The Right Smile Center : the Advantages of a Multispecialty Practice

Our healthcare delivery model is a Better Way to Coordinate Care.  In a group practice setting, our dentists have an opportunity to share ideas and develop professionally.

Our multispecialty group is composed of dentists from a wide range of specialties who practice under the umbrella of the same organization, Right Smile Center.  Through collaboration among these specialists, patients receive comprehensive dental treatment that is efficient and thorough. Systems and services are designed by the Right Smile Center to assist our providers in the delivery of high-quality, coordinated, patient-centered care.  Our providers believe they can improve your patient care by having multiple dental professionals with whom to consult on and refer to for alternative patient care under one roof.

When entering into private practice, our providers chose the option to work with other dentists instead of working alone. In our case, dentists of different specialties work together so that patients can receive care that requires multiple solutions at a single location. While most group practices have dentists with a single area of specialization, we have in-house prosthodontics, endo, perio and implant placement and restoration. A practice with a diverse array of specialists is designed to attract more patients seeking a one-stop place for their oral health concerns.

Improved diagnostics, new therapies, more sophisticated equipment – as dentistry progresses, is impossible for a single dentist to know everything the discipline of modern dentistry has to offer.  A multispecialty group fosters an environment of collaboration among many dentists – each an expert in a particular aspect of dentistry – to provide the greatest benefit to patients.  We of course have experience to provide a cross-over of patient care that allows us to cover for each other’s patients when one is out of the office or out of town.  Group practices can assemble a team of dentists and other experts to meet the unique oral healthcare needs of all our patients.  We believe better patient care is a direct result of our multispecialty practice.

Another aspect of a multispecialty practice is the use and sharing of highly expensive equipment to perform diagnostic screenings and deliver patient treatment. By working in a group practice, we can share the cost of deploying equipment that may have been too costly for a single provider. Group practices distribute both the administrative costs and the risks associated with owning and running a solo practice.

An overview of the direct and indirect advantages to you as a patient.

• Multispecialty group practices promote an environment that encourages and enhances communication, collaboration and peer review, leading to high-quality care. This is especially beneficial to patients with multiple or complex oral problems.
• A multispecialty group practice can offer “one-stop shopping” and save patients time by scheduling appointments with several doctors on the same day at one location, coordinating testing, obtaining on-the-spot referrals and consultations and reduce the needless time involved in rescheduling when one of us unavailable.
• Multispecialty group practices provide a setting in which physicians can specialize in a particular area and become experts. This means there are experts on hand to diagnose and treat unusual oral problems.
• Many multispecialty practices have dentists in rare specialties such as prosthodontics or implant and perio surgery that you can’t find in smaller, solo practices.

So when you’re here for regularly scheduled routine maintenance, take advantage of having fresh set of eyes examine you when one of us is out of town or indisposed.  We practice together because we have confidence in each other.  We hope you will too.  And when we can’t meet those needs, we’ll refer you out.

If we can answer any of your questions or concerns about the Right Smile Center, please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC  - Sidney Tourial, DDS, PC – Nanci Lubell, DMD, and William Zinney, DDS

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Dentist Sandy Springs – May is National Arthritis Month

Brushing your teeth, buttoning your shirt, or opening a child proof bottle are all routine daily activities that most people take for granted.  But if you have arthritis and it affects your hands, performing these and other basic tasks can be challenging, if not impossible. Theoretically, “exercising” your hands should reduce the pain, improve your range of motion, and, ultimately, enable you to perform more easily the various tasks of daily living.  However, early in the morning use of your hands may aggravate your situation.                                                       

Arthritis of the hands manifests differently depending on what kind of arthritis you have.  Osteoarthritis, which is the most common cause of hand arthritis, involves the protective cartilage that covers the ends of your bones and its gradual deteriorates is due to wear and tear or, in some cases, to injury. If your hand pain is caused by osteoarthritis there’s a high probability that flossing and brushing your teeth may be affected. 

