Woodstock, GA Dentist: 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

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

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Woodstock, GA Dentist: 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

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

Info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

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[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 Woodstock, GA: 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.  Our dental practice is more than happy to assist you in evaluating these types of situations.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

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Dentist Acworth: 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

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmileacworth.com

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Dentist Acworth, GA: What [5] Questions Do Patients Ask About Dental Implants?

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?

2.      How long do dental implants last?

3.      Are implants painful?

4.      How long will it take to get my new teeth?

5.      Does dental insurance cover implant surgery?

Versus . . .

The top 5 questions dentists want patients to ask -

1.      Am I a good candidate for implants?

2.      What are the potential complications of dental implant therapy?

3.      How much implant experience does the doctor have?

4.      What is the healing time for my implants?

5.      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

5471 Bells Ferry Road, 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmileacworth.com

Pasted from <http://www.thewealthydentist.com/blog/1509/survey-what-questions-do-patients-ask-about-dental-implants/>

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Dentist: Acworth, GA: Bottled Water – Good or Bad?

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

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmileacworth.com

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