dentist

Asking my dentist to take off my rubberbands...?

2010-05-21T18:50:00.001-07:00

Okay tomorrow morning Iamgoing into the dentist..and I want toask my dentist totake the rubber band device off because I cant do it anymore, and just straighten my teeth out with reg.braces,, I know yall r gna say dont take em off but thats not what I amasking.... how do Iask my dentist to take off my rubberbands and stuff but keep on the braces,..my mom says its okay..so what do yall think?

Asking my dentist to take off my rubberbands...?
IDK

plz answer mine

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...
Reply:(with a smile) "Please sir take off my rubberbands"
Reply:is there a reason why you want them off? do they hurt? If they do its likely because your teeth are moving in place, they usally first give you a retainer or bands first to prep you for braces, I think they know what there doing and if you want them straight i would listen!
Reply:I think u should just say "Is there any other rway u can straighten my teeth other then the rubberbands, cuz they really hurt me and I cant take it."

But me i just wore them even though they hurt, and i might get them taken off early now.

Is my dentist a crook?

2010-05-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

I had never had a cavitiy in my life, and went a couple of years with no visit. Then went to the dentist on my husband's insurance and was told that I needed a deep-perio cleaning and had 6 cavities! It cost a total of $1,200!(I had to go with white composite filligs because I was pregnant) I just went in for my "perio-maintenence" which is basically a cleaning and they check your gum line recession. Then I was told that I had 3 more cavities-which were NOT pointed out on my x-rays, she just pointed to them in my mouth. She told me I also needed to have some tooth-brush abrasion filled in(which is true, I can at least see that).

During this entire consultation with the dentist she had the finance lady standing right beside her like a vulture, adding commentary and confirming what she said. Then I was whisked away by this finance lady to tally up what it would cost for all of this-$1,200 more!!!!

I felt like I do at the auto-repair shop! Is this ordinary for a dentist?

Is my dentist a crook?
It is always your right to have a second and sometimes third opinion. The periodontal maintenance visits are par for the course when you have periodontal disease. As such it is to your benefit to see the dentist four times per year (or hygienist) to keep this condition from getting worse. We do this in our office and it is not always covered by insurance. Most patients gladly pay out of pocket for this service because they don't want to lose their teeth to perio disease. You can also get cavities very quickly esp. if you have not been seeing a dentist reg. to monitor your teeth and gums. Sometimes dentists will "watch" a tooth that looks like it may have an area that is weak in the enamel. They will do this because the cavity or weakened area may not be bad enough to fill yet, however if it gets worse, eg. through the enamel layer, then they will fill it before it gets worse. If an area of decay goes through the enamel layer, then it can spread very quickly because the layer under the enamel is softer, which means the decay can spread very quickly into the pulp chamber which holds the nerve of the tooth, causing even more problems, such as an abscess, tooth ache, and ultm. a root canal to save the tooth, or an extraction. Many dental offices have a financial coordinator. It is up to them to let you know the cost of your treatment, what your insurance will and won't pay for, and how you plan to pay for your treatment. If you felt rushed, or like you weren't getting good service then by all means find another dentist that you are comfortable with. This dental office sounds like it was/is on the up and up about your treatment needed, however it does sound like you were rushed in and out. I worked at an office like this and hated it. It did indeed feel like we were rushing people in and out, and I left after two years because I felt like I could not give my patients the best care and compassion because we were so rushed. Not all dental offices are like this, so find one that you don't feel like you are being pushed out the door.
Reply:find a new dentist
Reply:I had my dad's union plan dentist do something similar to me, so the next time, I went to a plain jane dentist with no fancy office, just an honnest guy, he told me I had no cavities and no wisdom teeth emergency, cleaned my teeth and I walked out for $95.00. This dentist was an honest Catholic who had acceptable, equipment that was not the newest, he knew his trade. Ask around for an honest dentist.
Reply:It is very common for people to have many cavities without knowing. It is also common to find cavities that you missed in the initial exam while you're getting a cleaning. Overall, if you don't feel comfortable with your dentist or you're having second thoughts it might be good to get a second opinion. If you go to another dentist and he agree's with your last dentist then you can feel at ease knowing you weren't being ripped off.
Reply:It's gonna be like pulling teeth to get your money back. ;-)
Reply:No I have never had a dentist have the finance lady right there. Get a second opinion from another dentist.
Reply:yeah find a new dentist and report it to ur insurance cause the company with ask for the proof and they have to provide it.I had the same thing happen to me and the dentist was doing this to allot of people to make up the lost's in other areas.My insurance for free paid for me to see someone else and get anything I need if I needed anything.I did not have any cavity after all I just need my wisdom teeth out and i was fine.
Reply:yes they are!!! and almost all of them are like that... then they will be asking you to come twice a year making it sounds like you'll gonna lose all your teeth if you didn't go for a check up. Then they will make you wait for an hour or so just to get your teeth check for less than 10 minutes. The heck with these dentist. I stopped seeing a dentist 6 years ago and my teeth are still fine; no cavities, no tartar, nothing at all.
Reply:I had this EXACT same thing happen to me...I had to pick a new dentist b/c I moved to a new state. It was time for my 6mo. checkup (I saw my old dentist every 6mo for cleanings, etc). This new guy told me that I had 5 cavities and needed a root canal done, which he wanted to do right there on the spot! I said no. He finished the exam by sending the slick, fast talking financial person into the exam room (never had that happen before), who promptly gave me an invoice for THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS to have the work done!!!

I started laughing, I thought it was a joke, and then got into a fight with this guy- I have great dental insurance and have never had to pay more than $100 for ALL the work I've ever had done. I left the office and called my dental insurance co. They told me to not go back and gave me a list of other dentists...when I read the list of procedures on the invoice to the ins. co, they told me the dentist was basically screwing me over- charging me $50 for each novicane shot per filling and billing the ins co $80 when it is 100% paid for by insurance. It was inconvenient to go find someone else but it was worth saving 3 grand, turns out I had one cavity. There are honest dentists out there, I guess you just have to seek them out!!!!!
Reply:Get a second opinion. You shouldn't be pressured into things.
Reply:Dentistry is expensive. Perio fpr quadants can be 300x4 which is 1200. The composite filling is your choice. Tell them to note they told you and do the cheaper amalgam. There is no real hard evidence of danger from amalagam. Composite does however hold a tooth that has a large cavity together. You can try to floss properly daily, rinse with a perio rinse, brush gently four times a day and use a tooth pick around your gums and inbetween your teeth to reduce inflamation. They will charge you again for another perio probing. Sometimes with pregnancy you get inflammation. Work hard at it by yourself, but if you had 5-6 mm pockets you must work hard it and continue to do so.
Reply:Wow, This is definitely weird....I would go to another dentist for a reference and see what he/she says.

Those prices definitely sound OUTRAGEOUS!

I hope you can get all this worked out.

Have a very Merry Christmas!
Reply:Ask another dentist to check you're teeth.

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The good dentist xxx funny or not xxx?

2010-05-21T18:49:00.003-07:00

A guy and a girl meet at a bar. They get along so well that they decide to go to the girl's place. A few drinks later, the guy takes off his shirt and then washes his hands.

He then takes off his trousers and washes his hands again.

The girl has been watching him and says, "You must be a dentist."

The guy, surprised, says "Yes... how did you figure that out?"

"Easy," she replied, "you keep washing your hands."

One thing led to another and they make l*ve.

After they're done, the girl says, "You must be a good dentist."

The guy, now with a boosted ego says, "Sure, I'm a good dentist, how did you figure that out?"

"I didn’t feel a thing!"

The good dentist xxx funny or not xxx?
Ha ha yeah very good
Reply:Ha Ha! Funny! 10!
Reply:But did she get a filling?
Reply:Very funny thanks
Reply:ha ha ha funny
Reply:nice one, made me smile :)
Reply:ha ha very good
Reply:That is very good. Thanks for the laugh. lol
Reply:star quality
Reply:Chuckle, chuckle. Very funny!
Reply:nice one
Reply:Yeah very good and funny. Another star lol
Reply:ha lol ;lol u ROCK

First time Dentist visit - How much is it? Im 15 and live in North Texas?

2010-05-21T18:49:00.002-07:00

Im planning to go to the dentist and I was wondering how much my first visit would be? I plan on just getting a check up to see how my teeth are and an x-ray because i want to get braces. how much are braces? This is my first visit to the dentist and my teeth are not in bad shape at all. Price price price how much is it to get braces put on and check ups and everything total at the end and everything priced seperately. Does anyone know any good cheap dentists around the dallas/irving area please.

First time Dentist visit - How much is it? Im 15 and live in North Texas?
Well, I'm in the Irving/Las Colinas area, but would not label myself as cheap. We do Invisalign braces, and offer a free consultation with x-ray, so feel free to give us a call. See http://www.21stCenturyDental.com for contact information.

Need a dentist in jacksonville nc?

2010-05-21T18:49:00.001-07:00

i really need a dentist but i went to one tho find out the price for my son to have a cleaning it was 250 dollars for a 6 year old... i cant afford that at all i also need to see a dentist i know i have many cavities does anyone know of a cheap reliable dentist or dental plan that i can get?

Need a dentist in jacksonville nc?
Definately does seem like a lot of money. I know for a child in our office we usually dont see alot if any calculus or tartar so we usually just do a polish and flouride application. Perhaps two bitewing xrays. Cost usually runs with an exam as well $100 canadian. So $250 american seems a bit much. Anyhow i searched a few dentists in america and found this website you can check out, www.1800dentist.com. Also, www.newmedicalplan.com -they say $11.95 per month for 80% coverage. I hope this helps, good luck
Reply:for $11.95 per month save up to 80% on dental work. No waiting period, no age limits, no deductible http://everyonebenefits.com/40436527

Can the dentist put you to sleep?

2010-05-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

My old dentist never did, those big meanies! And I am horrified of the dentist and next week, I have to get a crown put back on and two filling replaced and maybe some other stuff. Do all dentists put you to sleep? All major ones anyway if you ask?

And can I get a white crown instead of those horrid silver ones w/o much extra cost?

Can the dentist put you to sleep?
You don't say if you are in the US or UK, so I'll answer for US.

Yes, a trained dentist CAN administer general anesthetic, but make sure they are certified. There are some general dentists who have a licensed anesthesiologist come into the office to administer the anesthesia and monitor the patient while the dentist does the work.

For filling and a crown, being asleep is overboard. Oral sedation would be a far better choice and way less expensive. Ask about getting a drug such as Halcion.

In the US, crowns are either porcelain, porcelain fused to precious metal (so the metal doesn't show), or all gold. Unless it is a child with a primary tooth, stainless steel crowns are not usually done.
Reply:They doh't put you to sleep. They give you like roofies so you don't remember when you wake up.
Reply:If you want to be put under for a dental procedure, you have to go to a hospital because that requires an anesthetologist. A dentist cannot do it.

Most fillings are now done with the white ceramic, you can ask your dentist about it.
Reply:I hate the dentist!! My dentist gives me nitrous. I fall asleep every time. Does it right in the office.
Reply:The oral surgeon can put you asleep.

Why don't you ask your dentist about the white crown?
Reply:they can give you a pill to sedate you and use nitrious oxide or laughing gas, which rules... it costs a little extra for white crowns...
Reply:they can give you something to help you relax.also u can get the other.cost have went up so im not sure of the price.call around and get some quotes.
Reply:you probably won't get put to sleep
Reply:In Australia dentist DONT have permission to put you to sleep, you have to go to hospital and have someone to make sure your pulse is right and you're breathing ok.

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Was the Dentist's Bill Unreasonable?

2010-05-21T18:48:00.003-07:00

Had all my teeth (32) cleaned by dentist. Charged me $70 which I paid without complaining. This is my complaint: My wife also had her teeth cleaned by same dentist (Because she wears full and partial false teeth, she only has 6 real teeth which were the ones cleaned.) and the dentist charged us $70 for her cleaning. Reason: His schedule does not differentiate for number of teeth cleaned.

Was the Dentist's Bill Unreasonable?
Most dentists do not change the fee based on the number of teeth that a patient has.

Sorry, I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but honestly the only time that a difference in fee is made based on the number of teeth, is on a deep scaling, and then the fee (and a different code) is used for 3 or less teeth in a quadrant.

You could try and call around, but I have never seen a dentist change his fees for a cleaning based on how many teeth a patient charges. WHY??? Well, in all honestly, the over head cost for each patient really doesn't change depending on how many or how few teeth they have. The hygientist still opens a sterilized pouch of instruments, therefore they have to be resterilized, she still uses a prophy cup and a prophy angle to polish the teeth, she still has to go through the same disinfection protocal for the room she used regardless of how many teeth that she actually cleaned. I have actually seen patients will only a few teeth, have a dirtier mouth than someone with a full mouth of teeth, so usually they just have a single set fee for a cleaning.
Reply:They schedule X # of cleaning per time period. Your wife reserved a slot. So you are paying for that time slot.
Reply:Are you for real? Rhetorical. The price was MORE than reasonable. I usually pay upwards of $125.00 for cleaning and X-Rays. You are paying for the dentist's time, NOT THE NUMBER OF TEETH! Geesh!
Reply:you shoud come to the UK....$70!!!!!!!!! for a scale and polish...
Reply:You are paying for the appointment more then the work done. Unfortunately even though the dentist had a much easier job with the work he did on your wife, he still scheduled her for the same process as you.
Reply:Although its unfair, he's entitled to this. Dentists tend to set their charges to earn a set amount per hour, working from the amount of time it takes them to do the procedure, like a time basis system.

However, all the dentists I've worked for have halved their prices or worked out a more reasonable fee if they are only treating a localised area, e.g lower teeth only.

I've known patients to pay £45 for a cleaning, often up to £150 in London but I'm not sure how this translates into US dollars. I'm afraid I can't relay my own charges as I dont, I treat patients for free on the NHS as part of my course.
Reply:Not unreasonable at all. As a matter of fact, if you have no dental insurance and all you paid was $70 per cleaning, I think you got a great deal. When people make appointments for cleanings, they don't ask questions like - 'how many teeth do you have', or 'how dirty are your teeth'. Some people take a little time, some take a long time, the bill is the same.
Reply:Sounds right. When my husband was a general surgeon, he charged $75 for an office visit. It was $75 whether the patient was there for 5 minutes or 45 minutes.

As with many physicians, dentists mostly charge by the procedure done, not the amount of time it takes to perform it. Many have price lists that they have made up %26amp; that is what the receptionist goes by to charge patients.
Reply:He is right to charge for the same as full mouth person. Seen a barber giving a discount to people going bald?
Reply:Dentists rip off everyone. If you dont have insurance its worse. I wish I was only charged $70 to even walk in the door of a dentist office.
Reply:Dentists absolutely do NOT "rip off everyone."

They are trained professionals who charge for helping patients keep their teeth healthy and pain-free for a lifetime.

If you resent what you pay at the dentist, keep your teeth clean, brush and floss often, and give the dentist no reason to "rip you off."
Reply:The fee of $70.00 is a very good one for teeth cleaning, most dentist charge over $100.00 for that service. The Dr gave you a fair fee.
Reply:Your wife may had reserved a time slot, but a shorter time slot since she was only having 6 teeth cleaned as compared to you. Dentists will take all the $$ they can and some do shoddy work.

Therefore you had 26 more teeth cleaned than her and took more time.
Reply:He's a dentist, not a mechanic. Dentist is in the clear.
Reply:Personally, I would charge less for 6 teeth - most of the time. However, SOME people's 6 teeth are harder to clean than some OTHER people's 32 teeth! If she is down to 6 teeth, it suggests that she might not be as good at maintaining her teeth as you are and she might have a lot more tartar on her teeth.

Dental Problem. I visited the dentist a few weeks ago to have a filling.?

2010-05-21T18:48:00.002-07:00

The dentist was not my usual dentist and she filled my tooth. When she had finished, she told me that she had drilled the tooth beside it and put a dressing on as she said it had an abcess. I had no problems with this tooth before this and later, it started to really hurt. I went back to my normal dentist, who drilled it and drained the abcess and temp filled it for me to go back in 3 weeks time to get a root filling. Later I started to get a throbbing pain and had to go to the A%26amp;E dentist. When he was drilling the tooth, the drill slipped slightly. Nothing happened then, he drained the abcess and gave me a'biotics and temp filled it again. the next day half of the tooth broke off due to the drill slipping. I went yesterday to get the filling, but as the was only half a tooth, I asked for it to be took out as it was a back tooth. Dentist said no and filled it. When he took the brace away, more of tooth broke and now he tells me I have to pay for a crown? The tooth is still throbbing.

Dental Problem. I visited the dentist a few weeks ago to have a filling.?
How did you know the drill slipped? Maybe the tooth that has fallen apart was already cracked or had fractured. If I was you, I'd get a 2nd opinion, if theres really not much left its possibly best to get it out. Also, he can't make you get a crown (you'll prob. need root canal treatment also) - tell him you want to know why exactly you can't get it extracted. I've worked with quite a few money grabbing dentists and a crown will get them much more cash than an extraction. Hope you get it sorted asap - nothing worse than toothache!
Reply:wow.............what bad luck,,,,,,,these things happen
Reply:My advice would be to get a 2nd opinion as Claire D has suggested.

The tooth breaking probably had nothing to do with the drill slipping, but probably because it's been drilled into 3 times in a short period of time and all you have been left with is just the shell of the tooth leaving it fragile and vulnerable to breakage.

There is a chance that the tooth can be saved by crowning it, but if you dont want it crowned and just want it removed then that's your choice and not the dentists.

As Claire has quite rightly pointed out some dentists will and do steer you in the wrong direction to line their own pockets, an extraction under the nhs will cost you £43.60, a crown will cost you £194, big difference.

Get a 2nd opinion and hopefully the next dentist will listen to what you want instead of chasing the £ signs!

Good luck
Reply:It sounds as though you may have a potential dental claim against both dentists that treated you....

Did the first dentist drill your tooth without your knowledge or consent? if so, s/he should not have done this and this is a clear breach of the GDC guidelines on getting proper consent to treatment before starting.

If the second dentist slipped and caused damage to your tooth, then you may be able to claim for this, but more investigations will be needed.

Contact me on the link below for free advice.

Cant get numb at the dentist?

2010-05-21T18:48:00.001-07:00

I have a genetic dental problem. No dentist I've ever been to has been able to numb my bottom jaw. As a child I dealt with teeth being pulled and feeling every bit of it. I was even slapped in the face by one dentist when I cried out from the pain. As an adult, I've had dentists treat me like an idiot because they don't believe I can still feel it. I did have a tooth pulled under IV sedation a few years ago, and I woke up during the procedure because of the pain! Now I have severe problems with my teeth because I'm terrified of going to the dentist. My teeth are getting worse very rapidly because I am too afraid of the dentist. I desperately need help and I'm running out of time.

And for those of you who think it's in my head (as many have told me) then please explain why my mother and sister have the same problem???

Cant get numb at the dentist?
find a better dentist. There are lots of different ways to numb the teeth in the mandible, (lower jaw). I have never seen a patient, yet, that we can't get numb.

Is my dentist doing work wrong or cheap, when im paying alot for his work. I feel like im getting ripped off!!

2010-05-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have had alot of work done at my dentist over the years as far as fillings at the gum line, I just recently had to get one RE Filed from one he had already filled, it fell out when i was brushing my teeth, and the root got exposed whih hurt worse and i had to pay a second time for that procedure, Dentist are high enough i cannot keep continuing going back over his work and getting this fixed twice, this is the second fillng from him ive had to get refilled.

Now hes saying if i dont pay my remaining bill in 10 days that hes turing me in to collections, but you know what why do i want to pay him when i jsut paid another dentist to fix his work.

Does anyone know what i can do about this..... THANKS

Is my dentist doing work wrong or cheap, when im paying alot for his work. I feel like im getting ripped off!!
How long ago did you have the original filling done? It could be an old filling. If it wasn't, you should have told your dentist about it and normallly they will refill a new filling for nothing.

Also, make sure you go for your 6 month cleanings, so that they can find problems before they get worse.
Reply:If theirs a college near you. I suggest you go there and have them check it out.
Reply:If it is a recent filling and it fell out then he should not charge you for it. if it is older, it is out of his hands and he will charge you for it. Dental work is pretty expensive. I would ask the other dentist that fixed it for you if it should have fell out. If he said not if it was done properly, then I would contact the better business institute.
Reply:in all probablility its not the dentist's fault your teeth are falling apart.

Needing fillings at the gum line is an indication if improper oral hygene and probably excessive consumtpion of carbonated beverages. The combination of both is devastating to your teeth.

Most (practically all) carbonated beverages contain acids which can attack the calcium in your teeth. once the tooth enamel is compromised, the tooth can essentially become a sponge inside a thin shell.

It may or may not be too late to save your teeth now... when the teeth have been softened enough that filligs fall out shortly after being put in the damage is severe.
Reply:Sometimes fillings at the gumline fall out due to you clinching or grinding, which puts pressure on the neck of the tooth, where these fillings are. Ask the dentist if you have signs of clinching/grinding %26amp; if you need a night guard. If all else fails, get a second opinion.
Reply:white comosite fillings can fall out.... he doesn't seem like such a good dentist.... but you gotta pay him or ????? you're gonna have bad credit. you can go to peer review in your area, they will examine you and then about five dentists will decide if the work is good..... if not, he will either have to redo or refund..... call the ADA to find peer review in your area....... and trust me froma dental family and a hygienist myself...... go to the best..... you want your teeth...... go to peer review......... maybe they can help.... did he fix the one that fell out? if you don't refill, you will soon need a root canal and crown....... go to peer review and then find a good dentist or go to dental school and get good work........ teeth don't grow back...... kay?
Reply:TELL THIS DENTIST THAT YOU WILL TAKE HIM TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT IF HE INSISTS THAT HE WILL SEND YOU TO COLLECTIONS. YOUR DEFENSE MAY BE MENTAL AGGRAVATION. HE WILL NOT TAKE OUT OF HIS OWN SCHEDULE TO GO TO COURT REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT THE EXPERT. THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON HIS WORK.

ps.if the incorrect materials are used, the class V fillings can come out.
Reply:Ok, here is my opinion, to share or not.

You have not given even close to enough information for anyone to give an accurate answer to this.

#1: Why did the filling come out? Did it have recurrent decay? If so, how is that the dentists fault. Sugar causes decay. A dentist can do not notch work on someone, but if they drink alot of sodas, eat sweets, don't brush good enough, have acid reflux, etc., then it is not his fault if the work fails. I know from the stand point of someone who is spending alot of money on dental work, they feel the work should last for a specific period of time, but in the dental world, that just simply isn't the case. It would be like a little old lady, who only drives her car to church on Sundays and a teenager who drives the heck out of his car, both getting the same type of brand new tires. Who do you think is going to get the most life out of those tires?

#2: Do you grind your teeth? If you said no, are you 100% sure you don't do it during your sleep? Gumline, or what we call class 5, fillings can be popped off by someone who is a tooth grinder. I have seen it happen time and time again in my career. Was it the dentists fault? No. He didn't make them grind their teeth. Again, go back to my "tire" comparrison.

Now, as far as the collections thing. If I were guessing, I would say that the bill has been outstanding for at least 90 days. Most offices, mine included, send out statements every 30 days. If they do that, and for the past 3 months or more you have not made any attempt to pay the bill, they have the legal right to turn you over to collections. Sorry, but that is how it works in the dental field.

Like I said, you didn't give enough information for me to give you any really accurate advice. And personally, I don't think anyone else on here could give you accurate advice either, without getting more details on your treatment.

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Should my dentist have known this?

2010-05-21T18:47:00.002-07:00

Should my dentist have known I'd a fourth root?

2010-05-21T18:47:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I asked if I needed to return to my dentist after an extraction. I had some really good replies. I rang my dentist up and he told me that because the part of the root he had left in was so far up, it was virtually impossible for it to be the part of the root he'd left in and was more likely to be bone. He told me that it should come out within a few days. It didn't and was painful, so today I went back. I had got some bone protruding (as I knew) which he removed without me feeling it, however when he said there was a larger piece and was having difficulty removing that (as if I wasn't aware by how painful it was and how long it was taking him) surprise, surprise he told me I'd a fourth root which he removed.

Shouldn't he have known this from either the Xrays or when he was extracting the tooth a fortnight ago?

I go as a private patient and I really have no faith in him anymore. Can I ring Denplan up and just change dentists?

Should my dentist have known I'd a fourth root?
As I stated the last time you ask a question about this tooth and dentist; you need to find a new dentist. The fourth root isn't always visible on an x ray "but" should have been realized upon examination of the extracted tooth and "should have been" removed at that time, not later. If an x ray had been taken post op, it would have been visible then as well. This dentist lack of professionalism and concern for his patient is reason enough not to go back to him. Find a new dentist and report this one. So sorry this happened, not all dentist are like this one. Good luck!

Additional information: I don't think your being overly sensitive or paranoid about your teeth or your dental situation, and this is "not" a common mistake. Find a new dentist, chalk this one up to just a bad dental experience being grateful that it could have been worse. Don't let this deter you from obtaining dental care elsewhere from an experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate professional that you can put your trust and faith in for many years to come. I wish you only the best in the future and for your dental care. Good luck!
Reply:he should have known and probably did but wanted you to pay more money for the repeated visits. cahnge your dentist.
Reply:He should have known. He should have known by the type of tooth it was -- he would not have even needed to look at an xray to know how many roots it had. All molars have four roots.

Find a new dentist.

I have found that those who practice "General Dentistry" are not always very bright -- to put it nicely. For any extractions, infections, bridges, or replacement teeth, find someone who practices "Oral Surgery" instead.

Is my dentist a crook?

2010-05-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Was the Dentist's Bill Unreasonable?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.003-07:00

Dental Problem. I visited the dentist a few weeks ago to have a filling.?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.002-07:00

Will my dentist think I don't take care of my teeth?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.001-07:00

Okay, first off, I am twenty years old. During my childhood, I had lousy dental care, and in middle school my dentist was a quack. He gave me a root canal and never filled it so part of my tooth broke off and it's hollow! Not only that, I have 2 visible cavities and my wisdom teeth are coming in!

I'll admit that in elementary school I didn't take care of my teeth the best that I should, but once I got to middle school, I tried really well, and started brushing 2 or my times a day once I turned fourteen.

I don't eat a lot of sugar, I'm vegetarian, and only drink water (I NEVER drink soda). I think I just have week anamel(?) or something.

I'm going to the dentist soon, and I'm worried that he/she will scold me and accuse me of not taking care of my teeth when I do. I guess it's my fear of dentists that's getting to me, and I haven't been since I was about thirteen...

