Choosing a Dentist or getting an Oil Change : Sandy Springs

While I understand the concern, it seems odd that a patient would want to choose their dentist based solely on price or coupon received in the mail.  After all, the quality of your dental treatment should be of equal, if not greater importance.

A few telephone surveys to the dentists in the area you desire should give you a general idea of the range of fees.[1]  You should know that many dental offices will be put off by such inquires for a couple of reasons.  First, while there are many cookie cutter aspects to what dentists charge in your routine maintenance, each patient presents a unique set of circumstances and delivery challenges.   A phone call from a person "checking out the best prices in town" doesn't typically fit that ideal of doctor- patient relationship.  It’s really not like buying tires or getting an oil change.

Second, that phone inquiry on price often result in "apples and oranges" comparisons.  Without an examination by the dentist it is impossible for the dental office to know exactly what work is needed, and so it is impossible for them to give you an accurate idea of the fee or the treatment.  Uniqueness creates a possible variation in the treatment and the fees associated with the treatment.

Third, even using the same dental terminology when calling various dental offices can result in different interpretations of the work being asked about.

Fourth, most dentists consider a consultation appointment an excellent way for a potential patient to determine the cost of the specific dental treatment they need and for the patient an excellent way to meet and experience the office environment in which the treatment will be performed. Many dentists will likely no-charge an examination fee for this visit. And if there is a charge the receptionist making your consultation appointment should be able to quote this fee precisely.

Finally, ask your friends and coworkers who their dentist is.   Reputations travel, and your friends will know who has treated them well and will most likely have an insight into the fees charged by their dentist compared with other dentists in your area.  Read our review:

https://www.rateadentist.com/reviews/Georgia/SandySprings/NovyScheinfeldDDSPC

If we can be of assistance feel free to give us a call for a free consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1]   And what’s interesting about this process is that in no way could you do this with a physician and their services.  They don’t have a clue what they charge for their services.

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Global Health Windows seen through dentistry - Dentist Sandy Springs:

I read this article a while ago by the Mayo Clinic staff, but it appears very much worth republishing.  Please read this and adjust your life accordingly.  It’s really not that difficult to lead a healthy life style and live longer lives for you and your family.

 

Oral health: A window to your overall health

Your oral health is more important than you may realize. Get the facts about how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums may affect your general health.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health? Or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Understand the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.

What's the connection between oral health and overall health?

Your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, dental procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth or breach the mouth's normal protective barriers may make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.

What conditions may be linked to oral health?

Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

·        Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut your gums may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).

·        Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease.

·        Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

·        Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control.

·        HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.

·        Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.

·        Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

·        Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you're taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health — especially if you've had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition.

How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, resolve to practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

·        Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

·        Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

·        Floss daily.

·        Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.

·        Schedule regular dental checkups.

Also, watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health. Pasted from <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001/NSECTIONGROUP=2>

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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Success Rates of Dental Implants - Sandy Springs Dentist:

Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry.  The studies show a five-year success rate of 95 percent for lower jaw implants and 90 percent for upper jaw implants.[1]

Of the implants placed the lower back jaw has the highest success rate because of greater bone density.  Given the complexity of the procedure, there are many variables that can play into its success rate.

Factors that impact success are pre-existing health conditions[2] or the location of the missing tooth.

The most common cause of failure is the inability to successfully osseo-integrate.  The actual failure of the implant may be the result of poor positioning or over torqueing in the bone.[3]

Pre-existing Conditions:

• ·       Smokers[4]
• ·       Diabetes
• ·       Hemophilia
• ·       Immune deficiencies
• ·       Rare instances of 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. brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene procedures, the chances of inflammation or swelling of the tissues surrounding the implant should be avoidable.

Any inflammation that might occur is similar to periodontitis around one’s 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 periodontist (or oral surgeon) who specialize in implant dentistry, careful pre-operative treatment planning and proper after-care and oral hygiene.   One of the benefits of a multi-specialist practice like ours is everything is under one roof including periodontal after-care.  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

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[1] 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 osseo-integration slightly more difficult to achieve.

[2] Dental or Global health issues.

