FAQ of the Right Smile Center

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of insurance does the practice take?
We will be happy to work with most dental insurance programs and process your forms at no charge. We will accept assignment of benefits for the portion covered by insurance and will help you make financial arrangements for your personal balance.

We are an out of network provider. Our business office staff will assist you in determining what portion of your treatment is covered by insurance. We will strive to help you obtain your maximum benefits by prompt and efficient processing of your claims. When questions arise regarding your insurance, please feel free to ask. Please bring your insurance card or papers on the first visit. We will help you in every way possible. Please understand that you are ultimately responsible for payment of all services. Should your insurance not cover what is predicted, you will be responsible to pay any uncovered portion.

Does the practice offer financing? 
We are sensitive to the financial concerns of our patients. Most dental insurance programs simply don’t cover some or all of the treatments you and your family may require. Drs. Scheinfeld, Tourial & Lubell has developed financing services that help meet these expenses. Speak to our patient services coordinator to find out how we can help develop solutions to your financial concerns so that you may receive the treatment that you need.

What are my payment options?
We accept most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover). For your convenience, we will also assist you with billing your insurance for your treatment plan at no additional cost to you.

If you have more financial questions…
Our Patient and Insurance Coordinator will be happy to answer any of your financial questions. She can be reached by calling our Sandy Springs, GA dentist’s office at 404-256-3620 . If you would like to contact her by email at info@rightsmilecenter.com.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Dentist Sandy Springs: Alert – Dental Insurance Code Bundling

Apparently, insurance companies are violating their third party payer agreements to reduce benefits to patients.  In order to use the ADA’s intellectual property, i.e. dental procedure codes, the insurance companies have to agree not to change the code’s nomenclature and description.  However, what is happening is your insurance companies are redefining submitted procedural codes with combined codes that pay you less benefit than you are entitled to.  This is called code bundling, which is designed by your insurance provider to reduce your benefits.

HIPAA requires that the procedure code reported on a claim be for effective service rendered on the date of submission.  Unfortunately, there is no effective way for dentists and their patients to enforce this requirement and the result is a misunderstanding created by insurance companies that suggests ‘it’s your dentist’s fault’.

The solution is patient push back for the coverage you’re entitled to.  Patients need to question, if not challenge the benefits they have paid for but have been denied.  And patients need to recognize that the contractual relationship is between you  and your insurance provider, not your dentist and your insurance provider.

Hopefully, this is a little helpful in understanding the difficulties of receiving your full insurance benefits.   If we can answer any of your concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200B

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

 

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

 

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Dentist Marietta: How much does it cost to have a tooth pulled?

The cost of a simple tooth extraction can range anywhere from $95 to $250 depending on whether the procedure is being performed by a dentist or a specialist known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  If the tooth is broken at the gum line, it will be considered a ‘surgical extraction’ and usually costs $150 to $300.  Extracting a wisdom tooth, which is usually done by an oral surgeon, can cost anywhere between $150 and $350, but if it’s a partially or completely impacted wisdom tooth then the cost could climb as high as $650.

The cost of the tooth extraction can be higher; for example, if the tooth disintegrates, it can take the dentist a while to get all of it out and the dentist may charge you extra if that happens.  Each patient and each tooth is unique.  It can be cookie cutter, but it doesn’t have to be.  The bottom line is the harder the tooth is to get out, the more it costs, hence the range.

For a soft tissue surgical extraction of a partially impacted tooth, an incision usually has to be made into the gums and once again the cost will increase to about $200 -$350; and for a partial bony extraction (the tooth has some bone covering it) expect to pay anywhere from $300 -$600.

The above fees often include a follow-up office visit to check healing or to remove sutures.  What should also be included is the understanding that a tooth is firmly encased in a bony socket and attached by a ligament.  The socket needs to be gently widened to allow the tooth to be removed; patients will feel pressure but not pain during this procedure. Sometimes a tooth is so firmly anchored that is has to be removed in sections.

Additional related fees, particularly with an oral surgeon may include an initial surgical consultation ($50 – $135), x-rays ($13 – $135) and sedation ($200 – $400 or more) if required.  Many dental insurance plans cover 70 percent to 80 percent of tooth extraction costs if the procedure is considered to be medically necessary and not done just for cosmetic reasons.

