kimbell1
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/20/03
Posts: 274
Loc: Route 666, Painville, Texas 6...
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Based on my own experiences and some that have posted on another thread regarding problems with dental school that I am currently using, I have found a lot of dentists try to find all possible problems when you come to have one or two problems fixed.
I might not have an abcessed tooth that is still not fixed that might have been caused by the dentist insisting that I needed a root canal before fitting me for a corwn (deliberately misspelled for once to get by DB's censor).
I have had several of these corwns over the course of the years and this one chain I used because they had a cupon in the phone book for a corwn special seemed to push root canals whether you need them or not once you were in the dental chair. Thanks to this policy, I have spent $1300 for root canal, cowrn, and another $ 500.00 to repair the tooth after it abcessed three years after the work was originally done. And the tooth is STILL not fixed. It will probably have to be pulled. That will cost $17.00 at this school.
Without the other corwns having had root canals, I have had no problem with them.
I see ads for a low ball price on corwns and then they charge you for getting you in on an emergency basis. That also happened with this dental chain. Thing is, I never asked to be treated as an emergency patient. I was charged an extra $65.00 for this.
When I go to my doctor, I am lucky if he will look at two problems in one visit. He certainly does not try to find everything wrong with me.
This does NOT apply to the good dentists who do not employee bait and switch practices or other questionable practices like 'emergency fees' unless the patient is fully informed about things like emergency fees.
Most people do not have any dental insurance and if they do, it is probably not that good. Yet dentists seem bent on extracting as much from me as possible-including money.
Even this famous dental school has questionable practices. I was told a corwn was $303. I was not informed of that famous money maker-the build up until three visits later.
I thought that dental schools were places that you paid just for the materials and maybe an administration fee. These future dentists need people to work on and if this school does not clean up its act, soon all that will come there after enough people find out that it is a several month wait and the prices are not that great-espiecally if you shop around in a major city which this school is located in.
The only patients that this school will eventually get is the homeless and from social services. Which would you want to work on? A clean person who takes care of himself or the bottom of the ladder who dwell the city streets?
Feel free to comment or share your own horror story about dentists. And if there are any dentists or anyone else that wants to defend these questionable practices, I believe in both sides having equal time.
BTW: The dental school got me in the endo unit (the department that specializes in root canals the next day after I was evaluated to see if I needed enough dental work to justify being accepted as a regular patient. The dentist doing the endo work tore up the corwn over the abcessed tooth and told me that I would need a new one. I thought that I would just get assigned a dental student and get a new corwn. I found out after the endo work was done that I was not a regular patient but had been accepted on an emergency basis and was not entitled to further services. That was fine but they destroyed my corwn. All I wanted was them to make me a new one which I would pay for. It took the department that intervenes for people to get things strightend out to get me an appointment for a new corwn and just before I was to get my cowrn fitting, I noticed that the gun above the toth that had been worked on had now receded exposing part of the toth above the gum line .
Now I was given a SECOND re-eveluation and this time was accepted as a regular patient. This time, I was told I needed several existing corwns replaced, bottom left wisdom teeht extracted and I had a cavity that needed filled. How come they missed all that in the first evaluation and said that I did not need enough dental work to keep a student busy?
One last thing. The dragon lady that guards the entrance to the endo unit happily took my credit card to pay for the work and when I called a few days later about the receded gumn could have cared less and said its not our problem. I go on October 22 back to the eno department to see if they can clean up their mess or if the toth gets pulled. At least this vist is free.
Maybe they will try to sell me some snake oil while I am there. They did not even give me antibiotics for the root canal work.
PM if you want the name of the school so you can avoid it if you live in Texas.
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barett
Newbie
Reged: 07/07/04
Posts: 48
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I know this place well. Rhymes with Taylor, right? They turned me away because I had so much work that no one student could handle it. But they have plenty of time and interest in immigrants. Doesn't see right to me.