Any ways to overcome this fear?

Will my dentist think I don't take care of my teeth?
I was actually in that same situation.

I was afraid to go to the dentist, I only went when I had a severe toothache.

By the time I finally ended up going to the dentist I was so embarrassed. I think after awhile that's what kept me from going. I ended getting two root canals and 3 teeth removed AND braces.

It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, the dentist actually told me "You're getting it taken care of now, so don't worry." That's the part that matters....

Good Luck!!!
Reply:they will understand your fear, its been a long time scince you have been, but at least you are going.
Reply:The only way to get over your fear is to go and face it. It wont be as bad as you remember as a kid! Most dentists are really good at dealing with nervous patients, and will have seen far far worse teeth than yours.

You are paying for the dentist so there is no reason to worry about him scolding you. Just tell him the truth, if he make you feel uncomfortable, take your money somewhere else.
Reply:When I was in college, I went about 5 between visits to the dentist. Then, I decided it was time to go. I was nervous too. Nervous about what he'd have to do for my teeth, nervous about getting yelled at for not coming the dentist in a long time. But, my dentist was really cool. I think they understand that going to the dentist isn't most people's priority. Especially if they're poor or have bad teeth. For me, I was a poor college student and paying a lot of money for a painful experience didn't sound good to me.

I guess my advice is take that first step. It's the hardest but once you're there and find out what needs to be done, you'll feel much better. Plus, dentists see all kinds of problems and people much worse than you.

The one person who did kinda ***** at me was the hygienist. But, it was just to make sure I'd come back more often which I've done.
Reply:Don't worry about that. Ask around and get the names of dentists from people you know. Call the office and speak to them. The front desk people are the "window" into an office. If they are accommodating and kind, you can bet so is the doctor and staff. I'm a hygienist and see people like you often. I don't scold, yell, or intimidate. I help, recommend treatment and teach. If a provider yells at you; you should leave!!!!!

Can nhs dentist insist you see private hygienist before carrying out necessary treatments?

2010-05-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

My husnband visited the dentist today knowing he would be making further appointments for fillings. He has paid the appropriate nhs charge at level 2 for the forthcoming treatment however the dentist is refusing to do the work until my hubby has seen the hygienist (not available on nhs at the dental practice) at a further cost of private consultation..... anyone know if this is allowed, everything i found so far says that cannot impose conditions on treatment or refuse treatment to registered patients, i feel this is what the dentist is tring to do...

Any thoughts?

Can nhs dentist insist you see private hygienist before carrying out necessary treatments?
Get a 2nd opinion from another dentist. They can't make you see a hygeniest before doing treatment.
Reply:Report the dentist and the hygienist to their respective disciplinary committees at their professional licensing colleges. Write the committees a letter that says exactly what you just wrote to Yahoo Answers.

A dentist is NOT allowed to coerce you to recieve treatments that you do not want to consent to. A hygienist is not allowed to render treatments that you do not consent to.

You CAN have restorations done by a dentist without consenting to a dental cleaning and examination at the hands of a hygienist.

A dentist CAN diagnose, and subsequently remove and restore, decay without a patient submitting to the services of a hygienist first.

Your dentist SHOULD be reported. I hope you do the right thing. You will not be involved in the investigation after your report is submitted.
Reply:ya get a second opinion if the cleaning is very bad he should be able to do it himself.

Who here still FEARS the dentist? Anyone freak out when they get their "tools" out?

2010-05-21T18:45:00.003-07:00

I never liked Dentists. You must admit, they are on the verge of being evil

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:The_d...

Think of it....what occupation can you possibly think of that

inspired fear in people, that people loathe to see? Who can feel

comfortable sitting in the chair, looking at all that strange machinery will drills attached to it?

http://www.webclot.com/b3ta/fluff/images...

What teen-ager who got fitted with braces didn't look in horror

at the reems of metal and clamps as the orthodontist prepped

your mouth to be wired shut?

http://www.interfold.com/danelle62/denti...

What pain and consternation, not to mention utter helplessness,

can approach root canal surgery, as tubes and drills anter the mouth simultaneously?

http://enquirer.com/editions/2000/09/06/...

The helpless, forlorn look of the poor young woman strapped

for root canal below says it all!

http://moblog.co.uk/blogs/107/moblog_f1d...

Who here still FEARS the dentist? Anyone freak out when they get their "tools" out?
Naw, that's for sissies.
Reply:I saw the needle the dentist uses for novacane once. It was almost 2 feet long! He tried to hide it behind his back and sneak up on me. I totally freaked. Now I have a new dentist who is not so sneaky but still kind of spooky
Reply:they are evil I will always be afraid of them.
Reply:you're absolutely right! It's abig trouble to be on the chair of the dentist under the mercy of his drills and injections, however I disagree with you that dentists are evil, they present to us the remedy for our toothache, if there is no dentist who would then relieve our oral pains.I thank God there ARE DENTISTS..
Reply:I don't ever have problems with my teeth, but I go twice per year to have my teeth clean.

Would actually go every month if I could, as I find the experience very relaxing to lay back in the chair and have an intelligent female cleaning my teeth.

My female dentist always has excellent music of your choice to listen with headsets on while she cleans or works on your teeth.

If you have fears of a dentist, perhaps you should take your MP3 or any other electronics that plays music and listen to the music while she/he is working on your mouth. Plus you can purchase one of those sleeping mask to put over your eyes so you don't see the instruments. (This I am sure will help you to relax without fear).

Clinical Psychiatrist, France
Reply:Yes! As soon as I hear that drilling sound, I freak out, even if I have just been given all the anesthesia in the world.

How can i sue my dentist?

2010-05-21T18:45:00.002-07:00

Heres the story (thank you for the patience)

This year i went to the dentist, he said i had 20 teeth in a bad condition, so i decided to treat them, well, here he has a lot of host from many people, which i supposed meant he was a dood dentist, but as soon as he started i noticed some things which i cosider bad, i had me waiting 1 or 2 hours, thats when i decided to go to another dentist.

I went to other place which also is well known, they said all my dents were ok, and i felt so decieved.

My dentist has ended with 12 teeth and the other 8 were decayed (as he said), but the other dentists i have gone said they all are in very good conditions.

And i ask my self what if he has toched other good teeth

imagine how i feel, please help me how can i sue him, please what should i say.

How can i sue my dentist?
you dont need to sue him, just dont go to that dentist anymore. some dentists that I go to want your money but some just want to help. go to the dentist that you trust most with freindly people that work there. figure out how many dentists you go to say your teeth are fine, and then see how many dentists said they were not ok. if more of the dentists say your teeth are fine there should be nothing to worry about. All dentists are different.
Reply:All dentists are different. You'll never get the same answer. He is a professional, you aren't. Don't sue when you really don't need to. They may have very well have been bad. Don't sue or it will lose you money in the long run, you probably won't get any money back for that, it's not like anybody was killed. Not to mention, it will make you look bad.
Reply:yuo should have him check them again. or just get a third opinion. if the third says they are good, then sue, if he says they are bad...then sit there and feel like a cavity infested moron

sandals

Which Mazatlán dentist(s) would you recommend for root canal?

2010-05-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

My dentist tells me I should do a root canal and is quoting me a price that has me considering instead traveling to Mazatlán and having the work done there. I see the dentist's office there touting "Mexican Dental Vacation" and am wondering what other Mazatlan-based dentists people have patronized and would recommend I consider and contact.

Which Mazatlán dentist(s) would you recommend for root canal?
There are a few really good ones, probably the most reccomended are Dr Estrada on Camaron Sabalo (914-1622), Dr Ibarra in El Centro (983-1518), and Dr. Rivas in La Gran Plaza (983-3300) I think you will be shocked at how much better and cheaper you will find dental and medical work here! I had an emergency appendectomy here last fall and was amazed at the quality of the healthcare system. If I am ever NOB for some reason and have a problem, I am high-tailing it back to Mazatlan!
Reply:Thanks Sans, that's just the kind of info I needed. I also got a useful tip via IM. I'd heard before of folks opting for medical vacations as cheaper alternatives to undergoing expensive operations in the U.S., but I now see how the same might apply for expensive dental work as well. Report It

Reply:ewwww.....that doesnt sound like fun
Reply:Just pay it will be worth it in the long run
Reply:I agree with 2341 just pay what they are saying it will be so worth it when you can still eat with your teeth think when you get old do you really wanna be eating baby food???? Or a nice piece or meat and corn on the cobb???

Becoming a dentist?????

2010-05-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

hi, I was wondering if anyone can give me some advise or suggestions about becoming a dentist? Right now I am in my first yr of college and I plan to become a dental hygienist, but I alos have an interest in becoming a dentist. But I heard its really hard to become one and its a big difference from becoming a hygienist. I dont know what to do and I am not sure if becoming a dentist is going to be too hard for me. any suggestions or advice.......what steps do I have to take in order to become one

Becoming a dentist?????
Start by going to a good college so you will have a better chance of admission to a dental school. You are already in college, so I hope you've started in a good one. Dental schools are becoming harder and harder to get into, so a good college helps.

It helps to look into the requirements for admission to a dental school and work backwards. This will help you choose your college major and it might even help you choose your college. Typically, it is easier to match up the requirements for dental school admission with the requirements of a science major and biology seems to be the closest match. You could be a history major if you wanted to be, but then all of your electives would probably be used up trying to take courses required for dental school admission.

If you KNOW you want to be a dentist now and if it is financially possible, I'd say to just go for it. Once you start work as a hygienist, it will be difficult to get back into the student frame of mind, not to mention, it will be difficult to pass the entrance exam (DAT) once you are "out of the loop" without some serious study and review.

It's not as difficult as the life of a surgical resident or anything, but dental school was the hardest school I attended. The class day was scheduled from 8 to 5 with an hour for lunch. I needed to spend a few hours at home every night just to be sure that I was current. That's the secret to getting through. (As if you have not heard this, even in high school...) Be sure that you know DAY'S work before you move on. Review every lecture and look up things that you don't understand. If you get lost in the second week, you will be hopelessly lost in the third and spinning your wheels uselessly after that.
Reply:You should probably be a science major to fullfill the requirements to get into dentistry school. You'll have to the take the Dental Admissions Test to get into a dentistry school. College courses like Biology, histology, organic chemistry would fulfill some of their requirements. For more information you should look at the admission requirements for one of the country's top dental schools.
Reply:I'm training to be a Dental Therapist in London. I don't know where abouts in the world you are, but this is also worth considering. It's a mix of dentistry and hygiene and you work under the direction of a dentist. Check out websites of the dental schools and find out what their admissions requirements are and get as much work experience in a dental practice as you possibly can. Dental schools get many applications for students with the same qualifications, so you need to stand out from the crowd. Generally, good grades in Chemistry and Biology are essential, sometimes Maths too, so follow the Science path!! Good luck.
Reply:Before talking,where r u living so that we can give sufficient knowledge?

Soon I'll be posting excerpts from my diaries:What you don't know about a dental student! on my blog:

http://dentiveto.blogspot.com
Reply:Dentistry is a great profession. But you need to be right for it and it needs to be right for you. You are obviously dealing with people and helping them on a daily basis -- but you do that as a hygienist as well. As a dentist, you are ultimately responsible for the care of your patient -- in most jurisdictions (US and Canada at least) a hygienist must work under the direction and supervision of a dentist. Dentists must be knowledgeable and proficient in many different procedures -- many of which are intricate and precise -- all the while ensuring your patient is as comfortable as possible.

A dentist's life is good. Above average income -- but you will not be a millionaire. Lots of responsibility -- to your patients, to your staff and to your practice. Dental school is challenging and can be expensive. Your undergradutate grades need to be very good and your Dental Aptitude Test score needs to be good as well. Loans are available -- but it will be a burden after you finish. But most dental students graduate with debt. Consider it an investment in your future.

If you are in the US go to www.ada.org, in Canada www.cda-adc.ca -- there are links to dental school, the application services and the DAT. Make sure you note the required courses of the schools you are interested in.

One thing you need to do is call and speak to your dentist, your parents' dentist, etc. Ask to visit their office for a few days. Talk to them, and talk to the hygienist. Spend a few days (or even weeks) there to get a good feel for it.

Is my dentist a quack or have you ever heard of a doctor doing this?

2010-05-21T18:44:00.003-07:00

So I have had these headaches for about 3 months now and I went to my chiropractor a few times. He suggested that I see this dentist. So I went to the dentist and he checked out my jaw hing and then he told me to lift my arm straight up and said that he was going to push on my arm and not to let him push it down. I did what he said and my arm was strong, then he told me to open my jaw and try it again. He then tested my arm strength and it was weak! He then made an adjustment with my tooth by grinding one of my back molers and then tried it again and low and behold it was stronger!

Now... I am a pretty skeptical person, but both my chiropracter and dentist do these tests. Anyone ever heard of that? or is he crazy? If it is a real practice, what is it called?

He said that it would help my headaches go away within a week or so... Guess I'll see...

Is my dentist a quack or have you ever heard of a doctor doing this?
That technique is from Chinese medicine. It is Applied Kinesiology testing. There are many techniques that are used like this that utilizes the body's energy flow. Western medicine does not understand this and so it is generally looked at as voodoo medicine. However, the orientals have recognized many things about the body that Western medicine simply does not have a clue.

There is an energy field that surrounds all matter. In Quantum Physics, all matter is energy. Even the DNA in our cells is not static, but it is dynamic, always moving. Particles smaller than the atom exist. Just because you can't see it, touch it, or feel it, or even perceive it by using your 5 senses, doesn't mean it isn't there. Radio waves that carry sounds and words are all around us, but we can't perceive them without a radio.

The static you see in a T.V. on the screen when you are not tuned into a specific channel is evidence of the Big Bang.

The energy emitted by food used to be perceived by early man. He could just hold a food substance and his body would tell him if were good for him or not based on his reaction to it. This was due to the energy field surrounding food interacting with his body's biofield that surrounds his body.

What the chiropractor was doing, was to use this energy field to do a crude test. There are much more sophisticated tests like neural lingual, QRA, type testing that will tell you if any of your organs are not functioning properly. As a matter of fact, it is far more accurate than some of the most modern equipment used in medicine today. QRA, for instance can determine if you have an infection in your body and where. It can determine if you are sick before you know you are.

A German Quantum Physicist won a nobel prize for his discovery that each cell of living organisms emit light and in the human body, the light being emitted from each cell can determine the health of that cell. He used Kirlian photography to prove his theories. He found that cells resonate at particular frequencies, depending on the energy levels of those cells.

Your teeth are directly connected in many ways to various organs in your body. A prime example of this is the molar next to your wisdom teeth is directly connected to your heart. If you should get an infection in that tooth, you need to be aware that your heart will suffer due to that infection.

Acupuncture is being used all over China to fix many problems with the body. It is used instead of anesthesia for operations. If it didn't work, I think the person being operated on would let the surgeon know right away, but they don't because it works.

Before discounting this type of thing, I would suggest you look at the statistics of western medicine and then look at who is healthiest in the world. It is certainly not Americans. The U.S. now ranks 24th in the world in terms of longevity. That means that 23 countries in the world have people living longer than Americans. 53% of all Americans are chronically ill according to the 2005 CDC report.

Your headaches may be due to other things, but don't discount what those guys are doing. Contrary to what "Colt %26amp; Tegan" says, there is plenty of scientific evidence that these energy fields not only exist, but are live and well in the human body.

Good luck
Reply:Never heard of it, but if it works, and they both knew about it, be grateful!
Reply:No..they just like to have you put your arm up for laughs and because they have nothing better to do with their time.

Why would he do that if it wasnt for a reason? I'm sure they have better things to do than to hold your arm.
Reply:No Ive never heard of it - but hey if it works just say thanks and dont question it :) Hope it helps your headache - at the very least you now have a strong arm when your mouth is open :)
Reply:Hello, if it worked, they know what they're doing.
Reply:It sounds like TMJ syndrome Glad it helps.
Reply:heck this out, TMJ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TMJ
Reply:I've never heard of this to test for headaches, but have seen/heard of similar tests for reflexes, dexterity, etc.

Grinding your teeth can be the cause of headaches though.

Interested to know if this works...keep us posted.
Reply:That sort of test is often used by "alternative medicine" practitioners like homeopaths and naturopaths. I'm not surprised a chiropractor would do it, but I've never known of a dentist to do it before.

There's no scientific basis to the test and it is not approved for diagnostic purposes by any professional association or by allopathic practitioners at large.

There is no proven or logical link between the state of your teeth and the strength of your arm. Even if there was, it would only be appropriate as a screening procedure, and not as the only criteria for diagnosis and treatment, since the practitioner's perception of your arm strength is totally subjective.

I would suggest finding a different dentist.
Reply:This is really strange, but many muscles go form the area of your upper neck/jaw and down to your shoulder. I am thinking that perhaps your jaw was a little crooked so your dentist grinded your tooth to balance and straighten you jaw because it was causing strain on your muscle to compensate for the asymetry. This is a stretch, but its all I can come up with.
Reply:its a muscle test and its a legitimate part of alternative medicine.
Reply:Better ask your dentist and chiropractor, they seem to be concerned about your health as you are
Reply:What they are practising is kinesiology, commonly known as muscle testing.

You can find out more about it on this web site. I had an acupuncturist use it on me in the 1980's in Chicago. And just recently by a dentist in the US. My chiropractor uses it all the time and another system called Body Talk.

We are learning more and more about the subtleties of the human physiology. There are many levels of energy to the body and more refined instruments will be invented soon to measure them. In 10 years the information and machinery to measure these subtle levels that we can't even track will be common knowledge. Wait and see.

http://www.kinesiology.net/
Reply:what he has done is something called jendrassik's maneuver. it is used to obtain relaxation of the other muscles of the body by diverting attention, also used as an instant hypnosis method. what he has done is scientific. i can understand your skepticism, but rest assured he is not a quack.

Should my dentist be held responsible for a dust particle coming in contact with my eye causing a cornea..?

2010-05-21T18:44:00.002-07:00

scratch. I was in a great deal of pain because of this. The dentist did arrange an appt to see an eye doctor but I had to wait at least 3 hours to get seen. I had to pay a copayment fee and even may have to pay for my own medicine. Do you think this was the dentist's fault or just an accident? This happened while I was at the dentist after they had did a tooth filling. Just curious because if this had not happened there I wouldn't have had to go through all the pain and even had to miss work and school because of it. My eye is better now but this was a very tramatic experience. I'll never take my eyes for granted again! What are your thoughts on this? Anyone been in a similar situation? Thanks in advance.

Should my dentist be held responsible for a dust particle coming in contact with my eye causing a cornea..?
It should be normal practice that you are offered protective eyewear during dental treatment. If this was not offered, then the dentist was foolhardy, and I would ask for coverage of your expenses.

Even with eyewear, sometimes scrap can get under the lenses. In this case he's done everything to the best of his ability to protect you, and he probably couldn't be held responsible. Accidents happen.
Reply:Can you prove that it was the dentists fault? Maybe you should contact a lawyer. Most of them will give you a free consultation.
Reply:If you somehow really believe this to have been a traumatic event...you are VERY young and have experienced VERY little in life. It would be nice if the dentist covered your eye doctor expenses...but in the end...stuff happens. What if something blew into your eye while your parents were driving you around in the car? Would you sue them for not avoiding the mote of dust? Would you sue D.O.T? Move on!!
Reply:Accidental!
Reply:Close your eyes, dummy. What were you doing? Looking directly into the super-bright light? I'm suprised you didn't burn out your retinas.
Reply:Did the dentist do something intentionally to cause this or was he neglectful in some way? If not, you're out of luck - it probably could have happened anywhere. Be grateful that you're okay and move on.
Reply:omg get over it...you said you're better - stop looking to make money off of it. If you wanted help paying for meds you could have asked to doc earlier...don't be an idiot and sue the poor guy 'cause you can't close your eyes. You might as well at a finger to your chili while you're at it.
Reply:I just had a severe scratched cornea 2 weeks ago from getting sleep crust in my eye. The pain sucks, but it's not that big of a deal. It's nothing serious, it's very easy to scratch your cornea. It was probably just an accident. You said you're better anyways? Don't get all worked up about something so small.
Reply:There are dust particles everywhere. Even the cleanest places have dust. I am sorry your experience was so painful but no I do not think the dentist should be held responsible for that. It was just an accident and probably could have appened anywhere. Hope u feel better!

private myspace

Can I go to another Dentist this year?

2010-05-21T18:44:00.001-07:00

I have Medicaid or Medicare and my mom has both.

I am very dissatisfied with this experience with these Dentists ( read my other questions if you want details). My mom is quickly finding herself not happy with them either.

Can I go to another Dentist this year?

If you want short story-- 10 months ago perfect teeth with dentist at this place. This time woman, drills teeth she didn't say she was going to,.. she said she was going to do 3 teeth. Had allergic reaction to shots she forced on me against my will, she couldn't finish.. didn't know why I was haveing those reactions since noone is allergic to shots or has any side effects accoridng to her. My mom got me dentist from last time, guy drills teeth that isn't that dentist [without shot]. 4 teeth this time, 2 last time,.. makeing 3 more teeth then I was told,.. only one tooth is one of the ones she said was going to get filling. He says to come back for untold number of more fillings.

Can I go to another Dentist this year?
You need to check with your insurance. In WI, you can only have 1 checkup and cleaning (if you are over 13) one time per year. Fillings are a different story, they can be done whenever. What kind of reaction did you get to anesthetic? Side effects are rare. Alot of people experience rapid heartbeat, panicky feeling. If so, that is from the epinephrine in the anesthetic. Ask to use without epi. Also, maybe previous dentist missed some cavities on the xray, or they were small enough to watch for the time being and now needed to be treated. To avoid cavities in the future, chew sugarless gum, avoid soda, juices and other sweetened liquids like Gatorade. If you are going to drink a soda, have it with a meal, don't sip over a long period of time. Besides brushing, make sure you floss! Most people get interproximal (in between the teeth) types of cavities. Also, you could use a fluoride rinse to help prevent cavities.
Reply:Yes you can change a dentist or doctor anytime you want to.
Reply:Every plan is different..Some do not allow you to switch except once a year and some do allow you to. The only person who can answer that for you is your medical insurance.

How do I get a dentist in Dundee?

2010-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to a dentist in 10 years as where I lived (cumbria) didnt have any, just orthadontists who visited. I was on a waiting list for 3 years and then I moved house so they didnt tell me when my appointmnt was so i never got seen. rant.

I think I might need my wisdom teeth out and my jaw realigned or something as it clicks. I get pretty bad lock jaw sometimes.

Also my canine looks wonky ((actually they are all pretty wonky!) i would like this straightned too it hurts che$ This is because a dentist (a LONG time ago) put braces on my baby teeth and was not aware that new ones were coming through and they merged with the roots of the ones in the brace...ow ow! = much pain. thats why i have given up on dentists for so long.

I rang round all the dentists and nobody will see me, as it wasn't an emergency. So I dont have a dentist, and I've no idea what to do.can i just get caps put on in a cosmetic dentis place?

and does anyone know how much do you think this will all cos

How do I get a dentist in Dundee?
IF YOU ARE BROKE GO TO A DENTAL TRAINING FACILITY THEY USUALLY ARE WILLING TO HELP
Reply:it depends on if you have insurance or not

Is my dentist lying?

2010-05-21T18:43:00.002-07:00

I went to the dentist today, the last time I went (six months ago), they said everything looked good, but I should probably floss a little more. Today, the first nurse said my teeth looked great except the gums bled a little in a couple of areas. She said I probably didn't have any cavities but the dentist would come in to make sure and take ex-rays.

The next nurse comes in and says how jealous she is of my teeth. She then takes the x-rays and suddenly says, "uh, we may have some cavities."

Finally, the dentist comes in and starts listing off a bunch of stuff in doctor-lingo. In all, he said I have EIGHT cavities.

My teeth feel great and look great and I've never had braces. Everything seems fishy to me... should I at least get a second opinion?

Thanks for any answers in advance.

Is my dentist lying?
Dental x-rays don't lie. Either you have decay in your teeth or not. You can ask a dental assistant to read your x-rays or even a dental hygienst, a Dentist is not the only one who can see if you have decay or not.

In order for decay to show up on an x-ray the decay has to be at least 40% decalcified- this means who could have had decay for a while but it takes time for it to show up on the actual x-ray. Again, you do not need to be a dentist to read an xray to see "black spots" in between your teeth, you do have to be dentist to legally diagnose.

Bring your xrays to another DDS and ask him to review them (this can cost $40-$75 sometimes waived if u decided to get the work done) cause if left untreated it will get worse and you will be needed 8 root canals instead. Hope this helps!
Reply:It sounds like you should be suspisous. To be sure go to another Dentist to receive a second opinion.
Reply:Get a 2nd opinion.

There are many sides to teeth (I want to say 5). A lot of them are not visible and that's why they take ex-rays.

So, he may be telling the truth - but you seem like you have the willies. It is better to pay the $ and get a 2nd opinion and put your mind at ease.

Also, you have to replace fillings after so many years. Depending on your age, this may be some of the 8.
Reply:get more then a second opinion, dentists are worst then lawyers in lying, trust me i went for a simple check up and ended up paying $4000 the next six months.
Reply:There's nothing suspicious about Cavaties on an Xray. You may not feel them, but they're there, and will get worse over time. It's best to have them filled when they are small. Don't you hate when the dentist calls out so many numbers, you just want to yell "BINGO".
Reply:If it will make you feel better then you should get a second opinion. The xrays are normally always right but sometimes if they are not taken properly they may show a shadow that will look like a cavity. Go see another dentist and have them take new xrays to make sure you are getting an accurate answer.

Would a dentist fill a child's cavity on first visit?

2010-05-21T18:43:00.001-07:00

My daughter (8) has what appear to be several large cavities in her teeth. I've made an appointment for her to see a local dentist next week, but I was just wondering whether the dentist is likely to actually do any treatment at this first appointment? I know under normal circumstances they wouldn't and would want to just make the child feel comfortable being in the office etc, but my daughter is having a lot of pain in one of the teeth and I'm having to give her regular calpol. I just wondered whether in this instance the dentist would want to fix that tooth on the first visit so that she's not in pain any longer?

