Month: February 2014

Sandy Springs Cosmetic Dentists

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, Dentist near me, prosthodontist, Sandy Springs dentist near me

……aren’t always cracked up to what they seem to be.Top Dentist near me

What you probably don’t know about Cosmetic Dentists.

It seems to be prevalent that most dentists these days are calling themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’, but there is no ‘cosmetic’ specialty in dentistry. And quite frankly, all dentistry is cosmetic. I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth course in dental school, because it doesn’t exist.

Regardless,  the fact remains that the majority of dentists are general dentists, but take the liberty to call 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 dental specialties and cosmetic dentisty 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.   Some are either board eligible or board certified.  These ADA specialties are:

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

Prosthodontics = Cosmetic Dentist. 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 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 appearance 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

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

Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much Do Dental X-rays Cost?

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

sandy springs dentist near meA single dental x-ray would cost between $28-38. Four check-up or bitewing x-rays may cost between $60-80, and a full mouth series (18 x-rays) or panoramic x-ray would cost between $100-200. If it’s a new practice or mature one that is trying to build or rebuild its patient base, often the x-rays are bundled with an examination that ends up costing the patient virtually nothing.  Most dental insurance covers x-rays at 100%. It is usually considered a diagnostic or preventive service.

If you are a new patient, the dentist should recommend x-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify changes that may occur later.  They give your dentist a baseline of your present condition.  A new set of x-rays may be needed to help your dentist detect any new cavities, determine the status of your gum health or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth. If a previous dentist has your recent radiographs, your new dentist may request copies of them.

We take four bitewings (which show us in between the back teeth to check for cavities).

Sometimes we take a full series of images (18 images or so…which show us cavities plus also shows us bone levels and nerve health).

A panoramic image is a single image of the entire upper and lower arch. This requires a different machine and can cost $125-175 or more. It shows the entire mouth on one image.

Many diseases of the oral cavity (which includes the teeth and surrounding tissues and bone) cannot be seen when the dentist examines your mouth.

Dental x-rays are necessary to diagnose or detect tooth decay, impacted teeth, jaw problems, abscessed (infected) teeth, or current filling placement.  An x-ray exam can help your dentist see the small areas of decay between the teeth and fillings; bone damage from a tooth infection or cyst; bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease; developmental defects; some types of tumors; the effects of trauma; and the position on unerupted teeth in children and adults.  Dental x-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, locate tarter build-up, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants.

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage saves time, money and unneeded discomfort that helps prevent more serious health problems.  A good dentist will tailor a treatment plan to your finances, altering the ideal treatment as much as possible to help you  afford it.  If we can be of help, please do hesitate to call, email or make an appointment to be seen.

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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Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much Does an Occlusal Guard Cost?

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, teeth grinding

Sandy Springs Dentist near meTeeth grinding (bruxism) causes serious damage to your teeth.  With so much at stake, it’s no wonder that grinders are willing to spend a lot of money on custom occlusal guards (or splints) to protect their valuable smile.  But how much is too much?   And exactly how much should an occlusal guard cost?

The reason this question is so important is because,

a) not everyone who grinds their teeth has dental insurance, and

 b) dental insurance doesn’t always cover a night guard for teeth grinding.

In fact, in many cases, insurance pays up less than half the time – and not always for the full cost.  Sorry to say it, but most of the time, dental night guard cost is your cost.[1]

The guard price varies by dentist, expertise, training and practice location.   In most cases, your dentist will take bite impressions.  The bite impression is a routine procedure that any competent dentist or dental hygienist should be able to perform.   A typical price for an acrylic occlusal night guard is about $300-400, but $500 or more is not uncommon, depending on the unique circumstances of each patient.

Having a feeling of trust in your oral healthcare provider may also play a role in the decision process.  We generally don’t sell product as a goal.  Ethically, assessing your needs is what drives us to the decision of whether or not we recommend an occlusal guard for your care.  If we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to call or email us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (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] An ounce of prevention goes a long way towards avoiding a pound of cure with bruxism.

Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost?

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

mature women smiling3So you see an offer of $49.95 for an exam & x-ray.  Is it a lost leader?  It just depends on the practice.   If it’s a mature practice you might want to question why they are giving away services.  Is it a loss leader used to get you in and pressure you into other dental procedures?

On the other hand, if it’s a new practice, then providing discounted services is one of the few methods a new practice has to introduce itself to the surrounding community, no different than a new restaurant trying to showcase its menu.  The genuine intent is to build a relationship by showcasing the practice.

A teeth cleaning charge is going to range somewhere around $65 to $89.[1] Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings per year, usually no more than two.  The doctor’s exam is $45 to $55 and the 4 basic bite wing x-rays are around $59 to $72.  Depending on your insurance this might be covered anywhere from 60 to 100% after a small deductible is met.   Periodic X-rays ($32 -$135) are needed to see if any problems are developing inside the teeth or around the jaw bone, and are generally required before cleaning the teeth of a new patient (which is why some practices offer coupons to defray the initial cost of a first visit). These are also often covered by dental insurance.

The main goal is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss.  Dental hygiene is imperative, and cleaning your teeth is the first step towards preserving them.  In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist removes soft plaque and hard tartar from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process requires one office visit and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

If you’ve neglected to take care of your teeth, you may be at higher risk for losing them and require a deep cleaning.  This more extensive process called scaling and root planing is done by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) at a cost of about $100 -$400 per quadrant depending on the severity of the problem or $400 -$1,600 for the entire mouth. This is where you run into problems with ‘couponing dentists’.

Again, your goal is a healthy mouth which an integral part of your overall health.  Oh, and by the way, just because you had your teeth cleaned professionally, the jobs not done.  You have to do your part by brushing and flossing daily if you want to keep them.   If you have additional questions, feel free to email or call our office.  As a part of our services, we offer additional consultation and oversight by our in-house periodontist.  Our goal here is to create an informed healthy patient.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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[1] However, depending on how long it’s been since you have been to the dentist and what extent your oral healthcare has been neglected, it can be more if there’s a need to do a full mouth root scaling.

Dentist Alpharetta: How Much Do Dentures Cost?

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

Dental Implants near meThe cost can vary depending on where you live and your needs.  A Prosthodontists’ prices range typically between $900 to $3,500 per (upper or lower) arch.  While a general dentist’s fees are usually $300 to $1,200 per arch, a good percentage of the time you get what you pay for.  A prosthodontist is specially trained to provide you with both a functional and esthetically pleasing denture.  This can be a painstaking job depending on the condition of your mouth’s bone structure.  So it’s not a matter of sticking a pair of ‘slicks’ in your mouth and sending you off to eat corn on the cob.  The proper fitting of a denture usually requires follow-up visits to determine the actual results after use in the mouth.  When properly fitted, dentures can provide a great smile with a very natural appearance.

In addition, with the advent of implants, many dentures can be implant supported such that your biting power is considerably increased. With implants supporting them, dentures may correct several problems that range from speech to chewing.  In addition, retarding bone loss, mouth irritation or sores may be avoided with implant supported dentures.  It is common that your mouth changes over the life of your dentures, so even though they last long, as the bone structure changes your dentures may need to be replaced to achieve a better fit before they are worn out.

The exact charge for dentures really depends on the type you need and type of dentist you choose to complete the procedure.  This is a procedure for which you should definitely research your dental insurance coverage and reputation of the dentist providing you with the care you need.   A portion of the cost is often covered.

Also, the use of denture creams is the sign of an improperly fitting denture.  If I have not answered your preliminary questions concerning dentures, do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Emory Trained Prosthodontist

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

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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Dentist Dunwoody: How much do dental fillings cost?

