Ask the Dental student....Q's, fears, concerns, hopefully answered. [Archive]

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 07:20 AM

From my other post.

[ QUOTE ]
OoOKKKkKKK a lot of dental phobias, needlephobias and missconceptions.

As a 2nd yr dental student who has already been operating on patients I feel qualified to answer some questions. I will open up another thread for it.

As for the needles, procedures and what not. You should not experience serious pain while at the dentist (pressure, uncomfortableness etc). If you are, they arent giving you the right/enough injections. The injections should not be painful (with the exception of the greater palatine, and naso palatine injections), if they are, the dentist is injecting TOO fast, injecting intraosseous, spiking a nerve, not drying the area and applying topical anesthetic etc. Its mostly mental. As a class we gave each other a [censored] ton of shots b4 going to patients. Just imagine the shakiest f'n hands youve ever seen...it didnt hurt. Dont fear the needle (though it is pretty big and we do bury the thing sometimes). Most of the injections given (at least in the max arcH) however are infiltration type where the needle enters only a few mm. You will prob experience some soreness afterwards due to tissue trauma and generally keepin your mouth open for a while w/ pressure and stuff depending on the procedure. The dentist wil prescribe you something if your a big pussy.

Oh yah, to all you who dont go to the dentist, youll suffer more later. A carious lesion discovered early is a mild procedure that can be treated in many non invasive ways. Given time, it can penetrate the enamel, into the dentin of the tooth, spread around and reach the pulp. At certain stages, the restorations become more extensive, until were looking at large amalgam's/composites, inlays or crowns. The closer the decay is to the vital structures of the tooth (the pulp, consisting of nerves/bloodvessels), the greater the risk of it causing an infection that will spread down the root/nerve of the tooth into the underlying tissues/bone and cause an abscess. This means rootcanal. When you get a rootcanal, you have to have a crown too. If the infection reaches the nerve of the tooth, you will have pain...im not talkin like how a stubbed my toe, im talking so much f'n pain you wont be able to sleep or think or anytyhing. My dad is an endodontist, that means he does rootcanals all day, he deals with people in pain and then relieves them of the pain. Its incredible how much pain these people are in that theyll wake him up in the middle of the night, but they were so afraid of him that they waited until things got real bad. Then when the procedure is over, you should see how thankful people are (even after being gouged for a ton of money).

Crowns + rootcanals= $$$$$ lots of money. Depending on your region and the tooth involved, but I can tell you my dad charges 1200$ for a rt canal and a crown can run you just as much. So your looking at 2k $ procedures for something that started out as a sub 200$ filling that you were afraid to get fixed. That may seem extreme but im trying to make a point.

Oh yah, and El D....ORAL SURGEONS MAKE A KILLING! I dont know who told you otherwise but the ones in my area are f'n loaded. Poppin wisdom teeth at several thousand a pop?! Doing several a day?? They dont make much anymore doin the big procedures like oral maxilofacial surgeries, trauma etc but they certainly are doing well. Def one of the top speciatlies. You have to be top in your class to get into oral surgery and go to school another 4-6 yrs (some places get an md/dmd), noone would do this if oral surgeons werent making piles and piles of money, a lot.

Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now), how well trained most dentists are, how hard dentistry is (it is microsurgery for sure, working in fractions of mm's with a high speed diamond or carbide drill), how shoddy the work most do is compared to what they were originally trained, and how much friggin money they make.

Answering all spec q's to the best of my ability in another thread.

Oh yah and good luck to the sorry soul who said they are applying to dental school. Its a great profession.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

diebitter

10-12-2005, 07:41 AM

Is it worth getting all your partner's teeth removed to facilitate head?

10-12-2005, 07:59 AM

I don't have any questions. I just want to tell you that when you become a dentist to get some decent magazines in your waiting room. I go to my dentist and I have a choice of People, Cosmo, Jet, Teenybopper-something-or-other, and a bunch of Motherhood or family type crap. When I go to the dentist I'm not in a good mood. The least you people can do is let me read something remotely interesting. Why can't there be Car & Driver or Golf Digest, or porn?

DoubleDown

10-12-2005, 08:00 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now)

[/ QUOTE ]

this made me laugh

lem45216

10-12-2005, 08:11 AM

Bradyams

10-12-2005, 08:41 AM

The other day my roommate got [censored] up, and went outside to talk on the phone. He tripped in the driveway, and landed face first on the cement cracking his front two teeth in half. Should we look for the teeth for him to take to the dentist when he goes, or are they pretty much worthless to him?

By the way, my friend busting up his grill, and then trying to smoke a joint and slobbering all over it, is by far the funniest thing I've ever seen.

ddss6_99

10-12-2005, 08:52 AM

porcelain veneers, are they really that great? What are some advantages and disadvantages?

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 09:05 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Is it worth getting all your partner's teeth removed to facilitate head?

[/ QUOTE ]

Definitely, get her a nice set of removable dentures.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 09:10 AM

[ QUOTE ]
The other day my roommate got [censored] up, and went outside to talk on the phone. He tripped in the driveway, and landed face first on the cement cracking his front two teeth in half. Should we look for the teeth for him to take to the dentist when he goes, or are they pretty much worthless to him?

By the way, my friend busting up his grill, and then trying to smoke a joint and slobbering all over it, is by far the funniest thing I've ever seen.

[/ QUOTE ]\

I did the same thing 2 yrs ago at UGA walking back from downtown. Arguing w/ some fool who thought uncle joey was cooler than uncle jesse (WTF, i shoulda kicked his ass). Anyways, spun around, tripped, chipped front teeth. Called my dad at 3 am f'd up. No biggy.

Dont need the teeth. Sometimes an avulsed tooth can be reimplanted but a chipped tooth cannot be reattached. Depending on how big the chip is, they can go in with composite resin and just rebuild the tooth. A good esthetic dentist or just a good dentist really can make it look undistinguishable. The composite resin restoration lasts variable times basically depending on how good the dentist is at keeping the field dry, using bonding agents, and what not and how good the patient is at not eating like apples and [censored] that put a lot of stress on the tooth. 6-15 yrs or so. Then itll start to decay/stain along the margins and theyll have to redo it.

If your friend plans on bleaching his teeth for whatever reason, do it first.

If the chip is big and near the pulp of the tooth, you may need rt canal/crown if there is sensitivity but thats generally a simple procedure on anterior teeth.

Oh yah, tell your friend to hit the bong.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 09:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]
porcelain veneers, are they really that great? What are some advantages and disadvantages?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not that great.

I havent had much experience with them. I only know that Ive heard that these dentists who do them for the makeover shows often do shoddy work b/c of cutting corners. I also dont think they are the be all end all esthetic solution that people seem to think they are. They can cause trauma to the teeth and the longevity of the restorations is still of concern. Eventually all those teeth that have full porcelain veneers may need to be crowned. An often better solution to anterior esthetics could be a more conservative (and cheaper) bleaching + composite resin bonding approach (also called veneers.)

