Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Dentist Sandy Springs - 4 Steps to Promoting Good Oral Health

Dental hygienist flossing a patient's teeth du...Image via Wikipedia
Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining one's overall health.  If you believe this and you should, then there are 4 essential guidelines of preventative care to maintaining good oral health, all of which are endorsed by the American Dental Association:
1.   Floss regularly and floss first- It is recommended that individuals floss on a regular basis after meals and before brushing their teeth.  The reason to floss first is to dislodge any food particles trapped in between your teeth, which can be disposed of while brushing.  The proper way to floss is to push the floss gently between your teeth to the gum to loosen debris your toothbrush cannot reach. Initially, you may experience some light bleeding but this should disappear once your gums get used to the flossing process.

2.   Brushing your teeth-  If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, good brushing by hand should take a minimum of 2 minutes and should involve brushing in a circular motion, which the electric toothbrush does for you.  You work your way from one side of the mouth to the other, keeping in mind to pay attention to certain neglected areas such as the very back teeth and your tongue. Dentists recommend using soft bristle brushes and toothpaste that contain fluoride.  The fluoride is important, but the rise in use of bottled water has led to the population’s decline in fluoride intake.

3.   Mouthwash- I am not sure how effective this is, but if you’re not going to brush twice a day, using a mouthwash that contains fluoride at least twice a day is a good preventative measure that kills the bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease.

4.   Your Dental visits- Maintaining your oral health requires regular dental visits at least every six months.  You need to do this for early detection of potential problems that could develop into more serious problems and the hygienist can clean areas that might have been missed or that were resistant to the 3 steps above.
Finally, Finding a Dentist that is Right for You
Your dental care is an important aspect of your general health care.  So you need to make sure you find a dentist that is right for you. This can be a difficult process.  Look for someone who’s competent and you feel comfortable with, one you can have a collaborative relationship with. This is important because there are conditions and problems that were not discussed in this article that the dentist will need to pay attention to during your regular checkups. Hopefully after reading this article, you will have a better understanding of the basics for good oral health.   I you have questions or concerns feel free to contact or call.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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Monday, March 28, 2011

Dentist Sandy Springs - How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implantImage via Wikipedia
If you are trying to figure out the in’s and out’s of  implants verses the older more conventional methods of tooth replacement,  cost of dental implants at first blush 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.  I have written on those issues before here let’s explore the 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 drive adjective ‘low cost’ 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.  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 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, contribute to better oseo-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 implants price for their brand. 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 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 .  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 it may appear to be fully functional.  But if we look at the cost and 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
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
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Friday, March 25, 2011

Dentist Sandy Springs - Success Rates of Dental Implants

Straumann implant placed in site #14 (maxillar...Image via Wikipedia
Dental 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
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Survey: What [5] Questions Do Patients Ask About Dental Implants?

This is dental implant fixtureImage via Wikipedia

I read this article by Jim Du Molin and thought it might be interesting to readers and my patients.

We (I'm assuming Jim Du Molin) conducted a survey that asked dentists what questions dental patients ask when considering getting implants. It turns out that there’s a real difference between the questions dental implant patients do ask — and which questions they should be asking.
Dentists responded with the following . . .
The top 5 questions dental patients ask -
  1. How much do dental implants cost?
  1. How long do dental implants last?
  1. Are implants painful?
  1. How long will it take to get my new teeth?
  1. Does dental insurance cover implant surgery?
Versus . . .
The top 5 questions dentists want patients to ask -
  1. Am I a good candidate for implants?
  1. What are the potential complications of dental implant therapy?
  1. How much implant experience does the doctor have?
  1. What is the healing time for my implants?
  1. Can implants improve my appearance?
Many dental implant patients seem to have the same questions about dental implant therapy. Unfortunately, these questions aren’t necessarily the ones dentists think they should be asking.
The 2 main questions patients ask are -
  1. How much do dental implants cost?
  2. Will dental implant surgery be painful?
When dentists feel their very first question should be -
  1. Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
There is really a disconnect between the doctor and patient. This really is no surprise, since patients are thinking about how they are going to pay for the implants, and whether the procedure will be painful.
But doctors can’t afford not to address the primary concerns of the patient first: cost and pain.
One dentist wrote, “Long term, when the conditions are favorable, proper bone density, height and width, proper biomechanical considerations, proper occlusal load. A dental implant is more cost effective over a 3 unit bridge. However, when the above conditions are not meet — the 3 unit bridge (with sufficient ferule, impressions taken with custom made tray and properly impressioned, properly articulated, preprosthetic endodontic treatment performed by an endodontist, core-restoration — not in composite) will be more cost effective (for the patient).”
If you would like to learn more about implants and your candidacy please call or email your question.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620




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Today's Top Health Stories - March 23, 2011 - OzarksFirst.com

An FDA panel is expected to deliver its final report today on whether menthol cigarettes should be removed from the market.  The post script to this from an oral hygiene perspective is, if smoking impairs the patient's ability to accept implants, it's got to be doing alot to the rest of your body.  So, stop smoking!!
Today's Top Health Stories - March 23, 2011 - OzarksFirst.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