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Buckhead dentist near me, Chamblee Dentist near me, dental fillings, Dentist near me, Dunwoody Dentist near me, East Cobb Dentist near me, Roswell Dentist near me, Sandy Springs dentist near me, Vinings dentist near me

Dunwoody Dentist near meThe cost of a filling can vary depending on who you go to, the type of filling and degree of restoration required.   An amalgam is cheaper than a composite and an amalgam will last significantly longer if you are unconcerned about aesthetics.  Also, there is the back and forth debate over whether or not amalgams are linked to other health issues.  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have determined there is no danger from an amalgam filling.  Yet there are specialists and consumers who remain unconvinced of these findings.

One of the ways to find out the actual range of cost is to just call a local dentist from the internet and ask them.  The problem with a quote over the phone is that each person presents a different set of restorative circumstances, but you should be able to get a range of costs or a free consultation.

While costs vary from one area to the next and from one office to the next, the cost of typical amalgam filling ranges from approximately $75 to $175 per filling, whereas a composite resin filling ranges from $125 to $300 for a single surface restoration.  You should expect about 3 to five years (possibly 7 years) from the composite and as many as 20 years or longer from an amalgam.  Actually, a well-cared-for amalgam filling can last a lifetime, so the expensiveness of the filling really becomes a minor consideration.

Restorative circumstances are going to vary from tooth to tooth and decay may be found in one small spot or throughout a tooth, you never know until you start the restoration.  The restorative fees are based on the number of surfaces needing filling in a single tooth.  Since composite resin restorations are more time consuming and require greater skills to completion they are more expensive than amalgam fillings and weigh in on the more expensive side of caries restorations.

Typically, dental insurance covers most or all of the costs of a silver amalgam filling, but only 50 to 80 percent of the cost of a composite filling because insurance companies feel the higher charge for the tooth-colored material is considered cosmetic.  One exception is when an old amalgam filling is cracked or broken and is replaced with a composite filling.

We advise you of the type of filling based on the size of the cavity and the location of the tooth in your mouth.  Amalgams are more likely to be placed in the back of your mouth while composites are more likely to be used on more-visible front teeth. WebMD.com gives an overview of typical filling procedures and Colgate.com lists pros and cons of different types of fillings.

The trick is to find a qualified, well trained dentist, and that requires you to educate yourself about the dentist you choose and a basic knowledge about dentistry.  If we can be of service or answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, 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

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Now you can take me home with you!!!

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

P&G’s smart toothbrush keeps tabs on tooth care

tooth brushesProctor & Gamble is bringing the dentist into the bathroom with the world’s first smartphone-connected toothbrush, a device that gives personalized advice to help people improve their brushing.

The toothbrush, which will be sold under P&G’s Oral-B brand and will be widely available from June, has a Bluetooth 4.0 link to a smartphone app that can be programmed with the help of a dentist to pay more attention to any areas of the mouth being neglected, P&G said.

“The app provides real-time guidance,” Michael Cohen-Dumani, global associate director for Oral-B, told Reuters.

“Dentists always tell us: ‘People do a great job in the week before they come to visit us and in the week after they visit us. But nothing can hide the fact that when we look inside the mouth we can see all the areas they miss.'”

The toothbrush will be unveiled at the phone industry’s annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week, joining an expanding range of devices connected to smartphones that measure everything from sleep patterns and calorie intake to distance walked and exercise taken.

Professionals had helped develop the app as a tool to manage their patients’ behavior between visits, Cohen-Dumani said. The app displays brushing progress in real time, telling the user when to move to a different part of the mouth and warning if they are brushing too hard, he said.

“It will guide you in terms of how to brush, and you will be able to fully personalize the brushing routine for you,” Cohen-Dumani said.

In tests, the app had extended average brushing times from less than a minute for a manual toothbrush to 2 minutes and 16 seconds, he said.

The device will be at top end the Oral-B electric toothbrush range, with a recommended retail price of 199 pounds ($330) in Britain and 219 euros in Europe.

French start-up Kolibree has also developed a connected electric toothbrush that it plans to launch in the third quarter, according to its website.

—By Reuters.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive 200B

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

Dentist Alpharetta: Babes in Oy Land!!

