omfg. just got 3 fixed, and i'm in pain. the drilling, shots and filling was among the most torturous experiences of my last 10 years. i almost wish i had been knocked out cold. how on earth could anyone choose to be involved in that business? dentistry? bah.

i haven't been to the dentist in forever. I fear the bad news, because I know I have some cavity problems in there.

I don't have dental insurance, nor health insurance, so I haven't been to the dentist since I was a student and could get reduced cost treatment at the UNL College of Dentistry.
I know I need my wisdom teeth removed soon, but I haven't had much pain or discomfort, so I will wait.

until last year, i'd seen the same dentist for my whole life. he apparently messed up something with my sister's braces and my dad had a problem or two and then he butchered fixing an occlusal for me. none of us see him anymore because i think he was beginning to get a little senile. he thought i was in college well past when i'd graduated and would talk nonsense sometimes, but he could pull teeth and inject shots (upper gum) without inducing any pain at all. it was really quite amazing.

Same here. I'd think I'd rather turn a shotgun on myself rather than go to the dentist.

i don't mind going to the dentist but i just wish it wasn't so expensive.

No kidding. My dentist came up with a page full of things he thinks I need. It came to $7,500.

And he wonders why I haven't gone back. Dude, you can't get blood from a turnip.

fp

yeah i went last year to a different dentist and she said all the work i'd need would run about $12000.

Yeah, not going. Ain't shit wrong with my wisdom teeth, thanks.

even with the dental insurance, it was pricey as hell...

I've had fillings and crowns and they have never been a big deal. I did experience mild discomfort for one of my crowns because they had to perform a procedure called "crown lengthening."

However, I do not look forward to my first root canal if, God forbid, it ever happens.

Root canals aren't as bad as they're made out to be.

i shudder at the horrid thought.

I imagine there's some hyperbole at play, but that's pretty messed up. I've never experienced pain or discomfort of any kind at the dentist.

Getting hit in the face with a golf club (something I've experienced) is much worse.

Dentists are full of bullshit.

Basically they have a licence to make as much money as they like. Do you think if a dentist suddenly gets the urge to buy, say an expensive digital camera, he's not going to 'find' a couple of fillings and a rotten tooth in the next couple of patients?

They are like mechanics, they just make shit up. However questioned a dentists opinion? You might get a second opinion from a doctor but whoever got a second dentists opinion? They have the whole thing carved up.

They all retire at 50, millionaires, because when you go into a dentists you might as well just hand over your wallet, your credit cards and any investments you have.

It's a hold up in a reclining chair.

I would think the average dentist wouldn't need to cut too many corners to buy himself an expensive digital camera. There are too many people who grow up not taking good enough care of their teeth.

I've always been suspicious as to why certain dental procedures are so expensive. But I don't really have the time, energy, funds, or desire to probe around for questionable practices in dentistry. None of the things that my dentist of 5 years told me I needed to have done have surprised me really. I pretty much trust him.

Now Chiropractors on the other hand.....

Dentists don't make money on cleanings or routine procedures. They make the dough on the cosmetic shit. That's why there are a bunch of dentists who aren't too concerned with insurance plans.

Charlatans.

I don't think I've ever missed a 6 month checkup. I'm the only one of my friends who can open beer bottles with his teeth.

well, 2nd day out from 3 cavity fix, and it's pretty good so far. not too painful, even eating some toasted sourdough bread.

THE CAVITY CREEPS!
[img][650:216]http://www.pvponline.com/archive/2005/pvp20050708.gif[/img]

really? i need root canals on my two front teeth and i'm terrified of the pain.

i have tmj (clicking jaw) which sometimes goes into minor lockjaw. it's not covered by dental insurance because the dentists say it's a medical problem and it's not covered by medical insurance because doctors say it's a dental problem. my orthodontist told me that he could give me a retainer to help ease the pain, but that'll cost $2500. or, he can do surgery and it'll cost around $10,000. um, yeah, i think i'll just deal with the lockjaw. f*cking jerk medical/dental professionals.

Completely. That Simpsons episode was so spot on.

As for dentistry, I had 4 teeth pulled when I was a kid. I only had a local and it was fucking horrible. I hate dentists and pray that my wisdom teeth stay hidden and quiet.

A Guide to Dental Insurance

"I have a non-cleaning dental issue. Would you please maybe pay for some of it in light of all the money you get from my paychecks?"
"We'll have to ask you a few questions. Question 1. Do you have teeth?"
"Yes I do."
"Question 2. At any point before today, have you ever eaten food?
"Yes I have."
"Pre-existing condition. Thank you, come again."

the worst part of it is probably the couple of shots of novacaine they'll give you. the actual root canal doesn't hurt, it just feels kind of weird, like someone is flossing inside your teeth.