The second rarest profession:prosthodontist. There are only 560 of these dental specialists who are devoted to restoring and replacing teeth.
Unless you work in one of this field, you probably haven’t encountered many prosthodontists in your lifetime. That’s because this is one of the least common jobs in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates survey. Prosthodontists have received extensive training in designing, fitting, and placing dental prosthetics like dentures, partial dentures, bridges and particularly dental implant restorations.
For more information about prosthodontics, contact the Right Smile Center.
And according to The Oral Cancer Foundation, there are two distinct causes of oral cancer. One, is a result of the use of tobacco (and alcohol), a long time historic environmental cause, and the second is through the exposure to the virus HPV-16 (human papilloma virus version 16), and apparently the same virus responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women. And a small number (under 5 %) of people acquire oral cancers from currently unidentifiable cause, presumably caused by some genetic predisposition similar to other cancer causing agents.
While most think this is a rare form of cancer, oral cancer is diagnosed in about 100 individuals each day here in the US alone, and one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day.[1] If you add the sub category of laryngeal throat cancers like Michael Douglas’, the rates of occurrence accounting for about 10,000 additional cases per year, then the death rate is significantly higher. But these statistics can be drastically reduced when found at the early stages of development. With early diagnosis, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 % survival rate.
Unfortunately, the majority of cases are found as late stage cancers and accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% within five years of diagnosis. The reason for these late stage diagnoses is not because these cancers are hard to discover, rather it is because of a lack of public awareness.[2] The American Dental Association states that only 60% of the US population sees a dentist every year, which leaves 40% to happenstance. If heightened public awareness were coupled with a national program for screenings, diagnosis of oral cancers would yield early discovery by both medical and dental professionals.[3]
Ironically, it should be easier to obtain public compliance to oral cancer screenings, because:
there is no invasive technique required to look for it,
no discomfort or pain involved, and
it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease. (Realistically, it only costs about $40.00, usually 10 times less than a blood test at your annual physical.)
It is important that patients realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer about a filling, a crown, or a postponable cleaning, but actually an oral exam is a matter of life and death. It’s important for patients and dentists to start a dialog today. So when it comes to oral cancer and saving lives, these are primary responsibilities of the dental community.
The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer is early discovery. And no group has a better opportunity to have an impact than members of the dental community. If our practice can be of help we are offering free cancer screening during the month of April.
Some Research and statistics provided by: The Oral Cancer Foundation. Kuper H, Adami HO, Boffetta P (June 2002). “Tobacco use, cancer causation and public health impact”. Journal of internal medicine251 (6): 455–66. Seitz HK, Pöschl G, Simanowski UA (1998). “Alcohol and cancer”. Recent developments in alcoholism : an official publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism. “Screening for Oral Cancer”. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2004. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsoral.htm.
Cosmetic dentistry is not an ADA-recognized specialty. In order to be a recognized specialty a discipline must demonstrate 6 requirements, of which in pertinent part,
[t]he specialty must document scientifically, by valid and reliable statistical evidence/studies, that it: (a) actively contributes to new knowledge in the field; (b) actively contributes to professional education; (c) actively contributes to research needs of the profession; and (d) provides oral health services for the public; all of which are currently not being met by general practitioners or dental specialists.[1]
These requirements as they relate to a post-graduate dental degree are fulfilled by the specialty in prosthodontics. So the next time you read about a dentist claiming to be a ‘cosmetic dentist’, you need question by ‘who’s’ authority or recognition does he or she make that claim, because it doesn’t exist[2].
Prosthodontists make up less than 2% of all the dentists in the United States. Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University trained prosthodontist and has practiced in metro Atlanta since 1988. Go with a “PRO”.
[2] This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetic_dentistry
How white is enough? Well, no one really knows given the rush in recent years to have a white smile. What we do know, is that there are additional benefits beyond bleaching your teeth. So while attempting to achieve the right smile with a bright smile, whitening your teeth with 10% carbamide peroxide may actually help prevent cavities (dental caries).[1] The bacteria that causes cavities flourish when the pH of your mouth is slightly acidic, which is a bi-product when you eat or drink. There is evidence according to Dr. Van Hayword of GRU that a 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel in a custom tray can help elevate the pH, which helps fight decay.[2] There is also some evidence that the same regimen can help keep plaque from forming on the teeth, which may help prevent gum disease.