Would a dentist fill a child's cavity on first visit?
I think probably if your daughter is in a lot of pain then the dentist would definitely want to do SOMETHING to help with the pain rather than wait until a future appointment. Unfortunately, if your daughter is having a lot of pain, it probably means the cavity is fairly extensive and you may even be looking at having to have the tooth extracted......but I'm not an expert, so don't take my word for it! I hope your daughter feels better soon, there's nothing worse than toothache, especially when she's so young.
Reply:call the office and ask if the visit is long enough for a filling - normally they would have scheduled her for only a 15 minutes colsultation and would not have time to fix it - ask them for a longer appt let them know she is in severe pain and at least one tooth needs immediate care.
Reply:Some will and some won't. Best thing to do is call and ask them. Took me a while to find a dentist who will treat on first visits, seems most of them just want to make you keep coming back to get your money. Just my opinion......Good Luck!
Reply:white stuff
Reply:normal procedure is to have an exam first, then set up to have the cavities fixed. however, if she is in pain, they may do it. has she ever been to this dentist before? be prepared that they may do something just for the simple fact that she is in pain. do not use anbesol, it can actually lead to infection.
Reply:yes after x-rays if you tell them at time of appointment that she is in pain -- otherwise they schedule appointments closer together. They need to make sure enough time has been allotted.
Reply:You should call the dentist and ask him. Explain the situation and he might be able to work something out. If you bring it up at the last minute he'll probably have appointments waiting after yours and not be able to do it.
Reply:yes, they should fill them if they are a good dentist, and you should be able to go with her when this is done to be there for her
Reply:Oh, yes, I have been through that when I was 8 years old. Does she have a calcium deficiency problem? You know, not enough calcium for strong teeth. I was told that some people have strong teeth and others, weak teeth. kind of like some people have strong bones that can heal quickly if they broke and others not. It happens.

Anyway, yes, some dentist can fill in a cavity if it is that bad and they want to do it as quickly as possible to try to save it. Why wait? they may want to take the weakest tooth and fill that one up and then wait til your next appointment (which might be the next week) to fill in the others.

I am telling you. Do not prolong this.....to an 8 year old, the sooner this cavity is filled, the better.
Reply:Your daughter is eight, she's never been to the dentist before, and she already has several large cavities. Sounds to me like you and your daughter need a lesson in dental hygiene. Your daughter should have been taken to the dentist long ago, when she first started getting teeth. You needed to brush those teeth and not put her to bed with bottles, if she needed a bottle it was supposed to be water only no juice or formula.

Growing up did your daughter drink a lot of sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice? Does she eat a lot of candy? Then she needs to be especially vigilant about brushing at least twice a day (I know 3 times isn't always possible with school but perhaps she could brush when she gets home from school)

If your daughter is only eight and she already has poor dental hygiene how is she going to be when she gets older? I know some parents believe that baby teeth don't matter so let them rot out of her head but no baby teeth are like practice teeth and they also help kids get into the routine of brushing and flossing. Do you want your daughter to be working in some factory with yellow, green, black and missing teeth because other jobs where she needed to interact with people wouldn't hire her because her teeth looked too gross. Not to mention her breath!

Get your daughter to the dentist quickly and make sure they fill all her cavities, check her other teeth for weak spots and cavities, also clean all her other teeth fully, and then get her on a strict schedule of brushing.
Reply:More than likely, they will not do the filling that day. You say that your daughter is terrified of going to the dentist, so you need to work on that before she goes. DO NOT use the word "shot"!! All you're going to do is scare her more %26amp; are just asking for trouble. This is what I tell all kids that come into my office that are getting a filling done for the first time. Tell her that there is a cavity bug hiding in some of her teeth %26amp; that is what is causing the pain. The dentist is going to use a "tooth washer" %26amp; it's just like a car wash but for teeth. It sprays cold water out really hard %26amp; fast, just like at the car wash. Then they'll put some tooth soap on to make sure it's really clean, then they put on tooth glue (nothing like they use at school) %26amp; then they put in either white or silver playdoh that's made for teeth. Let her know that it's VERY easy! If you the parent act nervous than your child will pick up on this %26amp; be scared. If the dentist allows you to come back into the room, sit in the chair %26amp; only speak unless they ask you a direct question! If they do filling, don't keep asking her if she's ok or she'll think that there is something going on that shouldn't be ok. Hope this information helps! Good luck
Reply:First you must inform the dentist and after that

1-we are educated in a way that we can understand patinet caracter. So , no dentist is saist, relax.

2-There are other ways of pain relief, if the patient is too scary and tooth stuation is too painful, we have other drugs to relief the pain without killing the patient from panicks.

3-Usually parents are so afraid of dentists that this also makes the child axious. Dont show your child ur worries. Act as if all is good and ur baby is at a heavenly place.
Reply:I'm a dentist.

At the age of eight, treatment is somewhat of a crapshoot. Some eight year-olds are very well-adjusted and tolerate discomfort. Others are very apprehensive and/or high-strung, and do not. You are a better judge of your daughter's personality than the doctor. If, however, your doctor attempts any treatment and decides that the child should be referred elsewhere, do not object. He/she knows better than you.

It is unlikely that any treatment would be rendered on her first visit unless there are emergent problems that require immediate care--especially if your child is a potentially difficult patient. There are a number of prescription medications that can be given to children to provide anxiolysis, however dentists vary greatly in their comfort with this. I tend to shy away from prescribing anxiolytics to children because their responses can be highly unpredictable. I do, however, readily administer nitrous-oxide prior to and during treatment, and have found it to help significantly in calming pediatric patients. Even more important than nitrous, however, is proper injection technique with good topical anesthesia prior to the injection.

Some children, however, simply will not allow any sort of work to be performed. In such cases, I refer them to pediatric dentists. They are specialists who have two years additional training beyond dental school in addressing the needs of children, and are generally more comfortable with prescribing oral medications for children. Having had some anesthesiology experience myself, I will say this about pediatric dentists: a lot of them like to administer "oral sedation", which is just plain stupid. Oral uptake of medication is highly unpredictable, especially in kids, and it is therefore exceedingly difficult to titrate dosages to desired effect. Oversedation, while rare, is a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, as far as I know, pediatric dentists are not trained in advanced life-support techniques should a child become apneic. Furthermore, when sedated orally, there is generally no IV access to administer medications should they be needed on an emergency basis.

Most pediatric dentists, as far as I know, are perfectly willing to use papoose boards and other forms of physical restraints while working on children. I think that the practice is barbaric and should be outlawed. As a parent, you have the right to refuse such treatment.

Finally, if your child is too much of a problem for a pediatric dentist in an office-setting, many of them have operating room privileges at local hospitals and can perform dental work with the child under general anesthesia (administered by an anesthesiologist). Believe it or not, this is an excellent option as most if not all of the child's dental needs can be addressed in one shot.

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Is my Dentist trying to scam me?

2010-05-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

I recently went to a dentist cause one of my teeth had cracked in half.

The dentist told me that i would need a root canal since the tooth was in bad shape.

The entire root canal procedure was scheduled over 4 visits. On my last visit..the 3rd one, she told me that my last and final visit would involve putting on the crown, thus capping my damaged tooth.

However, she also said that I should have the wisdom tooth next to my damaged tooth removed as well. She said that my crown had would a better chance of staying on and be a better fit. She also told me that she knew a good oral surgeon who could do the procedure and could refer me.

Since this would involve going to a specialist, going under surgery, and taking time off from work, I told her I would like to pass.

She got a bit annoyed and said it was her professional opinion that I should have my wisdom tooth removed. She then told me to schedule an second opinion with another dentist in the same office.

What should I do?

Is my Dentist trying to scam me?
If you feel like it would reassure you to get a second opinion, do it.

The reason she really wants your wisdom teeth remove is that, as they grow, they push and move the other teeth around, as well as modifying your mandible bone (or maxilla). If that happens, you'll most likely loose your crown and won't be able to put in another. You'd be stuck with having one less tooth in your mouth or would have to wear a prothesis.

If you have doubts, consult elsewhere. Don't just skip the issue altogether or you'll end with more trouble than just missing ½ day of work...
Reply:yes she is i say u get a new one or just never go to the dentsit
Reply:maybe get a second opinion with another dentist but not in the same office get it somewhere else because that is how dentist make there money i took my daughter for a tooth cleaning and ended up paying more because it so happens that she needed a root canal and i paid alot of money extra because my insurance had already covered for xrays and the cleaning so i had to pay the rest out of my own pocket ...beware of dentist oh and another thing if your tooth doesnt hurt yet then its not your wisdom tooth, the wisdom tooth can be very painful...good luck
Reply:Get a second opinion from a dentist in a completely different practice. But - I have a suspicion she might be right - I don't think she's scamming you. Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of problems for surrounding teeth - and they don't have to hurt to be a problem. Still, she should have been more professional about your concerns.

By the way, if it comes down to your wisdom teeth, and you end up at an oral surgeon, ask if all 4 should go. It makes sense to get it all done at once and not go through it multiple times. It's not that bad of an experience.
Reply:Obviously two of these answers are from people who know absolutley NOTHING about dentistry and should not be answering any questions on this board whatsoever. The reason to get the wisdom tooth out is because it is likely impacted and that means that it is basically butting against the tooth that will be capped. This can cause a defect to form in the bone behind the capped tooth or can even result in the capped tooth starting to be resorbed (dissolved basically), either way when you are making a large investment in a root canal and a cap it is wise to do everything you can to make sure that your investment will last. In this case this involves taking out the wisdom tooth. I can assure you that as she is refering you out to get it done she makes absolutely not one cent from you getting this tooth removed as the most she will ever see from the surgeon who does it (as well as many other cases that she sends over) is a christmas fruit basket
Reply:sounds about right to me.... By the way getting your wisdom teeth out is really not as bad as people make it out to be. I had the 2 on my right side done while awake and was no big deal and then a few weeks later the 2 on the left side done while awke again not a big deal...Yes you might be a little swollen for a few days but really if you have a crown in the back like that prob a good idea to get that wisdom tooth out.
Reply:I have had lots of dental work done and agree with those that say you should get the wisdom tooth removed - your dentist sounds like she knows what she's talking about.

Egyption graduate dentist and carry usa VISA for 5 years can any dentist in usa offer a simple work(any work)?

2010-05-21T18:42:00.003-07:00

egyption graduate2002 dentist and carry usa VISA for 5 years can any dentist in usa offer a simple work(any work) in his office untill i qualify my certificate

adding that i hve aan relaatives in usaa one in kentuchy and one in california,,and they will support me if anything happened

thanks in advance for your help

Egyption graduate dentist and carry usa VISA for 5 years can any dentist in usa offer a simple work(any work)?
your best bet would be to contact dental schools here for a residency program.

As a FMD ( foreign Dental Grad), it's very difficult to get a license without US credentials.

Will the dentist make me wear retainers or is it just the orthodontist?

2010-05-21T18:42:00.002-07:00

well i dont really wear my reatainers and i regret it....i have an overbite now...but my teeeth are still straight. well the back teeth are a little crooked but no one will see it only the dentist. I have a fear of going back for a cleaning because im thinking the dentist will see my overbite and ask me if i had braces yet...or if i wear retainers. i think im perfectly fine....will the dentist say something? or will he just do his job and clean my teeth and leave it to an orthodontist.

Will the dentist make me wear retainers or is it just the orthodontist?
Well nobody can MAKE you get braces. But your dentist can suggest to you to go see an orthodontist who can that suggest to you to get braces... But again, nothing to be afraid of as it's YOUR choice! I went through the same thing, only I'm starting to develop an underbite.
Reply:teeth are his job and he would be negligent not to talk to you about the retainer. Your teeth will move back where they were and all that effort will be down the drain, not to mention $$$
Reply:Your general dentist can't make you do anything. However, he will recommend what is best for you.

A Good Dentist ?????

2010-05-21T18:42:00.001-07:00

A guy and a girl meet at a bar. They get along so well that they decide to go to the girl's place. A few drinks later, the guy takes off his shirt and then washes his hands.

He then takes off his trousers and washes his hands again.

The girl has been watching him and says, "You must be a dentist."

The guy, surprised, says "Yes... how did you figure that out?"

"Easy," she replied, "you keep washing your hands."

One thing led to another and they make love.

After they're done, the girl says, "You must be a good dentist."

The guy, now with a boosted ego says, "Sure, I'm a good dentist, how did you figure that out?"

"I Didn't feel a thing!"

A Good Dentist ?????
haha that's HILARIOUS!!
Reply:lol
Reply:lmao. thats really funny. Good one
Reply:lmao!!
Reply:GREAT ONE !! THANKS !!
Reply:hahahahahahhaha lol
Reply:ROFL! HAHA! Dentists suck.
Reply:Great!
Reply:hahahaha...good one!
Reply:LOL. I like that one.
Reply:lol.
Reply:Brilliant!
Reply:or a bad Dentist if he didn't fill the cavity correctly!
Reply:hahahahhah don't get why he washed his hand so much but i loved it

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Calling all dentists out there!! I need an medical opinion but cant afford a second dentist!?

2010-05-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

I recently had three cavities fill on my lower right side. Ever since my dentist did this, about three weeks ago, one of those teeth has been a zillion times more pain than before. I went to see my dentist about this, and he said this sometimes happens with gum line cavities near the root, and I made need a root canal, but he issnt sure which tooth. I dont understand if the tooth needed a root canal, why he cant see this on x ray and why didnt it hurt like this before he filled the cavity? I pay out of pocket, so I just want to know if Im being treated right. I really cant afford another root canal right now, but Im in a lot of pain.

Calling all dentists out there!! I need an medical opinion but cant afford a second dentist!?
Any dental treatment causes pain to the tooth, that's why you need local anaesthetic. Usually there is therefore a bit of post-op pain for a day or two until the tooth settles down. Just like any medical operation, except on a smaller scale. It doesn't necessarily matter that you had no pain prior. Thankfully most settle down.

There are a couple of reasons why this tooth might be more sensitive and refusing to settle:

1. the decay was especially deep and close to the nerve;

2. white fillings (composites) are more likely to give post-op pain than amalgams. This can also be more likely near the gumline because there may not be enough enamel for the filling to glue onto.

Xrays don't necessarily show that a tooth will need an RCT. They are just one tool in a range of diagnostic tests.

Uusally the exact tooth can be detected from the consideration of the following:

1. which tooth had the deepest decay?

2. which tooth is most sensitive to a cold air spray or ice test?

3. which tooth is most sensitive to tapping it?

Having determined the tooth, your next choice is to:

1. replace the filling temporarily with a ZnO temp filling;

2. replace the filling with an amalgam, possibly with a Ledermix lining (may not be available in USA), or swab the base of the cavity with a corticosteroid eyedrop solution first e.g. Predneforte;

3. commence an RCT;

4. extraction.

You might want to take these suggestions along to your dentist. Good luck.
Reply:Sounds like you need a new dentist. You should never be in more pain 3 weeks after your dentist did some work on you. Your dentist sounds incompetent, find yourself a reliable dentist with years of experience and share your story of pain with him/her.
Reply:well the solution for this pain is root canal treatment without a doubt.. evidentially u had deep caries and when your dentist did the cavity preparation he was close to the nerve tissue in the tooth which is the pulp... a perforation might of happened and that an inflammation in your pulp.. so this needs root canal. this happens alot in deep caries because the cavity is very close to the pulp... and your being treated the right way dont worry about that... and for your pain take pain relievers like ibuprofen or smthing...
Reply:A agree with the doctor on this forum. Being that there is three teeth involved a dentist can't and probably won't be able to see this on a x-ray. Using all the different testing like percussion using ice, biting down on the tooth . These are all diagnostic tools that a Dentist has to test the tooth. Teeth have a mind of there own and sometime just working on them can cause them to react this way.. And some times all of a sudden you will be able to tell which tooth it is. Hopefully it will calm down. Your aren't being treated badly. Even clench and grinding can upset a tooth. Trust in your Dentist he will find the problem.

My prior dentist said my mouth would require about $20k of crowns and my new dentist says $700 +- for bonds?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.003-07:00

I think he called them. Do U think it's possible the former dentist was thinking w/ his pocketbook or do you think they just have different opinions. I'm going to ask him but I wanted some objectivity on here first :) Thanks. I'm aware that if U can't see my teeth you can't specifically answer the question...This question is based more on what the probability of the dentist's possible greed playing a part in this may be in your experiences. Thanks!.. His office is the Taj Mahal by the way although I know it's not fair to judge him by that!

My prior dentist said my mouth would require about $20k of crowns and my new dentist says $700 +- for bonds?
Every DDS has a different way of doing things. But Crowns are stronger and more permanent, a bonding is more cosmetic and won't last as long. A crown can last the rest of your life.
Reply:smack him in the mouth and say

oh yeah , now you need 20,000......

just kidding
Reply:My cousin and I were just talking about this the other day. She has a friend who needed about $20,000 worth of dental work (caps, crowns, veneer, etc) and went to Mexico and got the whole thing done for between $2500 and $3000. You might consider this.
Reply:THERE IS NO WAY OF ACTUALLY KNOWING THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THE FIRST DENTIST'S TREATMENT CHOICE.

THIS IS WHY A SECOND OPINION NEVER HURTS.
Reply:The two quotes are diabolically opposites and you have also not attempted to clear the mist as to what your actual dental problems are. Anyway, you definitely need a third opinion.

Valium before my dentist appointment...?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.002-07:00

Okay so tomorrow morning at 8:00 I am getting 3 cavities filled!! I have never had any cavities before and am TERRIFIED of the dentist! I have anxiety in real life, and especially at the dentist!! Has anyone out there ever used valium!? Im taking 1 tonight, and one tomorrow an hour before the appt.

How long does it take to take effect?

How long will it last for?

And what does it feel like? DETAILS PLEASE. not just relaxed.

even if you don't know all the answers, i appreciate partial.

thank you for any answers that i get!

Valium before my dentist appointment...?
Never had to take anything before having my cavities filled.

I had those operations more than a couple of times already.

Don't worry. The dentist has a "spray" that will numb your gums before injecting the area with anesthesia. Nothing to it.

You'll be alright.
Reply:THE VALIUM WILL MAKE YOU FEEL MORE AT EASE FOR THIS APPOINTMENT.
Reply:The taking one tonight and one an hour before the appointment are good. The valium will last in your body for a few hours and to have 3 cavities filled shouldn't take more than a half hour-45 minutes at the most. See if they can gas you a little too to relax you a little bit. My husband has a huge phobia of the dentist and I did the same thing with him and he did great. He said he just felt loopy and a little out of it, but was fine and not real anxious about going.
Reply:Valium is a very strong narcotic. It will make you feel very unfocused, your speech will be slurred and your body movements will be very slow. Your dentist will most likely not perform the procedure on you if you show up while high on drugs. If you really need something to calm your nerves, I use st. johns wort pills. You will be calm, but not high. They are available at your local drugstore without a prescription and are inexpensive.

Good luck.
Reply:I had Oral surgery a week ago and had to take a valium before my app. It was the first time I had ever took one and I really didnt feel anything but calm and relaxed, maybe a little drunk there is really no other way to explain it. Had I not took the valium I would have be crying as I walked in there (LOL) but instead I walked in fine talking smiling and laughing. I guess it took about 45 min for it to effect me and as for how long it lasted I dont know because I was put to sleep shortly after it took affect. Medications affect everyone differently tho. Good luck!!
Reply:The Valium should start to take effect in about 30 minutes and should last for a couple of hours. You will most likely feel sleepy at first but it will help with the underlying anxiety. Valium is a sedative so helping you feel calm and get rest the night before is important, besides calming you at the appointment the next morning. Does that help? It does more than relax, it actually sedates you without knocking you out like a general anesthetic.

Do not take any other medication than what your dentist prescribed (including over-the-counter products). They could interfere with any anesthetic medication the dentist may need to give you. Your dentist already took that into account when prescribing the Valium.

Make sure you have someone to drive you to and from the appointment, you will probably be feeling a bit "loopy".

My dentist has been overpaid for services and won't reimburse me. What can I do?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.001-07:00

I became a new patient in Dec 2007, and have had 4 visits since. I was told before my first appt, they were not under contract with my insurance company. I would have to pay for each visit upfront, and would then be reimbursed by my insurance company for the portion they would cover. However, I have received statements from my insurance company stating they have sent the checks to my dentist, and that i was using a contracted dentist. I have contacted the dentists office 3 times, and each time they come up with some excuse as to why I cannot pick up the check. I have contacted the practice administrator and have not received a response. They owe me a little over $1000. From what I have been told from others, they have no legal right to withhold that from me. I plan on contacting the Board of Dentistry. Is there anything else I can do?? Any info will be appreciated!!

My dentist has been overpaid for services and won't reimburse me. What can I do?
law suit. probably small claims though, as someone else said below. No attorney in it.

you hold legal grounds, this would be classified as a false practice im sure. When you signed all those papers to be their patient it should have said somewhere in there about your reimbursement and if it did not you will not hold much water.
Reply:I would call one more time to the supervisor. Leave a message. Next I'd go to the office and see if they have it. Explain that you were told numerous times that it would be here. Then if they deny it ask to speak with their supervisor. If this fails (and even if it does work), I'd contact the Board of Dentistry and tell them about the ordeal. Finally, I would find a new office with a good reputation!

EDIT: If they become rude and forcefully tell you that they cannot give you anything or that they won't. Tell them that you had wanted to do this nicely and didn;t want to be obnoxious but that it is very necessary that this be sorted out. Don;t tell them ahead of time if you plan a lawsuit. Don;t give them time to cover things up.
Reply:You can file a claim in small claims court. It is a court where no one gets to have an attorney, it's just the people talking to the judge. You bring your receipts and letters from the insurance company...and if there is a local rep then he/she could be subpoenaed to testify. Then each side tells the story and the judge decides.

also...look at your local news departments and see if they have a consumer advocate type of person. It's usually on the radio, but sometimes on FOX network they have "troubleshooters". They might be able to help you.
Reply:sue his ***
Reply:My experience with small claims court is that it's worthless and a waste of time. Other than that, I think the above suggestions were good. You need to get some of this communication in writing, sending letters via registered mail; documentation could be crucial. Also, you need to document dates and times of phone calls, plus writing down the names of the people you spoke to.
Reply:Hi...sorry to hear what they have done to you. Your best bet is to get papers for a Small Claims Court and have them served after talking with the Insurance company for assistance with their Medical Fraud Department.

More often than not, most people would say it is a "poor bookkeeping practices." No, it is Insurance Fraud and "Backbilling" -- bo th Illegal.

Be prepared to get a new Dentist should you file with Small Claims %26amp; I sincerely, would not bother with the Board of Dentistry---they really won't do much against the dentist or any other Professional. It is stil a Good Ole Boys Network.

Add Interest and the court costs.
Reply:Call the dental office again and let them know you will be informing the insurance company as well as the Board of Dentistry (if that is what it is called there, i'm from BC Canada so it is the college of dental surgeons here) if you do not receive your check from them in a timely manner and that you expect a response from the office manager to this phone call. You have not said when the check was sent to the dental office though and these things take time to process, it is not as immediate as patients would think and you also do not mention their reasons given for not having your cheque ready. Good luck, hope this helps.
Reply:Everything you do needs to be done in writing!!!! You need to ask for copies of the claim that was mailed. There are two boxes requiring "signatures" or "signature on file" If they told you they were fee for service, then they need to only have the top box signed. The second box is where, if they signed it or used signature on file, then they have requested the insurance benefit be paid to them, but if the payment is to go to you, then that box should be empty. You need a copy of that. The other thing to consider is all claims typically take about 4 weeks to receive and then when the insurance company says they've paid it doesn't necessarily mean the check has been received, there is a period of processing from when the check is actually cut and mailed. You need copies of all processing from the insurance company. You have a right to receive all that information. Some dental offices do refunds all at one time. It depends on how busy the practice is. They may do refunds at the end of the month. Don't go to small claims just yet, its not been all that long. If you feel they are really being dishonest, then you need to first write a letter to the dentist, with proof of what the insurance has paid, with copies of what you've paid the dentist, and then inform them that there practices are subject to review by the ADA, check out your local board of dentistry, and see how to start an ethics review. Good luck. Write letters, keep copies, and be patient.

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Do dentist take an oath like a medical doctor?

2010-05-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Im curious because im having a difficult time finding a dentist who will work with an autistic child or even sedate to work on his teeth.. He has been referred from one dentist to another for the past 2 yrs and still no one will clean his teeth they just see him say i cant help him and refer him to another dentist saying they can help you...so i call set it up take him in and it starts all over again. Can they keep doing this and denying care?

Do dentist take an oath like a medical doctor?
I'm a dentist.

To answer your questions: Yes, we do take an oath similar to that taken by physicians.

And yes, we can refuse to treat certain patients indefinitely, provided we have an acceptable reason for refusing to treat them.

I understand your frustration. I really do. But I think you are beginning to blame the wrong people. Unfortunately, autistic children have special needs where the administration of dental care is concerned. And even more unfortunately, the dental profession and its educational system as a whole have been grossly negligent in producing doctors who are able to treat such patients.

Basically, as you have seen, it boils down to finding a doctor who can provide anesthesia services or one who has access to them (such as a dentist with hospital operating room privileges). Oral/maxillofacial surgeons are the only dentists who have anesthesia training that allows them to adequately sedate an autistic child. Unfortunately, they do not provide basic dental care. General dentists who have such anesthesia training are exceedingly rare. Furthermore, it is also rare to find a general dentists with operating room privileges. Although many of us general dentists would like to have the kind of anesthesia training oral surgeons do, there is very little access to such training. Moreover, where operating room (OR) privileges are concerned, we have virtually no need for them; none of the procedures we perform necessitate OR facilities. Furthermore, we encounter patients like your son far too infrequently for us to justify the effort it takes to acquire and maintain such OR privileges. Put simply, the dental profession as a whole is just not geared toward accessibility for disabled patients simply because the majority of dental professionals just don't think the effort it takes to treat them is worthwhile. It's unfortunate.

Sometimes, pediatric dentists do have OR privileges, but they typically do not treat patients over the age of 18. You can always contact a pediatric dentist and ask.

Another option is contacting an oral surgeon and seeing if he/she would be willing to administer anesthesia while a general dentist treats your son.

Other than that, your options are few. And on behalf of the dental profession, I apologize.
Reply:go to a pediatric dentist
Reply:Yes, like medical doctors, dentists take an oath. Part of that oath is to do no harm. An autistic child can be very difficult to work on. Certainly no one would want to inflict any harm upon your child. If they are not equipped to work on your child then they rightfully refer him onto a specialist or someone who is able to perform the work.

I am very surprised that Pedodontists are not able to work on him and they refer your son on. Pedodontists as specialists are usually end of the line for those tough cases. But the idea above to seek out a hospital setting might be very helpful. Good luck and find the dentist you need to take good care of your son.
Reply:i m a dentist.the above what dr nebula has said is right

Stupid dentist!!!?

