Success Rates of Dental Implants - Sandy Springs Dentist:

Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry.  The studies show a five-year success rate of 95 percent for lower jaw implants and 90 percent for upper jaw implants.[1]

Of the implants placed the lower back jaw has the highest success rate because of greater bone density.  Given the complexity of the procedure, there are many variables that can play into its success rate.

Factors that impact success are pre-existing health conditions[2] or the location of the missing tooth.

The most common cause of failure is the inability to successfully osseo-integrate.  The actual failure of the implant may be the result of poor positioning or over torqueing in the bone.[3]

Pre-existing Conditions:

• ·       Smokers[4]
• ·       Diabetes
• ·       Hemophilia
• ·       Immune deficiencies
• ·       Rare instances of chronic bruxism

As I have noted in other articles the value of implants is significant with respect to bone retention and actual functionality, and they are not susceptible to the formation of cavities.  So as long as one engages in good oral hygiene, i.e. brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene procedures, the chances of inflammation or swelling of the tissues surrounding the implant should be avoidable.

Any inflammation that might occur is similar to periodontitis around one’s natural tooth, and thus requires a similar approach to good oral hygiene.

Key factors in minimizing dental implant complications are the selection of an experienced prosthodontist and periodontist (or oral surgeon) who specialize in implant dentistry, careful pre-operative treatment planning and proper after-care and oral hygiene.   One of the benefits of a multi-specialist practice like ours is everything is under one roof including periodontal after-care.  If you would like to know whether you are a candidate for implants please feel free to call for a free consultation.

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] The success rate for upper jaw implants is lower because the upper jaw is less dense than the lower jaw, making the success of implantation and osseo-integration slightly more difficult to achieve.

[2] Dental or Global health issues.

[3] And while infrequent, dental implants may break or become infected or crowns may become loose the same way your natural teeth becomes loose.

[4] Given how expensive implants can be, one risks wasting money on dental implants if you can’t give up the habit.

Energy Drinks, good or bad? Dentist Sandy Springs:

We routinely caution patients about the consumption of soda, juice and Gator-aide type drinks and the toll on teeth.  Water should be the drinking source for everyone.

But with the rise in consumption of energy drinks, the medical community is beginning to take aim at the ingredients used in these drinks that act as stimulants to their consumers.  And as you would expect, the American Academy of Pediatrics has focused on the harmful effects the consumption of some of these products have on children and young adults.    Some of these energy drinks contain as much caffeine as 10 to 15 cans of soda.   And without a better understanding of the amounts of caffeine (and Guarani and Taurine) being consumed and when they are being consumed, many of our youth are being unwittingly exposed to dangerous endeavors.  Adding to the confusion between sports drinks and energy drinks, many retailers place energy drinks next to sport drinks with inference that their consumption is similar to sport drinks.

We encourage parents to act with caution in the purchase of energy drinks.  The unknowns about these drinks coupled with a significant rise in their consumption should cause parents to be weary of the side effects and potential toxicities, including your childs oral health.  Energy (and sports) drinks should not be a staple part of the diet.  Drinking water is the better approach to hydration and a healthy body.

Unfortunately, there are no long-term studies on the effects of these energy drinks and their associated arrangement of stimulant ingredients.  So if you drink these types of products, do so in moderation.  Then your children are most likely to avoid the potentially harmful side effects.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-513-1240

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

References:

1. Reissig CJ, Strain EC, Griffiths RR. Caffeinated energy drinks—a growing problem. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2009;99(1-3):1-10. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

2. Weise E. Petition calls for FDA to regulate energy drinks. USA Today. October22, 2008. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-10-21-energy-drinks_N.htm Accessed September 3, 2010.

3. Bryce DJ, Dyer JH. Strategies to crack well-guarded markets. Harv Bus Rev. 2007;85(5):84-92.[PubMed]

4. Ballard SL, Wellborn-Kim JJ, Clauson KA. Effects of commercial energy drink consumption on athletic performance and body composition. Phys Sportsmed. 2010;38(1):107-117. [PubMed]

5. Thombs DL, O'Mara RJ, Tsukamoto M, et al. Event-level analyses of energy drink consumption and alcohol intoxication in bar patrons. Addict Behav. 2009;35(4):325-330. [PubMed]

6. Miller KE. Energy drinks, race, and problem behaviors among college students. J Adolesc Health. 2008;43(5):490-497. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

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Cheap Dentistry? Sandy Springs Dentist:

Dental Expenditures are a bargain… for now.

