Transgenerational Post Traumatic Dental Syndrome : Dentist Sandy Springs

As the summer ends, it’s important to make sure kids are ready to return to school with a clean bill of health, including their routine dental cleaning and examination. Once school begins, the classes, work, dorm-life, commuting and other school distractions make it hard to stay on track with their needed dental exams and cleanings.

A growing trend is the tendency to put off dental care needs or ignore them completely. Reasoning ranges from scheduling conflicts to the perception that oral health is an unnecessary expense. The truth of the matter is that most of the procrastination comes from fear of the dental chair and fear of the dental bill.  Unpleasant memories perpetuated their parent’s perspective about going to the dentist as young children seem to be universally common.  Years of socialization appear to be passed on from one generation to next only to be reinforced by ads and programs mimicking old adages such as ‘it’s like have a tooth pulled or as bad as a root canal’.  This has been compounded by the recession coupled with the rising cost and lack of healthcare.

The assumption is that the patient is saving money by extending the time between regular visits or by not going at all.  Not only is this assumption is wrong, but it costs patients their health as well as more money.  Patients who see their dentist on a regular basis save money in adjunctive health treatment.  New research by United Concordia shows that patients who visit their dentist on a regular basis not only improve their overall global health but by extension save in reduced medical costs as well.

According to a survey by the American Association of Endodontists, 70% of respondents say they want to avoid getting a root canal, and 60% were more anxious about root canal treatment than getting a tooth pulled (57%), or receiving a dental implant (54%).  But while perceptions remain the same, procedures don’t.   With today’s advanced technologies, root canals are no more painful than getting a filling–root canal treatment is actually one of the best ways to save your natural tooth.  While we do partner with endodontists, our in-house endodontics by Dr. Hanna Orland appears to help patients feel less anxious while delivering immediate and familiar quality of care.

Dentists not only improve your smile and maintain your oral health, they improve your overall lives.  So if you’re thinking about putting off that dental appointment because it can wait, think again.

If we can be of assistance or can answer any of your questions or 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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Sandy Springs: Who’s Afraid of the Dentist? Women

According to research by the University of Sydney the most likely age group to exhibit the greatest amount of anxiety is women over 40.  Their anxiety is real and complex.  Dr. Avanti Karve says that women over 40 wait 17 days on average before calling their dentist about severe pain.[1] A study by the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found patients who fear the dentist cope with it by 1) distraction 2) distancing 3) prayer 4) self-efficacy and 5) optimism.  Not only do perceptions never change, they become exacerbated by women in their 40s.

Given all the strides made in delivering painless dentistry, we still have to recognize that we are way up there a long with the fear of snakes and heights when we meet a patient.  In our practice we are extremely aware of these fears and take extra measures to give our patients a comforting experience.  Modern dentistry is virtually painless.  And remember, we are conducting surgery in one of the most sensitive areas of your body.

There are additional efforts made to allay these fears.  As professionals we do provide distractions, relaxation techniques and where necessary, mild sedation.  If your fears are preventing you from maintaining your oral health you may also be harming your global health.  That’s the last thing your dental provider wants.  If you’ve got dental fears call us and let us know, so we can adjust our delivery to meet your needs.

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] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/20/dental-phobia-age-women-fear-afraid-40_n_1348344.html

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Sandy Springs: Dental Spas?

Is a dental spa more about building confidence and changing lives? While you get your dental work done, do you want a facial?  Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Chinese all used certain methods to relax a person suffering from ailments such as a toothache. The “barber surgeon” in the 18th and 19th century allowed barbers to perform some dental procedures as well as shaves and haircuts.[1] The term “spa dentistry” (presently synonymous to dental spa) actually was used in the 18th century to describe dental practitioners in Bath England.[2] Dr. Curris, a female dentist in 18th Century Bath England likely created the first dental spa offering patients dentistry with skin and bodycare.

The terms, “dental spa” and “spa dentistry,” began to be more publicly used in the late 1990s.[3] In 1998, Lorin Berland DDS, reserved the name DallasDentalSpa.com.[4] An estimated nine to fifteen percent of the American population—about 30 million to 40 million people—avoid essential dental care because of fear or anxiety.[5] [6] Although there are many variations, adapters of the dental spa concept generally offer cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry with a key focus on making the visit a pampering and pleasant experience.  But does it really work?

