Q. Understanding that dentists run a business to generate profits, it seems most will recommend braces for kids. How do you know if they really need them? A couple of dentist have said they are necessary due to an overbite, but isn't a slight overbite normal. When do you know that it's more of a cosmetic procedure rather than a medically necessary one?
A. There are two big reasons for braces. The first is to improve function--like if there is trouble chewing, or if the patient keeps biting his cheeks, or if the teeth on the top and bottom are contacting in such a way that the forces between them are higher than normal, causing wear to the teeth, etc. Also, in super crowded teeth there are more areas that are harder to clean with the toothbrush, so straightening them out can help to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay.
The second reason is obviously cosmetics, and although there are "ideal" skeletal profiles that dentists learn about, this is largely up to the patient. Some people are terribly self-conscious, while others are just fine with the way they look and have no interest in changing.
Most dentists recommend an ideal treatment plan with the goal of making your teeth as perfect as possible in both function (which is always the most important consideration) and cosmetics. Unfortunately, the more expensive treatments are often (but not always) the better ones because they take more time and higher quality materials are used. I like to think that for most of us, the money is secondary. A huge part of the treatment plan is also based on what YOU (and your child) ultimately want, and if you are unsure about the benefits to you then you should definitely discuss them with your dentist before you decide if you want to follow through. S/he should also tell you what could happen if you choose not to put braces on at this point.
By getting a few different opinions and asking lots of questions, you should get a good feel for whether you and your child are ready to go through with braces at this point. The decision is completely yours, and all you can really do is just be as informed as you can when you make it.
The second reason is obviously cosmetics, and although there are "ideal" skeletal profiles that dentists learn about, this is largely up to the patient. Some people are terribly self-conscious, while others are just fine with the way they look and have no interest in changing.
Most dentists recommend an ideal treatment plan with the goal of making your teeth as perfect as possible in both function (which is always the most important consideration) and cosmetics. Unfortunately, the more expensive treatments are often (but not always) the better ones because they take more time and higher quality materials are used. I like to think that for most of us, the money is secondary. A huge part of the treatment plan is also based on what YOU (and your child) ultimately want, and if you are unsure about the benefits to you then you should definitely discuss them with your dentist before you decide if you want to follow through. S/he should also tell you what could happen if you choose not to put braces on at this point.
By getting a few different opinions and asking lots of questions, you should get a good feel for whether you and your child are ready to go through with braces at this point. The decision is completely yours, and all you can really do is just be as informed as you can when you make it.
How much would an visit to the dentist and a filling for a cavity cost without insurance?
Q. I haven't seen the dentist for a while and I'm pretty sure I have 3 cavities. I know it's a lot but I have always had weak enamel and try my best but still I get cavities. I even had cavities in my baby teeth even though I took good care of them.
So, How much would a visit to the dentist and a filling for a cavity cost without insurance?
So, How much would a visit to the dentist and a filling for a cavity cost without insurance?
A. charges vary from city to city and dentist to dentist... the best thing is to pick 3 closest to you and call and ask them.
now, you know, dental insurance isn't free. all those years that you got off scot-free, not paying monthly premiums, saved you hundreds and hundreds of dollars. that should be enough to cover your fillings.
now, you know, dental insurance isn't free. all those years that you got off scot-free, not paying monthly premiums, saved you hundreds and hundreds of dollars. that should be enough to cover your fillings.
Can a dental hygienist tell a dentist to put on clean gloves?
Q. If a dental hygienist notices that a dentist forgot to put on a fresh pair of gloves between patients, would it be okay for her to say something to the dentist (in front of the patient)? What would be the best way to solve this problem? The dentist has done this on occasion before.
