Dentist and the malpractice insurance they are required to carry. What is lawsuit protocol?

Q. I am in medical malpractice settlement negotiations with a dentist. Her insurance company was handling the negotiations, then the dentist license expired and the insurance company dropped the dentist. The dentist obtained a new policy from a new insurance company. Now the original insurance company has dropped out of negotiations. Is it possible that the original insurance company wants me to file suit against the dentist, and then the new insurance company will have to defend the dentist? Or, because the first insurance company received the initial settlement letter with notice of intent to sue, they will have to carry on and defend the dentist even though they no longer have the dentist as a client. Please clarify the typical procedure in this type of situation. Thanks a million! N.
Thanks for the info. I do have an attorney. But I do not want to sue and want to settle. The original insurance Co. made an offer, then we countered..then the Ins Co. dropped the dentist, and did not responded to the counter offer. SO, of course the attorney wants to sue cause he will make the big bucks. I want to settle because we were on track to settle. I just can't figure why the original insurance company would want to go to court unless they really don't care one way or another because the dentist is no longer a concern to them in the long run??? Tks. for you input.

A. You definitely need an attorney to work through this now. The dentist and the insurance company have dealt with you in bad faith. The insurance company probably did hope that you'd just go away. You aren't going to be able to fight this on your own, unfortunately. It's hard to say, without specialized knowledge of the laws in your area, to know who is responsible--the dentist, the old insurance company, or the new insurance company. Find a malpractice attorney who will work on contingency--don't pay an attorney anything up front.

Original Question

What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

How much pain is associated with having a dentist pull a tooth?

Q. My dentist is going to pull my baby tooth (I'm 37 yrs old) and said that I will be able to return to work the same day. I assume that is because of the lack of root left on the tooth. But it just sounds so painful. I'm curious as to what the experience of others has been.

Thank you.

A. I really would not worry about the tooth being pulled. I know the word pulled sounds painful, but please do not worry. If you have a great dentist you shouldn't feel a thing...and afterwards you may have to bite on gauze for awhile but returning to work should not be a problem. (but it does work for a great excuse for a day of shopping!)

Original Question

What is the difference between a night guard made by a dentist and one you buy in a store?

Q. I know the dentist night guard is a lot more expensive. But is it advisable to get that one over the other?

A. The difference is the one made by your dentist is called a functional appliance and the one that you get in a store is not. The functions of a night guard is to 1) protect the chewing surfaces of teeth 2) protect your facial muscles 3) protect your TMJ which is your jaw joint. A functional night guard has to be custom made so it replicates the contour of your natural chewing surfaces. So when you grind against the guard, your jaw is moving in a natural patent. A night guard should be about 2mm thick. when we are resting, our upper and lower teeth should be about 2mm apart. So the thickness of a good night guard would put your lower jaw in a natural relax position. That would prevent your chewing muscles from engaging fully and minimize pressure you apply on your TMJ.
Make sure the guard is made with hard plastic. Soft one would only encourage more intense grinding.

Original Question

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What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

What is the difference between a night guard made by a dentist and one you buy in a store?

Q. I know the dentist night guard is a lot more expensive. But is it advisable to get that one over the other?

A. The difference is the one made by your dentist is called a functional appliance and the one that you get in a store is not. The functions of a night guard is to 1) protect the chewing surfaces of teeth 2) protect your facial muscles 3) protect your TMJ which is your jaw joint. A functional night guard has to be custom made so it replicates the contour of your natural chewing surfaces. So when you grind against the guard, your jaw is moving in a natural patent. A night guard should be about 2mm thick. when we are resting, our upper and lower teeth should be about 2mm apart. So the thickness of a good night guard would put your lower jaw in a natural relax position. That would prevent your chewing muscles from engaging fully and minimize pressure you apply on your TMJ.
Make sure the guard is made with hard plastic. Soft one would only encourage more intense grinding.

Original Question

How do I find a dentist who is patient with claustrophobic patients?

Q. I've begun getting extreme closed-in feelings when my current dentist is working on me, and he gets snippy with me and doesn't have any patience for my problem. I need to find a patient dentist and one that is also on my ERS list of dentists. I have claustrophobia.

A. most dentist are very aware of this problem,and will work you through every step of the way ,i have had a major problem with anxiety,and dentist visits just inform the doctor they will help you.

Original Question

How would a dentist treat a tooth that is decaying?

