Re: Need opinions about choosing a dentist

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@FranandZoe wrote:
I'm overedue for a cleaning. And I've been having pain in a molar - I think it's a wisdom tooth. So I made an appt with a local/popular dentist but they told me that if the tooth needs pulled they'll refer me to an oral surgeon. I'm thinking I'd rather go to a dentist who "does it all." What do you guys think?

@FranandZoe Under most circumstances, removing wisdom teeth from an adult requires more than Novocain. Many dentists, therefore refer to an oral surgeon who is an MD and can administer other forms of sedation to keep you comfortable.

FranandZoe · ‎03-09-2010

@Group 5 minus 1 wrote:
Depending on where you live many communities have Dentistry Schools. Before we were married that is where my DH had his teeth cleaned.
Interesting side note: After marriage he,of course, was on my health plan and all of a sudden he needed a lot of "work". Hmmmm.
When we were married( 26 years ago) all we paid for health insurance was $120.00 a year.
Mine was free (self funded) by company and his was $10.00 per month for dental,optical,pharmacy and health. Boy! times have changed!

Hmmmm for sure.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

I'd never expect or want a do-it-all dentist. It would be like me going to my GP for my knee replacement. No way. I want someone who is an expert working on me.

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

@GNB1965 wrote:
If your wisdom tooth/teeth are impacted, you would need to see an oral surgeon. A general dentist won't be able to do that. It would be like seeing a primary care physician for orthopedic surgery.
Also, when I had mine out at the age of 21, all four wisdom teeth were impacted. I saw an oral surgeon who extracted all 4 teeth at the same time, Often, there is more to extracting a wisdom tooth than "pulling it". They had to cut my gums to remove them, and stitch me up.

The same thing for root canals. Root canal = Endontist

@GNB1965 Same for me at 15.

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

I'm all about specialists. Go to the person who is experienced in a particular area.

FYI.............oral surgeons are NOT MD's. They are Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine.

alicedee · ‎07-25-2010

When I was a kid the "regular" dentist did extractions. But as an adult I have always heard people are sent to oral surgeons.

kitty60 · ‎03-13-2010

In the two places I have lived in the last fifteen years there is no such thing as a dentist "who does it all." They all send you to someone else to pull teeth.