Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please
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Message |
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Andr
#1 / 53
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 Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please Hi all, So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
that dentists claim that you have.
Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
not.
The problem is that the dentist's bread and butter is made by
telling you you have crappy teeth - and if they think you have money
(I am not wealthy, but I drive a nice car and wear nice clothes) I am
sure they use this to decide what is "wrong" with me.
Here are the problems given - I'd like a honest and frank opinion
from any qualified prof's on the board who have a better conscience
and no need to worry about making a buck off of me:
1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
is a medical danger?
2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
medical danger?
3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown. Quite ironically, it happens that 2
of the cavities are on my wisdom tooth so the dentist recommended its
all the more reason to have them pulled! Which is interesting,
because in one sentence she said cooking.net">food rarely goes back to the rear of
the teeth so I shouldn't feel bad about having them pulled, and in the
next one she is saying that I have cavities back there. I use a home
flouride treatment periodically and have generally not had any
particular sensitivity to foods except for extreme cold and hot (which
I think everyone has). Is there some way I can tell myself how bad my
teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a medical danger?
I appreciate any guidance, self-checks, home therapies, that you can
suggest. I don't want to damage my teeth beyond repair, but then
again, if it weren't for the dentist, looking at my teeth in the
mirror, the only thing I can spot visually is a) my back teeth are in
fact impacted but I don't know if that's really a problem and b) my
gums have softened because I was off the flossing for a while, so they
bleed when I floss now, again, I don't know if that's fixable by just
resuming the flossing.
Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 09:55:48 GMT |
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The Real Be
#2 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please Quote:
> Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
> insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
> prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
> of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
> had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
> nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
> not...
Is there a dental school in your area? It will take longer but cost less, and you can probably trust the diagnosis. --
Cheers,
Bev
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"I read somewhere that 77 per cent of all the mentally ill live in
poverty. Actually, I'm more intrigued by the 23 per cent who are
apparently doing quite well for themselves." -- Emo Philips
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 10:42:28 GMT |
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Hiero5an
#3 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please
Quote: > Hi all, > So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
> some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
> that dentists claim that you have.
> Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
> insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
> prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
> of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
> had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
> nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
> not.
> The problem is that the dentist's bread and butter is made by
> telling you you have crappy teeth - and if they think you have money
> (I am not wealthy, but I drive a nice car and wear nice clothes) I am
> sure they use this to decide what is "wrong" with me.
> Here are the problems given - I'd like a honest and frank opinion
> from any qualified prof's on the board who have a better conscience
> and no need to worry about making a buck off of me:
> 1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
> have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
> inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
> have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
> is a medical danger?
> 2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
> not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
> need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
> admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
> weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
> soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
> daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
> can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
> medical danger?
> 3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
> nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
> ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
> requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown. Quite ironically, it happens that 2
> of the cavities are on my wisdom tooth so the dentist recommended its
> all the more reason to have them pulled! Which is interesting,
> because in one sentence she said cooking.net">food rarely goes back to the rear of
> the teeth so I shouldn't feel bad about having them pulled, and in the
> next one she is saying that I have cavities back there. I use a home
> flouride treatment periodically and have generally not had any
> particular sensitivity to foods except for extreme cold and hot (which
> I think everyone has). Is there some way I can tell myself how bad my
> teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a medical danger?
> I appreciate any guidance, self-checks, home therapies, that you can
> suggest. I don't want to damage my teeth beyond repair, but then
> again, if it weren't for the dentist, looking at my teeth in the
> mirror, the only thing I can spot visually is a) my back teeth are in
> fact impacted but I don't know if that's really a problem and b) my
> gums have softened because I was off the flossing for a while, so they
> bleed when I floss now, again, I don't know if that's fixable by just
> resuming the flossing.
> Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
OK, there is a standing doctrine that there is no such thing as a post that is off-topic in talk.origins; however the above places a serious challenge to this belief. I hereby propose the following solution to this apparent "refutation", and invite others to forward alternative hypotheses: 1) Many creationists practice credential inflation by claiming degrees in fields irrelevant to biological evolution. 2) Dentistry is a field unrelated to biological evolution (allowances made for comparative primatology). 3) The person posting above has a problem with a dentist whom he believes to be twisting the facts to suit their own agenda. 4) Creationists make a habit of twisting facts to suit their own agenda. therefore .:C) The poster's wisdom teeth are offered as an example of suboptimal design, thereby refuting creationism. Other theories?
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 11:11:11 GMT |
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Joel M. Eichen, D.D.S
#4 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please There is a song .... Cavities comin' and goin' ........... Quote:
>3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
>nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
>ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
>requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown.
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 12:39:12 GMT |
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Thomas H. Falle
#5 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please Quote:
> Hi all, > So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
> some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
> that dentists claim that you have.
> Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
> insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
> prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
> of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
> had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
> nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
> not.
> The problem is that the dentist's bread and butter is made by
> telling you you have crappy teeth - and if they think you have money
> (I am not wealthy, but I drive a nice car and wear nice clothes) I am
> sure they use this to decide what is "wrong" with me.
> Here are the problems given - I'd like a honest and frank opinion
> from any qualified prof's on the board who have a better conscience
> and no need to worry about making a buck off of me:
> 1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
> have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
> inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
> have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
> is a medical danger?
> 2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
> not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
> need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
> admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
> weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
> soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
> daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
> can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
> medical danger?
> 3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
> nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
> ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
> requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown. Quite ironically, it happens that 2
> of the cavities are on my wisdom tooth so the dentist recommended its
> all the more reason to have them pulled! Which is interesting,
> because in one sentence she said cooking.net">food rarely goes back to the rear of
> the teeth so I shouldn't feel bad about having them pulled, and in the
> next one she is saying that I have cavities back there. I use a home
> flouride treatment periodically and have generally not had any
> particular sensitivity to foods except for extreme cold and hot (which
> I think everyone has). Is there some way I can tell myself how bad my
> teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a medical danger?
> I appreciate any guidance, self-checks, home therapies, that you can
> suggest. I don't want to damage my teeth beyond repair, but then
> again, if it weren't for the dentist, looking at my teeth in the
> mirror, the only thing I can spot visually is a) my back teeth are in
> fact impacted but I don't know if that's really a problem and b) my
> gums have softened because I was off the flossing for a while, so they
> bleed when I floss now, again, I don't know if that's fixable by just
> resuming the flossing.
> Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
Put it off a few more years. The problem will take care of itself. Happy mumbling. Tom Faller
(with an appointment to have a wisdom tooth pulled in two weeks)
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 22:59:01 GMT |
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Shirley Gutkowski R
#6 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please Thanks for posting this interesting case. I don't spend much time on this Newsgroup, but feel I have a few insights that should help you make sense of your recent dental appointment. 1. Cavities can come and go. If one dentist uses advanced technology to
detect decay, say a laser, and the next uses 1900 technology, say an explorer,
to detect decay, the latter will not find any problems until the decay is very
far along.
2. Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that has times of advancement
and times of quiet. It is painless, like high {*filter*} pressure, until someone
tells you you have it you don't know.
3. Floss will help, however if your pockets are deeper than 2mm it won't help
at all. If the disease has progressed to where the bone is involved you need
periodontal therapy.
4. Yes, dentists make a living working on crappy teeth, but this isn't a
surprise to you. According to your post, these problems have been progressivly
worse, it's time to pay the piper.
5. Wisdom teeth should be removed if they are decayed. Depending on the
nature of the impaction they can stay or go. If they are sideways and any part
of the tooth is through the bone, then it's best to have them removed. Junk
can get to the crown of the wisdom tooth by following the back side of the
tooth ahead of it and cause problems, including decay in an unerupted tooth.
You didn't mention your age, or your over all health. Gum disease/periodontal
disease is a modifiable risk factor for heart diseas and stroke, and others.