Deciding how white is enough is a personal decision where weighing the costs and benefits of any cosmetic transformation probably should involve the input of your dental provider. I encourage you to contact your dentist if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.[3]
[1] Carbamide peroxide (10% and 15%) has been classified by the United States Food and Drug Association as Category 1, which means there is sufficient data to demonstrate that these agents are safe and effective for use in the oral cavity as oral antiseptic agents (Haywood, 1993; Dental Product Spotlight, 2001).
[2] Van B. Haywood, DMD, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, Georgia Regents University.
If you have seen the show Extreme Makeover or even heard about it – you have probably come to understand that “Cosmetic Dentistry” (or Aesthetic Dentistry) has the power to change people’s lives. The reality though, is that the term can be confusing because many “cosmetic” dentists are not trained by any program recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). Prosthodontics is the only discipline of cosmetic dentistry that is recognized by the ADA. And a Prosthodontist is not just trained in one simple discipline – it is a post graduate degree in dentistry where by a skilled, artistically and technically trained dentist creates an anatomically correct smile- the right smile- that is uniquely crafted to fit each person’s individual attributes. Most dentists are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school – rather they take short continuing education courses in conjunction with 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 in during their post graduate work. It may appear as simple as a little contouring or as extensive as a full mouth reconstruction using veneers, crowns and implants; it’s the training that makes it appear effortless. The prosthodontist is trained to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants to ensure that the right smile is as perfect a fit both functionally and aesthetically as your individual characteristics will allow.
The program is so rigorous, that of the 170 thousand dentists in the United States, less than 2% are trained prosthodontists. 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 passing 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.
Schedule dental visits for you and your family today by calling The Right Smile Center in Sandy Springs at 404-256-3620. Our dental office is conveniently located on Carpenter Drive off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, and we serve patients from Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Dunwoody, East Cobb and surrounding communities. We welcome new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions in person. Our dentists and team look forward to making you, and your loved ones, smile!
If you are in need of tooth restoration, or if you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, your first inclination may be to head to a cosmetic dentist. While this may be a good idea, it may not be the best idea. Instead, it may be wiser to head to a prosthodontic dentist.
Many people have never heard of prosthodontic dentists. However, these dentists are highly regarded and certified by the American Dental Association (ADA). In fact, prosthodontics is one of only nine sub-specialties of dentistry that are recognized by the ADA…cosmetic dentistry is not one of the nine specialties. This means that dental schools instruct dentists in techniques, methods, and specialized training in prosthodontics—dental schools do not instruct dentists in cosmetic dentistry.
Prosthodontic dentists do learn about certain types of procedures that are used in cosmetic dentistry—this is why it may be a good bet to head to a prosthodontist if you are considering cosmetic dental procedures. What’s more, because prosthodontic dentists have received an additional three years of training post dental school, they are certain to understand how to perform these procedures correctly and safely.Of the 170,000 dentists in the United States, less than 2% are trained prosthodontists.
During their extra three years of schooling, prosthodontic dentists study anatomy of the head, neck, and mouth as well as esthetics (the cosmetic part of performing procedures). These dentists learn about all of the various materials that are used in prosthodontics as well, becoming experts in the field. Quite often during this training period, these prosthodontic dentists are asked to help treat complicated cases. By working on patients whose mouth restorations are complex, prosthodontic dentists learn a great deal about planning and implementing various prostheses.They are considered the quarterbacks of implant dentistry, among other complex types of dentistry.
Many prosthodontic dentists also help patients with maxillofacial procedures. Maxillofacial procedures are ones in which acquired and congenital defects are treated. These can be any defects of the head and neck due to trauma or injury, or they could be defects that were present at birth. However, in order to be licensed to practice maxillofacial procedures, a dentist must complete an additional year of training. This is an extra year after the three extra years required for becoming a prosthodontic dentist.