Ill do some research and get back to you with more definitive +/-s of full porc veneers.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 09:17 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I don't have any questions. I just want to tell you that when you become a dentist to get some decent magazines in your waiting room. I go to my dentist and I have a choice of People, Cosmo, Jet, Teenybopper-something-or-other, and a bunch of Motherhood or family type crap. When I go to the dentist I'm not in a good mood. The least you people can do is let me read something remotely interesting. Why can't there be Car & Driver or Golf Digest, or porn?

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you for the concern. I plan on having plasma tv's with xbox 360's and like DVD's of TV shows that you can select episodes or something or whatever is the new thing. And cosmo of course. 30 new and exciting ways to please your man.

-JP

steelcmg

10-12-2005, 09:17 AM

For about 4 years now i have had my gums back where my wisdom teeth should be shed every few months. Like hunks of skin will come off.(mainly on the bottom.) But there is no tooth yet breaking thru. Is it just my teeth coming thur very very very slowly or is it something else.

CollinEstes

10-12-2005, 09:28 AM

Did you fail out of med school?

Or really just wanted to be a Dentist?

ddss6_99

10-12-2005, 09:31 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
porcelain veneers, are they really that great? What are some advantages and disadvantages?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not that great.

I havent had much experience with them. I only know that Ive heard that these dentists who do them for the makeover shows often do shoddy work b/c of cutting corners. I also dont think they are the be all end all esthetic solution that people seem to think they are. They can cause trauma to the teeth and the longevity of the restorations is still of concern. Eventually all those teeth that have full porcelain veneers may need to be crowned. An often better solution to anterior esthetics could be a more conservative (and cheaper) bleaching + composite resin bonding approach (also called veneers.)

Ill do some research and get back to you with more definitive +/-s of full porc veneers.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the info. I'm going for a consultation in a month or so to decide whether porc veneers or bonding would be the best option. So if given the choice you'd reccomend bonding?

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 09:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Did you fail out of med school?

Or really just wanted to be a Dentist?

[/ QUOTE ]

I have no desire to help people or any of that nonsense. Only to make good money, be my own boss, make my own hours, retire early and own a few well located condos.

Medicine will not afford me any of these things (due to insurance and other [censored]). It only provides the ability to help people. Plus you have to actually listen to peoples problems. Oh yah and the blood and guts and sick people gross me out.

F that.

Dentistry's where its at.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 09:38 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
porcelain veneers, are they really that great? What are some advantages and disadvantages?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not that great.

I havent had much experience with them. I only know that Ive heard that these dentists who do them for the makeover shows often do shoddy work b/c of cutting corners. I also dont think they are the be all end all esthetic solution that people seem to think they are. They can cause trauma to the teeth and the longevity of the restorations is still of concern. Eventually all those teeth that have full porcelain veneers may need to be crowned. An often better solution to anterior esthetics could be a more conservative (and cheaper) bleaching + composite resin bonding approach (also called veneers.)

Ill do some research and get back to you with more definitive +/-s of full porc veneers.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the info. I'm going for a consultation in a month or so to decide whether porc veneers or bonding would be the best option. So if given the choice you'd reccomend bonding?

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on how fugged up your teeth are. Its really a case by case decision etc. Many things in dentistry are not clear choices, there is a bit of an art to it. Determining the treatment w/ the best prognosis that also meets the needs (economical, physical, emotional whatever) of the patient. Discuss it at the consult. Your dentist should be able to give you some idea of what the finished product will look like. If they cant, it may be worth spending the xtra $$ to go to a good esthetic dentist or prosthodontist. Its always been possible to make up a model of your teeth and show you what your smile will look like. Also, I believe there are some new computer stuff that can do that too.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 09:40 AM

[ QUOTE ]
For about 4 years now i have had my gums back where my wisdom teeth should be shed every few months. Like hunks of skin will come off.(mainly on the bottom.) But there is no tooth yet breaking thru. Is it just my teeth coming thur very very very slowly or is it something else.

[/ QUOTE ]

Uhh, something else. Could be impacted or infected or whatever. Im not quite sure off the top of my head what the exact cause would be. Ill try to ask around. Im bout to go to pathology...although its general path, not oral path so the teacher may not know. Get it checked out.

-JP

Thebram

10-12-2005, 10:00 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
porcelain veneers, are they really that great? What are some advantages and disadvantages?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not that great.

I havent had much experience with them. I only know that Ive heard that these dentists who do them for the makeover shows often do shoddy work b/c of cutting corners. I also dont think they are the be all end all esthetic solution that people seem to think they are. They can cause trauma to the teeth and the longevity of the restorations is still of concern. Eventually all those teeth that have full porcelain veneers may need to be crowned. An often better solution to anterior esthetics could be a more conservative (and cheaper) bleaching + composite resin bonding approach (also called veneers.)

Ill do some research and get back to you with more definitive +/-s of full porc veneers.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the info. I'm going for a consultation in a month or so to decide whether porc veneers or bonding would be the best option. So if given the choice you'd reccomend bonding?

[/ QUOTE ]

I had some minor spacing, but otherwise my bite was perfect, and I had never had a cavity.
I left a friend talk me into veneers and it was probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life.

Keep your teeth in their original state for as long as you can.

Thebram

10-12-2005, 10:06 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now)

[/ QUOTE ]

this made me laugh

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm assuming this made you laugh because you disagree with the OP.

IMO, the first 4 years of dental school is as hard or harder than med school.

The difference lies in after 4 years, the dentist is free to start raking it in, while the MD has a residency to look forward to.

The4Aces

10-12-2005, 10:14 AM

i never floss and my dentist says ill get gingavitus or what ever. is this true?

Also my gums are really puffy my dentist says its because i breath with my mouth open when i sleep. is this true?

JihadOnTheRiver

10-12-2005, 10:34 AM

Is swallowing a load bad for your gums?

ddss6_99

10-12-2005, 10:57 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
porcelain veneers, are they really that great? What are some advantages and disadvantages?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not that great.

I havent had much experience with them. I only know that Ive heard that these dentists who do them for the makeover shows often do shoddy work b/c of cutting corners. I also dont think they are the be all end all esthetic solution that people seem to think they are. They can cause trauma to the teeth and the longevity of the restorations is still of concern. Eventually all those teeth that have full porcelain veneers may need to be crowned. An often better solution to anterior esthetics could be a more conservative (and cheaper) bleaching + composite resin bonding approach (also called veneers.)

Ill do some research and get back to you with more definitive +/-s of full porc veneers.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the info. I'm going for a consultation in a month or so to decide whether porc veneers or bonding would be the best option. So if given the choice you'd reccomend bonding?

