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 – Dr. Novy Scheinfeld, Prosthodontic Training by Emory University

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

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

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

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

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

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

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist: East Cobb : Oral Health Care of Our Aging Population

Two important oral health care concerns emerging in the United Statesare disparities in the oral disease burden and the inabilityof certain segments of the population to access oral healthcare.[1]  Older Americansare becoming a larger segment of our population and suffer disproportionately from oral diseases, with the problembeing particularly acute for individuals in long term care facilities.  Populationprojections for the United States indicate that the elderlywill constitute an increasing percentage of the population aswe proceed into the 21st century.  In 2001, the population ofthe United States was almost 278 million, and 12.6% of the populationwas 65 years of age or older. By 2015, the population is expectedto increase to 312 million (3.08 million in 2010) and 14.7% of the population willbe aged 65 years or older.  In 2030, which is within the practicelives of students currently enrolled in dental schools, thepopulation will have increased to more than 350 million, and20% of the population—1 of every 5 members of the US society—willbe 65 years of age or older.  This large segment of our population is further compounded by the elderly populationcontinuing to become increasingly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity,financial resources, and living conditions.[2]

The challenges faced by both the dental profession and the nationas a whole regarding provision of oral health care servicesto older adults were the subject of a recent report preparedby Oral Health America.[3]  All 50 states were surveyed to determine the level of Medicaidcoverage for dental services, and the report concludes thatfinancing oral health care services for the elderly will be a majorchallenge to our future.  Medicare does not provide any coverage for dentalservices, and only 1 of 5 Americans aged 75 years or older hasany type of private dental insurance.  Given our current economic circumstances it will be highly unlikely that our government resources will be adequate to gear up for the impending problem of oral health for the elderly.

The elderly suffer from chronic disorders that can directlyor indirectly affect oral health, including autoimmune disorderssuch as pemphigus and pemphigoid.[4] They generally requiremultiple medications, and common side effects of the more than500 medications used to treat their overall health issues usually reduce salivary flow.[5]   Usually the reduction in salivacan adversely affect their quality of life, the ability to chew, and lead to significant problems of the teeth andtheir supporting structures.

The elderly may also have difficulty performing routine oralhygiene procedures because of physical limitations, such as Parkinson’s or rheumatoid arthritis.   In addition,oral infection is now recognized as a risk factor for a numberof systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases,diabetes, mellitus, and respiratory disorders.  Also,it is important to note that once people have lost their teeth and are using complete dentures, their oral healthneeds do not decrease.   Our jaws are not static and may continue toresorb over time.  Besides the continued resorption of bone, improperly fitted dentures can adversely affectchewing, leading to poor nutrition.  In addition, those without teeth remainsusceptible to oral cancer, mucosal diseases, and alterationsin salivary gland function.

So for the vast majority of seniors who will reside in a long term care facility, financingof oral health care services will be a formidable challenge.Given that medicare does not provide coverage for routine dental services including exams,and in the absence of private insurance or personal resources,a large portion of this group will not be able to afford anydental services whatsoever, let alone the most appropriate treatments.  Clearly, there must be a response to the increasing oral healthconcerns of the elderly who present with special needs, especiallythose who are homebound or living in long term  facilities burdenedwith other chronic disorders.

While effective preventive measures exist for younger populations(water fluoridation, dental sealants and parents), no preventive measureshave been devised to address the expected increase in oral healthneeds of the aging population.  And the need for a coordinated effort to address the oral healthcare needs of the elderly suggested by demographic trendsand epidemiological data necessitates our planning for what might be considered a crisis or at least a paradigm shift in oral health care delivery for the elderly.  Such a plan must consider contributionsfrom the dental profession, possibly through the efforts ofthe American Dental Association (ADA) and its state and localassociations; the dental schools, with involvement of the AmericanDental Education Association; federal, state, and local healthauthorities; and assistance from national organizations andfoundations that focus on health care.  The dental profession has an opportunity to take a leadershiprole in the delivery of health care services to the seniorswho have contributed so vitally to our society’s well-beingand who deserve to be treated with the best oral health carewe have to offer.

Dr. Scheinfeld is a prosthodontist specializing in geriatric care.

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] Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, Md: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; 2000.

[2] Wikipedia and 2010 Census.                                                                                

 

[3] A State of Decay: The Oral Health of Older Americans. Chicago, Ill: Oral Health America; 2003:1–8.

[4] Stoopler ET, Sollecito TP, De Ross SS. Desquamative gingivitis: early presenting system of mucocutaneous disease. Quintessence Int.2003;34:582–586.

[5] Fox PC, Eversole LR. Diseases of the salivary glands. In: Silverman S, Eversole LR, Truelove EL, eds. Essentials of Oral Medicine. Ontario, Canada: BC Decker; 2002:260–276.

 

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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Dentist Sandy Springs: How much does tooth bonding cost?

It depends.  Sounds like a lawyer answer to the question.  But it does depend on the type of bonding procedure being performed.  Is it to improve the contour of a front tooth, to replace an old filling with a more esthetic restoration or to fill a small cavity? Each procedure involves different resources, therefore different fees.