Regardless of whether a dentist decides to become a prosthodontist or if she decides to attend school for one more year to be able to perform maxillofacial procedures, any prosthodontist is going to be the right dentist for you to see for certain problems with the mouth. If, for example, you have missing teeth, it may be a good idea to find a prosthodontic dentist to help you. Or, if you need a restoration procedure to be done, try to locate a prosthodontic dentist.
Choose the right type of dentist for whom you are looking—in this case, prosthodontic dentist.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC, an Emory University trained prosthodontist.
So how much do veneers really cost? The cost for porcelain veneers varies widely. They can run anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. There are several reasons for the difference in cost and it also varies widely across the United States.And yes, veneers can be quite expensive but they do offer several benefits. One of the benefits is a distinctly improved smile.
First, lets discuss what porcelain veneers are. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin custom made covers for the front surface of the teeth. They can be made from porcelain or direct composite resin.Although porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite, they last much longer and are more stain resistant. Traditional composite veneers last on average between five and seven years while porcelain veneers last between 10 and 18 years.
Veneers are used for a variety of purposes. They can be used to fix chipped or broken teeth or teeth that have become discolored by root canal work, excessive fluoride, or drugs such as tetracycline. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or teeth with gaps between them.But the most common reason for veneers is cosmetic. They can be used to change the length, shape, size and color of teeth. In effect, they can be used to create a designer smile.
There is also a difference in cost between having the procedure done in a metropolitan area versus a small town. Another cost variation is the difference in cost from one ceramics lab to the next. The number of veneers done also affects cost. A single veneer usually is more expensive per tooth than a set of veneers.
Because veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they generally are not covered by insurance. In some cases, depending on the insurance company and the policy coverage they may be eligible for a dental discount. Again, the amount and availability of this discount varies widely.In special circumstances some insurance may pay up to 50% depending on the type of policy. To offset the high cost of veneers, most dentists offer special payment plans.
Getting dental veneers is a multi-step process. The initial visit usually consists of a consultation and depending on the dentist and the amount of work to be done, x-rays and/or impressions of the teeth may be done at this time.On the first working visit the dentist will remove approximately 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth or teeth to be veneered and make a model to send to the lab that will make the veneer.This is most often done with a local anesthetic. Normally it takes one to two weeks to construct the veneers. During the next visit, the veneer is temporarily placed to check for proper color and fit.
The tooth that is to receive the veneer is then cleaned, polished, and etched. The etching roughens the surface of the tooth for better adhesion of the veneer. The veneer is cemented into place and a follow up visit to check placement and adhesion may be required.
How long do porcelain veneers last?They can last between five and ten years or more, depending on how you take care of them. But at some point they probably will need to be replaced. Just like real teeth, porcelain veneers need to be thoroughly brushed and flossed daily.
Your smile is the first things that people notice about you which is the primary reason people want porcelain veneers. If we can be of service or you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
If you have seen the show Extreme Makeover or even heard about it – you have probably come to understand that “Cosmetic Dentistry” (or Aesthetic Dentistry) has the power to change people’s lives. The reality though, is that the term can be confusing because many “cosmetic” dentists are not trained by any program recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). Prosthodontics is the only discipline of cosmetic dentistry that is recognized by the ADA. And a Prosthodontist is not just trained in one simple discipline – it is a post graduate degree in dentistry where by a skilled, artistically and technically trained dentist creates an anatomically correct smile- the right smile- that is uniquely crafted to fit each person’s individual attributes. Most dentists are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school – rather they take short continuing education courses in conjunction with 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 in during their post graduate work. It may appear as simple as a little contouring or as extensive as a full mouth reconstruction using veneers, crowns and implants; it’s the training that makes it appear effortless. The prosthodontist is trained to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants to ensure that the right smile is as perfect a fit both functionally and aesthetically as your individual characteristics will allow.
The program is so rigorous, that of the 170 thousand dentists in the United States, less than 2% are trained prosthodontists. 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 next year’s GDA President has been in the practice for over 18 years.
