Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with dentistry

Will the NTI mouth guard keep my teeth in place?

jModug — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:18:35 -0800

Will my NTI mouth guard help my teeth stay in place? (Similar to a retainer) I haven't worn my retainer in many years and recently I have gotten an NTI mouth guard that covers my front four teeth. I wanted to know if those four front teeth will stay in place or will the NTI guard have negative effects to their placement in my mouth.

I don't want to go, but I should. Help me find a dentist and help me get over my fear.

Anonymous — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:39:03 -0800

I'm scared of going to the dentist. How do I find one that will understand and how do I prepare myself for going to my first appointment in years? Hi. I'm a 20-something woman who is coming to terms with the fact that I need to go to the dentist. It's been several years. I take very good care of my teeth, but I recognize that some problems may develop and that it would be better to prevent rather than fix. The problem is that I'm really scared.

My experience with dentists is not very good. I had a terrible experience with a dentist who lost his temper with me on my first visit as a 4 year old. He yelled at me and made me cry. After that, I went to a children's dentist and they also yelled at me, routinely left me alone in the chair for up to an hour at a time and did not seem to care about my comfort or pain levels. It seems every dentist I've had at some point ridiculed or yelled at me or caused me undue pain or neglect when it could have been prevented. I do not consider myself to be a coward and have been though surgery, routine doctor visits and many other procedures without any problems at all. It is just my extreme negative interactions with dentists that have caused me to stay away all these years.

So how do I find someone who cares? What is reasonable to ask about when you call to make an appointment? I don't feel I can outright ask, "Is Dr. Dentist a patient man/woman who will not yell at or mock me?" I live in a small town and I don't think there is sedation dentistry here. I do not know many people here to ask for recommendations. Is it reasonable to want to meet the dentist beforehand? What about the hygenists? I could have the best dentist in the world, but if his or her hygentist is not also compassionate, then what to do? They seem to spend the most time with patients on routine visits.

Assuming I find the best dentist ever, I also need help in learning how to prepare mentally. I have developed a score of phobias around the dentist. I have an extreme aversion to the grinding of teeth, which usually happens if they are moist and have toothpaste or some kind of cleaning agent on them. I dislike the vaccuum used to vaccuum out fluid and often wish that I were in control or could just spit and rinse it all out myself. I don't like being left alone in the chair. Finally, I also have an extremely powerful gag reflex that is easily triggered (probably why I hate that vaccuum thing).

So how do I cope with those things? Is there anything I can do to get over them or prevent them from happening? Is any dentist going to take those concerns seriously? If I had to rank them in terms of terror, I would put gagging as 1, grinding teeth as 2, vaccuum thing as 3 and being left alone as 4. I don't think I care as much about pain.

I recognize that I have a lot of issues, but would like to avoid therapy if at all possible. I did see this question (http://ask.metafilter.com/114191/How-can-I-find-a-dentist-who-is-good-with-terrified-patients) and it helped, but I have some specific issues I need to address and wanted to know about coping. Please help if you can.

Throwaway e-mail address: askme.scaredofthedentist@gmail.com

TIA!

How to start marketing a dental office.

beingresourceful — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:52:45 -0800

How do I start marketing a dentist? How do I effectively start marketing a dentist?

She has been a dentist for thirty years (many of those years as a professor), and now she has started her own practice.

She can do cosmetic dentistry, but she really likes pediatric/adolescent dentistry. She is also excellent (and I think prefers to work) at what I could call "major" dentistry, requiring going under. Her practice is located inside a hospital -- definitely something most dentists don't offer. She seems to think cosmetic dentistry is over-saturated (but if your idea is good I can convince her otherwise). I think she really likes those dental-insured patients that need extensive work.

I haven't marketed dentists before. How do I get this lady new clients? I want her to make lots of money, so I can ask for and make lots of money. If it's not win-win, I'd rather not take the job.

Less than a Filling.

I, Slobot — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:22:13 -0800

How careful do I need to be with eating and brushing around a large temporary filling from a root canal in progress? Had my first ever root canal today (Yippee!). I had neglected a fractured tooth and then the pain became unbearable in the last week. I don't have a good track record of regular dental visits and it'd been a while. The dentist was great when I went in yesterday to get it examined. He said there was an infection and I needed to get it taken care of ASAP, so he got me in today to start the root canal. I will be going back for a second visit to finish the process.