Dentist Sandy Springs - 9 Important Facts about Dental Implants

Straumann implant placed in site #14 (maxillar...Image via Wikipedia
Many people are unaware of the consequences of losing their teeth or the effects of wearing partial or full dentures upon their jaws and bones. When teeth are lost, the surrounding bone immediately begins to shrink [atrophy]. Implant treatment, for tooth replacement therapy, can be the optimal treatment plan. Here are some important facts to take into consideration.
 Wearing dentures [plates] accelerates bone loss, and old dentures become loose because of this bone loss. It is possible to watch and wait for bone to disappear to the point where treatment success of any kind is in doubt.
 At the end of a five-year period, only 40% are still wearing the original partial denture made for them. This is not a great testimonial for value and utility. Those lucky enough to have a functioning partial denture after 5 years are still losing valuable supporting bone.
 Of those patients who wear a partial denture, 50% chew better without it.
 One study showed that after 8 years, 40% of the supporting teeth [abutments] that the partial hooks onto were lost through tooth decay or fracture.
 Patients with natural teeth can bite with about 200 pounds of force. Denture wearers can bite with approximately 50 pounds of force. Those wearing dentures for 15 years or more can bite with only about 6 pounds of force, and their diet and eating habits have had to been modified accordingly.
 The average lower full denture shifts from side to side during chewing and is a significant problem that new denture wearers must get use to and accept.
 Denture wearers have decreased nutritional intake, a ten year shorter life span, and 30% of denture wearers can only eat soft foods.
 The single tooth implant success rate is above 98%, and unlike a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the implant are no more at risk than if no teeth were missing.
 Implant-supported bridges or dentures have 95% success rates over 10 years without the severe loss of supporting bone.

For bone maintenance, the health of adjacent teeth, the longevity of the restoration and patient comfort, implant therapy is the treatment of choice. Implants can restore chewing function to the equivalent of someone with natural teeth. If you have questions or want to know if you are a good candidate for implant tooth replacement therapy, please call our office.
Novy Scheinfeld DDS PC
290 Carpenter Dr, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
(404) 256-3620
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
rightsmilecenter.com
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Dentist Sandy Springs - Bottled Water – Good or Bad?

Putting toothpaste on a toothbrush. The toothp...Image via Wikipedia
According to the ADA the majority of bottled water does not contain optimal levels of fluoride to protect your teeth against harmful bacteria.  In addition, some types of home water treatment systems also reduce the fluoride levels decreasing the decay-preventive effects of tap water.  The absence of fluoride is not to be inferred as some kind of public or private ban on the use of fluoridation, because this is not the case.  And with respect to your oral health, when used appropriately, fluoride is both safe and effective and probably your best means of preventing and controlling dental caries.  So how do you use fluoride to achieve the maximum protection against dental caries and efficiently reducing the likelihood of enamel fluorosis?  There are numerous fluoride modalities that are effective, inexpensive, readily available, and can be used in both private and public health settings.  And if left unchecked, the resulting bacteria can penetrate dissolved surfaces, attack the underlying dentin, and reach the soft pulp tissue, causing of course tooth decay.  Drinking fluoridated water, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, or using other fluoride dental products can effectively and inexpensively raise the concentration of fluoride in the saliva present in your mouth 100- to 1,000-fold.
Children and adults who are at low risk for dental caries can remain low risk through frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride by drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste.  While children and adults at high risk for dental caries should benefit from additional exposure to fluoride by going one step further and utilizing mouth rinse, dietary supplements, and professionally applied products.  The ADA reviews fluoride products for caries prevention through its voluntary Seal of Acceptance program and accepted products are listed in the ADA Guide to Dental Therapeutics.   At this particular moment in our oral healthcare, fluoride is the only nonprescription toothpaste additive proven to prevent dental caries.   As I have recommended in previous articles, brushing is the simplest and number one action you can take to maintain your teeth and oral hygiene.  This of course should be followed by regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist.
American Dental Association. ADA guide to dental therapeutics. 1st ed. Chicago, IL: American Dental Association, 1998.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
404-256-3620
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Monday, March 14, 2011

Mini Dental Implants

My ImplantImage by fe_cavallo via Flickr
Very shortly, I will exploring the implimentation of mini dental implants.  Essentially, these are as the name suggests minature versions of implants.  My understanding is that they are not designed to be load baring in the sense that you can support a crown that would be engaged in heavy or significant loading.  But mini implants can be used to support dentures in cases where it is not viable for one reason or another to introduce a full implant. In addition to being diminutive in size, they cost less and have a shorter recovery time period.  So where applicable, mini implants may be a very good alternative restoration procedure.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
http://www.rightsmilecenter.com/

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Green Teeth

Because St. Patrick’s Day is so popular in Ireland, and all you really ever hear about on the date is "Irish this, Irish that", most assume that St. Patrick was Irish. However, the assumption would be wrong.  St. Patrick was actually Scottish and was said to be either born in Scotland or Wales. Even more interesting is that his name wasn’t even Patrick. His birth name is actually Maewyn Succat.  The story goes, at the age of 16, he was kidnapped and sold into Irish slavery.  Later on in time he became a priest under bishop of Auxerre and took on the name Patricius, better known as Patrick. Over time he began to believe it was his calling to bring Christianity and Ireland closer together. Regardless of where he was born,  he became an integral part of Irish culture through service to his adopted country and thus became the  patron saint of Ireland.  Perhaps the Scottish should get a little recognition on this day as well.

