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Dentist Sandy Springs – Dr. Novy Scheinfeld, Prosthodontic Training by Emory University

ada picIt seems to be prevalent these days that most dentists are calling themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’, but there is no such specialty recognized by the ADA in dentistry.   And quite frankly, all dentistry is cosmetic.   I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth class in dental school.  Regardless of the ethics involved, the fact remains that the majority of dentists are general dentist, but portray themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’.   They all have undergraduate degrees with either a BA or BS and at least four years of dental school with either a DDS or a DMD as the result.  But not one of them has a ‘cosmetic specialty’ in dentistry.  Those dentists who choose to make the claim do so by virtue of deciding to focus on cosmetics in their general practices.

The American Dental Association (ADA) only has nine recognized post dental degree specialties and cosmetic dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advance training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate degree, these dentists receive additional certifications in their respective specialties, thus becoming what should be considered experts within their fields of dentistry.  These ADA specialties are:

Dental Public Heath, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Surgery, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and the least known, Prosthodontics.

According to a recent Forbes article, a Prosthodontist is the second rarest job in the United States. Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist has a dental specialty license pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Most dentists who make the claim of being cosmetic dentists take short continuing education courses and utilize trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontist is trained to do in their 3 years of post-graduate work.   The prosthodontist is trained at a university to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and the increasingly more common procedure of dental implants to ensure that the right smile is achieved, both functionally and aesthetically beautiful.  If anyone has a specialty in cosmetic dentistry, it would be the prosthodontist.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look for a prosthodontist.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Emory Trained Prosthodontist
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Sandy Springs: Skipping Your Cleanings Costs Money and Health

mature-female-smilingSince the early 2000’s, adults have been visiting the dentist less.[1]  And the Great Recession has only aggravated the trend.  We see it in our practice and know it is happening in our competitors’ practices as well.  The assumption is that the patient is saving money by extending the time between regular visits or by not going at all.  Not only is this assumption is wrong, but it costs patients their health as well as more money.

Patients who see their dentist on a regular basis save money in adjunctive health treatment.  New research by United Concordia shows that patients who visit their dentist on a regular basis not only improve their overall global health but by extension save in reduced medical costs as well.[2]

Dentists not only improve your smile and maintain your oral health, they improve your overall lives.  So if you’re thinking about putting off that dental appointment because it can wait, think again.

If we can be of assistance or can answer any of your questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Sandy Springs- Oral Cancer Awareness

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Oral ExamAnd according to The Oral Cancer Foundation, there are two distinct causes of oral cancer. One, is a result of the use of tobacco (and alcohol), a long time historic environmental cause, and the second is through the exposure to the virus HPV-16 (human papilloma virus version 16), and apparently the same virus responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women.  And a small number (under 5 %) of people acquire oral cancers from currently unidentifiable cause, presumably caused by some genetic predisposition similar to other cancer causing agents.

While most think this is a rare form of cancer, oral cancer is diagnosed in about 100 individuals each day here in the US alone, and one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day.[1]  If you add the sub category of laryngeal throat cancers like Michael Douglas’, the rates of occurrence accounting for about 10,000 additional cases per year, then the death rate is significantly higher.   But these statistics can be drastically reduced when found at the early stages of development.  With early diagnosis, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 % survival rate.

Unfortunately, the majority of cases are found as late stage cancers and accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% within five years of diagnosis.  The reason for these late stage diagnoses is not because these cancers are hard to discover, rather it is because of a lack of public awareness.[2]  The American Dental Association states that only 60% of the US population sees a dentist every year, which leaves 40% to happenstance.    If heightened public awareness were coupled with a national program for screenings, diagnosis of oral cancers would yield early discovery by both medical and dental professionals.[3]

Ironically, it should be easier to obtain public compliance to oral cancer screenings, because:

  1. there is no invasive technique required to look for it,
  2.  no discomfort or pain involved, and
  3.  it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease.  (Realistically, it only costs about $40.00, usually 10 times less than a blood test at your annual physical.)

It is important that patients realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer about a filling, a crown, or a postponable cleaning, but actually an oral exam is a matter of life and death.  It’s important for patients and dentists to start a dialog today.  So when it comes to oral cancer and saving lives, these are primary responsibilities of the dental community.

The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer is early discovery.  And no group has a better opportunity to have an impact than members of the dental community.   If our practice can be of help we are offering free cancer screening during the month of April.

