Dunwoody: Affordable Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants may appear high, and therefore, unaffordable to most people.  But appearances can be deceiving if you examine the beneficial differences and the time involved by your specialist.  While I have written on those issues before, let’s explore the aspects of price and how different dental implants may differ very significantly depending on different factors.

The real concern for the patient is ‘where and how’ to find inexpensive quality dental implant, and most likely the driving adjective is ‘inexpensive’.  This is a result of the perception by the patient that teeth are utilitarian to their daily life.  That’s really not the case, but to put the cost into perspective, all the while considering that your teeth aren’t really as appreciated as much as they should be, let’s examine what goes into the cost of a dental implant.

4 Factors that Drive the Cost of Dental Implants:

The Material:
The traditional materials – prices of cobalt-chromium alloy and titanium are not the same.  Implants from cobalt-chromium (CC) alloy rods are cheaper than comparable titanium implants, but when it comes to zirconium dioxide, then cost of a dental implant may appear to be cost prohibitive to the patient.  However, depending on where the implant is being placed, you may end up with a less than satisfactory result with the less expensive CC implant.  You just won’t know it for a while.

The Size:
This case is a significant factor.  The bigger the implant, the more material, the more it costs, but also the more it may do.  Also, special coatings applied to the surface of the implant, contributing to better osseo-integration with the bone, will affect the cost of the dental implant.

The Manufacturer:
Different manufacturers put different prices on similar rods made from the same material. Some manufacturers include some kind of an extra charge in the dental implant’s price for their brand name. This is a lot more esoteric and therefore harder to explain.   It’s like trying to explain the difference between Polo and Hanes T-shirts.  However, some of these manufacturers provide lifetime guarantees and replacement for failure.

Finally, it may depend on where your dentist gets his implants from.  And this factor may be a function of how motivated your provider is in providing you with the best implant material for the least amount of cost to you.  Some of that may just end up being economies of scale by your provider.  Does your provider have contacts directly with manufactures in China or Israel, where the dental implant cost can be significantly reduced, while the indirect purchase of dental implants from U.S dental suppliers may ratchet up the price?

If the price is too good to be true?

The cost of an dental implant starts from around $1,500 up to $5,000.00 .  Anything less may be an indicator that you’re getting an inferior product or one not designed for a particular location in your mouth.  (Mini-plants, which I have discussed before, are the exception to the rule.)  Short term the implant device may appear to be fully functional.  But if we look at the cost and the cost of other materials for dental implants compared to their operational life, the difference may be likened to the difference between Toyo’s and Michelin tires.  Here again you may get what you pay for and the initial cost may appear affordable, but in the  long term you are going to get a better result with respect to how it functions and how long it lasts if your provider installs Michelins.

A lot of your choice and cost may depend on the choice of your provider.   It’s not to say the more you spend the better you will be.  Rather, a reputable practitioner, who is truly trained in the placement and restoration (and this may be two providers), may be a significant factor in what you end up with and what it costs.  Trust and reputation are the more difficult factors to define for the patient.

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

Related articles

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• Dentist Sandy Springs: What [5] Questions Do Patients Ask About Dental Implants? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
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Clear Correct Orthodontics by the Right Smile Center

Clear Aligner Tray

The field of orthodontics made a quantum leap with a technique for removable clear aligners developed in 1997, and today it is absolutely possible to straighten teeth with nearly invisible appliances. The use of clear aligners involves the application of a series of incrementally different aligners for top and bottom teeth that are similar in appearance to whitening trays. Aligners are typically changed every two to four weeks, and each new set is designed to gradually shift teeth into place.  Our practice generally focuses on cosmetic Orthodontic Tooth Movement (OTM), so most of our treatment plans last somewhere around 6 to 8 months.

Obviously, the treatment success depends heavily on your compliance. Patients are generally happier with aligners because they’re nearly invisible and can be taken out for brushing and eating. What’s most important is the aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for treatment to remain on track.

So the next time you consider helping your smile reach its potential and your face registers instant dismay when orthodontics pops in your head, we have a nearly invisible and affordable offer you can’t refuse.  Please give us call or email us for a consult.

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

Dunwoody Dental: Is the Right Smile Center right for me?