By contrast, rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes referred to as RA, is an immune system disorder that damages the cells in the tissue that lines and lubricates the joints in your hand.  If rheumatoid arthritis is the cause of your hand pain, the distinction between osteoarthritis – and rheumatoid arthritis -induced hand pain is important for several reasons*:

First, if your pain is caused by rheumatoid, you should not attempt to alleviate it with exercise alone. So the exercise associated with brushing your teeth could exacerbate your joint problems.  Second, strengthening exercises can be harmful if performed aggressively and should be done in moderation by people with rheumatoid arthritis.  Third, you should perform any type of exercise with caution while you’re having a flare up of the joints.

So that your oral health does not suffer due to the deterioration and pain associated with either arthritis I would suggest the purchase an electric toothbrush.  My preference is the Oral-B, but it really doesn’t matter which one you use, you just need to use one.  Regardless of your condition, my experience with patients who use the Oral-B regularly has shown results in the positive care of their oral health.  With respect to flossing, which is just as important in maintaining your oral hygiene, you may need to increase the number of visits to the dentist to clean your teeth where you can’t otherwise preform the task.  If you discuss this with your dentist, you should be able to make arrangements just to have your teeth cleaned on alternating appointments and forego unnecessary exam fees. Interestingly enough, there is a possibility that the prescription by your physician may afford you insurance coverage for the extra visits.   As a side note, if you utilize a health savings account, you certainly should be about to cover the costs of all your visits with pre-tax health dollars.  If there is anything we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

*This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Some of this information was provided by Johns Hopkins website on arthritis. (http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com).

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Oral Cancer Screening

There are eight steps you can engage in for self-examination of oral cancer.

 

 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  If you’re not going to see your dentist, then at least take the time to give yourself the exam.  You never know, you could save your life.

If you’re not sure or are concerned about what you see, we are offering free oral cancer screenings all of April.  It’s not a lost leader.  ‘NO’, we will not try to sell you anything.  We think it’s good Karma to give back.  So give us a call.

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 Dunwoody: Teeth Cleanings and Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is preeminent in maintaining your overall health.   Poor oral health has been linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, stroke, extremely high-birth weight, and premature births.  Often, diseases give their first warning signs in the form of oral problems.

There are four basic steps to maintain good oral health:

1. Brush at least twice daily.
2. Floss every day.
3. Limit your consumption of junk food.
4. Visit the dentist regularly.

When brushing and flossing, the proper technique is important.  Also, using the right products is equally important.[1] Without consistent care, several oral health problems can result.  Risks of gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and other gum diseases can lead to oral cancer or tooth loss.[2]

Here are some simple lifestyle changes that will improve oral health:

1. Set an example for your children by practicing good oral health care habits.
2. Check your children’s mouth for bleeding gums, swollen gums, gums receding away from teeth.
3. Check for bad breath.
4. Eat a balanced and nutritional diet.
5. Educate your children about the health risks of tobacco use.[3]

Age-specific recommendations.

Infants:

• For mothers to be, tetracycline is a no no.[4]
• Teething usually starts at around 6 months and should be brushed and flossed daily.
• Avoid baby bottle decay by not allowing your baby to fall asleep with a bottle full of juice or milk.[5]
• If your water is not fluoridated, ask your doctor about daily fluoride supplements.[6]

Toddlers/Children:

• Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for toddlers, but the habit may result in permanent bite issues.[7]
• Make sure to use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing your child’s teeth.
• At age two (2) schedule regular dental appointments.

Teenagers:

• Emphasize the importance of oral hygiene.
• Again, set a good example by practicing good oral hygiene yourself.
• Keep junk foods to a minimum for snacking.
• Discourage oral piercings as they increase the risk for oral infections and can cause injury to their teeth.

Adults:

• Brush twice daily, maybe more when possible.
• Floss at least once a day
• Watch for signs of gum disease such as redness, swelling or tenderness.[8]
• Visit the dentist at least twice each year for regular check-ups.[9]
• Limit sugary foods and soft drinks.

