Cosmetic Dentists, what?

Dentist Sandy Springs:

The trend these days is dentists calling themselves cosmetic dentists when there is no such specialty in dentistry.   Contrary of this trend, all dentistry is cosmetic.   I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth class in dental school.  Regardless, the fact remains that the majority of dentists are general dentists and marketing themselves as ‘cosmetic dentists’ is an ethics violation of the ADA[1].  Not one of them has a ‘cosmetic specialty’ in dentistry because it doesn’t exist.[2]   The ADA only has recognized nine (9) post dental degree specialties and cosmetic dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advance training beyond dental school that results in additional certifications considered experts within their fields of dentistry.  These ADA specialties are:

Dental Public Heath, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Surgery, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and the least known, but the closest to what would be considered a cosmetic dentist, Prosthodontics.

Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist is the ‘holy grail’ of dentistry and has a specialty license pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Most dentists are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school - rather they take short continuing education and utilize trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontists is trained in their post graduate work.   On the other hand, the prosthodontist is trained at a university to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and the increasingly more common procedure of dental implants to ensure that the right smile is achieved, both functionally and aesthetically beautiful.  If anyone has a specialty in cosmetic dentistry, it would be the prosthodontist.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look for a prosthodontist.

If you are in need of a cosmetic dentist[3], we are here to serve you.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] ADA is the American Dental Association

[2] And yet we advertise as a cosmetic dentist because we have a prosthodontist in our practice.

[3] Cosmetic dentist equals Prosthodontist.

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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How to Finance Dental Implants – Dentist Sandy Springs

Having a mouth with missing teeth, severe decay, crowded teeth or other issues can diminish your self- esteem, all of which are issues that typically can be addressed by dental implants.  Dental implants are permanently attached by inserting posts into the jaw bone and placing an artificial tooth onto the post. The average cost for each implant is between $1250 to $3000.[1]

Talk to us about options offered for financing.  We will be able to provide you with a few sources for outside dental financing and may offer in-house financing.  We will contact the names of potential lenders that will finance your implants and ask for the terms and conditions of the loans offered. Loans for dental work can vary in interest rate and length of loan, both of which can drastically alter the monthly payment.

You might try calling a local insurance agent that deals with health insurance, but historically dental implants are not generally covered under a dental plan.  You might also check with your medical insurance provider if you need the implants due to a medical condition.  Dental care is generally not covered under a healthcare plan, but if the tooth loss is a result of a medical condition, coverage may be allowed to restore your teeth. We can advise you if that is the case.

We can visit Citicard.com or carecredit.com to see if the financing programs fit your needs.  You may want to look at one or more credit cards as a third or supplemental option for financing.   Call the credit card company, and ask how much the monthly payment will based on the amount you need for the dental implants. If you need $5000 worth of dental work, ask the agent what your monthly payment would be if you charged $5000.

Ask to review the options and determine which one is best suited for your situation. Look at the interest rates, years of repaying and monthly payment.  Apply with the company you feel will work best for you realizing the benefits you will have for years to come.  If we can be of assistance, please call us for your complimentary consultation.

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] It should go with saying, that each patient present a unique set of circumstances which may alter these parameters.

Oral Cancer – Sandy Springs Dentist

In 2015 more than 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer and approximately 8,000 to 10,000 will die of the disease.  According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) oral cancer, which is more common than leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid gland, stomach, ovaries, and cervix, is a major cause of death and disfigurement in the United States.

                     

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located here in Atlanta, GA., approximately 75% of all oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers—mouth, tongue, lips, throat,  nose, and larynx— can be attributed to the use of  tobacco related products.  Those who choose to use cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, or snuff, place themselves at a much higher risk of developing oral cancer and other diseases, such as heart disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

With the level of prevalence described above, the oral cancer screening routinely performed during one's hygiene and dental examination is one of the most critical preventative components of your bi-annual visits to the dentist.

                                       

If you find anything out of the ordinary during a self-examination—particularly anything that does not heal or go away in two weeks, or that has recently changed— make sure you discuss it with your dentist or physician.   For those who have found themselves without work or insurance, we offer free cancer screening, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.  We would like to give back to the Atlanta community as we approach the holiday season.

Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s (NIDCR) National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse in partnership with the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Nursing Research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Friends of the NIDCR.

Other sources: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

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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How To Find a Good Dentist? Sandy Springs

That’s really a tough question.  And for our practice (in Sandy Springs, GA) it’s even more difficult because we don’t advertise using conventional methods.  Ninety-five (95%) percent or more of our patients are referral based, either from an existing patient or another referring dentist.

Given our history and experience, we recommend asking for referrals from a co-worker or a neighbor.

If you have relocated from out of state to another city or state and want to find a good dentist, get a referral from your previous dentist or at least their second opinion.[1]  This is probably the best option as your previous dentist probably knows someone he went to school with or has a professional affiliation with.  It is unlikely that he would give you wrong advice.  If you simply are not happy with the services given by your current dentist, you can ask for recommendations from your co-workers, friends, family members, and other trusted individuals in your life.  We have found that once someone makes a referral, the referred patient will go to our web site or reviews to validate the referral.  A combination of a trusted referral borne out by independent research will usually lead you to the right dentist.

How to Find a Good Dentist?

If you are planning to undergo any kind of dental treatment, you need to make sure that you get the services suited to your needs.   Choosing a quality dentist with the right skills and experience is the deciding factor in the success of the treatment.  While price is a factor, a well-respected dentist with long standing roots in the community is not going to be overpriced.  You certainly would not want to base your decision on an inexpensive root canal and crown treatment which could turn out to be ineffective in just a few months.  Dental issues are no small matter. You should in no way compromise on the quality of the dental treatment based on price.

If it’s cosmetic dentistry you are seeking, then look for a prosthodontist.  Prosthodontic dentists are with the passage of time gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the advances in dentistry and how they can enhance their everyday lives. They are expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree from a dental school centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function and aesthetics are combined in the final result.

Location of the Dentist

Again this is a tough one.  You should not necessarily choose a dentist whose office is pretty close to where you work or live.  This will surely help you in case of a dental emergency, but with a quality dentist as a general rule you shouldn’t have emergencies.  Obviously, if you can find a quality dentist close to where you work or live in Atlanta, you will reduce hassle for you in driving many miles just for treatment which requires frequent visits.  But for twice a year cleanings and examinations a few more miles shouldn’t create any issues.

Whichever dentist you choose in your locality, always make sure that he/she is a certified member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Georgia Dental Association.  When you are comfortable with your referral, compare the services, charges, dental insurance formalities, and other determining factors, before choosing a suitable one.  After you find all the above conditions satisfactory, simply call for a consultation.

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] Or you can make an appointment with us – 404-256-3620.

Tough Economy - NO Excuse to Skip Your Dental Visits : Dentist Sandy Springs

The first step towards good dental health is brushing and flossing, which costs all of $3.00 to $5.00 every 3 to 5 months.  After that it is about education and knowledge.

It’s pretty obvious that the last few years of this economic crisis may have caused people to make some tough choices with scarce funds.  And skipping dental visits may have risen to the top of the list of least likely things to do with your money.  But skipping dental visits may be more costly in the long run, and not just to your oral health, but to your overall health.  Difficult economic times often find people delaying or avoiding trips to the dentist is something we are seeing more and more these days.

Downsized employees not only have lost medical benefits, but dental coverage as well.  And without regular visits people may not be aware of the many subtle changes that may be occurring inside their mouth because they don’t feel them or recognize them.  And without seeing these changes patients feel they can delay or skip dental visits, not realizing that it takes a trained dental professional to see small changes that if left untreated may develop into major costly dental or even medical issues.

One of the key roles of a dental hygienist is to educate patients about the etiology of dental diseases and what individuals can do to prevent oral health issues. These issues if left unchecked or untreated could affect a person’s ability to eat properly, compromising one’s ability to maintain proper nutrition, which in turn may negatively impact one’s general health.  If left untreated bleeding of the gums or inflammation, which is a slow, relatively painless process, if left untreated, can result in bone degradation and eventual tooth loss.  It may also be a sign of other global health issues such as diabetes, heart related issues or even contribute to infertility or some form of birth complication in pregnant women.