[/ QUOTE ]
I let a friend talk me into veneers and it was probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life.

[/ QUOTE ]

What happened that made it the worst mistake of your life?

ginko

10-12-2005, 11:05 AM

Hey JMP. I was curious if you know how much implants cost. I am missing two upper front teeth because of my poor genetics and it looks really bad. I have the two very front ones there, but the next ones back on both sides are missing so I have these incredible gaps. Or is this something you don't know much about?

spamuell

10-12-2005, 11:13 AM

This is an orthodontsitry question, hopefully you can help.

For a few years a while ago I had fixed braces on my bottom teeth (train tracks is what we called them in the UK if you know what they are). Anyway I got those off and the orthodontist put a metal wire behind the front few of my bottom teeth (like http://www.saxdearing.co.nz/Ll.jpg). This was probably, I don't know, 18 months ago.

For reasons that I can't be bothered to go into, I despise and fear my orthodontist. I haven't gone back there since he put the wire in because I hate him so much and he causes me so much pain, and is so callous about it. I have nothing at all against dentistry and realise that sometimes pain is inevitable and in the long run necessary, but this particular man is a complete dick, I've spoken to others who have him and we feel he hurts his patients more than is necessary and is basically negligent.

So, I haven't gone back to him and have this wire behind my teeth. It doesn't bother me too much but I don't suppose I can keep it there for the rest of my life.

Is there any way for me to remove the wire myself or do I have to go back to an orthodontist? I'm not going to the same one again if I can avoid it, but I'm not entirely sure I can for bureacratic reasons about me now being 19 so having to pay for treatment if I start it again with someone new but not having to if it's a continuation of my old treatment from when I was under 18 and the state paid for it.

Thanks for any advice.

Los Feliz Slim

10-12-2005, 11:16 AM

JP,

I need help.

One of my several genetic abnormalities is that I'm missing the bottom back molar, I forget the number. It's the furthest back on the bottom right.

Because of this, I'm told, he molar above it is growing wildly and unabated. It's abnormally long. I've had two dentists tell me I need to A) put an implant in the place where the missing molar should be and B) grind down the extra-long tooth above it. To make matters more fun, they're not sure if the bone where the implant would go is strong enough, so there might need to be some sort of bone-building involved before we can even do the implant. Plus, this has been happening for so long I'd probably need a root canal on the "long" tooth before it was ground down because it's so long that the nerve would probably get involved.

I say to them, "How's about we just pull the long tooth and call it a draw?" They say "But you're only 32 and that's a healthy tooth, why pull a good tooth when you're so young?" Obviously, so I don't have to go through the bone building and implanting and, worst, the grinding.

The expense isn't what worries me, and aesthetics is not an issue since you can't see the tooth.

What should I do? Thank you for your help.

LFS

WDC

10-12-2005, 11:28 AM

Just had a friend hospitalized for heart problems. he is now on a transplant waiting list. While in the hospital they pulled several of his teeth. Ostensibly they were affecting his heart. What do the teeth have to do with the heart?

BoogerFace

10-12-2005, 12:05 PM

JP,

Where can I find a hot female dentist?

And how do you let her know that it's okay to take advatange of me when I'm all drugged up?

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 12:05 PM

[ QUOTE ]
i never floss and my dentist says ill get gingavitus or what ever. is this true?

Also my gums are really puffy my dentist says its because i breath with my mouth open when i sleep. is this true?

[/ QUOTE ]

Just because you dont floss doesnt mean you will definitely get anything. However, flossing is actually really important. Im not just blowing steam up your ass... do it. Gingivitis is just inflamed gingiva and is the least of your worries. The bacteria love small, hard to reach places, b/w teeth and in the gums is perfect. These areas you dont reach well by brushing and the bacteria set up shop. The bacteria can cause caries b/w the teeth causing the need for more restorations, especially in the posterior teeth. Also, theres a greater chance of periodontitis (bone and connective tissue loss) later in life. This is bad....there are many many problems associated w/ periodontitis, the latest being heart disease! Floss, smell your floss, look at it, youll probably never miss flossing again. Gently slide the floss b/w the teeth and move up and down arcing the floss along the contours of each adjacent tooth.

As far as mouth breathing, yah that can cause it...i had that for a while but using good oral hygeine (floss daily, brushing at a 45 degree angle along the gingiva, brushing for at least 2 min twice a day minimum, maybe consider a mouth wash, the new crest alcohol free stuff is awesome). can all prevent the red puffy gingiva which is unattractive and unhealthy. You want pink, "knife edge" gingiva.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 12:07 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Is swallowing a load bad for your gums?

[/ QUOTE ]

Probably not for your gums but maybe the sucrose in semen that the sperm use for energy to spin their flagella can be used by bacteria in the mouth as a means to produce glycan (the stuff they use to stick to the teeth) and as a biproduct, acids that cause decay.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 12:10 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Hey JMP. I was curious if you know how much implants cost. I am missing two upper front teeth because of my poor genetics and it looks really bad. I have the two very front ones there, but the next ones back on both sides are missing so I have these incredible gaps. Or is this something you don't know much about?

[/ QUOTE ]

Pricing on implants vary...congenitally missing your lateral incisors is actually a relatively common anomaly (as far as oral anomalies go). I was missing my 2nd mandibular premolar and got an implant. You cant tell. The procedure wasnt bad. Got gased up and just felt a lot of pressure.
I had to wear a spacing retainer for a while on top of the implant to make sure the bone accepted it. Then they screw the crown on. As far as costs go, depends who you go to and where you live. I think they run around 2k a piece but dont quote me on that

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 12:14 PM

[ QUOTE ]
This is an orthodontsitry question, hopefully you can help.

For a few years a while ago I had fixed braces on my bottom teeth (train tracks is what we called them in the UK if you know what they are). Anyway I got those off and the orthodontist put a metal wire behind the front few of my bottom teeth (like http://www.saxdearing.co.nz/Ll.jpg). This was probably, I don't know, 18 months ago.

For reasons that I can't be bothered to go into, I despise and fear my orthodontist. I haven't gone back there since he put the wire in because I hate him so much and he causes me so much pain, and is so callous about it. I have nothing at all against dentistry and realise that sometimes pain is inevitable and in the long run necessary, but this particular man is a complete dick, I've spoken to others who have him and we feel he hurts his patients more than is necessary and is basically negligent.

So, I haven't gone back to him and have this wire behind my teeth. It doesn't bother me too much but I don't suppose I can keep it there for the rest of my life.

Is there any way for me to remove the wire myself or do I have to go back to an orthodontist? I'm not going to the same one again if I can avoid it, but I'm not entirely sure I can for bureacratic reasons about me now being 19 so having to pay for treatment if I start it again with someone new but not having to if it's a continuation of my old treatment from when I was under 18 and the state paid for it.

