Thursday, July 19, 2012

Dentist East Cobb: The Right Care Keeps Patients Smiling


Restorative dentistry is an excellent tool for repairing smiles, improving oral health, and boosting one’s confidence.   Today, with so many options for restoring function and esthetic appeal, there’s still no substitute for the proper general dental care they need.
That’s why the Right Smile Centers offers state-of-the-art preventive dentistry, so you can keep your natural smile for years to come.  Preventive care isn’t just about what we can do you.  We emphasize our partnership in your oral healthcare.  So, it’s also about what you can do to help yourself!
Attention to Detail from Your Very First Visit.  We don’t push product and we definitely don’t try to sell you dentistry.  Our job is to educate you on your needs and what you can do to maintain the best oral care possible.
Scheduling an appointment with a new dentist can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be.   Knowing what to expect can go a long way towards putting your mind at ease.   When you come to our office for your first visit, Dr. Scheinfeld and her team will perform a comprehensive oral exam to check for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and provide you with a tooth-by-tooth inspection. We’ll talk with you about your medical history and also take X-rays to get a more detailed idea of your overall oral health.  We’ll even perform your first cleaning if we don’t find a problem and time allows.
In your first visit we would like to get to know you, because we care about your concerns as much as your smile.
Educating Patients and Preserving Smiles                              
At the Right Dental Center, when you come to see us, we’ll also offer tips for improving your oral health.  Seeing us every six months is important, but so is knowing how much time to spend at the sink maintaining your oral health.
Your Partner in Oral Health
We’ll do everything we can to help you keep your smile healthy and disease free. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention!  With the use of sealants and fluoride supplements, we can give you extra protection where you need it most.
If you live in Sandy Springs, or one of our surrounding areas call our office today to schedule your first visit.  We offer a full range of dental services, but educating our patients and helping them preserve their natural smiles for years to come is one of our highest priorities.  See what 393 unedited reviews have to say about the Right Smile Center at:




Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620


info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Dentist Atlanta: Mouthwash and Oral Cancer

There appears to be controversy with respect to whether or not mouthwash containing alcohol may be related to oral cancer.  This controversy arises out the studies that show a link between oral cancer and those that drink alcohol.  Michael Douglas is the most recent case in point.  He has been reported to be a heavy smoker and imbibe alcohol on what is rumored to be on frequent occasions.  The obvious link in theory is that most mouthwash formulas contain alcohol, so the conclusion is that a link to mouthwash must exist here also.  The problem is there are no conclusive studies and at this time there appears to be insufficient evidence to alter the ADA’s approval of mouthwash containing alcohol as an effective method for the prevention and reduction of gingivitis and plaque above the gumline when used as directed.  The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance to these products after a thorough review of data on their safety and effectiveness.
Of all the studies published on this topic, beginning in 1979, four studies reported some positive results while five found no association. (citations omitted)  What we know is that none of the criteria for causality have been fulfilled by the studies that have been published so far.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an extension of the World Health Organization, now identifies the consumption of ethanol in alcoholic beverages as a carcinogenic risk.[1] Alcohol abuse is associated with cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Ibid.  However, the reason for this association is not fully understood – it may be due to a direct effect of alcohol on these tissue.[2]  Because of the conflicting studies and endorsements I could advise you to keep using alcohol formulated mouth rinses.  But if you are concerned and wish to stay on the safe side of the debate, there are non-alcohol based mouth rinses available that appear to be effective in the prevention of gingivitis and plaque.
Our job is to try and educate you on the contemporary issues we face in addressing your oral health and if there are any questions you would like to pose, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620



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[1] International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Volume 96. Alcoholic beverage consumption and ethyl carbamate (urethane). Lyon, France: 6-13 February 2007.
[2] Lachenmeier DW. Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. J Occup Med Toxicol 2008;3:26.

Dentist Marietta: How much do dental implants cost?

If you are trying to figure out the ins and outs of  implants verses the older more conventional methods of tooth replacement, the cost of dental implants at first blush may appear high, and therefore, unaffordable to most people.  But appearances can be deceiving if you examine the beneficial differences and the time involved by your specialist.  While I have written on those issues before, let’s explore other aspects of price and how different dental implants may differ very significantly depending on different factors.
The real concern for the patient is ‘where and how’ to find a low cost quality dental implant, and is most likely the driven adjective ‘low cost’ a result of the perception by the patient that teeth are utilitarian to their daily life.  That’s really not the case, but to put the cost into perspective, all the while considering that your teeth aren’t really as appreciated as much as they should be, 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.  But, depending on where the implant is being placed, you may end up with a less than satisfactory result with the less expensive CC implant.
The Size:
This case 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, contribute 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.
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?
If the price is too good to be true?
The cost of an dental implant starts from around $1,500 up to $5,000.00 .  Anything less may be an indicator that you’re getting an inferior product or one not designed for a particular location in your mouth.  (Mini-plants, which I have discussed before, are the exception to the rule.)  Short term the implant device may appear to be fully functional.  But if we look at the cost and the cost of other materials for dental implants compared to their operational life, 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 respect to how it functions and how long it lasts if your provider installs Michelins.
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
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Dentist East Cobb: How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost?