Given these possibilities the dental office is the starting point for dental education.  Education about oral health allows you to take ownership of your success in taking care of your body.  Ask questions.  Proper flossing and brushing of teeth on a daily basis, preferably twice daily, is critical to remove bacterial plaque between the teeth that, if not removed, can destroy the fibers that hold the teeth in place.

In addition to brushing and flossing, good nutrition is key to good oral health as well as your global health.  It is one integrated process.  Certain drinks like red wine, soda, and even healthy fruit juice, can erode the enamel layer of your teeth.  Learn to balance the intake of acidic and alkaline foods. Ingesting high acidic foods and drinks as well as improper tooth-brushing technique are the two main reasons for tooth sensitivity.  Learn to drink more water as a part of your diet.

In this day and age, easily accessible internet websites, such as the American Dental Association offer information on various dental topics.  Read up on subjects that relate to your situation and discuss these topics with your dental professional.  That’s what they are there for.

If lack of dental insurance or sudden loss of income prevents proper professional dental care, talk to your dentist to see if some arrangements can be made to accommodate your new found circumstances. There are numerous low cost or free clinics you can go to as a temporary alternative.  Don’t make the mistake that your oral health can be put off, because your oral health is linked to your global health.

If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate 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

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Prosthodontic Dentist: Modern Dentistry : Sandy Springs

Today, more and more people are becoming aware of what cosmetic dentistry has to offer in their everyday lives. With this awareness, there appears to be an increase in the demand for general dentists to offer cosmetic dentistry in a fast and effective manner. More than ever before, dentists are challenged to create a beautiful smile utilizing various modalities of restorative dentistry.  But is the general dentist the right person to be trusted with your precious smile?  The majority of general dentist are trained to maintain your oral health care.  But when it comes to the cosmetic aspects joined with the functional aspects of your smile, you might want to see a specialist, i.e. a prosthodontist.

Prosthodontists are specially trained to blend modern aesthetic techniques with the other important aspect of your teeth, i.e. eating.  There is a lot more than meets the eye then just altering the way a smile looks.  It also has to function and the training to make that happen properly is what is taught in the two - three year post-dental doctorate speciality of prosthodontics.

Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist has a specialty license pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. Most dentists are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school - rather they take short continuing education and utilize trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontists is trained in their post graduate work.   On the other hand, the prosthodontist is trained at a university to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and the increasingly more common procedure of dental implants to ensure that the right smile is achieved, both functionally and aesthetically beautiful.  If anyone has a specialty in cosmetic dentistry, it would be the prosthodontist.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look for a prosthodontist.

Of the 170 thousand dentists in the United States, only 3200 are prosthodontists. Of those, Forbes magazine reports only 560 are practicing.  The Prosthodontist is the second rarest job in the United States and the rarest of specialities within dentistry.

Don’t take our word for it. Check out our reviews by going to:

 www.rightsmilecenter.com/reviews.html

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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Why Conserve Water When Brushing? – Dentist Sandy Springs

Because we all need to do our part.  But also, because it will pay for your home dental care.  Water is taken for granted by most people in the US, but water is quickly become an at risk commodity because of our wasteful habits.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “The average bathroom faucet [in a home built post 1992] flows at a rate of two gallons per minute [GPM], but for homes built pre-1992, faucets flow at a rate of 4 GPM.  Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime can save up to 8 gallons of water per day [post-1992 faucet], which equals 240 gallons a month!”

While we in dentistry encourage our patients to brush twice a day for the rest of your life, the time has come where we need to be more socially conscious in the education of our patient pool with respect to their use of water while brushing.  I encourage all of your family members and friends to turn the water off every time they brush their teeth (at least twice a day) and run the water only when necessary as in rinsing your mouth or cleaning your brush.

That’s it?  Yes, that’s all you have to do to be good environmental citizens.  Depending on where your water source come from, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can have a positive impact on our springs, rivers, and wetland habitats that might otherwise be damaged by water treatment plants.  The incremental impact when taken as a whole can be lessened in huge ways that will positively affect our entire country and for that matter the entire earth.   Applying this practice will equal a savings of over 2,800 gallons of water per year for each individual in the US who takes this simple step.  And for those still operating pre-1992 faucets, the number is double.

