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!
770-691-5051
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Construction on PATH400, a 12-foot-wide path along the east side of Ga. 400 connecting Central Perimeter to Buckhead and the Atlanta Beltline, is making progress in Sandy Springs.Sandy Springs residents and commuters along Ga. 400 can already see where the northern and southern limits of the path will go. Because of protections for an endangered bat species that roosts near Nancy Creek, contractors were required to remove trees before March 31 to avoid delays with a ban on tree clearing until fall.The...
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Construction on PATH400, a 12-foot-wide path along the east side of Ga. 400 connecting Central Perimeter to Buckhead and the Atlanta Beltline, is making progress in Sandy Springs.
Sandy Springs residents and commuters along Ga. 400 can already see where the northern and southern limits of the path will go. Because of protections for an endangered bat species that roosts near Nancy Creek, contractors were required to remove trees before March 31 to avoid delays with a ban on tree clearing until fall.
The first and third segments of the trail through southern Sandy Springs are expected to be completed by January 2028.
In early November, there are construction crews working on both sides of Nancy Creek at Windsor Parkway and Starlight Drive, already pouring concrete molds for an expansive bridge.
The first segment is from the Atlanta-Sandy Springs border north to Windsor Parkway in Sandy Springs. The third segment is from Ridgeview Middle School to the Ga. 400 and I-285 interchange, where the trail will connect into Peachtree Dunwoody Road in Central Perimeter.
The Sandy Springs City Council approved a contract extension with Heath & Lineback at its Nov. 4 meeting, securing the firm’s engineering services through the end of 2027.
The current contract totals just under $2.43 million, and the requested time extension does not change its value.
Public Works Director Marty Martin said the extension was needed because of four approved cost increases, included in the contract total.
“The original contract between the city and Heath & Lineback executed in 2018 included a contract time of 24 months,” Martin said. “Those subsequent task orders did not necessarily address or did not address time as they probably ought to have.”
The election night meeting lasted six minutes with no discussion among elected officials.
The $20.1 million construction contract for segments one and three, and other project costs, are primarily funded by the federal government. The city is using its share of revenue from the county’s local option sales tax for transportation to fund the local match.
The total cost of the PATH400 extension project in Sandy Springs is estimated to be around $40 million.
More than a decade in the making, the PATH400 trail is designed to be a green corridor along the state highway from Buckhead’s border with Midtown Atlanta to the city’s northern city limits.
In September, officials from the City of Atlanta and nonprofit Livable Buckhead celebrated the opening of a section of PATH400 from Wieuca Road to Loridans Drive.
The path will continue north on the east side of Ga. 400 after a switchback underneath the Loridans bridge.
Atlanta is funding construction of the 12-foot-wide multi-use trail from Loridans Drive to just south of Nancy Creek at its city limits and has also begun construction.
Sandy Springs is then building the path’s bridge over Nancy Creek to Windsor Parkway and another segment from Ridgeview Park to Johnson Ferry Road.
In early November, a city spokesperson told Appen Media construction efforts are focused on building bridges and walls.
“These activities are concentrated in two primary locations: from the city limit south of Nancy Creek to Windsor Parkway and at the Glenridge Connector,” the spokesperson said. “These improvements are critical to ensuring safe and continuous passage along the trail.”
The bridge over Nancy Creek, the most expensive part of the project, will be 400 feet long and 50 feet over the creek.
The city spokesperson said the bridge fencing will be similar to the aesthetics of the Pitts Road and Roberts Drive bridges over Ga. 400.
Sandy Springs received $18 million in May for final design and construction of the middle segment to form a connected path. The city is setting aside an estimated $5.75 million for its local match for construction.
The spokesperson said the city had recently received bids for the construction of the middle segment between Windsor Parkway and Ridgeview Middle School.
“The bids are currently under review with staff preparing a recommendation for the contract award,” the spokesperson said. “Segment 2 should start construction in the summer of 2026 with a duration of three years.”
Before anything moves forward, the Sandy Springs City Council will need to approve a construction contract. Then, the Georgia Department of Transportation will need to sign off.
All three segments of the 2.3-mile extension of PATH400 are expected to be completed by summer 2029.
At that point, people could ride a bike from Sandy Springs and Dunwoody to downtown Atlanta and the Beltline.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority will decide whether to allow Summit Coffee to lease and operate the Williams Payne House during its Oct. 21 meeting.The Williams Payne House is a two-story 19th-century home in the heart of the City Springs downtown district that was previously used as a museum and event space. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the building has sat vacant, overlooking a large public green space at Heritage Sandy Springs.The Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority, created in ...
