Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Atlanta Dentist: A Beautiful Smile by a Prosthodontist Is Priceless

Did you know that the shape, shade, length and spacing of your teeth could significantly affect your smile? And our smiles can greatly affect our self-esteem and confidence. Common conditions that impact negatively on your smile include broken, cracked or worn teeth, discolored teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth, decayed teeth, gaps between your teeth and/or "gummy smiles." The good news is that with modern technology and improved materials, these situations can be dramatically changed to create natural looking and long-lasting beautiful smiles.
Each patient and each specific circumstance must be evaluated on its own merits. Factors such as occlusion [bite], oral habits, available space, health of the gum tissue, severity of the problem and patient expectation should be taken into consideration when planning your cosmetic makeover.
Depending on your individual oral characteristics, there are a variety of choices that all result in excellent esthetic outcomes. For whiter natural teeth, in-office or at-home bleaching [whitening] techniques are available. Repairing teeth or closing spaces may be accomplished with tooth-colored composite resin bonding, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.
These procedures vary in time and cost and have differences in longevity and appearance. If you're not satisfied with your smile or want to learn if you're a good candidate for any of these remarkable techniques, call our Atlanta (Sandy Springs) office for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                          
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 256-3620
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
www.rightsmilecenter.com
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Atlanta Dentist: Dr. Novy Scheinfeld is an Emory trained Prosthodontist

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 engaging our patients, visits become more of a pleasurable experience, rather than just a necessity.

Our metro Atlanta (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 at any one time.  We offer comprehensive family care coupled with expert training and modern technology, bringing what we consider to be the best of contemporary dentistry in Atlanta.

You are definitely 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, all of which may involve multiple of techniques and disciplines.

Your smile is the first thing people notice and our goal and training 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
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-256-3620

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Monday, May 30, 2011

Atlanta Dentist – Dr. Novy Scheinfeld, Prosthodontic Trained by Emory University

It seems to be prevalent in that most dentists these days are calling themselves cosmetic dentists, but there is no cosmetic specialty in dentistry.   And quite frankly, all dentistry is 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 call 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 a ‘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) only has nine recognized post dental degree dental specialties and cosmetic dentisty is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advance training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate 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 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 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.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-256-3620www.rightsmilecenter.com
receptionist@rightsmilecenter.com
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Atlanta Dentist – Novy Scheinfeld, Prosthodontist

(ADA accredited ‘cosmetic’ dentist)

Prosthodontic dentists are with the passage of time gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the advances in dentistry and how they can enhance their everyday lives. They are expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry,  where function and beautification of teeth are combined in the final result.
There are a lot of people in this world who just weren’t born with beautiful smiles or for other circumstances ended up with damaged teeth.  Some inherited stains from medicines their parents took prior to child birth, while others developed discolorations through the years that make their appearance unattractive whenever they open to either to talk or smile. These people can be helped by  dentists who specialize in the cosmetic restorations that provide methods, procedures and plans which ultimately improve their personality as much as it improves their mouth.
The first advantage of a prosthodontist is time related.  As a result of their training and experience with difficult cases modern techniques take much less time in the beautification of the teeth as compared to older ordinary dentistry.  Techniques and procedures as common as in house whitening which takes only couple of hours as opposed to otherwise days of the repeated home bleaching have become fairly common place and routine in the restoration of a smile.
Another major change related to teeth are implants. In the past there had been an extensive time period involved in replacing missing teeth.  Now, while still a complex procedure there are alternatives that with significant preparation allow for teeth to be implanted in a day and utilized by the patient shortly thereafter.
Finally, technology often comes into play with veneers which are made up of a special material and again while technique sensitive are very easy to incorporate into timely and favorable results.  The combination of all of these techniques rest comfortably within the purview of a prosthodontist’s training and expertise.  A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist is the best way to get your inner confidence boosted and your personality improved.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-256-3620
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Dentist in Atlanta - How much do dental fillings cost? and Why?

