Dentist Sandy Springs: Why you might be better off seeing a Prosthodontist

(Prosthodontist = ADA cosmetic dentist)

Prosthodontic dentists are gaining popular recognition as patients become more familiar with the advances in dentistry and how they can enhance their everyday lives. Prosthodontists are expert dentists with a post graduate ADA recognized degree focused on a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function and aesthetics are melded into the final result. 

There are a lot of people who just weren’t born with beautiful smiles or for other reasons ended up with damaged teeth. Some inherited stains from medicines their parents took prior to child birth, while others developed discolorations through the years making their appearance unattractive whenever they open to talk or smile. These people can be helped by a trained prosthodontist who specializes in the cosmetic restorations that provide methods, procedures and plans which ultimately improve their personality as much as it improves their mouth.

The first advantage of a prosthodontist is time related expertise. As a result of our 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 techniques 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 easier for prosthodontists to incorporate into quick and favorable results. The combination of all of these advantages 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 truly want the right smile, see a ‘Pro’.

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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Sandy Springs: Affordable Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants may appear high, but the price is coming down.  And if you consider the beneficial differences, the time involved and the expertise of your specialist they are worth every penny.  To help you understand and appreciate the cost let’s explore the aspects of price and how different dental implants may differ depending on various factors.

If the price is too good to be true?

The cost of an dental implant ranges from around $1,500 up to $5,000.00 .  Anything less may be an indicator that you’re getting an inferior product or an implant that’s not designed for a particular location in your mouth.  Short term the implant device may appear to be fully functional, but operationally it won’t last.  The difference may be likened to the difference between Toyo’s and Michelin tires.  Here again you may get what you pay for and the initial cost may appear affordable, but in the  long term you are going to get a better result with how it functions and how long it lasts if your provider installs Michelins.

The real concern for the patient is ‘where and how’ to find an inexpensive quality dental implant, and most likely the driving adjective is ‘inexpensive’.  This perception by the patient is that teeth are utilitarian to their daily life.  That’s really not the case, but to put the cost into perspective let’s examine what goes into the cost of a dental implant.

4 Factors that Drive the Cost of Dental Implants:

The Material: 

The traditional materials – prices of cobalt-chromium alloy and titanium are not the same.  Implants from cobalt-chromium (CC) alloy rods are cheaper than comparable titanium implants, but when it comes to zirconium dioxide, then cost of a dental implant may appear to be cost prohibitive to the patient.  However, depending on where the implant is being placed, you may end up with a less than satisfactory result with the less expensive CC implant.  You just won’t know it for a while

.

The Size: 

This variable is a significant factor.  The bigger the implant, the more material, the more it costs, but also the more it may do.  Also, special coatings applied to the surface of the implant, contributing to better osseo-integration with the bone, will affect the cost of the dental implant.

The Manufacturer: 

Different manufacturers put different prices on similar rods made from the same material. Some manufacturers include some kind of an extra charge in the dental implant’s price for their brand name. This is a lot more esoteric and therefore harder to explain.   It’s like trying to explain the difference between Polo and Hanes T-shirts.  However, some of these manufacturers provide lifetime guarantees and replacement for failure.

Finally, it may depend on where your dentist gets his implants from.  And this factor may be a function of how motivated your provider is in providing you with the best implant material for the least amount of cost to you.  Some of that may just end up being economies of scale by your provider.  Does your provider have contacts directly with manufactures in China or Israel, where the dental implant cost can be significantly reduced, while the indirect purchase of dental implants from U.S dental suppliers may ratchet up the price?

A lot of your choice and cost may depend on the choice of your provider.   It’s not to say the more you spend the better you will be.  Rather, a reputable practitioner, who is truly trained in the placement and restoration (and this may be two providers), may be a significant factor in what you end up with and what it costs.  Trust and reputation are the more difficult factors to define for the patient.

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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Dentist Sandy Springs: How much do Veneers Cost?

They can run anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. And yes, veneers can be quite expensive but they do offer several benefits. One is a distinctly improved smile.

First, what are veneers? They are extremely thin custom made covers for the front surface of the teeth. They can be made from porcelain or direct composite resin. While 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. Veneers can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or ones 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.

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. 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.

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

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Dentist Sandy Springs: How much does having a tooth pulled cost?

The cost of a simple tooth extraction can range anywhere from $95 to $250 depending on whether the procedure is being performed by a dentist or a specialist.[1]  If the tooth is broken at the gum line, it will be considered a ‘surgical extraction’ and usually costs $150 to $300.  Extracting a wisdom tooth can cost anywhere between $150 and $350, but if it's a partially or completely impacted wisdom tooth then the cost could climb as high as $650.[2]

The cost of the tooth extraction can be higher; for example, if the tooth disintegrates, it can take the dentist a while to get all of it out and the dentist may charge you extra if that happens.  Each patient and each tooth is unique.  It can be cookie cutter, but it doesn’t have to be.  The bottom line is the harder the tooth is to get out, the more it costs, hence the range.

For a soft tissue surgical extraction of a partially impacted tooth, an incision usually has to be made into the gums and once again the cost will increase to about $200 -$350; and for a partial bony extraction[3] expect to pay anywhere from $300 -$600.

The fees often include a follow-up office visit to check healing or to remove sutures.  What should also be included is the understanding that a tooth is firmly encased in a bony socket and attached by a ligament.  The socket needs to be gently widened to allow the tooth to be removed; patients will feel pressure but not pain during this procedure. Sometimes a tooth is so firmly anchored that is has to be removed in sections.

