Dentist Marietta: Top 4 Reasons Not to play hooky from Your Dental Cleanings

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promotes good oral hygiene, but did you know these visits also screen for a multitude of diseases? Getting your teeth cleaned and having your doctor’s exam may not rank up there with an afternoon on the course or ditching work to enjoy a matinee, but it may be well worth it for your overall health. Here are 4 really great reasons to see your dentist for your regularly scheduled cleanings.

1.    It’s an opportunity to check for Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you're screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning but you are. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It's a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.

2.    Your gums are being checked for Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups along with daily brushing and flossing are key defenses against gum disease.

3.    Your overall health. Studies have linked heart attacks, diabetes detection and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene.  A trip to your dentist at least every 6 months and in some cases more often, could reduce your risk of other serious health issues.

4.    Early detection of Dental Problems. We've already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don't overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular check-ups, undetected problems can lead to more serious issues like root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction.   An ounce of prevention verses a pound of cure.

So you haven’t been keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth.  That’s why check-ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.  If it's been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today.  If we can be of any help or answer any questions please feel free to drop us a line.

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

·    Dunwoody Dentist: I read this on Webmd.com (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist East Cobb: Success Rates of Dental Implants (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Marietta: How Much do Veneers Cost?

So how much do veneers really cost? The cost for porcelain veneers varies widely. They can run anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. There are several reasons for the difference in cost and it also varies widely across the United States.  And yes, veneers can be quite expensive but they do offer several benefits.  One of the benefits is a distinctly improved smile.

First, lets discuss what porcelain veneers are.  Porcelain veneers are extremely thin custom made covers for the front surface of the teeth. They can be made from porcelain or direct composite resin.  Although 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. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or teeth 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.

There is also a difference in cost between having the procedure done in a metropolitan area versus a small town. Another cost variation is the difference in cost from one ceramics lab to the next. The number of veneers done also affects cost. A single veneer usually is more expensive per tooth than a set of veneers.

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. Again, 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 high 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.

How long do porcelain veneers last?  They can last between five and ten years or more, depending on how you take care of them. But at some point they probably will need to be replaced. Just like real teeth, porcelain veneers need to be thoroughly brushed and flossed daily.

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

Related articles

§  Dentist: Dunwoody, GA : So what exactly are dental veneers? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

§   Dentist Sandy Springs: Why you might be better off seeing a Prosthodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

§  Dentist Atlanta: How Much do Dental Crowns Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

§  Dentist Atlanta : A Prosthodontist is your ADA cosmetic dentist. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Marietta: How Much Do Dental X-rays Cost?

A single dental x-ray would cost between $28-38. Four check-up or bitewing x-rays may cost between $60-80, and a full mouth series (18 x-rays) or panoramic x-ray would cost between $100-200. If it’s a new practice or mature one that is trying to build or rebuild its patient base, often the x-rays will bundled with an examination that ends up costing the patient virtually nothing.  Most dental insurance covers x-rays at 100%. It is usually considered a diagnostic or preventive service.

If you are a new patient, the dentist should recommend x-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and to help identify changes that may occur later.  They give your dentist a baseline of your present condition.  A new set of x-rays may be needed to help your dentist detect any new cavities, determine the status of your gum health or evaluate the growth and development of your teeth. If a previous dentist has any radiographs of you, your new dentist may ask you for copies of them.

We take four bitewings (which show us in between the back teeth to check for cavities).

Sometimes we take a full series of images (18 images or so...which show us cavities plus also shows us bone levels and nerve health).

A panoramic image is a single image of the entire upper and lower arch. This requires a different machine and can cost $125-175 or more. It shows the entire mouth on one image.

Many diseases of the oral cavity (which includes the teeth and surrounding tissues and bone) cannot be seen when the dentist examines your mouth.

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose or detect tooth decay, impacted teeth, jaw problems, abscessed (infected) teeth, or current filling placement.  An x-ray exam can help your dentist see the small areas of decay between the teeth and fillings; bone damage from a tooth infection or cyst; bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease; developmental defects; some types of tumors; the effects of trauma; and the position on unerupted teeth in children and adults.  Dental x-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, locate tarter build-up, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants.