Some Research and statistics provided by: The Oral Cancer Foundation.  Kuper H, Adami HO, Boffetta P (June 2002). “Tobacco use, cancer causation and public health impact”. Journal of internal medicine 251 (6): 455–66. Seitz HK, Pöschl G, Simanowski UA (1998). “Alcohol and cancer”. Recent developments in alcoholism : an official publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism. “Screening for Oral Cancer”. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2004. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsoral.htm.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com


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Dentist Sandy Springs:Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Pregnant2Why is oral health care important during pregnancy? Because mothers with gum disease have a higher instance of preterm birth, a potentially serious pregnancy complication that may cause health concerns for the infant, typically due to low birth weight.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common form of gum disease known to develop in almost half of all pregnant women likely due to the change in hormones during the pregnancy.   With proper precautions, pregnancy gingivitis generally ends shortly after the birth of the child.  However, it should be monitored by a dentist periodically during pregnancy in order to prevent this form of gingivitis from progressing into more serious periodontitis, an advanced and irreversible form of gum disease that has been linked with preterm birth.

Pregnant mothers with periodontal diseaseare seven times more likely to go into preterm labor. Prostaglandin, a chemical found in oral bacteria, may induce labor.[1]  Also, high levels of prostaglandin have been found in the mouths of women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

The following guidelines were developed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)[2] in response to the growing concern surrounding oral health during pregnancy:

  • Oral Health Education – Counseling and early intervention by healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and dentists to provide expectant mothers with the tools and resources necessary to understand the importance of oral health care during pregnancy.
  • Oral Hygiene – Removing the bacterial plaque, which researchers have connected to preterm birth and low birth-weight babies, is essential. Using the correct brushing and flossing methods greatly increase the amount of plaque that is removed from the teeth and gums.
  • Fluoride – The American Dental Association recommends the use of toothpaste with fluoride by persons over the age of six.  Echoing their sentiment, the AAPD oral health guidelines advise the continued use of fluoridated toothpaste during pregnancy, and recommends the use of an over-the-counter alcohol-free fluoride rinse to help reduce the amount of plaque in the mouth.
  • Nutrition – Educating expectant mothers about proper diet and nutrition during pregnancy will limit unnecessary sugar intake and in turn, prevent plaque buildup.
  • Treating Existing Tooth Decay – Expectant mothers are encouraged to have existing tooth decay treated during their pregnancy, which experts believe is a completely safe practice during pregnancy. Restoring decayed teeth will help achieve oral health by removing the bacteria associated with tooth decay.
  • Transmission of Bacteria – Expectant mothers are discouraged from sharing food and utensils in order to prevent the transmission of the bacteria known to cause tooth decay.
  • Use of Xylitol Gum – Expectant mothers are encouraged to chew xylitol gum (four times a day) as research suggests that chewing this gum may decrease the rate of tooth decay in children.

And ALWAYS Talk to Your Dentist!

Women who are thinking about becoming pregnant may want to consider their oral health before becoming pregnant.[3]  If we can be of assistance or answer any of your questions please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Synthetic prostaglandins are used to induce childbirth or abortion.  www.En.wikipedia.org/wiki/prostaglandin

[3] Unfortunately,  research suggests, treating existing gum disease in pregnant women does not reduce the instance of preterm birth.  Despite this fact, experts insist that regular oral health care should continue throughout pregnancy.

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Dentist Sandy Springs: Cosmetic Dentistry is not a specialty!

Prosthodontics weekCosmetic dentistry is not an ADA-recognized specialty.  In order to be a recognized specialty a discipline must demonstrate 6 requirements, of which in pertinent part,

[t]he specialty must document scientifically, by valid and reliable statistical evidence/studies, that it: (a) actively contributes to new knowledge in the field; (b) actively contributes to professional education; (c) actively contributes to research needs of the profession; and (d) provides oral health services for the public; all of which are currently not being met by general practitioners or dental specialists.[1]

These requirements as they relate to a post-graduate dental degree are fulfilled by the specialty in prosthodontics.  So the next time you read about a dentist claiming to be a ‘cosmetic dentist’, you need question by ‘who’s’ authority or recognition does he or she make that claim, because it doesn’t exist[2].

Prosthodontists make up less than 2% of all the dentists in the United States.  Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University trained prosthodontist and has practiced in metro Atlanta since 1988.  Go with a “PRO”.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] ADA News November 5, 2012, Pg. 27.

[2] This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetic_dentistry

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Dentist Sandy Springs: How to Find a Quality Dentist

GMOMFinding the right dentist:

1.  Searching the internet is probably the number one method used to verify who your trusted family members, friends and co-workers recommend to you.  If you search the internet, look for the number of reviews (20 or 450 reviews) and the timeliness of the reviews (i.e. how current are they).

2.  Some suggest you ask your family doctor, but in today’s world a) your doctor can’t be reached and b) he really doesn’t have a clue, so forget that route.

