Dentist Atlanta: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

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, give 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.

Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory trained prosthodontist specializing in mandibular function.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                                     

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A                                               

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620                                          

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist Roswell: Do Children Grind Their Teeth? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Causes and Solutions for Night Bruxism (fyiliving.com)
• Common Oral Health Problems (everydayhealth.com)

---

[1] ADA and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002386/, Feb. 22, 2010.

[2]    Ibid.

Dentist Atlanta: Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

The problem of bruxism, otherwise known as teeth grinding, is not limited to adults.  According WebMD, approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times in their lives – (1) when their baby teeth emerge and (2) when their permanent teeth come in.[1]  Some of this potential grinding is protected or goes unnoticed because of thumb sucking, which can cause a different set of problems.   However, most children who do not suck their thumbs while sleeping lose the teeth grinding habit shortly after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.

While it is more common for children grinding their teeth to do it during sleep rather than during waking hours, it has not been determined exactly why children grind their teeth.  There are several theories which include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress, and all of which appear to be unsubstantiated theory.

The main reason there has been very little study on children grinding their baby teeth is that it rarely results in problems.  However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD.[2]  Consult your dentist if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.

Should teeth grinding result in a real problem for your child, here are some specific tips to help stop teeth grinding:[3]

1.      Where possible, decrease your child's stress, especially just before bedtime.

2.      Try massage and stretching exercises to relax the muscles.

3.      Make sure your child's diet includes plenty of water. There is some thought that dehydration may be linked to teeth grinding.

4.      Ask your dentist to monitor your child's teeth if he or she is a grinder.  Possibly consult a pedodontist (children’s dentist) and pediatrician if it becomes apparent that damage is occurring.

No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding in their sleep.

Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory trained prosthodontist specializing in mandibular form and function.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·        How Can I Put an End to Teeth Grinding? (everydayhealth.com)

·        What Is Bruxism? Do I Grind at Night? (terrehautedds.wordpress.com)

·        Dentist Buckhead Atlanta: Are You Thumbing Your Mouth At Me? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Buckhead: Why you might be better off seeing a Prosthodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

---

[1] WebMD, Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) July 5, 2011

[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bruxism/DS00337

[3] WebMD, Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) July 5, 2011

Dentist Atlanta: Dental Emergency? Physician or Dentist?

If you have ever had one, you know a toothache can be very painful.  And in some instances a toothache can be considered a dental emergency.  But there may be some symptoms of a toothache that cause you to wonder whether or you should see a physician or a dentist. Events like a knocked out tooth or other injury of the mouth can often be resolved quickly if you see an emergency dentist.

What exactly is an emergency dentist? Whether you know it or not, it most likely is your very own family dentist.  Many dentists offer emergency hours and on call services for dental emergencies.  If not, you may be able to find a clinic that specializes in emergency dentistry.  These facilities are open 24 hours a day just for emergencies. Either way, you can be assured that you can find help when you need it.

Most likely, if you visit a physician for your dental emergency, he will give you medication to help you over until you can see a dentist.  Obviously, a dentist can prescribe pain medication just like a physician.  So it may be faster and timelier as it relates to your issues if you see a dentist in the first place.  If you are in pain, you probably don’t want to waste the extra time it would take to see a physician first.  Obviously, if you have an injury that is causing your dental emergency, make sure it is not life threatening before you choose between a physician and a dentist.

If you have a toothache, abscess, root canal problems, broken or chipped tooth, knocked out tooth, swollen gums, broken dentures, decayed tooth roots, loose crowns, lost fillings, wisdom teeth problems or pain in the mouth or gums, feel free to contact an emergency dentist.  We are more than happy to assist you in evaluating these types of situations.  In 2012 we added an endodontic experienced dentist to our practice, i.e. root canals.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·    Dentist Sandy Springs - Myth #1: Root Canal Therapy Is Painful, Wrong! (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Don't Take Chances with Chipped Teeth (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Buckhead Atl: What [5] Questions Do Patients Ask About Dental Implants? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: The Right Smile (by a prosthodontist) (therightsmile.wordpress.com)



Dentist Atlanta: Tough Economy is NO Excuse to Skip Your Dental Visits

The first step towards good dental health is brushing and flossing, which costs all of $3.00 to $5.00 every 3 to 5 months.  After that it is about education and knowledge.

It’s pretty obvious that the last few years of this economic crisis may have caused people to make some tough choices with scarce funds.  And skipping dental visits may have risen to the top of the list of least likely things to do with your money.  But skipping dental visits may be more costly in the long run, and not just to your oral health, but to your overall health.  Difficult economic times often find people delaying or avoiding trips to the dentist is something we are seeing more and more these days.

Downsized employees not only have lost medical benefits, but dental coverage as well.  And without regular visits people may not be aware of the many subtle changes that may be occurring inside their mouth because they don’t feel them or recognize them.  And without seeing these changes patients feel they can delay or skip dental visits, not realizing that it takes a trained dental professional to see small changes that if left untreated may develop into major costly dental or even medical issues.

One of the key roles of a dental hygienist is to educate patients about the etiology of dental diseases and what individuals can do to prevent oral health issues. These issues if left unchecked or untreated could affect a person’s ability to eat properly, compromising one’s ability to maintain proper nutrition, which in turn may negatively impact one’s general health.  If left untreated bleeding of the gums or inflammation, which is a slow, relatively painless process, if left untreated, can result in bone degradation and eventual tooth loss.  It may also be a sign of other global health issues such as diabetes, heart related issues or even contribute to infertility or some form of birth complication in pregnant women.