Barett
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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check this out went to dentist with knowing I had to have sum teeth pulled when I awoke and regained my senses I realized he had pulled all of them and to pour salt in the wound the quack gave me 800 mg IBUPROPHEN!!!!! I know that in a short time I WOULD LOSE MY TEETH and I wasn't to upset with the lose. However ibuprophen 4 17 teeth???? checked into lawsuit but laws are on their side here in WV...my advise don't use docs in west virginia u might lose alot of weight and gain alot of pain, good thing rxbetterdeals was up and running at the time.
Should have seen the look on the docs face when I pulled out a bottle of watson 10/325 w/my name on them!LOL!!!
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kimbell1
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/20/03
Posts: 274
Loc: Route 666, Painville, Texas 6...
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After reading posts on my other thread, it is surprising the hostility toward dentists. But someone got to pay for thier Lexus or nice house.
But I wish sometimes I was an illegal from south of the boarder. I would get treated better in Texas than I do being one of its on residents.
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kimbell1
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/20/03
Posts: 274
Loc: Route 666, Painville, Texas 6...
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I feel lucky that I have my own pain killers from my doctor since I was never oferred any after the root canal.
That is BS to pull that many teeth and get ____.
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JeanneLynn
Member
Reged: 05/16/04
Posts: 105
Loc: The Bible Belt
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I had my wisdom teeth pulled out and the doctor gave me a prescription for Lodine, LOL! He said it was a really strong painkiller, but the pharmacist said it was weaker than Motrin! Thank goodness for my OP! 
Paid $600 and the jerk couldn't even give me a decent prescription!
These dentists are something else!
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purppoptart
Journeyman
Reged: 04/28/04
Posts: 83
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I don't have any horror stories unfortunately, I adore my dentist. Yes, when you go for a check up they try to find out everything that is wrong in your mouth. I've got a mouth full of crowns, all were necessary. I'm lucky to have dental insurance (not the best, but better than nothing), plus my dentist will bill me and I don't have to pay her until after all the work is done.
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......and his hair was.....PERFECT!!
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purppoptart
Journeyman
Reged: 04/28/04
Posts: 83
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kim...I had to laugh at your post. While I love my dentist, she will not prescribe painkillers, her advice is to "take Tylenol". Her father however, used to script out percs like they were m&ms - I loved him 
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......and his hair was.....PERFECT!!
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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kimbell,
Unfortunately, people who are not versed in the field of dentistry are unawares to what is going on and accept the Dentist's word at face value. There are some dentists who will tell you something is wrong that isn't and will charge you for work which really doesn't need to be done. A few years back, my sister was seeing a dentist who had her come in time and again for issues that seemed neverending- she finally told me what her problem was and what the dentist suggested and I suggested she see another dentist- because from what I could gather (granted I didn't have access to her xrays nor was I looking in her mouth), she was being raked over the coals.
She saw another dentist who told her exactly what I did- she was being asked to allow the dentist to do unnecessary work.
It can happen. But there are also good dentists out there. You just need to find a good one.
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
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kimbell1
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/20/03
Posts: 274
Loc: Route 666, Painville, Texas 6...
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I was value your information. I had a great dentist growing up. His work has lasted for over 30 years in most cases. It is now wearing out.
As far as being expensive, I don't think he was cheap.
Maybe you get what you pay for with dental work in most cases.
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barett
Newbie
Reged: 07/07/04
Posts: 48
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As I said somewhere else - and it surely fits your story - Greedy Sadists.
Barett
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painnback
Stranger
Reged: 10/01/04
Posts: 9
Loc: Southern CA
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I am new to the boards and this is my first post. I couldn't resist since I have been practicing as a dental hygienist for 20 years. In general, concerning dentists and dentistry:
This profession is like most medical professions. They involve being run by Human Beings with various morals, opinions, and motives. Some are nice, some aren't. Some are money hungry, some do it not because they need any more money - many dentists already come from wealthy families and trust me, if you want to make a whole lot of money, DON'T BECOME a DENTIST! They are FAR underpaid than Medical doctors who MIGHT spend 7 mins with you on a visit and charge $250 just for the consult/honoring you with his/her presence. (and they may never even TOUCH you..not even ONCE) For relatively the same amount of time spent academically, put in possibly a bit more time and become a PHYSICIAN!
