Posts tagged ‘Dental implant’

May 2, 2012

Dentist Acworth: Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be

Expecting 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

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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April 18, 2012

Dentist Woodstock: How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The cost of dental bridges varies depending on the type of bridge and complexity of the bridge required[1], the expertise of your dentist and the area of town in which the procedure is performed. Typically a dental bridge cost ranges from $900-1400 per tooth. Dental insurance will typically pay a percentage of the fee, usually half, depending on the individual dental plan.

It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge (depending on the type selected) depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis.  With proper care a dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

If you’re a new patient, there’s often an initial office visit ($65-$102) and X-rays ($85-$135).  One must not forget that there are additional costs that contribute to the overall price involved in dental bridges, aside from the material and type of bridge chosen which are beyond the patient’s control.  The cost above does not include the costs for any anchoring on either side of the bridge.  So a 3 unit bridge could cost around $3,500 to $5,000.  A large share of undervalued costs goes toward the treatment itself, lab and production costs for the bridge, aftercare and the like.

Dental care on a whole is often considered expensive.  And depending upon the general wear and tear a bridge is exposed to and how well you keep your teeth free of plaque, it could last indefinitely.  With somewhere between 10 and indefinitely, the investment becomes rather modest, if not inexpensive.

In the alternative, if the cost escalates, you might want to consider a single dental implant with a cost of around $4000 to $6000.[2]  The benefit on an implant over your lifetime could be less expensive than a bridge and is the more natural state of the art replacement of a missing tooth.   If we can be of service or answer any of your questions please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

770-928-7281

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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[1] Is should be noted that both location of the missing tooth, the number of teeth involved or missing or whether there are virgin teeth or repaired teeth in front or behind the missing teeth come into play in the decision making process.

[2] The recommended standard of care for a single tooth missing is a single unit implant.  However, there are limiting factors, including insurance coverage that come into play in the decision making process.

April 17, 2012

Dentist Acworth: How Much Do Dental X-rays Cost?

A single dental x-ray would cost between $28-38. Four check-up or bitewing x-rays may cost between $60-80, and a full mouth series (18 x-rays) or panoramic x-ray would cost between $100-200. If it’s a new practice or mature one that is trying to build or rebuild its patient base, often the x-rays will bundled with an examination that ends up costing the patient virtually nothing.  Most dental insurance covers x-rays at 100%. It is usually considered a diagnostic or preventive service.

If you are a new patient, the dentist should recommend x-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify changes that may occur later.  They give your dentist a baseline of your present condition.  A new set of x-rays may be needed to help your dentist detect any new cavities, determine the status of your gum health or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth. If a previous dentist has any radiographs of you, your new dentist may ask you for copies of them.

We take four bitewings (which show us in between the back teeth to check for cavities).

Sometimes we take a full series of images (18 images or so…which show us cavities plus also shows us bone levels and nerve health).

A panoramic image is a single image of the entire upper and lower arch. This requires a different machine and can cost $125-175 or more. It shows the entire mouth on one image.

Many diseases of the oral cavity (which includes the teeth and surrounding tissues and bone) cannot be seen when the dentist examines your mouth.

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose or detect tooth decay, impacted teeth, jaw problems, abscessed (infected) teeth, or current filling placement.  An x-ray exam can help your dentist see the small areas of decay between the teeth and fillings; bone damage from a tooth infection or cyst; bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease; developmental defects; some types of tumors; the effects of trauma; and the position on unerupted teeth in children and adults.  Dental x-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, locate tarter build-up, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants.

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unneeded discomfort and help prevent more serious health problems.  A good dentist will tailor a treatment plan to your finances, altering the ideal treatment as much as possible to help you be able to afford it.  If we can be of help, please do hesitate to call, email or make an appointment to be seen.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road

Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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March 22, 2012

Dentist Acworth: Top 4 Reasons Not to play hooky from Your Dental Cleanings

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promotes good oral hygiene, but did you know these visits also screen for a multitude of diseases? Getting your teeth cleaned and having your doctor’s exam may not rank up there with an afternoon on the course or ditching work to enjoy a matinee, but it may be well worth it for your overall health. Here are 4 really great reasons to see your dentist for your regularly scheduled cleanings.