Thanks for any advice.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yah i hated my orthodontist too...sadistic motherfuckers. I also hate everyone in my class that wants to be an orthodontist, they are all heartless callous suck ups. (Here in the US everyone wants to be orthodontists in dental school b/c you make like 1mill$+ and dont do [censored], you have to be top of your class tho).

As far as your mandibular lingual bonded retainer...I have one, my gf has one, my mom, brother have one, etc. Its very common. You keep it for life. If its uncomfortable (which it shouldnt be, i hardly notice mine) or you have trouble keeping it clean, just go somewhere else. Your general dentist could probably remove it for you and may even be qualified to place it (not sure about UK) but he may not want to.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 12:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
JP,

I need help.

One of my several genetic abnormalities is that I'm missing the bottom back molar, I forget the number. It's the furthest back on the bottom right.

Because of this, I'm told, he molar above it is growing wildly and unabated. It's abnormally long. I've had two dentists tell me I need to A) put an implant in the place where the missing molar should be and B) grind down the extra-long tooth above it. To make matters more fun, they're not sure if the bone where the implant would go is strong enough, so there might need to be some sort of bone-building involved before we can even do the implant. Plus, this has been happening for so long I'd probably need a root canal on the "long" tooth before it was ground down because it's so long that the nerve would probably get involved.

I say to them, "How's about we just pull the long tooth and call it a draw?" They say "But you're only 32 and that's a healthy tooth, why pull a good tooth when you're so young?" Obviously, so I don't have to go through the bone building and implanting and, worst, the grinding.

The expense isn't what worries me, and aesthetics is not an issue since you can't see the tooth.

What should I do? Thank you for your help.

LFS

[/ QUOTE ]

Yah that sucks. They are right in that you do want to do everything you can to save a tooth as it may cause problems later in life. For example, Just as your top tooth drifted down b/c the missing bottom teeth, your top teeth might drift over due to the missing top tooth (causing spaces and the need for ortho or other restorations).

If the cost/time isnt an issue I would prob recommend doing it too. Pulling the top tooth and calling it a draw is not a terrible solution by any means tho. You could always go see another dentist. Before you make your decision, it couldnt hurt to go the periodontist or whoever they recommend you for a real implant consult. It sounds like your dentist wasnt exactly sure if you needed bone remodeling or not. As far as that surgery goes, yah you prob want to avoid that if you can although as far as surgeries go, its pretty minor and simple (just gotta watch out for 1 nerve), also if they recommend doing it for the implant, dont get the implant w/o it (duh).

The grinding down of your top tooth seemed to be the thing your the most worried about but ironically is the least invasive procedure. I mean were talking about cutting a slice of bone off your mandibular ramus, bolting it on where the implant will go, letting that heal up a bit, then drilling down into the bone and placing a threaded screw, then screwing a tooth into that.

Good luck, get lots of opinions, and dont worry too much about the procedures unless cost/time is an important issue.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 12:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Just had a friend hospitalized for heart problems. he is now on a transplant waiting list. While in the hospital they pulled several of his teeth. Ostensibly they were affecting his heart. What do the teeth have to do with the heart?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yah bacteria at the apex (root of the tooth) or in the gingival sulci (the space b/w gingiva and teeth) can get into the circulation and take up residence on the valves of your heart...especially in patients w/ Mitral valve prolapse, rhematic heart disease etc. Basically called a "transient bacteremia" where the bacteria go to a different site than they are accustomed to living. There are over 500 speciees of microorganisms living in your mouth, some harmful, some beneficial, most of them have a fairly permanent residence and are aquired from your parents or whoever soon after your born. Bacteria that leave the site where they are are supposed to be are termed "aberrant" and can cause all kinds of pathologies (like bacteria that are good or neutral in your mouth can be bad in your heart). In fact, two main ways you get pathologies are from bacteria leaving the site where they are residents and by bacteria losing adaptation to the person (losing attenuation). But back to the heart, yah they take up residence on the valves, cause bacterial endocardiatis. This of course causes all kinds of problems. Thats why some patients w/ these problems have to take antibiotic prophylaxis b4 any kind of dental procedure.

ALso, i guess when getting a transplant, you dont want to have any serious kind of infections that could hype up your immune response b/c you want your body to accept the transplant (ie, your immune system is capable or recognizing self from non self, and attack the heart) Also, and probably more importantly, your friend will probably be on immunosuppressant drugs (cyclosporin) or whatever and this can affect the infections in your friends mouth.

Im not an implant expert.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 12:48 PM

[ QUOTE ]

JP,

Where can I find a hot female dentist?

And how do you let her know that it's okay to take advatange of me when I'm all drugged up?

[/ QUOTE ]

There are hot female dentists, just have to look. There arent any in my class but there are a few in the clases above me. Also, this years freshman class is stacked...i already grabbed me up a cute blonde. Itll be four years or so b4 they are in practice but by then i can give you some numbers to call.

-JP

spamuell

10-12-2005, 12:56 PM

Thanks a lot for your reply, I was sort of worried that I was doing something really bad and it was just going to rot in my mouth or something, I feel reassured.

About taking it out, does it depend too much on the actual teeth to know how much they would revert back to normal if you did so? It doesn't bother me much, I barely notice it most of the time as well, but I do remember it was extremely uncomfortable when I first put it in and if I could go back to a level of oral comfort which is better than this, why not?

Boris

10-12-2005, 12:59 PM

my daughter needs braces. I am trying to haggle with the dentist on price. I can pay cash up front. How low will he go?

cwsiggy

10-12-2005, 01:01 PM

Is it true Dentists have a very high suicide rate relative to other professions and if so , why is that?

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 01:06 PM

[ QUOTE ]
my daughter needs braces. I am trying to haggle with the dentist on price. I can pay cash up front. How low will he go?

[/ QUOTE ]

No idea, you could always try to get professional courtesy like I did on my braces (son of a dentist= Free). Maybe pretend like your a dentist from canada who has bad arthritis in your hand and cant practice anymore??

-JP

Boris

10-12-2005, 01:10 PM

the braces cost $5k. How much does it cost the dentist?

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 01:11 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Is it true Dentists have a very high suicide rate relative to other professions and if so , why is that?

[/ QUOTE ]

Never really bothered to check the statistics for sure. Ive heard people claim and swear that they read they do, and ive heard people claim and swear it was just a myth. I do know that i read a recent thing that said accountants had the highest.

Mildly amusing ironic story: Was at dinner at a friends w/ his family and were talking about my dental schooling and his younger brother asked me that question. I responded that no, Im pretty sure accountants are the highest, and his dad gave me a dirty look, then laughed like i was joking....I forgot his dad was a dentist, didnt like it, and went back to become a CPA (??!!?).