The overall average for personal healthcare has risen much faster than the average for all consumer items, nearly quadrupling in the past 25 years. Whereas per capita spending on dental costs has remained flat.[1]

Accounting for inflation and population growth the general shift from institutional care to professional services has created little to no increase in ones dental costs. Medical care is increasingly delivered in outpatient care settings, often in physician offices or surgical care centers, which can be seen in the above diagram crossing of the real spending trends for institutional care and professional services that occurred in about 2000. Unlike other professional services, dentistry has not gained from the shift toward outpatient/professional services, and remained flat in real per capita spending for the past 25 years. Thus, while prices for dental services have grown generally as fast as the average for all personal healthcare services, dentistry has neither lost nor gained real ground in per capita use.[2]

Most dental coverage in the United States is obtained through employer-offered plans, and basic Medicare does not include such benefits. Seniors’ spending on dental care is, therefore, more sensitive to income than spending by younger age groups. Whether dentistry will continue to maintain its relative position in per capita utilization depends, at least in part, on how the baby boom demographics will impact dental care demand in the next two decades.[3]

Call us for a “free”, “complimentary”, “inexpensive” consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related Articles:

https://www.google.com/search?q=dentistry+in+an+aging+population&oq=dentistry+in+an+aging+population&aqs=chrome..69i57.9520j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8#q=therightsmile+dentistry+in+an+aging+population

http://therightsmilecenter.blogspot.com/2013/07/sandy-springs-dentist-specializing-in.html

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[1] See more at: http://www.dentalaegis.com/cced/2010/08/dental-economics-and-the-aging-population#sthash.K6IHKTAs.dpuf

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost? Dentist Sandy Springs:

So you see an offer of $49.95 for a cleaning, exam & x-ray.  Is it a lost leader?  More than likely, YES.   If it’s a mature practice you might want to question why they are giving away services because it costs them more than that to deliver the services.  So one would speculate that it’s a loss leader used to get you in and pressure you into additional or unnecessary dental procedures?

On the other hand, 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.

A teeth cleaning charge is going to range somewhere around $65 to $89.[1] Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings per year, usually no more than two.  The doctor’s 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 commonly covered by dental insurance.

The main goal 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 towards preserving them.  In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist removes soft plaque and hard tartar from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process usually requires one visit and takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

If you’ve neglected to take care of your teeth, you may be at higher risk for losing them and require a deep cleaning.  This more extensive 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. This is where you run into problems with ‘couponing dentists’.  More often than not, you’re going to hear that you need a deep cleaning and the cost to your insurance company or you goes up.

Again, your 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 by brushing and flossing daily if you want to keep them.   If you have additional questions, feel free to email or call our office.  As a part of our services, we offer additional consultation and oversight by our in-house periodontist.  Our goal here is to create an informed healthy patient.

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] However, depending on how long it’s been since you have been to the dentist and what extent your oral healthcare has been neglected, it can be more if there’s a need to do a full mouth root scaling.

Sandy Springs: How much does a Dental Crown Cost?

Dental crowns cost anywhere from $900.00 and $1600.00, depending on the tooth being restored. Additionally, the cost varies by:

a. materials,

b. complexity, and

c. the dentist's training and experience[1].

Insurance may pay part of the cost if it's obviously needed for medical reasons, but usually crowns are covered only on a limited basis per year. Nowadays crowns are made of porcelain, resin or porcelain-fused-metal[2]. The crown covers the entire surface of a tooth, adding strength, durability and stability. This usually requires two office visits but can be accomplished in one day; first to prepare the tooth, make an impression and install a temporary crown. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory or manufactured in-house with the use of a CAD aided milling machine to create the permanent crown, which is installed during the second appointment.

If the crown is going to be made in one day in-house on a CAD cam system, the tooth is digitally scanned in the mouth and sent to a milling machine and completed usually with 2 to 3 hours.