If you are one of those people that don’t think about how much water your faucet it putting out, you will probably leave your water running while you brush your teeth.  Generally, the average person will turn on the water, rinse their tooth brush, put tooth paste on tooth brush, brush their teeth, spit a couple times, brush a little more, rinse tooth brush off, maybe even use a mouth rinse or mouth wash, swish that around a bit, spit it out, rinse out the sink, and finally turn off the water.  This process can take up to 3 minutes to complete.   In fact, the Oral-B electric brush does a 3 minute countdown to brushing your teeth.   So during those 3 minutes about 12 gallons of water is wasted. The average person brushes their teeth 2 – 3 times a day, which would now make your water usage about 24 to 36 gallons of water per person per day.  Looked at the usage from this approach, we are up to a single person brushing their teeth anywhere from 732 to 1098 gallons of per month, which is a drastic difference from the conservative amount estimated in the paragraph above.  With 365 days in a year, that’s over 13,000 gallons a year.  That’s an awful lot of wasted water.

It’s easy.  Make a conscious effort to turn off the water while you brush your teeth.  Each person in each family can use water more efficiently to preserve water supplies and our environment for future generations.  This means that you, your family, and your friends can participate in protecting the future of our nation’s limited water supply and your children’s future each time you brush your teeth.  And a self-imposed effort now could avoid our government from stepping in and imposing conservation later.  Conserving water is not incompatible with brushing twice a day and as model citizens, you become trustees of small measures that will make a big difference and ensure efficient use of our water supply for generations to come.

It makes cents. If you can’t be motivated by being green, then look at the dollars.  The average cost of water is $0.005/gallon.  So if a single person uses 13,000 gallons of water a year to brush their teeth, this costs $65/year for 1 person to brush their teeth. So take $65 and multiply this by how many people live in your home and you will see how much water is costing you just for you to keep your teeth healthy.  And this doesn’t even count that most jurisdictions charge 1 to 4x’s for the cost of sewering the water.

It’s simple.  Turn your water off unless you are using it.  Don’t turn on your water and just let it run in the sink while you are brushings your teeth.   And if your faucet is older than 1992, you should to buy a new one.

As always, if we can be of help please contact us.

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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The Importance of Oral Hygiene – Dentist Sandy Springs

Good oral hygiene is important towards maintaining one's overall health.   It is generally appreciated within the dental and medical community that poor oral health can be linked to heart and lung disease, diabetes, stroke, extremely high-birth weight, and premature births. The presence of oral problems is usually the first warning sign of some of these general health issues.  This consensus among the various healthcare providers has risen to level that the U.S. Surgeon General has issued policy statements on oral health as a strong indicator of overall health and well-being (CDC, 2006).

Brushing and flossing have risen in importance as your key ‘between visits’ maintenance tools.  In addition, the use of the proper products for home care, such as an electric toothbrush, ADA approved toothpastes and washes are equally important.  Without consistent care, several general as well as oral health problems may result or be exacerbated.  For all ages, if your water is not fluoridated or the majority of your water consumption is through bottled water you should consult with your dental care provider about using supplemental fluoride.  In areas without fluoride in the water the rate of tooth decay and other health issues is much higher.

While practicing good oral hygiene is vital to your health, there is only so much that brushing and flossing can do.  Your average patient can easily overlook conditions that could greatly complicate or even end one's life.  So, visiting your dentist for regular checkups is a vital part of your overall health care.  "Routine dental exams uncover problems that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal" (American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).  Since gum disease is acknowledged as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer, regular visits to your dentist can help prevent and treat these potential diseases.  By treating conditions early and learning from your dentist how to prevent oral health issues, you can achieve better overall health and ultimately better the quality of your life.

Your dental care is so important to your general health care; you need to make sure you find a dentist that is right for you and your family.  This can be a difficult process.  Look for someone who’s competent and you feel comfortable with, one you can have a collaborative relationship with. This is important because there are conditions and problems that were not discussed in this article that the dentist will need to pay attention to during your regular checkups. Hopefully after reading this article, you will have a heightened understanding of the basic need for good oral health.  If you have additional questions or concerns feel free to contact us.

Dr. Scheinfeld is an Emory University School of Dentistry trained prosthodontist treating patients in the Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Vinings and Buckhead areas of Metro Atlanta.  Of the 170,000 dentists in the U.S., less than 2% are prosthodontist.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Resource information provided by:

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

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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