As history would have it, March 17th has developed into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history, and just a darn good excuse to drink green beer.  Now’s the time to plan your St. Patrick’s Day festivities! In North America, parades are often held on the Sunday before the 17th.  Over the weekend Chicago should have died it’s river green for a few hours to celebrate.  Our own Savannah will be doing the same thing.  So if you can’t make it to Savannah, head to your favorite pub for a pint with friends or invite people over for some Irish-inspired appetizers. If you have nowhere else to go, or your teeth are stained green, visit us, we’d love to see you (bring back your natural smile).  Have a happy St. Patrick's Day.

Oh, and the shamrock thing, legend has it that St. Patrick used it to explain the Trinity.  Isn’t it amazing how legends evolve.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620

Friday, March 11, 2011

The future of Implant Dentistry is here now.

Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts such as bridges, partials and dentures.  And from an esthetic standpoint, they look and feel more natural, some of which is due to the progress made in their biocompatible development.  Implants offer the patient a permanent solution to tooth and continued bone loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness in that they a single implant may serve to support a dental crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with complete dentures, both standard and mini implants to increase stability and preserve bone structure.
Procedural advancements, including the development of the above mentioned "mini" implants, mean that a larger population than ever before are finding themselves candidates for dental implants.  While application and candidacy for implantation varies on a case by case basis, meaning that your dentist needs to determine the viability of implants as it applies to your actual bone structure.   Keep in mind, a general dentist may perform the crown and bridge placement that is associated with implant restorations, prosthodontists are the ADA sanctioned specialists who have received post-doctorate training are most often your best bet for the successful completion of this type of technique sensitive procedure.  If we can ever be of help please don’t hesitate to call or comment so we can answer your questions.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
http://www.rightsmilecenter.com/

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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!”  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
http://www.rightsmilecenter.com/

Monday, March 7, 2011

I Gotta Filling--too funny...

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

You should see your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups at least every six months. There are those who are at greater risk for oral diseases and other related health issues that should have dental cleanings and check-ups more than twice a year, such as, diabetes, periodontal (gum) disease, possible heart disease, pregnancies and in rare instances alcohol and tobacco users.  Poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check-ups.  One of the real problems that has invaded oral healthcare are the restrictions placed on insurance coverage by insurers.  You need to understand that insurance companies serve a self-interest in reducing the number to times you visit your dentist.
Going on a regular basis will help to keep your oral health on track as well as detect any early problems such as periodontal disease, oral cancer or cavities.  The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis coupled with brushing your teeth and drinking fluoridated water.
And like I always say ‘the best toothbrush is the one you use’.  So please, if we can help feel free to call us.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620

Friday, March 4, 2011

Too much information---about dental implants

Our mission is to educate you about oral health and sometimes it’s a bit dry, but you need to know enough to participate in the decision making process.  So…. here’s some of what you should know about implant brands:

 Dental implants are made by various manufacturers, but the most widely used are:

·        Nobel Biocare - a leading company globally producing of dental bridges, implants and crowns. With their home office in Sweden, they offer a fully integrated line of implants, bridges and crowns for advanced techniques into tooth reconstruction-‘ providing dental professionals with state-of-the-art evidence-based tooth-to-root solutions’.
·        Zimmer - based in Indiana, Zimmer is known for their innovative prosthetics and regenerative products. They offer implants of all types noted for their suitability in general practice, periodontitis, prosthodontics and oral surgery.  Their most common brands include the Tapered-screw vented implant, Hex Lock Contour Abutments and one piece implants.
·        Biomet 3i - Based in Florida, Biomet 3i offers a very comprehensive line of dental implants as well as abutments. Their technologies also ensure adequate site preparation and some regenerative products. BIOMET 3i pioneered the development of biologically driven dental implants, and
·        Straumann - based in Massachusetts, the Straumann Group focuses on oral tissue regeneration technologies and products as well as restorative dentistry, including implants. Their focus is creating techniques and technologies to encourage optimal tissue regeneration to implant technologies.

Major dental implant manufacturers as those listed above offer innovative and unique solutions for a variety of dental problems, approaches to care, technology and development. Additional dental implant manufacturers, such as Astra Tech, BioHorizons, Implant Innovations and CenterPulse also  offer unique technologies and materials in the field of dentistry.

Patients seeking dental implants should not only research providers and techniques that suit their needs, but the source of materials and innovations used to receive the best in quality, experience and effective dental care.  And if there’s a large discrepancy in price, your dentist may be sacrificing quality.  The internet is no substitute for a qualified dentist but it can offer up-to-date information and resources regarding dental providers trained and experienced in using the latest technologies and materials for dental implants.  If we can be of any help please feel free to contact us for a complimentary evaluation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-256-3620
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com