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

babyIt’s not enough that new parents have to read every label on every baby product, now they have to pay more attention to the oral health of their toothless babies. A recent University of Illinois study confirms the presence of bacteria associated with early childhood caries in infant saliva.  “By the time a child reaches kindergarten, 40 percent have dental cavities.”[1] Cavities are the most prevalent infectious disease in U.S. children, according to the CDC.  “In addition, populations who are of low socioeconomic status, who consume a diet high in sugar, and whose mothers have low education levels are 32 times more likely to have this disease.”[2]

The study focused on infants before teeth erupted, compared to most studies focused on children already in preschool or kindergarten. Through 454 pyro-sequencing, researchers learned that the oral bacterial community in infants without teeth was much more diverse than expected and identified hundreds of species. The presence of members of the bacterial community that cause biofilm formation or are associated with ECC are already present in infant saliva justifies more research on the evolution of the infant oral bacterial community.[3]

So it’s not that you don’t have enough to do raising your child, you have to be on the lookout for new issues where there is no recommended treatment.  We typically recommend you stay on top of your child’s oral health and bring them in as early as teeth begin to erupt.

If we can be of help, give us a holler.

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: Wisdom Teeth, who needs them?

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

wisdom teeth crowdingResearchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have discovered a statistical association between the injection of local dental anesthesia given to children ages two to six and evidence of missing lower wisdom teeth.[1]  The results of this study suggest that injecting anesthesia into the gums of these children may have interrupted the development of the lower wisdom teeth.  The incidence of missing wisdom teeth was significantly higher in a studied group that had received dental anesthesia at an early age.  According to the study the statistical evidence suggests that the absence of wisdom teeth following dental anesthesia in this population group did not happen by chance alone.

Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, but for those who do, the teeth often become impacted or problematic and require removal.  What’s interesting to note is that dentists who administered anesthesia to their patients at an early age may have been unwittingly preventing the development of their third molars.  This type of research provides hope that eventually there will be a preventative treatment eliminating third molars way before they become problematic.

If we can be of assistance or answer any of your questions please 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] April 2013 JADA, authors of the study are Anthony R. Silvestri, D.M.D., Clinical professor at Tufts University,  Gerald (Jerry) Swee, D.M.D., M.S., clinical instructor in the department of pediatric dentistry; Matthew Finkelman, Ph.D., assistant professor; Alfred Rich, D.M.D., M.D.S., clinical associate professor in the department of pediatric dentistry; Stanley Alexander, D.M.D., chair and professor of the department of pediatric dentistry; Cheen Loo, B.D.S., M.P.H., Ph.D., D.M.D., associate professor in the department of pediatric dentistry, all of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

Dentist Alpharetta: Dental Frequency

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

Dental Insurance issuesNo, I am not talking about radio waves. This little phrase refers to how often a given dental treatment is covered.  The “frequency limitation” on a certain dental treatment covered by your insurance policy is one extremely important provision.  This element of your policy confounds both the patient and the dentist.  The insurer states clearly the frequency limitations in the policy outline offered you, so even if that dental surface develops a very bad cavity and develops over several surfaces of one tooth, the insurance may not offer any coverage.

This is why it is important that you have a very good communication with your dentist’s front office, particularly the person in charge of filing insurance claims.  After getting a dental surface filled, your dentist should show you good dental health practices on how to take care of that filling, and how to avoid developing another cavity on that surface.  Because more often than not, the insurance will not cover it within 2 years of treatment.

The same goes for crowns.  Once you have had the crown seated and something happens down the road or the patient develops a dental cavity under the crown, the insurer will usually not cover it again.  One of the more frequent problems with dental crowns is when they are not properly seated, the patient develops a cavity at the margin of the crown.  Once again, the insurer will not cover the restoration.

But denied dental claims should not be a reason to panic. As long as you have good communication with you dentist, and she is a truly good professional you should not have problems.  So it’s extremely important to receive dental work from a highly skilled dental practice that can create long lasting solid dental crowns and can address any potential dental issues correctly before the crown is placed.

If we can be of service or answer your questions, 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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