2010-05-21T18:40:00.003-07:00

my mom never tells me when i have to go- she just told me 2 hours ago that i have to go and i hate going to the dentist its such a waste of time. i am not scared of the dentist, its just that whever i go there i have no cavaties so all i did was meet the dentist. and i brush my teeth everyday

should i go??????????/

Stupid dentist!!!?
I dont like it either, Im like you, I have never had a cavity, and they tell me that every time I go. But you have to go unfortunatley, because plaque can build up and make tartar, and only the dentist can get tartar off you teeth. But you should go just in case there is a small cavity forming so they can take care of it before it gets to be a problem (dont ask, the dentist told me this lol). Well good luck at the dentist, hope you still have no cavities. Lol.
Reply:Yeah, I hate those x ray things..... Report It

Reply:my parents do that too. they tell me at the last min of everything.

weddings, funerals, appointments, (doctors and dentists, eye doctor,) and piano lessons.i hate those x ray things too. hose plastics they make u put and bite digs hard into my gums and i can't breathe for one area. Report It

Reply:Go.. Keep those chompers nice!
Reply:Yes, you have.

And stop crying little baby.

Just do what your mother says!!
Reply:absolutely...im sure you will get a teeth cleaning at the least and if you do have a cavity starting they will nip it in the bud before it turns into a root canal or worse...so go!!!
Reply:Yes. cuz u might have plague..so its good to go...and u will have a white smile..and impress the girls
Reply:You also need to floss your teeth everyday to prevent gingivitis. More people lose their teeth from gum disease. The dentist should clean your teeth at least 2ce a year.
Reply:Yeah, just for kicks you should get some black food coloring and put it in some water, your whole mouth will go black! That should freak your dentist out.
Reply:ask him how hard he had to study to become a dentist. wouldn't you like to earn that kind of money doing nothing?
Reply:Yes, you should go. Your teeth can develop plaque and tartar that can only be removed by a dentist. If you don't get it removed, your gums can become diseased and your teeth could fall out. Just do it.
Reply:DUH! All it takes is one time to not go and find out you have a cavity, if it gets missed, you'd be wishing you went to see the dentist early. Drills suck, and no matter what pain killer they give you, it doesn't get rid of the sound of the drill or the smell of the tooth getting ground up.
Reply:of course you should go! Ya know if u dont u will start having problems, an du dont want that! You will thank ur mom in the long run! Be glad ur teeth are always healthy!

well have a nice night!
Reply:Heck yeah. Brushing your teeth is not enough. It is important that you see your dentist and get your teeth cleaned professionally every six months. It is called preventative maintainence. You should be glad that you are cavity free. Me personally, I see my dentist once every three months. Peace and God bless.
Reply:yeah, they give you a sucker at the end if youre good!
Reply:Yes, you should go. It's good that you're brushing all the time... but as you get older it will become more important to have all of your teeth and not look like a monster. Plus... let me tell you about this guy that I know. I worked with him and he had terrible teeth from not going to the dentist to get his teeth cleaned. He was an "adult" but he could have used your mom to help him get there, because... (I kid you not, dude) this guy has the worst breath in the world. Sure, part of it is good genes and other stuff you don't have much control over but -- this guy's breath smelled from down the hall and around the corner. My point? Just go to the dentist -- and enjoy getting out of going to school.
Reply:Heck ya! Go now while your parents pay for your teeth to be cleaned because when you are older you might not have insurance or be able to afford to go. The cleaning of your teeth helps get rid of that nasty plaq stuff that turns yellow. There is nothing more attractive than a supper white smile with nice straight teeth. Go get them cleaned!!
Reply:Yes. Brushing does not get everything. There could also be growth issues. Go to the dentist, open when he says open, spit when he says spit. This is such a trivial thing to be worried about. You could be going for a tooth extraction.
Reply:you should go to the dentist at least every year, according to when you went the last time! not just every month or whenever....but having your teeth checked is important.
Reply:Yup, and when you go, look at those pictures of teeth with gingivitis and periodontal disease....that is why you are going there...to prevent that!
Reply:As a dentist i would like to say visiting a dentist is not waste of time%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;your checking out you state of health mean the level of micro-organism in Ur mouth....and if you think there is not cavity in your teeth there is something called hidden cavities which we as dentist say secondary caries.... under restorations%26gt;.....

and one more thing...must check Ur teeth every 6 month
Reply:Let me ask you all something. Should you only go to the doctor if you are sick? The answer to that should be NO. Your physician would reccommend regular check-ups (check your blood pressure, check your heart...etc. ) The same thing also goes with your dentist. Plaque and calculus are not the only oral problems checked at the dentist office. I have found at least 3 to 4 cancer cases in my 5 years as a dentist with no symptoms. Oral cancer is deadly in most cases and while rare is important to diagnose early. Dentists are responsible to diagnose pathology of the jaws and teeth. We are more than just cleanings, extractions and fillings. It is sad that most people view dentists in this way. There are some money-hungry dentists out there as in any profession but seeing your dentists for regular check-ups even if nothing is wrong is very important.

good luck
Reply:Yes.. Go ..

Good To Have Nice Teeth,

You Have And If You Keep Up With Dentist You Will Always
Reply:you little baby what are you a momma's boy poor little cry baby you sound like pete wentz from fall out boy

Im afraid of dentist?

2010-05-21T18:40:00.002-07:00

ok befor any one calls me cowadus,i have to say afew thing to say i am compleatly terrified of dentist.not so much them but what they have the potental to do to me i gess.i have good reson for beang the whey i am!and im not afraid of anything elce honsetly!my dentist when i was a child was crazy and just wanted to gt as much money as he could from my parents.i swer in my childhood i had like 25 filling all my back teeth had filling and this was befor i was the age of 9 my paents got sick of paying him all the time and me biteing him in shot it was more of an ordeal than it was worth.he realy frighten me.if i see people who might be him i duck away oh yeah im 24.this is not like me to fear anything.any whey when i turnd 14 my parents took me to anotehr dentist they where nicer.and i had know caviteys between that time.i got out of ever going back when i was 15 long storie.i had know idea nice dentist where real. any one have any idea on how to get over phobias like this?

Im afraid of dentist?
ok befor I read entire your story - I'm afraid of it too!

It's been readen :) (this is not right) , ok, the worst thing that could happen to you is to lose all your healthy teeth because of someone or something, and later in life to feel aggravated because of this state of yours. I've heard that in rich countries (like mine is not :) ) dentists have ultra fast drilling machines that drill so fast - it even could be dangerous if someone scares your dentist while.....you know. Or if he gets cramps, or spasm, or gorushicu.

The most sickening thing about the dentist is the pain, and the most pain is causing that drill which doesn't sprays water, and is very slow, and is used when it is almost finished but not quite.

So, I believe that you have the benefit of living in some rich god damn country, which has those kind of dentists who use ultra fast drillers, and I strongly suggest that you visit them, or you can easily ask for painkillers.
Reply:some dintists actualy put you to sleep while they work on you tis may help your fear
Reply:NO ONE likes to go to a dentist. Buck up and get your butt in there....Or, you can be afraid to go and loose all your teeth by the time you are 20...great look!
Reply:Find a more reasonable dentist.
Reply:the best way is when you sit down in the chair amd grab him by his jewels and say we arnt ging to hurt eavh other are we now. lol
Reply:i used to be terrified of the dentist. i wouldn't go for years. the dentist i have now is fabulous. i haven't be afraid since going to him. things have really changed in dentistry its not as painful as it used to be. lots of dentists realize people are scared and will do anything they can to make you comfortable
Reply:dentists have scared me well over 30 years. I especially hate teeth pain. I also feel your pain. I now ask for the laughing gas as soon as I get into the chair of doom, and that helps. But the other side of the coin is terrible teeth and gums, headaches and so forth. gather your courage, get the gas and let your dentist know about your dilemma.
Reply:The simple way to get rid of this phobia:

1) Visit the dentist.

2) Think of the benefits of going and think of the consequences.

Would you exchange a bit fear/excitement for great teeth? Or would you exchange safety/relaxtion for horrible unhealthy teeth? It's your comfort zone.

Face your fears head on and change the way you look at it.
Reply:um ..... I like your name.
Reply:There are three basis ways of overcoming phobias:

(1) Grit and determination on your own by forcing yourself exposure to what you dread until it doesn't bother you anymore;

(2) Desensitization therapy with a therapist who will help you overcome it;

(3) Medication (usually anti-depressant type drugs) used to modify biochemical properties which affect the formation of phobia-type behaviors.

Of course, it would be ideal if you found an excellent dentist with whom you could have a calming and fulfilling experience.
Reply:i have the same thing but i found a really good dentist who will put me to sleep be he even trys to put any metal things in my mouth just to add being put to sleep is great painless and you dont remember a thing after also this stopped me being scared of needles lol
Reply:I don't care because I'm not afraid.
Reply:Luna-

You cant be more afraid than me. But if you don't go you could get really really sick! I just had a ton of work done from a sedation dentist. Go to www.sleepdentist.com Find one in your area, they usually will do free consultations. They give you a small pill and they will do hours of work in one setting. When I woke up I felt GREAT! And I have no memory of the appointment what so ever. Best of luck...you'll be fine...I promise! Amy
Reply:I'm the same. I had loads of Fillings when i was young. They drilled so much off of a couple of teeth that when a filling fell out, i was left with 4x points sticking-up instead!
Reply:my God a novel, get over it! Do you want to run around with missing or rotten teeth? I do not know anyone that loves to go, it is kind of like something you just gotta do.
Reply:luna, darling i am a terrible person to have to help anyone get over dentophobias

they a freaken scary

one slaped me when i was a little kid i totaly feel your pain.

but it is one of those things in life that is horrible but we must face. if you have a nice one then it can still be scay but this whey there alot less likely to hurt you atleast.im not a dentist talking to you to tell you you have to go im your friend..
Reply:Sedation dentistry is the answer to many people's prayers. Google it, and your city and see whose name comes up

it's explained in layman's terms www.cent4dent.com
Reply:don't worry it's normal but as for me my father is in Ghana(west Africa) and he is a dentist who works for the military so i'm not afraid of dentists.
Reply:it ' s OK to be afraid of a dentist , we are one time or another!
Reply:Hi Vixen.

I'm not surprised you are afraid of dentists after your experiences when you were younger.

I don't know where you live but maybe there is something like this where you are.

Here in the UK, dental services are arranged by PCTs (Primary Care Trusts) They are not in charge of the dentists, but they can help you to find one.

If there is an organisation like a PCT where you live maybe you could contact them and tell them your problem. Ask them if they can arrange for you to register with a sympathetic dentist who can help you to overcome your fear. Some dentists are good at hypnotherapy, and use it to overcome patients' anxiety.

Any opinion on a dentist that uses a lab to model front crowns vs. one that does it himslef?

2010-05-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

Is one necessarily better than the other? My regular dentist sent off to a lab to make a model of my teeth with crowns, and another one says he does that work up himself whose main practice is cosmetic dentistry.

I dont know which is a superior method.

I dont know if this is another way to judge or not, but my regular dentist's office is always really busy and the cosmetic one wasnt only one person in there when I went. He spent almost an hour talking to me about it, where my regular dentist is really busy and doesnt spend a lot of time explaining it but you can write him an email.

Also at my regular dentist I had my 2 cavities filled and when I was at this cosmetic one he said I had several. I dont know who to believe on that.

Questions thoughts comments? I just want to make sure I have the right dentist do the crowns in the front of my mouth.

Any opinion on a dentist that uses a lab to model front crowns vs. one that does it himslef?
This is the age of specialization. Most dentists don't want to make crowns, they want to send them off to a lab where someone makes them all day and has been doing it for years and years. A dentist has enough skills to learn!

A dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry might make his own crowns, especially in the front, because that's related to his specialty.

I lost some front teeth in a motorcycle accident years ago. My dentist (who is a GREAT dentist!) sent the crowns out. I was worried that they might look artificial because I've seen people with false teeth that I thought looked artificial (like really old people with big perfect shiny white teeth in front). But when they came they looked very natural! In fact they are nicer than -real- teeth!
Reply:My mothers dentist did that recently also, took impressions of her teeth and sent them to the lab so they can make a mold...many dentists do that....I prefer that, than its quicker...it doesnt make one dentist better than the other....thats pretty much all the dentists I have dealt with in the past do......

As far as your dentist not having time to talk to you!!! thats not good, and they should at least give you some time to ask any questions, regarding your concerns which would be normal.....I know some offices are super busy but thats no excuse, you are a patient too....

As far as the cavities, did your dentist take x-rays? or were these cavities you had before and were do for another filling?

Did the cosmetic dentist, take x-rays to determine you had several cavities? besides, your primary dentist would have all the x-rays of your mouth. Stick with one doctor, so there are no confusions........If you are NOT happy with someone's services, than you should consider another dentist....there are many great dentists out there and that would at least talk to you after a visit and answers any questions or concerns you may have.......if they are to busy for you, than you should go elsewhere.....

art

NHS dentist in SouthWest London ?

2010-05-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Can anyone recommend a good NHS dentist in or around Wimbledon? I'm terrified of going to the dentist but after my tooth broke in half I need a good dentist urgently. If you could recommend a good one I would appreciate it immensely.

NHS dentist in SouthWest London ?
Hey mate, i work for a company who have a branch in wandsworth sw 18 and is taking on NHS patients, call them number is 0208 877 3975, got 2 dentists working there and their both great!

located at 203 wandsworth high street

NHS Dentist Charges?

2010-05-21T18:39:00.002-07:00

I have recently seen a new dentist and he told me I needed 4 fillings (I know, naughty boy and all that) at an agreed cost of £46. I went to see him last week, he did 2 of them and I paid for everything.

This week, I go back to find the dentist I saw has left and this other bloke has taken over. He gets me in the chair, messes around for a while then tells me that I need a crown on one of my teeth as after drilling, there's nothing for him to work with and the cost will be an extra £150!

Now, if I was taking my car into the garage for tyres, got back and was told that the exhaust was rotten and brake discs were replaced so it's an extra £150, I'd be fuming which is exactly what I am about this.

Can he do this? We had agreed a price for a set course of treatment. Can my dentist really charge me that much extra for work we didn't agree to and, to be honest, I simply can't afford?

NHS Dentist Charges?
Your treatment plan can change half way through depending on what the dentist finds when he starts the treatment, this in its self is not unusual.

If your tooth is badly broken down then other then taking it out (which i don't recommend) your only option is a crown.

There are 3 treatment band charges, for fillings you are charged a band 2 which is £43.60, if you need a crown which involves a lab bill you are charged band 3 which is £194.

You can request that you have a written quote for your treatment plan but these are also subject to change.

Qualified Dental Nurse

Experience 10yrs+

Charge bands:-

Band 1 £15.90 (check up, x-rays, scale and polish)

Band 2 £43.60 (all of the above and fillings)

Band 3 £194 (all of the above and crowns, bridge work etc)

These charges were changed as of the 1st April 2007
Reply:hell no. my dentist always writes down any treatment needed on a chart BEFORE commencing any work and we both sign it when the price has been agreed!

it seems this bloke is pushing his luck to see how long he can get away with it.

dont know wether it is illegal or not but it is very wrong!!
Reply:Well if you DO need a crown on one of your teeth, then yes, you do have to pay more - it can be difficult sometimes to know how badly decayed the tooth is until the dentist starts drilling, and sometimes it turns out to be more badly affected than it first looked.

But under the new NHS guidelines, you would then have to pay £139, which would include the initial checkup, the fillings AND the crown, and since you've already paid £46, you should only have to pay an extra £93, so it definitely sounds like he's trying to rip you off from that point of view.
Reply:Yes he can do this. The agreement you made was with the other dentist that is no longer there. YOU should have asked the new dentist up front how much he would charge you before allowing him to do any work on your teeth. The new dentist cant be held to another dentist's agreement.
Reply:You had agreed with the previous dentist that he would do a specific amount of work for a specific price and you PAID that price in advance...... when you went back to the dentist, it was a new guy and he found he had to do MORE WORK that was previously not negotiated with the first dentist---and you allowed the second dentist to do the extra work---BINGO---he IS correct in charging you extra money---you verbally agreed to let him or it was verbally INFERRED that you gave him the OK to do the crown---so, therefore--you are out of luck on this one---BUT, you have a new crown for MUCH less then it would have cost you here in the States....

Going to the dentist....?

2010-05-21T18:39:00.001-07:00

I was talking to a friend and i mentioned to him that I was going to the dentist, but I was going home first to brush my teeth then he asked me why am I going home to brush my teeth if I'm going to the dentist. supposively he doesnt brush before going to the dentist "GROSH" I do. How many of you feel that going to the dentist with a clean mouth is a better choice and if you agree with my friend why?

Going to the dentist....?
i brush my teeth before i go b/c i don't want to be embarassed by me breath and have the dentist look at me weird...lol %26lt;3
Reply:i brush always bring my tooth brush and brush my teeth at the dentist before, however, my dentist says it doesnt matter, unless its like oreos or something, and that sometimes they have patients eat oreos purposly before going to a certain nurse, just to annoy the nurse. i brush before, and so does the rest of my family.
Reply:i brush before. just something ive always done.
Reply:Suprisingly, many people do not brush their teeth before they come. I prefer brushed teeth b/c it means less picking/work for me. However, many parents no longer teach these kinds of things along with other morales and values that should be taught.
Reply:You'd be surprised the amount of people who dont brush their teeth before coming to visit us and after many years it still makes my stomach churn.

Cleaning the teeth before in my opinion is a must, there is nothing worse than checking the teeth and taking an xray only to find a lump of something green and sinister sitting on the xray film packet, YUCK!!!!!

It all boils down to dental etiquette, some people dont clean before hand as they normally get them cleaned by the dentist and feel it's a waste of time, the thing that never ceases to amaze me is the people who munch on a bar of chocolate before an appointment, claim to never eat sweets and then scream blue murder when a cavity is discovered, Utterly Priceless!
Reply:I understand your concern. My dentist actually makes all patients brush their teeth before being seen. I love that because if I don't have time to go home and brush first I can do it before I see him anyway.
Reply:it is definitely gross to see chunks of food on someones teeth...

you should at least swish and spit before going

Need Advice About My Dentist (root canal)?

2010-05-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

January- was feeling the pain. 1st appt I could get was the 1st week of February.

I live in the middle of nowhere %26amp; this is the only dentist in town (Moved from Los Angeles where dentists abound!)

Dr Country Dentist said I need a root canal %26amp; my tooth is abscessed. Gave me antibiotics %26amp; sets appt a month later.

March- I had my 1st portion of the Root Canal Treatment. I've had root canals before... all seemed well so far. Next appointment was set for MAY! I was thinking that was an awfully long time... but hey, he's the dentist...

I went to my 2nd treatment appointment yesterday. It is not finished!!! Now I'm starting to wonder what is up. He says I need to come back in AUGUST. What??? My other two root canals were finished within a month back in CA.

7 months to treat a tooth?

Am I seeing a Bumpkin Dentist?

Should I drive 100 miles to the big city?

Is this normal?

Its prepaid- he isn't going for additional $$.

Just worried he doesn't know what he's doing! 7 mos?

Need Advice About My Dentist (root canal)?
WTF?!

BEFORE you tottaly give up on him.

go to at least 2 more dentists and get other opinions about it.

because that dentist just might be doing that over and Over and OVER again just to make money.

because you and me and everybody else knows that they make $$$BIG BUCKKS$$$.

they just want their money.

that's all.
Reply:Run away run away, I have had several root canals and all were done in 2 appointments within a months time, two at the longest and that was due to the winter holidays. I'm sorry this was pre-paid but this is a very unusually long time for him to take. Good luck.
Reply:He may be a bumpkin, but I doubt it. My husband had an abcessed tooth and needed a root canal. He had to go back 3 times to finish up the root canal and the appointments were spaced far apart to wait for the infection to clear up. Sometimes tooth infections take a long time to clear up.

If you don't feel confident in your dentist, then you should go see someone else. But I think your dentist is doing an OK job. Talk with him and ask him why its taking so long, I'm sure he will explain it to you.
Reply:Seven months is an awfully long time, and I imagine the expense is making you crazy. I've had a few root canals myself, but none that took this long. Sometimes I would have to wait for the infection to clear out of the tooth before the dentist would perform the duty. Of course, it didn't take months for this to happen. Not sure if this is your case, but it is something to consider. Small town dentist might also be backed up, so that is why his schedule seems so spread out. The repeated visits are suspect, though. I agree about going in for a second opinion. It might cost you a little, but you want to be able to be comfortable with your dentist (as hard as that is), and this guy seems to be leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth (and it's NOT the gloves that are doing it this time). Tooth pain is nothing to laugh about, and if this happens again, don't you want to feel confident when you go in for treatment? Good luck!
Reply:Perhaps he has a long waiting list, you know being the only Dentist in the area. However, I would advise you to get it done else where preferably by an Endodontist.
Reply:YOU ARE NOT BEING TOLD THE FULL STORY. He has a duty to tell you all that is going on, and if you leave his office with unanswered questions in your mind, he violated his legal duty to you.

This appears to be a case where he was negligent and reckless in the way he made the canal.-----

he cracked the tooth by using too large a drill or not making the canal in the right place, so that the heat of the drill or him making the canal too close to the tooth wall led to the tooth cracking from the heat of the drilling process. If that happened , and he didn’t tell you of the crack, it is FRAUDULENT CONCEALMENT for which you can sue for plenty and not get just the damages of losing your tooth (that’s whats got to happen if the tooth cracked) but you can also get punitive damages over and above what you get for your injuries and suffering. These dentists are no fools. They want you to be steered his cohorts who will back him up to cover up the fraud if you sue. So, get not just your own choice of dentist to fix the problem if it can be fixed, or to extract the tooth if that is the end of it all, but also get a malpractice lawyer to take this cheater to the cleaners. His malpractice insurance company will have to pick up the tab for the $$$ you have coming. Just watch out for the dentist who stops before he completes the root canal and tells you to come back in a week or two or even longer or refers you to another dentist when your problems surface. That's a sign he ruined the tooth; the tooth cracked and he wants to conceal it from you, so when you come back you will be told he found it cracked and accuses you of eating something real hard that caused the crack, not his negligence and malpractice. If that happens to you (and it happens all the time), go immediately to another dentist and ask him to tell you what's wrong with the truth. If the second dentist is truthful, he will disclose to you that the tooth is cracked. Dont tell him the name of the dentist who damaged the tooth; he may call that dentist u p and the two will conspire to mislead you into thinking it didnt happen when the first dentist did it. The first dentist probably drilled off the required path of drilling or used too large a drill that heated up the tooth, weakened it and it cracked.

The guy PUTS YOU O FF TO AUGUST TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PAIN LATER ON AND HE CAN SAY IT ALL HAPPENED WHEN YOU ATE SOMETHING HARD. ACTUALLY IT WAS HIS MALPRACTICE AND FRAUDULENT CONCEALMENT THAT GENERATED YOUR FUTURE AND PAST TROUBLES!!!!

Good luck. You are dealing with treacherous people

hiking shoes

Going to the dentist....?

2010-05-21T18:38:00.002-07:00

The Dentist turned my son away!!!!! :(My son is only 4) I have never been so mad. Need advise?

2010-05-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

I made him a dentist appointment for 11:30 keep in mind this is a pediatric dentist. When I get their the lady said that his appointment was not until 1:00 pm. I was upset because I would have not wrote down 11:30am if that is not what I was told. She told me that she called to verify his coverage through peachcare and he did not have coverage she gave me the number to call. and told me to straighten everything out while waiting until 1:00pm.I went home and called I was told he had coverage and there is no problem.I should not have been told that.At 1:00 we go back up there I told the lady what she said,filled put papers and we were called back. I remind you he is 4 and this is his first time at the dentist so he started crying. as soon as he stared crying she told us to go ahead and leave b/c she was not going to put up with him crying. She said this is why I make app for in the morning(omg) i had one but was told 1:00 KIDS CRY??? What actions should I take against her?

The Dentist turned my son away!!!!! :(My son is only 4) I have never been so mad. Need advise?
You and your son did nothing wrong. The experience sounds like a nightmare. Be glad it's over. Don't ever go back.

You had that many problems at your first appointment. You could have expected further problems at the next ones with them. The receptionist sounds like a total idiot. She will lose the dentist so many patients with her incompetance that she'll probably lose her job anyway. In the meantime, you can warn your friends about them who will warn their friends who will warn their friends, etc.. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. You could also write to the dentist directly and tell him/her what a rude, witch the receptionist is.

Forget that dentist's office. Hopefully you live somewhere where you have more than one to choose from. Better luck at the next one.
Reply:Switch dentists, this one does not deserve your business.
Reply:i'd be mad, too (I would not have left, but asked to speak to one of the dentists). You could complain to somebody else in the office, but no point having her raise your blood pressure any higher. Let it go and switch dentists.
Reply:OMG....i really dont know what action you can do, iguess just let us know what Dentist it is because i know i will never go there..
Reply:Settle down and go ahead and make the appointment, but I suggest you make a letter to either the head dentist of the office or the Better Business Bureau. It was completely uncalled for, rude and ignorant of her. Best of luck, and if you need more advice on this topic, feel free to give me an email (it's posted on my profile).
Reply:I would not only switch dentists, but I would write that dentist an angry letter detailing the unprofessional behavior of the office staff.

You have every right to be angry, but it will not do you much good. Put your anger into a really good letter. Tell about her attitude, her disorganization, and her lack of professionalism.

good luck with the new dentist!
Reply:He should have gone before the age of 4.I have worked as a dental nurse and had crying children as a result of there parents not bringing them at a young age and as a result had things chucked at me and kicked.You can't treat a child that's crying and kicking etc .So no action its your fault at the end of the day.
Reply:if this was all office staff then i would call and ask to speak with the dentist or whoever is in charge of the clinic

if it was the dentist being rude then i would call the better business bereau and let them know and i would change dentists
Reply:Find a different dentist. The one we go to specialize in children. Look around at children dentistry in your area ask friends and family for recommendations. I honestly would not go back there again, that is not the way I would want my dentist to treat my children.

Good luck

Tips on finding a dentist who doesn't terrify you!?

2010-05-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

I am sure I am not the only person in the world who has a ridiculous, unfounded fear of dentistry. I haven't been to the dentist in over 4 years because of it, and now I have to go cos I have had a tooth ache for the last few days. I'm on the verge of having an anxiety attack just thinking about going to the dentist!

My last dentist was alright as far as handling my fear but now I have moved away from that town and have to find a new dentist. How should I go about finding a dentist that is nice and understanding about this fear that I have? Any recommendations?