The cost of a filling can vary greatly, depending on who you go to, the type of filling and degree of restoration required.   An amalgam ("silver/mercury filling") is cheaper than a composite (white/resin filling), but will last significantly longer if you are unconcerned about aesthetics and the back and forth debate over whether or not amalgams may be linked to other health issues.  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) found there is no danger from an amalgam filling, but some specialists and consumers remain unconvinced by the findings.
One of the ways to find out the actual range of cost is to just call a local dentist from the internet and ask them.  You are going to find some hesitancy to quote over the phone because each person presents a different set of restorative circumstances, but you should be able to get a range of costs or a free consultation.
While costs vary from one area to the next and from one office to the next, the cost of typical amalgam filling ranges from approximately $95 to $275 per filling, whereas a composite resin filling ranges from $225 to $400 for a single surface restoration.  You should expect about 3 to five years (possibly 7 years) of use from the composite and as many as 20 years or longer from an amalgam restoration.  Actually a well-cared-for amalgam filling can last a lifetime, so the expensiveness of the filling really becomes a minor consideration.
Restorative circumstances are going to vary from tooth to tooth and decay may be found in one small spot or throughout a tooth. The restorative fees are based on the number of surfaces needing filling in a single tooth.  A silver amalgam filling on one or two surfaces averages $95 to $275, while for three or more surfaces it could go as high as $150 to $400 or more.  The same type of logic follows with respect to composite restorations.  Since composite resin fillings are more time consuming and require greater skills to completion they are more expensive than amalgam fillings and weigh in on the more expensive side of caries restorations.
Typically dental insurance covers most or all of the costs of a silver amalgam filling, but only 50 to 80 percent of the cost of a composite filling because the higher charge for the tooth-colored material is considered a cosmetic option. One exception is when an old amalgam filling is cracked or broken and is replaced with a composite filling.
Your dentist should be advising you of the type of filling based on the size of the cavity and the location of the tooth in your mouth.  Amalgams are more likely to be placed in the back of your mouth while composites are more likely to be used on more-visible front teeth. WebMD.com gives an overview of typical filling procedures and Colgate.com lists pros and cons of different types of fillings.
Amalgam Advantages
  • Amalgam fillings are strong and can withstand the forces of chewing.
  • They are relatively inexpensive and last a long time, compared with alternatives.
  • An amalgam filling is completed in one dental visit.
Amalgam Disadvantages
  • Amalgam doesn't match the color of your teeth.
  • Healthy parts of your tooth often must be removed to make a space large enough to hold an amalgam filling.
  • Amalgam fillings can corrode or tarnish over time, causing discoloration where the filling meets the tooth.
  • A traditional amalgam filling does not bond (stick) to your tooth, so the cavity preparation developed by your dentist requires undercuts or ledges to provide retention of the filling.  Your dentist may have to remove additional tooth structure to establish good retention for the filling.  
  • Some people may be allergic to mercury or be concerned about its effects, although research shows the amount of mercury exposure from fillings is similar to what people get from other sources in the environment.
Composite Advantages
  • Your fillings will match the color of your teeth and therefore undetectable.
  • A filling should be completed in one dental visit.
  • Composite fillings can bond directly to the tooth, making the tooth stronger than it would be with an amalgam filling.
  • Less drilling is involved than with amalgam fillings because your dentist does not have to shape the space as much to hold the filling securely.  The bonding process holds the composite resin in the tooth.
  • Indirect composite fillings are heat and light cured increasing their strength.
  • Composite resin can be used in combination with other materials, such as glass ionomer, to provide the benefits of both materials.
Composite Disadvantages
  • Although composite resins have become stronger and more resistant to wear, they generally don’t last as long as amalgam fillings under the pressure of chewing.
  • The composite may shrink when placed; this can lead to more cavities in the future in areas where the filling is not making good contact with your tooth.
  • This restoration takes more time and skill to place because they are usually placed in layers. The increased time and labor involved also contribute to the higher cost (compared with amalgam fillings).
  • Indirect fillings and inlays take at least two visits to complete. Your dentist takes impressions at the first visit and places the filling or inlay at the second visit.
  • In large restorations, composites may not last as long as amalgam fillings.
The trick is to find a qualified, well trained dentist, and that requires you to educate yourself about the dentist you choose and a basic knowledge about dentistry.  If we can be of service or answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
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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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Atlanta Dentist -Why Conserve Water When Brushing?