Dentists lean and hover over horrific work areas and contend with flying debris containing God knows what viruses,bacteria, or other unknown entities landing on their masks and glasses. (and by the way, hygienists have it even WORSE in this area since we work UNDER the gums with ultrasonic instruments using water spray that ends up being bloody water droplets containing lots of bacteria,debris etc covering our thin plastic shields supposedly protecting our face).
As far as fees? Even "I" paid $800 for a root canal several years ago. I went to a specialist that my office refers to and got NO special treatment! I have seven crowns, three of which have been replaced already.(I'm 43)Crowns where I live START at $700! And again, in general, dentists are UNDERPAID for what they have to put up with, what they put their bodies through everyday. And just for future info, the tired, old comment about how "I've paid for his house and his mercedes" just ticks them off! They're AMMUNE to it. At least try to come up with something different and maybe he/she will actually be affected in some small way JUST by your shot at creativity.
And finally, the issue of how dentists are not consistent when diagnosing problems? Listen...again, people are people. Dentists are people. They all have different goals, opinions, and philosophies on treatment. I have worked for dentists who will let a huge filling "go" until it is cracked and broken; and others who Best if kept off the board a tooth at the first site of a fracture line! PHILOSOPHIES. Not always money related...TRUST ME! These people would NOT, I repeat, would NOT be in this profession simply for the money. How much would YOU charge to be 6 inches from a dark hole emitting putrid smells,blood, 2 inches of caked on debris over the teeth, bending in a position for up to 20 minute chunks of time where your back is bent over and your neck twisted in order to work in this dark, unknown crevice filled with things that could, quite literally, kill you? How much are you worth? C'mon, give it a shot?
I could go on and on and on and on here. And since I'm new, you don't know that I have an amazing compassion for people and a great sense of humor and that is the tone for this post. But since it's being expressed only in black and white words, no voice inflexion, etc...you may take this as being very harsh and cocky, to say the least!
Listen precious dental patients... I know that it is NOT pleasant to have your teeth and gums prodded and drilled. I already know you'd rather be golfing or shopping, or just about ANYTHING but sitting in a dental chair. It took me years to learn to NOT take the comments personally; even on a subconscious level. But if you have a faith in our Creator, please know that "It" didn't place a longing to work in dentistry inside of dental professionals soley for your displeasure, pain, or financial ruin. God made dental professionals the same reasons he/she made plumbers and waste management workers - to give you an opportunity to choose to stay happy, with good pipes. To help you be happy. And I hope that you are - even in "small chunks of time".
With respect to you all and hope for future good will together - and God knows I could use your advice!
Namaste,
Lisa
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Know Thyself
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want2bcalm
Member
Reged: 04/03/04
Posts: 120
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I loved your post. My bro is a dentist and trust me, you hit the nail on the head. Sometimes I wish he was one of those guys that was the "You need everything in your mouth reworked, replaced, etc." types.
I have had much dental work in my time and have had many different dentists. You are so right. There are good ones and bad ones and people need to stop and think about how they would like to stick their fingers in someone's mouth, especially someone that had waited for years until the pain was just unbearable. In otherwords, someone that had not taken care of their teeth and then expected the "rich, golf playing, Mercedes driving" dentist to make it all better for $100 or so! What a laugh. By the way, not all dentists are rich, golfers &/or Mercedes drivers. You were so right in saying that most are highly underpaid.
Anyway, I respect my bro to the nth degree and all of his colleagues that are similar.
What really hacked me off is that my relatives that are both veterinarians actually said that dentists have it easy. GEEZ. This is from a young couple that built a gorgeous new home and take 3-4 fabulous vacations a year. They just got back from 10 days in Italy. It made me furious. But then I figured, what the heck? They bug the you know what out of me but for many different reasons, mostly because they are so young yet "know it all about everything."
Back to the dentistry bit...
Think about it people. My theory is that one of the reasons people live longer these days is better dental care. Think how horrible it used to be. I know that I for one would've been toothless by now. Ugh.