3.  Contacting your local or state dental society for a referral will probably be a waste of time, but if you are going to go that route, my associate of 20+ years in the current President of the Georgia Dental Association.   Look him up, Dr. Sidney Tourial.  Search the Internet or look under “dentists” or “associations” for the dental society nearest you.

4.  Call your nearest dental school clinic.  Really, that’s about as good as calling your doctor.

5.  Consult the American Dental Association’s member directory.  I guess, but almost every dentist belongs to the ADA.  So how do you distinguish among the 170,000 dentists in the U.S.?

6.  Ask your current dentist for a referral if you are moving to a new area.  That actually makes sense.  Ask him or her if they wouldn’t mind checking out a few names you have narrowed it down to.

What to Look For in a Dentist:

7.  How long have they been in business?  We’ve been in business since I graduated my prosthodontics residency from Emory University in 1988.

8.  Determine how accessible the dentist is: Is his or her office near your home or job? If you work, somewhere between home and near work seem to make the most sense.

9.  How hard is it to get the appointment times you need to fit into your work schedule or other members of your family’s schedule?

10. Survey the office to make sure it is clean and well-kept. We offer complimentary (free) consultations, so it doesn’t cost you anything to look at the office and our staff.

11.  Look for pleasant, respectful interactions between dentist and staff.  Again, we offer free consultations, so it cost you nothing to check us out.

12.  Consult with the dentist about your dental history and problems, and decide whether you like the way he or she explains preventive measures and treatments.  Realistically, we are going to be on our best behavior, but again realistically, how many group practices have associates for 20+ years who are the President of the GDA?  My other associate practiced with us for 14 years until his passing.  And my newest associate has practiced for 20 years.

13.  Ask about fees, payment and insurance plans. We both want to know about each other.  I want to know what your expectations and circumstances are and you want to know whether or not I am delivering a service that you value and trust.

14.  Find out whether your dentist provides a way for you to receive emergency, after-hours care.  Of course we do.  We give out our cell phones.

15.  Ask what sorts of continuing education he or she has pursued to keep up with new developments in dentistry.  Quite frankly, I am a prosthodontist, and there only 3200 prosthodontist out of 170,000 dentists in the country.  It’s a pretty rigorous post graduate program and very few dentists choose to put themselves through the process.  I am constantly taking courses and attending study groups to either validate what I am doing or learn new techniques.

If we can be of service or answer any of questions please feel free to contact us.  Also, visit our website.  It’s long and what some say wordy, but we are attempting to be informative and put in writing as much as one can tolerate on the internet.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Scheinfeld, Tourial & Lubell

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com


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Dentist Sandy Springs: Teeth Whitening

mature womanI’m not happy with the yellow on my teeth. How can I safely whiten them?

There are three ways that you can whiten your teeth:

•In-office bleaching, supplemented with,

•At-home bleaching

•Whitening toothpastes

The first thing you should do before whitening your teeth is talk to your dentist. He or she will be able to help you decide the best option for you. Whiteners will not fix all kinds of stains. Also, if you have bonding or tooth-colored fillings, these will not be affected by whiteners and they may stand out if you whiten your teeth. Remember that using a whitener does not make your mouth healthier.

In-office bleaching.

This kind of whitening, called “chairside bleaching,” is done in your dentist’s office. It may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 1 to 2 hours. During chairside bleaching, the dentist puts a whitener on the teeth and uses a special light to make the whitener work. Lasers are sometimes used during tooth whitening to make the whitening agent work better.

At-home bleaching.

There are a few different products that can be used to whiten teeth at home. Some come from your dentist, and others can be bought over-the-counter. These contain peroxide(s), which bleach the tooth enamel. Most come in a gel and are placed in a mouth tray that fits over your teeth.  These gels are designed to help many types of staining. Only the dentist-dispensed solutions have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.

Other over-the-counter whitening products include whitening strips, paint-on products, gels, and trays are available with a low amount of peroxide.  For better results, have a cleaning at the dentist before you use these products. These gels and trays do not have the ADA seal.

Whitening toothpastes.

All toothpastes help remove surface stains through mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes that have the ADA seal have special polishing agents or chemicals that remove even more stains. Unlike bleaches, these products do not change the actual color of teeth. They help remove surface stains only.

A small disclaimer is that these products can make your teeth temporarily more sensitive. They can also bother your gums. These side effects most often go away after you stop using the product.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com


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Dentist Sandy Springs: Public Perception of Oral Health Care

ToothbrushPerception and reality of oral health as it relates to one’s global health are as misaligned as teeth in Great Britain.  The American Dental Association, in collaboration with Crest and Oral-B conducted a national public opinion survey of 1,000 Americans age 18 and older[1] on oral health care.

