Cosmetic Dentistry Q & A

Dr. Ed Trizzino is a board-certified dentist who provides passionate, top-quality general and cosmetic dental care in a warm and welcoming environment to patients of all ages at Smiles of Atlanta, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Smiles of Atlanta is proud to serve the dental needs of Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Cummings, Buckhead, Milton, Brookhaven, Tucker, Woodstock, Duluth, Acworth, Suwanee, Canton and Norcross.
Whether receiving crowns or a routine examination, patients appreciate Dr. Trizzino’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail. These traits result in restorations that routinely outperform the national averages. This longevity results in a sound return on your dental investment.
Dr. Trizzino’s commitment to his patients doesn’t stop at providing long-lasting, high-quality restorations. He believes that the key to having healthy teeth that last a lifetime is educating his patients about the importance of preventive care. Good systemic (total body) health provides the best chance to maintain great oral health. Nutritional and stress management are routinely discussed. Dr. Trizzino is so committed to excellence that he schedules only one patient at a time, allowing his complete attention to only your needs. This is in contrast to dentists using three or more rooms filled with multiple patients at the same time. Dr. Trizzino has been using mercury-free restorations for over 25 years.

Dr. Trizzino has completed thousands of hours of continuing education and is skilled in the most advanced concepts and technologies available. He is revered for his expertise in cosmetic dentistry and has taught cosmetic veneer courses for a major dental company. His commitment to excellence was evident even in dental school. At Emory School of Dentistry, he graduated fourth in a class of one hundred students. Based on his commitment to excellence during his time at Emory, he was accepted into the Dental Honor Fraternity, OKU.

What is candida?

Candida is a yeast infection that develops inside of your mouth. It causes white or yellow bumps to form on the inside of your cheeks and on the tongue. In most cases, candida responds to antifungal medication. Even so, if you have a medical condition that affects your immune system, you’re more likely to experience potentially serious complications.

What are the symptoms of candida?

Symptoms of candida include:
- White or yellow bumps inside your mouth
- Soreness or burning in your mouth
- Cracked skin at the edges of your mouth
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing

As the condition gets worse, you might also feel like there are cotton balls in your mouth.

What causes candida?

Everyone has some candida in their mouth. Good bacteria help manage its growth and keep it under control. If your immune system stops working, the balance of microorganisms in your body is disrupted. That may cause candida to grow out of control, resulting in uncomfortable side effects.

Other factors that increase your risk of candida include underlying medical issues like diabetes, leukemia, and HIV.

Is candida contagious?

If you have a candida infection and kiss someone, it’s possible to pass it on to them. It’s also possible to spread candida through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. That’s why treatment is so important. If you suspect you might have a fungal infection, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center right away.

How is candida diagnosed?

At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses candida with the OraRisk® Candida Test by Oral DNA® Labs. The test can identify more than 10 types of oral candida, including those resistant to standard antifungal treatments.

How does a candida test work?

A candida test takes less than five minutes. First, Dr. Sedghizadeh asks you to open your mouth. Then, he collects a sample of saliva from the inside of your cheeks. Dr. Sedghizadeh sends your sample to an Oral DNA Labs facility. Technicians at the lab analyze your sample for the presence of candida.

After Dr. Sedghizadeh receives the results of your test, he develops a custom treatment plan that prevents the infection from spreading while encouraging your body’s natural healing process.

To see if you can benefit from a candida test, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center by calling the office or booking online today.

What is HSV?

Herpes simplex is a common virus spread through direct contact with others. At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh treats both types of HSV:

HSV-1

HSV-1 is the most common type of herpes simplex. In fact, it affects between 50-80% of adults. This type of HSV spreads through kissing or oral sex.

HSV-2

HSV-2 occurs in about one of every six people. It’s spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

What are the symptoms of HSV?

HSV causes blisters to form on various parts of your body, like the mouth, genitals, or rectum. Herpes blisters easily break and leave behind tender, painful sores.

You might have HSV and not realize it. That’s because the virus can remain dormant for months or even years. Many people only experience outbreaks on occasion, as a result of external factors, like fatigue, illness, menstruation, or stress.

When should I see a pathologist about HSV?

Make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center if you experience any herpes-related symptoms, like small, painful blisters in or around your mouth. That’s especially true if you’ve had sex with someone you know has the herpes simplex virus.

How is HSV diagnosed?