As with all dental fees the service may vary depending on where you live or where your dentist is located or his or her level of training.  There is always going to be a range of fees for the same service, depending on the experience of the dentist, materials used, esthetic demands of the procedure and complexity of the treatment.

The average cost of cosmetic dental bonding ranges from $250 to $600 per tooth.   Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the bonding, particularly when it is done for functional reasons.  The cheapest, does not necessarily mean it is the best.

The bonding procedure utilizes a composite resin to restore chipped or broken teeth, fill in gaps and reshape or recolor your smile.  Basically, bonding will cover any natural flaws applying a thin coating of a plastic material on the front surface of your teeth.  Depending on where the resin is placed, the restoration could last up to 10 years, but I usually tell people 5 years.

While they may not last as long as desired, the main advantage over silver fillings is the esthetics. Because silver does not stick to teeth, a large portion of  healthy tooth structure is usually removed to keep an amalgam  filling in place.  Whereas composites permit your dentist to remove only the decayed area of the tooth.  Also, composite bonding expands just like your teeth and are much less likely to cause cracks in your tooth.  The disadvantage is bonding with composites simply costs more in time and material.

If you would like to know more about composite bonding or whether this is the right solution to enhance your smile, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC 290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

The Mona Lisa, The Right Smile

Every year, about 6 million people visit the Louvre to see Da Vinci’s famous portrait, the Mona Lisa.  For centuries since 1508, Da Vinci’s ingenuity and talent have sparked many debates and a multitude of theories attempting to uncover the mysteries behind the famous Mona Lisa smile.

The enigmatic smile has been the source of inspiration for many and a cause for desperation in others. In 1852, the French artist Luc Maspero jumped four floors to his death from a hotel room in Paris. In his suicide note he explained that he preferred death to living without understanding the mystery behind her smile.

When discussing the mystery behind the smile, art experts often refer to a painting technique developed by Da Vinci known as sfumato.  In Italian, sfumato means “vanished” or “smoky”, implying that the portrait of the Mona Lisa is ambiguous and blurry, leaving its interpretation to the eye of the beholder. This technique relies on a true understanding of light and nature, using a subtle blend of tones and colors to produce the illusion of form, depth and volume.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Dunwoody’s Top Implant Dentist – ADA Recognized Prosthodontist

These days everyone’s an ‘implantologist’ without there being an implant specialty in dentistry.   While there are multiple disciplines of dentistry involved in the placement of implants, the general dentist is at the bottom end of the scale for expertise, training and experience.   Yet in order to generate extra income general dentists press the envelope of ethics by calling themselves ‘implantologists’ or implant specialists.   Granted they all have undergraduate degrees with either a BA or BS and at least four years of dental school with either a DDS or a DMD as the result and by law are allowed to place and/or restore implants, not one of them has an American Dental Association (ADA) recognized ‘implant specialty’ in dentistry.   Those dentists who choose to make the claim do so by virtue of deciding to focus on implants in their general practices.   The ADA only has nine recognized post dental degree specialties and implant dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advanced training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate dental degree, these dentists receive additional certifications in their respective specialties.   Of the ADA specialties only three truly have special post doctorate training in implants and they are:

Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, and the least known, Prosthodontists (who generally orchestrate the placement and final restoration of the implant).[1]

Prosthodontics: (derived from the word prosthesis) A Prosthodontist has a dental specialty degree pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.   Most general dentists take short continuing education courses combined with trial and error experience to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontist is trained to do in an ADA approved university setting.   Contrary to this hit or miss approach, the prosthodontist is trained to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and the increasingly more common procedure of dental implants to ensure that the right smile is achieved, both functionally and aesthetically.  If anyone has a specialty in implant dentistry or the right to call themselves an ‘implantologist’, it would be the ADA sanctioned prosthodontist.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the U.S., less than two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist to provide you with the best implant result, look for a prosthodontist.

Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Her prosthodontics’ instructor, Dr. E. Neal Kopp practiced with her for 14 years until his death in 2008.  In addition, Dr. Sidney Tourial, an adjunct Emory Prosthodontic professor and this year’s GDA President, has been in the practice for over 20 years.  For in-house placement we use Dr. William Zinney, a periodontic graduate of Emory University.

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] As of late, endodontists have started training in the area of implant placement.

Implant Dentist: Sandy Springs: Affordable Dental Implants

If you are trying to figure the ins and outs of implants, the cost may appear high, but appearances can be deceiving. If you examine the beneficial health differences and the time involved by your specialist  implants are always well worth the expense.  While I have written on those issues before, let’s explore the price and how dental implants vary depending on differing factors.

The real concern for the patient is ‘where and how’ to find a low cost quality dental implant. Predominantly, the driven adjective ‘low cost’ is a result of the perception by patients that teeth are utilitarian to their daily life.  Knowing 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 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. Then there are cheaper knock-offs with higher failure rates and no warranties.  As a patient you will never know the difference until it’s too late.

Finally, it’s the dentist.  If your dentist is willing to sacrifice long term quality for short term profits you are going to get an inferior restoration and ultimately you will pay the price over the long run.  Finding a true health care provider requires diligence on your part.  You have to do the research as to the reputation of your provider.

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.  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.

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.

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

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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