Month: November 2013

Alpharetta Dentist: Cracked or Broken Tooth

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

 dental-emergencyA 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 if left untreated is eventually the pulp will become infected to the point where it 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.  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.

Various 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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Alpharetta: Find A Dentist

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental emergency, dental implants, Dentist, Oral health, orthodontics, prosthodontist

Finding the right dentist:

mature women smiling31.  Searching the internet is probably the number one method used to verify who your trusted family members, friends and co-workers recommend to you.  If you search the internet, look for the number of reviews (450 verses 20 reviews) .

2.  Some suggest you ask your family doctor.  However, in today’s world of medicine, a) your doctor can’t be reached and b) he really doesn’t have a clue.  So forget that route.

3.  Contacting your local or state dental society for a referral will probably be a waste of time.  But if you are going to go that route, my associate of 24+ years was the past President of the Georgia Dental Association.  Look him up, Dr. Sidney Tourial. Search the Internet or look under “dentists” or “associations” for the dental society nearest you.

4.  Call your nearest dental school clinic.  Really, that’s about as good as calling your doctor.

5.  Consult the American Dental Association’s member directory.  I guess, but almost every dentist belongs to the ADA.  So how do you distinguish among the 170,000 dentists in the U.S.?

6.  Ask your current dentist for a referral if you are moving to a new area.  That actually makes sense.  Ask him or her if they wouldn’t mind checking out a few names you have narrowed it down to.

What to Look For in a Dentist:

7.  How long have they been in business?  We’ve been in business since I graduated my prosthodontics residency from Emory University in 1988.

8.  Determine how accessible the dentist is: Is his or her office near your home or job? If you work, somewhere between home and work seems to make the most sense.  In our multi-specialty practice like ours, there is always a dentist available for your appointment.

9.  How hard is it to get the appointment times you need to fit into your work schedule or other members of your family’s schedule? Again, in a multi-specialty practice like ours, there is always a dentist available for your appointment.

10. Survey the office to make sure it is clean and well-kept. We offer complimentary (free) consultations, so it doesn’t cost you anything to look at the office and our staff.

11.  Look for pleasant, respectful interactions between dentist and staff.  Again, we offer free consultations, so it cost you nothing to check us out.

12.  Consult with the dentist about your dental history and problems, and decide whether you like the way he or she explains preventive measures and treatments.  Realistically, we are going to be on our best behavior, but again realistically, how many group practices have associates for 20+ years who are the President of the GDA?  My other associate practiced with us for 14 years until his passing.  And my newest associate has practiced for 20 years.  And our in-house periodontist went to Emory Dental School with me.

13.  Ask about fees, payment and insurance plans. We both want to know about each other.  We want to know what your expectations and circumstances are and you want to know whether or not we are delivering a service that you value and trust. Check out the reviews.

14.  Find out whether your dentist provides a way for you to receive emergency, after-hours care.  Of course we do.  We give out our cell phones.

15.  Ask what sorts of continuing education he or she has pursued to keep up with new developments in dentistry.  Quite frankly, I am a prosthodontist, which make up less than 2% of the dentists in the country.  It’s a pretty rigorous post graduate program and very few dentists choose to put themselves through the process.  We are constantly taking courses and attending study groups to either validate what we do or learn new techniques.

If we can be of service or answer any of questions please feel free to contact us.  Also, visit our website, check our blog.  The website is long and some say wordy, but we are attempting to be informative and put in writing as much as one can tolerate on the internet.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Scheinfelds, Orland and Tourial

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Alpharetta: Amazing Dental Implants

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

dental-implants2Dental Implants are actually an amazing procedure that gives you a second chance for your teeth!

Benefits and Advantages of Implants:

  • Longevity and reliability with proper oral hygiene and care. Scientifically tested and approved dental implant systems have been shown to last as long as 20 years or more with few or no complications.
  • Increased self-confidence. Because they function like natural teeth, most people who get them experience a renewed sense of self-confidence.
  • Improved biting pressure. Healthy teeth are able to absorb over 300 pounds of biting pressure per square inch. If you have worn dentures for long time, that pressure may be diminished to one-tenth that of natural teeth. Dental implants can restore the amount of pressure that can be withstood to nearly the same level of healthy natural teeth.
  • Comfort and fit. Because your replacement teeth are anchored securely in your bone, they won’t slip or slide like unsecured dentures can.

Call today and make an appointment for a free consultation to see whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants.

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 Alpharetta: Medication Dry Mouth Solutions

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

Alpharetta Dentist near meAre medications making your mouth dry?

If you are taking medications, and especially if you’re taking several, you may suffer dry mouth.  More than 1,000 medications can cause dry mouth, including common drugs for blood pressure, allergies, heart disease and depression.

Dry mouth means there is less saliva in your mouth for the natural protection of your teeth.  The lack of saliva increases your chances of having tooth decay and cavities, and can also result in tooth sensitivity.  It’s important to replenish the mineral in your mouth that you would otherwise get from saliva.