There's often an initial office visit ($65-$102) and X-rays ($85-$135). There may be additional costs that contribute to the overall price involved in crowns which are beyond the patient’s control. Each patient presents a unique set of circumstances. A large share of undervalued costs goes toward the treatment itself, lab and production costs for the crown, aftercare and the like.

With proper care a crown may last 10 or more years. Depending upon the general wear and tear, it could last indefinitely. With somewhere between 10 and indefinitely, the investment becomes rather modest, if not inexpensive.

If we can be of service or answer any of your questions please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

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[1] And to some degree the location of the practice.

[2] Depending on the customers’ needs and wishes, partial and full crowns made of various materials may be utilized.

Dentist Sandy Springs: How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The cost varies depending on where you live and your unique needs.  A Prosthodontist’s price ranges typically between $900 to $3,500 per (upper or lower) arch.  While a general dentist’s fees are usually $300 to $1,200 per arch, a good percentage of the time you get what you pay for.  A prosthodontist is specially trained to provide you with both a functional and esthetically pleasing denture.  This can be a painstaking job depending on the condition of your mouth’s bone structure.  So it’s not a matter of sticking a pair of ‘slicks’ in your mouth and sending you off to eat corn on the cob.  The proper fitting of a denture usually requires follow-up visits to determine the actual results after use in the mouth.  When properly fitted, dentures can provide a great smile with a very natural appearance.

In addition, many dentures can be implant supported such that your biting power is significantly improved. With implants supporting them, dentures may correct several problems that range from speech to chewing.  In addition, retarding bone loss, mouth irritation or sores may be avoided with implant supported dentures.  It is common that your mouth changes over the life of your dentures, particularly when you have no teeth.  As your bone structure changes your dentures may need to be replaced to achieve a better fit before they are worn out.

The exact charge for dentures really depends on the type you need and type of dentist you choose to complete the procedure.  This is a procedure for which you should definitely research your dental insurance coverage and reputation of the dentist providing you with the care you need.   A portion of the cost is often covered.

Also, the use of denture creams is the sign of an improperly fitting denture.  If I have not answered your preliminary questions concerning dentures, do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consult.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Emory Trained Prosthodontist

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 dental fillings cost?

The cost varies depending the type of filling material and the complexity of restoration.   Amalgams are cheaper than composites but amalgams last significantly longer if you are not concerned about aesthetics.[1] You might think to just call a local dentist from the internet and ask them. But, the problem with a quote over the phone is that each person presents a different set of restorative circumstances and therefore any quote would be unreliable. However, you should be able to get a range of costs from a free consultation.

While costs vary from one part of town to the next, the cost of a typical amalgam filling ranges from approximately $75 to $175 per filling, whereas a composite resin filling ranges from $125 to $300 for a single surface restoration.  You should expect about 3 to five years (possibly 7 years) from the composite and as many as 20 years or longer from an amalgam.  Actually, a well-cared-for amalgam filling can last a lifetime, so the expensiveness of the filling really becomes a minor consideration.

Restorative circumstances are going to vary from tooth to tooth and decay may be found in one small spot or throughout a tooth, you never know until you start the restoration.  The restorative fees are based on the number of surfaces needing filling in a single tooth.  Since composite resin restorations are more time consuming and require greater skills to completion they are more expensive than amalgam fillings and weigh in on the more expensive side of caries restorations.

Typically dental insurance covers most or all of the costs of a silver amalgam filling, but only 50 to 80 percent of the cost of a composite filling because insurance companies feel the higher charge for the tooth-colored material is considered cosmetic.[2]  

Your dentist should be advising you of the type of filling based on the size of the cavity and the location of the tooth in your mouth.  Amalgams are more likely to be placed in the back of your mouth while composites are more likely to be used on more-visible front teeth. WebMD.com gives an overview of typical filling procedures and Colgate.com lists pros and cons of different types of fillings.

The trick is to find a qualified, well trained dentist, and that requires you to educate yourself about the dentist you choose and a basic knowledge about dentistry.  If we can be of service or 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

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Also, there is the back and forth debate over whether or not amalgams are linked to other health issues.  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have determined there is no danger from an amalgam filling.  Yet there are specialists and consumers who remain unconvinced of these findings.

[2] One exception is when an old amalgam filling is cracked or broken and is replaced with a composite filling.