Make the right choice in the right dental practice; choose Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC, and her two daughters, Drs. ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, located in the heart of Sandy Springs, GA and Chamblee, GA.   Consider the bottom line to your self-esteem and consider being treated by an Emory trained prosthodontist.

Many people avoid smiling because they are ashamed of their teeth or unsure of how they will be received by the dentist after so many years of procrastination.  Our practice has over 4 generations of patients who are not ashamed of their smile.  Before Dr. Neal Kopp past away in 2008, and Sidney Tourial retired, we had over 5 decades of experience in prosthodontic dentistry.  Originally, all of us either practiced, trained or taught at Emory University’s School of Dentistry.  Cosmetic dentistry by a prosthodontic based practice involves improving the aesthetics and function of your smile with the right smile, to make you look and feel more attractive.

Click www.rightsmilecenter.com and see for yourself.  We have over 1000 unedited reviews by patients with real life experiences in our practice.  Don’t believe me, read what others have to say – good, bad or otherwise.  If cosmetic dentistry is right for you, then we are right for you.

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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Dentist Dunwoody: Brush and Floss if you want to keep ‘em.

Often I am asked questions such as how often I should floss and is flossing really necessary.  I am famous for saying “You should only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep!”  Next to your semi-annual check ups, brushing and flossing your teeth are the two most important patient activities you can do to ensure good oral health.

The goal of brushing and particularly flossing is to reduce or rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that adversely affect both your gums and your teeth. Microscopic bacteria reside in your mouth calling it home for feeding off the food particles left on our teeth.

Bacteria produce acid from their feasting and  this acid eats into your tooth enamel creating cavities. Addition toxins are produced from bacteria in plaque that will inflame and irritate your gum tissue. And finally, without proper care the bacteria can also sulfur compounds that create bad breath.

In the most recent studies, poor oral health can be linked to other related health issues that may stem from oral bacteria entering the bloodstream affecting other internal organs.  Regular brushing and flossing removes the plaque and the bacteria plaque contains. Unfortunately, many people think brushing alone is sufficient to rid the mouth of these bacteria.   But flossing is a key component to your good oral hygiene program.

If you do not floss and allow plaque to remain in between teeth it eventually hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque which can be easily removed by brushing, tartar can only be removed by your dentist.

Over time, failing to floss will result in irritated and inflamed gums. This condition is known as gingivitis, which if left untreated can progress to periodontal disease domino’ing into gingival recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and so on until ultimately your teeth are lost.

Timely and regular flossing removes the bacteria that escapes the reach of the toothbrush.  Brushing alone only does part of the job.  So you really need to floss. The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day, but I would suggest once in the morning and once in the evening as the better protocol. Contact us for your next oral exam and teeth cleaning.

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

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Sandy Springs Dentist: Oral Hygiene and Covid-19 in the Elderly

The oral cavity has long been considered a potential reservoir for respiratory pathogens. With the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a renewed interest in the relation between oral flora and respiratory infection among “at-risk” patients such as patients from intensive care units or frail older adults. This has been especially born out in what happened in New York after Governor Cuomo ordered Covid patients to be placed in nursing homes.

The mechanisms of infection, particularly in assisted living and nursing homes could be colonization of the oral biofilm by respiratory pathogens followed by aspiration.[1] More recent hypotheses relate to the presence in saliva of enzymes and cytokines associated with oral pathogens, and that could modulate the colonization of the respiratory tract or promote infection by respiratory pathogens.  New research suggests bacteria from gum disease travel through airways and into the lungs. And this may lead to potentially life-threatening respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19.[2]

British researchers have found a link between poor oral hygiene and severity of COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. One of the major issues for our elderly is there limited access to proper oral healthcare.  The study from researchers Victoria Sampson, from the dental practice 38 Devonshire Street, London, Nawar Kamona from the Centre for Nutrition Education & Lifestyle Management (CNELM), London and Ariane Sampson from Orthodontics, Cambridge University Hospital Trust, United Kingdom collaborated to find the connection between the severity of the infection and poor oral hygiene.[3]

In elderly patients living in chronic care facilities, the colonization of dental plaque by pulmonary pathogens is frequent, if not the norm. This overreaction may explain the association between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. While these studies are in their infancy,  good oral hygiene has been recognized as a means to prevent airway infections in patients, especially in those over the age of 70.[4]

These findings underline the necessity for improving oral hygiene among patients who are at risk and those living in long-term care institutions. Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology.