The infection can raise all kinds of problems.
I hope this was more helpful than some of the other posts on this topic.
Shirley Gutkowski, RDH, BSDH
"Everbody wants to save the earth - nobody wants to help Mom to do the dishes."
- P. J. O'Rourke
~~~~~~~~~
http://www.***.com/
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:42:52 GMT |
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Joel M. Eichen, D.D.S
#7 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please Yo consumer groups ,,, ask us some dental questions! We got answers fer ya!
JOEL
On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 01:55:48 +0000 (UTC),
Quote:
>Hi all, > So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
>some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
>that dentists claim that you have.
> Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
>insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
>prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
>of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
>had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
>nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
>not.
> The problem is that the dentist's bread and butter is made by
>telling you you have crappy teeth - and if they think you have money
>(I am not wealthy, but I drive a nice car and wear nice clothes) I am
>sure they use this to decide what is "wrong" with me.
> Here are the problems given - I'd like a honest and frank opinion
>from any qualified prof's on the board who have a better conscience
>and no need to worry about making a buck off of me:
>1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
>have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
>inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
>have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
>is a medical danger?
>2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
>not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
>need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
>admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
>weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
>soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
>daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
>can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
>medical danger?
>3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
>nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
>ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
>requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown. Quite ironically, it happens that 2
>of the cavities are on my wisdom tooth so the dentist recommended its
>all the more reason to have them pulled! Which is interesting,
>because in one sentence she said cooking.net">food rarely goes back to the rear of
>the teeth so I shouldn't feel bad about having them pulled, and in the
>next one she is saying that I have cavities back there. I use a home
>flouride treatment periodically and have generally not had any
>particular sensitivity to foods except for extreme cold and hot (which
>I think everyone has). Is there some way I can tell myself how bad my
>teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a medical danger?
>I appreciate any guidance, self-checks, home therapies, that you can
>suggest. I don't want to damage my teeth beyond repair, but then
>again, if it weren't for the dentist, looking at my teeth in the
>mirror, the only thing I can spot visually is a) my back teeth are in
>fact impacted but I don't know if that's really a problem and b) my
>gums have softened because I was off the flossing for a while, so they
>bleed when I floss now, again, I don't know if that's fixable by just
>resuming the flossing.
>Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:39:51 GMT |
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Joel M. Eichen, D.D.S
#8 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please OK, you got crappy teeth ...... NOW WHOT???????
Quote:
>> The problem is that the dentist's bread and butter is made by
>> telling you you have crappy teeth - and if they think you have money
>> (I am not wealthy, but I drive a nice car and wear nice clothes) I am
>> sure they use this to decide what is "wrong" with me.
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:38:52 GMT |
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Joel M. Eichen, D.D.S
#9 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please Any questions from consumers about dentistry? We have answers. JOEL
On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 01:55:48 +0000 (UTC),
Quote:
>Hi all, > So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
>some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
>that dentists claim that you have.
> Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
>insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
>prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
>of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
>had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
>nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
>not.
> The problem is that the dentist's bread and butter is made by
>telling you you have crappy teeth - and if they think you have money
>(I am not wealthy, but I drive a nice car and wear nice clothes) I am
>sure they use this to decide what is "wrong" with me.
> Here are the problems given - I'd like a honest and frank opinion
>from any qualified prof's on the board who have a better conscience
>and no need to worry about making a buck off of me:
>1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
>have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
>inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
>have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
>is a medical danger?
>2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
>not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
>need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
>admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
>weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
>soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
>daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
>can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
>medical danger?
>3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
>nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
>ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
>requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown. Quite ironically, it happens that 2
>of the cavities are on my wisdom tooth so the dentist recommended its
>all the more reason to have them pulled! Which is interesting,
>because in one sentence she said cooking.net">food rarely goes back to the rear of
>the teeth so I shouldn't feel bad about having them pulled, and in the
>next one she is saying that I have cavities back there. I use a home
>flouride treatment periodically and have generally not had any
>particular sensitivity to foods except for extreme cold and hot (which
>I think everyone has). Is there some way I can tell myself how bad my
>teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a medical danger?