Additional related fees, particularly with an oral surgeon may include an initial surgical consultation ($50 - $135), x-rays ($13 - $135) and sedation ($200 - $400 or more) if required.[4]  Many dental insurance plans cover 70 percent to 80 percent of tooth extraction costs if the procedure is considered to be medically necessary and not done just for cosmetic reasons.

Typically, dental insurance permits only about $1,000 per year coverage so if there are other teeth needing to be extracted then the cost can escalate above the annual limit.  Because of the limited coverage that dental insurance provides, most people have come to realize that they don't have much protection from the high cost of dental care with dental insurance alone.

Our goal is to help you understand a procedure which may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the tooth being pulled.  If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office or email 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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[1] We perform in-house extractions with a periodontist or refer out to an oral surgeon.

[2] Which is usually done by an oral surgeon and referred out.

[3] The tooth has some bone covering it.

[4] When we refer out, we try to have those fees eliminated or reduced by the supply our x-rays to save additional costs.  It’s not a guaranteed cost savings, but we make the effort.

Dentist Sandy Springs: The Right Stuff

The Right Smile Center is the Right Stuff.  It is just what its name implies – we are not a totally new concept.  Rather we do what’s right for our patients.  We apply new technology to old fashion dental care.   Patients receive the best quality care in an atmosphere that is as relaxing and comfortable as possible.  Our emphasis is on quality care you can trust and we’ve been doing it for decades.  We’ve worked hard to provide the best care without sacrificing patient care to the pressure of PPO’s and HMO’s and other insurance driven care.  And the reason is, your insurance company could care less about your oral and global health.  All they care about is money. We see our job as giving people their best choices and options where treatment is concerned.  And it’s not easy.  The vast majority of our patients understand this.  There are some who don’t value their oral health and we can’t accommodate them.

We see your dental health as a key to your global health. That’s why we take the whole person into account when caring for our patients’ teeth.  Whether you come in for a routine teeth cleaning, cosmetic veneers, root canal therapy or dental implants, we are committed to giving you our undivided attention. We value our relationship with you, the patient above all else and our office is designed with your needs in mind.

We don’t advertise so we have to provide excellent care.  We rely on patient and doctor referrals.  We don’t mail out coupons to strangers in an attempt to drum up business.  We give our existing patients loyalty rewards for their expression of confidence in us.  You are our messenger and we rely on you to deliver our message.  Don’t take our word for it, read what our patients say.

Are you scared of the going to the dentist? We understand that, but it’s an old perception. We like to say that patients who fear the dentist are our favorite kind because we will calm their concerns and convert them to lifelong partners in their oral health.  We understand and identify with your anxiety. We start by listening, and our patients are always treated with kindness and patience.

For the right stuff, consider us for your future oral health care needs.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200B

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related Articles:

http://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/10/12/top-sandy-springs-prosthodontist-%E2%80%93-novy-scheinfeld-dds/

http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/Novy.Scheinfeld.DDS.PC..404-256-3620/2014/1/What-is-a-Prosthodontist-Dr.-Novy-Scheinfeld-Sandy-Springs/1113532

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

Dentist Sandy Springs: Reduce Heart Risks

Researchers at Columbia University in New York suggest that if you look after your gums, you could also be reducing your risk of heart disease.[1] They claim that improving dental care slows the speed with which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Writing in a recent online issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association, they report a prospective study that shows how improving gum health is linked to a clinically significant slower progression of atherosclerosis, the process where plaque builds up in arteries and increases a person's risk of heart disease, stroke and death.[2]

The long and the short is this suggests that periodontal disease should not be ignored because it most likely will lead to other global health issues. We recommend seeing your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and oral exams. If we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Roswell: The Right Bite for a Great Smile (therightsmile.wordpress.com) 

Sandy Springs: Complete Dentistry without Warm Towels (therightsmile.wordpress.com) 

[1] Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health news release 1 November 2013.

[2] Changes in Clinical and Microbiological Periodontal Profiles Relate to Progression of Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness: The Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study; Moïse Desvarieux, Ryan T. Demmer, David R. Jacobs, Panos N. Papapanou, Ralph L. Sacco, and Tatjana Rundek; J Am Heart Assoc. Published online 28 October 2013; DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000254

Dentist Sandy Springs: New Cancer Causing Virus

The Laboratory for Developmental Genetics at the University of Southern California has confirmed cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a cause of the most common salivary gland cancers.  The findings, published in the journal Experimental and Molecular Pathology, are the latest in a series of studies by USC researchers that together demonstrate CMV's role as an oncovirus, a virus that can either trigger cancer in healthy cells or exploit mutant cell weaknesses to enhance tumor formation.[1]

Researcher and author Michael Melnick, professor of developmental genetics in the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, said the conclusion that CMV is an oncovirus came after rigorous study of both human salivary gland tumors and salivary glands of postnatal mice.  This study illustrates not only that the CMV in the tumors is active but also that the amount of virus-created proteins found is positively correlated with the severity of the cancer.[2]

This should be a most productive area of investigation for a long time to come.  April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and we offer free examinations.  Please give us a call and make an appointment.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

Will Zinney : Periodontist : Buckhead (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
Multiple Dentistry Disciplines under One Roof: Serving Dunwoody (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
http://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/dentist-sandy-springs-april-is-oral-cancer-awareness-month/
http://therightsmilecenter.blogspot.com/2013/07/oral-cancer-screening.html

[1] "Human Cytomegalovirus and Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Salivary Glands: Cell-Specific Localization of Active Viral and Oncogenic Signaling Proteins is Confirmatory of a Causal Relationship," was funded by the Oral Biology Fund of the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.


[2] Ibid.