Tag: Alpharetta Dentist

Alpharetta Dentist: Oral Health in an Aging Population

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist, health, Oral health, prosthodontist, Uncategorized
Aging Patients
Our elderly patients require special expertise to be treated.

More and more, oral health care is playing a greater role in maintaining our aging population.  It has become vital to older patients as it relates to their overall global health.  Oral conditions affected 3.9 billion people, and untreated caries in permanent teeth was the most prevalent condition evaluated for the entire Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study (global prevalence of 35% for all ages combined).[1] Oral conditions combined accounted for 15 million disability-adjusted life-years (DisabilityALYs) globally, implying an average health loss of 224 years per 100,000 population.[2]

DisabilityALYs due to oral conditions increased 20.8% between 1990 and 2010, mainly due to population growth and aging.[3]  By 2015, the US population is expected to increase to 312 million (3.08 million in 2010) and 14.7% of the population will be aged 65 years or older.  While effective preventive measures exist for younger populations (water fluoridation, dental sealants and parents), no preventive measures have been devised to address the expected increase in oral health needs of the aging population.

IADR President Helen Whelton from the University of Cork, Ireland, elaborated, “The fact that a preventable oral disease is the most prevalent of all 291 diseases and injuries examined in the GBD 2010 is quite sobering and should cause all of us to redouble our efforts to raise awareness of the importance of oral health to policymakers.” The dental profession has an opportunity to take a leadership role in the delivery of health care services to the seniors who have contributed so vitally to our society’s well-being and who deserve to be treated with the best oral health care we have to offer.  This can only be accomplished with a better educated population.  Dr. Scheinfeld is a prosthodontist specializing in geriatric care.  The Right Smile Team, including in-house periodontics is designed to treat our aging population.

Call for an evaluation of your oral health care 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] Wagner Marcenes, Queen Mary University, London,  IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research

[3] Ibid

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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Transgenerational Post Traumatic Dental Syndrome : Dentist Alpharetta

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

Top dentist near meAs 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 afs 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

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland

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 Sandy Springs: Teeth Cleanings, more than meets the eye. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
  • Sandy Springs Dentist: Special Needs Patients (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
  • Dentist Sandy Springs: Public Perception of Oral Health Car (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Addicted to Soda : Alpharetta Dental

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

bloomberg-soda-banThe consumption of soda can cause similar damage tantamount to the illegal use of drugs such as methamphetamines or crack cocaine.  Whoa, hard to believe.  But tooth erosion can occur from the acid found in soda.  According to the study conducted by the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, researchers found the same type and severity of damage from tooth erosion in each of the participants.

Understand that in order to have the same effect, a significant amount of soda has to be consumed.  Nonetheless, the effects are similar.  And our recommendation to patients is minimize the intake of soda and consume more water.  If you can’t stop drinking soda, don’t brush immediately afterwards because you could damage your teeth enamel.  Rather chew xylitol based sugarless gums or rinse with water to remove the acid agents left behind by soda.

If we can be of help, don’t hesitate to contact us for your complimentary 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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Alpharetta Dentist: Specializing in Aged Population

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

dental costsDental Expenditures are a bargain… for now.

The overall average for personal healthcare has risen much faster than the average for all consumer items, nearly quadrupling in the past 25 years.  Whereas per capita spending dental costs have remained flat.[1]

Coupled with the effects of inflation and population growth the general shift from institutional care spending toward professional services has created little to no increase in ones dental costs. Medical care is increasingly delivered in outpatient care settings, often in physician offices or surgical care centers, which can be seen in the above diagram crossing of the real spending trends for institutional care and professional services that occurred in about 2000. Unlike other professional services, dentistry has not gained from the shift toward outpatient/professional services, having remained flat in real per capita spending for the past 25 years. Thus, while prices for dental services have grown generally as fast as the average for all personal healthcare services, dentistry has neither lost nor gained real ground in per capita use.[2]