Because we all need to do our part.   Water is taken for granted by most people in the US, but water is quickly become an at risk commodity because of our wasteful habits.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “The average bathroom faucet [in a home built post 1992] flows at a rate of two gallons per minute [GPM], but for homes built pre-1992, faucets flow at a rate of 4 GPM.  Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime can save up to 8 gallons of water per day [post-1992 faucet], which equals 240 gallons a month!”
While we in dentistry encourage our patients to brush twice a day for the rest of your life, the time has come where we need to be more socially conscious in the education of our patient pool with respect to their use of water while brushing.  I encourage all of your family members and friends to turn the water off every time they brush their teeth (at least twice a day) and run the water only when necessary as in rinsing your mouth or cleaning your brush.
That’s it?  Yes, that’s all you have to do to be good environmental citizens.  Depending on where your water source come from, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can have a positive impact on our springs, rivers, and wetland habitats that might otherwise be damaged by water treatment plants.  The incremental impact when taken as a whole can be lessened in huge ways that will positively affect our entire country and for that matter the entire earth.   Applying this practice will equal a savings of over 2,800 gallons of water per year for each individual in the US who takes this simple step.  And for those still operating pre-1992 faucets, the number is double.
If you are one of those people that don’t think about how much water your faucet it putting out, you will probably leave your water running while you brush your teeth.  Generally, the average person will turn on the water, rinse their tooth brush, put tooth paste on tooth brush, brush their teeth, spit a couple times, brush a little more, rinse tooth brush off, maybe even use a mouth rinse or mouth wash, swish that around a bit, spit it out, rinse out the sink, and finally turn off the water.  This process can take up to 3 minutes to complete.   In fact, the Oral-B electric brush does a 3 minute countdown to brushing your teeth.   So during those 3 minutes about 12 gallons of water is wasted. The average person brushes their teeth 2 – 3 times a day, which would now make your water usage about 24 to 36 gallons of water per person per day.  Looked at the usage from this approach, we are up to a single person brushing their teeth anywhere from 732 to 1098 gallons of per month, which is a drastic difference from the conservative amount estimated in the paragraph above.  With 365 days in a year, that’s over 13,000 gallons a year.  That’s an awful lot of wasted water.
It’s easy.  Make a conscious effort to turn off the water while you brush your teeth.  Each person in each family can use water more efficiently to preserve water supplies and our environment for future generations.  This means that you, your family, and your friends can participate in protecting the future of our nation’s limited water supply and your children’s future each time you brush your teeth.  And a self-imposed effort now could avoid our government from stepping in and imposing conservation later.  Conserving water is not incompatible with brushing twice a day and as model citizens, you become trustees of small measures that will make a big difference and ensure efficient use of our water supply for generations to come.
It makes cents. If you can’t be motivated by being green, then look at the dollars.  The average cost of water is $0.005/gallon.  So if a single person uses 13,000 gallons of water a year to brush their teeth, this costs $65/year for 1 person to brush their teeth. So take $65 and multiply this by how many people live in your home and you will see how much water is costing you just for you to keep your teeth healthy.  And this doesn’t even count that most jurisdictions charge 1 to 4x for the cost of sewer’ing the water.
It’s simple.  Turn your water off unless you are using it.  Don’t turn on your water and just let it run in the sink while you are brushings your teeth.   And if your faucet is older than 1992, you should to buy a new one.
As always, if we can be of help please contact us.
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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Monday, May 23, 2011

Atlanta Dentist - Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be

Expecting a baby is a very exciting time, and you're already on the right path if you’re staying on top of your dental health. With the proper dental care measures, you'll increase your chances of having a smoother pregnancy, full-term delivery and healthy baby.
If you're planning to get pregnant, consider having your teeth cleaned and any restorative dental treatment done first. If you are already pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist before getting any work done. You should also have a dental checkup at least once during the pregnancy. Although dental cleanings aren't harmful, it's recommended that expecting mothers get them done during the second trimester to reduce the risk of complications.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it's best to postpone dental work during the first and third trimesters as well, as these are critical periods for the baby's development. Your dentist will let you know what dental treatments can be performed during the second trimester, but more complicated procedures will probably be postponed, if possible. Unnecessary treatments, such as cosmetic dental work, should be avoided altogether.
If you do have an unexpected dental problem or emergency, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will look for signs of infection and determine the need for treatment. Dental X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, but if photos are necessary, your dentist will take extra precautions to protect your baby.
Just as dental health is connected to your overall health, dental care is important to the health of your unborn baby. It's extremely important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as some dental problems can increase the risk of complications.
The best advice is to make sure your dentist is part of your baby’s pre-natal care team from the beginning.  If we can answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
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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Friday, May 20, 2011

The Importance of Dental Care and Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining one's overall health.   It is generally appreciated within the dental and medical community that poor oral health can be linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, stroke, extremely high-birth weight, and premature births. The presence of oral problems is usually the first warning signs of some of these general health issues.  This consensus among the various healthcare providers has risen to level that the U.S. Surgeon General has issued policy statements on oral health as a strong indicator of overall health and well-being (CDC, 2006).
Brushing and flossing have risen in importance as your key ‘between visits’ maintenance tools.  In addition, using the proper products for home care such as an electric toothbrush and ADA approved toothpastes and washes are equally important.  Without consistent care, several general as well as oral health problems may result or be exacerbated.  For all ages, you should consult with your dental care provider about using supplemental fluoride; especially if your water is not fluoridated or the majority of your water consumption is through bottled water.  In areas without fluoride in the water the rate of tooth decay and other health issues is much higher.
While practicing good oral hygiene is vital to your health, there is only so much that brushing and flossing can do.  Your average patient can easily overlook conditions that could greatly complicate or even end one's life.  Thus, visiting your dentist for regular checkups is a vital part of your overall health care.  "Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal" (American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).  Since gum disease is acknowledged as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer, regular visits to your dentist can help prevent and treat these potential diseases.  By treating conditions early and learning from your dentist how to prevent oral health issues, you can achieve better overall health and ultimately better the quality of your life.
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 and your family. 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 heightened understanding of the basic need for good oral health.  If you have additional questions or concerns feel free to contact us.
Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University School of Dentistry trained prosthodontist treating patients in the Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Vinings and Buckhead areas of Metro Atlanta.  Of the 170,000 dentists in the U.S., less than 2% are prosthodontist.

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

resource information provided by:
The American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006, December). Oral Health for Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Oral Health. Retrieved February 6, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm
Oral health in America: Summary of the surgeon general's report. (2006, April 16). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/Oralhealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_05.htm
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