In our practice we are committed to the goal of making your next dental health experience a stress-free, restful, and yes, even enjoyable.  Our profession dictates we offer you quality oral health care with unprecedented patient service, but do we need to offer you a warm towel or should we give away free laughing gas?

We’re a multi-specialty practice which means we can treat a lot of your oral health issues and cosmetic dentistry under one roof.  But we are not all things to all people.  We understand there are those in the profession that seek to distract you from what’s really important.  We recognize you’re our number one priority, and we do this by focusing on delivering you the highest quality oral health care we can.  Whether you’re in for routine maintenance or full mouth reconstruction, we are dedicated to providing unprecedented oral health care.  We change lives with the right smile, one that’s beautiful as well as functional.  We bring a tremendous amount of old school experience using proven techniques and technology.

Call us for a free consultation.

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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https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/buckhead-dentist-afraid-of-the-dentist/

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/dentist-sandy-springs-some-perceptions-never-change/

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[1] Dental+Spa=Blackjack, American Dental Association 147th Annual Scientific Session, October 19, 2006.

 

[2]  Fawcett, T., Spa dentistry: practitioners in 18th century Bath. May 1996.

[3]  (April 9, 1997). The Sacramento Bee (“The Dental Spa” teeth whitening salon opened May 1, 1997 in California.

[4] Wahl, P., Hollett, L., Hegarty, G. KNOCKS and Rubs of Dental Spas Dental Economics (Sept. 29, 2004).

[5] WPTV, May 14, 2008, Dental Spa

[6] WFTV, June 17, 2008, Patients Relaxing in Dental Spas

Sandy Springs Dentist: How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Good question because there is no simple answer.  That’s not what you thought the answer would be. However, I read a recent article suggesting that one cleaning per year may be enough for a certain portion of our population.  And yet the article suggested that for those with one or more of the three risk factors – smoking, diabetes and genetics- 2 dental cleanings would be necessary.  And for the segment of our population with 2 or more of the 3 risk factors, more than two times a year may be needed.  So where do you fit in, are you zero or three for risk factors?[1]

What the study failed to address is a genetic factor that would necessitate 3 or more visits per year?  We know there are those who are at greater risk, but we don’t have a scalable method to determine those with increased risk and those who are not at risk.  And to compound the issue, the insurance companies won’t allow dentist to diagnose for the difference.  Each patient presents a unique set of characteristics, but is treated by insurance companies in a cookie cutter approach.  As a result both patients and doctors are left to navigate what would otherwise be personalized medicine.[2]

As a health care provider I tried to distance myself from what the insurance industry dictates and stay true to my professional teachings.  However, we as a society need to change how we look at our global health care system.  One of the aspects the study failed to address is that Concordia Insurance has found that those patients who seek routine oral care on a regular basis reduce their overall health costs and improve their global health. So by correlative analysis, it would make sense to see your dentist at least twice a year.

If we can help you determine a more personalized treatment please give us a call, because what your insurance will pay is at the bottom of consideration in our practice.

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

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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[1] http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20130610/annual-dental-cleaning-may-be-enough-for-some-study

[2] Ibid.

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Buckhead ǁ Teeth Cleaning

Professional cleanings are the key to your healthy smile.  And a healthy smile begins with health gums.  If you or a family member has not had a professional cleaning recently, please consider the importance of regular cleanings and maintenance of your dental health. Regular cleanings will keep you healthy and save your smile in the long run.

The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
• Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.  While some study results[1] indicate the use of a mouth rinse can be as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you brush twice a day and clean between  teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit us regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
• Talk with us about what types of oral care products most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults because they can wear out sooner.

It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.

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 in Sandy Springs, and we serve patients from Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Marietta, East Cobb and surrounding communities. We welcome new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions with a complimentary visit. Our team includes in-house periodontal specialists.  We look forward to making you, and your loved ones, smile!

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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[1] Sharma, et. al., Am. J. Dent. 15:351-355, 2002. Bauroth, et.al., J. Am. Dent. Assn. 134:359-365, Mar 2003