Top 5 Reasons We Are Out-Of-Network

And What That Means For You

I sat down earlier this week to write a piece with the title above, but very quickly realized there really aren’t that many reasons. The only reason we are out-of-network with most insurance plans comes down to one simple fact:

We treat World-Class patients and we want to offer world–class oral health care on our own terms, the way dentistry was intended to be provided.

Many people think that if a practice is not in-network with their insurance, they can’t seek services with that provider, but that is not correct. The truth is, in most cases, you can work with a dentist who is out-of-network.  All in-network means is that a dental provider has signed a contract with a health insurance company that allows the insurance company to dictate the value of the oral health care provided. Sadly, the current climate of dental insurance reimbursement often has providers being paid less than the cost of a personal training or Pilates session, a haircut, or full tank of gas. In addition to low reimbursements, many of the treatments are not covered even when you’re in-network.

A few things you need to understand about our oral health care:

• We have extensive education and training, with one of the rarest specialties in the nation – a prosthodontist. We are the physicians of the mouth.
• As with all patients, all oral health care is not created equal. Dentists do not receive a handbook on graduation day that tells us how to treat a specific diagnosis. Your treatment is customized, taking into consideration an individual’s age, gender, lifestyle, home and work demands, and even emotions related to their unique needs.
• All dentists are not created equal. Our team has furthered their education by taking classes and additional training beyond what is required by our governing board.[1]  Some dentists look for every opportunity to expand their knowledge and stay current with studies and treatments. Good dentists know that there is not one treatment to help everyone and, while we may not be able to cure all, we have a network of additional resources that might.

In our Sandy Springs office we have chosen to stay true to our ideals of how oral health care should be delivered. We consider you world-class and treat you as such and refuse to upcharge, bait and switch or look for issues that comport with insurance filings rather than providing you with the trusted care you deserve and afford.  At the end of your treatment you will have peace of mind.

If we can be of service feel free to contact us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related Articles:

The Mona Lisa, is it The Right Smile? https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4831&action=edit

Your Teeth – Health Care’s Stepchild https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4825&action=edit

Signature Dentistry – Sandy Springs https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4807&action=edit

Oral Health in America – Dentist Sandy Springs https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4805&action=edit

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[1] Dr. Novy Scheinfeld is an Emory Trained prosthodontist, one of 310 practicing in the U.S. according to Forbes Magazine.  Dr. ZoAnna Scheinfeld is engaged in a mini-implant residency at UAB.

Oral Cancer

Our doctors can’t tell you with certainty what causes oral cancer. It’s more than likely a combination of genetic predisposition and factors in your environment. Tobacco is the most common factor contributing to oral cancers.  Obviously, smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes and using chewing tobacco greatly increase your chance of getting oral cancer.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer for cancers in the mouth, you, your dentist or your physician can actually see or feel something abnormal in most cases. This is different from cancers in other parts of the head and neck, which can remain hidden for some time.  In our Sandy Springs office symptoms we watch for are:

1.      Painful sores in your mouth

2.      Pain or difficulty swallowing

3.      A patch in your mouth

4.      Difficulty opening your mouth

5.      Numbness (resulting from an effected nerve)

6.      Difficulty speaking

7.      Recurring bleeding from the mouth

8.      Bad breath (a rare sign)

9.      Loose teeth or dentures that won’t fit properly (because of underlying tumors)

10.   A lump in your neck

Remember, not all lumps, patches or bumps are cancer.  There are many of these presentments that are non-cancerous.  Yet there are also a few common pre-malignant lesions of which you should be wary about, which is why you need to see your dentist regularly.  Your visits to your dentist are a visit to your oral health care provider. We recommend preventive dental checkups at least twice a year, if not more, depending on your particular needs. Routine exams and annual x-rays not only to protect against tooth decay but also oral cancers. If we can be of assistance please contact us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

At least every six months.

There are those who are at greater risk for oral diseases and other health related issues that should have dental cleanings and oral health check-ups more than twice a year, such as, diabetes, periodontal (gum) disease, possible heart disease, pregnancies and in rare instances alcohol and tobacco users.

Poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check-ups.  One of the real problems that has invaded oral healthcare are the restrictions placed on insurance coverage by insurers.  You need to understand that insurance companies serve a self-interest in reducing the number to times you visit your dentist.  More than not, our ability to be oral health care providers is hindered by what your insurance dictates.  We recommend you try not to let what your insurance covers be your benchmark for your healthcare.  It could result in expanded dentistry in the long run.

Going on a regular basis will help to keep your oral health on track as well as detect any early signs of periodontal disease, oral cancer or cavities.  In our Sandy Springs office we recommend the best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis coupled with brushing your teeth, flossing and drinking fluoridated water

.