[3] And while infrequent, dental implants may break or become infected or crowns may become loose the same way your natural teeth becomes loose.

[4] Given how expensive implants can be, one risks wasting money on dental implants if you can’t give up the habit.

Energy Drinks, good or bad? Dentist Sandy Springs:

We routinely caution patients about the consumption of soda, juice and Gator-aide type drinks and the toll on teeth.  Water should be the drinking source for everyone.

But with the rise in consumption of energy drinks, the medical community is beginning to take aim at the ingredients used in these drinks that act as stimulants to their consumers.  And as you would expect, the American Academy of Pediatrics has focused on the harmful effects the consumption of some of these products have on children and young adults.    Some of these energy drinks contain as much caffeine as 10 to 15 cans of soda.   And without a better understanding of the amounts of caffeine (and Guarani and Taurine) being consumed and when they are being consumed, many of our youth are being unwittingly exposed to dangerous endeavors.  Adding to the confusion between sports drinks and energy drinks, many retailers place energy drinks next to sport drinks with inference that their consumption is similar to sport drinks.

We encourage parents to act with caution in the purchase of energy drinks.  The unknowns about these drinks coupled with a significant rise in their consumption should cause parents to be weary of the side effects and potential toxicities, including your childs oral health.  Energy (and sports) drinks should not be a staple part of the diet.  Drinking water is the better approach to hydration and a healthy body.

Unfortunately, there are no long-term studies on the effects of these energy drinks and their associated arrangement of stimulant ingredients.  So if you drink these types of products, do so in moderation.  Then your children are most likely to avoid the potentially harmful side effects.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-513-1240

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

References:

1. Reissig CJ, Strain EC, Griffiths RR. Caffeinated energy drinks—a growing problem. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2009;99(1-3):1-10. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

2. Weise E. Petition calls for FDA to regulate energy drinks. USA Today. October22, 2008. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-10-21-energy-drinks_N.htm Accessed September 3, 2010.

3. Bryce DJ, Dyer JH. Strategies to crack well-guarded markets. Harv Bus Rev. 2007;85(5):84-92.[PubMed]

4. Ballard SL, Wellborn-Kim JJ, Clauson KA. Effects of commercial energy drink consumption on athletic performance and body composition. Phys Sportsmed. 2010;38(1):107-117. [PubMed]

5. Thombs DL, O'Mara RJ, Tsukamoto M, et al. Event-level analyses of energy drink consumption and alcohol intoxication in bar patrons. Addict Behav. 2009;35(4):325-330. [PubMed]

6. Miller KE. Energy drinks, race, and problem behaviors among college students. J Adolesc Health. 2008;43(5):490-497. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

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Cheap Dentistry? Sandy Springs Dentist:

Dental Expenditures are a bargain… for now.

The overall average for personal healthcare has risen much faster than the average for all consumer items, nearly quadrupling in the past 25 years. Whereas per capita spending on dental costs has remained flat.[1]

Accounting for inflation and population growth the general shift from institutional care to professional services has created little to no increase in ones dental costs. Medical care is increasingly delivered in outpatient care settings, often in physician offices or surgical care centers, which can be seen in the above diagram crossing of the real spending trends for institutional care and professional services that occurred in about 2000. Unlike other professional services, dentistry has not gained from the shift toward outpatient/professional services, and remained flat in real per capita spending for the past 25 years. Thus, while prices for dental services have grown generally as fast as the average for all personal healthcare services, dentistry has neither lost nor gained real ground in per capita use.[2]

Most dental coverage in the United States is obtained through employer-offered plans, and basic Medicare does not include such benefits. Seniors’ spending on dental care is, therefore, more sensitive to income than spending by younger age groups. Whether dentistry will continue to maintain its relative position in per capita utilization depends, at least in part, on how the baby boom demographics will impact dental care demand in the next two decades.[3]

Call us for a “free”, “complimentary”, “inexpensive” consult.