>I appreciate any guidance, self-checks, home therapies, that you can
>suggest. I don't want to damage my teeth beyond repair, but then
>again, if it weren't for the dentist, looking at my teeth in the
>mirror, the only thing I can spot visually is a) my back teeth are in
>fact impacted but I don't know if that's really a problem and b) my
>gums have softened because I was off the flossing for a while, so they
>bleed when I floss now, again, I don't know if that's fixable by just
>resuming the flossing.
>Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:42:08 GMT |
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AllEmailDeletedImmediate
#10 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please Quote:
> Hi all, > So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
> some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
> that dentists claim that you have.
> Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
> insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
> prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
> of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
> had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
> nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
> not.
investigative reports have shown that many dentists do attempt to pad their income with expensive scare tactics. then again in this sue-happy society, it could be a cya thing. Quote: > 1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
> have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
> inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
> have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
> is a medical danger?
don't know about the medical danger, but i'm getting mine pulled (not a thing wrong with them) because i have trouble getting my toothbrush back there and i believe i'll end up w/healthier gums in that area. studies have shown a correlation between gum disease (bacteria) and heart problems. might be a good idea to get them out for preventative reasons. Quote: > 2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
> not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
> need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
> admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
> weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
> soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
> daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
> can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
> medical danger?
i don't know if you can tell about your gums yourself because of the shadows in your mouth, but i certainly can tell if someone has gum disease when they smile. gums look really bright red and inflamed. but might be harder to see inside and in back. i think a deep cleaning involves separating the gums from the teeth(?). i'd get back to flossing--the bleeding should stop after a while.
also, think about investing in a sonicare. i love mine. my gums are
better and there's much less tartar buildup.
Quote: > 3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
> nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
> ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
> requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown.
fishy, fishy. Quote: > Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
floss. get a sonicare. visit a dental school, even if you have to stay somewhere overnight. should be cheaper than unneeded dental work or visits to several dentists for x # of opinions. if you do need a crown/cap and it's in the back, you can get a stainless steel one for lots less. also, try to avoid the root canal--back to that bacteria/heart thing.
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| Sun, 03 Sep 2006 23:43:34 GMT |
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Joel M. Eichen, D.D.S
#11 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please
Quote:
>> Hi all, >> So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
>> some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
>> that dentists claim that you have.
>> Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
>> insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
>> prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
>> of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
>> had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
>> nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
>> not.
>investigative reports have shown that many dentists do attempt to pad
>their income with expensive scare tactics. then again in this
>sue-happy society, it could be a cya thing.
REPLY Maybe CYA or maybe CPID.
Car Payment Is Due.
JOEL
Quote: >> 1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
>> have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
>> inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
>> have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
>> is a medical danger?
>don't know about the medical danger, but i'm getting mine pulled (not
>a thing wrong with them) because i have trouble getting my toothbrush
>back there and i believe i'll end up w/healthier gums in that area.
>studies have shown a correlation between gum disease (bacteria) and
>heart problems. might be a good idea to get them out for preventative
>reasons.
>> 2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
>> not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
>> need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
>> admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
>> weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
>> soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
>> daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
>> can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
>> medical danger?
>i don't know if you can tell about your gums yourself because of the
>shadows in your mouth, but i certainly can tell if someone has gum
>disease when they smile. gums look really bright red and inflamed.
>but might be harder to see inside and in back. i think a deep
>cleaning involves separating the gums from the teeth(?).
>i'd get back to flossing--the bleeding should stop after a while.
>also, think about investing in a sonicare. i love mine. my gums are
>better and there's much less tartar buildup.
>> 3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
>> nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
>> ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
>> requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown.
>fishy, fishy.
>> Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
>floss. get a sonicare. visit a dental school, even if you have to
>stay somewhere overnight. should be cheaper than unneeded dental
>work or visits to several dentists for x # of opinions. if you do
>need a crown/cap and it's in the back, you can get a stainless steel
>one for lots less. also, try to avoid the root canal--back to that
>bacteria/heart thing.
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| Mon, 04 Sep 2006 00:31:10 GMT |
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kurt
#12 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please
Quote:
> > Hi all, > > So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
> > some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
> > that dentists claim that you have.
> > Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
> > insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
> > prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
> > of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
> > had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
> > nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
> > not.
> investigative reports have shown that many dentists do attempt to pad
> their income with expensive scare tactics. then again in this
> sue-happy society, it could be a cya thing.
Heh. Speaking of "scare tactics" that reminds me of a pamphlet I saw in a waiting room that offered "advice" for patients who had questions about a certain costly procedure. It basically said that unless you have the procedure done, then all your teeth will fall out. It made absolutely no attempt whatsoever to explain alternative treatments or the progression of problems that might befall the patient who declines treatment. Quote: > > 1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I > > have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup > > inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to > > have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this > > is a medical danger? > don't know about the medical danger, but i'm getting mine pulled (not
> a thing wrong with them) because i have trouble getting my toothbrush
> back there and i believe i'll end up w/healthier gums in that area.
> studies have shown a correlation between gum disease (bacteria) and
> heart problems. might be a good idea to get them out for preventative
> reasons.
> > 2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
> > not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
> > need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
> > admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
> > weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
> > soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
> > daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
> > can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
> > medical danger?
> i don't know if you can tell about your gums yourself because of the
> shadows in your mouth, but i certainly can tell if someone has gum
> disease when they smile. gums look really bright red and inflamed.
> but might be harder to see inside and in back. i think a deep
> cleaning involves separating the gums from the teeth(?).
You're thinking of gum surgery. By "deep cleaning" they probably mean scaling and root planing, which is where they numb you up and scrape way up under the gum line. Quote: > i'd get back to flossing--the bleeding should stop after a while.
> also, think about investing in a sonicare. i love mine. my gums are
> better and there's much less tartar buildup.
Brushing and flossing won't help if the periodontal pockets are several millimeters deep. You can't get down in the pocket, and it would be painful if you tried. My suggestion would be to get checked by a periodontist.
Quote: > > 3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago, > > nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists > > ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one > > requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown. > fishy, fishy.
A complicating factor is what a dentist thinks qualifies as a "cavity". Some will call virtually any brownish spot a cavity. Some will call white lines cavities (the white lines are basically the precursor to a real cavity). Others don't call it a cavity until there's a gaping black hole in the tooth. This will cause you to get completely different, but all technically
correct, diagnoses from different dentists.
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| Mon, 04 Sep 2006 01:20:48 GMT |
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Beachhous
#13 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please
generally not had any
Quote: > particular sensitivity to foods except for extreme cold and hot (which
> I think everyone has).
this is not normal. you may be showing signs of deep tooth decay involving the nerve. most folks have cleanings done 1-2 times a year in addition to regular flossing and brushing. i'd rather pay the money now than have to wear dentures later. your choice.
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| Mon, 04 Sep 2006 06:22:24 GMT |
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Joel M. Eichen, D.D.S
#14 / 53
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Some truthful advice about gum disease, deep cleaning, cavities, and wisdom teeth please
Quote:
>> Yo consumer groups ,,, ask us some dental questions! >> We got answers fer ya!
>> JOEL
>> Joel,
>What is your definition of a dental question?
REPLY: Anything to do with teeth and gums.
We also have experts about wizardry such as amalgamitis causing death
but we have to reply on Jan Drew for witchcraft answers.
JOEL
Quote: >You are obviously very
>knowledgeable, but sometimes (many times) you are very dismissive when
>it comes to some serious questions.
Yup, a silly question gets a silly answer. What is a silly question? "Is my dentist trying to poison me and my family?"