The procedure itself was intense as I didn't know what to expect and the infection was, apparently, pretty bad. I left in a daze with a numb face and a prescription for Vicoden and without much instruction from the Dentist on caring for the large temporary filling.

So my question is, should I avoid chewing on that side of my mouth? If so, for how long? (I won't be going back for three weeks due to the Doc going on vacation) Can I brush like normal and use mouthwash? What other precautions should I take, if any?

(Tooth in question is my second molar on the bottom right)

Like I Need Another Hole In My Head.

The Whelk — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:01:15 -0800

No Insurance-Filter: I suspect I need some minor dental work done, where can I get it done cheaply and quickly in NYC? Caveat: No Insurance, but some savings. I've heard horror stories about NYU Dental school, but I've gone to Dental Schools for cleanings and minor work all through childhood without a problem (No Cavities! ever!), is it really that bad?

Anyone know a decent dentist in the metro area or know where I can find one?

Should I be worried about getting a glass ionomer filling?

Kirn — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:56:00 -0800

Should I be worried about getting a glass ionomer filling? I have previously had a whole bunch of composite resin fillings. My new dentist says I need another new filling, and that one of my existing fillings is cracked. I am down to receive 'glass ionomer fillings', though I wasn't asked for a preference as at my old place.

This website says "Traditional glass ionomer is significantly weaker than composite resin. It is much more susceptible to wear and prone to fracture." This doesn't sound that good to me. I've also seen this website which indicates medical problems arising from glass ionomer fillings, although not sure whether it should be taken seriously.

Does anyone have any experience with these types of fillings, either as a patient or a dentist (or an informed other)? Should I be concerned?

Please reassure me about dental bridges!

feathermeat — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:34:27 -0800

My husband will be getting a couple of dental bridges and I am looking for reassurance and advice. My husband recently began going to the dentist again after 15 or so years of neglect, and had to have a couple of non-wisdom teeth pulled (in addition to lots of other work). He can have them replaced with either implants or bridges. The implants would be a huge problem financially, as they are $1000 each and not covered by insurance. We would have to get some sort of new line of credit to pay for them. The cheap alternative involves fixed bridges. However, I am worried that they will not last or that they will involve too much damage to surrounding teeth. I am also concerned about function. Will he be able to chew with the bridge, or is it purely for aesthetics? So does anyone have any long-term (or short-term) experience with a bridge that they could share with me? If he gets bridges, could they be replaced with implants later in life when we are more financially comfortable? Are bridges a reasonable solution, or are we going to need to suck it up and go into debt for the implants?

On smiling and sunken costs: trying to improve my smile-- help me navigate the costs and options of veneers and a botched first attempt at pretty teeth.

potatopeople — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:58:14 -0800

What are your experiences with thin porcelain veneers? I just spent $1200 on a Snap-On Smile and don't like the result. Should I take my dentist up on his offer to apply that cost towards a $5900 veneers procedure, or just give up and get stuck with the $1200 piece of plastic I won't use? I spent many of my younger years in braces, but my teeth have all gone their separate ways again and I have a gap between my front two teeth and a "baby tooth" that is a lot smaller than the others, creating a big open space on the left side of my mouth and just making my smile look asymmetrical and gappy. After doing some research on the Snap-On Smile, I went to a pretty good dentist in CT and decided to go ahead and do a $1200 Snap-On with the understanding that it was an affordable alternative to veneers, and though I'd have to take it out at night and treat it/clean it like a denture, I could wear it for a year.... and if I liked how it looked then I could go ahead and do veneers. It was sort of a "preview" to a permanent treatment that I could possibly decide to do in the near future.

That didn't turn out so well-- a normal day's use left my mouth hurting and gave me a headache, I couldn't chew right with it, my teeth didn't fit together when I bit down anymore, and in one mortifying moment, one of my coworkers instantly identified the "fake teeth" and said they look pretty bulky and plastic because... they're plastic, and all connected together, unlike natural slight spacing in real teeth. Also, the plastic made it impossible to wear lipstick (staining and really hard to scrub it off) and I was pretty lispy which is no good because I talk to clients and coworkers all day at my job.