The best way to prevent excessive harmful bacteria in the mouth of elderly patients being housed in assisted living facilities is to provide patients with the good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day and follow through with their semiannual dental visit.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics in our ‘high risk’ elderly community. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. If we can be of help, please contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

770-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Oral Health and Respiratory Infection • Philippe Mojon, DMD, PhD, 2002

[2] American Academy of Periodontology, 2008

[3] British Dental Journal

[4] Sampson, V., Kamona, N. & Sampson, A. Could there be a link between oral hygiene and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections?. Br Dent J 228, 971–975 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1747-8, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-020-1747-8

Sandy Springs Dental: Sorry for the Inconvenience

COVID-19 is bringing unprecedented disruption to the US health care sector, including the dental workforce.  The dental hygiene labor force has tightened considerably and based on the data collected about one-quarter of dental offices reported they had recently hired or were actively recruiting dental hygienists. We are all in the same boat.

It appears the majority of dental hygienists who left their jobs, including our own experience, did so voluntarily. Originally, there was hope that most of this voluntary departure from the workforce is likely to be short term, only lasting through the COVID-19 pandemic. But there appears to be a portion of dental hygienists who do not want to be employed as a dental hygienist any longer, even after the COVID-19 pandemic is under control. Ergo an industry wide problem that is historically unprecedented.

This is causing labor price hikes and disruptions in the delivery of oral health care. And unfortunately, the cost of delivering dentistry has to go up.  It’s unavoidable.

We are doing all we can to hold our prices down, but the increased costs of labor and protective equipment are making that impossible. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, 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

Sandy Springs: COVID-19 infection rate among Dentists lower than other health professionals

The cumulative COVID-19 infection prevalence rate among U.S. dentists was 2.6% as of November 2020 — lower than the infection rate of other front-line health care professionals, including nurses and physicians[1] “We’re pleased to see that dentists have demonstrated continued low monthly incidence of disease despite several regional and national COVID-19 rate spikes during the study period,” said Marcelo Araujo, D.D.S., Ph.D.[2]

Because many dental procedures generate aerosols, practicing dentistry was originally believed to present a high risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to dental professionals. During the study period, the rate of dentists performing aerosol-generating procedures increased from 92.8% in the first month to 98.4% in the last.

Contrary to the perception in the public, at least 99.7% of dentists use enhanced infection prevention and control strategies in their practice each month.  Our office, continues screening patients and staff for COVID-19, disinfecting between patient appointments and encouraging social distancing among patients.

This study and our practical application of what we as a profession have always implemented, reinforces that the dental care sector is up and running safely.

Schedule you appointed today! Your oral health is critical to your global health.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, 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] , According to a study from the American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Health Policy Institute.

[2] CEO of the ADA Science & Research Institute, chief science officer of the ADA and senior author of the report.

Sandy Springs Dentist: Covid-19 and Your Dental Care

The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of things about our daily lives in 2020. And your regular visits to the dentist changed, too. In March of 2020, the ADA recommended that dentists postpone all but emergency procedures until April 30 at the earliest to help reduce the spread of the virus; save masks gloves and other personal protective equipment and help keep patients who need emergency treatment from going to busy hospital emergency rooms.

Now that 2020 has passed, vaccines are in the pipeline of our society and states have reopened, dental practices are seeing patients for the full range of dental services without any issues.

An October 2020 report published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that fewer than one percent of dentists nationwide were found to have had COVID-19 and 99 percent of dentists were using enhanced infection control procedures such as screening protocols and enhanced disinfection practices when treating patients.  Additionally, an October 2020 study published in February 2021 also found a low infection rate of COVID-19 among dental hygienists.

What’s important here is the knowledge that we are handling the risk factor very well and it’s safe to come to our offices in Sandy Springs and Chamblee for your dental needs. Remember, regular dental visits are an essential part of your overall heath. Be sure to reschedule your dental checkups, particularly if you have been vaccinated.  Our ADA dentists will make sure your visit is as safe as possible for everyone involved.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, 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

Dentist Atlanta: Covid-19 is NO Excuse to Skip Your Dental Visits

The first step towards good dental health is brushing and flossing, which costs all of $3.00 to $5.00 every 3 to 5 months.  After that it is about education and knowledge. Our dental offices are well prepared to treat you during this Covid-19 pandemic.  In fact, less than 1% of dental offices nationwide have experience the Covid virus. We have been dealing with infection control for 4 decades since the outbreak of AIDS.

