How much do Dental Implant Costs: Sandy Springs

The cost of a dental implant can range from $1800 up.  The exact cost varies because each patient presents a unique set of circumstances and factors.   The variables that may affect the procedure range from your age, oral health, jaw bone anatomy, bone grafting to whether or not more complex treatments such as a sinus lift are necessary.  In addition, the type of dental implant and the restorative crown or denture impacts the cost of the total restoration.  Finally, the number of times the patient needs to visit the dentist can affect the cost of the procedure.  It is not a cookie cutter process.

The dental implant procedure involves several steps between multiple specialties.[1]   The first step is the placement of the dental implant, which may involve the extraction of a tooth and the placement of bone grafting material.  The latter is done to fill the void created from the removed tooth.  Once this is completed, the dental implant needs time to properly integrate with the bone and create a healthy fusion in order for the crown to be attached.  In most cases the healing period is 3 – 6 months. The last step is the restoration, which is placing the crown on top of the dental implant structure.

Coverage under your medical plan may be available, depending on your insurance plan and the cause of tooth loss. If treatment is not covered by your dental insurance, or if you don’t have insurance, you may be able to setup a finance plan. Many dental offices offer financing plans, allowing patients to finance dental procedures, many times with no interest.

During your consultation we provide you with a breakdown of fees.   We also discuss the various dental implant options and try to cover all the costs that are involved.  It is during the initial consult where you should be given payment options and strategies to accomplish the treatment.

Feel free to give us a call to see if you are an implant candidate.

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] Usually a prosthodontist and either a periodontist or oral surgeon.

Your Teeth - your step child. Dentist Sandy Springs

Here is the biggest lie propagated about healthcare and insurance companies.

“Edentulism[1] is not a risk factor for any other diseases, so it is not a liability to the overall health of a patient.”

That’s a lie that has been propagated for decades.  Bad teeth and long-term low-level infections can damage your lungs and heart, lead to increased and/or chronic lung infections and even lead to sepsis; death in extreme cases. In a cross-sectional study, Hamasha and others found significant differences between edentulous and dentate individuals with respect to rates of atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart failure, ischemic heart disease and joint disease.[2]

As a consequence of a lack of certain nutrition due to altered eating habits, various health problems can occur, from the mild to the extreme. Lack of certain vitamins (A, E and C) and low levels of riboflavin and thiamin can produce a variety of conditions, ranging from constipation, weight loss, arthritis and rheumatism. There are more serious conditions such as heart disease and Parkinson's disease and even to the extreme, certain types of Cancer.

The absence of teeth can damage your jaw bone’s structure.  In addition, the tongue, which consists of a very dynamic group of muscles, tends to fill the space it is allowed, and in the absence of teeth, will broaden out.  And the most ludicrous thing today that exemplifies the attitude I quoted, above, is that Medicare won’t pay for any dental work, or dentures – yet it will pay for a male erection (Viagra.)  Go figure.

If we can help you, please contact us.

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] Edentulism is the condition of being toothless to at least some degree.

[2] Hutton, Feine, Morais, 2002

Dentistry Today - Sandy Springs Dental Care

While it may be difficult for many to move beyond past and antiquated perceptions, the dental profession today includes not only those who provide direct patient care, but those who teach, conduct research, and work in public and international health.  All of these individuals are vital links in the health care delivery system, necessary to promote social and economic change as well as individual well-being.

Traditionally, dentistry has been the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity and adjacent structures. Yet today, a dentist is a scientist and clinician dedicated to the highest standards of health care through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions.  The notion of dentists as merely a “tooth mechanics” is completely out of touch with the roll of modern dentists.

Today’s dentist is a highly sophisticated health professional providing a wide range of care that contributes enormously to the quality of your day-to-day life as it relates to your global health care.   Yes, dentists work to prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, malocclusion, and oral-facial anomalies.  But just as important is the dentist’s role in diagnosing oral issues that may be affecting your overall health.  Dentists are instrumental in early detection of oral cancer and systemic conditions of the body that manifest themselves in the mouth, and they are at the forefront of a range of new developments in cosmetic and aesthetic practices.

As the world changes so does the role of the dentist.  As always, if you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us in Sandy Springs. 

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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Dental Care saves your Money and your Health – Sandy Springs Dental Care

United Concordia and Highmark funded a study led by Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine that shows how dental and medical insurance industries can come together to have an impact on both cost and health.  This study is a largest of its kind, conducted using a base of 1.6 million people and including information for three years. It is the most statistically conclusive study proving the relationship between oral health and medical cost savings.