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unneeded discomfort and help prevent more serious health problems.  A good dentist will tailor a treatment plan to your finances, altering the ideal treatment as much as possible to help you be able to afford it.  If we can be of help, please do hesitate to call, email or make an appointment to be seen.

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 Woodstock: How much does having a tooth pulled cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Woodstock: How Much do Veneers Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Dunwoody: How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much do Dental Crowns Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist East Cobb: The Right Care Keeps Patients Smiling

Restorative dentistry is an excellent tool for repairing smiles, improving oral health, and boosting one’s confidence.   Today, with so many options for restoring function and esthetic appeal, there’s still no substitute for the proper general dental care they need.

That’s why the Right Smile Centers offers state-of-the-art preventive dentistry, so you can keep your natural smile for years to come.  Preventive care isn’t just about what we can do you.  We emphasize our partnership in your oral healthcare.  So, it’s also about what you can do to help yourself!

Attention to Detail from Your Very First Visit.  We don’t push product and we definitely don’t try to sell you dentistry.  Our job is to educate you on your needs and what you can do to maintain the best oral care possible.

Scheduling an appointment with a new dentist can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be.   Knowing what to expect can go a long way towards putting your mind at ease.   When you come to our office for your first visit, Dr. Scheinfeld and her team will perform a comprehensive oral exam to check for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and provide you with a tooth-by-tooth inspection. We’ll talk with you about your medical history and also take X-rays to get a more detailed idea of your overall oral health.  We’ll even perform your first cleaning if we don’t find a problem and time allows.

In your first visit we would like to get to know you, because we care about your concerns as much as your smile.

Educating Patients and Preserving Smiles                              

At the Right Dental Center, when you come to see us, we’ll also offer tips for improving your oral health.  Seeing us every six months is important, but so is knowing how much time to spend at the sink maintaining your oral health.

Your Partner in Oral Health

We’ll do everything we can to help you keep your smile healthy and disease free. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention!  With the use of sealants and fluoride supplements, we can give you extra protection where you need it most.

If you live in Sandy Springs, or one of our surrounding areas call our office today to schedule your first visit.  We offer a full range of dental services, but educating our patients and helping them preserve their natural smiles for years to come is one of our highest priorities.  See what 393 unedited reviews have to say about the Right Smile Center at:

 http://www.rateadentist.com/reviews/Georgia/SandySprings/NovyScheinfeldDDSPC.

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 Sandy Springs: INVEST IN YOUR SMILE, YOU WEAR IT EVERYDAY... (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist East Cobb - 4 Steps to Promoting Good Oral Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Roswell Dentist: How much do dental fillings cost? and Why? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: Modern dentistry (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Sandy Springs Dental: What is a Prosthodontic Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Sandy Springs Dentist: A Beautiful Smile by a Prosthodontist Is Priceless (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Atlanta: How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost?

So you got a mailer coupon from a dentist that says they only charge $49.95 for a regular cleaning & $19.95 for an exam & x-ray.  Seems kind of a cheap gimmick?  And a lot of the times it might be, it just depends on the practice.  If it’s a mature practice you might want to question why they are giving away services.  Usually, it’s a loss leader, something they use to get you in and pressure you into other dental procedures.

If it’s a new practice, then providing discounted services is one of the few methods a new practice has to introduce itself to the surrounding community, no different than a new restaurant trying to showcase its menu.  The genuine intent is to build a relationship by showcasing the practice.

Dental costs will vary widely, depending on where you go and the quality of the practice you see.  With respect to continuing care (on your next 6 month visit), a teeth cleaning charge is going to range somewhere around $65 to $89, but it can be more if there’s a need to do a full mouth root scaling. Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings per year.  The exam is $45 to $55 and the 4 basic bite wing x-rays are around $59 to $72.  Depending on your insurance this might be covered anywhere from 60 to 100% after a small deductible is met.   Periodic X-rays ($32 -$135) are needed to see if any problems are developing inside the teeth or around the jaw bone, and are generally required before cleaning the teeth of a new patient (which is why some practices offer coupons to defray the initial cost of a first visit). These are also often covered by dental insurance.

