Same old question: how to find a good dentist

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The Real Bev - 28 Jul 2008 05:43 GMT

I haven't had one for maybe 10 years since Dr. Kochevar (also USC prof)
retired, but I've gone to three or four incompetents. Last one did a
root canal and a couple of fillings in February 2007 and said I was in
fine shape. His office fouled up the billing, told an outright lie and
may have damaged one of my husband's teeth ("Oops, I shouldn't have done
that") while extracting its neighbor, so we're not going back there. We
don't know anybody with a dentist they're happy with.

A new place opened up nearby with the latest hi-tech equipment, so I
gave it a shot. They say I need a cleaning, a root planing, and
antibiotic treatment for 4 teeth (total cost $~350). THEN I need 4
crowns and an onlay and one of the teeth is cracked -- total bill around
$5K. They advertised cleaning, exam and x-rays for $39, but they're not
willing to give me just the cleaning.

All this in a year? Either the previous guy was grossly incompetent or
the new people are maximizing revenue generation or both. Am I out of
line to request a copy of the digital x-rays and photos? I'll be happy
to provide them with a disk and call it square.

A friend had a denture made 6 months ago. He's been back for 3 or 4
adjustments (has to take a day off work for each) and the edge has
rubbed raw the top of the area between the gum and upper lip -- it even
hurts when he scratches his nose.

We're retired, have no dental insurance and write a check for whatever
work we have done, but it seems like we're getting no better care than
welfare patients at a free clinic.

Long ago I had a lot of work done at the USC dental school. The first
student was wonderful, amazingly painless and got As and B+s on my
teeth. I went back several years later and was given a jerk ("No, you
have to stick with the guy you started with") who took a whole morning
to make "a good start" on cleaning my teeth, and managed to cause
incredible amounts of pain. He got Cs and unless he's the only dentist
in a 500-mile radius he's probably dishing out fries at McD's. Both
processes took forever.

Husband needs implants. His sister and her lawyer husband have been
happy with a dentist in Los Algodones and, given our experiences with
"reputable" dentists, I don't think we have much to lose. Their dentist
won't be back until September and we'd all like to get started sooner
than that.

Has anybody had good experiences there? The websites are interesting,
of course, but recommendations are better.

Signature

Cheers, Bev
=====================================================================
A: Because it messes up the order in which people normally read text.
Q: Why is it such a bad thing?
A: Top-posting.
Q: What is the most annoying thing on usenet?

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld - 28 Jul 2008 15:46 GMT

> I haven't had one for maybe 10 years since Dr. Kochevar (also USC prof)
> retired, but I've gone to three or four incompetents. Last one did a
[quoted text clipped - 42 lines]
> Has anybody had good experiences there? The websites are interesting,
> of course, but recommendations are better.

    Most states will require that a dentist furnish copies (not originals)
of treatment records, including x-rays. Usually they are permitted a
"reasonable" fee for records duplication.
    Patient experiences with dentures can be all over the map. It is
certainly not unusual for patients to require several adjustments before
they are comfortable. Many patients never adapt well to dentures
(especially full lower dentures).
    Your experience at the dental school is likewise common. Some people
probably shouldn't be in patient care. Treatment at dental schools
almost always takes a long time.
    Obviously, if your sister in law and her husband have been happy--esp.
if they have extensive experience with these dentists (and you trust
their judgment) it's a strong recommendation.

Good luck,
Steve

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
http://www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001

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The Real Bev - 29 Jul 2008 02:39 GMT

>> Husband needs implants. His sister and her lawyer husband have been
>> happy with a dentist in Los Algodones and, given our experiences with
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> of treatment records, including x-rays. Usually they are permitted a
> "reasonable" fee for records duplication.

Thanks, I gotta think about whether I want to do that or not -- I think
it's equivalent to mentioning small claims court. I should have asked
while I was there...

I did just get a printout of their treatment plan: $13,450 and all I
wanted was a cleaning! Is tooth-numbering standard? I might have
problems in #4, 6, 7, 14 and something called "cerec onlay 3 surf ODB"
on #29 for $700. Since I have only 28 teeth (orthodontia and wisdom
teeth missing), I have to wonder...

> Patient experiences with dentures can be all over the map. It is
> certainly not unusual for patients to require several adjustments before
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> probably shouldn't be in patient care. Treatment at dental schools
> almost always takes a long time.

I didn't begrudge the time spent with the first kid. Yeah, it hurts to
have your jaw forced open for 4 hours, but the kid told me everything he
was doing, got good grades, and explained why his needling was almost
painless -- you do it slow so the nerve deadens ahead of the needle. He
and Kochevar were the best needlers I've ever had, and the kid may have
been a little better.

> Obviously, if your sister in law and her husband have been happy--esp.
> if they have extensive experience with these dentists (and you trust
> their judgment) it's a strong recommendation.

Made appointments with somebody else who will be able to take care of
all of us, whatever our problems. They have the most
professional-looking website, if that counts for anything. I'll report
back one way or the other.

