Monday, May 23, 2011

Atlanta Dentist - 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
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A                                                                                       
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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Friday, May 20, 2011

The Importance of Dental Care and Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is important for 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 signs 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, using the proper products for home care such as an electric toothbrush and 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, you should consult with your dental care provider about using supplemental fluoride; especially if your water is not fluoridated or the majority of your water consumption is through bottled water.  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.  Thus, 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 an important aspect of your general health care.  So 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

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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Monday, May 16, 2011

Top Atlanta Prosthodontist – Novy Scheinfeld, DDS

If you have seen the show Extreme Makeover or even heard about it - you have probably come to understand that "Cosmetic Dentistry" (or Aesthetic Dentistry) has the power to change people's lives.  The reality though, is that the term can be confusing because many "cosmetic" dentists are not trained by any program recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).  Prosthodontics is the only discipline of cosmetic dentistry that is recognized by the ADA. And a Prosthodontist is not just trained in one simple discipline - it is a post graduate degree in dentistry where by a skilled, artistically and technically trained dentist creates an anatomically correct smile- the right smile- that is uniquely crafted to fit each person's individual attributes. Most dentists are not trained prosthodontic graduates of a dental school - rather they take short continuing education courses in conjunction with trial and error experience to be able to understand how size, shape, color and symmetry all work together to create what a prosthodontist is trained in during their post graduate work. It may appear as simple as a little contouring or as extensive as a full mouth reconstruction using veneers, crowns and implants; it’s the training that makes it appear effortless. The prosthodontist is trained to create the smile that implements the use of veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants to ensure that the right smile is as perfect a fit both functionally and aesthetically as your individual characteristics will allow.
Of the 170 thousand dentists in the United States, less than 2% are trained prosthodontists.  Schedule dental visits for you and your family today by calling The Right Smile Center in Sandy Springs at 404-256-3620. Our dental office is conveniently located on Carpenter Drive off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, and we serve patients from Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Dunwoody, East Cobb and surrounding communities. We welcome new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions in person. Our dentists and team look forward to making you, and your loved ones, smile!
Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Her prosthodontics’ instructor Dr. E. Neal Kopp practiced with her for 14 years until his death in 2008.  In addition, Dr. Sidney Tourial, an adjunct Emory Prosthodontic professor and next year’s GDA President has been in the practice for over 18 years.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                                         
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Atlanta’s Top Dentist - ADA Accredited Prosthodontists

It seems to be prevalent in that many dentists these days are calling themselves ‘implantologists’ without there being an implant specialty in dentistry.   And quite frankly, there are multiple disciplines of dentistry involved in the placement of implants and the general dentist is at the bottom end of the scale for expertise, training and experience.   Regardless, the fact remains that the majority of dentists are general dentists, but press the envelope of ethics by calling themselves ‘implantologists’.  Granted they all have undergraduate degrees with either a BA or BS and at least four years of dental school with either a DDS or a DMD as the result and by law are allowed to place and/or restore implants.   But not one of them has an American Dental Association sanctioned ‘implant specialty’ in dentistry.   Those dentists who choose to make the claim do so by virtue of deciding to focus on implants in their general practices.   The American Dental Association (ADA) only has nine recognized post dental degree specialties and implant dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advanced training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate dental degree, these dentists receive additional certifications in their respective specialties, thus becoming what should be considered experts within their fields of dentistry.   Some are either board eligible or board certified.  Of the ADA specialties only three truly have special post doctorate training in implants and they are:
Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, and the least known, Prosthodontists (who generally orchestrate the placement and final restoration of the implant).
Prosthodontics: (derived from the word prosthesis, ergo crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist has a dental 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 prosthodontist is trained in their post graduate work.   Contrary to this hit or miss self-anointment, the prosthodontist is trained at an ADA approved 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.  If anyone has a specialty in implant dentistry or the right to call themselves an ‘implantologist’, it would be the ADA sanctioned prosthodontist.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the U.S., less than two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist to provide you with the best implant result, look for a prosthodontist.
Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Her prosthodontics’ instructor Dr. E. Neal Kopp practiced with her for 14 years until his death in 2008.  In addition, Dr. Sidney Tourial, an adjunct Emory Prosthodontic professor and next year’s GDA President has been in the practice for over 18 years.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
www.rightsmilecenter.com
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Monday, May 9, 2011