Most dental coverage in the United States is obtained through employer-offered plans, and basic Medicare does not include such benefits. Seniors’ spending on dental care is, therefore, more sensitive to income than spending by younger age groups.  Whether dentistry will continue to maintain its relative position in per capita utilization depends, at least in part, on how the baby boom demographics will impact dental care demand in the next two decades.[3]

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Dental Cleanings Alpharetta

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

female smilingProfessional teeth cleanings performed by a certified dental hygienist are the foundation to maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing future gum disease and tooth decay.   Actively preventing periodontal disease and tooth decay starts at home, augmented with regular dental cleanings and oral exams, you should be able to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

In a professional dental cleaning, our hygienist will:

  • Remove plaque and tarter from the teeth and gum line
  • Remove calculus below the gum line with procedures that can only be performed by professional and may even require anti-biotics
  • Remove stains and polish your teeth
  • Administer x-rays where and when necessary
  • Check for signs of oral cancer

Our practice offers preventive care that includes comprehensive cleaning, fluoride treatment, sealants, oral examinations and periodontal treatments that help you maintain your smile’s health and beauty. Brushing your teeth twice-daily and regular flossing at least once a day are necessary for maintenance between office visits, but a healthy mouth and beautiful smile can only be achieved with routine general and preventive care by a dentist.

The added advantage of a multi-specialty practice is our in-house periodontist.  So if you have an issue that exceeds the ability or training of our hygienists, you can still be examined and treated in our office.  If we can be of service please contact us for a complementary consult with one our team.

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: The Tongue and Stories it tells

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

Sticking TongueDid you realize your own tongue can alert you to hidden problems about the rest of your body’s health?  Recognition and diagnosis of tongue abnormalities require examination of the tongue’s shape, structure, color and pattern along with a thorough history, including the onset and duration of the symptoms and the use of tobacco and alcohol.  A thorough neck examination, with careful assessment of the lymph nodes, is essential.  Although routinely examined during a patient’s semi-annual hygiene examinations, abnormalities of the tongue can present a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for dentists.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the point prevalence of tongue lesions is 15.5 percent in U.S. adults. Lesion prevalence is increased in those who wear dentures or use tobacco. The most common tongue condition is geographic tongue, followed by fissured tongue and hairy tongue.[1]  Patients presenting with a tongue lesion or other abnormal appearance of unclear etiology should be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, head and neck surgeon, or a dentist experienced in oral pathology for further examination and biopsy.

Probably the best article providing a short synopsis of what to look for in a patient self-examination is presented in the American Academy of Family Physicians’ article:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0301/p627.html  Common Tongue Conditions in Primary Care.

If you haven’t received an oral examination in recent history we recommend you make an appointment and see your dentist to do so.  If we can be of service or answer any of 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

Related articles

[1] Shulman  JD, Beach  MM, Rivera-Hidalgo  F.  The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in U.S. adults: data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994.  J Am Dent Assoc.  2004;135(9):1279–1286.

Dentist Alpharetta: Dental Implant Benefits

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

implants-denturesDental Implants provide life changing benefits:

  • They look and feel like your own teeth.
  • They’re a comfortable and maintained like your natural teeth.
  • You can eat your favorite foods and chew without fear.
  • Renewed ability to speak properly
  • Restoration of facial aesthetics
  • Preservation of remaining jaw bone structure
  • Cavity free
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • They are an affordable, permanent solution that can last a lifetime.

Dental implants look and perform like real teeth. You can chew and eat like normal.  A tooth needs a root to hold it in place, and that’s precisely what a dental implant does.  You keep your dental implants clean using a toothbrush and floss, just like you would your natural teeth.  And  with proper care, dental implants will last a lifetime.  Dental implants give you a second chance at a natural smile – the right smile.

