Secrets your dentist doesn't want you to know

[Vowel Lady]

I was reading this article that really shocked me about dentistry. Like what seems to be discussed on these threads, many dentists seem to pull the wool over their patient's eyes. So many of us know so little about dentistry, this is easy to do. Recently, after having received questionable dental care, I went to a recommended dentist and this person did not have digital xray equipment. Had I not read this article, I would not have known to even ask!!!
Please take this article and what is said on these threads seriously!

Here is the article:
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/08/...aolshare_email

[Bryanna]

Hi Vowel Lady,

Thanks for posting this article!

I agree with the majority of this article. I think it does provide a good basic outline for people who want to be their own health advocate.

However with regard to the root canal statements made in this article.... using a microscope during a root canal procedure is one of those "pull the wool over the patient's eyes" misgivings. The microscope does magnify the large canals inside of the tooth and it can sometimes locate other hidden canals ... but it does not show or allow access to the millions of curvy dentin tubules which is where the majority of dead nerve material resides after a root canal procedure is done. From the patients perspective, the microscope used in endodontics can add $$ to the already outrageously expensive fee and it is misleading to think you've gotten something "special" when you really have not.

I do hope people read the article... I really hope this opens up a discussion!!

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Vowel Lady

I was reading this article that really shocked me about dentistry. Like what seems to be discussed on these threads, many dentists seem to pull the wool over their patient's eyes. So many of us know so little about dentistry, this is easy to do. Recently, after having received questionable dental care, I went to a recommended dentist and this person did not have digital xray equipment. Had I not read this article, I would not have known to even ask!!!
Please take this article and what is said on these threads seriously!

Here is the article:
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/08/...aolshare_email

[Vowel Lady]

I'm so glad you liked the article.
I was intriqued because a friend of mine had a cracked tooth and she went a university for help and they said to skip a root canal, pull the tooth and get an implant. They never went into details as to why, but implied it would be better in the end this way.

When you get a chance, please take a look at my other thread re: fever.

Thank you.

[Bryanna]

Vowel Lady,

Not sure how you felt about your friend's experience but they were probably diagnosed and advised properly. A cracked tooth can not always be restored with a crown. Root canal therapy does nothing for a cracked tooth, it is worthless. Irrelevant of what treatment is done, if the crack is below the gum line and deep into the tooth, it will be a chronic opening for bacteria.

I do think your friend should have been given a better explanation.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Vowel Lady

I'm so glad you liked the article.
I was intriqued because a friend of mine had a cracked tooth and she went a university for help and they said to skip a root canal, pull the tooth and get an implant. They never went into details as to why, but implied it would be better in the end this way.

When you get a chance, please take a look at my other thread re: fever.

Thank you.