Month: June 2013

Sandy Springs: Patient Doctor disconnect on Dental Implants?

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

mature women smiling3When dentists feel their patient’s very first question should be –

  1. Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

The patients asks –

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

There really is a disconnect between the doctor and patient.  This comes as no surprise, since patients are thinking about how they are going to pay for the implants, and whether the procedure will be painful.  It turns out that there’s a real difference between the questions dental implant patients ask — and which questions they should be asking.

The top 5 questions dentists want patients to ask –

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

Versus….

The top 5 questions dental patients ask –                              

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

 If you would like to learn more about implants, how much they cost and your candidacy, please call or email your question.  We will try and answer your cost questions as well.  Schedule a cost free analysis and meet our in-house periodontist, Dr. Will Zinney and myself, a prosthodontist.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com/

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Buckhead Dentist: Breast Cancer and Oral Health Care

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

angelina-jolieStudies show a link between breast cancer and dental health.   After heart disease, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States.  You may be 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if you have poor oral health or periodontal disease.  The Journal of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment conducted a survey of over 3,000 women and found that individuals with chronic periodontal disease had a higher occurrence of breast cancer.   Given that about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime,[1]  many women’s lives could be saved if breast cancer was diagnosed earlier, and early diagnosis could be achieved if there were more and easier opportunities to do so.

The method of early diagnosis is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but researchers found that the protein levels in saliva have shown the potential to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of breast cancer.  Salivary testing has some real advantages over blood testing.  The collection of saliva is safe, non-invasive, and collectable without causing a patient any pain or discomfort.  Dentists would be the appropriate health care provider to take periodic saliva samples during regularly scheduled visits.   Properly integrated into the examination process, this would aid patients and physicians before, during, and after diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

The use of saliva testing would be an annual adjunct bench mark in women’s annual health care.  Patients would still need to undergo routine breast cancer exams, including mammography and blood tests, but there should be a greater chance of early detection with the use of all of these screening tests.

Given the links, good oral health care is very important to your global health care.  If we can be of service or answer any of your questions 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

[1] In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 57,650 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, with almost 40,000 deaths in 2011 alone.

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Dentist Buckhead: Ultra-Low-Calorie/Low-Carb Diet may Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

mature-female-smilingResearch shows there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those patients with diabetes.  And yet with only 600 calories of non-starchy vegetables per day a patient may rid themselves of a life of chronic health issues.  According to Newcastle University in a groundbreaking British study, patients who consumed only 600 calories a day for two months were able to reverse their Type 2 diabetes.  The research, involving only 11 patients, suggests a very low-calorie diet can remove fat that clogs the pancreas, allowing normal insulin secretion to be restored.  Seven of the 11 patients remained free of diabetes three months after the study.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin to regulate fat metabolism and sugars in the blood, or when the body is unable to react to the insulin.[1]  Insulin is needed to move blood sugar (glucose) into cells, where it is stored and later used for energy.  When sugar cannot enter cells, abnormally high levels of sugar build up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia.[2]

The study that was announced at an American Diabetes Association conference is being published in the journal Diabetologia.  Over eight weeks, researchers monitored the fat content in the liver and the insulin production from the pancreas, comparing the results to a control group of non-diabetics.  After only one week, the diabetics’ pre-breakfast blood sugar levels were normal.  According to NU researchers, MRI scans of the patients’ pancreases revealed that fat levels had dropped, which allowed the organ to produce more insulin.

While the trial sample is very small, the potential discovery is huge.  Generally, diabetic patients require additional oral maintenance.  So if you reverse the diabetes, you can reverse your oral health issues that result from it.  It’s food for thought.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

[1] American Diabetes Association. Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care. 2010;33 Suppl 1:S62-S69.

[2] Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Buckhead Dentist: We’ve made progress.

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

add 49622 105People in ancient times believed that the stabbing pain of a toothache was caused by a toothworm, which either had appeared spontaneously or had bored its way into the tooth. If the tooth pain was severe, it meant that the worm was thrashing about, but if the aching stopped, then the worm was resting. Cultures all over the world, many of whom had no contact with each other, held stubbornly to this myth. The folklore of the toothworm persisted from ancient times to the beginning of the eighteenth century.  As a result many useless and rather comical folk cures were developed:

• Bee: Honey, a product of bees, was used to coat an infected tooth in the Middle Ages. People smeared their aching teeth with honey and waited all night with tweezers in hand, ready to pluck out the toothworm.  The bait rarely worked.

• Donkey: In ancient Greece, donkey’s milk was used as a mouthwash to strengthen the gums and teeth.  It was obvious goats milk did not have the same medicinal attributes.

• Frog: Besides spitting in a frog’s mouth for toothache relief, these web-footed creatures were applied to a person’s cheek or to the head on the side of the ailing tooth.  The worst case scenario is you ended up with a prince or princess.

• Onion: In the Middle Ages a slice of onion was applied to the ear on the side of the aching tooth.  Obviously, they had never heard the old adage that ‘misery loves company’, because no friends wanted to hang around people with smelly onion ears.

