Dentist Sandy Springs: Top 4 Reasons Not to play hooky from Your Dental Cleanings

Sandy Springs Dentist near meYour regular cleanings in our office promotes good oral hygiene, but did you know these visits also screen for a multitude of diseases?

Getting your teeth cleaned and having your doctor’s exam may not rank up there with an afternoon on the course or ditching work to enjoy a matinee, but it may be well worth it for your overall health. Here are 4 really great reasons to see your dentist for your regularly scheduled cleanings.

  1. It’s an opportunity to check for Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you’re screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning but you are. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It’s a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.
  2. Your gums are being checked for Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups along with daily brushing and flossing are key defenses against gum disease.
  3. Your overall health. Studies have linked heart attacks, diabetes detection and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene.  A trip to your dentist at least every 6 months and in some cases more often, could reduce your risk of other serious health issues.
  4. Early detection of Dental Problems. We’ve already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don’t overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular check-ups, undetected problems can lead to more serious issues like root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction.   An ounce of prevention verses a pound of cure.

So you haven’t been keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth.  That’s why check-ups allow our dentists to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.  If it’s been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today.  If we can be of any help or answer any questions please feel free to drop us a line.

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

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

Dentist Sandy Springs: How much do dental implants cost?

Dental Implants near me

If you are trying to figure out the ins and outs of  implants verses the older more conventional methods of tooth replacement,  cost of dental implants at first blush may appear unaffordable to most people.  But appearances can be deceiving if you examine the beneficial differences and the time involved by our specialist.  While I have written on those issues before, let’s explore other 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 a low cost quality dental implant, and is most likely the driven adjective ‘low cost’ 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.  But, depending on where the implant is being placed, you may end up with a less than satisfactory result with the less expensive CC implant.

The Size:

This aspect 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, contribute 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.

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 our 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? Then it probably is.

The cost of a dental implant starts from around $1,500 up to $3,500.00 .  Anything less may be an indicator that you’re getting an inferior product or one not designed for a particular location in your mouth.  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, may be a significant factor in what you end up with and what it costs.  Our team has decades of experience. Trust and reputation are the more difficult factors to define for the patient. If we can be of help please contact us for your complimentary consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC – Prosthodontist

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD – Implantologist

Hanna Orland, DMD – Implantologist

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

Dentist Sandy Springs: Teeth Whitening

Dentist near meI’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 our dentists. 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

ZoAnna Scheinfeld Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Scheinfeld 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

Dark spot on my tooth? Sandy Springs Dentist

Sandy Springs Dentist near me
Dark Spots on the tooth

It’s not that often, but occasionally we hear from patients regarding dark spots on teeth.  These spots can signal a serious problem while the symptoms may be benign. Dark spots on the teeth may be caused by a number of conditions, so it’s important to see your dentist soon after discovering the symptom. If the discoloration is caused by some damage to the tooth, timely treatment can save your tooth and your smile. Your dentist will need to examine the tooth and the spot to determine the cause, because a number of issues may be the root of the problem.  Obviously, the cause will determine the appropriate treatment.

A dark spot may be the result of something as simple as staining from consuming too much coffee or tea.  This type of stain may not be eliminated by simple brushing.  Also, the tobacco use may have a similar effect.  In such cases, dentists may recommend a tooth whitening treatment to eliminate the spot or heavy scaling may be the solution.

Excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood usually cause light spots, but sometimes there is the opposite effect causing dark spots to develop.  This condition, known as fluorosis, is often associated with brownish streaks or stains on the teeth. These stains may not respond to conventional whitening treatments, so patients may need to explore veneers or other restorations to improve the appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis.

Cavities must also be considered, and this issue requires prompt treatment.  In addition to visually inspecting the tooth, the dentist may take x-rays to diagnose tooth decay and to determine the extent to which it has progressed.  A small cavity can be restored with a tooth-colored filling, leaving no evidence that decay was ever present, while a large amount of decay may require a crown or on-lay.