Tips on finding a dentist who doesn't terrify you!?
Call them and ask about fearful patients. Listen to their tone. I've went to several dentists, and some ppl may not agree but when the receiptionist is nice, I usually get good care. I've had ones who said,"who are you?" and really mean dentist. Also, ask what they offer for fearful patients. You may not use them but knowing that they have it means they are ready to deal with ppl who are nervous. Most are really nice these days compared to back then. Just remember that if they are really rude or mean, you can always walk out. Make a date for after the dentist so the whole day is not devoted to the dentist. Like plan a movie, dinner, etc. And pump urself up by saying,"Get it over with!" Also, just think, two months from now, you'll do new things and the dentist appt was just something that had to be done and now it's done. EVERYONE'S scared of the dentist so ur not alone. Just tell them ur scared also and they'll treat you very gently. Good luck!
Reply:Don't go to the dentist! If your teeth fall out you can still eat apple sauce!
Reply:Go to the dentist's office and listen for screaming.

If you hear any then RUN!
Reply:I would suggest you examine your fear first. Many people fear dentists and doctors for a variety of reasons. For me, its needles. The dentist can Xray me, look in my mouth, and even shove that little mirror in there and I'm fine. But the moment someone pulls out a needle, I'm gone, and woe betide anyone between me and the door.

Try to narrow down what exactly it is that you fear, and then discuss this, over the phone if necessary, with a few of your local dentists. It may be what you fear will not be necessary for dealing with your toothache. 99% of dentists will understand and do their best to work with you. If they dont, or if they disregard your fears, they are not worth your time, money, or fear. They may tell you, honestly, that they dont feel they can make you comfortable in their setting. If that happens, ask them if they know someone who can. Eventually you'll find someone who can work with you. On the other hand, if there is a problem bad enough to cause you lasting pain, its probably bad enough to get worse if left untreated. And in dentistry, a worse problem usually means a worse solution. So DONT WAIT! Good luck to you!
Reply:well, I know this may sound crazy, but see if a pediatric dentist will take you, you might feel better there since they probablly have to deal with scared kids all the time.
Reply:I think you should find a dentist that your family or a close friend sees. Explain to the person that answers the phone that you have a fear and ask what they offer. Sometimes they offer sedation, laughing gas or other options. They understand and will know how to deal with your situation.
Reply:OH my goodness the best thing for you is to look into sleep or sedation dentistry! You wont feel a thing and generally these types of dentists know you're a little afraid going into it so they're really nice! Check out this directory for a lot of different specialized dentists:

http://www.san-diego-dentist.us

http://san-diego-dentists.blogspot.com

http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-dieg...

http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/tijuana-...

http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-dieg...

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http://www.medical-research-study-direct...

http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/...

Any dentist or hygienist out there? How much does a white crown/fillings and veneers materials cost you?

2010-05-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

1 crown dentist price $---.--?

1 white filling dentist material cost $--.--

Upper front veneers dentist cost$----.--

No labor cost just product please.

Thank You!

Any dentist or hygienist out there? How much does a white crown/fillings and veneers materials cost you?
It really depends where you are but in the uk the prices are:

Crown £80 - £200

White filling £30 - £100

Upper Veneer £80 - £150

Hope this gives you an idea

golf shoes

Fear and embarrassment of going to the dentist.....????

2010-05-17T21:03:00.003-07:00

when I was 14 I had the worst dentist experience in my life. I got cuts inside my mouth and bruises on my cheeks from the dentist. I am now 22 and have not been to the dentist for work since. I had a dentist check up last year in March (my first since I was 14!) and I had 10 small cavities and one of my fillings cracked my tooth and another filling fell out. So I know I need 2 root canals and cavities filled. Plus I need root scaling done on all quadrants of my mouth. When I was younger I know I wasn't up to par on taking care of my teeth. (ex: forgetting to brush before I went to sleep or not flossing everyday) but I take good care of my teeth now but the damage is already done. The thing is, I have made 5 dentist appts. in the last month and canceled them all! I am terrified of the dentist. When I call to make the appt. I am shaky and my eyes get teary. My teeth are now starting to bother me and I want to get them fixed but I am scared and embarrassed at what the dentist will say...

Fear and embarrassment of going to the dentist.....????
go get it fixed before it gets worse.

theyve seen it ALL before.
Reply:why?just be strong to do everything
Reply:Yes
Reply:Have a friend call and make you go there. 10 cavities is A LOT.
Reply:go to the dentist. cuts can heal, but teeth will need major surgery and that means pain and no solids. you NEED to go. just tell them not to cut you, and why you cancel and tell them about your experiences. a nice doctor will be gentle and nice and understanding.
Reply:If I were you I would go to the dentist and have them fix it you have to listen to them to prevent the damage from getting more severe and then losing your teeth. You want nice teeth dont you? There is really nothing to be scared of..I was like that too but I had overcome it. I had many cavities well I believe 10 and i never felt pain when they fixed it. So whatever the dentis tell you just listen to them and remain calm dont go and have a panic attack . Im sure youll do fine.
Reply:It is probably better to be brave and go and get it fixed before it gets even worse.

Would you rather spend some time at the dentist getting your teeth fixed or having to live with the cavities for the rest of your life?

You don't have to worry about anything, the dentists will be nice to you, and if it does get to much and you can't take it, i'm sure if you put up your hand to stop them they will let you sit up and just calm down a bit. Its what you want, you have the power to tell them to stop.

Everything will be fine.
Reply:I am extremely afraid of dentist i cry just calling the office, so I know how you feel. call around make sure you find a dentist that is good at working on a person afraid of dentist. then explain your fear they can give you a pill before you go in to calm you down. I have even went to a dentist and had nothing done more then meet him and make sure he knew my fear second have a friend make the appoinment and take you denist do not care if you bring someone. Have the work you feel the easiest to handle done first. The night before you go get a good nights sleep if you can and bring music to listen to while you are there then while you are waiting you do not have to listen to the noises that make it more freaky. I waited to long once due to fear and what would have been a simple fix turned into a nightmare because i let to much damage be done and you know what the dentist said nothing other then he hoped that it had been a better experince and i would come back and get more work done he is now my dentist :)
Reply:I'm not surprised you have a fear of dentists, it sounds like your old dentist was just plain incompetent!

Go to your new dentist and explain that you have a phobia; it's very common and he or she will be able to advise you.

I think you should make a phone call, say that you have a phobia and ask for just a check-up and then to have treatment the next day - or even later the same day if possible.

Come to think of it, it might help your nerves if you go there in person so you can get used to the sight and smell of the place.

Explain that you are in urgent need of treatment and that you NEED to have all the work done quickly - if you are paying for private treatment (I assume you're in the USA) then you should be able to get the appointments when you want them - don't let them fob you off with "oh, umm... yes I think we can fit you in sometime in September and the next after that will be Mid-October". When you are paying for a service, insist on GOOD service!

It's much easier to go to the dentist again if you have been recently because you'll have gotten over the fear of it, but the anxiety may return if you leave it for weeks and months so arrange to have treatment all done in as small a time-frame as possible.

It's extremely important that you get your teeth sorted RIGHT NOW, you are already suffering from necrotized (rotting) roots

and the problem is going to get much worse if you don't get treatment. At the moment you stand a pretty good chance of not losing any teeth, but 5 years from now you could lose half of them - just like that, all gone.

I think you already know what the dentist will say; he or she will just say "okay, you'll need root canal treatment on this tooth and this tooth".... And that's about it. Your dentist isn't going to give you some kind of withering stare like you're a shoplifter or something. It's just a job they do every day and they've seen it all a hundred times before.

If you feel embarrassed, brush your teeth and use mouthwash before you go (and lay off the garlic); having minty fresh breath should make you feel a little better.
Reply:dont be scared!!! is it u dont feel comfortable with ur dentist??? my dentist is the best she is female very sweet.. not psycho!!
Reply:My dentist knows i have dental phobia, and fear of the needle and was tied the chair at age 2. i take my stuffed animal in with me, ask the asst. to hold my hand, and tell the dentist i am a huge baby, i take an eye sleep mask and put it on so i don't see the things going in and out of my mouth.

i DO have the DENTIST perscribe pain meds, and xanax or valium to calm me down. once i'm in the chair and numbed up i'm fine.

I have had 3 wonderful dentists, all give me anti-anxity meds, and pain pills and call me a cab or make sure i have a ride.

Many dentist have the GAS!! woowho!! that is so fun, who cares, let them do anything. So you have many options.

i always have a taxi same driver pick me up and or a friend take me to the dentist and someone give me a ride home. I just won't go otherwise.

your fears are real.

thank god there are drugs and good ones out there to help you thur this horrid time in your life.

I even went to a children's dentist.

i listen to headset, music,, ear plugs, sleep mask, bring in my favorite relaxing jasmine perfume, anything it takes to help me be calm, do bring a pillow to support your neck and breathe.

the dentist i went to last week, had me do a meditation with her to help relieve my fear and stress.

good luck, get a driver, and meds, friends, pharmacy and dentists who perscribe meds want you to be comfortable, believe me, we all are big babies, and afraid, some of these answers the people have lied!

i have cried in the chair, refused to open my mouth, but now i have meds, and am proud to go head bowed and get the much needed work.

i wish u the best of luck!!!

i finish root canal number 1 tuesday and deep root cleanning after that. more drugs please!!
Reply:The problem is not going to go away. You need to go the Dentist and get over these fears. I do not recommend the same dentist, obviously. There are allot of real professionals out there that will take care of you.

After the shot the rest is a piece of cake. If you do not doing anything your going to be in so much pain from tooth decay that you would do anything. Get in and see what can be fixed.
Reply:They have sedation dentistry...it is perfectly safe and you will get a good nap too! You should consider this. When you make your appointment (even to a regular dentist) tell them how nervous you are and you may need some extra time....when you get there they will talk you thru it and be extra nice. Don't be embarrassed, you can think that your teeth are really bad but, if you knew how many terrible mouths that they have looked in on one day you wouldn't feel bad. More people come in with really bad teeth than the people that have good teeth because they don't need work done. Also you may want to start really small like just having one filling. It will help you build your confidence in the dentist and see that its not that bad. I know you don't want to hear this but if you don't start taking care of your teeth by getting them fixed you will eventually lose them......Good Luck and remember you can do it!
Reply:I only remember my parents taking me to the dentist when a tooth was bothering me. Well by that time it's to late for an easy solution like a filling. I would end up needing root canals'. Now, as an adult I have acquired a great anxiety of going to the dentist. So, to build my courage I looked up pics of tooth decay... and boy did I get the courage to make an appt. And when I was done I felt a great sense of relief. Although, I need 2 crowns and ALL wisdom teeth surgically removed. P.S. I had my kids look at the pics too, they went running for their toothbrushes and floss.

My dentist has refused my preferred treatment, how can i challenge him?

2010-05-17T21:03:00.002-07:00

At 23 I have extremely crooked teeth. I was bullied in school, people stare and it ruins my self confidence. This is not a sob story, I understand human nature.

I am a student and should be attending university this October. I explained to my new NHS dentist that I wanted my top front six teeth removed and replaced with a partial denture (£200-300) until such a time that I could afford implants. My dentist refused but explained that he might be able to do two separate bridges at the cost of 2 - 3k. He refused my partial denture because of my age. I explained that I couldn’t afford 2 - 3k. He referred me to an orthodontic specialist. His rate is £130.00 for 30 mins, not to mention the cost of the treatment.

My question to you guys is this, if at 23 a man can have his penis removed during gender altering surgery then why cant I have request to have my teeth removed taken seriously? How do I challenge my dentist and who is my first point of contact?

My dentist has refused my preferred treatment, how can i challenge him?
I agree, get a different dentist if you are serious. There are going to be docs, dentists, or whatever in their professions that have their own personal thoughts of what is right/wrong. In this dentists opinion, he feels it is wrong to give you the partial denture at your young age. Did you ask him why? I know you have your reasons why you want it done...and maybe his reasons would be of no concern to you, but you should probably take into serious consideration as to why he is so against it. I am guessing though, if it is something you really want, you can get it done...you just have to find a dentist that will be okay with it.

Have you, however, thought about another solution to this issue with your teeth? I am guessing that your teeth are otherwise healthy and fine (which is probably why the dentist is hesitant). If so, maybe you should look into another way to feel more confident about it. Such as getting a few books (in the self help section) that address this issue, you would be surprised at what little things you can read/hear from someone that really make an impact (obviously you know, in the opposite end of the spectrum). You will never get everyone around you to be okay with something about you that is "different"..but you most certainly work on making yourself okay with it..and that can make all the difference in the world.
Reply:Change dentists.

If your paying for this service then you can go anywhere.
Reply:Challenge him to a duel!
Reply:Change your dentist.
Reply:Kind of agree with your dentist currently in the process of major dental work...it is a lot of money...but at least you'll still have your teeth...

Try shopping around different dentists...different prices or contact the NHS directly and ask if there's anything they can do...they pay for things sometimes if you convince them its ruining your life...

Keep banging on their door till they hear you out!!
Reply:ask him outside for a square go
Reply:contact dentist syndicate in his country and in his region
Reply:You have the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS treatment using the NHS complaints procedure. To use the procedure you must usually be a patient or a former patient of the practitioner or institution concerned, although it is possible to complain on behalf of someone else. If you want to complain on behalf of another person, the hospital or practice must agree that you are a suitable representative.

Follow the link below to find out more about:

Time limits for making a complaint

Financial compensation

There is also more info on where and how to file a complaint, or .............. change your dentist.
Reply:get a second opinion! if all the dentists you talked to (excluding quacks,liers, and rip-off artists) have the same answer, got to listen to them. unless of course they can come up with another idea that costs less, you'll have to weight it out. as for the men you said who could , ahem, have their penis removed, if the doctors were female, they must not care. if they were men,they must be gay and understanding, or they want more money which the patient can provide. but then again,it's possible that they,too, don't care.
Reply:I'm a woman and have 2 very painful abscess under my bridge for months and have had too many courses of antibiotics. My dentist told me that the NHS no longer fund expensive treatment, bridge work or root canal treatment which i need. He referred me to the London hospital of dentistry hoping they may fund it, no chance. They then kindly offered to remove the tooth but as its the tooth holding my bridge i would loose 5 teeth to the side and front of my mouth, how attractive. As i gave up work to care for my child with disabilities, i cant afford the hundred of pounds it would cost so I'm now having to drain puss from my gums every few hours so try and stop the build up. Unfortunately, this is now the state of our NHS service.not enough resources to cover the influx of people coming into the country who also need dental treatment. The government must make money available for cases like this. As for a challenge, i don't know but if you do anything, let me know. BTW, a woman i know has just had breast implants, on the NHS of course!
Reply:The dentist is legally obliged to do treatment that is clinically necessary - removing teeth that are sound just because you don't like them cosmetically is crazy. A partial denture can lead to gum disease and the loss of your other teeth. they need taking out at night - not attractive when you pull someone at the student bar and take them home for the night! That's if you pull cos dentures lead to halitosis ( bad breath) so no one would come near you anyway! Implants to replace the missing teeth will cost roughly £10,000 from a reputable trust worthy dentist. ( of course it's cheaper if you want to go somewhere abroad were their cross-infection standards and clinical skills are questionable) . Then you'll probably need bone grafting as if the implants aren't placed within 3 months of the removal of you're own teeth then you start to loose bone so they will need to graft bone from your hip to replace it.Instead of criticising your dentist thank him he's saving you a lot of problems in the future.

Why don't dentist care about inflicting pain? They could avoid causing pain, if they wanted to, but don't.

2010-05-17T21:03:00.001-07:00

Dentist can inject an anesthesia with their needles into your gums without causing any pain, if they wanted to, but they don't seem to care. I know for a fact they can, because I've had it done. You would think they would care, in order to keep their clients. Most dentist remind me of Steve Martin in "Little House of Horrors" where he played a sociopathic dentist that relished in causing pain, which makes me wonder if Martin's portrayal was telling us the truth about dentist. It seems true to me.

Why don't dentist care about inflicting pain? They could avoid causing pain, if they wanted to, but don't.
i never had a dentist who didn't use novacane or something else to numb my gums.

let your dentist know you require an anesthetic....

it's not that hard.
Reply:it sounds like you need a new dentist. my dentist never causes me pain. of course i havent ever had a cavity, but i have never been in pain at the dentist, neither has my hubby and he has cavities.
Reply:no i dont agree totally with u,every dentist wants his patients to get rid of his pain immediately,but to give a anesthia its not easy he will have to check the patients body conditions and quite few important vital stastics to be taken and if needed he wouls give a aneasthia.so donot think dentist wants his pat to suffer in pain
Reply:i so AGREE with you. I actually refuse to go to the dentist now because of this. I even woke up when they were surgically removing my wisdom teeth and told me to bear with them b/c they were almost done. I was like WHAT????!!!!! I've never been back to a dentist since then.

Stupid dentist!!!?

2010-05-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

Melbourne Dentist - Looking For A Melbourne Dentist - HELP!?

2010-05-17T21:02:00.003-07:00

Hi,

I'm looking for a Melbourne dentist but I don't want to go to just anyone.

You see, I'm new to Melbourne, and want a recommendation or something. You know, someone you trust.

Anyway, I'm a little nervous because it's been a couple of years since I've been to one. (Ok. Being busy is not an excuse :) ) And I just don;t know who to choose.

Anyway, if you know of a Melbourne dentist you can recommend, just let me know.

Melbourne Dentist - Looking For A Melbourne Dentist - HELP!?
Welcome to Melbourne. It's the best place in Australia!

Now, to answer your question. There are a number of dentists in Melbourne who offer the same sort of work. Stuff like general family dentistry, preventative care, tooth whitening and other things.

You may find you get on with one more than another.

Anyway, here's a dentist in Melbourne I think is worth calling and speaking too.

http://www.dentistsmelbournecbd.com.au

Going to the Dentist! Questions?

2010-05-17T21:02:00.002-07:00

I'm going to the dentist. I have a small cavity on the front tooth. Its small and I'm really LAZY! So will it only take 1 appointment to get the filling? Or will it take more?

Like most people, I HATE, ABSOLUTELY HATE Novacaine shots. I think music will calm me down, do all dentist allow an Ipod or MP3 player while they are drill my tooth?

I have 3 rooth canals done on me. And Its filled with silver. I heard that the silver fillnigs can "go bad" and it needs to be replaced. Do I have to go back to my original dentist that put the fillings in to replace it or can I just go the my new dentist to replace the filling?

Going to the Dentist! Questions?
Yes, you can take your ipod or mp3. It depends, they may have to check your tooth before doing a filling. Silver fillings can go bad over the years, just like other fillings. Your new dentist can check them to see if they are ok, but any tooth with a root canal should have a crown on it to prevent breakage and tooth loss.
Reply:You can go to a new dentist. In fact, your new dentist would prefer that you did.
Reply:The varous dentist offices I've been in all play music. Novacaine has been improved and doesn't have all the side effects it used to, nor the lingering numb lips and tongue thing. Silver fillings are replaced with porcelain. Any dentist can do that. Dentists don't allow patients to bring in their own electronic equipment. Relax.

Can dentist's extract impacted wisdom teeth in the UK or do you have to go to hospital?

2010-05-17T21:02:00.001-07:00

Am sure dentist's can do it right? my dentist is from the NHS as am not working at the moment, i got a appoitment tommorrow, surely a dentist is trained to extracted impacted teeth or tooth arent they? thanks.

Can dentist's extract impacted wisdom teeth in the UK or do you have to go to hospital?
had mine out in hospital about 10 years ago. top two and bottom two.
Reply:yeah, dentists can do that in their office. although he has to be a licensed surgeon of that field. i forgot what its called. but yeah, he can remove the impacted tooth in his office. ihad mine removed, it only took him like 45 minutes to open it up, remove it and sew it back. but we had to go to a specialist not just a general dentist
Reply:you have to go to a dental hospital which is normally in a hospital as they dont have the resources in a normal dental surgery. you wouldnt have and operation in your doctor surgery would you ?
Reply:you have to be refered to the hospital by your dentist so wheter dentists can do it or not you'll still have to see your dentist
Reply:It depends if you have to undergo GA. If you need GA, you need to go to hospital where it's safer. If you needed to be resuscitated they have the equipment and crash team.
Reply:Depends how bad it is as I had one out last year by my dentist and it was straightforward and didn't need stitching
Reply:Depends on the experience of the dentist and the degree of impaction there.. It is often better to have an Oral Surgeon do the procedure but can be done with sedation not necessarily a general
Reply:hi there i am a dental nurse and a dentist can carry out the extraction if he/she feels confident that they can do it this is usually determined from an xray showing the root shape and positioning and if a lower tooth how close the tooth lies to the nerve. confidence of the dentist would depend on the experience that they have in doing such extractions within a dental surgery this procedure can be carried out under local anaesthetic with or without sedation patient and dentist qualification pending. a referral to the hospital would be sent if the dentist feels that it is necessary due to difficulty or if a GA was needed and it is felt to be in the best interest of the patient.

all the best at your visit

When Dentist Numb Teeth.?

2010-05-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

when the dentist is about to numb a tooth, the poke the needle in the gums right? not actually in the tooth? i have a root canal today and when the dentist told me i needed a root canal, on thursday, i was cool about it, i wasnt that nervous, but now after reading all the experiences of other people, i scared to death. please tell me its not going to hurt, my dentist seems like a nice person.

When Dentist Numb Teeth.?
First, yes, the dentist will inject the gingival area around the tooth, not the tooth itself. He will also first apply a topical anesthetic so that you don't feel the injections as much.

Second, root canals these days are really no big deal. I understand your aprehention though. I'm a Dental Assistant, needed two root canals, and was scared. However, it was one of the most pain free dental procedures I've had. I was only sore for a few days and Advil took care of it. It didn't hurt at all, was just a little sore. It's really not a big deal like it used to be. Technology has come a long way. You'll be fine.
Reply:he wipes gum flavour gell first an it nums it a little and as long as you dont try to bite the dentists finger of he will slide the needle in your mouth i had it done loads of times, the worst part is after it syays numb for about 2 hours! theres nutin to wurry about
Reply:They put a little gel on a cotton bud to numb the gum then they put a needle in to make the numb last then they sort it out, nothing to worry about.
Reply:There are certain nerves that the dentists aims for when he freezes you in the mouth. Quite often, dentists will put a topical cream on the intended injection sites to make it more tolerable. If you are frozen adequately, you shouldn't feel pain, only movement, or pressure (not painful pressure). If it still hurts a bit, let the dentist know that you need more freezing. Usually, the dentist will test the area of work, with something soft, before she proceeds. Root canals have a reputation of being painful, but that reputation is antiquated. It's usually a very tolerable procedure these days. Good luck.
Reply:They do not stick the needle in the tooth. Your upper teeth have nerves above each tooth so they give you the injection above the tooth. Your lower teeth have one nerve for each side and they would give you the injection in the back of your mouth and that is why the whole side gets numb.

Root canals have come a long way and they are not as bad as they use to be. Most dentists do them in 2 visits. The first visit they will remove the decay and clean out the canal with little files that they use to remove the nerve and the files also measure how long the canal is. The files get a little thicker as they continue to clean out the canal. Once they get the correct measurement they will put a little piece of cotton with some medicine in it inside the tooth and put a temporary filling in. On your second visit they will remove the filling and the cotton and continue using the files to shape the canal. Once they are done doing that they will then fill the canal with a material called Gutta Percha which is a small rubber point that they cement inside the canal to seal it. Then they will put a filling back in your tooth and you are done with the root canal. You should the have a crown done to protect the tooth. When you take the nerve of a tooth out the tooth becomes very brittle and it can break easier.

fitness shoes

Black spots .......any dentist?

2010-05-17T21:01:00.002-07:00

I had little black spots on my molars,they have been there since i was 6 or less. I'm 18 now.....I used to have a dentist phobia when I was litle.....so i never went to a dentist before last month.

I finally decided to go to the dentist, he said that I have 8 cavities and they all need filling. I was very suspecious, so I thought I'd get a second opinion. I went to another one, she said I only have three. So I was a bit confused, I thought I would get a third opinion, the third dentist said they're just small caries that won't grow up and there is no need for filling...........I felt happy when I heard that. But now I'm kinda scared it's really cavity and they're growing up inside where i can't see. What should I do?

this is a pic of how they look http://www.flickr.com/photos/23156252@N0... they're not my teeth but I took that pic and painted it and made it look like my teeth.I've had those spots since ever. they never grew bigger

Black spots .......any dentist?
If you go to 10 different dentists to look at your teeth, you are going to get 10 different opinions. Many newer dentists are into preventive dentistry, which means that maybe you do have 8 cavities, but they are very small and can be filled to prevent them from getting big. Older dentists tend to "watch" teeth that look suspicious. In my opinion, they are "watching" them get bigger. Find a dentist you have trust in and have them do the work. Going to 3 different dentists is only confusing you and in the end you're not getting the work done. You're young %26amp; I recommend that you go get all 8 teeth filled.
Reply:I am not a dentist but when it comes to small cavities I think dentists sometimes play it by ear. If you've had these for a while and they haven't changed in appearance much then they could be many things, shadows, natural deep fissures etc. Usually if a dentist is not sure you could ask for x-rays.

You could also ask for sealants, a painless procedure which helps protect deep crevices in the teeth. Not all suspicious looking areas are decay!
Reply:I suggest you to have a panoramic xray taken.Just to see if it's a cavity or not.If it is really small,then it would show very little or none at all.then the dentist could assess it from there.Sometimes,clinically,around the black spot,there's white around it,meaning the tooth is demineralizing(which is not good)-at this point,when the dentist placed a rotary instrument on it,it will just "swoosh"-drop,meaning there's a hole already inside--in that case,should be filled.It doesn't mean that because you don't feel anything,there's nothing on it.Even if its black spot or line, a preventive measure to avoid it from developing to a more serious one is to place sealants on it .Hope this helps.
Reply:According to the picture I see which is very good (Much better than my english) you have the very very early stages of carries. that means some amound of enamel (the outer and harder part if the tooth) is decomposed. Probably at this stage you dont have any symptoms, it does not hurt. Correct?

2. it would be very interesting in order to evaluate how deep that carries goes the color of the tooth around these "dak spots" is it the color of normal tooth or is it darker, a bit more blue ,a bit more pink?

3. it would be very interesting to see the mouth and evaluate if I have to do with a clean mouth (no deposits no stains good brushing) or not

So you understand that is very difficult to give a serious answer to your question. many times the dentist projects his hers personality to the treatment especially when you can see a case by both sides. the dentist who said you need many fillings is probably more aggresive and probably the last one more cosservative. If you decide to follow the last one I would suggest to reevaluate your case in 6 months to 1 year period.