Q. My dentist said that I have cavity and she will put filling in my decaying tooth when I come for my next dentist visit. I thought dentists are supposed to remove it. Also, why would she wait for my next dentist visit to do something about it? :(

A. Hi, Bo Peep ~~

The dentist removes the decay, first by using a drill, and then excavates with a hand instrument. After all the decay is cleaned out, the resulting cavity preparation is cleaned, and a lining of some sort is usually placed, and finally the restorative material. This is usually tooth-colored composite for a front tooth, or silver amalgam in the back.

I don't know why your dentist is waiting to take care of it. Perhaps it's a very small area of decay, and is not progressing rapidly. In this case, there would be no harm in waiting for your next 6 month checkup if the dentist feels that the tooth is in no jeopardy by waiting. Sometimes cavities are are in the "iffy" stage - only just starting to break through the enamel - and using something such as ACT, a fluoride mouth rinse, can help to remineralize a questionable area. You should get some of this and start using it nightly.

Another good thing to try is Trident gum with xylitol. This has been proven to help remineralize questionable areas, as well.

If you're at all uncomfortable with the idea of waiting until your next dental visit, call her and ask why she's waiting to fill it. You should get a clear
explanation that will answer your concerns.

Hope this helps!~

Original Question

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Dentist and the malpractice insurance they are required to carry. What is lawsuit protocol?

Q. I am in medical malpractice settlement negotiations with a dentist. Her insurance company was handling the negotiations, then the dentist license expired and the insurance company dropped the dentist. The dentist obtained a new policy from a new insurance company. Now the original insurance company has dropped out of negotiations. Is it possible that the original insurance company wants me to file suit against the dentist, and then the new insurance company will have to defend the dentist? Or, because the first insurance company received the initial settlement letter with notice of intent to sue, they will have to carry on and defend the dentist even though they no longer have the dentist as a client. Please clarify the typical procedure in this type of situation. Thanks a million! N.
Thanks for the info. I do have an attorney. But I do not want to sue and want to settle. The original insurance Co. made an offer, then we countered..then the Ins Co. dropped the dentist, and did not responded to the counter offer. SO, of course the attorney wants to sue cause he will make the big bucks. I want to settle because we were on track to settle. I just can't figure why the original insurance company would want to go to court unless they really don't care one way or another because the dentist is no longer a concern to them in the long run??? Tks. for you input.

A. You definitely need an attorney to work through this now. The dentist and the insurance company have dealt with you in bad faith. The insurance company probably did hope that you'd just go away. You aren't going to be able to fight this on your own, unfortunately. It's hard to say, without specialized knowledge of the laws in your area, to know who is responsible--the dentist, the old insurance company, or the new insurance company. Find a malpractice attorney who will work on contingency--don't pay an attorney anything up front.

Original Question

What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

How much pain is associated with having a dentist pull a tooth?

Q. My dentist is going to pull my baby tooth (I'm 37 yrs old) and said that I will be able to return to work the same day. I assume that is because of the lack of root left on the tooth. But it just sounds so painful. I'm curious as to what the experience of others has been.

Thank you.

A. I really would not worry about the tooth being pulled. I know the word pulled sounds painful, but please do not worry. If you have a great dentist you shouldn't feel a thing...and afterwards you may have to bite on gauze for awhile but returning to work should not be a problem. (but it does work for a great excuse for a day of shopping!)

Original Question

What is the difference between a night guard made by a dentist and one you buy in a store?

Q. I know the dentist night guard is a lot more expensive. But is it advisable to get that one over the other?

A. The difference is the one made by your dentist is called a functional appliance and the one that you get in a store is not. The functions of a night guard is to 1) protect the chewing surfaces of teeth 2) protect your facial muscles 3) protect your TMJ which is your jaw joint. A functional night guard has to be custom made so it replicates the contour of your natural chewing surfaces. So when you grind against the guard, your jaw is moving in a natural patent. A night guard should be about 2mm thick. when we are resting, our upper and lower teeth should be about 2mm apart. So the thickness of a good night guard would put your lower jaw in a natural relax position. That would prevent your chewing muscles from engaging fully and minimize pressure you apply on your TMJ.
Make sure the guard is made with hard plastic. Soft one would only encourage more intense grinding.

Original Question

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What was the black stuff the dentist put on my canker sore?

Q. I went to the dentist and told them about my canker sore before they started the cleaning. They put something on my canker sore that hurt like hell but after the sting, it never hurt again and was healed in a few days. I want to know what they put on my canker sore.

A. My guess would be silver nitrate, it can be used to cauterize a canker sore and can result in turing the skin temporarily black. If you're really wanting to know, I would call your dentist's office and just ask...they should have no problem with telling you and it's your right to know as a patient.