When searching online for pricing, you may notice that Dental Implants are often advertised below $1,000. Don’t be fooled into believing that your treatment will cost that much, because the truth is the restoration portion of the treatment probably isn’t factored into the total price, which in most cases is half the cost.  Plus you don’t know who manufactured your implant.

Dental implants are the best permanent way to help you get your smile back, along with your confidence. The best part is no one will know they’re implants unless you tell them.

Find out if you are a candidate for dental implants.  Call or email us now for a complimentary consult.  We have in-house implant placement and restoration by our periodontic and prosthodontic experts.

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: Chew Gum…with Xylitol

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

chewing-gumAnd help prevent ear infections.

Studies have shown that chewing gum that contains xylitol can help prevent cavities, but also can help prevent ear infections.[1]  While the natural act of chewing helps with the removal of earwax and clearing the middle-ear, the presence of xylitol in your system helps prevent the growth of bacteria in the Eustachian tubes between your ear and nose.

While regular brushing and flossing are the necessary part of your daily oral health regimen, chewing gum with xylitol may be something you’ll want to add to morning or afternoon commute.  Our goal is to provide you with oral health options and this is definitely one of them.

If we can answer your additional concerns and questions, please feel free to contact us or schedule a complete oral exam.

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 Dentist: Green Tea and Your Oral Health

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

Green teaDrinking green tea is in style, but guess what, it may also be good for your teeth.  A recent study found that those who regularly drank green tea had better oral health than those who didn’t.[1]  Examining three indicators of gum disease, researchers found that for every cup of green tea consumed per day, a decrease in all three indicators occurred.[2]

In the study, the researchers examined 940 men ages 49 through 59 on the three indicators of gum disease by measuring the pocket depth between the gums and tooth, loss of the bone attachment of the tooth and probing bleeding gums[3]. They found that the men who had regular intake of green tea had healthier gums and teeth than those who drank less green tea. They noted that a cup a day increase in consumption resulted in the shrinking of the above indicators or symptoms.

Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented, so its active ingredients remain unaltered. Green tea’s protection comes from a powerful antioxidant, a polyphenol called EGCG.[4]

Because our mouths are an oxygen-rich environment closely connected to our blood vessels, they provide an ideal habitat for the growth and rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Scientists have confirmed that green tea not only halts the growth of new oral cancer cells but actually breaks down and kills existing oral cancer cells.  A double-blind study of people with leukoplakia (a precancerous oral condition), showed that those in the green tea group compared to those in the placebo group had significant decreases in the pre-cancerous condition.[5]

This is why we examine your mouth closely at each visit to determine any changes in texture or color that might indicate the presence of oral cancers. This early screening is just one more reason to make sure you don’t miss your regular checkup.

Ingredients in green tea may reduce the risk of getting dental cavities. One study compared two groups. The one that rinsed each night with an alcohol extract of oolong tea leaves had significantly less plaque formation than the group that did not.[6]

Another benefit of green tea is that it stunts the growth of odor causing bacteria, thus helping you maintain a fresh breath.

To fully obtain the benefits, we should have at least four to six cups a day.  Decaffeinated tea is recommended to reduce the side effects associated with caffeine, including anxiety and insomnia.  This seems like an awful lot of tea to ingest, so if you don’t want to drink that much, simply use it as a mouthwash.

If we can be of assistance or answer any of your questions or concerns 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] Journal of Periodontology, March 2009, Vol. 80, No. 3, Pages 372-377 , DOI 10.1902/jop.2009.080510

[2] Ibid

[3] These 3 methods of examining gum tissue are the most common methods utilized by your dentist when you have your teeth cleaned.

[4] Graham HN. Green tea consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med 1992;21:334-50.

[5] Li N, Sun Z, Han C, Chen J. The chemopreventive effects of tea on human oral precancerous mucosa lesions. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999;220:218-24.

[6] Otake S, Makimura M, Kuroki t, et al. Anticaries effects of polyphenolic compounds from Japanese green tea. Caries Res 1991;25:438-43.

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