Dentist Acworth: How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?

So you got a mailer coupon from a dentist that says they only charge $79.95 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.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Acworth: Teeth Whitening

More and more the esthetics of teeth are of great importance to patients, including tooth color.  The color of the teeth is influenced by a combination of their natural color and the presence of any external stains that may form on the tooth surface.   The type of natural stain and initial tooth color can play a significant role in the ultimate outcome of tooth bleaching.  Where oral health care used to be the primary function of a dentist, in the past 10 years the importance of tooth whitening for patients has seen a dramatic rise in the number of tooth whitening products and procedures to come onto the marketplace.  The relationship of the doctor and patient has changed.  And the demand by the consumer to kind of cookie cutter the results of esthetic dentistry is supplanting the traditional approach to oral health care.

There are a number of approaches to measuring tooth color changes following tooth whitening; each with their own advantages and disadvantages; and given the consumer’s demand for continued esthetic emphasis, tooth whitening will continue to demand further research and perfection.  The key factors that affect tooth whitening efficacy by peroxide containing products are a function of peroxide concentration, to a limited degree, light exposure and the allocation of application time.  In general, higher concentrations provide results faster than lower concentrations. While lower concentrations approach a similar degree of results as higher concentrations with extended treatment times, what appears to be a demand for immediate gratification by the consumer apparently drives a propensity to develop systems that deliver higher concentrations of peroxide with shorter application time periods.

Your smile is the first thing people notice. And our goal is to help you smile, but we want to make sure it’s the right smile, one that’s natural and comfortable for you.  If chipped, stained, or crooked teeth are “hiding” the real you, it’s time for what is commonly referred to as a smile make over. It is understood that a beautiful smile can brighten your lifestyle every day, both professionally and socially.  And unlike plastic surgery, teeth whitening isn’t a major operation.  Imagine coming in for a single appointment or two and emerging with the smile you’ve always wanted. The results are immediate and dramatic. There are many ways you can receive a youthful, attractive, natural looking smile.

You can be assured that as a prosthodontist, I understand the functional mechanics as well as the cosmetic artistry needed to evaluate and create the right smile for you. Your goals for achieving the smile you want and the dental health you need are my first priority in our Sandy Springs office.

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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Dentist Woodstock: Women and Your Oral Health

As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique and this includes your oral health needs. And because your needs are unique, you need to take extra care of yourself.  While women tend to take better care of their oral health than men do, women’s oral health is not significantly better than men’s.  This is because hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can affect many tissues, including gum tissue.  These fluctuations occur when you mature and change, as you do during puberty or menopause, or other times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation and particularly during pregnancy.

According to the Journal of Periodontology[1] at least 23 percent of women between the ages 30 to 54 have periodontitis.[2]  And, 44 percent of women ages 55 to 90 who still have their teeth have periodontitis.  Yet many women do not realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state, which is why regular hygiene check-ups are so important.

Stages of your life – steps to protect your oral health.

Puberty – an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, causes increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. Signs to look for in your teenage daughter are swollen, red and/or tender gums.[3]

It is particularly important during this time in your daughter’s life to make sure she follows a good at-home oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental care. In some cases, a dental professional may recommend periodontal therapy to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.[4]

Menstruation – can result in menstruation gingivitis.  Women with this condition may experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums and sores on the inside of the cheek. Menstruation gingivitis typically occurs right before a woman’s period and clears up once her period has started.  Sometimes it occurs concurrent with stressful situations and menstruation.

Pregnancy – increase gingivitis or pregnancy gingivitis beginning in the second or third month of pregnancy that increases in severity throughout the eighth month. During this time, some women may notice swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue.[5] As a result of varying hormone levels, between 50%-70% of women will develop gingivitis sometime during their pregnancy – a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.[6] In some cases, gums swollen by pregnancy gingivitis can react strongly to irritants and form large lumps. These growths, called pregnancy tumors, are not cancerous and generally painless.

Studies have shown a possible relationship between periodontal disease and pre-term, low-birth-weight babies. Any infection, including periodontal infection, is cause for concern during pregnancy. In fact, pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small!

To prevent pregnancy gingivitis it’s especially important to practice good oral hygiene habits, which include brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antimicrobial mouth rinse. If you are due for a professional cleaning, don’t skip it simply because you are pregnant.  Now more than ever, professional dental cleanings are particularly important.

Oral contraceptives – while women are taking drugs to help treat periodontal disease, such as antibiotics, may lessen the effect of an oral contraceptive.  So be sure and consult your dentist about all the medications you are taking.

Menopause and Post-Menopause – not surprising given all the changes happening within your body, but you may experience changes in your mouth as well.  You may notice discomfort such as dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue and altered taste, particularly to salt and pepper.

In addition, menopausal gingivostomatitis affects a small percentage of women. Gums that look dry or shiny or bleed easily and range from abnormally pale to deep red may indicate this condition. Most women find that estrogen supplements help to relieve these symptoms.[7]

Bone loss is potentially associated with both periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Women considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help fight osteoporosis should note that this may help protect their teeth and your jawbone as well as other parts of the body.

What Should You Do?

See a dental professional for cleaning at least twice a year – you need to monitor your oral health.

If referred, see a periodontist in your area. Problems may include: Bleeding gums during brushing, red, swollen or tender gums.   Other issues such as persistent bad breath or pus between the teeth and gums.  If you’re a denture wearer a change in the fit of your dentures may occur.

Keep your dentist informed about any medications you are taking and any changes in your health history.

Brush and floss properly every day.  Review your techniques with a dental professional.