  1. It’s an opportunity to check for Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you’re screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning but you are. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It’s a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.
  2. Your gums are being checked for Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups along with daily brushing and flossing are key defenses against gum disease.
  3. Your overall health. Studies have linked heart attacks, diabetes detection and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene.  A trip to your dentist at least every 6 months and in some cases more often, could reduce your risk of other serious health issues.
  4. Early detection of Dental Problems. We’ve already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don’t overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular check-ups, undetected problems can lead to more serious issues like root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction.   An ounce of prevention verses a pound of cure.

So you haven’t been keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth.  That’s why check-ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.  If it’s been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today.  If we can be of any help or answer any questions please feel free to drop us a line.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC             

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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March 13, 2012

Dentist Woodstock: Dental X-ray Alert

The FDA safety communication advises dental professionals to avoid using certain hand-held dental x-ray units.  According to the FDA[1], these hand-held devices could expose the patient to unnecessary and potentially harmful X-rays.[2]  The units are sold online by manufacturers outside the U.S. and shipped directly to the dentist and have not been reviewed by the FDA and do not meet FDA radiation safety requirements.

If your dentist is using one of these devises to x-ray your mouth you need make a serious inquiry into whether or not the device has been approved by the FDA and corresponding state regulatory agencies.  You might want to consider a new dentist, asking yourself why your health care professional isn’t using a standard wall mounted unit.  Is your dentist trying to skirt the law and its requirements that attempt to insure your safety?

All of the units that have been cleared by the FDA bear a permanent certification label/tag, a warning label and identification label/tag on the unit.[3]  If not, then run.  You don’t want this dentist treating your oral healthcare needs.  There are too many ‘good’ dentists who truly care about your health.

The Washington State Department of Health alerted the FDA after tests on a device purchased online revealed it did not comply with X-ray performance standards. FDA is investigating and will continue to monitor the problem.[4]

For now questions can be directed to the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at DSMICA@FDA.HHS.GOV, 1-800-638-2041 or 1-301-796-7100.[5]  If we can be of service or answer any of questions feel free to call us or contact us via email.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC.

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com


[1] http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationSafety/AlertsandNotices/ucm291214.htm

[2] http://www.ada.org/news/6774.aspx

[3] http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationSafety/AlertsandNotices/ucm291214.htm

[4] http://www.ada.org/news/6774.aspx

[5] Id.

March 7, 2012

Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The cost of dental bridges varies depending on the type of bridge and complexity of the bridge required[1], the expertise of your dentist and the area of town in which the procedure is performed. Typically a dental bridge cost ranges from $900-1400 per tooth. Dental insurance will typically pay a percentage of the fee, usually half, depending on the individual dental plan.

It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge (depending on the type selected) depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis.  With proper care a dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

If you’re a new patient, there’s often an initial office visit ($65-$102) and X-rays ($85-$135).  One must not forget that there are additional costs that contribute to the overall price involved in dental bridges, aside from the material and type of bridge chosen which are beyond the patient’s control.  The cost above does not include the costs for any anchoring on either side of the bridge.  So a 3 unit bridge could cost around $1,800 to $2,600.  A large share of undervalued costs goes toward the treatment itself, lab and production costs for the bridge, aftercare and the like.

Dental care on a whole is often considered expensive.  And depending upon the general wear and tear a bridge is exposed to and how well you keep your teeth free of plaque, it could last indefinitely.  With somewhere between 10 and indefinitely, the investment becomes rather modest, if not inexpensive.

In the alternative, if the cost escalates, you might want to consider a single dental implant with a cost of around $4000 to $6000.[2]  The benefit on an implant over your lifetime could be less expensive than a bridge and is the more natural state of the art replacement of a missing tooth.   If we can be of service or answer any of your questions please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

770-928-7281

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

Related articles

 


[1] Is should be noted that both location of the missing tooth, the number of teeth involved or missing or whether there are virgin teeth or repaired teeth in front or behind the missing teeth come into play in the decision making process.

[2] The recommended standard of care for a single tooth missing is a single unit implant.  However, there are limiting factors, including insurance coverage that come into play in the decision making process.

March 5, 2012

Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much do Dental Crowns Cost?