Here are some of their findings:[2]

  1. While eight of 10 Americans say taking care of one’s mouth, teeth and gums is “absolutely needed,” only one-third of them say they do an “excellent” job  taking care of them.
  2. One parent in four says his or her kids do only a “fair” or “poor” job taking care of their own mouth, teeth and gums.
  3. Americans deem the smile the most important physical attribute but do not realize a beautiful smile is not always a healthy smile and can mask underlying oral health problems.  More than one in three Americans say:
  • They think a little bleeding from brushing is normal (33%), yet it’s not.  It could be a sign of gum disease or something even worse.
  • They are unaware that periodontal disease needs to be treated and cannot be left alone (33%).
  • They don’t know that poor oral health has been associated with serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes (37%).

It’s apparent and disappointing that Americans in these segments of the population need continued oral health education beyond high school.   One of the difficulties dentists face is a failure of our education system to bridge the gap where parental responsibility lacks in teaching children the value and relationship of oral health to their global health[3].

If we can answer any of your questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] Apparently with emphasis on African Americans, Hispanics and low-income Americans.

[2] http://www.crest.com/ada-webcast/pressrelease.pdf. Conducted by GFK Roper Public Affairs & Media, 2008

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Dentist Sandy Springs: Seniors Can Keep Their Teeth for a Lifetime

Mature woman smilingSurveys by the American Dental Association and Oral B® reveal that 7 in 10 respondents 65 years of age and older visit their dentist at least once a year and almost all said they believe that healthy teeth and gums are important. It’s great to know that seniors are concerned about their oral health, because dental needs change as we age.

Unfortunately, cavities are not just for kids.  All throughout our lives, carbohydrate-containing foods team up with bacteria in the mouth to produce cavity-forming acids.  Seniors often have receding gums that expose the sensitive roots of the teeth to cavities.[1]  These cavities should be filled as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the teeth.  Seniors should try to brush teeth 2-3 times a day and floss at least once daily.  To reduce the risk of cavities, it is recommended to use fluoride toothpaste and a mouth-rinse containing fluoride.[2]

Periodontal disease or gum disease is the main reason people lose their teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a bacterial film that continuously forms around the teeth. Although gum disease is often painless until it is very advanced, some signs of gum disease include: bleeding gums after eating or brushing your teeth, persistent bad breath; swollen gums; loose teeth; a change in the fit of partial dentures; or permanent tooth loss.

The effects of gum disease become cumulative as we age.  And as much you participate in maintaining a healthy mouth, only your dentist or hygienist can clean the plaque and tartar under the gum line to help reduce the damage of gum disease. As with cavity prevention, daily brushing and flossing are essential. Regular dental cleanings and dental exams are important. Seniors with gum disease should see their dentist 3-4 times a year, regardless of your insurance coverage.

Seniors who have worn dentures for many years may find that they don’t seem to fit as well anymore. Loose dentures make it difficult to eat and speak (they seem to make a “clacking” noise), and do not support the face as well.  This is going to be a result of bone recession.  Your dentist can sometimes remedy the problem by relining the denture, but a new denture should be made every 5-7 years, or when the dentures cannot be used comfortably.

If we can be of help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

[1] Check on the tongue side of teeth and look for a receding gum line.  Or has the gum that used to fill the gap between your teeth opened to the point that now there’s a dark void between your teeth.  These are signs of your gum recession.

[2] In addition, you’re really not to old to have sealants painted on your teeth.


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Dentist East Cobb: Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be

Angelina-Jolie-pregnantExpecting a baby is a very exciting time, and you’re already on the right path if you’re staying on top of your dental health. With the proper dental care measures, you’ll increase your chances of having a smoother pregnancy, full-term delivery and healthy baby.

If you’re planning to get pregnant, consider having your teeth cleaned and any restorative dental treatment done first. If you are already pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist before getting any work done. You should also have a dental checkup at least once during the pregnancy. Although dental cleanings aren’t harmful, it’s recommended that expecting mothers get them done during the second trimester to reduce the risk of complications.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it’s best to postpone dental work during the first and third trimesters as well, as these are critical periods for the baby’s development. Your dentist will let you know what dental treatments can be performed during the second trimester, but more complicated procedures will probably be postponed, if possible. Unnecessary treatments, such as cosmetic dental work, should be avoided altogether.

If you do have an unexpected dental problem or emergency, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will look for signs of infection and determine the need for treatment. Dental X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, but if photos are necessary, your dentist will take extra precautions to protect your baby.

Just as dental health is connected to your overall health, dental care is important to the health of your unborn baby. It’s extremely important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as some dental problems can increase the risk of complications.

The best advice is to make sure your dentist is part of your baby’s pre-natal care team from the beginning.  If we can answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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