Tuesday, January 20, 2015

How much do Veneers Cost? Dentist Sandy Springs

They can run from $925 up per tooth. Given the benefits, they’re a great investment.  One benefit is a fabulously 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 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
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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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




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

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Cosmetic Dentistry Helps Self-Esteem of Children – Sandy Springs Dentist

Mom, children with damaged, discolored or missing teeth sometimes have problems with self-esteem that can be improved through aesthetic dentistry.

When a child has lost one or more front teeth, the dentist can replace these teeth with an aesthetic maintainer. The artificial teeth can be placed onto a removable or cemented dental appliance. Also, dentists can apply aesthetic veneers, or plastic facings, on discolored primary front teeth.

For mildly or moderately decayed front and back teeth, dentists now are able to place tooth-colored (composite) dental fillings. These materials have been dramatically improved and eventually, dentists no longer will need to place silver fillings. These tooth-colored fillings are bonded to the tooth surface and they are not only beautiful but strong as well.

For severely decayed front and back teeth, silver-colored dental crowns no longer are the norm. Dentists now have tooth-colored plastic and porcelain materials that can be used to cover the entire surface of the tooth to restore both function and aesthetics. Some of these crowns have metal linings but still have tooth-colored facings that allow for beautiful aesthetic restorations.  With E4D crowns, the metal linings can be completely eliminated.

Many children benefit dramatically from aesthetic dental care on their primary teeth. Be sure to consult with your dentist if you have questions about whether aesthetic dentistry is right for your child.  In our Sandy Springs office we can be of service by giving us contact for a complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Friday, January 9, 2015

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


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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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

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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
info@rightsmilecenter.com
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Should You See a Specialist? Absolutely – Dentist Sandy Springs

There are two types of dentistry today.  One is traditional dentistry targeting the oral hygiene and prevention of oral diseases, tooth decay, etc., by diagnosis and routine oral treatment.  Its focus is maintenance oriented and a percentage which is covered by insurance.  The other and most recent is cosmetic dentistry, aiming to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile.  And in some instances dental procedures are implemented to improve function, which may have the tertiary effect of improving your smile, i.e. an implant.  Thus, general oral diseases and related health issues are treated by general dental practitioners during the routine care of your oral health.  Whereas cosmetic dentistry should be handled by a dental specialist, whether it is a prosthodontist, orthodontist or an oral surgeon/periodontist in conjunction with a prosthodontist.

Cosmetic dentistry, while it is not a recognized dental specialty, has risen to an art form in the field of dentistry.  When applied in conjunction with the restorative benefits of general dentistry like dental fillings fall within the domain of general dentistry but crosses over into cosmetics when the materials of the restoration serve two purposes; the filling itself and the appearance of the filling.  Thus a composite dental filling is covered by cosmetic dentistry to retain your look and smile as usual, but avoids the unsightliness of an amalgam (mercury filling).

There are many dental clinics and general practitioners providing a myriad of cosmetic dentistry procedures.  Before opting for treatment, one needs to take care in selecting the right type of dentist with investigation that should include references, reviews, training and the skill set for the treatment as well as the particular procedure and protocol to be followed.  In metro cities like Atlanta one can find many dentists who purport to be trained (or have trained themselves) as cosmetic dentists, which is a self-proclaimed non-existent specialty.  These dental clinics and practitioners are providing general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry that range from performing root canal treatment, periodontal treatment, children’s dentistry, teeth whitening, bleaching and advanced cosmetic dentistry such as the placing of implants.  Purported cosmetic dentists providing various cosmetic procedures as well as surgeries like full mouth rehabilitation, tooth laminates, tooth veneers, crowns, bridges, etc., can make a mess of your mouth if you’re not careful.

Little known, 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 centered around a complete knowledge of dentistry, where function and beautification of teeth are combined in the final result -- the right smile.  A comprehensive approach by a prosthodontist is the best way to ensure that you are receiving the competent and qualified dental care you need.

Dr. Scheinfeld received her prosthodontics degree from Emory University’s Prosthodontics program in 1988.  Of the more than 170,000 dentists in the United States less than 3,200 are degreed prosthodontists.  According to Forbes Magazine there are only 560 currently practicing.   If the Right Smile Center can answer your questions or provide you with a complimentary consultation, 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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