The main goal of professional teeth cleaning is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss.  Dental hygiene is imperative, and cleaning your teeth is the first step toward their long term preservation.  In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist (working under a dentist's supervision) removes soft plaque and hard tartar (mineralized plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed with professional instruments) from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process requires one office visit and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

The more extensive deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing is done by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) at a cost of about $100 -$400 per quadrant depending on the severity of the problem or $400 -$1,600 for the entire mouth, but more often than not, if the mouth is in such poor health the dentist will refer the patient out to a periodontist.   Most dental insurance includes these procedures.

Again, the goal is a healthy mouth which an integral part of your overall health.  Oh, and by the way, just because you had your teeth cleaned professionally, the jobs not done.  You have to do your part and brush and floss daily if you want to keep them.   If you have additional questions, feel free to email or call our office.  Our goal here is to create an informed patient.

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 Sandy Springs: How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Dunwoody: Dental Emergency? Physician or Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·   Dentist Woodstock - 4 Steps to Promoting Good Oral Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)



Dentist Marietta: Dr. Nanci Lubell Joins The Right Smile Center

Sandy Springs’ Right Smile Center, a full service dental practice is excited to announce the addition of Nanci Lubell, DMD as a new associate in the practice.

Dr. Lubell brings the Right Smile Center 20 years of experience with a focus in restorative and endodontic treatment.

We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Lubell’s experience and training in our practice,” said Dr. Novy Scheinfeld.  “She brings a successful track record of great service with the added technical expertise that allows us to offer our patients in-house endodontic treatment.

Dr. Lubell grew up in East Cobb and returned to practice there after receiving her degree from MCG in 1991.  Married to native Atlantan Dr. Mark Rosing, Nanci currently resides in Dunwoody with their two sons who attend The Davis Academy. In addition to her dental degree, Dr. Lubell has Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Georgia.  Throughout her career she has been active in various cancer-related charities and women/children shelters in metro Atlanta.

The Right Smile Center is one of the largest active comprehensive dental practices in North Atlanta and has been trusted by thousands in metro Atlanta with 4 generations of patients.  If we can be of assistance in your oral health care needs please do not hesitate to call our office for a complementary consultation.

The Right Smile Center

Scheinfeld, Tourial and Lubell

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

404-256-3620

Dentist East Cobb: Dr. Nanci Lubell Joins The Right Smile Center

Sandy Springs’ Right Smile Center, a full service dental practice is excited to announce the addition of Nanci Lubell, DMD as a new associate in the practice.

Dr. Lubell brings the Right Smile Center 20 years of experience with a focus in restorative and endodontic treatment.

We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Lubell’s experience and training in our practice,” said Dr. Novy Scheinfeld.  “She brings a successful track record of great service with the added technical expertise that allows us to offer our patients in-house endodontic treatment.

Dr. Lubell grew up in East Cobb and returned to practice there after receiving her degree from MCG in 1991.  Married to native Atlantan Dr. Mark Rosing, Nanci currently resides in Dunwoody with their two sons who attend The Davis Academy. In addition to her dental degree, Dr. Lubell has Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Georgia.  Throughout her career she has been active in various cancer-related charities and women/children shelters in metro Atlanta.

The Right Smile Center is one of the largest active comprehensive dental practices in North Atlanta and has been trusted by thousands in metro Atlanta with 4 generations of patients.  If we can be of assistance in your oral health care needs please do not hesitate to call our office for a complementary consultation.

The Right Smile Center

Scheinfeld, Tourial and Lubell

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

404-256-3620



Dentist Acworth: Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be

Expecting a baby is a very exciting time, and you're already on the right path if you’re staying on top of your dental health. With the proper dental care measures, you'll increase your chances of having a smoother pregnancy, full-term delivery and healthy baby.