So, it was a bust. The dentist has graciously offered to apply that cost toward getting the more realistic looking thin porcelain veneers. The cost of 4 veneers at ~$1500 a pop will come to about $6000. That's a LOT of money for me right now. And I'm so nervous about the result, because even though they showed me hypothetical "after" pictures, I'm afraid I won't like it and it's not reversible. The thin-veneers require some prep in my case-- a slight prep on the front surface of my four upper front teeth, but also they need to create spaces between them by shaving a little bit of it away. That means, if I don't like it, I can't exactly take them off-- I'll have bigger spaces between my teeth than what I started with.

So, what have Your experiences been with veneers? Chipping, breaking? Do you feel comfortable with thin veneers? I read a related post about cosmetic dentistry and some folks had horror stories, but are there any about the thin veneers?

MetaFilter, should I just chalk it up to a $1200 loss and walk away or should I try to get the result I want (a beautiful smile that will make me confident about smiling and talking and taking pictures) and brace myself for the huge additional cost?

Bye Bye Baby

plinth — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:45:15 -0800

Question about dentition and brass instruments After 40 long years, it looks like one of my two remaining baby teeth is giving up the ghost. I asked my hurried dentist how long the process takes from start to finish - he said about a year. I asked if he knew if there were issues playing trumpet through the process - he didn't understand and answered instead the question "can I play trumpet with the post?"

I'm an active amateur player (I gig about a dozen times a year) and I need to know what to expect as far as playing is concerned during the transitions.

I've found a few scant things via google, and a request for participants for some research from the International Trumpet Guild that hasn't been published.

Any anecdotal experience?

Are self-installable dental electric nerve blocks on the horizon, at all?

Quarter Pincher — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:39:24 -0800

Would it be very plausible to hope that a consumer-good electric(al) nerve block be developed for dental/oral surgery pain management? Soon? I will likely be having lots of dental work in my future, unless I can somehow discover a drastically inexpensive way to skip right to dentures.

In the meantime and less pricey time, I'd ideally like a consumer-implementable electric(al) nerve block that I could install myself when needed, because getting the chem-shot is almost as bad as the toothache itself, so much that I've had my last umpteen fillings bored and filled without any shots and going purely off nitrous and goa-trance.

The pain-to-the-point-of-insanity I feel when injected with whatsit-caine nerve block meds into the gum is absurdly fearsome, but I'll overlikely be needing a number of root canals later in my years -- and it seems like an electric/electrical nerve block would be the answer, but to get a dentist to buy one and use it would take decades rather than me just bringing one in and using it myself.

Would you suppose the installation of electric(al) nerve block is too delicate or sensitive (pun, yes) of a procedure for standard consumers to implement, or could a rudimental version be contrived that essentially accomplishes the goal without needing to know advanced bio-science?

One of my teeth is pink. What is this??

mintchip — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:03:50 -0800

One of my teeth is pink. What is this?? I just had a dental cleaning and the hygienist said that I have a "pink tooth." She said that this tooth has what seems to be a "huge" cavity on the x-ray. Unfortunately I don't have an appointment with the actual dentist until next week and the hygienist wouldn't say any more except that it was "very strange" that my tooth has a pink color and that she was unsure as to what the cause was.

I looked in the mirror and this tooth (it's in the back of my mouth) *does* have a pinkish hue to it.

I'm a little worried; basically because I don't have dental insurance and dental work is SO expensive. Also, I brush and floss EVERY day and haven't had a cavity in years so I'm wondering what in the world could cause a "pink tooth" (whatever that is) and how much of a cause for concern this is. I do not want to have a root canal!

P.S. everyone, DO NOT put off your dental cleanings/exams. I used to go like clockwork every six months and never had any dental problems at all. Just recently I tried to start going a little longer between cleanings...maybe 8 or 9 months. Now suddenly I've got dental problems to worry about. I was trying to save money. This sucks!