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority will decide whether to allow Summit Coffee to lease and operate the Williams Payne House during its Oct. 21 meeting.
The Williams Payne House is a two-story 19th-century home in the heart of the City Springs downtown district that was previously used as a museum and event space. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the building has sat vacant, overlooking a large public green space at Heritage Sandy Springs.
The Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority, created in 2006, is composed of council members and serves as a financing and ownership partner for major city developments like City Springs.
Following the 6 p.m. Public Facilities Authority meeting, Sandy Springs officials are set to meet for a regularly scheduled City Council meeting. A previously scheduled work session was cancelled. All meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall, 1 Galambos Way.
To view the meetings' agendas, click here.
To livestream or watch the meetings, click here.
Last summer, Sandy Springs made it a priority to find an operator to reinvigorate the historical Williams Payne House at Hilderbrand Drive and Sandy Springs Circle.
After two unsuccessful attempts to find a commercial operator, the city hired a brokerage firm, which narrowed down a list of more than 30 interested tenants.
The recommended operator, Summit Coffee, has been in business since 1998 and has 20 locations across three states, including four in Metro Atlanta.
The 10-year lease totals $528,066, starting at $28 per square foot in 2026. The city expects the coffee shop to add vibrancy at City Springs, while generating some returns for city taxpayers.
The Public Facilities Authority will also consider a $2.17 million contract with Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung for the design and engineering of two Fire Station rebuilds and one renovation.
During the City Council's regularly scheduled meeting, elected officials will decide whether to accept Georgia Power's estimate of $905,000 to reroute aerial power lines underground along Hammond Drive from Boylston to Glenridge drives as a part of the major roadway project set to begin next year.
Staff says the city needs to accept a non-binding cost estimate before Georgia Power can proceed with design. While removing overhead power lines helps maintain the corridor's aesthetics, it's unclear exactly how the city will proceed with utilities for the Hammond Drive widening and realignment project.
Another agreement between the city and Georgia Power, which is set for approval, allows the renovation of the Morgan Falls Dog Park.
The Sandy Springs City Council is also set to accept an additional $1.38 million for PATH400 construction, bringing the total cost of the first and third segments to around $22 million. The new funding requires a local match of just under $400,000.
In other business, the city will consider accepting $2.8 million in federal funding for a multi-use path on the west side of Holcomb Bridge Road, which will eventually connect to Spalding Drive, Roswell's Crooked Creek Trail and the Chattahoochee River.
The Sandy Springs Foundation, in proud partnership with the City of Sandy Springs, invites you to Celebrate Sandy Springs - 20th Anniversary party - an unforgettable evening of community, culture, and celebration. Enjoy a festive evening featuring gourmet food, signature cocktails, live entertainment, special guests, and a silent auction with exclusive travel getaways, VIP city experiences, fine art, jewelry, premier dining packages, raffle prizes, and more.Raffle: $100 buys ...
The Sandy Springs Foundation, in proud partnership with the City of Sandy Springs, invites you to Celebrate Sandy Springs - 20th Anniversary party - an unforgettable evening of community, culture, and celebration. Enjoy a festive evening featuring gourmet food, signature cocktails, live entertainment, special guests, and a silent auction with exclusive travel getaways, VIP city experiences, fine art, jewelry, premier dining packages, raffle prizes, and more.
Raffle: $100 buys a chance for a 7-night stay for 2 in Bali, Kauai, Costa del Sol or other exciting destinations. How about a $5,000 custom jewelry piece? The more tickets you buy, the better your odds. Drawing on October 9th. You do not need to attend the event to win!
Online Auction: The auction is filled with exclusive experiences, travel, and items from businesses connected to Sandy Springs. Preview these exceptional packages and register to bid today. The online auction is open to everyone — an event ticket is not required to participate, bid, and win. Bidding opens October 1.
Dress is cocktail attire. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, to purchase event or raffle tickets, or to bid on auction items, please visit givebutter.com/SS20th
This is the party of the year – you don’t want to miss it. Secure your tickets today before they sell out!
About the Sandy Springs Foundation: The Sandy Springs Foundation enriches the culture of Sandy Springs by supporting events and programs that celebrate creativity and foster community spirit. Through fundraising and collaboration, the Foundation ensures that the city’s cultural heartbeat continues to grow stronger—one celebration at a time. For more information about the Foundation please visit sandyspringsfoundation.org.