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barett
Newbie
Reged: 07/07/04
Posts: 48
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My dentist who is 63, said that when he was undergoing cancer treatments, he was forced to take on a young dentist for about a year. In talking with other older dentists, they conclude that they are horrified with the quality of students coming out of dental school today. I like this dentist as a person, but I stay away from him because I am still terrified of all dentists after SEVERAL unbelievably terrifying experiences. I will never get over it.
Two year later, that dentist is still hearing complaints from his patients who said the replacement was rude, cursed, hurt them, treated them like scum, etc.
I guarantee you that dentists are in it for the money and nothing else. From what you described - they are definitely not in it for the fun. And, no insult intended, but Southern California is not your typical dental office.
It ain't Turtlehead, Nebraska.
Barret
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michie
Stranger
Reged: 07/30/04
Posts: 21
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Never having had the pleasure of a holiday spent in Turtlehead, I won't challenge your comment. Sadly, my dental drama is an ongoing process which will surely out-live me. I will be dead and buried and my Dentist will be thinking "too bad she couln't hang on another week; we were almost finished!"
I bow to the expertise of our new member who is a professional in the field of Dentistry and reluctantly agree that most Dentists are honest and caring and competent. None that I have crossed paths with however! MY dentist at the present time is so SLOW. His dental chairs are threadbare and falling apart. The office is located in a beautiful building in a very nice area, but when you enter his office you feel as if it is 1950 in Mayberry. No four handed dentistry here! It's taken 2 years to work on one small area so at my appt last week when my crowns were finally to be installed I was giddy with excitement. Unfortunately they no longer fit b/c my teeth had shifted around in the last 2 years since the model was made. I stay b/c he is past retirement and just trying to squeeze a few more years out of his practice so he can pay his wife's nursing home bills. Before that he was paying the nursing home bills for his wife's parents and then his own. He laments that he should have sold it back in '79 when people were standing 3 deep to get in. It's a "young man's game" he often mutters. How did I find him you may wonder. I had just moved to the state and tripped while unpacking & somehow broke a front tooth. I called DDS numbers to no avail, when my mother said maybe her DDS could take me. He goes to her church as well. Bottom line...he could & he did and now I am stuck.michie
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gmorin2
Newbie

Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 42
Loc: New England
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Quote:
My dentist who is 63, said that when he was undergoing cancer treatments, he was forced to take on a young dentist for about a year. In talking with other older dentists, they conclude that they are horrified with the quality of students coming out of dental school today. I like this dentist as a person, but I stay away from him because I am still terrified of all dentists after SEVERAL unbelievably terrifying experiences. I will never get over it.
Two year later, that dentist is still hearing complaints from his patients who said the replacement was rude, cursed, hurt them, treated them like scum, etc.
I guarantee you that dentists are in it for the money and nothing else. From what you described - they are definitely not in it for the fun. And, no insult intended, but Southern California is not your typical dental office.
It ain't Turtlehead, Nebraska.
Barret
Barret, your making to many assumptions and generalizations by taking your doctors word that there are too many "new" rude, cursed, hurt them, and treated like scum dentists. You have the right to leave the office. I am sure there are tons of dental offices in your area that do a great job. Leave them if you feel this way.
On another note, if you are seeing your doctor, then you are not brushing your teeth 3 times a day as well as flossing and using a floride rince. You should be seeing your hygienist often not the doctor. The doctor comes into play when you have problems. Get second opinions. Tell the doctor that they are rude and do not do a good job, and follow it up with the better business bureau. You have the power to change things. Im pretty sure the office you say is rude or whatever has about a ton of Health Violations which will make them such a happy camper
But thats my opinion. My wife is a Hygienist. 
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If you wanna talk to me about your problems or just need someone to bi*ch to, please PM me.
