Buckhead Prosthodontist: Considering Dental Implants?
Important Facts to Help Make Your Decision
Many people are unaware of the consequences of losing…
Buckhead: Dentist: New Directions in Oral Health Care
The hygienist plays an intricate role in your oral health care. At a minimum the role includes…
Dentist: Buckhead: Healthy smile, healthy you!
Regular dental visits do more than just keep your smile attractive; they can tell a dentista lot…
Buckhead Dentistry : The Difference between Dental and Physician Health Care Costs
Why the cost of your dental care really hasn’t increased that much? In fact it has either tracked…
Dentist Buckhead: Should You See a Specialist? Probably Yes.
There are two types of dentistry today. One is traditional dentistry targeting the oral hygiene…
Atlanta Dentist: Dental Implants are….
Your Natural Choice in Tooth Replacement.
Whenever a tooth is lost, if the bone structure will allow, it should be replaced with an implant. Failure to replace the tooth with an implant will ultimately contribute to the loss of facial bone structure. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, which represent an alternative to dentures or bridgework. The advantages vary from patient to patient and type of restoration but in addition to retained bone structure may include improved chewing ability, better speech, more secure fit of the restoration, greater comfort, and improved self-esteem.
The implant itself is made from Titanium and is surgically implanted in the jawbone to function in a similar way to a natural tooth root. Depending on the individuals varying biological characteristics, it may be necessary for the implant to heal in the jawbone for a period of 3 to 6 months, which allows your bone to grow onto the implant in a process called Osseo-integration.
Once integrated, the implant is then exposed from the gum tissue, and a restoration consisting of one or more replacement teeth, is fabricated by the prosthodontist to fit on top of the implants. In other cases it is possible to fit the teeth to the implants soon after implant placement, called immediate loading implants.
The restoration can be attached in several ways:
- Removable structure, using special bars and clips.
- Fixed or screw retained, using special screws and cement so that only your dentist can remove it, if necessary.
In the case of dentures, an implant-supported overdenture fits more securely than a conventional denture which rests on the gum tissue and offers no form of mechanical attachment. The difference is the implants participate integrally in retaining bone structure in the jaw line.
Where a single tooth is lost adjacent healthy teeth can often remain intact and unaffected by an implant-supported restoration. This is unlike conventional bridgework where healthy teeth are structurally altered to support the bridge.
Implants are usually placed under local anesthesia in the oral surgeon’s office. The procedure involved in placing the implants is generally not painful and usually requires minimal recovery time and post-operative medication.
Only your dentist can tell whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. Certain health conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes) or risk factors (like smoking) may preclude your ability to undergo implant therapy. In addition, appropriate hygiene must be established prior to implant therapy and must be maintained to ensure the long-term success of the implant. If we can be of assistance or answer any of your concerns or questions please feel free to contact our office.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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Dentist Atlanta: Should You See a Specialist? Probably Yes.
There are two types of dentistry today. One is the 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 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 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 which 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 happens to be a self-proclaimed non-existent specialty. These dental clinics and practitioners are providing general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry that ranges 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. 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
Dentist Atlanta: How Much do Veneers Cost?
So how much do veneers really cost? The cost for porcelain veneers varies widely. They can run anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. There are several reasons for the difference in cost and it also varies widely across the United States. And yes, veneers can be quite expensive but they do offer several benefits. One of the benefits is a distinctly improved smile.
First, lets discuss what porcelain veneers are. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin custom made covers for the front surface of the teeth. They can be made from porcelain or direct composite resin. Although 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. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or teeth 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.
There is also a difference in cost between having the procedure done in a metropolitan area versus a small town. Another cost variation is the difference in cost from one ceramics lab to the next. The number of veneers done also affects cost. A single veneer usually is more expensive per tooth than a set of veneers.
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. Again, 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.
How long do porcelain veneers last? They can last between five and ten years or more, depending on how you take care of them. But at some point they probably will need to be replaced. Just like real teeth, porcelain veneers need to be thoroughly brushed and flossed daily.
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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