Is there a dentist in the house? or Anyone tongue-tied?

asparagrass — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:46:13 -0800

I'm thinking of having a lingual frenectomy (clipping the frenum that attaches the tongue to the mouth). My frenum is very short and restricts my tongue movement quite a bit. I can move it side to side but can't move it up and down very well and can't stick my tongue out straight (just down about 1/4 inch past my lower lip. This makes me very self conscious when it comes to kissing and other romantic activities (I date women). Have any of you mefites had this procedure done as an adult? Was your speech affected in any way? What's the healing time like? Was it worth it?

Bioesthetic Dentistry for TMJ dysfunction

not that girl — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:57:49 -0800

"Bioesthetic" dentistry: expensive quackery or my last best chance at a pain-free life? I have chronic pain; specifically, I've had a headache for 13 or 14 years now. As you can imagine, I've been subject to many tests and treatments, none of which have helped; years ago a doctor sent me to a pain clinic, where people learn to live with chronic pain. And I've lived with it, for a long time.

Then I got tired of living with it. Over the past year, my doctor and I have been exploring various options, none of which have paid off yet. Recently, she referred me to an oral surgeon to evaluate me for TMJ problems; he identified TMJ issues as a contributor to my headache. It seems very plausible to me.

For treatment, the oral surgeon referred me to a "bioesthetic" dentist. I had my consultation today. He would like to treat me with a device that would trick my jaw into thinking I have a proper bite, which would let my jaw relax. Over a period of months, he says, with periodic adjustments, my bite, jaw joint, and facial muscles can be returned to healthy position and functioning.

That's Phase I. In Phase II, we would supposedly be able to evaluate steps that could be taken to maintain correct bite without the appliance: jaw surgery, modification of tooth surfaces, and orthodontics are three possibilities.

It all sounds lovely, but I'm skeptical for a few reasons:

1. I've gotten my hopes up before only to have them dashed. Which isn't entirely relevant to the question.

2. Some elements of the dentist's spiel seemed a bit sketchy to me: a bit of excessive reverence for the dentist who discovered this amazing thing; a few references to things "mainstream dentistry" just doesn't want to pay attention to. Rhetoric I've heard before from proponents of unscientific, unfounded alternative treatments.

3. It's tremendously expensive: $4500, not covered by insurance, for Phase I.

4. One website I consulted about TMJ treatment warned specifically against treatments that required the wearing of a bite appliance 24 hours a day for extended periods of time.

Any experience or knowledge of bioesthetic dentistry as a treatment for TMJ problems? Personal stories as well as general info very welcome. If I decide not to pursue this (very likely since, among other things, the money to pay for it just pretty much doesn't exist) what other options might I pursue for TMJ treatment?

Please don't suggest other headache treatments; whatever you know about and swear by that changed your life, I've probably already tried it, and it will only depress me to hear about your miracle.

Sonicare Vibrates Toothpaste Right Off of It ...

WCityMike — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:32:06 -0800

I recently bought a Sonicare. I like how it makes my teeth feel cleaner than they had been, and anecdotal evidence from others suggests it's going to help my gums. But I really can't figure out how the toothpaste works with this thing. I put it on the toothbrush, position it at the gumline, and turn it on. The entire glob of the toothpaste seems to immediately come off and position itself on my gumline.

I can go ahead and kind of "dip" into it to try to spread it around, but I usually end up doing one of the "quadrants" of my mouth nearly toothpasteless.

So I imagine seasoned Sonicare users have figured out the best way to get around this little weirdity, and can perhaps make a suggestion ...

My gums!

cincinnatus c — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:19:10 -0800

What is going on with my teeth / gums (very disgusting stuff inside)? If you, like me, do not like to hear or see sensitive parts of the body going wrong, please do not read this question. What do you reckon is going on with my gums or teeth?

To begin with: I'm an idiot. I smoke like crazy. For at least six months, every cigarette that I've smoked has made my mouth hurt. I give up for a day or two, the pain subsides, then I smoke again. I'm an idiot.

Secondly: I'm British, so my teeth even if I were not an idiot would not look as good as yours (assuming you're American).