But please dont be affraid of dentists We are good people
Reply:Hey, I had a similar thing in several of my teeth and my dentist used something called "diagnodent" on them, it's this special machine that they hold over the tooth and it gives them a reading of the tooth and tells them how big the cavity is. Sorry, I don't know exactly how it works, but you get a number and depending how big the number is, it tells you how big the cavity is, and based on that the dentist decided which teeth needed fillings and which ones he could leave just now. But he's going to check the ones he left every 6 months to make sure they're not getting any bigger.

All I'd say is that on my teeth what looked like just little black spots, when the dentist started drilling them, turned out to have cavities inside the tooth. Personally, I'd advise you go with the first dentist and get the fillings done while they are very small cavities - you could probably even get them done without injections while they are so small, and then you won't have to worry about them growing bigger.

First trip to dentist?

2010-05-17T21:01:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow morning is my 3 yr old daughter's first trip to the dentist. We have been talking about it for a couple weeks (not much but a little here and there.) We have read some books about teeth (arthur at the dentist, bearenstein bears dentist) and we also have watched a few tv shows (franklin at the dentist and one other one). My main concern is that I just had my wisdom teeth pulled on Thursday and ended up with dry sockets. She has seen me miserable because of the "owies in mommy's mouth." She seems a little nervous. I have explained that they are going to count and brush her teeth and that she won't get owies like mommy. Any suggestions for getting her prepared for it?

First trip to dentist?
Sounds like you have done as much as you can. Tell her that they have cool things like chairs that move up and down and fancy squirt guns (the things the assistant uses to rinse) and Mr. Thirsty (the suction). This usually gets them excited. I just took my 3 year old and he was totally cool with it until he saw the light overhead (I didn't think about it) he had just been to the ER for stitches and associated the light with the ER light. You can't think of everything...sad thing is I have worked in dental offices for years and never heard of a kid freaked out by the light! Who knows what goes in their heads!
Reply:Sounds like you are doing a great job at preparing her. A good friend of mine is an oral hygienist and she suggested that I lie my son on the floor and brush his teeth that way since that's what they'll do in the office (have them lay back). If you've got one of those rotating toothbrushes that might help too since it will be a similar sensation to the tools they use. Good luck - I'm sure she'll do fine!
Reply:What if she has a cavity? Don't promise her too much, because if she does need something done then you just lied to her.

If all is well, just tell her what you've been telling her. As far as your dental work, tell her you had broken teeth and the dentist had to fix it.
Reply:it sounds like you're going down the right path. my daughter is 17 months and she already had a visit to the dentist. she did fine. she cried a little and i was glad that she didn't bite the dentist. your daughter is 3 and she can comprehend well. she'll do fine. keep doing what you're doing and she'll do great. preparing them for it is the best step. let her know that she's a big girl. give her big encouragement. especially after the visit also.. i'm no expert on 3 year olds but i did partially raise my nephew who is now 7. good luck. :)

Our dentist was doing my husband's root canal and.....?

2010-05-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, here I go again...apparently my last question wasn't worded right. This just happened in November, a piece of the tool the dentist was using broke off in my husband's tooth. The dentist is NOW telling him to go to an oral surgeon, so he will be PAYING AGAIN for the same work! He is not saying "I am responsible for that" he is saying "I don't know what to say" we are NOT happy with that response. There is a balance I WAS paying every month, BUT I feel that I should either NOT pay it anymore OR just give $5 every month by law. Am I justified to be angry by his actions? NO dentist responses, PLEASE. Thank you....

Our dentist was doing my husband's root canal and.....?
You are right to be angry. The dentist is having a hard time admitting he did wrong. Did you talk with the dentist about your views? In reality, he should be willing to cover the oral surgeon's bill %26amp; the current root canal bill.

When my dentist didn't put a filling in completely, %26amp; I had to come back, he willingly covered the bill itself.

Try talking with the dentist, or the person who responsible for the billing at his office.
Reply:IMO you are definetly right to be angry. The breaking of the tool is either due to the dentist's error or because the tool itself was badly manufactured- either way the dentist can discuss it with his supplier, insurance man and lawyer. It should not be any of your concern (unless they want the broken off piece for evidence/ testing)

IMO the oral surgery (which IMO is absolutely necessary) should be paid for by the dentist's insurance. THEN they can argue over who is responsible until hell freezes over.

I suggest you tell the dentist all that, and if he argues simply suggest (gently, no threats) that a lawyer might be needed to assess the moral and emotional stress damages

If that does not work, get a lawyer.
Reply:How can he expect to be paid for shoddy work? If you go to a car repair shop, if they break something, they should fix it. Same thing here. I would consult a lawyer.
Reply:Ask the dentist what his intentions are regarding the additional cost of dealing with a problem he caused. He has insurance to cover such things and he has recourse thru the manufacturer of the orthodontic barb or carbide drill he was using.

If he's sending you to an oral surgeon, more than likely, he's intending to have the surgeon extract the tooth. Extracting the tooth is probably all that can be done at this point. It's nearly impossible to remove broken tools from root chambers and canals in teeth because everything is so small ... you just can't get a grip on them once they break.

Either way you have to do something. Your dentist should have told you what his plan for the problem is before sending your husband to the oral surgeon. If necessary, get an attorney to help you come to terms for the expense of the additional work. If your husband has the tooth extracted, he's going to need either a bridge to fill the gap or a partial denture. Neither of those costs should be your responsibility.

You need to know what's going on before doing anything farther, but you also need to move on this before complications set in with the tooth.
Reply:Unfortunately it's pretty common for lousy dentists to break off tools and refer you to "specialists". It happened to me by one of the worst dentists I've ever used.

Unfortunately, like the rest of the medical profession, you really can't do anything unless you can prove that what happened was negligence. And let's face it, the chances of that are nil.

I'm sure that the surgeons know who they get most of their referrals from. And probably appreciate it as well. I doubt too many good dentists have this problem regularly.

Sorry, but this is one of the "taxes" of life. Like getting a speeding ticket (I got my second of the year last Saturday from a hidden speed trap).
Reply:What you need to do is ask him to pay for the oral surgeons services.Things like that happen but he has to do something about it.

he can not just wash his hands off of it.The instrument must be very deep inside the tooth.For him to be scared of touching it.It means some damage is already done and he doesn't want to make it worst.Be firm you have rights.They charge so much for everything.At least they can do a descent job.
Reply:I had the same thing happen to me 2 years ago. They broke the tool off in my root canal and they were resposible for it. You did sign a paper saying you agree to possible chance the tool could break.

I know when the tool broke they didn't charge me anything. They gave me another dentist to go too. They may not of charged me since they were doing 2 of my teeth that day.....I don't know.

I would NOT pay for a root canal that did not get done. You shouldn't PAY for services that one Went wrong and were not completed.

I would fight all the way on that!!

First trip to dentist?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.003-07:00

Is this a dentist's protocol? (need answers from dentists pls)?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.002-07:00

for someone with braces who had to relocate, would their braces have to be taken off by their current dentist (even if it wasn't time yet) before they leave because they were told their next dentist wouldn't handle a patient who's dental treatment was started by another? is that true? is that how it is? can't dentists endorse their patients along with all the health history, x-rays etc.?

Is this a dentist's protocol? (need answers from dentists pls)?
I've been in your same situation and you shouldn't need to have your braces taken off just because the receiving dentist doesn't want to handle a case started by someone else. I would definitely seek out the opinion of another dentist (preferably an orthodontist). An orthodontist is more likely to accept your case in progress. Good luck.
Reply:HELLO,

THIS CONCERN WOULD BE BEST ADDRESSED BY A NEW ORTHODONTIST WHO'D BE WILLING TO TAKE YOUR CASE.

CALL AND FIND OUT.

Is there any Dentist in or around Oklahoma willing 4 me 2 make a small monthly pymt. I hate2 beg.?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.001-07:00

I have family that can afford to help, but 4 some reason it's like they thrive on how this humiliates me and it makes me sick because I try and do anything I can 4 the. I am just asking for help because I have run out of options. I have Medicare and Medicaid and I am Disabled. Is there any Dentist out there who has a heart and be willing to help me out? I am not asking this for free, I will pay as much as I can afford if a Dentist could just make a legal agreement for payment and make a payment plan between the Dentist and myself. I know there has got to be someone out there willing to give someone back there confidence about theirself. Thank you for any Dentist that will respond..

Is there any Dentist in or around Oklahoma willing 4 me 2 make a small monthly pymt. I hate2 beg.?
Where in Oklahoma are you? If you have called all of the ones in your town maybe try calling in some towns close by. If you are up by me (miami,ok) you might try going to Joplin, MO or Kansas? Just a thought
Reply:Dude you are telling me eh. I have tried to see a dentist for months and no go. Most seem like a pack of greedy bastards.

In my searches though, i have read that if you are disabled you should qualify for free dental care from a few places of some sort. Try your local health department for a start, if they can't help, i am pretty sure they can steer you in the right direction.

Good Luck! I hope someone gives you the help you deserve, as teeth problems are just killers.

How does the dentist should clean your dentures?

2010-05-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

My grandma went to her anual dentist appointment, she has a full prosthetic denture on the bottom of her mouth, usually when she goes there for a check up the "dentist helper" takes the whole denture out and cleans the dentures and then they clean her mouth and check for sores and things like that, last time she went to the dentist the lady who cleaned her dentures didn't remove the dentures from her mouth and cleaned the dentures while on my grnadma's mouth, she told her that it is not necessary to take them off every time. So her question is, has anyone experienced this? is it ok to clean her dentures while still on? should they take them completely off to clean them? this happens only when she goes to the dentist, other than that she does it herself every day, she takes them off and cleans them at night. Any advise would be greatly appreciate it.

How does the dentist should clean your dentures?
I would not agree with this approach. Sure, you can clean the parts you can get to without taking them out of the mouth, but you can't clean the bottom. If you are going to do it - do it right. However, it is not the dentist or hygienist's obligation to clean the denture. Personally, we DO this in my office, but not everyone does.

The bigger issue here is that it is not possible to examine the gums under the denture without removing the denture. A soft tissue examination should be part of every dental check up. Seriously.
Reply:It is not the job of the Dentist to clean the dentures. In my opinion it has to be cleaned daily, by us. That's what my Dentist, advised.
Reply:I am not sure if the dental assistant said that it is not necessary for THEM to take it out when she sees them, or what to do at home. If your grandmother is taking them out every day and brushing them outside and inside at night, then tell her she is doing the right thing. You can still get bacteria and tartar build up on your dentures, not just your natural teeth, so it is important to clean them thoroughly. If the bacteria gets on the gum tissue, it can still get infected. She should also take them out at night so that her mouth can "breathe".

In between meals it is ok to brush the denture still in the mouth and remove any food stuck to the denture, but if she feels any food has gotten underneath the denture, then yes she will need to take them out and clean underneath it.

The Scotsman And The Dentist?

2010-05-17T20:59:00.003-07:00

A Scotsman phones a dentist to inquire about the cost for a tooth

extraction.

"£85 for an extraction, sir" the dentist replied.

"£85!!! Huv ye no' got anythin' cheaper?"

"That's the normal charge," said the dentist.

"Whit aboot if ye didnae use any anaesthetic?"

"That's unusual, sir, but I could do it and knock £15 off."

"Whit aboot if ye used one of your dentist trainees and still without an

anaesthetic?"

"I can't guarantee their professionalism and it'll be painful.

But the price could drop to £40"

"How aboot if ye make it a trainin' session, ave yer student do the

extraction, with the other students watchin' and learnin'?"

It'll be good for the students", mulled the dentist. "I'll charge you

£5, but it's going to be very traumatic."

"Och, now yer talkin' laddie! It's a deal," said the Scotsman."

"Can ye confirm an appointment for the wife next Tuesday then?"

The Scotsman And The Dentist?
OMG that was great!!
Reply:Wonderful!!!!

Thats us Hubbies. always ensuring that the world can learn a lot from us..
Reply:another one i've heard before but forgot the ending. very good, verry funny, and i like how you typed out the dialect. adds to the joke immensly!!
Reply:AWESOME

Keep me laughing till 2007
Reply:What a joke..........
Reply:LOL. That's about right! LOL.

Thanks for the laugh!

dance shoes

Went to the dentist today. Do you think these are cavities? More details included?!?!?

2010-05-17T20:59:00.002-07:00

So I went to the dentist today, but yesterday, they called and told me that the dentist was sick, and wouldn't be there, but I just said that I'd be fine with them cleaning my teeth, and coming back later for the dentist to examine my teeth thoroughly, and such.

While she was cleaning my teeth, the dental hygienist said that she saw what looked to her to be 3 BIG cavities, all on my bottom set of molars. Do you think these are really cavities? I asked her if she could see any on the top, and all she said was that on the xrays it looked like maybe 2, but she couldn't see any when she was cleaning. The dentist is gonna look for sure when I go back, but she said that she could see them with her naked eye. Do you think she knows what she was looking at?

Went to the dentist today. Do you think these are cavities? More details included?!?!?
Well I'd say she probably has more idea than the general public, but at the same time she's not a dentist. However, if she says she can see 3 cavities with her naked eye, then that means they are BIG cavities - and you should be able to see them too. So grab a torch and go to the mirror and have a look - you see any holes in your teeth? Even tiny ones?

I went to the dentist once with what I thought was a small cavity in my tooth - I could see this small hole. He told me that any time you can actually see a hole in the tooth, it is a BIG cavity, and when he did the x-rays it confirmed that the cavity was really big.

So if there are any visible holes at all in your teeth, then they are pretty big cavities, and the dental hygienist has seen enough cavities in her life to spot the big ones I would have thought.

At the end of the day though, all you can do is wait until you see the dentist to find out for sure.
Reply:She knows what she is looking at but it is the dentist who must diagnose decay. So don't sweat it and go back and have the dentist do the proper examination.
Reply:Legally a hygenist is not allowed to give you a prognosis, so i'd ignore her. It could be that your teeth are a bit discoloured or maybe you have tiny cavities. Don't worry unil you know for sure, try and relax. If they are you'll get them fixed dont worry
Reply:Yes, I'm sure she does know what she's looking at. I mean, possibly if she's really young and new, like maybe 23 or 24, then maybe she wouldn't be as sure. Though even then I'd be inclined to think that she knew what she was talking about.

Anyhow, if the hygienist can see them than you most certainly can see them. Look back there... are there any small black,brown,light brown or tan holes?

Really, it's nothing to worry about. So what if you do have a few cavities? I'm assuming that if you're at a dentist you've dental insurance and hopefully your dentist is a good one. You shouldn't feel much pain at all and these days they usually use porcelain fillings so they're less noticeable.

Relaaaaax. You'll see your dentist soon and hopefully all your questions will then be answered!

Happy Holidays.
Reply:Well there's really no way any of use are going to be able to know without even having an inkling as to what the "cavities" look like. Maybe they are, maybe they're not, but your dentist can say for sure. If they are, just get them taken care of and take good care of your teeth.
Reply:She knows what she is talking about she can't diagnose but she can tell by looking at the x-rays. Even I as a dental for 15 yrs could read x-rays. Or see decay if large enough with the naked eye. She can only tell you that she sees some suspicious areas and advise you to have the Doctor tell you what they are.

I believe the dentist may have ruined my teeth.?

2010-05-17T20:59:00.001-07:00

I recently went to a new dentist because I've relocated to another state since my last dentist exam. The dentist said that I had a significant amount of plaque on the top of my front teeth. I asked him if he meant that they were whiter on the top than the bottom and he said yes. I explained to him that the white on top had appeared the other day after I used a new whitening product in a tanning bed. I assumed they were just whiter because I smoke and drink soda and the top of my teeth just wasn't as stained as the rest. I said, "How could plaque happen in an hour?" but he insisted it was plaque and it should be scraped off. I had him stop halfway through because it was so painful but now the top of my teeth has an indentation where the enamel was scraped off and it's yellowish. They're incredibly sensitive. I don't know what I can do about this. How do I handle the dentist? And is there a way to fix this so my teeth look and feel normal again? I'm afraid my teeth are ruined.

I believe the dentist may have ruined my teeth.?
Go back with your old Dentist, and ask Him if the new Dentist have done something wrong on your teeth, or had cause any damage. If he says yes, then sue that negligent Dentist , and take care of your teeth as soon as possible. Good Luck.
Reply:get a lawye and a new dentist
Reply:i think your screwed.but u should sew the doctor for not lisenting to you
Reply:Here are a list of things that you should do:

1.Contact your lawyer or get one

2. Sue your dentist for this as he had no right to do that.

3. Find a new dentist. ask around and find out who everyone else recommends you go to.
Reply:He scraped your teeth? What did he use? A manual instrument or an electric one? Do you brush on a regular basis? Could you feel the plaque on your front teeth? When you say the top of your teeth do you mean toward the gumline? Are you sure that it wasn't calculus (tartar)? How many teeth were involved? I don't get how he could have mistaken plaque from tooth. Plaque can form within a matter of hours, but not that thick. Calculus is hard and calcified and requires scaling (scraping). If you believe that something was done in error, first you need to ask another dentist before you take any drastic measures such as contacting your lawyer.
Reply:Healthy enamel is very hard, smooth and shiny, and very seldom can it be damaged through scraping with a scaler.

Enamel that has been extensively decalcified due to prolonged exposure to plaque and acid attack becomes soft and chalky (dull rough white, not shiny like healthy enamel), and may indeed chip off when scraped with a scaler, exposing sensitive, yellowed dentin underneath.

Whose fault is that though? Such a lawsuit will see a state dental board of examiners testifying at the trial that it is NOT the dentist's fault that the enamel has decayed to that state. It is easy to predict who the verdict will favor.

You do need interventive dental care, which involves learning why your teeth got to that state, what needs to be done to prevent it from getting worse, restorative care (bonding, veneers, etc.), and finally how to properly take care of your teeth so they don't fall apart like that again.
Reply:I dont know if it can be fixed, I would go to another dentist and ask them.

Dental exam with new dentist?

2010-05-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

I have been going to my dentist for about twenty five years. I like him and I trust him. A week ago I had my cleaning and x-rays. Then the other dentist walks in and examines my x-rays and tells me I need a crown. I may need the crown but I was not asked or informed that another dentist would be examining me. If I wanted to see another dentist I could have found one closer to home.

I want to schedule my crown with my original dentist. Am I making a big deal of this?

Dental exam with new dentist?
Talk to your original dentist and ask him what's up with the "new" guy? Tell him if you need this procedure done, that you want him to do it, and not the new guy.

Having trust in the dentist you are using is very important. Not just anybody can take their place.
Reply:I don't think you are making a big deal over it. We want people that we can trust, especially doctors. If you have been w/the same doc for twenty five years and you don't feel comfortable w/the new doc, then you should say something. I don't think there is anything wrong with not wanting a new doctor. Besides, the doctor that you have been going to for all these years knows your history better.
Reply:No, you are not making a big deal out of this at all! Please call and schedule a consult appointment with your original dentist. Tell him your concerns and ask about the need for a crown. Dentists see many patients a day and don't always realize there is a specific concern. However, if he's been your dentist for so long, then he should be happy to discuss this with you! Good luck!

If I ask my dentist to do the realignment on my next appt. DOES he HAVE TO DO IT?

2010-05-17T20:58:00.003-07:00

If my dentist excusses hisself from the room when process has already been started should I stop him? Because he did that the very first time I was in for the alinement! To tell you the truth I was (and still am)VERY upset with this dentist. He did not do his job and as your answers are saying, they leave THEIR WORK to their ASSTs. Which they are not getting paid for and after you get your tempy. dentures ALL alinements are free. So if the dentist tried to take money from me after an alinement, believe me, I would report this person. I thank you all for your answers. Have a wonderfull night and thank you for your patience =-)

unhappy for now Ps. If I chance dentists in the middle of this process, will the other dentist charge me everytime I go in for a visit do to my tempy. dentures??? And is it legal?

If I ask my dentist to do the realignment on my next appt. DOES he HAVE TO DO IT?
Omg no! Change ur brush man!

leather boots

Great dentist...?

2010-05-17T20:58:00.002-07:00

A guy and a girl meet at a bar. They get along so well that they decide to go to the girl's place. A few drinks later, the guy takes off his shirt and then washes his hands. He then takes off his pants and washes his hands.

The girl watches him and says, "You must be a dentist."

The guy, surprised, says "Yes ... how did you figure that out?"

The girl says, "Easy... you keep washing your hands." One thing led to another and they make love. After they were done, the girl says, "You must be a great dentist."

The guy, now with a boosted ego says, "Yes, I sure am a great dentist... How did you figure that out?" The girl says, "Easy... I didn't feel a thing!"

Great dentist...?
Boom,Boom
Reply:hahahahah thats funny lol
Reply:Good one.
Reply:HOH!!! some got owned
Reply:Tnat one was so funny I had it with a dentist once lolz j/p
Reply:it's the tiny drill!
Reply:LMAO
Reply:haha
Reply:Another good one. Thank you for sharing.
Reply:aha thas what he getss!
Reply:lol
Reply:That is KILLER!!
Reply:LMAO!! I LOVE IT!!!
Reply:hahahaha!!

great joke lol

star 4u
Reply:LOL! pwned!
Reply:lol
Reply:LOL

Great...!!

Your star...!!

☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆

O_=

Scared of the Dentist?

2010-05-17T20:58:00.001-07:00

I am scared to death of the dentist. Between the ages of about 9 and 14 i didn't brush my teeth that much. I have had three teeth out, once via gas, and two while i was awake.

I just wanted to know, it was about... 10 years ago that i had been under gas for removal of a molar, but do dentists in the UK still use gas?

My most recent extraction was about 2 years ago, and i had a really horrible dentist, that when she shoved stuff down my throat, i would gag and she would shout at me... lol. Anyway, that extraction involved removing a huge tooth. I am just scared shitless that it will hurt even more.

I know it's not actually that bad, but i just hate drilling and the vibration in my tooth.

I will definately need one tooth removed, because it hurts when apply lots of pressure, and perhaps the other side too...

I would really appreasate any dentists oppinons! By the way, i'm 16, would i need to pay, or will i get it free on the NHS?

Thanks, and sorry for the language!

Scared of the Dentist?
I'm not sure about the UK but in the US most dentists know a lot of people are scared and part of their training is about how to get patients more comfortable. Some use laughing gas but some will also prescribe a mild sedative. However if you're not willing or not a good candidate for that, they can help you with relaxation techniques, deep breathing, etc. Sometimes they will suggest bringing an iPod and listening to relaxing music that you enjoy. I'm sure the UK isn't that much different now. Call some dentists' offices and talk to the receptionists. Tell them about your fears and concerns (including your past experience with the horrible dentist!) and see if it seems like their office can help you. Don't put off getting the dental treatment you need; the situation will not improve on its own. Good luck!
Reply:Dentistry has improved much in the United States. Many of us didn't brush much as children.

Find a dentist who practices 'gentle dental'.

clogs

Salaried dentist?

2010-05-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've seen that dentists who own their own practive make about six figures or more. Does anyone know how much dentists who dont have their own practice and work for another dentist usually get paid per year?

Salaried dentist?
"Salaried" is a bad term for what you're asking about. Almost any dentist's pay is based on production (how much you *do*) and collections (how much people actually pay for what you do) or some combination of the two.

For example, you might go to work for another dentist, and get paid "30% of production." This means if you cement two $1,000 crowns, you would get $600. But if you get paid 30% of collections, and this patient only the half they were required to pay before the crowns were fabricated, you get $300 for the same amount of work.

The only truly salaried dentists I know of are in Public Health, Indian Health Services, branches of the military, etc.
Reply:60- 85,000 depends on what the practice or DDS wants to pay you.... RDH make $80,000 with 40hr schedule so to each is own..
Reply:It varies, from $80000 all the way to $240000.

Rude dentist or not?

2010-05-17T20:57:00.002-07:00

We recently moved to a new town and I took my 10 year old to a local dentist, we have no dental ins. so for the next 3 visits I payed cash for the visits.

I made an appointment.. went in they did some xrays and decided on what they were going to do, as I sit in the dental chair, when they were done explaining I started to lay back in the chair and the nurse grabs my purse which was on the table behind her and plops it in my lap and says well you can go ahead and pay now. I was shocked! They never did this to my son.Actually I have never known ANY dentist that I have ever been to do this.

My question is I'm getting ready for our yearly checks ups and wondering if I should find another dentist?

Rude dentist or not?
I'm a dentist.

First off, don't listen to these idiots above me whose knee jerk reaction is to advise you to "file a complaint". They have enormous chips on their shoulders, and their bad attitudes are clouding what little judgment they had to begin with. You'd look like a complete fool filing a complaint with your state's dental board. Besides, you'd accomplish nothing by doing so, as the board is only there to address issues of malpractice and patient mistreatment. A rude assistant doesn't qualify.

As a dentist, I can tell you that good help is truly hard to find. Dental assistants can vary significantly in terms of intelligence, education, training, and professionalism. I've worked with many, and while most are pretty decent people, I've encountered a few bad ones. Obviously, the one you encountered was a bad one--or at very least, needs to learn how to be more polite. It is unlikely that the assistant was deliberately trying to be rude, but obviously she was rude.

Let me ask you this: did you inform the doctor about what happened and let him/her know that you were offended by it? If he (or she) is a good doctor who cares about his patients, he'd want to know about the incident and do what is necessary to make you happy. At very least, he would make it clear to the assistant that that kind of behavior is not acceptable. He might very well be able to fix it so that you do not have to deal with that assistant in the future. Who knows, you might even get a free filling or two out of it, as a show of good will; that's what I'd do if I were in his situation.
Reply:I'm only 16 but i would reallllllyyyyy change dentists.. Report It

Reply:I'm only 16 but i would reallllllyyyyy change dentists.. Report It

Reply:of course, and I would have filed a complaint.

Contact your states professional regulations department. That's where they have to go for licensure. If you submit your complaint there, there will be a practice investigation.

PS: ADA won't help really except maybe tell you how to go about doing that. They're not a governmental agency and can't take disciplinary action. BBB is no help either.