Atlanta’s Top Dentist - ADA Sanctioned Prosthodontists

It seems to be prevalent in that most dentists these days are calling themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’, but there is no cosmetic specialty in dentistry.   And quite frankly, all dentistry is cosmetic.   I don’t know anyone who took the ‘ugly’ teeth class in dental school, because it doesn’t exist.   Regardless,  the fact remains that the majority of dentist are general dentist, but press the envelope of ethics by calling themselves ‘cosmetic dentists’. They all have undergraduate degrees with either a BA or BS and at least four years of dental school with either a DDS or a DMD as the result.   But not one of them has an American Dental Association sanctioned ‘cosmetic specialty’ in dentistry.   Those dentists who choose to make the claim do so by virtue of deciding to focus on cosmetics in their general practices.   The American Dental Association (ADA) only has nine recognized post dental degree specialties and cosmetic dentistry is not one of them.  These specialties range in one to six years of advanced training beyond dental school.  At the end of their post doctorate dental degree, these dentists receive additional certifications in their respective specialties, thus becoming what should be considered experts within their fields of dentistry.   Some are either board eligible or board certified.  These ADA specialties are:
Dental Public Heath, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Surgery, Orthodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and the least known, Prosthodontics.
Prosthodontics: (crown, bridge, and implants) A Prosthodontist has a dental 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 prosthodontist is trained in their post graduate work.   Contrary to this hit or miss self-anointment, the prosthodontist is trained at an ADA approved 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.  If anyone has a specialty in cosmetic dentistry or the right to call themselves a ‘cosmetic dentist’, it would be the ADA sanctioned prosthodontist.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the U.S., less than two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  So when you are seriously looking for a cosmetic dentist, look for a prosthodontist.
Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.  Her prosthodontics’ instructor Dr. E. Neal Kopp practiced with her for 14 years until his death in 2008.  In addition, Dr. Sidney Tourial, an adjunct Emory Prosthodontic professor and next year’s GDA President has been in the practice for over 18 years.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
www.rightsmilecenter.com
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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Dentist Sandy Springs - ADA Accredited Prosthodontist is Your Cosmetic Dentist

Prosthodontists are certified specialists in tooth restoration such as implants, bridges, crowns, dentures and veneers to give you the best smile possible, more important they provide the right smile. They are specialists in esthetic and cosmetic dentistry.  After graduating from dental school with a D.D.S. or equivalent degree, prosthodontists receive three additional years of rigorous specialty training in a university or hospital ADA accredited graduate education program.
If you are seeking cosmetic, implant or reconstructive dental work, you should see a prosthodontist, because prosthodontics is the only specialty recognized by the ADA that is involved with esthetic and cosmetic dental restorations and implant restorations.   None of the other specialties are taught both the form and the function of restorative dentistry.  Patients should understand that terms like ‘Cosmetic Dentist’, ‘Implantologist’ or ‘Implant Specialist’, are not designated specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.  While these terms may be very descriptive, they are also terms that attempt to get around ADA designated specialties.
Prosthodontists are experts in the dynamics and esthetics of a smile, the preservation of a healthy mouth and the science of tooth replacement.  With the passage of time prosthodontic dentists are gaining popular recognition with respect to their qualifications to offer state-of-the-art procedures and techniques as patients become more familiar with the advances in modern dentistry.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the country only about two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  So, when your dentist refers you to a prosthodontist you should know you are in well trained hands.
Many of those referring specialists think of the prosthodontist as the "conductor" of a dental treatment plan, the professional in the process with the big picture in mind.  They usually lead a team of specialists to develop ideal solutions to your dental needs because they are responsible for the final restoration.   They provide the highest level of dental care being expertly trained in many different clinical disciplines with the anticipation that a working knowledge of various disciplines is necessary to produce optimal results for the patient.
The combination of all these various disciplines rest comfortably within the purview of a prosthodontist’s training and expertise.  A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist as the conductor is the best way to get your inner confidence boosted, your personality improved and the right smile.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC                                                   
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-256-3620
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Monday, May 2, 2011

Dentist in Sandy Springs - A Prosthodontist is your ADA cosmetic dentist.

It seems to be prevalent these days that most dentists are touting themselves cosmetic dentists.   But in reality, there is no such specialty designated as cosmetic dentistry.  If there was a cosmetic specialty it would probably come under the ADA sanctioned prosthodontic degree.  With the passage of time prosthodontic dentists are gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the advances in modern dentistry.  Of the 170 thousand dentists in the country only about two (2%) percent are trained prosthodontists.  They are expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function as well as beautification of teeth are combined in the final result.
There are a lot of people in this world who just weren’t born with beautiful smiles or for other circumstances ended up with damaged teeth.  Some inherited stains from medicines their parents took prior to child birth, while others developed discolorations through the years that make their appearance unattractive whenever they open to either talk or smile. These people can be helped by  prosthodontic dentists who specialize in the cosmetic restorations that provide methods, procedures and plans which ultimately improve their personality as much as  improves their mouth.
The first advantage of a prosthodontist is time related.  As a result of their extensive post graduate training and experience with difficult cases, modern techniques take much less time in the beautification of the teeth as compared to older ordinary dentistry.  Techniques and procedures as common as in-house whitening which takes only couple of hours as opposed to otherwise days of the repeated home bleaching have become fairly common place and routine in the restoration of a smile.
Another major change related to teeth is implants.  In the past there had been an extensive time period involved in replacing missing teeth.  Now, while still a complex procedure there are alternatives that with significant preparation allow for teeth to be implanted in a day and utilized by the patient shortly thereafter.
Finally, technology often comes into play with veneers which are made up of a special material and again while technique sensitive are very easy to incorporate into quick, favorable and long lasting natural results.  The combination of all of these techniques rest comfortably within the purview of a prosthodontist’s training and expertise.  A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist is the best way to get your inner confidence boosted and your personality improved.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1988.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-256-3620
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