Original Question

Dentist and the malpractice insurance they are required to carry. What is lawsuit protocol?

Q. I am in medical malpractice settlement negotiations with a dentist. Her insurance company was handling the negotiations, then the dentist license expired and the insurance company dropped the dentist. The dentist obtained a new policy from a new insurance company. Now the original insurance company has dropped out of negotiations. Is it possible that the original insurance company wants me to file suit against the dentist, and then the new insurance company will have to defend the dentist? Or, because the first insurance company received the initial settlement letter with notice of intent to sue, they will have to carry on and defend the dentist even though they no longer have the dentist as a client. Please clarify the typical procedure in this type of situation. Thanks a million! N.
Thanks for the info. I do have an attorney. But I do not want to sue and want to settle. The original insurance Co. made an offer, then we countered..then the Ins Co. dropped the dentist, and did not responded to the counter offer. SO, of course the attorney wants to sue cause he will make the big bucks. I want to settle because we were on track to settle. I just can't figure why the original insurance company would want to go to court unless they really don't care one way or another because the dentist is no longer a concern to them in the long run??? Tks. for you input.

A. You definitely need an attorney to work through this now. The dentist and the insurance company have dealt with you in bad faith. The insurance company probably did hope that you'd just go away. You aren't going to be able to fight this on your own, unfortunately. It's hard to say, without specialized knowledge of the laws in your area, to know who is responsible--the dentist, the old insurance company, or the new insurance company. Find a malpractice attorney who will work on contingency--don't pay an attorney anything up front.

Original Question

What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

How much pain is associated with having a dentist pull a tooth?

Q. My dentist is going to pull my baby tooth (I'm 37 yrs old) and said that I will be able to return to work the same day. I assume that is because of the lack of root left on the tooth. But it just sounds so painful. I'm curious as to what the experience of others has been.

Thank you.

A. I really would not worry about the tooth being pulled. I know the word pulled sounds painful, but please do not worry. If you have a great dentist you shouldn't feel a thing...and afterwards you may have to bite on gauze for awhile but returning to work should not be a problem. (but it does work for a great excuse for a day of shopping!)

Original Question

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What was the black stuff the dentist put on my canker sore?

Q. I went to the dentist and told them about my canker sore before they started the cleaning. They put something on my canker sore that hurt like hell but after the sting, it never hurt again and was healed in a few days. I want to know what they put on my canker sore.

A. My guess would be silver nitrate, it can be used to cauterize a canker sore and can result in turing the skin temporarily black. If you're really wanting to know, I would call your dentist's office and just ask...they should have no problem with telling you and it's your right to know as a patient.

Original Question

Dentist and the malpractice insurance they are required to carry. What is lawsuit protocol?

Q. I am in medical malpractice settlement negotiations with a dentist. Her insurance company was handling the negotiations, then the dentist license expired and the insurance company dropped the dentist. The dentist obtained a new policy from a new insurance company. Now the original insurance company has dropped out of negotiations. Is it possible that the original insurance company wants me to file suit against the dentist, and then the new insurance company will have to defend the dentist? Or, because the first insurance company received the initial settlement letter with notice of intent to sue, they will have to carry on and defend the dentist even though they no longer have the dentist as a client. Please clarify the typical procedure in this type of situation. Thanks a million! N.
Thanks for the info. I do have an attorney. But I do not want to sue and want to settle. The original insurance Co. made an offer, then we countered..then the Ins Co. dropped the dentist, and did not responded to the counter offer. SO, of course the attorney wants to sue cause he will make the big bucks. I want to settle because we were on track to settle. I just can't figure why the original insurance company would want to go to court unless they really don't care one way or another because the dentist is no longer a concern to them in the long run??? Tks. for you input.

A. You definitely need an attorney to work through this now. The dentist and the insurance company have dealt with you in bad faith. The insurance company probably did hope that you'd just go away. You aren't going to be able to fight this on your own, unfortunately. It's hard to say, without specialized knowledge of the laws in your area, to know who is responsible--the dentist, the old insurance company, or the new insurance company. Find a malpractice attorney who will work on contingency--don't pay an attorney anything up front.

Original Question

What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

What is the difference between a night guard made by a dentist and one you buy in a store?