If you are having a persisting or intermittent ache in your tooth for a prolonged period of time and none of these remedies are working for you, you mostly likely need to see your dentist.

Portions were Reprinted with permission from “Toothworms and Spider Juice: An Illustrated History of Dentistry” – Loretta Frances Ichord, Millerbrook Press.

 

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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Buckhead Dentist: Cranberries Have Unique Benefit For Women

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

CranberrysA recent study at Rutgers University, and published in Phytochemistry, confirmed a long-held theory that ingestion of cranberries is helpful in protecting against harmful bacterial in the urinary tract. This is due to one of its natural compounds called proanthocyanidin [PAC’s], and its anti-adhesion effect. Cranberry components are potential anti-caries agents since they inhibit acid production, attachment, and biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans.[1]

The anti-adhesion property of cranberries prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, which is one of the most common regions for a woman to develop a bacterial infection. There is some conjecture that PAC’s found in cranberry may minimize stomach ulcers and gum disease by the same mechanism.  Regarding periodontal diseases, the same cranberry fraction inhibits host inflammatory responses, production, and activity of enzymes that cause the destruction of the extracellular matrix, biofilm formation, and adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, and proteolytic activities and coaggregation of periodontopathogens.[2]  The study concluded that 80% of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria were prevented from sticking by the anti-adhesion property of cranberries.

This study compared the action of PAC’s in cranberries to those in other foods such as grape and apple juice, dark chocolate and green tea. Apparently, not all PAC-rich foods have the same success or offer the same protection. By means of comparison, one eight-ounce glass of cranberry juice has the equivalent PAC’s as a cup of frozen or fresh cranberries, 1/3 cup of sweetened dried cranberries or 1/3 cup of cranberry sauce. Both this study and earlier research show that the benefits of one glass of cranberry juice kicks in about two hours after consumption and lasts for about 10 hours. So, it is recommended that you drink one glass of cranberry juice in the morning and one in the evening for the maximum protection. Remember, cranberry is a food and not a treatment. Keep in mind that anyone who suspects an infection should consult the appropriate health care practitioner.

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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Buckhead Dentist: Enjoy Strawberries the Tooth-Wise Way

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

strawberriesConsidered a “super-fruit,” the strawberry is rich in antioxidants and extremely beneficial to heart health. Low in calories but high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and folic acid, strawberries are a tasty part of a healthy diet — but too much of a good thing can be bad for your teeth.

                                            

Unfortunately, strawberries, like many healthy foods, are highly acidic — and consuming acidic foods and drinks on an ongoing basis can lead tooth erosion, a condition that wears down the protective coating of enamel on your teeth. Once tooth enamel is lost, it doesn’t grow back. Enamel erosion can cause a wide range of dental problems, including sensitive teeth, discoloration, cracked teeth and even tooth loss.

 

That’s not to say you have to cut back on the foods that are good for you. We have some tips on how you can protect your teeth and maximize the benefits of eating this delicious fruit:

 

1. Eat smart. Pair your strawberries with foods that have low acid and sugar content. Nuts, spinach, bananas, apples and many dairy products are excellent options.

 

2. Don’t eat constantly throughout the day. Waiting a couple of hours between servings allows saliva to neutralize acid and repair tooth enamel.

 

3. Rinse after eating. Rinsing your mouth out with water also neutralizes acid.

 

4. Chew gum. Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes following a meal can activate saliva and help wash away debris.

 

5. Hold off on brushing your teeth. Yes, you read that right! The abrasives in toothpaste can further damage enamel that’s weakened by acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking something acidic.

 

6. Floss. Strawberries contain an average of 200 seeds, which can get stuck in your teeth. Flossing at least once a day will help you prevent cavities from developing between teeth.

 

When it comes to the many health benefits of strawberries, your teeth are probably the last thing on your mind. But with a little forethought, you can fully enjoy your favorite fruit without worrying about your dental health.

 

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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Buckhead Dentist : A Prosthodontist – your ADA cosmetic dentist.

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

UniqueIt seems to be prevalent these days that most dentists are touting themselves cosmetic dentists.   But in reality, there is no such specialty designated as cosmetic dentistry.  If there was a cosmetic specialty it would probably come under the ADA sanctioned prosthodontic degree.  With the passage of time prosthodontic dentists are gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the advances in modern dentistry.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the country only about two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  They are expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function as well as beautification of teeth are combined in the final result.

There are a lot of people in this world who just weren’t born with beautiful smiles or for other circumstances ended up with damaged teeth.  Some inherited stains from medicines their parents took prior to child birth, while others developed discolorations through the years that make their appearance unattractive whenever they open to either talk or smile. These people can be helped by  prosthodontic dentists who specialize in the cosmetic restorations that provide methods, procedures and plans which ultimately improve their personality as much as  improves their mouth.