Dental crowns cost anywhere between $900.00 and $1600.00 each depending on the tooth to being restored. In addition, the cost will vary depending on materials, complexity and the dentist’s training and experience and to some degree the location of the practice.  Insurance may pay part of a crown’s cost if it’s obviously needed for medical reasons, but usually crowns are covered only on a limited basis per year.  Depending on the customers’ needs and wishes, partial and full crowns made of various materials may be utilized.  Crowns are made of gold, porcelain, resin or porcelain-fused-to-non-precious-metal.  A tooth-shaped cap (the crown) covers the entire surface of a tooth, adding strength, durability and stability. This usually requires two office visits; first to prepare the tooth, make an impression and install a temporary crown. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory or manufactured in-house with the use of a CAD aided milling machine to create the permanent crown, which is installed during the second appointment.

There’s often an initial office visit ($65-$102) and X-rays ($85-$135).  One must not forget that there are additional costs that contribute to the overall price involved in crowns, aside from the material and type of crown chosen which are beyond the patient’s control.  A large share of undervalued costs goes toward the treatment itself, lab and production costs for the crown, aftercare and the like.

Dental care on a whole is often considered expensive, but with proper care a crown may last 10 or more years.  Depending upon the general wear and tear a crown is exposed to and how well you keep your teeth free of plaque, it could last indefinitely.  With somewhere between 10 and indefinitely, the investment becomes rather modest, if not inexpensive.

If we can be of service or answer any of your questions please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

770-928-7281

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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February 23, 2012

Dentist Woodstock: How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?

So you got a mailer coupon from a dentist that says they only charge $49.95 for a regular cleaning & $19.95 for an exam & x-ray.  Seems kind of a cheap gimmick?  And a lot of the times it might be.  It just depends of on the practice.  If it’s a mature practice you might want to question why they are giving away services.  Usually, it’s a loss leader.  Something they use to get you in and pressure you into other dental procedures.  If it’s a new practice, then providing discounted services is one of the few methods a new practice has to introduce itself to the surrounding community, no different than a new restaurant trying to showcase its menu.

Dental costs will vary widely. With respect to continuing care (on your next 6 month visit), a teeth cleaning really depends where you go and the quality of the practice you see.  The charge is going to be somewhere around $65 to $89, but it can be more if there’s a need to do a full mouth root scaling. Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings per year.  The exam is $45 to $55 and the 4 basic bite wing x-rays are around $59 to $72.  Depending on your insurance this might be covered anywhere from 60 to 100% after a small deductible is met.   Periodic X-rays ($32 -$135) are needed to see if any problems are developing inside the teeth or around the jaw bone, and are generally required before cleaning the teeth of a new patient (which is why some practices offer coupons to defray the initial cost of a first visit). These are also often covered by dental insurance.

The main goal of professional teeth cleaning is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss.  Dental hygiene is imperative, and cleaning your teeth is the first step toward their long term preservation.  In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist (working under a dentist’s supervision) removes soft plaque and hard tartar (mineralized plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed with professional instruments) from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process requires one office visit and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

The more extensive deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing is done by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) at a cost of about $100 -$400 per quadrant depending on the severity of the problem or $400 -$1,600 for the entire mouth, but more often than not, if the mouth is in such poor health the dentist will refer the patient out to a periodontist.   Most dental insurance includes these procedures.

Again, the goal is a healthy mouth which an integral part of your overall health.  Oh, and by the way, just because you had your teeth cleaned professionally, the jobs not done.  You have to do your part and brush and floss daily if you want to keep them.   If you have additional questions, feel free to email or call our office.  Our goal here is to create an informed patient.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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February 15, 2012

Dentist Acworth: How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The cost can vary depending on where you live and your needs.  Prosthodontists’ prices are typically between $900 to $3,500 per upper or lower arch.  While a general dentist fees are usually $300 to $1,200 per arch a good percentage of the time you get what you pay for.  A prosthodontist is specially trained to provide you with both a functional and esthetically pleasing denture.  This can be a painstaking job depending on the condition of your mouth’s bone structure.  So it’s not a matter of sticking a pair of slicks in your mouth and sending you off to eat corn on the cobb.  The proper fitting of a denture usually requires follow-up visits to determine the actual results after use in the mouth.  When properly fitted, dentures can provide a great smile with a very natural appearance.