Q. I know the dentist night guard is a lot more expensive. But is it advisable to get that one over the other?

A. The difference is the one made by your dentist is called a functional appliance and the one that you get in a store is not. The functions of a night guard is to 1) protect the chewing surfaces of teeth 2) protect your facial muscles 3) protect your TMJ which is your jaw joint. A functional night guard has to be custom made so it replicates the contour of your natural chewing surfaces. So when you grind against the guard, your jaw is moving in a natural patent. A night guard should be about 2mm thick. when we are resting, our upper and lower teeth should be about 2mm apart. So the thickness of a good night guard would put your lower jaw in a natural relax position. That would prevent your chewing muscles from engaging fully and minimize pressure you apply on your TMJ.
Make sure the guard is made with hard plastic. Soft one would only encourage more intense grinding.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Dentist and the malpractice insurance they are required to carry. What is lawsuit protocol?

Q. I am in medical malpractice settlement negotiations with a dentist. Her insurance company was handling the negotiations, then the dentist license expired and the insurance company dropped the dentist. The dentist obtained a new policy from a new insurance company. Now the original insurance company has dropped out of negotiations. Is it possible that the original insurance company wants me to file suit against the dentist, and then the new insurance company will have to defend the dentist? Or, because the first insurance company received the initial settlement letter with notice of intent to sue, they will have to carry on and defend the dentist even though they no longer have the dentist as a client. Please clarify the typical procedure in this type of situation. Thanks a million! N.
Thanks for the info. I do have an attorney. But I do not want to sue and want to settle. The original insurance Co. made an offer, then we countered..then the Ins Co. dropped the dentist, and did not responded to the counter offer. SO, of course the attorney wants to sue cause he will make the big bucks. I want to settle because we were on track to settle. I just can't figure why the original insurance company would want to go to court unless they really don't care one way or another because the dentist is no longer a concern to them in the long run??? Tks. for you input.

A. You definitely need an attorney to work through this now. The dentist and the insurance company have dealt with you in bad faith. The insurance company probably did hope that you'd just go away. You aren't going to be able to fight this on your own, unfortunately. It's hard to say, without specialized knowledge of the laws in your area, to know who is responsible--the dentist, the old insurance company, or the new insurance company. Find a malpractice attorney who will work on contingency--don't pay an attorney anything up front.

Original Question

What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

What is the difference between a night guard made by a dentist and one you buy in a store?

Q. I know the dentist night guard is a lot more expensive. But is it advisable to get that one over the other?

A. The difference is the one made by your dentist is called a functional appliance and the one that you get in a store is not. The functions of a night guard is to 1) protect the chewing surfaces of teeth 2) protect your facial muscles 3) protect your TMJ which is your jaw joint. A functional night guard has to be custom made so it replicates the contour of your natural chewing surfaces. So when you grind against the guard, your jaw is moving in a natural patent. A night guard should be about 2mm thick. when we are resting, our upper and lower teeth should be about 2mm apart. So the thickness of a good night guard would put your lower jaw in a natural relax position. That would prevent your chewing muscles from engaging fully and minimize pressure you apply on your TMJ.
Make sure the guard is made with hard plastic. Soft one would only encourage more intense grinding.

Original Question

How do I find a dentist who is patient with claustrophobic patients?

Q. I've begun getting extreme closed-in feelings when my current dentist is working on me, and he gets snippy with me and doesn't have any patience for my problem. I need to find a patient dentist and one that is also on my ERS list of dentists. I have claustrophobia.

A. most dentist are very aware of this problem,and will work you through every step of the way ,i have had a major problem with anxiety,and dentist visits just inform the doctor they will help you.

Original Question

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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.

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.

Original Question

What was the black stuff the dentist put on my canker sore?

Q. I went to the dentist and told them about my canker sore before they started the cleaning. They put something on my canker sore that hurt like hell but after the sting, it never hurt again and was healed in a few days. I want to know what they put on my canker sore.

A. My guess would be silver nitrate, it can be used to cauterize a canker sore and can result in turing the skin temporarily black. If you're really wanting to know, I would call your dentist's office and just ask...they should have no problem with telling you and it's your right to know as a patient.

Original Question

Dentist and the malpractice insurance they are required to carry. What is lawsuit protocol?

Q. I am in medical malpractice settlement negotiations with a dentist. Her insurance company was handling the negotiations, then the dentist license expired and the insurance company dropped the dentist. The dentist obtained a new policy from a new insurance company. Now the original insurance company has dropped out of negotiations. Is it possible that the original insurance company wants me to file suit against the dentist, and then the new insurance company will have to defend the dentist? Or, because the first insurance company received the initial settlement letter with notice of intent to sue, they will have to carry on and defend the dentist even though they no longer have the dentist as a client. Please clarify the typical procedure in this type of situation. Thanks a million! N.
Thanks for the info. I do have an attorney. But I do not want to sue and want to settle. The original insurance Co. made an offer, then we countered..then the Ins Co. dropped the dentist, and did not responded to the counter offer. SO, of course the attorney wants to sue cause he will make the big bucks. I want to settle because we were on track to settle. I just can't figure why the original insurance company would want to go to court unless they really don't care one way or another because the dentist is no longer a concern to them in the long run??? Tks. for you input.