But yah, I think a lot of people get into dentistry for the wrong reasons (couldnt get into med school?, make good money?) and have no idea how difficult it can be. Working in small spaces sitting down all day and having everyone always constantly afraid of you, lying to you, avoiding you etc can all be issues (jsut making generalized statements). It takes a certain kinda person to sit and be a dentist...just like it takes a certain kinda person to work in a cubicle or sit and play internet poker all day without going insane.

-JP

Los Feliz Slim

10-12-2005, 01:16 PM

My most sincere thanks for this advice. I've been taking everything my dentist says with a grain of salt for a while, because he's always trying to sell something it seems, so your unbiased opinion is invaluable.

Now, to see a psychiatrist about the fact that I've put off a medical procedure that was recommended by two doctors for over a year, and now I'm probably going to do it because a guy on a [card game] related internet message board has advised I do it.

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 01:16 PM

[ QUOTE ]
the braces cost $5k. How much does it cost the dentist?

[/ QUOTE ]

The actual materials dont cost much. What your paying for is all the appointments that are necessary for braces and the $$ that the orthodontist has to pay his usually large staff. I do know that the overhead in a dental office can be higher than most people would expect. A professor threw out a number of several hundred dollars an hour yesterday, how accurate that is and whether it applies to the orthodontist, I dont know.

A simple specialist consult can cost a few hundred dollars. The consult requires very few materials, but the time of the specialist could be spent doing procedures making more $$ or whatever.

Just trying to put things in perspective.

However, i would expect he could go much lower and still make some profit. Medical professions dont generally haggle though, as a rule. You could ask where he could cut some corners or cut out appointments that might not be completely necessary although there are serious ethical implications.

That said, if $$ is a real issue, consider looking into treatment from a dental school's orthodontic residency program. The care level will be fine.

JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 01:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
My most sincere thanks for this advice. I've been taking everything my dentist says with a grain of salt for a while, because he's always trying to sell something it seems, so your unbiased opinion is invaluable.

Now, to see a psychiatrist about the fact that I've put off a medical procedure that was recommended by two doctors for over a year, and now I'm probably going to do it because a guy on a [card game] related internet message board has advised I do it.

[/ QUOTE ]

This made me laugh. Its okay to doubt your health care professionals. Thats why its important to find someone you can really trust. Imho, there are many dentists out there doing poor quality work and poor diagnosis/treatment planning.

Working in several dentists' offices in the past has led me to seriously distrust certain practitioners in my area. Some people just didnt learn anything in school or just dont care enough to do good work.

I dont mean to cause widespread doubt/panic. But i mean the patient doesnt know whether they get good quality work or not, all they can go by is what their dentist tells them. They judge the dentist based on personality (do they seem like they care).

This is a big issue.

Ive seen plenty of procedures go through due to misdiagnosis (root canals on the wrong tooth, then thinking the rootcanal failed b/c the patient still had symptoms, then sending them in for a retreatment of the same tooth, meanwhile the whole time it was the adjacent tooth!). Stuff like this can happen.

ALso, there is no exact science to some of dentistry. Like i said, there are often many alternatives and it is the job of the dentist to find one that works for you the patient.

Summary: doubt isnt bad, unless it causes you to ignore problems...find someone you can trust.

-JP

vulturesrow

10-12-2005, 01:30 PM

</font><blockquote><font class="small">En respuesta a:</font><hr />
That said, if $$ is a real issue, consider looking into treatment from a dental school's orthodontic residency program. The care level will be fine.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is your thread, and quite good, but I just wanted to pile on here. I neede braces in high school and my mom couldnt afford them, but we were able to get them done for free at our local teaching hospital (Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL, the U of F teaching hospital). According to my then ortho. it was a state of the art procedure and turned out quite well. Definitely an option to explore.

goofball

10-12-2005, 01:33 PM

Can't the dentist just put me under when I go in to get a bunch of cavities filled? I have insurance.

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 01:38 PM

He can if youre really that nervous/anxious about it. Most general dentists arent trained in or have the equipment for general anesthesia (although some are due to doing a General Practice Residency, 1 more yr). The extra costs will be due to hospital or equipment fees or whatever and paying the anesthesiologist or whoever sits in on you and monitors your vitals. General anesthesia, while safe, is not always the best thing for your body (systemic side effects) and so should be avoided if at all possible. Doing fillings, while i still find them difficult as hell to do, is really a minor procedure. Maybe compromise and get nitrous gas.

-JP

InchoateHand

10-12-2005, 02:46 PM

Due to a few years of youthful indiscretion, despite my excellent brushing/flossing habits now, my teeth resemble swiss cheese. I have somewhere upwards of 20 fillings. Amazingly, never once has one fallen out, including the flouride-enriched fillings that aren't supposed to last. How long will this good fortune last? Are there any advances short of titanium teeth on the horizon that will return my normal looking, but insanely fragile, mouth to a more lasting state?

imported_anacardo

10-12-2005, 02:51 PM

I'm 23 and am the proud owner of four impacted wisdom teeth, the left-lower of which has partially erupted.

Let's say I never get these bad boys pulled. What can I expect by way of consequences?

WDC

10-12-2005, 02:57 PM

thanks for the reply.

private joker

10-12-2005, 03:34 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Is swallowing a load bad for your gums?

[/ QUOTE ]

Probably not for your gums but maybe the sucrose in semen that the sperm use for energy to spin their flagella can be used by bacteria in the mouth as a means to produce glycan (the stuff they use to stick to the teeth) and as a biproduct, acids that cause decay.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the best serious answer to a bogus question I think I've ever seen on 2+2. Easily POTD. Easily.

BoogerFace

10-12-2005, 03:45 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I'm 23 and am the proud owner of four impacted wisdom teeth, the left-lower of which has partially erupted.

Let's say I never get these bad boys pulled. What can I expect by way of consequences?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can tell you from experience that if you wait until after 30 to have these bad boys pulled, your recovery time will be over a week. A week on the couch eating percoset sucks donkey butt.

MonkeeMan

10-12-2005, 03:47 PM

Dear Ask the Dental student,

You people insist on stuffing my mouth full of all sorts of contraptions and then asking me inane questions that require multi-word responses. Is this required or just one of the perks of the job?

Thanks.

offTopic

10-12-2005, 03:59 PM

I could have asked my dentist this, but it keeps slipping my mind:

When injecting a local into the gumline, especially in the uppers, she will tug my lip - is this done to "get a good vein", or is it simply to distract me from the needle going in?

10-12-2005, 04:01 PM

How many dentists say they autoclave their handpieces between each patient, but don't actually do it?

CD56

10-12-2005, 04:11 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Is it true Dentists have a very high suicide rate relative to other professions and if so , why is that?

[/ QUOTE ]

Both MDs and dentists have high suicide rates, as well as high levels of substance abuse. For MDs I would chalk it up mostly to stress, and the "system" wearing them down. Not sure for dentists, they have a good lifestyle as far as I know.