If you're planning to get pregnant, consider having your teeth cleaned and any restorative dental treatment done first. If you are already pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist before getting any work done. You should also have a dental checkup at least once during the pregnancy. Although dental cleanings aren't harmful, it's recommended that expecting mothers get them done during the second trimester to reduce the risk of complications.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it's best to postpone dental work during the first and third trimesters as well, as these are critical periods for the baby's development. Your dentist will let you know what dental treatments can be performed during the second trimester, but more complicated procedures will probably be postponed, if possible. Unnecessary treatments, such as cosmetic dental work, should be avoided altogether.

If you do have an unexpected dental problem or emergency, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will look for signs of infection and determine the need for treatment. Dental X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy, but if photos are necessary, your dentist will take extra precautions to protect your baby.

Just as dental health is connected to your overall health, dental care is important to the health of your unborn baby. It's extremely important to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, as some dental problems can increase the risk of complications.

The best advice is to make sure your dentist is part of your baby’s pre-natal care team from the beginning.  If we can answer any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

·    Survey: What [5] Questions Do Patients Ask About Dental Implants? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

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

·    Dentist Serving Roswell - 4 Steps to Promoting Good Oral Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

·    Dentist Sandy Springs: How Do You Find a Good Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dentist Acworth - Oral Cancer Awareness

According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, there are two distinct causes of oral cancer. One, which I have mentioned in an earlier article is through the use of tobacco (and alcohol), a long time historic environmental cause, and the other is through the exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), which is a newly identified etiology, and apparently the same one which is responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancers in women.  And a small number (under 5 %) of people acquire oral cancers from no currently identifiable cause, presumably caused by some genetic predisposition similar to other cancer causing agents.

While most think this is a rare form of cancer, mouth cancer (popularly thought to be the result of chewing tobacco) is diagnosed in about 100 individuals each day here in the US alone, and one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day.  If you add the sub category of laryngeal throat cancers like Michael Douglas was recently treated for (and most likely a result of his smoking and consumption of alcohol), the rates of occurrence accounting for about 10,000 additional new cases per year, then the death rate is significantly higher.   But these statistics can be drastically reduced when found at the early stages of development.  With early diagnosis, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 % survival rate.

Unfortunately at this time, the majority of cases are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis.  The reason for these late stage diagnoses is not because these cancers are hard to discover, rather it is because of a lack of public awareness.  The American Dental Association states that only 60% of the US population sees a dentist every year, which leaves 40% to happenstance.    If heightened public awareness were coupled with a national program for screenings, diagnosis of oral cancers would yield early discovery by both medical and dental professionals.

Ironically, it is potentially easier to obtain public compliance to oral cancer screenings, because unlike many other cancer screening procedures, there is no invasive technique required to look for it, no discomfort or pain involved, and it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease.  Realistically, it only costs about $35.00, usually 10 times less than a blood test at your annual physical.

It is important that patients realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer about a filling, a crown, or a postponable cleaning, but actually an exam that is a matter of life and death.  It’s important for patients and dentists to start a dialog today.  Even if talking about cancer is difficult, there are mechanisms around this.  Creating awareness, discovery and diagnosis is the purpose of April being Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  So when it comes to oral cancer and saving lives, these are primary responsibilities of the dental community.  The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer is early discovery.  And no group has a better opportunity to have an impact than members of the dental community.   If our practice can be of help we are offering free cancer screening during the month of April.

Some Research and statistics provided by: The Oral Cancer Foundation.  Kuper H, Adami HO, Boffetta P (June 2002). "Tobacco use, cancer causation and public health impact". Journal of internal medicine 251 (6): 455–66. Seitz HK, Pöschl G, Simanowski UA (1998). "Alcohol and cancer". Recent developments in alcoholism : an official publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism. "Screening for Oral Cancer". U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 2004. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsoral.htm.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                                                                              

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

www.rightsmileacworth.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

• Dental Sandy Springs - April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Top 4 Reasons Not to play hooky from Your Dental Cleanings (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• HPV Now the Leading Cause of Oral Cancers in the US (prnewswire.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs - 4 Steps to Promoting Good Oral Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)