So you got a mailer coupon from a dentist that says they only charge $49.95 for a regular cleaning & $19.95 for an exam & x-ray.  Seems kind of a cheap gimmick?  And a lot of the times it might be, it just depends on the practice.  If it’s a mature practice you might want to question why they are giving away services.  Usually, it’s a loss leader, something they use to get you in and pressure you into other dental procedures.
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.
Dental costs will vary widely, depending on where you go and the quality of the practice you see.  With respect to continuing care (on your next 6 month visit), a teeth cleaning charge is going to range somewhere around $65 to $89, but it can be more if there’s a need to do a full mouth root scaling. Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings per year.  The 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 also often covered by dental insurance.
The main goal of professional teeth cleaning 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 toward their long term preservation.  In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist (working under a dentist's supervision) removes soft plaque and hard tartar (mineralized plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed with professional instruments) from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process requires one office visit and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
The more extensive deep cleaning 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, but more often than not, if the mouth is in such poor health the dentist will refer the patient out to a periodontist.   Most dental insurance includes these procedures.
Again, the 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 and brush and floss daily if you want to keep them.   If you have additional questions, feel free to email or call our office.  Our goal here is to create an informed and healthy patient.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Monday, July 16, 2012

Dentist Atlanta: 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 known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  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, which is usually done by an oral surgeon, 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.
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 (the tooth has some bone covering it) expect to pay anywhere from $300 -$600.
The above 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.  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
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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Dentist Dunwoody: How Much do Dental Crowns Cost?


Dental crowns cost anywhere between $900.00 and $1600.00 each depending on the tooth to being restored. In addition, the cost will vary depending on materials, complexity and the dentist's training and experience and to some degree the location of the practice.  Insurance may pay part of a crown's cost if it's obviously needed for medical reasons, but usually crowns are covered only on a limited basis per year.  Depending on the customers’ needs and wishes, partial and full crowns made of various materials may be utilized.  Crowns are made of gold, porcelain, resin or porcelain-fused-to-non-precious-metal.  A tooth-shaped cap (the crown) covers the entire surface of a tooth, adding strength, durability and stability. This usually requires two office visits; 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.
There's often an initial office visit ($65-$102) and X-rays ($85-$135).  One must not forget that there are additional costs that contribute to the overall price involved in crowns, aside from the material and type of crown chosen which are beyond the patient’s control.  A large share of undervalued costs goes toward the treatment itself, lab and production costs for the crown, aftercare and the like.
Dental care on a whole is often considered expensive, but with proper care a crown may last 10 or more years.  Depending upon the general wear and tear a crown is exposed to and how well you keep your teeth free of plaque, it could last indefinitely.  With somewhere between 10 years 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

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Dunwoody Dentist: Enjoy Strawberries the Tooth-Wise Way

Considered a "super-fruit," the strawberry is rich in antioxidants and extremely beneficial to heart health. Low in calories but high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and folic acid, strawberries are a tasty part of a healthy diet -- but too much of a good thing can be bad for your teeth.
                                            
Unfortunately, strawberries, like many healthy foods, are highly acidic -- and consuming acidic foods and drinks on an ongoing basis can lead tooth erosion, a condition that wears down the protective coating of enamel on your teeth. Once tooth enamel is lost, it doesn't grow back. Enamel erosion can cause a wide range of dental problems, including sensitive teeth, discoloration, cracked teeth and even tooth loss.

That's not to say you have to cut back on the foods that are good for you. We have some tips on how you can protect your teeth and maximize the benefits of eating this delicious fruit:

1. Eat smart. Pair your strawberries with foods that have low acid and sugar content. Nuts, spinach, bananas, apples and many dairy products are excellent options.

2. Don't eat constantly throughout the day. Waiting a couple of hours between servings allows saliva to neutralize acid and repair tooth enamel.

3. Rinse after eating. Rinsing your mouth out with water also neutralizes acid.

4. Chew gum. Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes following a meal can activate saliva and help wash away debris.

5. Hold off on brushing your teeth. Yes, you read that right! The abrasives in toothpaste can further damage enamel that's weakened by acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking something acidic.

6. Floss. Strawberries contain an average of 200 seeds, which can get stuck in your teeth. Flossing at least once a day will help you prevent cavities from developing between teeth.

When it comes to the many health benefits of strawberries, your teeth are probably the last thing on your mind. But with a little forethought, you can fully enjoy your favorite fruit without worrying about your dental health.

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

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