Seeing patients from all over metro Atlanta I sometimes like to joke, ‘the best toothbrush is the one you use’ and ‘brush the ones you want to keep’.  But in all seriousness, if you live in nearby Dunwoody, Roswell or East Cobb, please, if we can help feel free to call us.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Multiple Dentistry Disciplines under One Roof: Serving Dunwoody

The Right Smile Center offers comprehensive restorative and cosmetic care coupled with modern technology under one roof.  The right smile is a collaborative effort of your input and our expertise.  When the need arises we provide you with a multi-specialty group practice, with endodontics, implant placement, teeth whitening, periodontics and cosmetic makeovers all under one roof.  Quite often many dental procedures require multiple disciplines and techniques. Not only do we provide all of these services through our multi-specialty group, we also provide in-house dental lab services. All of this saves you time and money.

You’re more than a patient to us; you’re an individual with unique concerns and needs.  And you’re the reason we are here.  Our team is dedicated to taking the time to learn about you and your needs, and then and only then, develop a practical treatment plan to create the right smile.

Your smile is the first thing people notice and our goal is to help you make a great first impression.  But we want to make sure it’s the right smile, one that’s natural and comfortable for you.  If you have questions, please ask. And if we can do anything to make you more comfortable, let us know. We are here to serve you and we have a history of making oral healthcare easy and convenient for your lifestyle.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·        Dentist Dunwoody:Why you might be better off seeing a Prosthodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·        Dentist Dunwoody: What you probably don't know about Cosmetic Dentists (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·        Top Atlanta Prosthodontist - Novy Scheinfeld, DDS (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·        Dentist Sandy Springs - ADA Accredited Prosthodontist is Your Cosmetic Dentist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Atlanta Dentist: Dr. Novy Scheinfeld is an Emory trained Prosthodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Dunwoody: Calcium and Women

While both men and women require an appropriate amount of calcium to build bone mass during their early developmental years, women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a progressive loss of bone mass due to aging. This makes women more susceptible to fractures and possibly loss of teeth from weakening of the jawbone.

For women in the age range of 19-24 years, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium is 1,300 milligrams.[1] This decreases to 1000 milligrams thereafter.[2] Foods rich in calcium include milk, cheese and ice cream, but these also are high in calories and fat.  So, shop wisely and check the labels. Alternatives such as skim or no fat milk can solve the problem. There are a reasonable variety of cheeses and yogurts that are low fat as well as ice cream substitutes. Besides dairy, other healthy foods rich in calcium are salmon, tofu (soybean curd), broccoli, peas, beans, nuts and calcium-enriched grain products.

If we can be of assistance or answer any questions surrounding your oral health, do not hesitate to contact us or call for a complimentary consultation.  We serve Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Dunwoody, East Cobb, greater Marietta, Woodstock, Acworth, Buckhead and Vinings communities.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS. PC.

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist: Dunwoody: Symptoms and Signs of Oral Cancer (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs: Skipping Your Cleanings Costs Money and Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs: Teeth Cleanings, more than meets the eye. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs: Why do we survey patients? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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[1] http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

[2] http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_RDA_for_calcium

Dentist Dunwoody: Teeth Cleanings and Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is preeminent in maintaining your overall health.   Poor oral health has been linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, stroke, extremely high-birth weight, and premature births.  Often, diseases give their first warning signs in the form of oral problems.

There are four basic steps to maintain good oral health:

1. Brush at least twice daily.
2. Floss every day.
3. Limit your consumption of junk food.
4. Visit the dentist regularly.

When brushing and flossing, the proper technique is important.  Also, using the right products is equally important.[1] Without consistent care, several oral health problems can result.  Risks of gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and other gum diseases can lead to oral cancer or tooth loss.[2]

 Here are some simple lifestyle changes that will improve oral health:

1. Set an example for your children by practicing good oral health care habits.
2. Check your children’s mouth for bleeding gums, swollen gums, gums receding away from teeth.
3. Check for bad breath.
4. Eat a balanced and nutritional diet.
5. Educate your children about the health risks of tobacco use.[3]

Age-specific recommendations.

Infants:

• For mothers to be, tetracycline is a no no.[4]
• Teething usually starts at around 6 months and should be brushed and flossed daily.
• Avoid baby bottle decay by not allowing your baby to fall asleep with a bottle full of juice or milk.[5]
• If your water is not fluoridated, ask your doctor about daily fluoride supplements.[6]

Toddlers/Children:

• Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for toddlers, but the habit may result in permanent bite issues.[7]  
• Make sure to use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing your child’s teeth.
• At age two (2) schedule regular dental appointments.

Teenagers:

• Emphasize the importance of oral hygiene.
• Again, set a good example by practicing good oral hygiene yourself.
• Keep junk foods to a minimum for snacking.
• Discourage oral piercings as they increase the risk for oral infections and can cause injury to their teeth.

Adults:

• Brush twice daily, maybe more when possible.
• Floss at least once a day
• Watch for signs of gum disease such as redness, swelling or tenderness.[8]
• Visit the dentist at least twice each year for regular check-ups.[9]
• Limit sugary foods and soft drinks.

