Tag: Emory University dental school

Atlanta Dentist: Dental Implants are….

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

Your Natural Choice in Tooth Replacement.

Whenever a tooth is lost, if the bone structure will allow, it should be replaced with an implant.  Failure to replace the tooth with an implant will ultimately contribute to the loss of facial bone structure.  Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, which represent an alternative to dentures or bridgework.  The advantages vary from patient to patient and type of restoration but in addition to retained bone structure may include improved chewing ability, better speech, more secure fit of the restoration, greater comfort, and improved self-esteem.

 

The implant itself is made from Titanium and is surgically implanted in the jawbone to function in a similar way to a natural tooth root.  Depending on the individuals varying biological characteristics, it may be necessary for the implant to heal in the jawbone for a period of 3 to 6 months, which allows your bone to grow onto the implant in a process called Osseo-integration.

 

Once integrated, the implant is then exposed from the gum tissue, and a restoration consisting of one or more replacement teeth, is fabricated by the prosthodontist to fit on top of the implants.  In other cases it is possible to fit the teeth to the implants soon after implant placement, called immediate loading implants.

 

The restoration can be attached in several ways:

 

  • Removable structure, using special bars and clips.

 

  • Fixed or screw retained, using special screws and cement so that only your dentist can remove it, if necessary.

 

In the case of dentures, an implant-supported overdenture fits more securely than a conventional denture which rests on the gum tissue and offers no form of mechanical attachment.  The difference is the implants participate integrally in retaining bone structure in the jaw line.

 

Where a single tooth is lost adjacent healthy teeth can often remain intact and unaffected by an implant-supported restoration.  This is unlike conventional bridgework where healthy teeth are structurally altered to support the bridge.

 

Implants are usually placed under local anesthesia in the oral surgeon’s office.  The procedure involved in placing the implants is generally not painful and usually requires minimal recovery time and post-operative medication.

 

Only your dentist can tell whether you’re a candidate for dental implants.  Certain health conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes) or risk factors (like smoking) may preclude your ability to undergo implant therapy.  In addition, appropriate hygiene must be established prior to implant therapy and must be maintained to ensure the long-term success of the implant.  If we can be of assistance or answer any of your concerns or questions please feel free to contact our office.

 

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 area Dentist: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

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

Bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is when you clench (tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together) or grind (slide your teeth back and forth over each other) your teeth, that may or may not cause harm.  When teeth clenching or grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth may become damaged and possible other possible oral health issues may develop.

People may clench and grind their teeth without being aware of it during both the day and night.  When it is sleep-related, bruxism is often the bigger problem because of the lack of control.  Because it does occur during sleep most people are unaware of the problem until symptoms begin to arise.  While some of these symptoms are headaches or a sore jaw, they are masked by other factors such as too much stress, inability to relax, misalignment of the teeth, or even ones posture or diet.[1]

The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be the precipitant in many cases.  The clenching the teeth may be brought on by anxiety, stress or depression.  Other symptoms may include ear aches, insomnia and/or sensitivity in the teeth.[2]  The clenching or grinding puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw. The symptoms may develop into temporomandibular joint problems, commonly referred to as TMJ.

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist.  An examination can rule out other disorders that may cause similar jaw pain or ear pain, including:

  • Dental disorders
  • Ear disorders such as ear infections
  • Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Your dentist can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.  If it is diagnosed as night grinding, you can be fitted with a mouth or night guard (a splint) to prevent further damage to your teeth and other issues mentioned above.  The varying types of splints may prevent clenching and create a scenario where your mouth remains relaxed during sleep or during the day.  There are many approaches to retard the clenching behavior, many of which are more successful to daytime clench and grinders verses night clenchers.

Given that grinding and clenching may not fall within any one medical discipline, it may take a combination of approaches to permanently solve the problem.  However, dentist would appear to have the leg up on the other disciplines, given the amount of training and experience dentists have with your oral health.  Regardless, call the health care provider you are comfortable with to seek solutions to this potentially damaging oral health problem.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A                                               

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Alpharetta: The Right Smile (by a prosthodontist)

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

The right smile, like all good things in life, is a collaborative effort of your input and our expertise.   We’ve found that by truly catering to our patients, your visits become more of a pleasurable experience, rather than just a necessity.

 

Our Sandy Springs dental office is open four days a week, but on occasion we schedule patients who need additional treatment time on Fridays.  We see emergency cases immediately and provide our patients with 24/7 access to your dentist via mobile numbers. In addition, your entire family is welcome in our office.   We have as many as four generations in the practice.  We offer comprehensive family care coupled with modern technology, bringing what we consider to be the best of contemporary dentistry to our patients.

 

You’re more than a patient to us; you’re an individual with unique concerns and needs.  And you’re the reason we are here.  Sidney or I are dedicated to taking the time to learn about you and your needs, and then and only then develop a practical treatment plan to create the right smile. We’ll discuss options and explain procedures, which may involve multiple of techniques and disciplines.

 

Your smile is the first thing people notice and our goal is to help you smile.  But we want to make sure it’s the right smile, one that’s natural and comfortable for you.  If you have questions, please ask. And if we can do anything to make you more comfortable, let us know. We are here to serve you and we have a history of making oral healthcare easy and convenient for your lifestyle.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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

by Drs. Novy and ZoAnna Bock and Hanna Orland, posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, health, Uncategorized
Dental floss
Image via Wikipedia

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!”  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 flossing is to reduce or rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can adversely affect both your gums and teeth. Microscopic bacteria reside in your mouth calling it home, 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.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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