If there any questions that you might have, please contact or call us at our Sandy Springs office to discuss them.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, Georgia 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] January 1999 issue of the Journal of Periodontology

[2] Periodontitis is an advanced state of periodontal disease in which there is active destruction of the periodontal supporting tissues.

[3] Women and Gum Disease: http://www.perio.org/consumer/women.htm.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] WebMd. Pregnancy Gingivitis and Pregnancy Tumors.

[7] Women and Gums: American Academy of Periodontology Journal. http://www.perio.org/consumer/women.htm.

Dentist Woodstock: The Mercury Filling Controversy

 

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Whenever I hear a patient ask about amalgam restorations (usually referred to as mercury fillings), I wonder why this question refuses to go away.  For decades, amalgams have been considered the primary restorative material for posterior teeth (the ones in the back) because of their long time success.  After enormous amounts of study the World Health Organization, the FDI World Dental Federation, and the American Dental Association continue to endorse the use of amalgam to restore teeth.   Yet it continues to be demonized by the public, in particular in urban legends over the internet.

As a result the trend is towards the less and less use of amalgams and the greater use of composite resins to restore posterior teeth.  One of our consultants, Tom Limoli of Limoli and Associates notes that US third-party payment data reflects that 65% of direct posterior restorations last year were resin-based composite, while 35% were amalgam.  So regardless of the empirical evidence to the contrary, the patient pool is demanding composite restorations.

Every dentist will need an alternative material to use in the restoration of posterior teeth as this trend continues.  The challenge for the dentist is that composite resins only have a life expectancy of 5 to 8 years.  Given the patient’s desire to be rid of the potential or theoretical health hazards that have been formulated in recent years, amalgam restorations will ultimately be eliminated by the slow and natural death of attrition.  While amalgam has been the material of choice for decades and still remains the primary source of teaching in dental schools today, it may not be in the future.  Given the patient demand for composite restorations and what appears to be the dentist’s propensity to capitulate, we are going to need a better solution to posterior restorations if we want to achieve the same longevity that is achieved through amalgam restorations.

The internet has continued to create an uncertainty on the part of the lay public about amalgams similar to the controversy that surrounds cell phones and brain tumors.  It is interesting to note the dilemma faced by dentists today, when we know that amalgam is the better choice for the restoration, but the popular demand or path of least resistance is a composite restoration.  This disconnect creates some interesting food for thought.[1]

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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[1]Additional sources of information came from Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, James F. Simon, DDS, and Howard E. Strassler, DMD. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, July/August, 2011.

Dentist Woodstock: Georgia’s free dental clinics?

The need for free and charitable dental clinics is not going to disappear as a result of Obama health care reform.   Mostly because Obamacare will likely fail.  But that’s an opinion and one better argued in another discussion.  If you accept the premise, then there is some information that you or someone you know may find valuable information I would like to pass along.

According to the Georgia Free Clinic Network located in Atlanta (678-553-4939) there are 104 free/charity clinics serving Georgia patients.  The network offers health care to the uninsured at no costs to the taxpayers of this State.  GFCN provides a safety net that fills the gaps in our taxpayer-funded system of health care, including oral health care.  One of the local Atlanta clinics, and I have no idea whether or not it is associated with GFCN, is the Ben Massell Dental Clinic which has local dentists from around metro Atlanta staff and treat indigent patients.

The GFCN is a statewide association of free and charitable medical and dental clinics which vary in size and scope of services are each uniquely dedicated to serving many of Georgia’s more than 1.7 million uninsured population.   Like the Massell Clinic, these facilities are staffed in part by volunteers, operated by non-profit organizations that reach out to their communities with an unwavering commitment to our local population’s underserved needs.

The GFCN’s focus is fourfold:  1) Unifying clinics serving Georgia’s uninsured through advocacy, technical assistance and collective purchasing; 2) Development, implementation and replication of data gathering resources regarding the uninsured; 3) Strengthening the infrastructure to serve GFCN membership; and 4) Assisting in the development of services in areas of highest unmet need.[i]

In 2009, GFCN clinics served 200,000 patients, approximately 11% of Georgia’s uninsured. According to the Georgia State Auditor, these clinics provide $200 to $400 million of care. To their, credit, for every $1 invested in a free clinic, $9 worth of services can be provided.  Less I digress for a moment, show me a government program that provides that kind of bang for the buck.  As a phenomenal result of so many volunteers, the uninsured in 90 of Georgia’s 159 counties have access to a charity/free clinic.  Fifty-seven percent of the patients seen in Georgia clinics are female.  Most patients are employed, sometimes holding more than one job. And at an average clinic, the percentage of patients who are: White-40%; African-American-41%; Latino-16%.[ii]

At the public sector level, there is the Georgia Department of Community Health (Atlanta, 404-657-6639), of which its Oral Health Unit was created to prevent oral disease among Georgia’s children through education, prevention and early treatment. According to the Oral Health Unit they play a vital role in improving the quality of life for all the children of Georgia, and in eliminating health disparities. Oral Health Unit programs focus on preventing, controlling and reducing oral diseases and conditions in all of Georgia’s underserved populations.

So there really is no reason why you shouldn’t see a dentist if you are uninsured, under insured or unemployed.   Please take the time to lead someone in need in the right direction.  And as always if we can be of help please feel free to contact our office for oral health needs.  Dr. Scheinfeld’s Center is dedicated to exceptional dentistry that’s right for you.

 

Serving Sandy Springs, Roswell, Buckhead, East Cobb, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Johns Creek.

 

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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[i]Georgia Free Clinic Network

[ii]Georgia Free Clinic Network