While practicing good oral hygiene is vital to your health, there is only so much that personal oral maintenance can do, so visiting your dentist for regular checkups is vital to your global health.[10]

The following is a list of reasons why you should visit your dentist frequently:

1) To prevent gum disease[11]

2) To prevent oral cancer[12]

3) To avoid losing your teeth[13]

4) To prevent dental emergencies[14]

5) To help maintain good overall health[15]

If we can be of service or answer any of your concerns, please call our office for a complimentary consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Article Sources:

Colgate World of Care http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/OralHygieneBasics/FamilyGuideOralHealth.cvsp

Learn4Good http://www.learn4good.com/health/dental_health.htm

Caucus Educational Corporation http://www.caucusnj.org/caucusnj/special_series/oralhealth/importance.asp

U.S. Surgeon General http://www.perio.org/consumer/children.news.htm

“Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Dentist” by Tammy Davenport http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalhealth/tp/visit_dentist.htm

The Oral Cancer Foundation http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/

The American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/

Colgate Family Guide to Oral Care http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/OralHygieneBasics/FamilyGuideOralHealth.cvsp

About the ADA seal of acceptance. (2005, March 14). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from American Dental Association Web site: http://www.ada.org/ada/seal/index.asp

American Dental Association News Releases. (2008, February 4). A reminder to parents: Early dental visits essential to children’s health. American Dental Association. Retrieve February 6, 2009, from http://ada.org/public/media/releases/0802_release01.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006, December). Oral Health for Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Oral Health. Retrieved February 6, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm

Oral health in America: Summary of the surgeon general’s report. (2006, April 16). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/Oralhealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_05.htm

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[1] When buying any dental products, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA seal is an important symbol of the dental product’s safety and effectiveness (ADA Seal, 2005).

[2] This “silent epidemic” (U.S. Surgeon General) can be avoided by regular treatment at home and dental visits twice each year.

[3] Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for gum diseases.

[4] A common antibiotic that causes tooth discoloration to your child and should not be used by nursing mothers or by expectant mothers in the last half of pregnancy.

[5] Try water or a pacifier and make sure to wipe teeth and gums with a gentle cloth or gums after feeding

[6] Fluoride is very important even before teeth start forming.

[7] Buck teeth or overbite.

[8] Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.

[9] Generally, plaque begins forming to maturity about every 3 months.

[10] “Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal” (American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).

[11] Gum disease, specifically gingivitis, is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. If gum disease is discovered and diagnosed early, it can be treated. However, if left untreated, gum disease can become periodontitis, a more severe and irreversible stage. This may lead to serious damage of the gum tissue and jaw bone, causing your teeth to fall out. This late stage of gum disease can also increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke.

[12] According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, a United States citizen will die from this type of cancer every hour of every day. Of similar concern is the fact that out of the 34,000 newly diagnosed Americans every year, only half of these people will be alive in the next five years. However, while attending your regular dental checkup, your dentist and oral hygienist screen you for this specific cancer. If diagnosed early, there is a good chance that oral cancer can be treated successfully.

[13] Without your teeth, normal eating habits can obviously be far more difficult. Also, taking care of your natural teeth now will help you avoid paying for dentures later. As stated previously, gum disease can easily lead to adult tooth loss, but regular visits to your dentist and good oral hygiene can prevent it.

[14] Toothaches, a broken jaw, chipped teeth, and other dental emergencies can be easily avoided with regular dental visits. Early signs or symptoms of these unpleasant conditions can be detected and treated by your dentist. If left untreated, you may have to endure root canals or forced tooth removals- these treatments are significantly more expensive than preventative care such as regular check-ups (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2006).

[15] Since gum disease is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer, regular visits to your dentist can help prevent and treat this disease. By treating conditions early and learning from your dentist how to prevent oral damage, you can achieve better health and ultimately better quality years of life.

Dentist Sandy Springs:Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Why 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

Related articles

• Dentist Dunwoody: Oral Health, Women and Pregnancy (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Dunwoody: Women and Oral Health Issues (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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

[2] http://www.aapd.org/

[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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Novy Scheinfeld, Prosthodontist in Atlanta GA

Our mission is to create a healthy, functional and naturally beautiful smile that endures. Our office provides a treatment atmosphere that is pleasant and comfortable, conveniently located at the top of the perimeter in the heart of Sandy Springs.  We collaborate with each patient in customizing care and treatment that recognizes each individual is unique.   Creating the right smile is our goal.  We never forget that the cutting edge of technology and procedures are the norm, while our personal care creates the dramatic difference unseen in other practices.