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

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related Articles:

https://www.google.com/search?q=dentistry+in+an+aging+population&oq=dentistry+in+an+aging+population&aqs=chrome..69i57.9520j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8#q=therightsmile+dentistry+in+an+aging+population

http://therightsmilecenter.blogspot.com/2013/07/sandy-springs-dentist-specializing-in.html

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[1] See more at: http://www.dentalaegis.com/cced/2010/08/dental-economics-and-the-aging-population#sthash.K6IHKTAs.dpuf

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost? Dentist Sandy Springs:

So you see an offer of $49.95 for a cleaning, exam & x-ray.  Is it a lost leader?  More than likely, YES.   If it’s a mature practice you might want to question why they are giving away services because it costs them more than that to deliver the services.  So one would speculate that it’s a loss leader used to get you in and pressure you into additional or unnecessary dental procedures?

On the other hand, if it’s a new practice, then providing discounted services is one of the few methods a new practice has to introduce itself to the surrounding community, no different than a new restaurant trying to showcase its menu.  The genuine intent is to build a relationship by showcasing the practice.

A teeth cleaning charge is going to range somewhere around $65 to $89.[1] Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings per year, usually no more than two.  The doctor’s exam is $45 to $55 and the 4 basic bite wing x-rays are around $59 to $72.  Depending on your insurance this might be covered anywhere from 60 to 100% after a small deductible is met.   Periodic X-rays ($32 -$135) are needed to see if any problems are developing inside the teeth or around the jaw bone, and are generally required before cleaning the teeth of a new patient (which is why some practices offer coupons to defray the initial cost of a first visit). These are commonly covered by dental insurance.

The main goal is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss.  Dental hygiene is imperative, and cleaning your teeth is the first step towards preserving them.  In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist removes soft plaque and hard tartar from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process usually requires one visit and takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

If you’ve neglected to take care of your teeth, you may be at higher risk for losing them and require a deep cleaning.  This more extensive process called scaling and root planing is done by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) at a cost of about $100 -$400 per quadrant depending on the severity of the problem or $400 -$1,600 for the entire mouth. This is where you run into problems with ‘couponing dentists’.  More often than not, you’re going to hear that you need a deep cleaning and the cost to your insurance company or you goes up.

Again, your goal is a healthy mouth which an integral part of your overall health.  Oh, and by the way, just because you had your teeth cleaned professionally, the jobs not done.  You have to do your part by brushing and flossing daily if you want to keep them.   If you have additional questions, feel free to email or call our office.  As a part of our services, we offer additional consultation and oversight by our in-house periodontist.  Our goal here is to create an informed healthy patient.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                                                              

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] However, depending on how long it’s been since you have been to the dentist and what extent your oral healthcare has been neglected, it can be more if there’s a need to do a full mouth root scaling.

Sandy Springs: How much does a Dental Crown Cost?

Dental crowns cost anywhere from $900.00 and $1600.00, depending on the tooth being restored. Additionally, the cost varies by:

a. materials,

b. complexity, and

c. the dentist's training and experience[1].

Insurance may pay part of the cost if it's obviously needed for medical reasons, but usually crowns are covered only on a limited basis per year. Nowadays crowns are made of porcelain, resin or porcelain-fused-metal[2]. The crown covers the entire surface of a tooth, adding strength, durability and stability. This usually requires two office visits but can be accomplished in one day; first to prepare the tooth, make an impression and install a temporary crown. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory or manufactured in-house with the use of a CAD aided milling machine to create the permanent crown, which is installed during the second appointment.

If the crown is going to be made in one day in-house on a CAD cam system, the tooth is digitally scanned in the mouth and sent to a milling machine and completed usually with 2 to 3 hours.

There's often an initial office visit ($65-$102) and X-rays ($85-$135). There may be additional costs that contribute to the overall price involved in crowns which are beyond the patient’s control. Each patient presents a unique set of circumstances. A large share of undervalued costs goes toward the treatment itself, lab and production costs for the crown, aftercare and the like.

With proper care a crown may last 10 or more years. Depending upon the general wear and tear, it could last indefinitely. With somewhere between 10 and indefinitely, the investment becomes rather modest, if not inexpensive.

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

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

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[1] And to some degree the location of the practice.

[2] Depending on the customers’ needs and wishes, partial and full crowns made of various materials may be utilized.