Athens Dental Group

Athens Dental Group is a highly regarded dental practice located at 1520 Jennings Mill Rd STE A, Watkinsville, GA 30677, serving the communities of Watkinsville, Athens, Winder, Bethlehem, Jefferson, Winterville, Madison, and the wider Clarke and Oconee counties. The practice has a rich history, originally founded by Dr. Lawrence George in 1972, who was affectionately known as "the singing dentist." Dr. George built a legacy of patient-focused care, a tradition that is proudly continued by the current team, including Dr. Brant Sandifer and Dr. Drew Richardson, who took over clinical dentistry after Dr. George's retirement at the end of 2023. Drs. Sandifer and Richardson, lifelong friends, share a commitment to providing exceptional dental care. Athens Dental Group offers a wide range of dental services, encompassing general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Their general dentistry services include comprehensive exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings, emphasizing preventive care to maintain optimal oral health. For cosmetic enhancements, they provide teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and SureSmile® clear aligners to address discoloration, misalignment, chips, and gaps, helping patients achieve aesthetically pleasing smiles. In terms of restorative dentistry, they are proficient in dental implants, crowns (including same-day CEREC crowns), bridges, root canal therapy, and dentures, offering solutions for missing, damaged, or infected teeth. They also provide periodontal therapies and non-invasive treatment for snoring and TMJ disorders. A cornerstone of Athens Dental Group's philosophy is their patient-centered approach. They strive to build strong, trusting relationships with their patients, taking the time to understand individual needs, preferences, and medical histories. They are committed to providing a comfortable and friendly environment, addressing dental anxiety with various solutions. The practice prioritizes transparent communication, ensuring patients are well-informed about their treatment options to make educated decisions about their care. The practice heavily invests in modern dental technology to enhance patient experience and treatment outcomes. Key technologies include: CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics): This allows for the design, fabrication, and placement of high-quality porcelain dental crowns in a single visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns. Primescan and Omnicam: These are advanced intraoral scanners that create highly detailed digital impressions of the mouth, offering a more comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional physical molds. 3-D Printing: Used for crafting surgical guides for precise dental implant placement and custom oral appliances like mouthguards for bruxism or sleep apnea, significantly reducing wait times. Digital X-rays and CT Scanners: These provide detailed images for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning with reduced radiation exposure. Cavity Detection Systems and Soft Tissue Lasers: These aid in early detection of issues and provide gentler, more efficient treatments for gum disease. Athens Dental Group also emphasizes community involvement, with a history of long-standing relationships with patients, often treating multiple generations of families. Their team, many of whom have been with the practice for over a decade, contributes to the welcoming and familial atmosphere. While specific current community involvement beyond their dedicated patient care is not detailed on their primary website, their historical narrative highlights a practice deeply rooted in the Athens and Watkinsville community for over 50 years.