codeee01

Those of you who know me, will shudder to think that I'm still "going
on" about this.

While there are several "good doctor" lists, does anyone know of a way
to find a good dentist? By chance are there some who may cater to
pain patients, or at least have an understanding of them?


I never appreciated my old dentist so very much until I moved to a new
community...(too far to commute).

I have a LOT of work to be done..rather urgently, and each time a new
emergency has reared its' ugly head, I've tried a new dentist. So
far, I believe we're down about $5,000. (and that's WITH our new
dental insurance) I didn't have any for about ten years, so only
could take care of the occasional crisis. I DO brush and floss..I
sense there IS a genetic componant to this thing.

I digress....down five grand, and I've been to approx. six of these
clowns, not counting endodontists and dental surgeons....that's just
SO FAR.and barely scratching the surface.

Has anyone heard of a directory/list as we have for pain doctors?

Also, is this a new scam I am unaware of, or is it common practice
now?

ALL of the dentists I've contacted have INSISTED that ALL patients,
regardless of gum disease or not subject to tooth cleaning twice a
year. What's wrong with that, you may ask?
This isn't the "usual" tooth cleaning that we're all used to , I'm
certain..the kind where a hygenist brings out a tray of scary
instruments and has a go at you for 45 minutes or so...THAT, I'm
familiar with..not fond of, but understand, at least!

IS THIS A SCAM?

These dentists require all patients to have four consecutive visits
for a "complete cleaning"..please note, NO gum disease need be
present.

in which they completely numb up one quarter of your mouth per
session, while they
"clean" and scrape perfectly good tissue, etc..to the tune of approx.
$350-$400. PER quarter!

This MUST be done before they'll address such "minor" concerns as
missing fillings, broken teeth, potential new regions for abcess
formation.
In fact, that is the ONLY thing they'll do wihout the patient first
submitting to this procedure which costs over a thousand dollars!
I'd think that my money would be better spent taking care of these
urgent matters...but what do I know?

They will ONLY take care of teeth that are infected and hurting
without first performing this mining expedition. IOW abscesses, root
canals, pulling teeth.

Did the entire dentistry profession change while I was uninsured, or
are these guys out for a buck only?

There are many,many,many pages of them in the phone book, so I can
see where they'd feel that they need to make money however they can,
it appears to be a competitive field in this city! I've let my
fingers do the walking also, and keep coming up with the same
thing.."It's a sound practice".

Any help would be most appreciated. AT this point I'd settle for a
"good" one. A dentist who also recognizes the need for pain control
would be a major plus!

TIA
codeee

nwbluepenguin

Codeee,

I'd say a big NO to the deep, scraping type of cleaning. Usually reserved for
those with peridontal disease. At least my dentist doesn't require it.

Do you have the 1-800-DENTIST in your area? That might be a place to start.
They can recomend a dentist that is "suppose" to fit your needs.

Other than that, have your husband build up the ol' biceps and sterilize his
good plyers and have a go at it.


Sue
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chronic_Pain_Assistance

or email Chronic_Pain_Assistance-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

ginnie

Codeee,

SCAM!! Out and out scam. My regular dentist is one of the best in my burg,
both in procedures and office ethics, and there's no way in the world he
would push his patients for such extreme, expensive, and time-consuming
cleanings. And he doesn't put the cleanings BEFORE the needed treatments.
Actually, he will push hard for regular cleanings, but never in a "no-cleaning,
no treatment" mode.

It just smells like those dentists are desperate for profits, and requiring
these things not because YOU need them, but because THEY need the income.
I'd be surprised to read what they turn in to the insurance companies to
justify this extensive work. They very well may be trying to claim these
patients are gum-diseased and this "extermination" cleaning is to treat actual


up and gave copies of my actual chart to ME for a referral.

The only justification I can recall for anything that severe would be at a
periodontist's practice, where major gum problems are treated. Don't even
recall my dentist doing that kind of cleaning even in seriously bad cases.
He refers most of them to specialists.

You might contact your state Dental Society, and talk to someone there
about that issue, and ask for recommendations to a dentist who won't gouge
you (pun intended) like that, and is expert in pain control issues.

As far as pain control, my dentist is a member of the Dental Organization for
Conscious Sedation http://www.sedation1.com/docs/home.asp Maybe
their website has a searchable roster of national members.

My DDS and his partner before him were most careful of pain issues with
patients, and would do whatever to make the patient feel calm, and above
all, trusting. The pain psychologist I used to see was headquartered in the
dental college here, and told me firsthand that fear and pain are bigger
reasons than money for people to avoid dentists.