Typically, dental insurance permits only about $1,000 per year coverage so if there are other teeth needing to be extracted then the cost can escalate above the annual limit.  Because of the limited coverage that dental insurance provides, most people have come to realize that they don’t have much protection from the high cost of dental care with dental insurance alone.

Our goal is to help you understand a procedure which may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the tooth being pulled.  If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office or email us.  Consultations are always welcome and many times these procedures are accomplished in-house.

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 Dunwoody: How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The cost can vary depending on where you live and your needs.  A 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 cob.  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

 

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Dunwoody: How Much Does an Occlusal Guard Cost?

Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause serious damage to your teeth.  With so much at stake, it’s no wonder that grinders are willing to spend a lot of money on custom occlusal guards (or splints) to protect their valuable smile.  But how much is too much?   And exactly how much should an occlusal guard cost?

The reason this question is so important is because a) not everyone who grinds their teeth has dental insurance, and b) dental insurance doesn’t always cover a night guard for teeth grinding. In fact, in many cases, insurance pays up less than half the time – and not always for the full cost.  Most of the time, dental night guard cost is your cost.

The guard price varies by dentist, depending on the expertise of the dentist and their location.   In most cases, your dentist will take bite impressions in his or her office.  Taking a bite impression is a routine service that any competent dentist or dental hygienist should be able to perform.   A typical price for an acrylic occlusal night guard is about $300-400, but $500 or more is not uncommon.

Having the feeling of trust in your oral healthcare provider may also play a role in the decision process.  We generally don’t sell product as a goal.  Ethically, the more important factor in accessing your needs is what drives us to the decision of whether or not we recommend an occlusal guard for your care.  If we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to call or email us.

Scheinfeld, Tourial and Lubell

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Dentist Atlanta: 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.  However, 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 years 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

404-256-3620

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.

Dentist Atlanta: What [5] Questions Do Patients Ask About Dental Implants?

I read this article by Jim Du Molin and thought it might be interesting to readers and my patients.

 

We (I’m assuming Jim Du Molin) conducted a survey that asked dentists what questions dental patients ask when considering getting implants. It turns out that there’s a real difference between the questions dental implant patients do ask — and which questions they should be asking.

Dentists responded with the following . . .

The top 5 questions dental patients ask -                              

1. 1.      How much do dental implants cost?
2. 2.      How long do dental implants last?
3. 3.      Are implants painful?
4. 4.      How long will it take to get my new teeth?
5. 5.      Does dental insurance cover implant surgery?

Versus . . .

The top 5 questions dentists want patients to ask -

1. 1.      Am I a good candidate for implants?
2. 2.      What are the potential complications of dental implant therapy?
3. 3.      How much implant experience does the doctor have?
4. 4.      What is the healing time for my implants?
5. 5.      Can implants improve my appearance?

Many dental implant patients seem to have the same questions about dental implant therapy. Unfortunately, these questions aren’t necessarily the ones dentists think they should be asking.

The 2 main questions patients ask are -

1. 1.      How much do dental implants cost?
2. 2.      Will dental implant surgery be painful?

When dentists feel their very first question should be -

1. 1.      Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

There is really a disconnect between the doctor and patient. This really is no surprise, since patients are thinking about how they are going to pay for the implants, and whether the procedure will be painful.

But doctors can’t afford not to address the primary concerns of the patient first: cost and pain.

One dentist wrote, “Long term, when the conditions are favorable, proper bone density, height and width, proper biomechanical considerations, proper occlusal load. A dental implant is more cost effective over a 3 unit bridge. However, when the above conditions are not meet — the 3 unit bridge (with sufficient ferule, impressions taken with custom made tray and properly impressioned, properly articulated, preprosthetic endodontic treatment performed by an endodontist, core-restoration — not in composite) will be more cost effective (for the patient).”

If you would like to learn more about implants and your candidacy please call or email your question.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

 

Pasted from <http://www.thewealthydentist.com/blog/1509/survey-what-questions-do-patients-ask-about-dental-implants/>

 

 

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Dentist Atlanta: How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The cost can vary depending on where you live and your needs.  A 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 cob.  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

 

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Atlanta: How Much Do Teeth Cleanings 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 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.  The genuine intent is to build a relationship by showcasing the practice.

Dental costs will vary widely, depending on where you go and the quality of the practice you see.  With respect to continuing care (on your next 6 month visit), a teeth cleaning charge is going to range 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-$1,600for 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

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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Dentist Dunwoody: 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

404-256-3620

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.

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