Thirdly: I am freaked out by the body in general and by squishy parts such as gums in particular. Consequently, I went to the dentist once in 1992, once in 2004 (after which I had extensive treatment under sedation) and then last week.

Fourthly, and to wrap all this up: I went to the dentist for the first time in four years last week. My nervousness at having anyone even look at or touch my teeth really exasperated the dentist: I would feel the same if I were him. The result of the visit was that I needed five fillings. OK. BUT during all three of these dental visits, over 16 years, I have pointed out the weird things going on with my gums and the dentists have shrugged their shoulders as if it's no big deal. They've just been concerned with the fillings. That may just be the NHS.

Here is a recent (20 mins ago) photo taken of the first few teeth on my upper right side; it is quite blurry, thank god. The main problem, previously, when I've felt brave enough to have a look, has been that my gums in that area have holes in them through which I could see white stuff (bone??). But in this photo, and in the mirror, it is clear that the white material is sticking out, is poking through the gums. It is horrible, I'm sorry. What could it possibly be?

I repeat, I went to an actual dentist a week ago, even if I acted like a wimp. So I am not asking you to replace a professional.

Dental Sealant: Should I have the treatment?

Chuckles — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:10:15 -0800

Dental Sealant: Should I have the treatment? I've been to the local dental hygienist school for treatment, and one of the things they do is tooth sealant. It would be free, but is it actually worthwhile?

About me: I have very good teeth. To give that some context, it has been 8 years since I've had a checkup/filling, and the dentist (not the student hygienist) at the hygienist school recommended one new restoration, along with replacement of one old filling.

Odds are I will not be a regular dental patient in the future, so I'm only interest in 'fire and forget' treatments. Though I obviously want healthy teeth, it is 100% critical to minimize cost of care now and in the future.

Research so far: The hygienist student said something about etching to improve adhesion, that didn't sound good. There has been talk about possible leeching of bisphenol-A, but It doesn't seem that worrisome. Wikipedia has little to say on the subject, and one very negative comment in the talk pages which might just be a crackpot. Google results are spammed by marketing messages from interested parties instead of objective and useful information. An example of the last, from the ADA:

adults can benefit from sealants as well.

Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are twice-daily brushing with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste; cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners; eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks; and visiting your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist about whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program.

A bunch of weasel words, with no real recommendation..

So, should I?

Full Metal Dentistry

kittens for breakfast — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:08:52 -0800

How exactly would one procure, care for, and live with a set of metal teeth -- especially if they were pointy? In case you're wondering, I'm thinking of the sort of thing sported by this gentleman here. And no, I'm not thinking of replacing MY teeth. Purely hypothetical. I presume no dentist would ever do this (...right?), so I'm wondering how one would go about creating such a thing for oneself -- more likely as something to wear over one's real teeth than as an out-and-out replacement for them. How hard would it be to make a set? Would you be best off setting the metal teeth in artificial gums made of some other substance, and if so, what? Also: If they're stainless steel, I guess they wouldn't rust, but what other problems would you have? Could you talk with them in? How easy would it be to cut your lips and tongue?

Responses from one or more actual dentists and/or metallurgists would be awesome, but I'll take what I can get here. Thanks!

Crooked teeth=not sexy

showbiz_liz — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:55:39 -0800

Would it be safe/beneficial to wear my old retainer again? My teeth have started moving! I had braces from about fifth grade through late middle school. I'm a college sophomore now. I wore my retainer, but not for as long as they said- I think they told me six months and I did four or something.

I've noticed over the past year that my bottom two front teeth seem to be moving- one out, the other in. This basically terrifies me, especially because I'm worried I may have caused it by not wearing the retainer for long enough. I just found my old wire-and-plastic retainer, and I'm thinking about wearing it at night and seeing if it can reverse, or at least halt, the migration. But it's been six years at least- will they even fit anymore? Will the plastic be faulty? Is this just a dumb idea in general?

Please let me know if this might work- I don't want to have to get braces again.

What are some good dental anthroplogy texts?

Loto — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:17:10 -0800

What are some good books focusing on dental anthropology and evolution? A very close friend of mine is planning on attending dental school soon but started her academic career, and maintains a healthy interest, in anthropology. I would very much like to get her a book or two about dental anthropology the evolution of teeth for Christmas, however I have very little clue about the field myself.