ALSO: The Better Business Bureau in your area. They respond quickly to all cases no matter what business private or even commercial.
Reply:a better way for her to act would have been if she said your name, we are ready for you to pay your bill now. Her touching your personal belongings (unless it is in the middle of the floor and can be a tripping hazard) was a big no no
Reply:Yup. Rude Dentist. It doesn't have to be like THAT- %26amp; You should find another. Afterall, going to the DENTIST- shouldn't ALWAYS be like "pulling teeth..." :)
Reply:Ahhhhh, since it seems that your already upset with the dentist and his staff, going back would be uncomfortable for you, and he and or his staff probably know your feelings. I would think you need to go where both you, the dentist and the staff are comfortable with one another...That would be my choice. Good luck and I wish you well.
Reply:Simply file a complaint and find a new dentist. If you moved to a small town, people tend to be more personal with you and your belongings. They don't realize how intrusive their actions are...Mostly because they have never had to deal with complaints to the state because the patients don't want to drive 50 miles to see the nearest dentist... Stand up for your rights, in some states what the nurse did is considered rude...In the human state...grabbing someones purse or wallet can get you hurt and or arrested...ignorance is bliss...
Reply:Not a rude Dentist.

Horse Dentist??

2010-05-17T20:57:00.001-07:00

We have a wonderful dentist over here who is a dream with all horses. He really had a special relationship with them. My horse is very jumpy with strange men and is the perfect model with this man. He just stands there with the lead rope dangling while his teeth are being filed. Even with that metal gag thing in his mouth. When I first saw the dentist take it out I thought Oh my he is just not going to get anywhere with that contraption. But he just stood there. The problem is that this dentist is really busy and can't cope with the amount of customers that demand him and It's very hard to get hold of him. My vet just doesn't have what this other man has I am not sure about how good the vets are at filing teeth anyway??? Is it possible for me to buy a file and do it myself? I know the principles and have often heard of people in charge of yards doing the horses teeth themselves. What does anyone think??

Horse Dentist??
It's very hard work Susan....besides if something goes wrong, they have the mediation and tools to fix it. It's better to leave it up to the experts. Thats what they are trained for. I'm sure you have the theorum down but still need furthur training. I know how to remove my appendix...but I'd rather leave it up to the pros.
Reply:neeeeehhhhh
Reply:I would find another vet, maybe the horse needs cocaine first!
Reply:No no no! It's very difficult to learn how to do teeth or farrier work. You have to go to school or take a class and learn how to properly. If you don't do it right, you can damage your horse. I'm sure the vet knows how to do it better than you do, so let him/her do their job. Dentists/vets not only file teeth, but look for ulcers, ect. It's a complex job. If your current dentist is hard to reach, you may get a vet to do it. If the vet can't get your horse to stand quietly, he may want to drug the horse. Theres no problem with that, many horses need to be drugged for getting their teeth done.
Reply:dont do it yourself without proper training. good horse dentists are like gold dust - like farriers in my area actually!!! but because dentistry equipment is readily available i have heard several stories of frauds setting up as dentists that have no training - whilst i do not think to accuse you of fraud, without training and all the knowledge i dont think you should attempt doing the teeth yourself!!! most vets have basic skills in filing teeth but they are that - basic skills. to keep sharp edges in check etc, i think it is ok to use the vet - if possible get the dentist once a year and the vet once a year. beween them they should be ok, i would have thought. our dentist only comes once a year as well and is very busy but great with the horses.... what's yours called?!
Reply:As we horse owners gain knowledge, we learn what's good an bad to do with our horses - your guy being too busy proves that he's good.

Is there any way at all to set an appt way in advance and stay with him? If so, that's the best thing to do.

Second item - try another one. You want a horse specialized person - I have learned that horse-specific vets fit my needs better, not ones that do horses along with all the other animals.

Some vets have gone to great lengths to be very good horse dentists, so I can't say a vet isn't good, but a vet does have a vast amount of knowledge he must keep besides just dentistry.

How about looking around your area for a horse dentist in specific?

How about asking your good guy for a referral?

What you're experiencing that's so good is his interaction or communication ability with horses - he knows how to act around them to make them comfortable. Guys have a certain way around horses and Girls have a certain way. You say your horse is a bit jumpy around guys, but I suspect it's not the fact the person is a guy, but the type of person he is.

The big thing holding the horses' mouth open is a speculum and it doesn't hurt, just protects his mouth and teeth.

Keep looking and if you don't like someone at your place working with your horse - at any time you have the right to tell that person you don't want them to work with your horse. If a person is mean or hits your horse and tries to dominate it rather than work with it, you have the right to calmly tell that person this isn't how you expect you or your animal to be treated and you'll find someone else.

I have to make appts with my dentist 6 months in advance and stick to that appt to keep him coming. He's the best guy in the state.

Good luck!
Reply:I wouldn't, but I hold my hands up to knowing nothing about filing horses teeth? just wanted to say good luck..xxxx
Reply:you really need an equine dentist. please don't try this your self. it may look easy but hey I bet if you watched a heart surgeon he would make his job look easy , so try to wait on him or find another.
Reply:no because its very easy to rasp off too much.... then they cant eat properly... why chance it... just book him a month before you want him...
Reply:no hun I wouldnt ever risk filing the teeth myself - regardless of how much I knew as in principle there is a reason why these people study vetinary care etc in college for many years!

What can look simple enough, could cause horrific after effects such as nerve damage or even sore and silly injuries like cracked teeth.

I realise that you do have your horses best interests at heart - but if the case of you having to book your dentist 6 months in advance of before you need him - Id do so

xx
Reply:If you are worried that your vet might not be up to the task, I am amazed that you would even consider doing it yourself!

It's a very specialised job and needs someone who really knows what they are doing. Can you recognise a hook or a ramp and even then would you know which tool to use? A full set of rasps would set you back around £2000.

If you have a good dentist stick with him. After all most horses need to be seen only once a year at most. Otherwise, look for a BEVA registered dental technician in your area or see whether your veterinary practice has a vet with specialised dental training. Many vets offer this service these days.

I know the problem with a horse and strange men. My own is exactly the same, so I always try to use the same people for everything and make as few changes as possible. Teeth are my worst nightmare so if I were lucky enough to have someone who could get the job done I stick with them.
Reply:My daughter is training to become an equine dentist, I have seen the amount of study and research, she does not to mention 'hands on' experience. I think it is best left to the proffessionals, one slip could cause your horse problems!

How would you administer sedatives for your horse anyhow?

She has looked into our ponies mouths but not attempted any work as yet.

Odd situation with dentist...?

2010-05-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

I changed dentists like 6 months ago...

The first dentist said I had 3 cavities. I went to this one and he says "no, you have 6" so I went and mom forked out like $1,000 to have them fixed. Then went back for a cleaning and he found 3 more (this was like 3 months or so later...) plus he had to fix one that he had messed up.

So, another $500 later...not including the freakin cleaning and panoramic x-ray (like $552 for that alone!)

He says I am fine now....but tells Destany now, why the he** he didn't tell me this....anyways, he tells Destany "I dont know how good she is taking care of her teeth, I found plaque" and crap like that. Well, duh! I haven't flossed today....you will find plaque on anyone's teeth. But to tell that to her INSTEAD OF ME?! Excuse me...if she would have told me this while we were there I would have went back in there....

So, after having NO problem with my teeth whatsoever and changing dentists who "finds" 9 cavities from September to Feburary?!

Mom is going up there tomorrow (gma takes us because mom works now...) and demanding all xrays, records, etc.

Does this sound odd to you? I have never had cavities (exaggeration, I've had a couple....but not anytime recent) and all of a sudden I am almost 18 and BAM? I think not.....oh, and Destany has 3 more (for a whopping total of 13!) the nurse said she didnt have any and he comes in and tells her she has 3....

He is draining their wallet and FAST. He took 2 panoramics of destany one in like September and one today.... to check her wisdom teeth....and he said last time they were way up in the bone...

Something seems "fishy"

Of course, I say pull them all and give me dentures, I am so sick of that dentist office...it'd probably be cheaper.

Odd situation with dentist...?
Sorry but you really need to change dentists! You got ripped off. Ill tell you what happened to me. I went to my dentist. He says I have 2 thin spots that will become cavities but they can wait. 6 months later i go to another dentist. He says I have 11 cavities!! They ask me to set an appt for fillings. I switch again and my new denstist says... I see 2 week spots but no way 11 cavities. So basically they are rip off artists. And just so you know... every time your teeth are filled... they are damaged. Sorry but you are getting your mouth jacked up by a jerk.
Reply:wow that is a weird situation. it kinda makes me think about my dentist becaus ei have really good teeth and have never had any cavities and now the tell me i have 3 also when i was just in there and i was fine so i wanna see some proof too, i swear u cant trust anyone anymore.
Reply:I don't really follow your story (who is Destany?), but it's not uncommon for two dentists not to have the same opinion on what needs to be worked on.

For example, you could have some very small cavities, but some dentists will wait until they are larger before working on them. The theory is if they're too small, it's difficult to repair them properly.

Other dentists are aggressive and start treatment as soon as possible. They feel confident they can repair small cavities properly.

Here's what you need to do...talk to the dentist and devise a plan of treatment. Have him prioritize what needs to be done now, and what can be deferred. Let him know your financial and insurance situation, and that you have to work around that.
Reply:I think a lot of dentists are staight-up scammers! I just got a new dentist and he's located in a "better" area of town. I'm suspicious of him also because he charged me over $1000

for two caps and they keep doing treatments that they don't actually ask about in advance. My insurance is good so I think they want the money from both the insurance company and me. I think they jacked up the price of simple treatments so that they're pockets get fat faster.

I finally told them not to do anything I haven't OK'd and to let me see the actual cost I'd have to pay.

I have decided though, that I am going to just find another dentist that is located in a ghetto or something...but that does a good cheap job.

ps i hear a lot of people get their teeth done in Mexico...i don't know if i'd trust that though.

sandals

Any DENTIST, can you answer why - Michigan Medicaid Recipients and False Teeth? What's the DELAY?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.003-07:00

I am witness to three separate people waiting on having their jaws, I was fortunate enough to have insurance and to have my teeth in good health. They weren’t. What all of have in common is we are mothers. What they do not have in common with me, the fathers of their kids are deadbeats. All the more reason for them to get on their feet and move off of the welfare thing- but when you have a ROT mouth, who will hire you?

I have SYMPATHY and EMPATHY for these 3 women that I know.

Please know as your teeth rot slow they HURT!!!! They are rarely ever given anything for PAIN from these Dentists at all. These Dentists could be using the system to get more money-? I don’t know, It is a question worth asking.

One woman has waited 6 years being put through such tortures as having their molds done 10 times in a year with the promise of dentures. Her two year old who says, “awe monster momma”. Then she cries feeling ugly to her daughter.

What is the HOLD UP MICHIGAN MEDICAID or DENTIST?

Any DENTIST, can you answer why - Michigan Medicaid Recipients and False Teeth? What's the DELAY?
It usually is the medicaid. As a medicaid client phone your carrier and let them know your problem, they listen more if you are the client than the dentist and you will get action

Help I need to go to the dentist......Help/Advice Please?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.002-07:00

The thing is the last time i went to my dentist was about 3 or 4 years ago i am 18 years old NOW, when i went those 3 or 4 years ago my dentist drilled my tooth without any needle so i could feel all the pain and it REALLY hurt i was supposed to go back for a filling but i was so scared i didn't go back since then a few of my teeth have broken or chipped and the tooth i had drilled has still not been repaired my little sister has since been to a different dentist as she had a bad expeience with my old dentist too she said her new dentist was lovely and he gave her something to numb the pain even the nurse held her hand for her and she is 15 i really need to go to this new dentist and i think i would be ok once i got there as but i can't seem to find that bit of courage to make an appointment or to go in and meet the dentist, I think it is genrally to do with the fear of pain but i am also abit ashamed of my teeth how can i find the courage to finally do it? Please help! ? thanks :P

Help I need to go to the dentist......Help/Advice Please?
Hi,

I had a terrible time getting my mum to see a dentist because she had a terrible phobia and was just terrified at the mention of a dentist. She hadn't been too the dentist for 29 years suffering regularly with mouth abscesses,ulcers etc.

I found her a dentist that specialises in nervous patients and she loved him and never felt a thing throughout months of treatment,extractions, denture fittings etc!

3 to 4 years is not that long and you know you will regret it if you leave it longer so don't wait until your teeth are badly rotted because by then you will have zero confidence and his job will be a lot harder.

When my mum told him she was embarrassed to open her mouth he started by showing her a book of patients teeth that were much worse than hers, believe me they have seen it all.

If your still not sure you can do it, think of all the children in hospitals across the world and what they have to go through just to stay alive and who somehow in their darkest hours can still look at you and smile!!

Make your appointment today and my thoughts are with you.xxx GOOD LUCK
Reply:belive me trust me when i had a dentised appointment i was frightend to death my mum and dad took me i was 6 years old and i had four injections one day they just feel like someones pinching you thats all so dont be affraid you just be brave and go i would it wont hurt your more scared to go because your scaring yourself belive go nope bad will happen im 15 and i recently had my year 10 injections they dont hurt at all be brave gooooood luuuuuuuuck
Reply:Phone this new dentist and explain exactly what you have told us.
Reply:I was like this at your age too....I had a bad experience. The only tip I can give you is to make the appointment and then not think about it...every time you think about it just do something to distract yourself...when it is time to go, get someone to go with you and you can let the dentist know in advance that you are very nervous...they take this into account and are very kind to you....remember hat on your first visit they wont even treat you...they'll just look...so you can relax in that knowledge.

I take a piece of Plasticine and squash it in my hand whilst they treat me..it is a good distraction.....go....its better than rotten teeth
Reply:Phone the dentist and make the appt. Tell them what happened with your old dentist. They will understand - you're not the first person to be terrified of the dentist. Take a friend/relative to hold your hand. I always go with my mum to hold hers! And just think of the beautiful teeth you will have afterwards - it will be worth it I promise! Good luck!
Reply:I was scared of the dentist till I had to go.

I found a dentist in Brighton called Raj, he was brilliant.

Just make the appointment and tell them that you are scared, on the first vist they will probably just have a look to see what needs to be done without any drilling or injections.

Tell them you are aprehensive.

They are there to help you afterall.
Reply:I used to love going dentist when i was young but now at 38, i feel sick just thinking about it BUT saying that, i still go when i need to. I've lost so many teeth over the years as they were breaking and chipping and i wasn't getting them re-filled. U must go or u cld end up looking worse than u say u do now. My children see that i go and i show no fear which gives them the courage to sit in the dentists chair. My youngest who is 7 had to of her baby teeth pulled out 2 weeks ago. She had injections but didn't cry as she knows that mummy doesn't cry either. Go for it, u'll regret it if u don't!!
Reply:brush your teeth 20 times brush down and up burning morning and night
Reply:Bad dentists can put you off going. I stopped for six years as a teenager as I was fed up with one who was rough and overly fond of the slow drill - however, even he made sure I had plenty of anasthetic. There was loads to do when I finally went to another gentler dentist, aged 17.

Don't blame yourself. Ask around to find out if there are any good dentists in your area. You should never be expected to have fillings without injections.

Some British NHS dentists just do it to save money I think. I've been asked if I am willing to have it done without anasthetic and said no.

It is important to find a good dentist but that can be difficult on the NHS in Britain. Don't know about other countries.
Reply:Tell them you do not consent to treatment unless they give you anaesthetic first. If you don't consent, then they can't treat you, legally. You should not have been given treatment like that without it, thats discusting and we are not in the third world!
Reply:I fee3l for you, I really do, but you need to get your teeth sorted out. If your sister has found a caring dentist then make an appointment with them for a check up. Whilst you are there you can tell them that you are terrified, and no one will laugh, rather they will reassure you and help you, and also make sure that if they are going to do anything they make sure that you won't feel a thing.

Please trust someone, otherwise you are storing up trouble for later life.

Good luck.
Reply:hi

i feel for you because i too am terrified of dentists, but with the help of this website ive included and finding a very sympathetic and understanding dentist for phobics i have undergone quite a lot of treatment. when i went for my first appointment i asked could i just go for a chat and they said that was fine, the dentist asked what my fears were and he understood then we decided for me to have a signal if i wanted him to stop during any treatment, maybe this would work for you, give it a try .

good luck

http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/
Reply:firstly dont worry all dentist are not the same infact i didnt look after my teeth either and now i wear a full set of dentures i was just like u i was scared ,but i found the courage to go in the end and its only now that i wish i hadnt been so scared my dentist has restored my faith as at first i told him i was so scared and he did everything to show me he wasnt there to hurt me and now we r good mates so dont worry and just go u will be fine i promise

New dentist not giving me old x-rays?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.001-07:00

my old dentist recently sold his practice, including patient records. i want my x-rays from the new dentist so that i can take them another dentist i go to now, but she has been very delinquent in returning calls and getting back to me. since the x-rays are technically mine, what action can i take -- e.g. file a complaint with the ADA. i live in california.

New dentist not giving me old x-rays?
Call them and have them sent to your new dentist along with your files or have your new dentist call them instead. Why do you need them when you need to get x-rays done every year anyhow.
Reply:Yes, and threaten to take your case Federal ... She is violating the HIPAA act!!! (Health Care Information Portability and Accountability Act)
Reply:The xrays are NOT yours, and if you read your question you will answer it at the same time. The new dentist had to purchase the new practice, including records which include your xrays. Many dentists now charge to get the records released and transferred. There is no action you can take, other than going to this dentists office and doing a face to face request, filling out a records release form, and possibly paying the fee to get the records transferred.
Reply:Unfortunately the x-rays are not yours - The copyright lies with the photographer (or radiographer - your dentist). Unless agreed otherwise when the x-ray was taken.

You could ask nicely - You could even offer to pay for them.

nb - This is why newspapers do not need the permission of everyone in a football crowd before they can run a photograph of a game.
Reply:as a dental hygienist, i know that you can recieve copies of your xrays. you need to go to this office and tell them you want copies. they may make you pay a small fee. if this still dosent work, call your insurance company and tell them of the problem you are having. they may be willing to pay for another panoramic xray, or full series if you cannot get them from this dentist.
Reply:Press the dentist for your belongings, you paid for them and YES by all means you should have a copy of them for yourself if for nothing else. They must comply in a timely manner. Take this as far as you can and trust me, they will release your dental records to you if you push. Good Luck
Reply:Hold old are they? If they are over two years old then they are of no use to the new dentist and you need new ones. Insurances cover new full mouth x-rays every two years. Talk to your new dentist and see if they will contact the old new dentist office. If they won't, then get another new dentist. Also, bite wing x-rays are great for a more frequent check and are covered every six months under most insurances. If you and your new dentist can't get the old x-rays, at least have new bitewings done. I doubt the new dentist will want to hear that you called the ADA on your old dentist, so if you do, don't mention it to him. Dentists don't like being pushed around over such things and chances are, the old dentist thinks you want to sue him for one reason or another and has probably already turned your claim into their insurance for them to handle.
Reply:Have your new dentist phone and request their transfer. If necessary offer to pay for the courier / mail and / or phone charge.

You have paid to have the xrays so yes they are rightfully yours.
Reply:Every dental clinic must keep patient records and we are not supposed to find/ give them to anyone. All u can do is u can go to the dental association/consul there and ask the laws about it. Here, in my region, for protecting my work-i want dental councils orders if a patient wants her/his personal x-rays etc. Once we give the x-rays or records, and if the new dentist blame us with something then we have no proof on hand. So patient records are usually something about laws.
Reply:Just call them and be really nice although your really mad
Reply:he should give you copies of your xrays. the bitewing xrays over a year old aren't considered current and the new dentist would retake them anyways but the panelipse or full mouth xray as you said is only covered every 5 years and it's ever so important that you have that. i would contact the office one last time and then go to your state ADA and file a complaint. they will certainly try to help.
Reply:It would be a violation of HIPPA if they release any records to anyone. Therefore send a certified letter with a signed release requestion, forwarding any and all records and xrays to your new dentist. or legal issues will be pending. If they decline after sending certified requst of tranfer of records, seek legal action. Those records technically do belong to you.

The dentist?

2010-05-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

A guy and a

gal meet at a bar. They get along so well

that they decide to go to

the girl's place.

A few drinks later, the guy takes off his shirt and

then washes his hands.

He then takes of his trousers and washes his

hands again.

The girl has been watching him and says, 'You must be a

dentist.'

The guy, surprised, says 'Yes....how did you figure that

out?'

'Easy,' she replied, 'you keep washing your hands.'

One

thing led to another and they make love. After they are done, the girl

says, 'You must be a really good dentist.'

The guy, now with a

boosted ego says, 'Well yes, I'm a good dentist. How

did you figure

that out?'

'Didn't feel a thing!'

The dentist?
LOL, Cruel but funny!
Reply:Funny!! i liked that one
Reply:haha good one,had read it earlier with a different version!!

it is not a DENTIST ,it is an ANAESTHETIST!!!
Reply:Hahaha//lol..nice one
Reply:lol...lost his ego now
Reply:Ha ha ha ha...
Reply:haha.

that was a funny joke.

thanks.
Reply:haha..lets say if that guy is a tatoo maker..

ohOh..
Reply:it was very funny
Reply:Good One.

Imagine the look on the face of the dentist. Poor Guy. lol

private myspace

First Dentist Visit?

2010-05-17T20:55:00.003-07:00

At what age did you take your children to the dentist for the first time? And, if anyone knows, how much was it without insurance?

I read that it's advised that the first visit is between 6 months and 2 years, but my dentist won't see children under 3, and the only pediatric dentist in my area doesn't take my out of state insurance.

Thanks!

First Dentist Visit?
I agree with almost everything Dr. Le said above, except that general dentists do not have the "expertise" to see kids under 3. I am a general dentist and I CERTAINLY have the expertise to see people who are neonates through geriatrics. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (of which I am a member as a GENERAL DENTIST) recommends that all people have a dental "home" by the age of 1 year. Of course, if anything out of the ordinary is suspected prior to that age, parents should feel free to take their child in to see a dentist sooner. Many dentists do not want to see very young children because it is not very profitable, the children tend to be somewhat uncooperative, and it takes time and patience. If you are seeing a dentist now, pediatric or general, who refuses to see a child for a simple exam because of their age... FIND ANOTHER DENTIST. That person probably will not be very good with your child when they do turn 3 or 5 or whatever cutoff they pull out of the air.
Reply:My son's first dentist apt was when he was 2. They say take them in once they first get teeth but I didn't know that there were baby dentists because regular dentists do not take kids under 5.

It's important that they have a check up every 6 months.

P.s.. baby dentists are EXPENSIVE. It's 100$ to be looked at and dental work for 1 tooth is over $250.
Reply:If your dentist won't see children under three then change dentists now. Your kids do not need to see a pediatric dentist they can see a regular dentist but I know if my dentist wouldn't see kids under three I would be changing dentists fast. Yes kids need to be seen by a dentist at around 1 year of age.
Reply:you could try taking your child to a health station..is normally free. atleast for the first few visits.
Reply:It's very tough for general dentists to see children under 3; I know from experience; we general dentists simply don't have the special training and experience.

"In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday." (1)

Since neither cleaning nor xrays are customary at 1, it shouldn't be too much. Since I don't know where you live, I can't give you a ballpark for the fee. In my area, it wouldn't exceed $100. The best way to find out is to simply ask how much it will be for a first visit for a child under 3.

Don't let your insurance coverage (or lack thereof) compromise your child's dental care. So many people go without essential treatment because they let their insurance company call the shots.

Many established and/or specialty practices in my area "do not take insurance". The correct term is not taking assignment of benefits. By default, your insurance companies pay benefit checks to you, the subscriber. But you can (and usually do) assign your benefit checks to the dentist. When an insured patient goes to my office for a checkup, the office fills out the claim form, and the office takes assignment of their benefit checks. We reduce our fee by the anticipated amount of the benefit check. If we anticipate 100% coverage (most PPO checkups), then you walk out the door paying nothing. We effectively give our patients a 30-day interest-free loan until the insurance check comes in. Assignment of Benefits is a great convenience that patients like you have come to expect. We are glad to offer it.

Most insurance companies process the claims and pay the dentist (myself) promptly and courteously. A few companies consistently deny or underpay for the services rendered. They then ask us to call you, the patient, to pay for the difference. Talk about putting someone in an awkward position. Imagine going to Best Buy, walking out with a TV, and then getting a phone call asking for more money because you didn't pay enough. That wouldn't go over very well. So the dentist often eats it. If you have a policy with a company on my bad list, then I cannot take assignment of benefits; I have to charge you up front, then file the claim and have the benefit check mailed to you instead.

Just because your pedodontist doesn't take the insurance, doesn't mean your insurance won't pay for the visit. It could be they have bad experience with your company; so they just want you to pay up front. Depending on your policy, you may be able to submit a claim form yourself, and get partial reimbursement from your insurance company. Call the number on your card and ask a representative. If you ask nicely, your pedodontist's office staff may be able to help you fill out a claim form.

If you can't afford your local pedodontist charges, then at least consider the following:

1) no sleeping with bottles filled with any sugary liquid: juice, milk, formula. The only acceptable liquid for sleeping bottles is water. ANY kind of carbohydrate in the liquid can and will cause baby bottle rot, the #1 dental problem for children under 2.

2) periodically inspect your child's teeth for brown or white spots. It could be fluorosis or tooth decay. Either should be checked out by a dentist or pedodontist.

3) brush the teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and water. Introduce fluoride toothpaste at age 2-3.

There are many other tips at the website listed below:

Scared of the dentist?

2010-05-17T20:55:00.002-07:00

My boyfriend is a student dentist and found out recently that I haven't seen a dentist in about 8 years. He found out because I was eating a chocolate and had a sudden severe pain in one of my teeth and then he asked when I'd last been to the dentist. He wanted to examine my teeth but I wouldn't let him because I'm too embarrassed. I'm sure my teeth must be in a pretty bad state by now, I mean I brush regularly, but I don't floss and I do eat quite a lot of chocolate and sweets if I'm honest.

Anyway, I was just wondering, I know you can't really tell without seeing my teeth, but how much work am I likely to need done after 8 years of not seeing a dentist? I don't have any really bad toothaches, except that one tooth that hurt when I was eating chocolate, most of my teeth are generally quite sensitive to cold things as well - is that bad? I use sensodyne toothpaste but it doesn't seem to help.

I'm really freaking out here!!! HELP!!!

Scared of the dentist?
Hi babydoll. I've been in a similar position - I didn't see a dentist for 10 years, but then was forced to one day last year when I got a really bad toothache. Like you, I brushed regularly, but didn't floss, but by the sounds of it your teeth are in better shape than mine were. If I'm honest, I'd been having pain from various teeth for a while. Anyway, when I finally went to the dentist I needed an extraction, 2 root canals and fillings in all my molars, which I'm still in the process of having done now. But if you don't have any pain except from this one tooth, it's unlikely you'll need anything like as much work as I did.