A. I have experienced this in my hygiene career and sometimes it is a careless dentist (or other staff member) and sometimes it is an honest mistake. A couple of ways I have handled this are -
1. said nothing that would alert the patient and handed them a new pair of gloves prior to them getting into the mouth
2. asked them if I could speak to them for a minute outside the room and let them know
3. just made eye contact with the Dr. and pointed to the gloves on their hands to jog their memory
4. held out the box of gloves at them
(I have attempted to do all of these behind the patients head or at least out of the line of site, because who wants to be shown their wrong in front of the patient or staff)
If you think it is a ongoing problem and you feel that the dentist will get upset or be offended, you might opt to hold onto the mirror and explorer (so they can't do the exam) until you see they have changed their gloves and if they haven't, hand them gloves first and then the instruments.Or maybe leave a new set of gloves on top of the instruments on the tray so they can't get to the instruments without seeing them.
If this is a constant obvious problem and their are copious amounts of other "dirty" offenses you might see if you can make some positive changes in the practice or find a different practice to work in. Honestly, I graduated 15 years ago and alot has changed, so if the Dr. you are working for is older they may just not know about the newer protocols. There is an awful lot of new information to take in all the time, but basic cleanliness is an issue that cannot be compromised since some medically compromised patients could be severly affected....Not only are you able, but you must address the issue for everyone's safety. After all, if dirty gloves are going into a patient's mouth, what else are they touching the bathroom doorknob? (that you are going to end up touching with your bare hands?)
Good luck + hope that helps!
JAMRDH -a dental hygienist
1. said nothing that would alert the patient and handed them a new pair of gloves prior to them getting into the mouth
2. asked them if I could speak to them for a minute outside the room and let them know
3. just made eye contact with the Dr. and pointed to the gloves on their hands to jog their memory
4. held out the box of gloves at them
(I have attempted to do all of these behind the patients head or at least out of the line of site, because who wants to be shown their wrong in front of the patient or staff)
If you think it is a ongoing problem and you feel that the dentist will get upset or be offended, you might opt to hold onto the mirror and explorer (so they can't do the exam) until you see they have changed their gloves and if they haven't, hand them gloves first and then the instruments.Or maybe leave a new set of gloves on top of the instruments on the tray so they can't get to the instruments without seeing them.
If this is a constant obvious problem and their are copious amounts of other "dirty" offenses you might see if you can make some positive changes in the practice or find a different practice to work in. Honestly, I graduated 15 years ago and alot has changed, so if the Dr. you are working for is older they may just not know about the newer protocols. There is an awful lot of new information to take in all the time, but basic cleanliness is an issue that cannot be compromised since some medically compromised patients could be severly affected....Not only are you able, but you must address the issue for everyone's safety. After all, if dirty gloves are going into a patient's mouth, what else are they touching the bathroom doorknob? (that you are going to end up touching with your bare hands?)
Good luck + hope that helps!
JAMRDH -a dental hygienist
What is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
Q. So I went to the dentist last week and they told me I have to see an oral surgeon because the tooth is curved or something like that. What is the difference? Also will they do anything different to pull the tooth or do they just have different tools to use? I'm confused, someone please tell me the difference.
BTW it's to get a tooth pulled.
When you say general anesthesia do you mean just the regular needle they give you in the gum or do you mean they would have to put me to sleep, because I really don't want to be put to sleep.
BTW it's to get a tooth pulled.
When you say general anesthesia do you mean just the regular needle they give you in the gum or do you mean they would have to put me to sleep, because I really don't want to be put to sleep.
A. A dentist does general work like cavities, crowns, root canals, etc.
And oral surgeon is more educated and perform surgeries such as removing wisdom teeth and things like that. (more complicated procedures.)
I'm not to sure at all but if it is extremely curved the oral surgeon many have to cut the gum and give you stitches, normal dentist don't do that. Blah, I hope i didn't scare you. And sorry if i am wrong.
And oral surgeon is more educated and perform surgeries such as removing wisdom teeth and things like that. (more complicated procedures.)
I'm not to sure at all but if it is extremely curved the oral surgeon many have to cut the gum and give you stitches, normal dentist don't do that. Blah, I hope i didn't scare you. And sorry if i am wrong.
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