In addition, a traumatic injury to the tooth can cause discoloration. If you notice a dark spot that develops after you have suffered some sort of injury to your mouth, bring it to your dentist’s attention as soon as possible.  Getting an intervention quickly increases your chances of saving the tooth.

If we can be of service, please call us for a complimentary consultation.

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

Atlanta’s Top Dentist – ADA Endorsed Prosthodontist

Dentist near meIt seems pretty common in that most dentists these days are calling themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’, however, there is no such specialty as a cosmetic dentist.   And quite frankly, all dentistry should be cosmetic.   I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth class in dental school, because it doesn’t exist.

Regardless,  the fact remains that the majority of dentist are general dentist, but press the envelope of ethics by calling 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 an American Dental Association sanctioned ‘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)  has 12 recognized post dental degree specialties and cosmetic dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advanced training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate dental 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 historical ADA specialties are:

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

Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) 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 prosthodontist is trained in their post graduate work.

The prosthodontist is trained at an ADA approved university to create the smile 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.  If anyone has a specialty in cosmetic dentistry or the right to call themselves a ‘cosmetic dentist’, it would be the ADA sanctioned prosthodontist.  Of the 200 thousand dentists in the U.S., less than two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look for a prosthodontist.

Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Her prosthodontics’ instructor Dr. E. Neal Kopp practiced with her for 14 years until his death in 2008.  And Dr. Sidney Tourial, an adjunct Emory Prosthodontic professor was in the practice for over 25 years.  Now she practices with her two daughters, Dr. Zoey and Dr. Hanna at our two locations, Sandy Springs and Chamblee. Feel free to contact us for your cosmetic evaluation.

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 Rd

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Drs. Novy Scheinfeld, ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, Atlanta’s Implant Dentists

Implant Dentist near meMany of those referring specialists think of the prosthodontist as the “quarterback” of a dental treatment plan, the professional in the process with the big picture in mind. They usually lead a team of specialists to develop ideal solutions to your dental needs because they are responsible for the final restoration.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com
www.rightsmilecenter.com

Dentist Sandy Springs: Modern dentistry

Cosmetic dentist near me

Today, more people are becoming aware of what cosmetic dentistry has to offer in their everyday lives. With this awareness, there appears to be an increase in the demand for general dentists to offer cosmetic dentistry in a fast and effective manner. More than ever before, dentists are challenged to create a beautiful smile utilizing various modalities of restorative dentistry. 

However, is the general dentist the right person to be trusted with your precious smile?  The majority of general dentist are trained to maintain your oral health care.  But when it comes to the cosmetic aspects joined with the functional aspects of your smile, you might want to see a specialist, i.e. a prosthodontist. In our office, our general dentists have had the benefit of post graduate training from Dr. Novy Scheinfeld.

Prosthodontists are specially trained to blend modern aesthetic techniques with the other important aspect of your teeth, i.e. eating.  There is a lot more than meets the eye then just altering the way a smile looks.  It also has to function and the training to make that happen properly is what is taught in the  post-dental doctorate speciality of prosthodontics.

Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) 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 bio-compatible 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 smile 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.

Of the 170 thousand dentists in the United States, according to Forbes Magazine only 630 are practicing prosthodontists.

Check out our reviews by going to http://www.rightsmilecenter.com/reviews.html

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

 

Related articles

•Top Atlanta Prosthodontist – Novy Scheinfeld, DDS (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

•Dentist Sandy Springs – ADA Accredited Prosthodontist is Your Cosmetic Dentist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

•Atlanta Dentist: A Beautiful Smile by a Prosthodontist Is Priceless (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Sandy Springs: Teeth Cleanings, more than meets the eye.

teeth cleaning near meGoing to the dentist is more than just having your teeth cleaned, which is an important part of your oral healthcare.  When you go for your semi-annual or quarterly cleaning, you also are examined for any signs of oral cancer, potential tooth decay and x-rays to see whether or not you’re having any otherwise undetectable issues going on with your teeth and jaws.