My doc knows some folks feel pain more sensitively, too. I both metabolize
Novocaine twice as fast as most patients, and it doesn't work as well when
it IS working with me, so extra injections while he's working have been
commonplace for me at his practice for decades. I wish you a lot of luck
finding a good one. Been there, paid for college for *someone* while "in
the chair".

Ginnie ___________________ Codeee01@hotmail.com wrote:

the unknown armadillo

On Sat, 06 Sep 2003 04:24:59 -0700, Codeee01@hotmail.com spouted:


Aside from a possible referral from your pain doc (yeah, that's going to
happen), all I've ever been able to come up with is trial and error.

Have you tried just interviewing them after the initial exam (which, of
course, will cost you)? After they explain how they would *like* to
approach the problems, you then tell them what you want. You should know
then whether it's time to hit the door or stay.

--
The Armadillo

emore

Hmmm... the dentist I've started going to in my new town is the most
unusual I've ever seen. They accept no insurance at all. They DO set
up all the forms so that all I have to do is sign it and put a stamp on
the envelope. He does primarily what you might call "cosmetic" work.
I call it art, the man is incredible. And pain? I've never felt
nuttin'. Not even the needle going in. His philosophy is that if he
hurts you, you probably won't be in a hurry to come back. They do my
cleanings every six months and it's painless. They use a
water/air/sound thing for the most part that feels good and every now
and then, they have to scrape a tooth a little bit. When I went in to
have *major* work done, all in one sitting, I just took my usual pain
meds and 2 or 3 blue valium for my "dentist nerves" and it went
flawlessly. If you are in the SE part of the US, I would suggest him.
He literally has patients fly in from other countries to get his
services. Oh yeah, btw, he is clearly acknowledged as the most
expensive dentist in the state. I wouldn't go anywhere else. The guy
is incredible. hth. Emore

zombywoof

Sometimes you indeed do get what you pay for. Seeing as how I have
moved around a lot in my life I usually end up relying on
word-of-mouth. I ask around and if I get the same recommendation from
a couple of people I'll give the Dr, Dentist, mechanic a shot. What I
have always found interesting is the people who don't have a answer.
I usually assume that means they aren't happy enough with their
present level of service to recommend someone. I will recommend the
majority of my service providers in a heart beat. I know one thing,
won't go with the cheapest haircut again. NEw discount chain just
opened up with $2.99 haircuts. I defiantly got what I paid for.
--

ZombyWoof

The wages of sin are death, but after taxes are taken out,
it's just a tired feeling.

ronnie

You got a bad hair cut?? Ask Codeee to send you one of the wigs I
sent her after she got a bad hair cut. I think the blonde straight one
would
look stunning on you in your Vet blowing in the wind... :-)

Ronnie

hawki63

codeee...

know your frustration....

luckily there ARE good and reasonable dentists out there....

how to find one??

my suggestion is the same one I give to folks seeking good docs.....ASK a few
docs or nurses who THEY see!!!! not that there is a secret underground
available ONLY if one has some professional license...BUT "we in the know" very
often have run into the same "semi jerks" you are describing,,,and believe
me,,we pass the bad names around amongst ourselves!!!

so...ask a doc that you trust...even call a hospital (one night when it is
likely to be less crazy)...and see if you can't talk to a nurse in the know
(director of nursing,,,or some places call them "vp of nursing")....explain
your problem and simply ask for help...names..etc...

lastly...forget that 4 quadrant baloney...if you truly need it ....save it for
whomever you finally decide to use...ask on the phone if it is required for
just an evaluation...better to blow a few $100 consults than a $1000 for
treatment you don't need...or surely don't need on a repeated basis...

we have no dental insurance now...haven't for over 2 years...luckily we have a
guy we love...last time I was in the OFFICE MANAGER noticed I no longer had
insurance..she OFFERED the fact that cash paying patients CAN get a
discount!!!!!....when I saw the dentist I asked for it...he walked me out to
the desk afterwards,,,and I got I think 20% off....now you have to be willing
to pay the bill on the spot....providers HATE to deal with insurance
companies..sending in reports,,xrays..then waiting 60+ days for their money...

good luck....


hawki

emore

Hell, Woof, I don't got but 1/2 head of hair and I last paid $12.00 for
a cut. Know whut? I got what *you* paid for! Bada Bing!
I'll be here all week, try the roast beef and don't forget to tip your
waitresses well; they have the opportunity to ------in your food. Thank
you, no, really. No smoking show on Sunday, bring your friends if you
have any. Bada-boom! Emore

emore

Now wait a damn minnit here. What "exactly" does your dog's doctor do
to whom outdoors on a breezy day?