology to improve city services, the city has prioritized data management through initiatives including the creation of an internal Data Management Steering Committee. Through this cross-departmental initiative, the city can explore and address policy and priorities. Officials are also working to obtain a What Works City Certification, a recognition based on an assessment of a city’s data-driven decision-making.
Sandy Springs’ prioritization of data management ultimately led to the creation of McMellen’s position with the city, to provide expertise in this area.
“In all reality, data has become so much a part of our everyday lives,” McMellen said of the January creation of his role. “It was about formulating a strategy they needed to be able to address it at a citywide level.”
Data quality, he said, is a top priority to enable construction of high-quality, accurate AI systems.
“We don’t have a data problem,” he said, citing the widespread availability of data to which officials have access. “What we have a challenge with is data integration and data quality.”
He also emphasized that the city is not rushing to implement AI in every system, but rather, is starting with the permitting use case, for which high-quality data is available, and the impacts will be clear and measurable.
“We need to do it in a calculated, phased way so that we can prove there’s value,” he said, noting that by proving the city can use AI ethically and sustainably, future implementations can build on that.
To prove the value in the permitting initiative, the city plans to assess various metrics. The primary focus is to reduce the average number of reviews in the permitting process. Leaders also plan to assess the accuracy of AI models compared to humans, and the time spent to complete the process.
The approach McMellen said he recommends for cities, regardless of size, is to implement AI with a focus on solving a specific problem and providing a tangible, quantifiable benefit to people: “Don’t be afraid to get started.”
Sandy Springs is also launching a data and AI literacy program for staff, led by McMellen, with the potential to expand to other parts of the community like local schools.
Mercedes-Benz will expand its footprint in Georgia by establishing its North American headquarters in metro Atlanta, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Tuesday. The move will bring up to 500 jobs to the existing "1MB" campus in Sandy Springs and includes a multi-million dollar investment in a new state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility nearby.What we know:The consolidation will unite several key corporate functions currently spread across the U.S., positioning Atlanta as the central hub for the automaker&r...
Mercedes-Benz will expand its footprint in Georgia by establishing its North American headquarters in metro Atlanta, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Tuesday. The move will bring up to 500 jobs to the existing "1MB" campus in Sandy Springs and includes a multi-million dollar investment in a new state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility nearby.
What we know:
The consolidation will unite several key corporate functions currently spread across the U.S., positioning Atlanta as the central hub for the automaker’s operations in North America. Mercedes-Benz aims to complete the transition by August 2026.
"Georgia continues to lead the way in the future of mobility and technical innovation, attracting world-class companies like Mercedes-Benz," Kemp said in a statement. "This expansion reinforces why our state remains the best for business and opportunity."
Mercedes-Benz currently employs around 800 people at its Sandy Springs facility, which opened in 2018. The expanded site will house sales, financial services, and corporate functions.
Jason Hoff, CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America, said the decision to centralize in Atlanta will improve collaboration and responsiveness.
What they're saying:
Local officials and economic development leaders praised the announcement, citing the economic impact and continued vote of confidence in the region.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul called Mercedes-Benz "outstanding corporate partners" and said the expansion represents a "wonderful opportunity" and "significant milestone."
Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts called the move a testament to the county’s business-friendly climate and infrastructure.
Metro Atlanta Chamber President & CEO Katie Kirkpatrick said the expansion further solidifies the region’s role as a hub for innovation and talent.
Big picture view:
The project is the result of collaboration between the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the City of Sandy Springs, Select Fulton, Georgia Power, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber. The state’s economic development leaders credited long-standing partnerships and recent infrastructure investments for attracting the continued Mercedes-Benz commitment.