Question:
What is the most efficient way to find an honest dentist, especially one
that specializes in removing wisdom teeth (Oral Surgery/Oral
Pathology)? I ask because about two days ago I noticed that my wisdom
teeth seem to be coming out, and I don't believe my current dentist will
remove them. I recall him telling me since when I was young that I don't
have room for them.
Answer:
Perhaps you could try asking your current dentist for a referral. I'm sure
he knows a competent oral surgeon. Insofar as you are in Milwaukee you
could go to Marquette and let one of the students at the School of Dentistry
do it under the tutelage of a professor.
I had room for them. All my teeth are straight. My upper wisdoms came in
about 10 years later, straight as can be. The only problem now - they might
migrate down too far since they're unopposed by the lowers which had been
removed. Then, I might indeed need to have them removed.
When I was 30 another dentist discovered a large abcess forming around one of
the impacted wisdom teeth. It was beginning to erode my jaw bone and would
have eroded completely through the bone eventually. It also would perhaps
have led to serious complications like endocarditis. The consensus of opinion
at the time (of numerous sources) was that impacted wisdom teeth almost always
decay and/or abcess eventually, and the consequences of that are generally
worse than early removal of the teeth.
I had a dentist (and friend, I thought) cap 2 molars (and when requested,
did not discount the simultaneous proceedures, which would otherwise have
required double the time, techniques, and materials, and opportunities lost
for the dentist). In any event, after capping 2 molars, the pain was even
worse, then identifiable to one tooth. He re-capped the one molar, and left
the other. The pain remained. He then referred me to an endodontist for a
root canal, after stating "that's all denistry has to offer."
But, I went to another recommended dentist, more recently trained, for a
second opinion. He said he'd need to do a complete workup of my mouth to
see how everything was working together (even though I brought 15 years
worth of records). I said okay, figuring the expense would be amortized
over many years if he took care of my dental needs, as he was doing with
another relative and friend.
he recapped the subject painful molar 5 times over a year's time with
various other treatments to "remedy" my bite - and totally messed that up
by repeated sessions of equilabrations. After losing faith and $3000 to
date, I filed a complaint with the State and abjured - to a third dentist.
The relative and friend left as well since they were becomming suspect of
his pricing and required procedures. And he used an oral surgeon and an
orthodontist who quickly got dropped by association.
The next dentist, after quickly taking in my dilemma, did some quick $100
worth of "bonding" around the tooth. After the deading wore off the pain
remained. He was telling his assistants to set an appt. for x-rays and
other procedures. I left pronto!
I went to a 4th dentist who specializes in oral appliances,
recommended by my niece, who had worked there. (This dr. was really the
5th, to save some time, since a 4th approximates number 3, above!) She
fixed the problem in one afternoon by simply removing the subject crown,
discerning a crack, and referring me to an endontist for a root canal -
which ultimately solved the problem. I paid her $800 and he $650!
Should you go slow to find an "honest" oral surgeon and/or periodontist -
you bet your ass! Having interviewed several, I've found a couple of
questionable practioners I wouldn't take wild animals to. I could write up
a handbook on how to feel comfortable with your choice, but in summary I'd
suggest arriving at a decision by long time referrals who you can talk to
and who have had similar dental needs met; ask the doctors to have them
call you. And by listening carefully to the answers to a list of questions
on the treatment alternatives by several candidate dentists/oral surgeons
to see if they're in sync.