A. You definitely need an attorney to work through this now. The dentist and the insurance company have dealt with you in bad faith. The insurance company probably did hope that you'd just go away. You aren't going to be able to fight this on your own, unfortunately. It's hard to say, without specialized knowledge of the laws in your area, to know who is responsible--the dentist, the old insurance company, or the new insurance company. Find a malpractice attorney who will work on contingency--don't pay an attorney anything up front.

Original Question

What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Dentist and the malpractice insurance they are required to carry. What is lawsuit protocol?

Q. I am in medical malpractice settlement negotiations with a dentist. Her insurance company was handling the negotiations, then the dentist license expired and the insurance company dropped the dentist. The dentist obtained a new policy from a new insurance company. Now the original insurance company has dropped out of negotiations. Is it possible that the original insurance company wants me to file suit against the dentist, and then the new insurance company will have to defend the dentist? Or, because the first insurance company received the initial settlement letter with notice of intent to sue, they will have to carry on and defend the dentist even though they no longer have the dentist as a client. Please clarify the typical procedure in this type of situation. Thanks a million! N.
Thanks for the info. I do have an attorney. But I do not want to sue and want to settle. The original insurance Co. made an offer, then we countered..then the Ins Co. dropped the dentist, and did not responded to the counter offer. SO, of course the attorney wants to sue cause he will make the big bucks. I want to settle because we were on track to settle. I just can't figure why the original insurance company would want to go to court unless they really don't care one way or another because the dentist is no longer a concern to them in the long run??? Tks. for you input.

A. You definitely need an attorney to work through this now. The dentist and the insurance company have dealt with you in bad faith. The insurance company probably did hope that you'd just go away. You aren't going to be able to fight this on your own, unfortunately. It's hard to say, without specialized knowledge of the laws in your area, to know who is responsible--the dentist, the old insurance company, or the new insurance company. Find a malpractice attorney who will work on contingency--don't pay an attorney anything up front.

Original Question

What does it mean to have the dentist excavate and evaluate a tooth?

Q. I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and they told me it's an hour long appointment and they have to excavate and evaluate my bottom molar. What does this mean? I have really bad anxiety at the dentist so I am just trying to prepare myself for whats going to be going on. Can anyone help me figure this out??

A. Don't let this frighten you. Excavation can be a general term for cleaning the tooth prior to examination - removing tartar and plaque, that sort of thing. If this is a follow-up, it may mean they found a cavity and must remove (excavate) the decay before filling. By the fact that you said excavate and evaluate, I'm guessing this is a first visit and you expressed concern about the molar. So they are going to clean it and examine it and take it from there.

The best thing you can do is call your dentist's office back and ask them exactly what they mean. It will go a long way in helping you mentally prepare for the visit.

Original Question

How much pain is associated with having a dentist pull a tooth?

Q. My dentist is going to pull my baby tooth (I'm 37 yrs old) and said that I will be able to return to work the same day. I assume that is because of the lack of root left on the tooth. But it just sounds so painful. I'm curious as to what the experience of others has been.

Thank you.

A. I really would not worry about the tooth being pulled. I know the word pulled sounds painful, but please do not worry. If you have a great dentist you shouldn't feel a thing...and afterwards you may have to bite on gauze for awhile but returning to work should not be a problem. (but it does work for a great excuse for a day of shopping!)

Original Question

What is the difference between a night guard made by a dentist and one you buy in a store?

Q. I know the dentist night guard is a lot more expensive. But is it advisable to get that one over the other?

A. The difference is the one made by your dentist is called a functional appliance and the one that you get in a store is not. The functions of a night guard is to 1) protect the chewing surfaces of teeth 2) protect your facial muscles 3) protect your TMJ which is your jaw joint. A functional night guard has to be custom made so it replicates the contour of your natural chewing surfaces. So when you grind against the guard, your jaw is moving in a natural patent. A night guard should be about 2mm thick. when we are resting, our upper and lower teeth should be about 2mm apart. So the thickness of a good night guard would put your lower jaw in a natural relax position. That would prevent your chewing muscles from engaging fully and minimize pressure you apply on your TMJ.
Make sure the guard is made with hard plastic. Soft one would only encourage more intense grinding.

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