Given these possibilities the dental office is the starting point for dental education.  Education about oral health allows you to take ownership of your success in taking care of your body.  Ask questions.  Proper flossing and brushing of teeth on a daily basis, preferably twice daily, is critical to remove bacterial plaque between the teeth that, if not removed, can destroy the fibers that hold the teeth in place.

In addition to brushing and flossing, good nutrition is key to good oral health as well as your global health.  It is one integrated process.  Certain drinks like red wine, soda, and even healthy fruit juice, can erode the enamel layer of your teeth.  Learn to balance the intake of acidic and alkaline foods. Ingesting high acidic foods and drinks as well as improper tooth-brushing technique are the two main reasons for tooth sensitivity.  Learn to drink more water as a part of your diet.

In this day and age, easily accessible internet websites, such as the American Dental Association offer information on various dental topics.  Read up on subjects that relate to your situation and discuss these topics with your dental professional.  That’s what they are there for.

If lack of dental insurance or sudden loss of income prevents proper professional dental care, talk to your dentist to see if some arrangements can be made to accommodate your new found circumstances. There are numerous low cost or free clinics you can go to as a temporary alternative.  Don’t make the mistake that your oral health can be put off, because your oral health is linked to your global health.

If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Women and Your Oral Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Should You See a Specialist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Serving Dunwoody: Georgia's free dental clinics? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist serving Dunwoody: 8 Windows your overall health sees through dentistry. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Atlanta: INVEST IN YOUR SMILE, YOU WEAR IT EVERYDAY…

There is no better way to boost your self-confidence that adds a spark to your personality than a charming smile.  At The Right Smile Center, we can give you that.

If you have any sort of a smile defect such as gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, gummy smile, protruding teeth, stained teeth, chipped teeth, artificial looking crowns or any problem which makes you self-conscious while talking or smiling, The Right Smile Center has an expert panel of aesthetic dentists to help you.  All aesthetic defects are treated and corrected using various solutions such as veneers, bonding, tooth and gum contouring, etc., to shape and enhance your smile.

Your smile makes the first impression on everyone you meet.  A radiant smile will do much more than just cosmetic make ups or a new hair style to enhance your personality.  It will boost your personality and literally change your life!  If you would like to experience the magic of a dazzling but natural smile, book your appointment today and stand out from the rest.

A state-of the-art dental practice in the heart of Sandy Springs founded in 1992.

The Right Smile Center offers hi-tech, quality cosmetic and family dentistry in a friendly and comfortable environment.  We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence offered with unparalleled customer service.

Our cosmetic dentist Dr. Novy Scheinfeld is one of American’s Top Cosmetic Dentists in the Country. Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University trained prosthodontist, one of only 3200 out 170,000 dentists in the country.  Dr. Scheinfeld has treated CNN broadcasters, professional sports players, music artists like Stevie Nicks and dentists in the surrounding area.

Celebrity or not, if you want to solve a problem or create a new more natural smile, we are confident that we can help.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·    Sandy Springs Dentist: A Beautiful Smile by a Prosthodontist Is Priceless (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Sandy Springs Dental: What is a Prosthodontic Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Top Sandy Springs Prosthodontist - Novy Scheinfeld, DDS (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Metro Atlanta Dentist Reviews by NationalDentalReviews.org (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Sandy Spring's Top Dentist - ADA Sanctioned Prosthodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Atlanta: How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The cost of dental bridges varies depending on the type of bridge and complexity of the bridge required[1], the expertise of your dentist and the area of town in which the procedure is performed. Typically a dental bridge cost ranges from $900-1400 per tooth. Dental insurance will typically pay a percentage of the fee, usually half, depending on the individual dental plan.

It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge (depending on the type selected) depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis.  With proper care a dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years and even longer. With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

If you’re a new patient, there's often an initial office visit ($65-$102) and X-rays ($85-$135).  One must not forget that there are additional costs that contribute to the overall price involved in dental bridges, aside from the material and type of bridge chosen which are beyond the patient’s control.  The cost above does not include the costs for any anchoring on either side of the bridge.  So a 3 unit bridge could cost around $3,500 to $5,000.  A large share of undervalued costs goes toward the treatment itself, lab and production costs for the bridge, aftercare and the like.

Dental care on a whole is often considered expensive.  However, depending upon the general wear and tear a bridge is exposed to and how well you keep your teeth free of plaque, it could last indefinitely.  With somewhere between 10 years and indefinitely, the investment becomes rather modest, if not inexpensive.

In the alternative, if the cost escalates, you might want to consider a single dental implant with a cost of around $4000 to $6000.[2]  The benefit on an implant over your lifetime could be less expensive than a bridge and is the more natural state of the art replacement of a missing tooth.   If we can be of service or answer any of your questions please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·   Dentist Woodstock, GA: Dental Emergency? Physician or Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Woodstock, GA: The future of Implant Dentistry is now. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Woodstock, GA: What you probably don't know about Cosmetic Dentists (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much do Veneers Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist East Cobb: How much do dental implants cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

---

[1] Is should be noted that both location of the missing tooth, the number of teeth involved or missing or whether there are virgin teeth or repaired teeth in front or behind the missing teeth come into play in the decision making process.

[2] The recommended standard of care for a single tooth missing is a single unit implant.  However, there are limiting factors, including insurance coverage that come into play in the decision making process.



Dentist Atlanta: Success Rates of Dental Implants

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

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: What [5] Questions Do Patients Ask About Dental Implants? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Sandy Springs Dental: The future of Implant Dentistry is here now. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dunwoody Dental: 9 Important Facts about Dental Implants (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Buckhead: Too much information - about dental implants!! (therightsmile.wordpress.com)