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MST9106
My life:)
Member since 6/06 9589 total posts
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
Posted by LiPo
Posted by EmilyAKAMrsK
The gum scraping "thing" (cause I am not sure of the name either  ) is real.
Scaling..has anyone else had it done before? Does it hurt? I'm such a wimp!
Its a removal of plaque on your teeth and is required when there is a heavier build-up on your teeth. Its not painful, but its not a pleasant feeling either. As the hygenist is cleaning your teeth, he or she will measure your gum pockets to see if there is any periodontal damage (meaning gum recession).
Message edited 10/9/2006 4:49:40 PM.
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Posted 10/9/06 4:49 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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LiPo
:(
Member since 9/06 1864 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
Posted by MST9106
As the hygenist is cleaning your teeth, he or she will measure your gum pockets to see if there is any periodontal damage (meaning gum recession).
Thanks. At my last cleaning she actually measured and that's when she decided I needed it. Whatever I can do to prevent bone loss I'll do. 
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| Posted 10/9/06 4:51 PM |
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avonldy09
LIF Zygote
Member since 11/10 4 total posts
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
Be thankful that you dont have any issues! It seems like everytime I go I have a problem :( Therefore I hate going!
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| Posted 11/6/10 8:29 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
Posted by LiPo
Posted by EmilyAKAMrsK
The gum scraping "thing" (cause I am not sure of the name either ) is real.
Scaling..has anyone else had it done before? Does it hurt? I'm such a wimp!
Scaling and root planing. I do it to patients everyday and you will be a bit sore after but we get you nice and numb for the procedure. It is one of the best things you can do for the health of your mouth. Remember the upkeep is the most important part.
Everything that needs to be done should be shown to you. For example if my patient needs sc/rp I show them my probe sinking deep into pockets in the mirror or calculus(hardened tartar buildup) on their xrays. Most RCT'd teeth will eventually need a crown because they become brittle over time and break-the RCT is taking out the nerve of the tooth which is the blood supply keeping it vital. An old broken down filled tooth needs a crown can be easily shown on an intraoral picture to a patient.
It's 2010 and we expect our patients to ask questions. Years ago what your dentist said was just accepted and the treatment got done. Now we are taking pictures, explaining xrays, showing you in the mirror. If they aren't doing these things it's possible they are pulling the wool over your eyes and making $$. Unfortunately there are plenty of bad guys out there 
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| Posted 11/7/10 7:14 AM |
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
I  my dentist.
I've had the scaling/root planing done... I needed it. I admittedly don't floss as much as I should.. I have great teeth, but horrible gums. He is pricey... but his office takes awesome care of my teeth, and it's worth it.
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| Posted 11/7/10 7:41 AM |
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sunnyplus3
:)
Member since 11/05 8749 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
I don't know if LIFers are still feeling like their dentists rip them off but I'll reply anyway.
I totally agree with oneofeach, I have been practicing in the dental field for 25 years and I teach dentists how to provide better care & present treatment more effectively to their patients.
Studies show that at least 40% of all American adults have some level of periodontal disease. The "gum scraping" or scaling & root planing is the first line of defense in treating periodontal disease.
We now know that the calculus or tartar that builds up on your teeth is the same stuff that can clog your arteries, so it makes sense to keep it out of your mouth.
Also we have now established a direct link between uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal disease.
So while it might seem like nothing is bothering you & they are just selling you something, actually they are trying to prevent you from having long term systemic problems or possibly loosing your teeth.
Our current knowledge about perio disease is the reason why our generation will not be denture wearers. Realistically most people in our age group will die with 90% of their teeth.
The other thing I hear patients complain about is Oral Cancer screenings- a test that is sometimes not covered by insurance.
at the moment more people die each year from oral cancer than breast cancer & cervical cancer combined. Interestingly the rise in oral cancer is not among smokers, drinkers or tobacco chewers. It is woman 25-40 years old that do not have lifestyle risk factors.
The same HPV that is directly linked to cervical cancer is also causing oral cancer at a frightening pace, something that can be treated and often cured if caught early with an oral cancer screening.
Michael Douglas, Eddie VanHalen & my Dad all have/had throat cancer caused by lifestyle risks that could have been diagnosed earlier in a dental office.
In teaching, lecturing & consulting with dentists all over LI, I can honestly say there are WAY MORE that DO NOT diagnose properly & they ignore periodontal disease all together.
This is actually creating a new wave of malpractice suits toward dentists called "supervised neglect". A big part of my business is making sure dentists don't ignore disease.
For the record most dental insurance maximums have not increased since 1973, so if you're expecting your dental insurance to cover all of your comprehensive care-it probably won't.
