Oral healthcare and the cancer patient

Sandy Springs Dentist - A higher standard through healthcare well planned

Management of a patient being treated for cancer, particularly where the cancer treatment is located near the head and neck should involve your oral healthcare provider, i.e. your dentist.  Unfortunately, there are very few published studies or guidelines on how to manage the cancer patient during therapy.  Accordingly, there is considerable variation across the medical community relative to specific non-medicated approaches to baseline oral care.

Oral-facial complications are common after radiotherapy to the head and neck, and after chemo-therapy for malignant diseases. Oral Mucositis, also called stomatitis is the most frequent and debilitating complication of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, occurring in about 40% of patients. Oral mucositis is inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth which ranges from redness to severe ulceration. Symptoms of mucositis vary from pain and discomfort to an inability to tolerate food or fluids.[1]

All patients at risk should receive a standardized oral care regime as an ongoing component of their cancer therapy.  Additional interventions may include dental brushing with toothpaste, dental flossing, ice chips, and sodium bicarbonate rinses. These regimens typically include dental work to eliminate caries and existing gum disease before beginning cancer treatment, followed by thorough and frequent cleaning of the oral cavity with a variety of products, some form of pain relief, anti-inflammatory treatment as required and aggressive antimicrobial treatment for any new mouth infections.[2] Patient compliance with these agents can be maximized by comprehensive overseeing by the oral healthcare professional.

Get the facts, ask the Right Smile Center.  If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to 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] http://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/pdf/mucositis.pdf

[2] Ibid.

Oral cancer by HPV is on the rise. Dentist Sandy Springs

HPV (human papilloma virus) is not only on the rise, but it is now the number one cause of oral cancer. This needs to be taken seriously because it is truly a 21st-century pandemic. HPV a sexually transmitted disease and the scary fact is that one out of every two people is at risk of HPV infection.[1] That is 50% of the population. The predominant mode of HPV virus transmission is oral sex.[2]

Oral HPV is the same virus responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer.  Historically, oral cancer was caused by smoking and alcohol consumption.  But the rise in oral HPV will lead to death in one of four people with oral cancer. This happens because it is not diagnosed in time.  Yet, this type oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to spot, diagnose and treat. 

Dr. Oz says testing for HPV is something everyone needs to do to prevent fatalities from oral cancer.  Here are the steps he suggests:

             * Demand an oral cancer screening with every dentist visit, but at least one a year.

 * Limit alcohol and tobacco use                                              

 * Limit exposure to UV radiation. Make sure your lip balm has a high SPF rating

 * Practice safe sex.

Dr. Oz advocates the need to change the way we have sex in America. Your partner must wear a condom throughout your entire sexual partnership or completely abstain from sex orally. The more we engage in unprotected oral sex, the more we will have oral cancer showing up.[3]

Unfortunately, we in the dental field find there is a disconnect in the patient understanding the relationship between their dental exams and their overall health.  Most patients do not realize or accept that the dentist is more than a just a tooth mechanic and their mouth houses more than just teeth.

Early detection is the key to stopping this pandemic before it’s too late. The first line of defense is through your dentist.  And when offered a salivary DNA test, realize it’s for your own preventive care.   Those who should be tested are:

o   Patients with traditional risk factors for oral cancer

o   Patients who are sexually active

o   Patients with a family history of oral cancer

o   Patients with signs and symptoms of oral cancer

o   Patients with suspicious oral lesions.

If we can be of help, please feel free to contact us for a Salivary DNA test conducted in our Sandy Springs Office.

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] http://oralcancerfoundation.org/hpv/  (2010)

[2] Dr. Bert W. O’Malley, Jr M.D., Head and Neck Surgeon, on the Dr. Oz Show (2011).

[3] Dr. Oz Show (2011)

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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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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