Women and their Oral Health Issues – Sandy Springs Dental Care

As a woman, why do I have to worry about oral health?

Everyone needs to take care of their oral health. But female hormones can lead to an increase in some problems, such as:

•Cold sores and canker sores

•Dry mouth

•Changes in taste

•Higher risk of gum disease

Cold sores are small, painful sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.  Once you are exposed to the virus, it can hide in your body for years. Things that trigger the virus and lead to cold sores include:

•Getting too much sun

•Having a cold or infection

•Having your period

•Feeling stressed

Cold sores can spread from person to person. They most often form on the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin. The sores heal in about 7 to 10 days without scarring. You can buy over-the-counter drugs to put on cold sores to help relieve pain. If you get cold sores a lot, talk with your doctor or dentist about a prescription for an antiviral drug. These drugs can help reduce healing time and the number of new sores.

Canker sores are small ulcers inside the mouth. They have a white or gray base and a red border. Women are more likely than men to have canker sores that recur. The cause of canker sores is unknown. Risk factors include:

 •Fatigue

•Stress

•Having your period

•A cut on the inside of your cheek or on your tongue

•Allergies

•Celiac disease

•Crohn's disease

Canker sores most often heal on their own in one to three weeks. See your dentist if you get a large sore (larger than a half inch, or about the size of a dime). You may need medicine prescribed to treat it.

To help with pain:

•Avoid hot, spicy foods

•Use mild mouthwashes or salt water

•Try over-the-counter pain medicines

No proven way exists to prevent canker sores.  If you get them often, talk with your dentist.

Another issue women experience is burning mouth. It is most common in postmenopausal women.  Women with this condition describe a burning feeling in the mouth or tongue.  Unfortunately, the cause is unknown, but given that it occurs in the mouth, it might be linked to:

 •Hormones

•Dry mouth (which can be caused by many medicines and disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome or diabetes)

•Taste problems

•Nutritional deficiencies

•Use of ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medicines)

•Anxiety and depression

•Dentures that do not fit

•Infections (especially fungal infections)

Talk to your doctor or dentist if you have burning mouth.  Treatment depends on the cause — if it can be determined — and might include adjusting your dentures, vitamin supplements, or pain or other medicines or referring back to physician for a global diagnosis.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums can help you avoid or lessen these oral health problems.  If we can be of service, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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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How much does a Dental Crown Cost? Sandy Springs Dental Care

Dental crowns cost anywhere from $900.00 up, 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)[3].  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.

[3] There are several reasons for this: 1) Insurance companies require it for a claim submission, and 2) Dentist don’t have x-ray vision.

How Much Do Dentures Cost? Dentist Sandy Springs

The cost can vary depending on your needs.  A Prosthodontists' prices are typically from $900 up per arch.  While a general dentist’s fees are cheaper, a good percentage of the time you get what you pay for.

A prosthodontist is specially trained to provide you with both a functional and esthetically pleasing denture.  This can be a painstaking job depending on the condition of your mouth’s bone structure.

So it’s really not a matter of sticking a pair of ‘slicks’ in your mouth and sending you off to eat corn on the cob.  The proper fitting of a denture usually requires follow-up visits to determine the actual results after use in the mouth.  When properly fitted, dentures can provide a great smile with a very natural appearance.

In addition, with implants, dentures can be implant supported such that your biting power is considerably increased. Implant supported dentures can correct several problems, from speech to chewing.  In addition to retarding bone loss, gum irritation or sores may also be avoided.

It is common that your mouth changes over the life of your dentures, so even though they last long, as the bone structure changes they may need to be replaced to achieve a better fit before they are worn out.  This can be avoided with implant supported dentures.

The exact charge for dentures really depends on the type you need and the quality of dentist you choose to complete the procedure.  This is a procedure you should definitely research your dental insurance coverage[1] and reputation of the dentist providing you with the care you need.  

If you have more questions concerning dentures, do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Emory Trained Prosthodontist

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] A portion of the cost is often covered.

Certain Medications Affect Your Dental Health – Dentist Sandy Springs

If you're taking medications for certain health conditions, it may not have crossed your mind that they can also impact your oral health. After all, medications are supposed to bring equilibrium back to your system, not stir things up, right? Truth is, a variety of prescribed medications can affect your teeth.

Antihistamines may cause dry mouth syndrome, which can lead to sore gums, making the mouth more prone to infection. Contraceptives and blood pressure medications may cause mouth sores, gum inflammation and discoloration. Blood thinners can interfere with your ability to form blood clots or cause heavy bleeding after a tooth extraction. Anti-seizure medications can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia) and make it difficult to practice good oral hygiene.

When you're taking medications and start taking other medications — whether prescribed, over-the-counter or illegal - it can change the effects of both the original and the new medications. Simply put, when certain drugs interact, they may increase or decrease the effects or produce another, unintended effect. This is why it's so important to keep your dentist informed about all the medications you take; any teeth medications you are prescribed will take this into consideration.

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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How much do Veneers Cost? Dentist Sandy Springs

They can run from $925 up per tooth. Given the benefits, they’re a great investment.  One benefit is a fabulously improved smile.

First, what are veneers?  They are extremely thin custom made covers for the front surface of the teeth. They can be made from porcelain or direct composite resin.  While porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite, they last much longer and are more stain resistant.  Traditional composite veneers last on average between five and seven years while porcelain veneers last between 10 and 18 years.