At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses HSV using the OraRisk® HSV Test manufactured by Oral DNA® Labs. OraRisk is unique in that it can detect “shed virus” in your saliva specific to active infections or outbreaks. 

During the test, Dr. Sedghizadeh has you open your mouth and collects a sample of saliva. Then, he sends your sample to the Oral DNA Labs facility that analyzes it for the presence of viral proteins. 

If your test comes back positive, Dr. Sedghizadeh develops a custom treatment plan that reduces the frequency of flare-ups and relieves uncomfortable symptoms.

Is there a cure for HSV?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for HSV. Even so, there are a variety of prescription medications that can relieve your symptoms and shorten the healing time between outbreaks. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Sedghizadeh might recommend Famvir®, Zovirax®, or Valtrex®. 

To request an HSV testing appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, call the office or book online today.

What are periodontal pathogens?

Periodontal pathogens are organisms like viruses and bacteria that attack and destroy your gum tissue. Your mouth hosts more than 700 different types of bacteria. Some defend against harmful invaders, and others increase your risk of more serious medical conditions.

By identifying potentially harmful periodontal pathogens early on, it’s possible to treat them and reduce the risk of complications. At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh uses advanced diagnostics, like DNA testing, to diagnose and treat periodontal pathogens.

What are the symptoms of periodontal pathogens?

Symptoms of periodontal pathogens may include:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Spaces between your teeth
- A change in your bite

As the pathogens spread and your gums recede, you might also experience loose teeth. 

When should I see a specialist about periodontal pathogens?

If you experience any symptoms of gum disease, it’s essential to make an appointment with Dr. Sedghizadeh. The sooner he identifies the pathogens responsible, the sooner he’s able to develop a custom treatment plan that minimizes uncomfortable symptoms, helping you feel better.

How are periodontal pathogens diagnosed?

At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses periodontal pathogens with MyPerioPath®, a test developed by Oral DNA® Labs. MyPerioPath is the most popular test for identifying oral pathogens responsible for gum disease and other systemic medical issues. 

MyPerioPath tests for more than a dozen low risk, moderate risk, and high risk pathogens. After Dr. Sedghizadeh receives the results of your test, he develops a personalized treatment plan that eliminates the harmful pathogens, restoring your mouth to optimal health.

What does a MyPerioPath test involve?

Undergoing a MyPerioPath test takes less than five minutes. Dr. Sedghizadeh has you open your mouth and collects a sample of your saliva. Then, he sends your sample to the Oral DNA Labs laboratory that analyzes it for the presence of periodontal pathogens. Most people receive the results of their test within 5-7 days*.

What can I do to keep my gums healthy?

The easiest way to keep your gums healthy is to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Sedghizadeh recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. 

If you’re interested in getting tested for periodontal pathogens, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

*Individual results may vary.

What is HPV?

HPV is a viral infection spread through sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact. There are dozens of strains of HPV. Some are harmless; others increase your risk of certain types of cancer. 

Thanks to advances in DNA testing, it’s now possible to identify the various strains of HPV and determine if they’re low or high risk. After Dr. Sedghizadeh determines the type of HPV you have, he can develop a custom treatment plan that includes routine preventive screenings, dental cleanings, and healthy lifestyle changes.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Symptoms of HPV include:
- Genital warts
- Plantar warts
- Common warts
- Flat warts

If you experience warts in and around your mouth, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center right away.

How does an HPV infection occur?

An HPV infection occurs when the virus enters your body through a cut or a small tear in your skin. The virus can also spread through bodily fluids exchanged during oral or vaginal sex.

Over time, the virus builds up in your body, causing warts to form. Warts are contagious and spread through direct contact, like touch.

How are HPV low and high risk diagnosed?

At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses HPV low and high risk with the OralRisk® HPV test from Oral DNA® Labs. The OralRisk HPV test can identify all 51 types of oral HPV. 

Diagnosing oral HPV in its early stages is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of oral cancer. After making a diagnosis, Dr. Sedghizadeh develops a custom treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes, routine checkups, and regular dental cleanings.

What does getting an OralRisk HPV test involve?

Getting an OralRisk HPV test takes less than five minutes. Dr. Sedghizadeh asks you to open your mouth and collects a sample of your saliva. Then, he sends it to Oral DNA Labs for analysis. Technicians at the lab identify the type (or types) of HPV you have and provide Oral Medicine & Pathology Center with the results.

Dr. Sedghizadeh uses your results to make recommendations for treatment.

If you want to get tested for HPV low and high risk, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.