Quote: >Even in regard to my own questions
>of recent weeks when I was quite scared about the sudden severe onset
>of teeth sensitivity coupled with parotitis. I had a couple of really
>helpful responses, but was quite surprised at your lack of compassion.
I have loads of compassion for parotiditis which has certain symptoms. Parrotitis is for veterinarians! Quote: >Dentistry generally is an expensive exercise, so people like Andrew
>have the good sense to question where their money is going and if it
>is necessary.
Yup. JOEL
Quote: >Regards, >Linda >> On Wed, 17 Mar 2004 01:55:48 +0000 (UTC),
>> >Hi all,
>> > So, I think this topic has been posted before, but I wanted to get
>> >some fresh answers to the topic of how real some of these problems are
>> >that dentists claim that you have.
>> > Last week, I went to a new dentist on a new barebones limited
>> >insurance I have (only covers dental exam, not even basis
>> >prophylaxis), and I came out with a recommendation that I needed $3000
>> >of dental work to fix my supposedly god awful horrible teeth. I've
>> >had this story unloaded on me before, and it is really truly
>> >nerve-wrecking since you never know if they are telling the truth or
>> >not.
>> > The problem is that the dentist's bread and butter is made by
>> >telling you you have crappy teeth - and if they think you have money
>> >(I am not wealthy, but I drive a nice car and wear nice clothes) I am
>> >sure they use this to decide what is "wrong" with me.
>> > Here are the problems given - I'd like a honest and frank opinion
>> >from any qualified prof's on the board who have a better conscience
>> >and no need to worry about making a buck off of me:
>> >1) Impacted wisdom teeth pull - I have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and I
>> >have had 3 past dentists claim that this can cause tartar buildup
>> >inside and next to the adjoining tooth and have had suggestions to
>> >have them pulled along with the top two. What is the truth? Is this
>> >is a medical danger?
>> >2) Deep cleaning - I have been told in the last two visits that I am
>> >not flossing enough and that my tooth pockets have gotten too big and
>> >need deep cleaning. I don't feel any particular pain, although I will
>> >admit, I do have a mild tinginess in my gums because I went a few
>> >weeks without flossing (my mistake) and my gums have become really
>> >soft, so when I floss now, my gums bleed. However, I'm back on a
>> >daily floss plan - do I really need a deep clean? Is there some way I
>> >can tell myself how bad my teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a
>> >medical danger?
>> >3) Cavities - 4 dentists ago, I had no cavities. 3 dentists ago,
>> >nearly every tooth had a cavity. I did nothing about it. 2 dentists
>> >ago, I had no cavities once again. Last week, I had 4 cavities, one
>> >requiring a root c{*filter*}and crown. Quite ironically, it happens that 2
>> >of the cavities are on my wisdom tooth so the dentist recommended its
>> >all the more reason to have them pulled! Which is interesting,
>> >because in one sentence she said cooking.net">food rarely goes back to the rear of
>> >the teeth so I shouldn't feel bad about having them pulled, and in the
>> >next one she is saying that I have cavities back there. I use a home
>> >flouride treatment periodically and have generally not had any
>> >particular sensitivity to foods except for extreme cold and hot (which
>> >I think everyone has). Is there some way I can tell myself how bad my
>> >teeth are? What is the truth? Is this a medical danger?
>> >I appreciate any guidance, self-checks, home therapies, that you can
>> >suggest. I don't want to damage my teeth beyond repair, but then
>> >again, if it weren't for the dentist, looking at my teeth in the
>> >mirror, the only thing I can spot visually is a) my back teeth are in
>> >fact impacted but I don't know if that's really a problem and b) my
>> >gums have softened because I was off the flossing for a while, so they
>> >bleed when I floss now, again, I don't know if that's fixable by just
>> >resuming the flossing.
>> >Please provide any advice you have. Thanks.
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| Mon, 04 Sep 2006 10:27:36 GMT |
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