But don’t accept our word, please check out over 450 of our reviews at:

http://www.rateadentist.com/reviews/georgia/sandysprings/novyscheinfeldddspc

We would love to have you as a patient.  If you have an interest in a practice that cares about you and your needs, please contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Scheinfeld, Tourial & Lubell

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Sandy Springs Dentist: Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth do not always show any visible signs of damage, but may present a variety of symptoms, including sensitivity to hot and cold, or hit-or-miss pain when chewing.  And there are times when there are no symptoms at all.  But the problem is that eventually the pulp will become infected to the point where is can no longer repair itself.  Once this happens, the infection can spread to the bone and gum tissue that surrounds the tooth.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to saving these teeth.  The goal is to prevent a broken or cracked tooth from progressing to the point where you lose the entire tooth.  So as much as you hate it, call your dentist and have him or her take a look at it.  If you have a cracked or broken tooth chances are you will need to undergo a root canal and have a crown restoration to return your tooth to a strong and healthy part of your oral health.

Types of cracked teeth:

• Craze lines – tiny cracks in the enamel
• Cracked as in extending from the enamel to the root
• Fractured Cusp – weakened but not yet broken off
• Vertical root fracture – they start at the root and are working their way up to the surface above the gum line
• Split tooth – readily identifiable split with a separation between the parts of the tooth

Our office performs a variety of in-house specialties from endodontics (root canals), periodontics and implant placement and restoration.  If we can be of help or answer your questions or concerns 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

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Dentist Sandy Springs: Diagnosing Snoring Causes

Although snoring is not harmful it can interrupt the sleep of you and your partner.  Then it becomes harmful as it relates to the rest the body needs every night.  The noise comes from the vibration of the soft tissue in the throat. A little self-diagnosis might be of help in determining the cause of your problem.  The following are some causes to look for:

1. Allergies may interfere with your respiratory tract.  Obviously, you need to stay away from known allergens or you might need to take preventative medicines.
2. Overweight is one of the contributing factors of snoring. Losing some weight may help reduce the fatty tissue in your airway and the pushing of your abdomen on your lungs.
3. Avoid taking certain medicines such as antihistamines and sedatives before going to bed as they can encourage you to snore.
4. Consider avoiding dairy products before bedtime. They can increase mucus build-up in your throat, which may lead to snoring.
5. Smoking can cause snoring. It irritates the tissues in the throat and creates congestion in some tissues of the respiratory system. Among other reasons like oral and lung cancer, quit smoking if you want to stop snoring.
6. Elevate your head when sleeping.  This can be accomplished by raising the headboard end of the bed, sleep on a firm mattress and utilize additional pillows to support your neck and prevent obstructions to your airway.

If you have run through these little helpful tips and you are still snoring, you might break down and ask your dentist for help.  If we can be of assistance please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

http://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/sandy-springs-dentist-snoring-solutions/

http://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/dentist-sandy-springs-sleep-apnea-treatment/

Sandy Springs Dentist: Snoring Solutions

Snoring can be a real problem, not only for the person who snores, but for the partner and other family members who live with the snorer.  However, there are affordable and effective dentist-prescribed solutions for a more restful night’s sleep.   These affordable devices are flexible, thin and comfortable mouth guard looking devices with documented clinical success in mitigating or even preventing the disruptive, unhealthy effects of snoring and sleep apnea.

These devices position the lower jaw forward using connectors that are attached to upper and lower mouth pieces known as trays.  These trays are comprised of a soft inner layer with a hard outer layer that is durable and should BPA-free[1].  The appliance is designed to advance the mandible such that the bite is opened to reduce the restriction of airflow during sleep.

If you would like a consultation 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

Related articles

http://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/dentist-sandy-springs-sleep-apnea-treatment/

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[1] Make sure you ask for a BPA free devise, such as the one manufactured by Glidwell systems.