I've done cursory Amazon searches and have found a few books that fit the requirements, but I don't know enough to be able to tell if they are actually good. She knows quite a bit of terminology and such already, so highly technical books are definitely welcome.

Any dentists or anthropologists here have suggestions as to what would be a good book?

Is my dentist too crazy to treat me?

schroedinger — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 10:46:45 -0800

I have pretty severe TMJ for my age (early 20s) that has been getting worse. My dentist seems competent (I think), but also kind of . . . kooky. Could other AskMefites, especially TMJ sufferers, weigh in on him and his methods? I have had TMJ since my mid-teens when my braces came off. No grinding or headaches, but my jaw's out of alignment and I've had problems with locking, crunching, and popping that have been getting worse to the point where in the past few months I've gone through periods where it's been extremely difficult to eat or open my mouth because my jaw locks and it takes a good time to move things around enough to get it closed.

I went to my regular dental practice (very good, I love them) a month ago and was seen by a very new dentist who had joined after fifteen years of TMJ work at another practice. I was extremely heartened by this first visit--rather than telling me I'd "grow out of it" (when I certainly wasn't) or that there wasn't much beyond surgery he could do, he displayed a great knowledge of the causes of TMJ, ways to treat it, and basically made me feel like I was being treated by someone who actually knew what they were talking about and could help me. He even made a quick mock bite splint and after putting it in I felt muscles in my neck, jaw, back, and even down my arm relax that I hadn't even known were tight. He said he advocates "chirodontics"--basically treating the jaw as a joint and using chiropractic methods to help treat it. This makes sense, right? He said he couldn't do anything until he talked to the head practitioner of the practice but I should schedule a follow-up. The only thing that kind of set off alarm bells were when towards the end he started talking about "energy medicine" and "clearing out the toxins" and restoring my life energy. But I brushed it away and scheduled a follow-up because of the quality of the rest of the visit.

The second visit a month later got wackier. Much wackier. The entire visit he talked about the necessity of maintaining my energy flow and how toxins were building up in the bad jaw joint. He said he couldn't use the chirodontics because he hadn't convinced the head dentist, and creating a bite splint would be over $2000. He then said I could go to his trained-by-the-head-physician-of-the-Emperor-of-Japan mentor--with whom he'd had a huge falling out so I wasn't allowed to mention the dentist's name--and get a bite splint there. The splint would cost much less, but it would be followed by $300 "energy healing" treatments, herbal treatments, and adjustments. He warned me it would be a nightmare getting an appointment, I'd be spending hours in the waiting room on the day of each appointment, it wouldn't be covered by insurance, but after six sessions of $300 each (plus the bite splint) I'd feel like a million. He then sent me on his way, chalking up my recent tooth sensitivity of the past two weeks to the TMJ too rather than even looking at the possibility of cavities or anything else.

What the heck? Now what do I do? On the one hand, my new dentist seems like a wack job, in between the energy healing business and the sheer amount of drama that seems to be following him (the troubles with his mentor, the hot water he's in with the head of the new practice after only one month). On the other hand, he definitely seems to know what he's doing--that mock bite splint felt great and when he kept out of the energy healing explanations he seemed competent at diagnosing and treating TMJ. So I don't know if I should try to get the super-expensive splint from him, get the cheap splint from the mentor and not do the adjustments, or find someone less crazy. I know I need a splint, and I want to get one from the best to make it less likely to fuck up my bite even more, but I also am afraid to deal with a crazy person.

What has worked for you? Should I drop this guy and find someone else? Just go with the splint? This energy healing stuff is hoo-doo, right?

To go under or not to go under

silverstatue — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:17:36 -0800

My sister is getting her wisdom teeth taken out... and I dont want her to be put under. Just got into an argument with my parents, and am looking for some support.