It’s pretty obvious that the last year of this pandemic crisis may have caused people to make some tough choices with scarce funds and the risk of infection.  And skipping dental visits may have risen to the top of the list of least likely things to do with your money or your time.  But skipping dental visits may be more costly in the long run, and not just to your oral health, but to your overall health.  Difficult times often find people delaying or avoiding trips to the dentist is something we are seeing more and more these days.

Downsized employees not only have lost medical benefits, but dental coverage as well.  And without regular visits people may not be aware of the many subtle changes that may be occurring inside their mouth because they don’t feel them or recognize them.  And without seeing these changes patients feel they can delay or skip dental visits, not realizing that it takes a trained dental professional to see small changes that if left untreated may develop into major costly dental or even medical issues.

One of the key roles of a dental hygienist is to educate patients about the etiology of dental diseases and what individuals can do to prevent oral health issues. These issues if left unchecked or untreated could affect a person’s ability to eat properly, compromising one’s ability to maintain proper nutrition, which in turn may negatively impact one’s general health.  If left untreated bleeding of the gums or inflammation, which is a slow, relatively painless process, if left untreated, can result in bone degradation and eventual tooth loss.  It may also be a sign of other global health issues such as diabetes, heart related issues or even contribute to infertility or some form of birth complication in pregnant women.

Given these possibilities the dental office is the starting point for dental education.  Education about oral health allows you to take ownership of your success in taking care of your body.  Ask questions.  Proper flossing and brushing of teeth on a daily basis, preferably twice daily, is critical to remove bacterial plaque between the teeth that, if not removed, can destroy the fibers that hold the teeth in place.

In addition to brushing and flossing, good nutrition is key to good oral health as well as your global health.  It is one integrated process.  Certain drinks like red wine, soda, and even healthy fruit juice, can erode the enamel layer of your teeth.  Learn to balance the intake of acidic and alkaline foods. Ingesting high acidic foods and drinks as well as improper tooth-brushing technique are the two main reasons for tooth sensitivity.  Learn to drink more water as a part of your diet.

In this day and age, easily accessible internet websites, such as the American Dental Association offer information on various dental topics.  Read up on subjects that relate to your situation and discuss these topics with your dental professional.  That’s what they are there for.

If Covid-19 or lack of dental insurance or sudden loss of income prevents proper professional dental care, talk to our dentists to see if some arrangements can be made to accommodate your new found circumstances. The national average for Covid infections is the dental office is less than 1%.  Don’t make the mistake that your oral health can be put off, because your oral health is linked to your global health.

If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate 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 Dentists: Covid-19 Risks in Dentistry?

Among the many potential transmission sources in the spreading of the COVID-19, dental services have received a significant, if not over amount of attention. Several reports, papers, and guidelines have been released on how this infection could be transmitted through dental services and what should be done.

Nine of these studies were in a general consensus, advising that any elective non-emergency dental care for patients with suspected or known Covid-19 should be postponed for at least 2 weeks during the Covid-19 pandemic. But that is only for patients suspected of having or being in contact with Covid-19 carriers.

The New York Times noted that dentistry was the most at-risk profession for nCoV-19 compared to other various occupations[1]. Based on the nature of the dental procedures, and the proximity of the dental team with patients, the disease could readily spread from infected patients to the dental team, and vice versa, and subsequently to other patients, if appropriate protective infection control measurements are not undertaken.

However, the currently available evidence has not demonstrated a clear and direct relationship between dental treatment or surgery and the possibility of the transmission of COVID-19. In theory and definitely played up by the media, there is the potential for transmission, but the evidence doesn’t support it.

In fact, less than 1% of dentists and dental offices have tested positive for Covid-19. Why? Because we have developed protocols of infection control dating back to the advent of AIDS and minor modifications for Covid-19 were easily and effectively implemented. And the result, almost zero transmission from within the dental profession.

So, do not hesitate to see us for your oral-healthcare and other desired dentistry. Don’t let the over-hyped media cloud your judgement.  We’re here to help you.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, 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

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/15/business/economy/coronavirus-worker-risk.html