Veneers are used for a variety of purposes. They can be used to fix chipped or broken teeth or teeth that have become discolored by root canal work, excessive fluoride, or drugs such as tetracycline. Veneers can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or ones with gaps between them.  But the most common reason for veneers is cosmetic. They can be used to change the length, shape, size and color of teeth. In effect, they can be used to create a designer smile.

Because veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they generally are not covered by insurance. In some cases, depending on the insurance company and the policy coverage they may be eligible for a dental discount. The amount and availability of this discount varies widely.  In special circumstances some insurance may pay up to 50% depending on the type of policy. To offset the cost of veneers, most dentists offer special payment plans.

Getting dental veneers is a multi-step process. The initial visit usually consists of a consultation and depending on the dentist and the amount of work to be done, x-rays and/or impressions of the teeth may be done at this time.  On the first working visit the dentist will remove approximately 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth or teeth to be veneered and make a model to send to the lab that will make the veneer.  This is most often done with a local anesthetic. Normally it takes one to two weeks to construct the veneers.  During the next visit, the veneer is temporarily placed to check for proper color and fit.

The tooth that is to receive the veneer is then cleaned, polished, and etched. The etching roughens the surface of the tooth for better adhesion of the veneer. The veneer is cemented into place and a follow up visit to check placement and adhesion may be required.

Your smile is the first things that people notice about you which is the primary reason people want porcelain veneers.  If we can be of service or you have any questions, 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

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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How to Finance Dental Implants – Dentist Sandy Springs

Having a mouth with missing teeth, severe decay, crowded teeth or other issues can diminish your self- esteem, all of which are issues that typically can be addressed by dental implants.  Dental implants are permanently attached by inserting posts into the jaw bone and placing an artificial tooth onto the post. The average cost for each implant is between $1250 to $3000.[1]

Talk to us about options offered for financing.  We will be able to provide you with a few sources for outside dental financing and may offer in-house financing.  We will contact the names of potential lenders that will finance your implants and ask for the terms and conditions of the loans offered. Loans for dental work can vary in interest rate and length of loan, both of which can drastically alter the monthly payment.

You might try calling a local insurance agent that deals with health insurance, but historically dental implants are not generally covered under a dental plan.  You might also check with your medical insurance provider if you need the implants due to a medical condition.  Dental care is generally not covered under a healthcare plan, but if the tooth loss is a result of a medical condition, coverage may be allowed to restore your teeth. We can advise you if that is the case.

We can visit Citicard.com or carecredit.com to see if the financing programs fit your needs.  You may want to look at one or more credit cards as a third or supplemental option for financing.   Call the credit card company, and ask how much the monthly payment will based on the amount you need for the dental implants. If you need $5000 worth of dental work, ask the agent what your monthly payment would be if you charged $5000.

Ask to review the options and determine which one is best suited for your situation. Look at the interest rates, years of repaying and monthly payment.  Apply with the company you feel will work best for you realizing the benefits you will have for years to come.  If we can be of assistance, please call us for your complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] It should go with saying, that each patient present a unique set of circumstances which may alter these parameters.

Cosmetic Dentistry Helps Self-Esteem of Children – Sandy Springs Dentist

Mom, children with damaged, discolored or missing teeth sometimes have problems with self-esteem that can be improved through aesthetic dentistry.

When a child has lost one or more front teeth, the dentist can replace these teeth with an aesthetic maintainer. The artificial teeth can be placed onto a removable or cemented dental appliance. Also, dentists can apply aesthetic veneers, or plastic facings, on discolored primary front teeth.

For mildly or moderately decayed front and back teeth, dentists now are able to place tooth-colored (composite) dental fillings. These materials have been dramatically improved and eventually, dentists no longer will need to place silver fillings. These tooth-colored fillings are bonded to the tooth surface and they are not only beautiful but strong as well.

For severely decayed front and back teeth, silver-colored dental crowns no longer are the norm. Dentists now have tooth-colored plastic and porcelain materials that can be used to cover the entire surface of the tooth to restore both function and aesthetics. Some of these crowns have metal linings but still have tooth-colored facings that allow for beautiful aesthetic restorations.  With E4D crowns, the metal linings can be completely eliminated.

Many children benefit dramatically from aesthetic dental care on their primary teeth. Be sure to consult with your dentist if you have questions about whether aesthetic dentistry is right for your child.  In our Sandy Springs office we can be of service by giving us contact for a complimentary 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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Oral Cancer – Sandy Springs Dentist

In 2015 more than 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer and approximately 8,000 to 10,000 will die of the disease.  According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) oral cancer, which is more common than leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid gland, stomach, ovaries, and cervix, is a major cause of death and disfigurement in the United States.

                     

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located here in Atlanta, GA., approximately 75% of all oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers—mouth, tongue, lips, throat,  nose, and larynx— can be attributed to the use of  tobacco related products.  Those who choose to use cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, or snuff, place themselves at a much higher risk of developing oral cancer and other diseases, such as heart disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

With the level of prevalence described above, the oral cancer screening routinely performed during one's hygiene and dental examination is one of the most critical preventative components of your bi-annual visits to the dentist.

                                       

If you find anything out of the ordinary during a self-examination—particularly anything that does not heal or go away in two weeks, or that has recently changed— make sure you discuss it with your dentist or physician.   For those who have found themselves without work or insurance, we offer free cancer screening, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  We would like to give back to the Atlanta community as we approach the holiday season.

Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s (NIDCR) National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse in partnership with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Nursing Research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Friends of the NIDCR.

Other sources: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

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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