Brushing your teeth properly (with toothpaste containing fluoride) after every meal and flossing once a day can help protect your teeth, gums and mouth tissue and help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. Also, asking your dentist how to properly scrape your tongue and doing it once a day can help prevent dry mouth and protect your mouth from infections. It is important to understand the necessity of good oral hygiene when learning how to get rid of dry mouth.

Cut down on carbohydrate intake – pastas and breads tend to be more difficult to swallow and require more water to chew, swallow and digest.  Drink water while eating and chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.  Lower your intake of spicy foods or foods containing high levels of sugar. Bring a glass of water to bed, and sip it regularly throughout the night. Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake.

Aside from the above dry mouth treatments, there are other ways to protect your mouth tissues and help prevent dry mouth.  One such method is the use of ‘MI Paste’.  It helps relieve dry mouth by restoring a “normal feeling” of saliva lubrication in the mouth.  It helps strengthen your teeth against tooth decay.  Finally, MI Paste restores minerals such as calcium and phosphate that help strengthen your teeth and it helps sooth sensitivity that often accompanies dry mouth and mineral loss.

Lastly, because dry mouth can cause other complications such as tooth decay and gingivitis, visit your dentist regularly and make sure to let him or her know that you suffer from dry mouth.

If we can be of help or you have questions or concerns feel free to contact us.

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

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Dentist Alpharetta: Teeth Whitening

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

magicjohnsonI’m not happy with the yellow on my teeth. How can I safely whiten them?

There are three ways that you can whiten your teeth:

•In-office bleaching, supplemented with,

•At-home bleaching

•Whitening toothpastes

The first thing you should do before whitening your teeth is talk to your dentist. He or she will be able to help you decide the best option for you. Whiteners will not fix all kinds of stains. Also, if you have bonding or tooth-colored fillings, these will not be affected by whiteners and they may stand out if you whiten your teeth. Remember that using a whitener does not make your mouth healthier.

In-office bleaching.

This kind of whitening, called “chairside bleaching,” is done in your dentist’s office. It may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 1 to 2 hours. During chairside bleaching, the dentist puts a whitener on the teeth and uses a special light to make the whitener work. Lasers are sometimes used during tooth whitening to make the whitening agent work better.

At-home bleaching.

There are a few different products that can be used to whiten teeth at home. Some come from your dentist, and others can be bought over-the-counter. These contain peroxide(s), which bleach the tooth enamel. Most come in a gel and are placed in a mouth tray that fits over your teeth.  These gels are designed to help many types of staining. Only the dentist-dispensed solutions have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.

Other over-the-counter whitening products include whitening strips, paint-on products, gels, and trays are available with a low amount of peroxide.  For better results, have a cleaning at the dentist before you use these products. These gels and trays do not have the ADA seal.

Whitening toothpastes.

All toothpastes help remove surface stains through mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes that have the ADA seal have special polishing agents or chemicals that remove even more stains. Unlike bleaches, these products do not change the actual color of teeth. They help remove surface stains only.

A small disclaimer is that these products can make your teeth temporarily more sensitive. They can also bother your gums. These side effects most often go away after you stop using the product.

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 Alpharetta: Porcelain Veneers

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

Porcelain VeneersYou want a dazzling smile without gaps, chips, or stains?  See a Prosthodontist.  Usually, after just two visits, you can look forward to enjoying a brand new, natural-looking smile for years to come.

How’s this possible? With porcelain veneers designed just for you.  Veneers are made of durable porcelain and placed over the front of your teeth, enhancing their appearance and, in the process, boosting your self-confidence.  How do you think all those movie stars got those great smiles?  With a cosmetic prosthodontist and veneers.

The Right Smile in Two Visits[1]

Your first visit with allows us to talk to you about your smile.  As we get to know you and what you have in mind, we can create a plan that takes into consideration your overall appearance, including the shade of your teeth as well as the contours of your face. We’ll also make an impression of your teeth and gums, which our lab will work from to design your permanent veneers.

Your first appointment ends with prepping your teeth for the temporary veneers you’ll wear in the meantime. Your next appointment is all about fitting you with your permanent veneers. Once they’re in place, you can leave our office with a more natural, more esthetically pleasing smile than you’ve ever had.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today

To find out more about porcelain veneers or to schedule a consultation visits with Dr. Scheinfeld, call or email us today. Our office is conveniently located at the top of the perimeter in Sandy Springs.

Everyone loves a bright smile.  With porcelain veneers, it’s possible to finally have the dazzling smile you’ve been dreaming of.

The Right Smile For Your Lifestyle

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] There are occasions when circumstances dictate additional visits.  As an example, you may need to whiten your surrounding teeth to match the shade you desire.

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Dentist Alpharetta: Public Perception of Oral Health Care

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

United Concodia StudyPerception always seems to trump reality.  And the perception of oral health as it relates to one’s global health are as misaligned as teeth are in Great Britain.  The American Dental Association, in collaboration with Crest and Oral-B conducted a national public opinion survey of 1,000 Americans age 18 and older[1] on oral health care and,

here are some of their findings:[2]

  1. While eight of 10 Americans say taking care of one’s mouth, teeth and gums is “absolutely needed,” only one-third of them say they do an “excellent” job  taking care of them.
  2. One parent in four says his or her kids do only a “fair” or “poor” job taking care of their own mouth, teeth and gums.
  3. Americans deem the smile the most important physical attribute but do not realize a beautiful smile is not always a healthy smile and can mask underlying oral health problems.  More than one in three Americans say:
  • They think a little bleeding from brushing is normal (33%), yet it’s not.  It could be a sign of gum disease or something even worse.
  • They are unaware that periodontal disease needs to be treated and cannot be left alone (33%).
  • They don’t know that poor oral health has been associated with serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes (37%).