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dede
Newbie
Reged: 06/18/02
Posts: 34
Loc: Southern California
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I have come to believe that most dentists are a total rip-off. I once went in to a well known dental group to merely have a cap [corwn] glued back in place. I have a mouth full of caps and permanent bridges from when I had lots of insurance and, over the years, have had caps come off for various reasons. If the tooth and/or the cap have not been chipped or damaged they can merely glue it back on. First no matter what you come in for, they want to do a full-mouth x-ray. Then after sitting a the dentists chair for 30 minutes I asked a passing assistant what the hold up was. He returned to tell me that they were going to replace my cap. I said, no way you are going to glue it back on. The dentist was a bit peeved but he glued it back on. I have yet to go to a dentist that couldn't find additional work. I just tell them to do what I came in for and leave it at that. They will milk your insurance and you for whatever you'll allow them to.
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fromabove
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/20/04
Posts: 218
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I do know one thing, everytime I return for my annual cleaning we are always refilling the cavities that were filled just on the last visit! he is always pushing crowns for my teeth & I will tell him NO, I hate the ones I have now & I would just as soon have them pulled. Obviously, this would put an end to his extortion. Anyhow once I tell him that I cant afford crowns, he quickly loses interest in me. I guess fillings just arent enough now a days.
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The truth is out there...
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Lablady2
Member
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 196
Loc: New York City
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I guess I am really lucky - have the best, the nicest and most honest dentist in the world. Only wish I could take him with me when I move to California next year - the thought of having to find another dentist is a trauma - because most are rip off artists........
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kimbell1
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/20/03
Posts: 274
Loc: Route 666, Painville, Texas 6...
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CPS is Child Protective Sevices. I have had a cousin and a friend work in this area. They go into DANGEROUS situations usually alone. My cousin worked in Oklahoma and had a deputy ride with her a lot when she felt trouble was possible.
But my friend was a young woman, very much the pasicifist, who went to stranger's homes, unarmed and alone, to determine if their child should be removed.
Talk about GUTS. I begged her to get a handgun permit or at least ride with the cops or at the very least, get mace. But she would not do any of that, The state of Texas gave her a whisle or some type of moise maker for 'self sefense'.
This job paid about $2000.00 a month if I remember.
To this poster who is so concerned about dentists' wlfare, would YOU take my cousin or friend's job for about $24,000 a year. And both of them had master degrees. I am glad that they have since left that job. But the public cries out everytime some over worked, underpaid civil servent makes a wrong call and some child dies.
These people in CPS should get paid MORE than dentists and doctors. They lay their lives on the line without the protection cops and firemen have.
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Paranoia is just hightened awareness.
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barett
Newbie
Reged: 07/07/04
Posts: 48
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I don't seem to have any lack of support.
Barret
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pwptds
Journeyman
Reged: 09/02/04
Posts: 88
Loc: Highway to Heaven
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I hear ya! Just like cops, teachers and social workers get paid peanuts compared to sports and movie'stars'. And we actually NEED cops etc., while guys who play basketball for a living make more money than they can ever spend in a lifetime.
Something is seriously wrong with that picture!
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michie
Stranger
Reged: 07/30/04
Posts: 21
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In America 2 percent of the people make 98 percent of the money.
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jack_in_ca
Newbie
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 48
Loc: California
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I am a CPS social worker, and lemme tell ya, you haven't lived until you've had an angry methamphetamine addict pi$$ed off at you because you want to remove their children from the clandestine meth lab, is all I'm sayin'....
Peace,
Jack
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"Hello, Saddam?...George...Yeah, I know...my bad..."
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gmorin2
Newbie

Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 42
Loc: New England
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What you should do if you can't go to a dentist to get the fillings done, go to a doctors school. There are students there that will work on your teeth for a fraction of the cost. The only drawback is that it takes a long time because everythime a student does something off the list of things to do, it has to get signed off by the Doctor-in-charge. Get sealants on your teeth that could potentially become cavities which I believe cost about 7 dollars for each tooth and their students so you my get 9 teeth sealed bu they would only put in 1 or 2 teeth that were actually sealed. Its worth it.
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If you wanna talk to me about your problems or just need someone to bi*ch to, please PM me.
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fromabove
Enthusiast
Reged: 08/20/04
Posts: 218
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Quote:
What you should do if you can't go to a dentist to get the fillings done, go to a doctors school. There are students there that will work on your teeth for a fraction of the cost. The only drawback is that it takes a long time because everythime a student does something off the list of things to do, it has to get signed off by the Doctor-in-charge. Get sealants on your teeth that could potentially become cavities which I believe cost about 7 dollars for each tooth and their students so you my get 9 teeth sealed bu they would only put in 1 or 2 teeth that were actually sealed. Its worth it.
