To earn a Fellowship Award, a dentist must earn a minimum of 500 approved continuing dental education credits and pass a comprehensive 400-question examination.  The dentist is required to be an AGD member for three continuous years.  While attaining Fellowship is a challenge, it allows dentists to remain current with what is new in dentistry, and to incorporate the latest research techniques into their practices.

Fellows of the AGD follow a lifelong pursuit of continuing education to provide the highest quality of dental care to patients.  The award symbolizes the professional responsibility of general dentists to remain current in their profession and reminds each member of the dental profession to continue to learn new techniques for their dental practice.  These are awards, however, and should not be confused with post-graduate degrees or certification.  Every dentist who applies for the Fellowship Award has their application reviewed by the AGD Council on Dental Education to assure that the high standards of the AGD are met.

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Trenton H. Buchanan, DMD, FAGD

Greystone Smile Design

Greystone Smile Design Blog

But, does the light actually do anything?

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Athletes lose approximately 5 million teeth every year making mouthpieces an essential piece of equipment for any sport. Mouthpieces may not only protect teeth and prevent concussions, but recent research shows some types may actually increase athletic performance. Read on for a review of mouthpieces and the science (or myth) behind performance enhancing mouthwear.

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Gum disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes loss of bone support surrounding the teeth.  The primary etiology consist of certain species of bacteria, while secondary factors include genetics, hormones, medications, smoking, alcohol, stress, diabetes, obesity, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, and poor diet. 

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An unbalanced bite may place teeth at a higher risk for poor performance and can cause unsightly changes to one’s smile.  Recognizing bite problems in the early stages increases the probability that teeth will remain esthetic, healthy, and function properly as one ages.  

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When a tooth is irreversibly infected, two options exist: 1) Save the tooth with a root canal, or 2) extract the tooth and place an implant, if desired.

So which is better?  Since some root canals fail, should I just go ahead and get the implant?  Or, why pay more money for an implant if I can save my tooth?

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Greystone Smile Design, a new state-of-the-art dental practice in the Greystone Cosmetic Center, is scheduled to open in November.  The office will consist of cosmetic, family, and pediatric dental procedures behind the expertise of Dr. Trent Buchanan and Dr. Tom Dudney.  Services include tooth-colored fillings, teeth whitening, veneers, children’s dentistry, implants, dentures, teeth cleanings, root canals, and more.  It truly will be an office for the entire family, and that’s something to smile about!

Dr. Buchanan is one of the most aspiring young dentists in the area.  He brings a wealth of knowledge in the fields of restorative dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and emergency treatment.  Dr. Buchanan recently completed the requirements for the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry and will be recognized for his accomplishments at the July 2010 meeting in New Orleans.  Requirements consisted of 500 hours of approved continuing dental education and successul completion of a written examination.  Of the 140,000 dentist in the United States, only approximately 13,000 have earned this impressive honor.

Dr. Dudney, the present program director for the California Center of Advanced Dental Studies, brings an impressive resume relating to cosmetic dentistry.  He has maintained a successful private practice in Alabaster for almost 30 years and was recently featured on The Rick and Bubba Show for the “Fix Mama’s Mouth – Ultimate Mother’s Day Makeover” and ABC 33/40’s Extreme Makeover.  Dr. Dudney’s patients rave about their extraordinary results, but they claim it’s his kindness and caring attitude that sets him apart.

Greystone Smile Design prides itself on impeccable affability, caring availability, and advanced technology to make going to the dentist much more pleasurable.  Below is a list of services that make this “not your average dental office”:

• Extended hours on nights and weekends for your busy schedule
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Limited warranty on all major procedures
• Flat screen TVs in each treatment room for your enjoyment
• Payment Plans to help you get the treatment you deserve
• An anesthetic reversal agent so you’re not numb all day
• Intra-oral cameras for a virtual tour of your mouth
• Invisalign to straighten teeth without braces
• A new bleaching technique that is predictable and permanent
• Digital x-rays to reduce exposure to radiation

The ultimate goal at Greystone Smile Design is optimal oral health for life and creating lasting relationships in the process.  To schedule an appointment, fill out the form above or call 205-433-9452.

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Greystone Smile Design

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Birmingham, Alabama Dentist