It’s apparent and disappointing that Americans in these segments of the population need continued oral health education beyond high school.   One of the difficulties dentists face is the failure of our education system to bridge the gap where parental responsibility fails in teaching children the relationship of their oral health to global health[3].

If we can answer any of your questions or concerns, please 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

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

[1] Apparently with emphasis on African Americans, Hispanics and low-income Americans.

[2] http://www.crest.com/ada-webcast/pressrelease.pdf. Conducted by GFK Roper Public Affairs & Media, 2008

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Dentist Alpharetta: Am I a Dental Implant Candidate?

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

dental-implants2Anyone who is missing one or more teeth may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone left to place an implant.  The ideal candidate is in good global as well as good oral health. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

The best candidates have both bone and gum tissue sufficient to accept a dental implant, because they are intimately connected.  While oral surgeons are highly trained to install implants, a periodontist may be involved to evaluate the gums, the bone structure and place the implant.

It’s not acceptable to proceed with dental implants if there are issues of untreated disease in the teeth, gums or bone.  These circumstances can adversely affect the success of osseo-intergration and maintenance of the implant itself.  As a matter of course, a full mouth evaluation needs to done, as well as the appropriate x-rays need to be taken.

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants.  The patient’s overall health is more of a determining factor than age.  If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus[1], may contraindicate dental implant treatment.

Your dentist should determine if you’re a candidate after careful evaluation of your dental & health history.  If we can be of service or you are interested in determining whether or not you are a candidate for implants, 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

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[1] Diabetes, Smoking, Osteoporosis, loss of salivary function, and Sjogrens disease may present factors that affect the viability of dental implants.

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Alpharetta Dentist: Advantages of Dental Implants

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, dental implants, Dentist

Dental IMplant dentist near meThe single most important benefit of dental implants is the effect they have on your bone retention.  The implant functions like a tooth root and consequently helps retain your facial bone structure.[1]  Most people don’t realize that once you lose a tooth your bone begins to resorb.

Beyond bone retention, there are many important secondary benefits including:

  1. Improved appearance – Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent and function like your own teeth.
  2. Reduced oral Impact – Dental implants avoid reducing other healthy teeth, as in the impact of a tooth-supported bridge.  Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant the long term oral health of your existing teeth are enhanced.
  3. Improved oral health – Individual implants allow easier access between teeth by floss and tooth brushes, improving oral hygiene.
  4. Improved eating – Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain as opposed to the sliding of a denture.
  5. Longevity – Implants are very durable and with proper care can last a lifetime.  But if the (exposed) crown should fracture or deteriorate, it can be replaced without impacting the implant structure.
  6. Improved self-esteem – Implants avoid speech problems that frequently occur with dentures. They eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures that impacts self-esteem. They avoid slippage issues and they eliminate the consciousness that accompanies removable dentures.

Dental implants create a basis for enjoying your life that doesn’t otherwise exist with bridges and removable devices in the mouth.

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

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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  • [1] In addition to retaining bone structure, dental implants have about a 98% success rate.

Cosmetic Dentistry? Sandy Springs Dentist

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

dentist near meGenerally, cosmetic dentistry performed by a general dentist is centered on improving your appearance, not the functioning of your teeth and its bite.  Many dentists refer to themselves as “cosmetic dentists” regardless of their lack of specific education, specialty, training, and experience in the field. This has been considered unethical particularly as it relates to the objective of marketing to patients.[1]  Cosmetic dentistry  has never been recognized by the American Dental Association as a formal specialty area of dentistry.[2][3]  However, there are still dentists that promote themselves as cosmetic dentists. It’s misleading and infers that a ‘cosmetic dentist’ has some form of credentialed training.  Ironically, ‘cosmetic dentists’ continue to tout themselves as members of the ADA.

Unfortunately, merely correcting the patients aesthetics without giving consideration as to how the mouth functions is a disservice to the patient.  There are only 2 specialties recognized by the ADA that consider the patient’s aesthetics and function during treatment, prosthodontists and orthodontists.  They are formally trained specialists[4] recognized by the ADA that undergo a minimum of 2–3 years full-time rigorous education program after dental school graduation.  These specialties are the paths that lead to board certification approved by the ADA.  Forbes Magazine ranks Prosthodontists as the rarest dental specialist in the U.S.

So the next time you are contemplating ‘cosmetic dentistry’ consider a Pro, a Prosthodontist.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC  Prosthodontist

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3658

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

[1]  Maihofer MG (February 2009). “Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty”. The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association 91 (2): 18. PMID 19288658.

[2] Ibid

[3] “American Association of Public Health Dentistry”.

[4] Dentist trained in a post doctorate University program.

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