In addition, with the advent of implants, many dentures can be implant supported such that your biting power is considerably increased. With implants supporting them, dentures may correct several problems, from speech to chewing, for many patients.  In addition to retarding bone loss, mouth irritation or sores may be avoided with implant supported dentures.  So when there are irritations they are usually caused by poor dental hygiene, and not removing your dentures when needed. It is common that your mouth changes over the life of your dentures, so even though they last long, as the bone structure changes they may need to be replaced to achieve a better fit before they are worn out.

The exact charge for dentures really depends on the type you need and type of dentist you choose to complete the procedure.  This is a procedure for which you should definitely research your dental insurance coverage and reputation of the dentist providing you with the care you need.   A portion of the cost is often covered.

Also, the use of denture creams is the sign of an improperly fitting denture.  If I have not answered your preliminary questions concerning dentures, do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Emory Trained Prosthodontist

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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February 15, 2012

Dentist Acworth: How much do dental implants cost?

First, be careful about half-price advertising.  If the implant is half-price, the dentist is probably cutting costs in the quality of what you are receiving. I think it’s Clark Howard that says “if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.”

That being said, if you are trying to figure out the ins and outs of  implants verses the older more conventional methods of tooth replacement, the cost of dental implantsat first blush may appear high, and therefore, unaffordable to most people.  But appearances can be deceiving if you examine the beneficial differences and the time involved by your specialist.  While I have written on those issues before, let’s explore other aspects of price and how different dental implants may differ very significantly depending on different factors.

The real concern for the patient is ‘where and how’ to find a low cost quality dental implant, and is most likely the driven adjective ‘low cost’ a result of the perception by the patient that teeth are utilitarian to their daily life.  That’s really not the case, but to put the cost into perspective, all the while considering that your teeth aren’t really as appreciated as much as they should be, let’s examine what goes into the cost of a dental implant.

4 Factors that Drive the Cost of Dental Implants:

The Material: The traditional materials – prices of cobalt-chromium alloy and titanium are not the same.  Implants from cobalt-chromium (CC) alloy rods are cheaper than comparable titanium implants, but when it comes to zirconium dioxide, then cost of a dental implant may appear to be cost prohibitive to the patient.  But, depending on where the implant is being placed, you may end up with a less than satisfactory result with the less expensive CC implant.

The Size: This case is a significant factor.  The bigger the implant, the more material, the more it costs, but also the more it may do.  Also, special coatings applied to the surface of the implant, contribute to better osseo-integration with the bone, will affect the cost of the dental implant.

The Manufacturer: Different manufacturers put different prices on similar rods made from the same material. Some manufacturers include some kind of an extra charge in the dental implant’s price for their brand name. This is a lot more esoteric and therefore harder to explain.   It’s like trying to explain the difference between Polo and Hanes T-shirts.

Finally, it may depend on where your dentist gets his implants from.  And this factor may be a function of how motivated your provider is in providing you with the best implant material for the least amount of cost to you.  Some of that may just end up being economies of scale by your provider.  Does your provider have contacts directly with manufactures in China or Israel, where the dental implant cost can be significantly reduced, while the indirect purchase of dental implants from U.S dental suppliers may ratchet up the price?

If the price is too good to be true?

The cost of an dental implant starts from around $1,500 up to $5,000.00 .  Anything less may be an indicator that you’re getting an inferior product or one not designed for a particular location in your mouth.  (Mini-plants, which I have discussed before, are the exception to the rule.)  Short term the implant device may appear to be fully functional.  But if we look at the cost and the cost of other materials for dental implants compared to their operational life, the difference may be likened to the difference between Toyo’s and Michelin tires.  Here again you may get what you pay for and the initial cost may appear affordable, but in the  long term you are going to get a better result with respect to how it functions and how long it lasts if your provider installs Michelins.

A lot of your choice and cost may depend on the choice of your provider.   It’s not to say the more you spend the better you will be.  Rather, a reputable practitioner, who is truly trained in the placement and restoration (and this may be two providers), may be a significant factor in what you end up with and what it costs.  Trust and reputation are the more difficult factors to define for the patient.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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