An analysis of insurance records over a 3 year period showed significant reductions in both medical costs and hospitalizations for patients who received periodontal care.  “[T]hat simple non-invasive periodontal therapy can improve health outcomes in pregnancies and other systemic conditions.”[1]  With respect to diabetics, the mean number of visits that patients went to see their physicians was half the number of physicians' visits of those who did not have periodontal treatment.

Periodontal disease is an infection. It has to do with the inflammation. It has to do with infection and getting it under control.  Periodontal gum diseases are preventable and are treatable at a much lower cost than hospitalization and health care for more global diseases and infections.

About 30 percent of the nation’s healthcare dollars are spent on hospital care, about 22 percent on physician and clinical services, and about 11 percent on prescription drugs.  Dentistry on the other hand accounts for only about 4 percent of the national healthcare spending.   So if you – if we can get in and improve the spending in the dental, that’s going to affect the three other largest segments of the healthcare spending.   If we can be of service with your oral health care please give us a call for your complimentary assessment.

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] Marjorie Jeffcoat, DMD, Professor of Periodontics and Dean Emeritus at the university of Pennsylvania. 

Dental Insurance? Not. Sandy Springs Dental Care

Give me a break.  Dental insurance plans are a business arrangement between the insurance company and an employer.  Unfortunately, the reimbursement and benefit levels are based on carrier and employer business decisions, and not on your need for treatment.  At best, it pays for 2 cleanings and very little after that.  Most plans have a maximum benefit of between $1,000 and $1,500 per year, which is a far cry from what you really need for your oral health care.

These benefits (I use that term loosely) haven’t changed since the 1980’s.[1]  It’s ridiculous to tie your dental provider’s hands with reimbursements that haven’t risen in 35 years while the cost of living has increased dramatically in comparison.  Patients that have major restorative or surgical needs or bite dysfunction cannot afford to delay treatment and spread it over multiple insurance plan years, because their condition may worsen if not treated immediately. And none of the reimbursements take into account the added costs of HIPAA, associated and new technologies.

Like medical insurance, some dental plans do not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, such as missing teeth. This type of plan would not cover tooth replacement procedures, such as bridges, partial dentures, full dentures or dental implants.  And the continued absence of tooth structure will result in the continued resorption of the jaw bone, further complicating the possibility of restoration.

Many insurance plans will unilaterally apply “alternate benefits” towards your service, such as paying for amalgam fillings rather than tooth-colored composite fillings, or, not covering major restorative services, such as a crowns, inlays, or Cad/Cam restorations.

Because insurance carriers are exempt from anti-trust laws, most dental plans use the terms ‘usual, customary and reasonable’ to determine your insurance benefits.  This term applies to fee manipulation used by dental insurance carriers to set reimbursement levels across the country. The criteria upon which this research is based, including region, time intervals, type of dentist, etc., vary greatly from one insurance carrier to the other.

Unfortunately, under the current system there are very few dental insurance benefits that actually benefit you.

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] http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/cwc/dental-care-benefits-1995.pdf

Need a Cosmetic Dentist? Sandy Springs Dental Care

See an ADA approved Prosthodontist.

If you are in need of tooth restoration, or if you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, your first inclination may be to head to a cosmetic dentist.  Instead, it may be wiser to head to a prosthodontic dentist.

Most patients have never heard of a prosthodontic dentist. However, these dentists are highly regarded and certified by the American Dental Association (ADA).  Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized ADA specialty. This means that dental schools instruct dentists in techniques, methods, and specialized training in prosthodontics—dental schools do not instruct dentists in cosmetic dentistry.

Prosthodontic dentists  are university trained in certain types of procedures that are used in cosmetic dentistry. What’s more prosthodontic dentists receive an additional three years of post-dental school training.  Of the 170,000 dentists in the United States, less than 2% are trained prosthodontists.  According to Forbes Magazine, prosthodontics is the rarest dental specialty in the country.

During their extra three years of schooling, prosthodontic dentists study anatomy of the head, neck, and mouth as well as esthetics (the cosmetic part of performing procedures). These dentists are trained to be experts in the field of aesthetic dentistry.  They are commonly considered the quarterbacks of implant dentistry.

Many prosthodontic dentists also help patients with maxillofacial procedures. Maxillofacial procedures are ones in which acquired and congenital defects are treated. These can be any defects of the head and neck due to trauma or injury, or they could be defects that were present at birth. However, in order to be licensed to practice maxillofacial procedures, a dentist must complete an additional year of training. This is an extra year after the three extra years required for becoming a prosthodontic dentist.

If you’re in need of cosmetic dentistry, go with a pro, a prosthodontic dentist.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC,

Emory University trained Prosthodontist.

The Right Smile Center

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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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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