CD56

10-12-2005, 04:15 PM

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 11:42 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Due to a few years of youthful indiscretion, despite my excellent brushing/flossing habits now, my teeth resemble swiss cheese. I have somewhere upwards of 20 fillings. Amazingly, never once has one fallen out, including the flouride-enriched fillings that aren't supposed to last. How long will this good fortune last? Are there any advances short of titanium teeth on the horizon that will return my normal looking, but insanely fragile, mouth to a more lasting state?

[/ QUOTE ]

If by titanium teeth you mean implants. Yes, not on the horizon, are here. Costly, but look good and have had good success rates.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 11:43 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I'm 23 and am the proud owner of four impacted wisdom teeth, the left-lower of which has partially erupted.

Let's say I never get these bad boys pulled. What can I expect by way of consequences?

[/ QUOTE ]

Uhm...dont be a pussy. Get it done. Impacted teeth can damage the teeth their adjacent to causing them to have to be worked on. Or they can f' up the basic alignment of your teeth by putting pressure on them. Can become infected or whatever. Im not exactly sure of all the dangerous effects.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 11:45 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Dear Ask the Dental student,

You people insist on stuffing my mouth full of all sorts of contraptions and then asking me inane questions that require multi-word responses. Is this required or just one of the perks of the job?

Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, just our desire to be your friends conflicting with our desire to sufficate you with a bunch of instruments and stuff.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 11:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I could have asked my dentist this, but it keeps slipping my mind:

When injecting a local into the gumline, especially in the uppers, she will tug my lip - is this done to "get a good vein", or is it simply to distract me from the needle going in?

[/ QUOTE ]

We dont inject into veins or arteries or anything like that, just into the tissue around the nerve. In fact, injecting into an artery or vein can cause problems due to the epinephrine in the anesthetic solution. It will cause a hematoma (big swelling) of your whole face and you look all puffed up and be all uncomfortable. That is why we aspirate the needle to make sure were not in a blood vessel. Pulling the lip tight just activates the sensory aspect of the nerves and yes is basically a distraction...but it works. Some dentists pull it tight, some jiggle it, some do neither...its whatever.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 11:50 PM

[ QUOTE ]
How many dentists say they autoclave their handpieces between each patient, but don't actually do it?

[/ QUOTE ]

Uhm, my guess would be about none. Not everyone uses Autoclave as there are other methods of sterilization such as using chemical ethylene oxide or something, theres a list of like 4 diff approved methods, each using different combos of heat/steam/chemicals for different times and temperatures. Also, it is required to use indicators in each cassette of instruments that verify that they were properly sterilized.

Infection control is a serious deal and is fiercely regulated. Depends on the state but losing your liscence and seriosu fines are not uncommon for that kind of offense.
You can lose your lisence for a lot less offense.

-JP

JMP300z

10-12-2005, 11:54 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now)

[/ QUOTE ]

this made me laugh

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too were you serious about this?

If so perhaps you're roommate is just a crappy med student.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps you dont know anyone in dental school. I understand he works but him and his friends are drinking in my living room right now, they havent been to class all week, all of them are A students and I have been in the lab all night after getting off class and have to be at class at 8 tomorrow for 8 hrs of lecture. Ive had 2 tests this week, 3 last week, and i have 3 next week. They have had 1 test in the last 3 weeks and it has covered the same stuff that was on my tests around this time last year (when I was a first year). Also, talking to some of the upper class med students, it doesnt get harder. Easier if anything.

-JP

dizong

10-13-2005, 12:37 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now)

[/ QUOTE ]

this made me laugh

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too were you serious about this?

If so perhaps you're roommate is just a crappy med student.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps you dont know anyone in dental school. I understand he works but him and his friends are drinking in my living room right now, they havent been to class all week, all of them are A students and I have been in the lab all night after getting off class and have to be at class at 8 tomorrow for 8 hrs of lecture. Ive had 2 tests this week, 3 last week, and i have 3 next week. They have had 1 test in the last 3 weeks and it has covered the same stuff that was on my tests around this time last year (when I was a first year). Also, talking to some of the upper class med students, it doesnt get harder. Easier if anything.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll describe medical school and leave it to you to make a comparison since i've never been to dental school:

1st yr - bust your ass, taking at least double the class workload you were used to seeing in college. Very basic science oriented, common question asked is: "what the hell does this [censored] have to do with being a doctor?"

2nd yr - bust your ass but at least the material is more clinically relevant and ultimately becomes your core fund of knowledge to which you endlessly refer during your career as an MD. It helps to pay attention to what you are reading and being lectured about, else you will look like a fool in the future.

Between 2nd and 3rd yr is time to study for the boards. A bitch of an exam, learn to stay away from a window because else you'll never get any studying done.

3rd yr - this year is make or break, you are on the wards, kissing ass without making it look so. This is the hardest year in medical school in many ways. You probably work close to 60-80 hrs weekly on the wards depending on if you take overnight call with the residents and what clinical rotation you are undertaking at the time (e.g., surgery). When not in the hospital, you need to read about the patients you are following and try to impress your superiors (to ultimately obtain crucial letters of recommendation). At the end of each rotation, there is usually a written exam. The grades obtained on each rotation this year is often cited as the most important factor to getting into a good residency.

4th yr - a year to explore other areas of medicine based on your interests. This year is cush. People by now have largely figured out where they're going after graduation.

I thought med school was tough but it depends on where you are along the above path.

dizong

wall_st

10-13-2005, 05:28 AM

When someone opens up their mouth, can you immediately tell if this person is a smoker, drinks a lot of soda or coffee, or red wine ? How much do these activities actually affect the color of your teeth ?

Last time I had a cavity done my dentist did not give me enough novacaine and had to redo the novacaine twice before he got it right, what gives ?

JMP300z

10-13-2005, 06:37 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now)

[/ QUOTE ]

this made me laugh

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too were you serious about this?

If so perhaps you're roommate is just a crappy med student.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps you dont know anyone in dental school. I understand he works but him and his friends are drinking in my living room right now, they havent been to class all week, all of them are A students and I have been in the lab all night after getting off class and have to be at class at 8 tomorrow for 8 hrs of lecture. Ive had 2 tests this week, 3 last week, and i have 3 next week. They have had 1 test in the last 3 weeks and it has covered the same stuff that was on my tests around this time last year (when I was a first year). Also, talking to some of the upper class med students, it doesnt get harder. Easier if anything.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll describe medical school and leave it to you to make a comparison since i've never been to dental school:

1st yr - bust your ass, taking at least double the class workload you were used to seeing in college. Very basic science oriented, common question asked is: "what the hell does this [censored] have to do with being a doctor?"

2nd yr - bust your ass but at least the material is more clinically relevant and ultimately becomes your core fund of knowledge to which you endlessly refer during your career as an MD. It helps to pay attention to what you are reading and being lectured about, else you will look like a fool in the future.