For example, cancer treatments, pregnancy, heart diseases, diabetes, dental appliances (dentures, braces) can all impact your oral health and may necessitate a change in the care of your mouth and/or teeth. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have experienced a change in your general health or in any medications you are taking since your last dental visit.  People with special conditions – such as pregnancy, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other underlying diseases, orthodontic appliances – may require additional instruction and perhaps treatments to keep their mouth healthy. Make sure you understand the additional care and/or treatment that is needed, commit to the extra tasks, and work them into your daily health routine.

This is the best opportunity to talk to your oral healthcare provider.  Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist for more information if you don’t understand a diagnosis, treatment or procedure. You should be able to have a free and frank discussion with your dentist about the following types of issues:

  1. What are the treatment options for a particular dental condition?
  2. How do these options differ in cost and in their durability?
  3. Do all the options solve the problem?
  4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option?
  5. Of the dental treatments being recommended, which are absolutely necessary, which are less urgent, which are elective, and which are merely cosmetic?
  6. What are the consequences of delaying treatment?

As you can see, a hygiene appoint is more than just having your teeth cleaned. A beautiful smile is more than just great white teeth. It begins with a strong foundation of good oral healthcare[1]. If you have any additional questions or concerns please 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

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

How much do teeth cleanings usually cost? https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/dentist-sandy-springs-how-much-do-teeth-cleanings-cost/

Check out our patient reviews at: http://www.rateadentist.com/reviews/georgia/sandysprings/novyscheinfeldddspc

Special Needs Patients https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/sandy-springs-dentist-special-needs-patients/


[1] While we don’t push products, the Right Smile Center offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional home care products that can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and keep your smile bright, like MI Paste.

Dentist Dunwoody: Teeth Cleanings Save Money and Health

teeth cleaning near meSince the early 2000’s, adults have been visiting the dentist less and less.[1]  And the Great Recession of 2008 has only aggravated the trend.  We see it in our practice and know it is happening to our competitors’ practices as well.

The assumption is that you are 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 other health related treatment.  The 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.[2]

Dentists not only improve your smile and maintain your oral health, we 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, 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 Serving Dunwoody: Success Rates of Dental Implants

Dunwoody dentist near meDental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. However, there are no guarantees that an implant procedure will be successful.  Given the complexity of the procedure, there are many variables that can play into the success rate.  The studies show a five-year success rate of 95 percent for lower jaw implants and 90 percent for upper jaw implants.

The success rate for upper jaw implants is lower because the upper jaw is less dense than the lower jaw, making the success of implantation and osseointegration slightly more difficult to achieve.  The lower posterior implantation has the highest success rate for all dental implants because of the density of the bone, there’s more to work with.

Other factors that have an impact on success are pre-existing dental or general health conditions or the position of the replaced tooth.  Dental implants may fail for a number of reasons, but the most come reason is the failure of the implant device to properly osseo-integrate.  The actual failure of the implant may be the result of poor positioning or over torqueing in the bone.  Although infrequent, dental implants may break or become infected or crowns may become loose the same way your natural teeth become loose.

If you are a heavy smoker, your dentist may advise you to give up smoking before undergoing the procedure because smokers statistically face a higher risk of implant failure. Given how expensive implants can be, one risks wasting money on dental implants if you can’t give up the habit. Other high risk candidates are patients with diabetes, hemophilia or immune deficiencies and rare instances, patients with chronic bruxism.

As I have noted in other articles the value of implants is significant with respect to bone retention and actual functionality, and they are not susceptible to the formation of cavities.  So as long as one engages in good oral hygiene, i.e. with brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene procedures, the chances of peri-implantitis (characterized by inflammation or swelling of the tissues surrounding the implant) should be avoidable.  This disease is similar to periodontitis around one natural tooth, and thus requires a similar approach to good oral hygiene.

Key factors in minimizing dental implant complications are the selection of an experienced prosthodontist and oral surgeon who specialize in implant dentistry, careful pre-operative treatment planning and proper after-care and oral hygiene. If you would like to know whether you are a candidate for implants please feel free to call for a free consultation.

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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