[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

We have dental insurance. Preventative services (cleaning, exams) cost zero.

I'm probably unlike a lot of people in TV (also posting here) in that ever since my first visit to my current dentist three years ago I've been treated fairly. Nobody tried to line their pockets at my expense. Twice now I've gone in unscheduled; once for a broken tooth and the last time for a filling that I had lost, and both times I fully expected a crown--wouldn't have argued had they suggested one. Both times however they repaired the tooth without going the expensive crown route: first time the dentist (Dr. Ha) said she could fill it--and did. Second on was six months ago and a restoration on one of my eye teeth had decided to part company with the tooth. Dr. Ha had left the practice and the guy who had replaced her (Ukrainian, can't recall the name but a darned good dentist) said that a crown was a last resort: he could restore it without going that route--and did.

By the way, I am served by Marion Dental Group. By Billy's Cafe on 446.

Wow. Marion Dental Group you say. *Very* interesting. . .

[mntlblok]

Might be fun to have a public debate at this stage of my life. "Pocket depths" is actually a very interesting subject. . .

BTW, a mental block is also a local anesthetic technique which "freezes" (as my Canadian friends say) the lower lip on the injected side.

I hold honest (and educated) dentists in highest esteem.

[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by mntlblok

Might be fun to have a public debate at this stage of my life. "Pocket depths" is actually a very interesting subject. . .

BTW, a mental block is also a local anesthetic technique which "freezes" (as my Canadian friends say) the lower lip on the injected side.

I hold honest (and educated) dentists in highest esteem.

Might want to keep this article handy for your "deep cleaning" visits.

Just a moment...

[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Has anyone seen published data demonstrating the benefits of deep cleaning vs the risks?

Particularly for someone 65+?

A most excellent question. I look forward to reading any such citations.

[Deden]

Prime Dentistry 8640 County Rd. 466 The Villages 32162. 352-674- 9077. Ask for Kristal. Also, I don't have Insurance, but I do have a plan that's called Carrington 500 it's a discount plan, I paid 125.00 for the year, you have to make sure the Dentist accepts this discount plan before you make an appt. I also go to Dr Hall across the St. from Walmart on 441 in Summerfield I paid $ 88.00 w/ x-ray. Good Luck!

[toeser]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

Dirt cheap.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by mntlblok

As a retired dentist and winner of the "perio" award back in the school days, I'll second that caution. Periodontics has become *very* interesting. . .

Appreciate your perspective.

I've wondered what the medical benefit/risk rational is to treat the entire mouth when only one or two teeth exceed the guidelines.

[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Appreciate your perspective.

I've wondered what the medical benefit/risk rational is to treat the entire mouth when only one or two teeth exceed the guidelines.

Another excellent question. Lots of areas to explore with that one. Might be interesting to hear your dentist's answer to such an inquiry.

[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by mntlblok

Might want to keep this article handy for your "deep cleaning" visits.

Just a moment...

Have only looked at the abstract of this one. Periodontitis: a host-mediated disruption of microbial homeostasis. Unlearning learned concepts - PubMed

Would not be surprised to learn, based on lots of anecdotal evidence, that smoking would be highly correlated with setting up such an environment.

Oh, and this is an interesting one if you *are* a smoker and expect periodontal "treatment" to make a difference. Refractory periodontitis or recurrence of disease - PubMed

[NJRICHARD]

Dentist #1 took x-rays of ALL my teeth ($128) and then EXAMINATION ($80) I asked if I could have my teeth cleaned also (NO)). Then I was escorted into the 'fancy' room and the dental assistant gave me an explanation why the total bill would be $2,748!!. When I told them I had to think about it, BUT when could I have my teeth cleaned? THAT appointment would be in 6 months. I had my dentist from up North who I was with for over 25 years, give me an examination, clean my teeth and fill 2 small cavities for $280 a YEAR ago. HOW is it possible I needed $2,748 worth of work. I decided to go to another dentist, and I asked dentist #1 to have the x-rays sent to dentist #2. I then received a call that same day from dentist #1 saying I could have my teeth cleaned the next day! I said NO. Dentist #2 was fancier! Her assistant cleaned my teeth and did DEEP cleaning to 4 teeth at $282 PER TOOTH for a total of $1598 JUST FOR CLEANING MY TEETH. It took about 20 minutes. THEN dentist #2 came in for 'THE' total exam and evaluation $6,374. It must be the weather here in Florida that destroys your teeth in days. I am now looking for dentist #3....very carefully.

[Bwanajim]

Is anyone use the dentist by the Publix in Magnolia Plaza? Any good? Thanks

[kada328]

Originally Posted by Bwanajim

Is anyone use the dentist by the Publix in Magnolia Plaza? Any good? Thanks

Also interested in the answer to this question re: Magnolia Dental.

[Muzik]

Originally Posted by Happinow

Hello. Would anyone care to share what they pay for a cleaning? We do not have dental insurance and pay 109.00. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks.

Yes, that is a more than reasonable price for this area. I do not have insurance either, and I pay more than that. $150.00.

[Babubhat]

Originally Posted by NJRICHARD

Dentist #1 took x-rays of ALL my teeth ($128) and then EXAMINATION ($80) I asked if I could have my teeth cleaned also (NO)). Then I was escorted into the 'fancy' room and the dental assistant gave me an explanation why the total bill would be $2,748!!. When I told them I had to think about it, BUT when could I have my teeth cleaned? THAT appointment would be in 6 months. I had my dentist from up North who I was with for over 25 years, give me an examination, clean my teeth and fill 2 small cavities for $280 a YEAR ago. HOW is it possible I needed $2,748 worth of work. I decided to go to another dentist, and I asked dentist #1 to have the x-rays sent to dentist #2. I then received a call that same day from dentist #1 saying I could have my teeth cleaned the next day! I said NO. Dentist #2 was fancier! Her assistant cleaned my teeth and did DEEP cleaning to 4 teeth at $282 PER TOOTH for a total of $1598 JUST FOR CLEANING MY TEETH. It took about 20 minutes. THEN dentist #2 came in for 'THE' total exam and evaluation $6,374. It must be the weather here in Florida that destroys your teeth in days. I am now looking for dentist #3....very carefully.

Beware corporate chains. Revenue targets are important to retaining their employment.

110 is a fair price for cleaning. Dental plans dot com show cost by dentist and procedure. About 10 a month for discounted pricing. Excellent if your dentist participates

[mntlblok]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Beware corporate chains. Revenue targets are important to retaining their employment.

110 is a fair price for cleaning. Dental plans dot com show cost by dentist and procedure. About 10 a month for discounted pricing. Excellent if your dentist participates

Had occasion to "fill in" once at one of the corporate chains. Didn't get the lectures about how it works. Was basically just there so that they could legally be open that day. It was mostly patients coming in for emergency first visits. After examination and x-rays, a "treatment coordinator" came in and presented the company's standard (I presumed) treatment plan.

The patient's chief complaint was ignored - even with pain and obvious swelling. When I checked back in with the patient - who was still in pain - I found that his series of "deep cleanings" had already begun. They must teach some *very* fine "scripts". Our world has a fair bit of absurdity going around.