Between 2nd and 3rd yr is time to study for the boards. A bitch of an exam, learn to stay away from a window because else you'll never get any studying done.

3rd yr - this year is make or break, you are on the wards, kissing ass without making it look so. This is the hardest year in medical school in many ways. You probably work close to 60-80 hrs weekly on the wards depending on if you take overnight call with the residents and what clinical rotation you are undertaking at the time (e.g., surgery). When not in the hospital, you need to read about the patients you are following and try to impress your superiors (to ultimately obtain crucial letters of recommendation). At the end of each rotation, there is usually a written exam. The grades obtained on each rotation this year is often cited as the most important factor to getting into a good residency.

4th yr - a year to explore other areas of medicine based on your interests. This year is cush. People by now have largely figured out where they're going after graduation.

I thought med school was tough but it depends on where you are along the above path.

dizong

[/ QUOTE ]

You just verified to me that Med school is in fact easier and that my above statement that most people "have no idea how hard dental school is" was correct. On a side note, we dont have to do your shitty ass residency and while youre still in it, well be f'n your wife on a pile of money.

-JP

JMP300z

10-13-2005, 06:42 PM

[ QUOTE ]
When someone opens up their mouth, can you immediately tell if this person is a smoker, drinks a lot of soda or coffee, or red wine ? How much do these activities actually affect the color of your teeth ?

Last time I had a cavity done my dentist did not give me enough novacaine and had to redo the novacaine twice before he got it right, what gives ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Very much stain your teeth. Superficial staining can be removed during cleaning appointments using microabrasion techniques. Deep staining can be tackled w/ various in office bleaching methods. Drop the habits if you want white teeth is the bottom line.

Novacaine is not used anymore...Lidocaine is the current drug but yah, same difference. He could have given you enough but different people metabolize it at different speeds or your anatomy could be in different in that he may have not have hit the nerves well. Other factors include bone density...are you a big guy?? thats usually a problem. There are different strength anesthetics on the market and he should have some, I cant recall the exact ones (mupivicaine, although thats not common, septicaine or articaine...damn theres so many caines.) ANyways, its not uncommon to have to reinject patients during procedures, especially if they last longer than expected. Just let your dentist know that youre experiencing discomfort and he should be able to repop you without you feeling anything.

-JP

imported_anacardo

10-13-2005, 07:57 PM

Bumping in hopes of answers.

dizong

10-13-2005, 08:21 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now)

[/ QUOTE ]

this made me laugh

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too were you serious about this?

If so perhaps you're roommate is just a crappy med student.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps you dont know anyone in dental school. I understand he works but him and his friends are drinking in my living room right now, they havent been to class all week, all of them are A students and I have been in the lab all night after getting off class and have to be at class at 8 tomorrow for 8 hrs of lecture. Ive had 2 tests this week, 3 last week, and i have 3 next week. They have had 1 test in the last 3 weeks and it has covered the same stuff that was on my tests around this time last year (when I was a first year). Also, talking to some of the upper class med students, it doesnt get harder. Easier if anything.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll describe medical school and leave it to you to make a comparison since i've never been to dental school:

1st yr - bust your ass, taking at least double the class workload you were used to seeing in college. Very basic science oriented, common question asked is: "what the hell does this [censored] have to do with being a doctor?"

2nd yr - bust your ass but at least the material is more clinically relevant and ultimately becomes your core fund of knowledge to which you endlessly refer during your career as an MD. It helps to pay attention to what you are reading and being lectured about, else you will look like a fool in the future.

Between 2nd and 3rd yr is time to study for the boards. A bitch of an exam, learn to stay away from a window because else you'll never get any studying done.

3rd yr - this year is make or break, you are on the wards, kissing ass without making it look so. This is the hardest year in medical school in many ways. You probably work close to 60-80 hrs weekly on the wards depending on if you take overnight call with the residents and what clinical rotation you are undertaking at the time (e.g., surgery). When not in the hospital, you need to read about the patients you are following and try to impress your superiors (to ultimately obtain crucial letters of recommendation). At the end of each rotation, there is usually a written exam. The grades obtained on each rotation this year is often cited as the most important factor to getting into a good residency.

4th yr - a year to explore other areas of medicine based on your interests. This year is cush. People by now have largely figured out where they're going after graduation.

I thought med school was tough but it depends on where you are along the above path.

dizong

[/ QUOTE ]

You just verified to me that Med school is in fact easier and that my above statement that most people "have no idea how hard dental school is" was correct. On a side note, we dont have to do your shitty ass residency and while youre still in it, well be f'n your wife on a pile of money.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

lol i guess i didn't expect that retort... Both self-assured enough to offer unsolicited professional advice (as a student) on a public forum yet so defensive when all I did was expand on a point you introduced earlier.
Sorry if I offended you, I'll leave you alone. enjoy your life bro

dizong

dogsballs

10-13-2005, 11:25 PM

Great idea for a thread.

I got a couple of crowns in. Does the metal at the base of the crown (where it attaches the tooth base) leach at all? Maybe noone knows cos maybe that has not been studied. ie, does this metal get in your system through slow long term leaching of the metals used?

JMP300z

10-14-2005, 07:12 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Great idea for a thread.

I got a couple of crowns in. Does the metal at the base of the crown (where it attaches the tooth base) leach at all? Maybe noone knows cos maybe that has not been studied. ie, does this metal get in your system through slow long term leaching of the metals used?

[/ QUOTE ]

This has been studied ad nauseum, there were a series of what have been termed the "amalgam wars", basically the current opinion based on numerous studies is that the mercury leaking from an amalgam would be the only really dangerous thing from the restorations and that it is very minor.

-JP

diebitter

10-14-2005, 07:14 AM

I want to sign up for these amalgam wars, but can't decide which side. What are the relative good and bad points about each side?

JMP300z

10-14-2005, 07:14 AM

Maybe I should have written a disclaimer at the top of this...I am not liscenced to practice dentistry so any advice i give you is unqualified.

-JP

JMP300z

10-14-2005, 07:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Most people have no idea how hard dental school is (godawful 4 yrs, id give anything to have it as easy as my med student roommate right now)

[/ QUOTE ]

this made me laugh

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too were you serious about this?

If so perhaps you're roommate is just a crappy med student.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps you dont know anyone in dental school. I understand he works but him and his friends are drinking in my living room right now, they havent been to class all week, all of them are A students and I have been in the lab all night after getting off class and have to be at class at 8 tomorrow for 8 hrs of lecture. Ive had 2 tests this week, 3 last week, and i have 3 next week. They have had 1 test in the last 3 weeks and it has covered the same stuff that was on my tests around this time last year (when I was a first year). Also, talking to some of the upper class med students, it doesnt get harder. Easier if anything.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll describe medical school and leave it to you to make a comparison since i've never been to dental school:

1st yr - bust your ass, taking at least double the class workload you were used to seeing in college. Very basic science oriented, common question asked is: "what the hell does this [censored] have to do with being a doctor?"