The one where you had a severe pain on eating chocolate probably has a cavity in it - that's a classical symptom of it. But other than that you probably don't have too much to worry about, probably quite a lot of plaque build up, but hopefully not too many cavities! Good luck, let me know how it goes!
Reply:Impossible to say. BUT go in, just for xrays. That doesn't hurt. Then he or she can tell you what is wrong, if anything. Personally, I would not tell the dentist how long it's been, its more likely they may take advantage.

Also, take a few tylenol or whatever with you. Take them right after any work done, or even before you go. I do this.

Lastly, relax. Take a cd or ipod with you to listen while they do any work or just while you wait. Listen to music that is relaxing.
Reply:Go to the Dentist....they have come a long way and are quite sensitive to peoples fears!

From what you are saying it sounds more like you have problem gums - receding - exposing the tooth below the normal gum line. This can cause sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet things but it is easily remedied and does not require any invasive treatment.
Reply:you don't have to worry, you have to be brave, on the contrary you will be from frying pan into the fire.
Reply:Don't freak... as long as you've been taking care of your teeth the past 8 yrs, it won't be much. It'll probably be some oral cleaning, showing of plaque, stuff like that. If you do have to be drilled, they'll give you novacaine.
Reply:Im terrified of dentists, to the point where I get to the door for my appointment and then run away.

I got a new dentist recently and told him how scared I was, he's really good about it and doesnt tell me off!

You really should be brave and go, Ive ended up with some false teeth after years and years of avoiding the dentist and now I wish Id been a bit braver.
Reply:Bless you, I just know how you feel, i too are so scared of the dentist.
Reply:I to am deathly afraid to go to the dentist, however... it will get worse if you don't go now. Teeth do not heal themselves. This is my advise. Tell them both when you make your apt. and when you go in. They face this all the time and they will help you get over your fear.
Reply:Hy, You may have a suprise and find out that your teeth are in pretty good shape even though you eat lots of chocolate. My wife cleans her teeth and flosses and mouthwashes many times a day, and on visiting the dentist the last 3 visits last year she had to have work done. I however dont look after my teeth as much as her and have had less trouble up till just a few months ago, but it is only a bridge that keeps comming loose, my dentist tells me my teeth are in pretty good shape otherwise, he mentions something about PH? level in my mouth helps look after them.

If you are nervouse about jabs, ask dentist to put the magic cream on first, thats what the kids call it.

I have a dentist in a million,I use to be terrified of dentists until I seen him, he is so gentle, never feel his jabs apart from the pallet jabs that do hurt. After my treatment, He gives me some medication, either a huge bar of chocolate, huge toblerone or large box of maltesers.

Now I aint going 2 mention his name nor where I come from or his surgery, but I bet before the night is out there will be folks telling me who he is and where we both come from, just wait and see.
Reply:Hey, I feel your pain. My girlfriend is a nurse and got on me for not seeing a dentist over 9 yrs as well. When I finally went the dentist had to numb my gums and ended up scaling my teeth along w/ the cleaning. Needless to say it was no fun for awhile while I was still feeling the effects of the Novocaine - that shot hurts too. Hope I haven't scared you. But you need to get to the dentist and ge that taken care of.
Reply:don't be shy, allow him to examine ur teeth bcos it might be in a bad state now.
Reply:Hi. I had the same problem for many years after a very bad visit when I was a child. The trick is to try and identify exactly what you are scared of. With me it was injections. Although I have had a serious problem with dentists this week (I could not find any) I have to admit that things have come a long way and they are usually very good. As I found out 2 years ago, the longer you leave it the more problems you may have later on. You have to remember that one day the pain will be so strong that you will be forced to go. Its better to overcome your fear before that happens. Good luck.

By the way. I have learnt an important lesson this Xmas and New Year. If you have a dental problem over the holidays and you can’t find a Dentist anywhere. Do not leave it untreated as it will get worse and you may do long term damage to your health if you overdose on pain killers. If you can afford it, get on a plane to France, Spain or Germany and get it sorted there. They seem to have a much better system to deal with things outside office hours. Crazy but true.

NHS DENTIST where are they ?????

2010-05-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

After being chucked out by my old dentist because we have not been for 12 months (I heard they have gone private) trying to find a nhs dentist in my area, is a nightmare there is no practice taking any one on, what is my family suppose to do i have 2 kids and a husband and i myself need dental work if we have to go private it we cost a fortune any dentist out there reading shame on you for forceing out the nhs patients

NHS DENTIST where are they ?????
Don't blame the dentists, blame the goverment for introducing unworkable policies that forced dentists to go private.
Reply:blimey ive forgotten what one of them is can anyone remind me please unfortunatly the rest of the population wanting an nhs dentist are all having the same problem
Reply:Far and few between
Reply:And it's going to get worse! Our NHS dentist has just gone private and we have little choice but to pay a monthly fee.

Cheers Tony, bring on road pricing!
Reply:I had to send a letter with all my name, address, DOB etc to the primary care trust, you then go on to the waiting list until one in your area becomes available. If you have children put their details down too along with your husbands. I waited a few months to hear back but I my mum waited a week so it depends on availability. Good luck.
Reply:the government should deal with these people they are riding rough shod over the nation and it could be stopped in a jiffy it the minister of health should attend to it. a disgrace not typical of British behaviour
Reply:you dont say where you are but i know of one in suffolk
Reply:Contact NHS Direct

They will give you the phone number and address of your nearest NHS Dentist - be prepared to travel, our nearest one is a round trip of 70 miles! I am not joking. And when you do get the number ring to make sure they are taking on new patients.

Good luck!
Reply:Don't blame the dentists they have been forced into this ... U need to get in touch with your local main hospital, where your local A%26amp;E is usually they have an emergency dental department who in turn will have a list of Dentists taking on NHS patients ... Good Luck your gonna need it !!
Reply:Hi, I had the same problem recently, so i phoned NHS direct they gave me a telephone number and when i rang it they told me of local dentists that were taking on new patients, i got myself a dentist straight away. Also because i needed a filling i phoned the local emergency dentist the filling only cost me £15.50. Hope this helps.
Reply:Get in touch with your local PCT (Primary Care Trust) and ask them to find you one. Blame Patrica Hewitt and Tony Blair, if not join something like HSA, you pay like 2 pounds per week and they will pay money towards dental works, physio, hospital stays and you can cover the family. I needed a filling, even though I have a NHS dentist, they still paid towards it, I opted for the dearer filling lol. There is a link below which will direct you to your local PCT. NHS Direct may also be of use - 08454647
Reply:The Dentist don't give a dam about the patients all they care about is their GOD and that is Money.
Reply:Dunno, but if you find one let me know. Up here in Inverness they just don't exist. I am having to pay out £1,100 for a filling and a small bridge.

Maybe down in the south of England you might stand a chance of finding one, but I don't rate your chances much.

I think this is a disgusting state of affairs, but still Tony Blair's spending on the war in Iraq is so much more imperative than the nation's teeth don't you think? lol lol

Good luck!
Reply:Please let me know what area you live in and my company may have one , they have over 40 practices up and down the country that are NHS!

Try getting in conatct with your local Primary Care Trust and they should be able to help you out.
Reply:They have all been murdered by the Tooth Decay monster.
Reply:There are plenty NHS dentists here in Glasgow. If you kept going for your six monthly check ups you would still be registered with your dentist, however as you haven't attended the health board automatically take you off their register. I wouldn't blame the dentist, blame the government. I would contact your local primary care trust they will be able to put you in contact with a NHS dentist, but I would strongly recommend attending every six months as you will find yourself with the same problem again, also you wouldn't want any problems with your teeth go un-noticed as they may cause you problems in the future.
Reply:first of all its not the dentist fault that theyr private if u knew how the goverment was working the new NHS contracts ud go private 2! i work for a company called IDH if you go on www.idh.co.uk or sumthing along those lines (type idh into yahoo search) you will be able to see if there is a practise in your area and hopefully they will have a nhs space for you otherwise ring ur local pct or NHS direct. i wouldt put money into hsc(or whatever it is) as in all fairness u wudnt get ur moneys worth unless u need a crown bridge or dentures because standard nhs cost wouldnt come close to what you are paying in just say u have 2 check ups and u only need fillings ud pay £42.40 each time for howeva many filings or other treatment (not including crowns bridges or dentures) u need, so in all total it wud be 84.80 a year evan if u didnt have like 24 fillings each time so its really ot worth it

i hoped this helped
Reply:depends where you are, i live in surrey and there are quite a few dentists taking on new NHS patients, we must be very lucky.Mind you it still cost my daughter £180 for a root canal filling!

Bad Dentist?

2010-05-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Three months ago i went to a new dentist for a complete check up and cleaning. He found a cavity and also mentioned that it looked like i needed a root canal. When i came back for the filling, i asked again about the root canal. He said he was going to put a filling in and wait and see. I thought this was a bit strange but decided to be happy about it that i didn't need a RC.

About 4 weeks ago i had pain and swelling, and had to go in an emergency back to the clinic, another dentist was there, and did a partial RC that became infected and abscessed, then did the full RC a week later, but still now weeks later is still abscessed. Now i think i will have it extracted.

I am right to be angry with the first dentist? Why didn't he tell me to get this done right away before i had pain of swelling?

His answer seems to be that there was a chance that the root would die on it own. This seems like a long shot, and i was never explained the risk of this.

Bad Dentist?
Most dentists will try for the filling first and cross their fingers in hopes that you won't need the Root Canal. Every tooth in every person reacts differently when decay gets that close to the nerve. Maybe he didn't explain things to you as well as he should have, but I'd much rather go a cheaper route first and give the filling a chance. He was just trying to save you some time and money, you should be thankful. Would you have rather that he just done the root canal no matter if you needed it or not?
Reply:Yes and I would get a new dentist if I was you. That sounds like a person who got a dental degree from some third world country.
Reply:i think you should be anagry with this dentist because he should have known what he was doing but he knew you needed a RC but did'nt do that for you so in my opion maybe you should be angry
Reply:An RC treatment is nothing but killing the tooth and mummifying it.Teeth may last for about 5 years after that or even less.Sometimes teeth heal when a medicated dressing is placed.It is lot better to leave the teeth alive than kill it.Also other complications of RC treatment are repeated abcesses and teeth fracture.if any of theses complications happen....u will have to extract your teeth.no other options left.i am a dental student.I hope this helps.
Reply:Believe it or not, most dentists try to be conservative with invasvie work like RCT. He should have have given you more explanation as to proceedures and risks, but he didn't do anything wrong. It may be that the 1st dentist missed a canal and it's still abcessing. Don't go pulling teeth just yet, they don't grow back you know! Go to an endodonist (RCT specialist) they have the right equipment and know how to do it right the first time. Good luck!

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NHS dentist hell: refund or damage for pain and suffering?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.003-07:00

About two months ago, I had a filling done by an NHS dentist.

After the operation, the tooth was very sensitive for about 2-3 weeks; during this time, I used the other side for chewing.

Since then, the tooth is OK. However, there's a gap behind the tooth (apparently the filling was too small!) so food always

get caught onto the gum and this causes discomfort and gum

inflamation and bleeding. So I can't use that side of the mouth STILL.

I went back to the dentist. She took an X-Ray and said everything is fine. Then I talked to the head doctor, who,

after viewing the X-ray, offered to give me a refund or have

the filling redone by another doctor at the same clinic.

I'm considering getting a second opinion from a private dentist (not NHS) and have him re-do the filling, this could be

more expensive.

What should I do? Should I accept the refund (which is certainly a form of admission of failure)? Could I seek

a greater financial compensation for pain and suffering?

thanks.

NHS dentist hell: refund or damage for pain and suffering?
Dentistry is not an exact science. It is possible that some of the filling chipped away. Having sensitivity for 2-3 weeks after a filling is quite normal, and if not in pain now then probably is not big deal. I would have it replaced if the tooth is bothering you. As for greater financial compensation for pain and suffering, you would spend more on lawyer fee's (if one would even take this case) then you would get back. If you get your car's brakes fixed, and then they still don't work right, you go back and get them redone for free. You don't sue the mechanic!!!
Reply:Usually if a tooth is sensitive after a filling, it was either a deep cavity or a filling that is too high. Go back and let them correct the filling. I think this happens, on occassion, to even seasoned dentists. It can be corrected so that food does not pack into the crevice.

Salaried dentist?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.002-07:00

My dentist said I have to get my tooth out or he will.?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.001-07:00

I am 13 and I have all my adult teeth except my top left eye tooth. The other is comming through. I currently have a plate to push forward my top right eye tooth and my baby one is just moving up and out. The bottom of it is litterally at the side, no joke. My dentist said if its not out by 2 weeks when I go back he will pull it out. I have had aobut 8 teeth pulled out by the dentist with only 2 pulled with needles. They all hurt very bad. My teeth have always been hard to get out, same with my dad, nanna, aunties and cousins. My dad and Nanna had to get put to sleep and they had to but out her wisdom teeth because they wouldnt come out any other way. I have wiggled them, hit it with a spoon (ive been told it works), and numbed it with ice. I hate pain and will NOT use string. I am going back to the dentist on Tuesday 2 weeks. He said there is no roots, its just holding by my gum. Is there any PAINLESS way to get it out? As I had thought of ice but never tried until my friend said it.

My dentist said I have to get my tooth out or he will.?
If there is no root holding the tooth, only gum, there is a local gum pain local anaesthetic you can buy at a drug store - the name Anbesol comes to mind, but there may be others. It is designed for local tooth pain but read the label - you want something that will numb the gum. If there is no feeling in the gum, the tooth should come right out.
Reply:Your recovery depends on your age, the condition of your wisdom teeth, how much they manipulate your mouth during the surgery, and how well you follow the post surgery instructions they should give you.

I'm 14 and had had my wisdom teeth out 3 weeks ago today. They say it is better to have it done when you're younger. The surgery is usually easier and people heal faster the younger they are.

As soon as you're able to take your pain medication and keep it down then do. It is much easier to keep the pain low than to try to get rid of it. If you don't have a high tolerance for pain then ask your surgeon if it is okay to take Ibuprofen between pain medication doses. I had some moderate pain for about 3 days which my surgeon was surprised because he had a hard time removing my bottom teeth. They were severely impacted. After the first three days I experienced mild pain from time to time. I took my medications as prescribed until Sunday morning/the 3rd day. I was tired of feeling doped. The thing that helped was keeping the ice on my cheeks for the 72 hours recommended by my surgeon. I didn't alternate the ice as they had instructed because I was sleeping. What I did was took a bra and wrapped it under my chin and tied it on top of my head. Then I took Ziploc bags of ice and put them in the cups of the bra. It held the ice on both sides of my face and I could sleep without the worry of having to switch or hold the ice on my cheeks. It looks ridiculous, but no more ridiculous than the chipmunk cheeks.

You should be able eat soft foods such as jello, soup, mashed potatoes, and applesauce a few hours after your surgery. I was able to eat mashed potatoes about 8 hours after my surgery. Take it slow on going back to your normal eating habits. You'll know when you're ready. It is different for each person. Always rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution - usually recommended is 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of water.

As far as the IV, you should express your fear to the surgeon prior to surgery day. He/she may want you to have an anxiety pill before your appointment or may have some other solution. He/she needs to know that you're afraid. Also, you should refer to it as being put under - "putting down" sounds like they're euthanizing you or insulting you

First dentist appt?

2010-05-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

at what age do most children go for their first dentist appt? my son is 3 and has all of his teeth, should he go ahead and go now or wait a yr or wait till kindergarten? ive heard bewtween 3 %26amp; 5yrs. Should i take him to a pediatric dentist i went to one when i was younger and HATED him, i started going to a regular dentist with my mom? He doesnt like being messed with a lot though so i'm scared how he's going to react. oh and we brush his teeth twice a day and take good care of them, there doesnt seem to be any visible signs that he NEEDS to go now. just wondering what most people consider a good/appropriate age to start taking them?

First dentist appt?
I would take him now. I've heard that you should take them @ one year, but the dentist we use starts seeing kids @ age 2. Since he's 3, I'm sure he could go to any dentist. My 5 %26amp; 3 year old went when they were 2 and I have a 15 month old who'll go when he's 2.
Reply:now that he has all his teeth, he should go. good mouth hygiene starts young. and your dentist will be able to assess how healthy his gums are, etc.
Reply:now is the time for him to go... I've never heard of children waiting until kindergarten to go to dentist.

I plan to take my son when he turns 2.
Reply:I would take him now and suggest taking him to a pediatric dentist since they seem to know how to handle children better than a regular dentist would. I took my son when he was 2yrs old to our regular dentist and the dentist was horrible! He kept us waiting for like 2 hours and you know how that can be with a toddler and when we did see him he looked in his mouth for like 2 seconds and said everything was fine. Ask your dentist if they see 3yr olds and if they do ask what they do to them. But I would look into a pediatric dentist if at all possible.

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NHS DENTIST where are they ?????

2010-05-17T20:53:00.002-07:00

Bad Dentist?

2010-05-17T20:53:00.001-07:00

My dentist wants me to pay up front and have my insurance company reimburse ME?

2010-05-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

I just went to the dentist today and had a filling. I have dental insurance, but the dentist wanted payment up front for the services.

The receptionist said they require payment in full for the services on the day of service, and then they will send the insurance claim in to the company and eventually I will receive a reimbursement check.

Isn't that what INSURANCE IS FOR??? So you DON'T have to pay?????

I don't handle the cash in my family, so after much arguing about requiring payment up front, the receptionist agreed to let me walk out withouth paying, but expects me to have my husband pay by tomorrow.

It just doesn't seem right that the dentist gets cash up front for the work, and then makes ME wait to get reimbursed by the insurance company... what the heck?

My dentist wants me to pay up front and have my insurance company reimburse ME?
If your dentist is not a "Participating Provider" the insurance check from Blue Cross Blue Shield is automatically sent to the subscriber. Most offices work similar to what your dentist does, but usually they require 50% down and the remaining balance at the time of insertion or completion. The insurance cannot be submitted until the work is complete and Blue Cross Blue Shield usually pays within 7 days. They are one of the fastest insurance payors I have ever dealt with. They will not pay for all your procedures at 100% though, so you won't receive a check reimbursing you the entire cost and they usually have a $1500.00 calendar year maximum.

Dental insurance is not medical insurance so most offices are similar to the one you are going to. Some offices have these policies because patients have taken the insurance money and never paid for the services rendered. People don't realize how far they are asking their dentist to trust them. In our office if you are an established patient for a couple of years we will allow payment plans, but they are usually only 3-6 months out, anything longer and people tend to forget to pay us and then we end up sending the account to collection.
Reply:Not all insurance companies work this way, but it is not unheard of. I once had dental insurance that worked the same way.
Reply:call the insurance company. dont do that. It might be a rip off. Maybe the insurance doesnt support that dental center. I would check with my insurance or Medicaid.
Reply:it can work either way, but this is your own fault. You should have checked with them before beginning treatment to determine their policies.
Reply:It's the doctor's business and he can require payment in full if he wants - but I would shop for another dentist that will accept your 'estimated' portion. Once insurance settles with the dentist, you will be billed for anything remaining.
Reply:Sounds like you have Delta Dental. Some insurances take so long to pay the bills that the dentists don't want to wait that long for payment. Therefore they want you to pay and you to wait for the reismbursment.
Reply:you are very naive--would you work for someone,and wait to be paid by someone else???-i think not
Reply:I've had that happen before. I would make sure you tell the ins. co. about this. Usually when a claim is made the dr won't tell the co. that they already got paid, so then they get money twice. I'd make sure you never use this dentist again. Also keep calling the ins. co. to track the claim so that you make sure you get your money back.
Reply:It depends on your insurance on how they do it. Some companies only reimburse you after the initial visit (like yours) and others will pay the whole amount or a percentage. It could be that you went to a dentist that was out of network and that is how your insurance company handles out of network dentists. I would recommend checking with your insurance company to make sure that the dentist office was correct and go over your coverage.
Reply:they can do this, some doctors area asking for payment at time of service weather you have insurance or not.

you need to ask them for a discount if they are asking for this, reason being if you have to file all the paper work and wait for payment then ask if they will give a discount. if not, since you have already had work done and your Friend got you out the door, just let them know you don't have the money but can pay your co/pay (if any) and pay you when you get insurance money, it's worth a try.
Reply:Alot of dentist are that way now. But if you have insurance you shouldn't have to pay up front unless the insurance doesn't cover the entire amount. Even then sometimes they get the amount wrong and you end up over paying. Sometimes if you talk to the dentist and not the receptionist they are more understanding since they get paid to be like that so they get their money. I would look for a new dentist if that's how its gonna be.
Reply:Everyone has their own billing policy. Why shouldn't he get paid for his work right away...why should HE have to wait? Read your insurance (if you can) and you'll get the idea that they are in contract with you, not him, and he is not obligated to accept payment first from them and then the remainder from you. Sorry...next time discuss billing arrangements with a dental or medical professional BEFORE they render services to you...that way you won't have any unexpected (although totally legal) surprises...

P.S. You don't handle cash?? Your husband does??? Honey, your teeth are apparently the least of your problems, then...yoy!
Reply:A lot of dentists and doctors are doing that now...they are tired of waiting for the insurance to pay...so they want there payment in full, it is stated on the desk, door, wall....whatever...See someone else if you do not like to do this...sad thing is this is the way they are trying to go, some insurance companies do not pay a bill for 6 months...and that is why they are fed up with them...It's no big deal if you pay up front or not, you will get reimbursed, after you fill out your paperwork as well of course...
Reply:Unfortunately, many insurance companies will nit pick with the doctor or dentist over valid charges. They do not have the manpower to have a full time person deal with these issues...if they did, your rates (and mine) at the office would go up to cover the pay for that person or persons, whichever the case may be. Your insurance company is probably known for not paying up properly and in a timely manner.

They will let you send the claim and if the insurance company wants to be poopy about things, then YOU deal with it.

You ARE still insured, you just don't get the money up front and this is becoming more and more common as insurance companies think of new ways to bilk doctors and patients.

Sorry. Welcome to the US health care system.

The people you need to be upset with are the ones at the insurance company, not the doctor/dentist.

This is rather common, I am surprised you haven't run into it before.....
Reply:I don't know as much about how this works for dental insurance as i do for medical. It's what is called Not Accepting Assignment which basically means the provider doesn't want to deal with the insurance, they might fill out the claim for you but after that it's your problem.

This is only allowed for out of network providers on a PPO type plan. Your best option is to call you insurance company, find out if this dentist is in network. If not find one who is, for this specific bill, if you can afford it pay it and be done. If not file your claim wait till you get the check from the insurance company and then pay it. The dentist office can't do anything to you but send you bills for the first month or so anyway.

If they are in network then they're really jerking you around and your insurance company does some leverage with them to make them accept the insurance.
Reply:Because now a days insurance companies are slack on paying dentist, doctors, and the like. Alot of medical and dental practices are like that.
Reply:Well try to see other over point of view here . They have to pay rent - payroll ect. Sometimes they get sued , costs go up an insurance disputes payments , and the dentists get screwed up . Imagine your a dentist what would you do ?

Charge up front and skip the bull right ?

Plus you did get the service , you would not expect to walk out of a store with out paying right ?
Reply:aliens frommthe caves claim to be human
Reply:Tell him to piss off and if he doesn't call your insurance company.
Reply:Read through your insurance and speak with your dentis...im not sure im 13
Reply:Just say no! Find another dentist! Do eat more peanut butter!
Reply:Do not do that...the dentist will get paid twice and you will not get your money back'
Reply:get a new dentist. while researching ask them about their accounting practices.
Reply:That sounds like a dentist that is about to go out of business. My dentist accepts my insurance as payment. Sounds like you need a new dentist.
Reply:Sounds wierd...I would call the insurance company and ask them how they want to handle it.
Reply:I thought there was a small co-payment, and that was it. Certainly not in full. I'm not an insurance expert though.
Reply:find another dentist asap. that's just wrong.
Reply:That sounds strange to me, I can understand if ou had some sort of co-pay for any work done, but full payment up front??? I'd call your insurance provider and make sure that they would even reimburse you before you go back to that dentist.
Reply:i'd call your insurance company........

that is kind of weird........

before services my dentist finds out what the insurance will pay and tells us what we need to bring before the treatment......call your insurance find out what they will pay and when you will get reimbursed or find out what they expect you to pay and just pay that..........and then find a new dentist
Reply:To me it sounds like your Dentist doesn't trust that your insurance will come through at all. Or he may feel your not credit worthy and wants your payment up front. In either case, he should figure what amount if any you are responsible for, collect that portion only from you and remit the balance to the insurance company and settle the account from insurance. That is how it normally works. Ask your dentist why he can't do it this way. Or if you do have to pay "cash upfront" and no exceptions are allowed then ask him for a 10% discount for a cash transaction. That is customary and it will be worth your while since then you will have to wait for your insurance company to reimburse you. Be sure to follow up with your insurance company for proper reimbursement. Good luck! It will work out.
Reply:tell em to get stuffed and as for the receptionist agreeing to let you walk out well whats she going to do about it she cant exactly stop you from walking out,tell them both they will have to wait til you speak with insurance company and if they dont like it then toooo bad.

Scared of the dentist?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.003-07:00

First Dentist Visit?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.002-07:00

A dentist has me in collections?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

The dentist has put my fiance in collections. Now a place called Trojan professionals is the collection agency. They are tell me that I pay the dentist and then the dentist will relay the info to them and they will change the account to paid. Does this make sense. Can they actually do this and report on her credit .. i'm a little confused can anyone explain this a little better?

A dentist has me in collections?
Yes, a medical professional can transfer an unpaid account to a collection agency and it can be reported on your credit report. Normally you would pay the collection agency and they would keep their fee and forward the balance to the dentist. If you pay the dentist directly, get the proof of payment in writing and forward a copy to the collection agency yourself via certified mail and dispute the report on your credit report.
Reply:I would not believe that unless BOTH they and the dentist put it in writing to you. Request it from both. Don't rely on any verbal statements - they mean nothing.

Recommend a good dentist in Central/ East London for tooth extraction?

2010-05-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Need to visit a dentist for severe tooth pain and getting the tooth extracted. Would you be able to recommend a good dentist for this? Request a dentist in Central London please.

Would be great if you could recommend both NHS and private dentists. For the time being I don't have dental insurance, however, can get one if it's required.

Thanks for a prompt reply.

Recommend a good dentist in Central/ East London for tooth extraction?
I don't know in London but I know a good one in Norwich,Norfolk.