I had my wisdom teeth taken out seven or eight years ago, with just novocaine, and it was fine. no pain, quick procedure, and quick recovery. Now my sister is about to get her teeth out, and for some reason my parents are absolutely sold on having her put under. I was under the impression that you should only be unconscious if it was absolutely necessary, and whenever possible, it should be avoided, since there's a much higher chance that something will go wrong.

what do you think? i'm not looking for "i had the gas and it was fine," vs. "i had novocaine and it was great." i'd like actual reasons why the gas is a dangerous idea, or conversely why i'm a big paranoid baby and the gas is totally fine and safe.

Help me spend $2k. In 6 weeks. With restrictions.

Jaie — Sat, 19 May 2007 18:15:33 -0800

MedicalFSAFilter. Again. Have $2000 to spend in 6 weeks, had hoped to spend it on ugly teeth. Have pits in enamel on front teeth due to high fever (or maybe the medicine that brought that fever down) I had as a child. Said pits are ugly and brown, and I worry are just cavities waiting to happen. Dentist has mentioned veneers, but they aren't eligible for reimbursement. Any way to treat them that is reimbursable? I looked here (http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/index.html) and found that veneers wouldn't be reimbursable. Is there any treatment for this that would be? Is it even something I should worry about? Am I going to wind up with front teeth with 5 or 6 fillings on the front of each of them, or it is purely a cosmetic thing?

I've tried Googling but all I can find is info about how important it is not to let these pits develop on your children's teeth. It's a bit late for that, as I'm 36, and the pits are already there. So now what?

(And if I can't spend the $2k on my teeth, how should I spend it? I've already had Lasik, FSAs don't cover liposuction ... any other dental or medical stuff worth investigating for that approximate amount? Dumb me for not checking that veneers were covered before I put the money in an FSA, I know. )

Gnashing my tooth.

jamaro — Fri, 04 May 2007 21:40:29 -0800

Do I really have to go in for three dental visits a year? Background: once a year, I visit a dentist who checks the stability of an endosteal single-tooth implant he installed in my jaw some years ago. These visits are not my idea, but something the dentist orders as a routine course of action post-op. This dentist is not my (very competent but non-implant-installing) regular dentist, whom I faithfully visit every 6 months for cleanings.

Each year, the implant dentist's receptionist calls to schedule my annual visit. We agree upon a date/time, and without fail, she calls back at least once to reschedule the appointment a few days before I'm to show up. This time, she's pushed back my appointment *five* times over the course of three weeks, calling, rescheduling, calling again, rescheduling...and it's driving me nuts. I have some flexibility of time during my work schedule but not so much that having an appointment moved so many times is uniformly easy to accomodate and as a result, I'm getting very frustrated with the entire process, to the point where I'm questioning why, exactly, I need to return for this cursory* inspection each year.

* no x-rays are involved. The dentist looks in my mouth, pokes at the implant with a fingertip and then pronounces me good for the next year. I spend more time looking for a parking space near his office than I do sitting in his chair.

So, a few related questions: For those who have had tooth implants: is returning for annual visits "just to check on the implant" something the dentist who installed your implant has you do? Or am I being scheduled for the purposes of steady income flow?

Assuming I'm stuck with the visit: how should I solve this scheduling go-round with the receptionist? I've already tried explaining that the frequent appointment changes are not working out for me, she's apologized and then she turns around and does it again.

Time for a new set of teeth?

vizsla — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 14:28:41 -0800

My teeth are a mess. I have a major lifelong grinding and chewing problem. The bottom set are very worn down, the top front teeth have crumbled in the past from chewing and I have crowns. I have numerous fillings and root canals and there are ominous cracks in several others. Is there a way I could solve this problem once and for all? I'm talking about fixing the teeth falling apart, not curbing the grinding. Assume cost is not an obstacle.

Suggested treatment for bone loss in mouth, what is "scaling"?

Tommy Gnosis — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 13:27:44 -0800

PeriodontistryFilter: My dentist tells me that I have some pretty severe bone loss around my upper molars and that I need to have a consult with a periodontist to discuss "scaling". What is this and how much does it hurt? My dentist was incredibly unhelpful in terms of describing the process, the consult is several weeks away, and I wasn't really able to find much online with regard to this procedure, at least nothing in terms of what I can expect, pain-wise. Has anyone recently undergone this procedure and how bad was it?