Its really nothing like your medical insurance. About 35% of all dental insurance claims get denied the first time-even if they should have paid. Its the biggest racket in healthcare right now and patients don't realize it & think dentists are trying to rip them off.
I could go on for days but I will shut up now.
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| Posted 11/7/10 8:01 AM |
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jandt2006
LIF Adult
Member since 8/05 1338 total posts
Name:
Teresa
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
Posted by KellyFG
I don't know if LIFers are still feeling like their dentists rip them off but I'll reply anyway.
I totally agree with oneofeach, I have been practicing in the dental field for 25 years and I teach dentists how to provide better care & present treatment more effectively to their patients.
Studies show that at least 40% of all American adults have some level of periodontal disease. The "gum scraping" or scaling & root planing is the first line of defense in treating periodontal disease.
We now know that the calculus or tartar that builds up on your teeth is the same stuff that can clog your arteries, so it makes sense to keep it out of your mouth.
Also we have now established a direct link between uncontrolled diabetes and periodontal disease.
So while it might seem like nothing is bothering you & they are just selling you something, actually they are trying to prevent you from having long term systemic problems or possibly loosing your teeth.
Our current knowledge about perio disease is the reason why our generation will not be denture wearers. Realistically most people in our age group will die with 90% of their teeth.
The other thing I hear patients complain about is Oral Cancer screenings- a test that is sometimes not covered by insurance.
at the moment more people die each year from oral cancer than breast cancer & cervical cancer combined. Interestingly the rise in oral cancer is not among smokers, drinkers or tobacco chewers. It is woman 25-40 years old that do not have lifestyle risk factors.
The same HPV that is directly linked to cervical cancer is also causing oral cancer at a frightening pace, something that can be treated and often cured if caught early with an oral cancer screening.
Michael Douglas, Eddie VanHalen & my Dad all have/had throat cancer caused by lifestyle risks that could have been diagnosed earlier in a dental office.
In teaching, lecturing & consulting with dentists all over LI, I can honestly say there are WAY MORE that DO NOT diagnose properly & they ignore periodontal disease all together.
This is actually creating a new wave of malpractice suits toward dentists called "supervised neglect". A big part of my business is making sure dentists don't ignore disease.
For the record most dental insurance maximums have not increased since 1973, so if you're expecting your dental insurance to cover all of your comprehensive care-it probably won't.
Its really nothing like your medical insurance. About 35% of all dental insurance claims get denied the first time-even if they should have paid. Its the biggest racket in healthcare right now and patients don't realize it & think dentists are trying to rip them off.
I could go on for days but I will shut up now.
are u a dentist? i am a receptionist in a dental office.
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| Posted 11/7/10 11:06 AM |
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Cheeks24
Living a dream
Member since 1/08 8589 total posts
Name:
Cheeks
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
I think there are so many people that don't ask questions. I'm fortunate to have a wonderful dentist that tells me everything he needs to do. The worst I've ever had was cavities. I take good care of my teeth and if something bothers me, I go to the dentist. I don't want a mouth full of dentures when I'm older if I can prevent it now. I know people are scared of their dentists too which is why a lot of people don't go, but it's really important to go.
There are plenty of good dentists out there that accept just what the insurance is paying them and not asking for additional money from you.
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| Posted 11/7/10 2:11 PM |
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jerseypanda
Life is good.
Member since 1/07 9164 total posts
Name:
Amanda
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Re: Do you ever feel like you are getting ripped off by your dentist?
I have learned that you have to ask questions. Even for things that seem silly when it comes to dentists.
About 7 years ago I went to a new dentist because I had moved.
After he did the regular cleaning on my teeth, this dentist told me that I had 3 fillings that were cracked and needed to be replaced.
I left the office and never went back. Something didn't sit right with me. 6 months later I went to a different dentist for my cleaning and asked him about cracked fillings. He said he couldn't find any.
6 months after that I went to yet another dentist because I wanted a 3rd opinion and she told me that I did not have any cracked fillings.  7 years later I have never had to have any fillings replaced.
It infuriates me to think that this dentist was going to drill inside my mouth, put me through the uncomfortable and UNNECESSARY procedure so that he coudl make money.
So yes, ask questions.
I love the dentist I go to now. She always believes in taking the least aggressive path. I broke my molar when I was pregnant with my DS... about 3 1/2 years ago. I still have about 3/4 of my molar. She has simply patched it up to save me from getting a crown because she says I don't need it right now. I'm sure eventually I will have to get one, but for now, my tooth is holding up fine with what she's done to it.
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| Posted 11/8/10 9:29 AM |
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