While practicing good oral hygiene is vital to your health, there is only so much that personal oral maintenance can do, so visiting your dentist for regular checkups is vital to your global health.[10]

The following is a list of reasons why you should visit your dentist frequently:

1) To prevent gum disease[11]

2) To prevent oral cancer[12]

3) To avoid losing your teeth[13]

4) To prevent dental emergencies[14]

5) To help maintain good overall health[15]

If we can be of service or answer any of your concerns, please call our office for a complimentary consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Article Sources:

Colgate World of Care http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/OralHygieneBasics/FamilyGuideOralHealth.cvsp

Learn4Good http://www.learn4good.com/health/dental_health.htm

Caucus Educational Corporation http://www.caucusnj.org/caucusnj/special_series/oralhealth/importance.asp

U.S. Surgeon General http://www.perio.org/consumer/children.news.htm

“Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Dentist” by Tammy Davenport http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalhealth/tp/visit_dentist.htm

The Oral Cancer Foundation http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/

The American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/

Colgate Family Guide to Oral Care http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/OralHygieneBasics/FamilyGuideOralHealth.cvsp

About the ADA seal of acceptance. (2005, March 14). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from American Dental Association Web site: http://www.ada.org/ada/seal/index.asp

American Dental Association News Releases. (2008, February 4). A reminder to parents: Early dental visits essential to children's health. American Dental Association. Retrieve February 6, 2009, from http://ada.org/public/media/releases/0802_release01.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006, December). Oral Health for Adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Oral Health. Retrieved February 6, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm

Oral health in America: Summary of the surgeon general's report. (2006, April 16). Retrieved February 7, 2009, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/Oralhealth/publications/factsheets/sgr2000_05.htm

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[1] When buying any dental products, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA seal is an important symbol of the dental product's safety and effectiveness (ADA Seal, 2005).

[2] This “silent epidemic” (U.S. Surgeon General) can be avoided by regular treatment at home and dental visits twice each year.

[3] Smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for gum diseases.

[4] A common antibiotic that causes tooth discoloration to your child and should not be used by nursing mothers or by expectant mothers in the last half of pregnancy.

[5] Try water or a pacifier and make sure to wipe teeth and gums with a gentle cloth or gums after feeding

[6] Fluoride is very important even before teeth start forming.

[7] Buck teeth or overbite.

[8] Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.

[9] Generally, plaque begins forming to maturity about every 3 months.

[10] "Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal" (American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).

[11] Gum disease, specifically gingivitis, is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. If gum disease is discovered and diagnosed early, it can be treated. However, if left untreated, gum disease can become periodontitis, a more severe and irreversible stage. This may lead to serious damage of the gum tissue and jaw bone, causing your teeth to fall out. This late stage of gum disease can also increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke.

[12] According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, a United States citizen will die from this type of cancer every hour of every day. Of similar concern is the fact that out of the 34,000 newly diagnosed Americans every year, only half of these people will be alive in the next five years. However, while attending your regular dental checkup, your dentist and oral hygienist screen you for this specific cancer. If diagnosed early, there is a good chance that oral cancer can be treated successfully.

[13] Without your teeth, normal eating habits can obviously be far more difficult. Also, taking care of your natural teeth now will help you avoid paying for dentures later. As stated previously, gum disease can easily lead to adult tooth loss, but regular visits to your dentist and good oral hygiene can prevent it.

[14] Toothaches, a broken jaw, chipped teeth, and other dental emergencies can be easily avoided with regular dental visits. Early signs or symptoms of these unpleasant conditions can be detected and treated by your dentist. If left untreated, you may have to endure root canals or forced tooth removals- these treatments are significantly more expensive than preventative care such as regular check-ups (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2006).

[15] Since gum disease is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer, regular visits to your dentist can help prevent and treat this disease. By treating conditions early and learning from your dentist how to prevent oral damage, you can achieve better health and ultimately better quality years of life.



Dentist Dunwoody: Oral cancer by HPV is on the rise.

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 transmission for the HPV virus that causes the oral cancer is a result of partners engaging in oral sex.[2]

HPV is the same virus that is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer in women.  Traditionally, oral cancer was predominately 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 will happen because it was 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 says that we need to change the way we had sex in America. Your sex partner must wear a condom throughout your entire sexual partnership or completely abstain from sex orally. The more we continually have transmission of HPV virus into the mouth, the more and more we will have these oral cancers 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.  Each day we try to educate our patients about the value their dental exams entail.

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

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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·    Dentist: Roswell: Healthy smile, healthy you! (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Top 4 Reasons Not to play hooky from Your Dental Cleanings (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Atlanta Dentist - Oral Cancer Awareness (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist serving Roswell: Mouthwash and Oral Cancer (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist: Dunwoody, GA : Oral Health Care of Our Aging Population (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Atlanta: How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.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)