Dental people come here pls

[bunnyslippers]

PDQ. Will delete later.

AE because I’m embarrassed.

*poof*

Thank you all very much.

[ohgillian]

I'm not a dental person but that sounds over the top. Any chance your plan has more than one convenient provider where you could get a second consult?

I hadn't ever even heard of laser therapy, but the American Academy of Periodontology says "At this time, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that any specific laser wavelength is superior to the traditional treatment methods of the common periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis." (www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-laser-therapy)

Also I'm sorry you're embarrassed. It's really common for people to end up w/o dental coverage.


ETA: I don't know why that link isn't clickable. I might have fixed it.

[bunnyslippers]

Oct 18, 2019 12:48:44 GMT -5 ohgillian said:

I'm not a dental person but that sounds over the top. Any chance your plan has more than one convenient provider where you could get a second consult?

I hadn't ever even heard of laser therapy, but the American Academy of Periodontology says "At this time, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that any specific laser wavelength is superior to the traditional treatment methods of the common periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis." (www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-laser-therapy)

Also I'm sorry you're embarrassed. It's really common for people to end up w/o dental coverage.


ETA: I don't know why that link isn't clickable. I might have fixed it.

That’s what I was reading too and what made me question.

This was actually my second opinion. LOL

[skidunks]

I’m a hygienist and have worked with lasers. I have to say I haven’t noticed a significant difference in using a laser after scaling and root planing than not using one.
You can pm me if you want, I’m more than happy to talk in more detail with you! And you don’t have to feel embarrassed, there are SO many people that don’t go to the dentist for so many reasons and you’re addressing it now so good for you!

[bunnyslippers]

Oct 18, 2019 16:25:17 GMT -5 skidunks said:

I’m a hygienist and have worked with lasers. I have to say I haven’t noticed a significant difference in using a laser after scaling and root planing than not using one.
You can pm me if you want, I’m more than happy to talk in more detail with you! And you don’t have to feel embarrassed, there are SO many people that don’t go to the dentist for so many reasons and you’re addressing it now so good for you!

Sending you a PM now. Thank you.

[sent]

I’m an orthodontist so I’m not super well versed on the laser therapy. My hunch based on what I’ve heard over the years is that it’s not necessary if you are having scaling and root planing. The specialists in gum procedures would be a periodontist. You could google a few in your area to see if they even mention laser therapy on their website and what they have to say about it. You need to look at offices that are owned by periodontists, not a dental office that happens to have a periodontist working in it. If you want to message me your location, I can point you to some offices. If you’re inclined, you could get a consultation with a periodontist that your insurance may or may not cover. Some insurances are very stingy at paying for any exams beyond two per year and some are very generous.

[silvercrayon]

Get a 2nd opinion. I had a dentist tell me once I had 2 cavities. I went for a 2nd opinion. I had no cavities. I'm not saying your dentist is trying to fleece you, but with that much work planned a 2nd opinion is logical.

[isabel]

I would get a second opinion. Like, seriously, get a second opinion. You may well need laser therapy, but I wouldn't trust the advice of the first dentist you've seen in years.

[penelope]

I have major gum issues and I understand the embarrassment. I get it. But don’t let that stop you from doing everything you need to do now that you have coverage! I avoided it for a while because I was embarrassed and now I have to have surgery on them.

I had root planing and scaling done three years ago. They never discussed laser therapy with me. I avoided for a year and I have had deep cleaning done every 6 months for the last two, with some regular cleanings thrown in there by a dentist. I’ve had one molar pulled because of it. There has been improvement in the front and sides. But I have deep pockets in all 4 corners and was referred to a periodontal specialist. I’m scheduled for surgery on November 14. My periodontist never mentioned lasers either.

Feel free to PM me as well....I’m not a dentist but I understand the feelings and the embarrassment. And how scary it all is.

[lilac05]

Definitely get another opinion. I had a dentist once totally exploit my break from dental care and subsequent embarrassment. I was so embarrassed that I just agreed to any and all work that she recommended because I just wanted to get back on track. I had 8 “small cavities” filled. To this day, trusting her is my biggest health-related regret. My current dentist looked back at the xrays from before and confirmed my suspicions. Nothing needed to be filled. Those spots had been present for many, many years and had never changed. Several of those fillings have had to be fixed (at no charge to me, by my current dentist).

Bad dentists are few and far between, but they are out there. Don’t be embarrassed...there are a million reasons why people have a lapse in care. Find a dentist who will support and encourage you for going NOW. You can’t change the past.

[Shreddingbetty]

No advise other than get a second opinion. I didn’t go to the dentist for 10 or 12 years (and I had coverage!). The longer I waited the more worried I was about going because I figured they would totally take advantage of the fact that I had not gone in a long time (at 30 I was told I had the gums of a 40 year old due to my receding gum line). I asked around a lot and finally found one that my friend uses that she trusts a lot and they don’t do any unnecessary stuff. I went, the cleaning took a while but they found no cavities (I have zero cavities still at 47) and even though I have receive gumlines they said they were not horrible and offered gum transplant basically because I would be a good candidate but it wasn’t truly necessary. I didn’t end up doing that. Anyway, don’t feel embarrassed about not having gone for only 2 years. There are so many people who don’t go to the dentist until things go wrong.
I would ask friends family and collègues about their dentists and see if you can find a more conservative dentist that doesn’t find stuff just because they can,

[bunnyslippers]

Thanks everyone. This dentist was actually my second opinion. My first opinion didn’t go very well and ended up with me crying for an entire day afterwards.

[dancelnow]

What did the first one recommend?

I’d also recommend you look into Livionex dental gel instead of toothpaste, at least for awhile. It will make a big difference in the amount of deep cleaning they need to do.

[bunnyslippers]

Oct 19, 2019 12:01:28 GMT -5 dancelnow said:

What did the first one recommend?

I’d also recommend you look into Livionex dental gel instead of toothpaste, at least for awhile. It will make a big difference in the amount of deep cleaning they need to do.

$4k worth if work. Deep cleaning, laser treatment, cavities, bone loss, a whole bunch of shit I can’t even remember, and stated that my teeth were going to fall out in the next ten years.

Oh, and she suggested I could also stand to get porcelain veneers. 🙄