2nd yr - bust your ass but at least the material is more clinically relevant and ultimately becomes your core fund of knowledge to which you endlessly refer during your career as an MD. It helps to pay attention to what you are reading and being lectured about, else you will look like a fool in the future.

Between 2nd and 3rd yr is time to study for the boards. A bitch of an exam, learn to stay away from a window because else you'll never get any studying done.

3rd yr - this year is make or break, you are on the wards, kissing ass without making it look so. This is the hardest year in medical school in many ways. You probably work close to 60-80 hrs weekly on the wards depending on if you take overnight call with the residents and what clinical rotation you are undertaking at the time (e.g., surgery). When not in the hospital, you need to read about the patients you are following and try to impress your superiors (to ultimately obtain crucial letters of recommendation). At the end of each rotation, there is usually a written exam. The grades obtained on each rotation this year is often cited as the most important factor to getting into a good residency.

4th yr - a year to explore other areas of medicine based on your interests. This year is cush. People by now have largely figured out where they're going after graduation.

I thought med school was tough but it depends on where you are along the above path.

dizong

[/ QUOTE ]

You just verified to me that Med school is in fact easier and that my above statement that most people "have no idea how hard dental school is" was correct. On a side note, we dont have to do your shitty ass residency and while youre still in it, well be f'n your wife on a pile of money.

-JP

[/ QUOTE ]

lol i guess i didn't expect that retort... Both self-assured enough to offer unsolicited professional advice (as a student) on a public forum yet so defensive when all I did was expand on a point you introduced earlier.
Sorry if I offended you, I'll leave you alone. enjoy your life bro

dizong

[/ QUOTE ]

My apologies, didnt mean to be a dick. Ill give you a serious reply late.r But im running late for class.

-JP

mlh2e

10-14-2005, 08:27 AM

What is the best toothbrush to use? Are the newer ones really that much better? Mouthwash?
I saw a commercial for a pre-brush fizzy mouthwash that looked neat. Will it help?

mlh2e

10-14-2005, 02:33 PM

bump because I am really curious here...

JMP300z

10-14-2005, 03:22 PM

[ QUOTE ]
What is the best toothbrush to use? Are the newer ones really that much better? Mouthwash?
I saw a commercial for a pre-brush fizzy mouthwash that looked neat. Will it help?

[/ QUOTE ]

From what i have gathered in my two yrs:

The new electronic toothbrushes have lots of advantages over mechanical brushing...although it has not been scientifically proven to be any better. The main advantage is they are just easier to get better results with, not that they necessarily clean better (ie they fix operator errors). A skilled brusher w/ a reg toothbrush can do just fine assuming they spend the correct amount of time/effort. In theory, the extra vibrations should jar the bacterial plaques loose from Sub gingival areas better. I dont use one but I have several sitting around collecting dust. Oral B and Soniccare...not that big difference, i think one spins (oral b), and one vibrates (soniccare). Or maybe that distinction no longer exists...i think theres a new one on the market thats supposedly "revolutionary" in some way, at least according to the marketing people.

Mouthwashes are not necessarily as effective as an antibacterial product as advertised but i love using mine just because of the feel and bad breath associated help. The new crest alcohol free stuff is all over our school now and is what ive been using. Its much better than the old stuff although some people in my class claim it can temporarily mess up your taste buds (i thought all mouth washes do this /images/graemlins/smile.gif.

-JP

Benal

10-14-2005, 04:55 PM

Any idea why the last two times I have been to the dentist, approx 5 minutes after the needle for freezing I begin to feel very light headed, get the sweats and feel like I'm about to throw up and faint? I used the excuse that I need to use the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and sat there for about 3-4 minutes while these feelings passed. Then I was fine. This never used to happened before, and I have no fear of needles.

JMP300z

10-14-2005, 05:00 PM

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Any idea why the last two times I have been to the dentist, approx 5 minutes after the needle for freezing I begin to feel very light headed, get the sweats and feel like I'm about to throw up and faint? I used the excuse that I need to use the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and sat there for about 3-4 minutes while these feelings passed. Then I was fine. This never used to happened before, and I have no fear of needles.

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Why did you lie to your dentist and neglect to tell him??? I could be way off but its probably some form of allergic reaction to the epinephrine solution in the anesthetic, not all that uncommon. Different people have varying reactions...some serious, some not so serious. Its important for your dentist to know about this in case he opts to give you more during the course of longer procedures. It could be something else although i dont really know what (you said its not anxiety, do you have low BP or any other problems?).

-JP

JMP300z

10-14-2005, 05:01 PM

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Great idea for a thread.

I got a couple of crowns in. Does the metal at the base of the crown (where it attaches the tooth base) leach at all? Maybe noone knows cos maybe that has not been studied. ie, does this metal get in your system through slow long term leaching of the metals used?

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This has been studied ad nauseum, there were a series of what have been termed the "amalgam wars", basically the current opinion based on numerous studies is that the mercury leaking from an amalgam would be the only really dangerous thing from the restorations and that it is very minor.

-JP

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I realized i didnt exactly answer your q. The gold in gold crowns or the the alloy used in pfm crowns are not harmful to you.

-JP

The Goober

10-14-2005, 05:04 PM

About a year and a half ago I one of my molars (bottom right, second from the back) cracked and I had to have it pulled. (the damned thing previously had an abcess under it and I had to have 2 root canals, since the first guy didn't get it all out). I decided to go with an implant instead of a crown. I got the tooth removed and the titanium screw put in (with a cap on it) and was told that I needed to wait 6 months before getting the implant and the new crown put on.

In the meantime I changed jobs and lost my insurance (which was only covering a small part of this anyway) and just sorta forgot about the whole thing. It never bothers me, but I suppose I should finish this whole thing and get the new tooth put in. How much damage am I doing by waiting on this? When I feel it with my tongue, it doesn't seem like the tooth above the missing one has moved at all, but what do I know?

JMP300z

10-14-2005, 05:05 PM

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I want to sign up for these amalgam wars, but can't decide which side. What are the relative good and bad points about each side?

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Well, you can sign up for the evil activist side who believes that any kinda non natural stuff in your body is bad. They fear that the small amount of mercury used in dental amalgam materials (ie silver fillings, actually a mix of copper, silver, mercury and tin iirc), leaks out into your blood and causes mercury poisoning (signs of mercury poisoning make you kinda crazy).

The other side is the greedy dentists and dental researchers who dont want any kind of public health scare/scandal and want to keep living cushy lives.

Anyways, its been determined that the amount leaked into the saliva and blood and swallowed is small enough for your body to get rid of or handle.

-JP