The first advantage of a prosthodontist is time related.  As a result of their extensive post graduate training and experience with difficult cases, modern techniques take much less time in the beautification of the teeth as compared to older ordinary dentistry.  Techniques and procedures as common as in-house whitening, which takes only couple of hours as opposed to otherwise days of the repeated home bleaching, have become fairly common place and routine in the restoration of a smile.

Another major change related to teeth is implants.  In the past there had been an extensive time period involved in replacing missing teeth.  Now, while still a complex procedure there are alternatives that with significant preparation allow for teeth to be implanted in a day and utilized by the patient shortly thereafter.  The prosthodontist is generally considered the quarterback of most implant procedures.

Finally, technology often comes into play with veneers which are made up of a special material and again while technique sensitive are very easy to incorporate into quick, favorable and long lasting natural results.  The combination of all of these techniques rest comfortably within the purview of a prosthodontist’s training and expertise.  A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist is the best way to get your inner confidence boosted and your personality improved.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.

 

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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Buckhead Dentist – Oral Cancer

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, Uncategorized

Hygiene examIn 2013 more than 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer and approximately 8,000 to 10,000 will die of the disease.  According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) oral cancer, which is more common than leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid gland, stomach, ovaries, and cervix, is a major cause of death and disfigurement in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located here in Atlanta, GA., approximately 75% of all oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers—mouth, tongue, lips, throat,  nose, and larynx— can be attributed to the use of  tobacco related products.  Those who choose to use cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, or snuff, place themselves at a much higher risk of developing oral cancer and other diseases, such as heart disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

With the level of prevalence described above, the oral cancer screening routinely performed during one’s hygiene and dental examination is one of the most critical preventative components of your bi-annual visits to the dentist.

If you find anything out of the ordinary during a self-examination—particularly anything that does not heal or go away in two weeks, or that has recently changed— make sure you discuss it with your dentist or physician.   For those who have found themselves without work or insurance, we offer free cancer screening, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  We would like to give back to the Atlanta community as we approach the holiday season.

 

Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s (NIDCR) National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse in partnership with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Nursing Research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Friends of the NIDCR.

 

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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Sandy Springs Dentist: Diabetes and Oral Health

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, Oral health

Dentist near meAccording to the National Institutes of Health, about one-third of the 26 million Americans with diabetes have severe periodontal disease which is causing the gum tissue and bone around the teeth to break down.  Those that have poorly managed diabetes are almost 3 times more at risk of developing periodontitis.[1]  Essentially, patients with diabetes are more susceptible to bacterial infection, thus a higher risk of periodontitis.

There is extensive research on this subject matter, everywhere from the effects diabetes has on blood glucose, to inhibited salivary glands.  But the bottom line is if left untreated, periodontal disease leads to tooth loss and other serious oral health issues.  You should see your dentist more often if you have diabetes.  And you should ignore the implications of your health insurance not covering more than 2 visits, because your health is too important to put a price tag on.

We are a multi-specialty practice with in-house periodontal diagnosis and treatment serving Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Roswell, Dunwoody, East Cobb and surrounding communities.  We have been around for a long time.  If we can be of service please do not hesitate to contact us.  The consult is free.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

[1] American Academy of Periodontology  http://www.perio.org/resources-products/pdf/lr-diabetes.pdf

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Prosthodontic Dentist: Atlanta: Modern dentistry

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, Dentist near me, Oral health

Dentist near meToday, more and more people are becoming aware of what cosmetic dentistry has to offer in their everyday lives. With this awareness, there appears to be an increase in the demand for general dentists to offer cosmetic dentistry in a fast and effective manner. More than ever before, dentists are challenged to create a beautiful smile utilizing various modalities of restorative dentistry.  But is the general dentist the right person to be trusted with your precious smile?  The majority of general dentist are trained to maintain your oral health care.  But when it comes to the cosmetic aspects joined with the functional aspects of your smile, you might want to see a specialist, i.e. a prosthodontist.

Prosthodontists are specially trained to blend modern aesthetic techniques with the other important aspect of your teeth, i.e. eating.  There is a lot more than meets the eye then just altering the way a smile looks.  It also has to function and the training to make that happen properly is what is taught in the two – three year post-dental doctorate speciality of prosthodontics.

Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist has a 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 are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school – rather they take short continuing education and utilize trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontists is trained in their post graduate work.   On the other hand, 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.

Of the 170 thousand dentists in the United States, only 3200 are prosthodontists. Of those, Forbes magazine reports only 560 are practicing.  Prosthodontist is the second rarest job in the United States and the rarest of specialities within dentistry.

Don’t take our word for it. Check out our reviews by going to:

www.rightsmilecenter.com/reviews.html

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

•Top Atlanta Prosthodontist – Novy Scheinfeld, DDS (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

•Dentist Sandy Springs – ADA Accredited Prosthodontist is Your Cosmetic Dentist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

•Atlanta Dentist: A Beautiful Smile by a Prosthodontist Is Priceless (therightsmile.wordpress.com)