God that pisssssses me off to hear this. I have asked my dentist why I cant have my teeth sealed after he fills them & he went into this long spew of crud stating that it's only good for teeth without fillings.
have you had this done on top of your cavities & if so how does it work for you?
Thanks gmorin2!
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The truth is out there...
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want2bcalm
Member
Reged: 04/03/04
Posts: 120
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If you would all brush your teeth at least 3 times a day, quit smoking, quit drinking soda like water, floss, and go in for a check up and cleaning 2 times a year you would NOT have as many problems. Then you could put the evil dentists in their place! Take care of your darn teeth. Don't wait until you have problems before you go! Also, good dental habits are one of the most important things a parent can do for their children. It took me years to learn this and thousands of dollars. Personally, I had the same opinions of many of you and that was even when my brother was already a dentist and yes, I've been to my fair share of rip off artists but why go back? Find another dentist. The key is that no matter what, YOU must take care of your teeth. For the record, I don't go to my bro because I have lived thousands of miles away from him for years.
I can not stress enough how an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure where your teeth are concerned.
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beepertgirl
Newbie
Reged: 01/27/04
Posts: 30
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I watched a dentist story on 20/20 or Dateline awhile back. They did a hidden camera thing and visited about 6 different dentist. The producer of the show went in for a routine check up, she really only needed one little filling and 5 out of the 6 dentist told her that she needed all this work done, i.e. 3 root canel, bridges...etc...
Too bad for the liars and scam artist...got busted on national T.V..
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painnback
Stranger
Reged: 10/01/04
Posts: 9
Loc: Southern CA
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Well, well,
I've come back to find a healthy debate about dentistry in general. Good. We need MORE debate in this country instead of being "sheep" just following the "Herd"!!!
All I can say at this point is that again, I am glad I finally got over taking comments like the ones I've read here personally.(For those of you who didn't read my post, I have been a dental hygienist for 20 years) One surely has to develop a tough skin to work in this profession!
Mostly, I totally and completely agree with "Want2bcalm". You took the words right outta my mouth, so to speak, Want2be. 95% of the patients that I have seen over the years have some form of gum disease due to lack of good oral hygiene! This leads to tooth decay, loose feelings, crowns/bridges and even sometimes gingival surgery. You MUST floss UNDER your gumline and Get your brushes out people...SOFT ONES...and don't forget to BRUSH THOSE GUMS!If you see bleeding -keep going- you aren't doing anything "wrong"! If you don't have any chronic gum problems or calculus (hardened plaque that you cannot see or feel) beneathe your gumline, you will see the bleeing diminish and in many cases subside after only a few days!
To give my input on sealants...We dental professionals RARELY recommend traditional sealants for adults. ESPECIALLY OVER EXISTING DECAY!! A Dr. MAY seal a CHILDS tooth with a TINY cavity IF, and only if, she/he has good oral hygiene and no other signs of decay. But even that is rare. If you trap bacteria under a sealant, you are SURE to have problems. Sealant material is NOT meant to last for long. it is meant to get kids through their cavity prone years. I have to replace sealants quite often because of their nature. A sealant simply can't handle an adult mouth - especially those with bruxism or teeth grinding. You'd be wasting your money if you think that sealing over old fillings and decay is the answer! LISTEN TO YOUR DENTIST! He went to school for a reason!
By the way, for the person who made the comment about my home, southern Ca... I'm a native FLORIDIAN, spent 29 years growing up and 10 of my years practicing in FL!~! 'magin that!
NAMASTE
L 
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Know Thyself
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painnback
Stranger
Reged: 10/01/04
Posts: 9
Loc: Southern CA
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Hi Beepertgirl,
you said "she really only needed one little filling "...um, WHO told her THAT and how/why did she KNOW that this person wasn't being neglectful? Just askin'
Respectfully,
L 
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Know Thyself
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