Schedule dental visits for you and your family today by calling The Right Smile Center in Sandy Springs at 404-256-3620. Our dental office is conveniently located on Carpenter Drive off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, and we serve patients from Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Dunwoody, East Cobb and surrounding communities. We welcome new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions in person. Our dentists and team look forward to making you, and your loved ones, smile!
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, there are two distinct causes of oral cancer. One, which I have mentioned in an earlier article is through the use of tobacco (and alcohol), a long time historic environmental cause, and the other is through the exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), which is a newly identified etiology, and apparently the same one which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women. And a small number (under 5 %) of people acquire oral cancers from no currently identifiable cause, presumably caused by some genetic predisposition similar to other cancer causing agents.
While most think this is a rare form of cancer, mouth cancer (popularly thought to be the result of chewing tobacco) is diagnosed in about 100 individuals each day here in the US alone, and one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal throat cancers like Michael Douglas was recently treated for (and most likely a result of his smoking and consumption of alcohol), the rates of occurrence accounting for about 10,000 additional new cases per year, then the death rate is significantly higher. But these statistics can be drastically reduced when found at the early stages of development. With early diagnosis, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 % survival rate.
Unfortunately at this time, the majority of cases are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis. The reason for these late stage diagnoses is not because these cancers are hard to discover, rather it is because of a lack of public awareness. The American Dental Association states that only 60% of the US population sees a dentist every year, which leaves 40% to happenstance. If heightened public awareness were coupled with a national program for screenings, diagnosis of oral cancers would yield early discovery by both medical and dental professionals.
Ironically, it is potentially easier to obtain public compliance to oral cancer screenings, because unlike many other cancer screening procedures, there is no invasive technique required to look for it, no discomfort or pain involved, and it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease. Realistically, it only costs about $35.00, usually 10 times less than a blood test at your annual physical.
It is important that patients realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer about a filling, a crown, or a postponable cleaning, but actually an exam that is a matter of life and death. It’s important for patients and dentists to start a dialog today. Even if talking about cancer is difficult, there are mechanisms around this. Creating awareness, discovery and diagnosis is the purpose of April being Oral Cancer Awareness Month. So when it comes to oral cancer and saving lives, these are primary responsibilities of the dental community. The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer is early discovery. And no group has a better opportunity to have an impact than members of the dental community. If our practice can be of help we are offering free cancer screening during the month of April.
Some Research and statistics provided by: The Oral Cancer Foundation. Kuper H, Adami HO, Boffetta P (June 2002). “Tobacco use, cancer causation and public health impact”. Journal of internal medicine251 (6): 455–66. Seitz HK, Pöschl G, Simanowski UA (1998). “Alcohol and cancer”. Recent developments in alcoholism : an official publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism. “Screening for Oral Cancer”. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2004. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsoral.htm.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so learn more about it. If you or a loved one have any of the following symptoms please take the time to see your dentist. These common signs and symptoms could indicate you have oral cancer, particularly if you have seen these symptoms persist for two weeks or longer:
1. a sore in the mouth that bleeds easily or doesn’t heal
2. a color change in any of the oral tissues, including gums, lips or tongue
3. a lump, thickening or a small eroded area
4. any pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth, throat or lips
5. possible trouble chewing, swallowing or moving your jaw or tongue
In the U.S. every year, over 30,000 people were diagnosed with oral cancer. But remember, oral cancer doesn’t always present symptoms in the early stages. That’s why it’s important to get screened annually. When detected and treated early, oral cancer patients have a nearly 90% survival rate.
I have written about this twice this month, but I want to make sure I get the point across. They say 3 times the charm. Please make an appointment to see your dentist if you have any of the symptoms described above. It really could save your life. We offer free screening to anyone during the month of April. We think every little bit counts and would like to give back to the community where we can. So if we can be of assistance please feel free to contact us and make an appointment.
The second rarest profession:prosthodontist. There are only 560 of these dental specialists who are devoted to restoring and replacing teeth.