Signature

Cheers, Bev
=============================================================
In theory there is no difference between theory and practice,
but in practice there is.

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The Webby - 29 Jul 2008 02:43 GMT

> >> Husband needs implants. His sister and her lawyer husband have been
> >> happy with a dentist in Los Algodones and, given our experiences with
[quoted text clipped - 42 lines]
> professional-looking website, if that counts for anything. I'll report
> back one way or the other.

What are you really looking to find here?

W.

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The Webby - 29 Jul 2008 03:13 GMT

> > Made appointments with somebody else who will be able to take care of
> > all of us, whatever our problems. They have the most
> > professional-looking website, if that counts for anything. I'll report
> > back one way or the other.

Websites are important. So how much do you charge for a "website"?

Webby

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The Real Bev - 30 Jul 2008 03:15 GMT

>> > Made appointments with somebody else who will be able to take care of
>> > all of us, whatever our problems. They have the most
>> > professional-looking website, if that counts for anything. I'll report
>> > back one way or the other.
>
> Websites are important. So how much do you charge for a "website"?

I don't do websites, but I expect that people who do are at the very
least competent at it. If you're advertising a product, it would seem
that smart people would make it easy for potential customers to find out
about what you're selling. Stupid people make it difficult. I'd rather
not deal with stupid people.

Not that a good website means a good product, but after spending far
more time on the internet than is sensible for 14 years, I think I'm
entitled to a few opinions. Decision-making under uncertainty is a
bitch. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

I'm not usually this snotty unless somebody seems to deserve it.

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Cheers, Bev
=========================================
"Welcome to Hell, here's your accordion."

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The Webby - 30 Jul 2008 04:34 GMT

> I'm not usually this snotty unless somebody seems to deserve it.

Ok.

Webby

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Newbie@bix.nex - 31 Jul 2008 06:37 GMT

Here's my 2¢,

>I think I'm
>entitled to a few opinions.

Free people are always entitled to 'their' opinions.
Free people are also entitled to ignore other's opinions.

>Decision-making under uncertainty is a bitch.

A beautiful non-sequitur, may I quote you ?
Your command of the English language is certainly breath-taking.
Do you also routinely use the term "ho" ?

Would prefer the term "during" instead of "under",
but then again, would have followed up with something
better than quoting a cartoon character. <Popeye>

How about:
"but it is the choices that one makes under duress
that defines character" ?

Decisions are routinely made without all the facts, and are readily
emended as new information becomes available.

>You pays your money and you takes your choice.

Thought it was: "...you takes yer *chances* " <Popeye voice>

>I'm not usually this snotty unless somebody seems to deserve it.

Are you implying that "somebody" actually deserves your snottiness ?
Or was it snootiness that you meant ?

And whom may that somebody or someone be ? Specifically.

No 'cheers' for you today.
However you may have a future in 'gangsta rap'.

>=========================================
>"Welcome to Hell, here's your

...brother playing your...

>accordion."

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The Real Bev - 30 Jul 2008 03:09 GMT

...

>> Made appointments with somebody else who will be able to take care of
>> all of us, whatever our problems. They have the most
>> professional-looking website, if that counts for anything. I'll report
>> back one way or the other.
>
> What are you really looking to find here?

Information about Los Algodones dentistry. I also share what I've
learned. This is how usenet works. Do you have some other idea?

Signature

Cheers, Bev
=========================================
"Welcome to Hell, here's your accordion."

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The Webby - 30 Jul 2008 04:40 GMT

> ...
> >> Made appointments with somebody else who will be able to take care of
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Information about Los Algodones dentistry. I also share what I've
> learned. This is how usenet works. Do you have some other idea?

If you prefer to get dental care in Mexico, go ahead. I for one have no
interest in reading what you have to share about what you learn.

Webby

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The Webby - 30 Jul 2008 05:29 GMT

> > ...
> > >> Made appointments with somebody else who will be able to take care of
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> > Information about Los Algodones dentistry. I also share what I've
> > learned. This is how usenet works. Do you have some other idea?

I especially liked the part where you told me how usenet works. And,
no. I have no other ideas.

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The Real Bev - 30 Jul 2008 06:23 GMT

>> > ...
>> > >> Made appointments with somebody else who will be able to take care of
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> I especially liked the part where you told me how usenet works.

Sorry to have offended, but you did ask, you know. Is this a variant on
the bear story? "You aren't really here for the hunting, are you?" If
not, what did your question REALLY mean?

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Cheers,
Bev
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"If the Eskimos have a thousand different words for "snow," does this
mean the French have a thousand different words for "surrender?"

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The Webby - 30 Jul 2008 15:14 GMT

> >> > Information about Los Algodones dentistry. I also share what I've
> >> > learned. This is how usenet works. Do you have some other idea?
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> the bear story? "You aren't really here for the hunting, are you?" If
> not, what did your question REALLY mean?

*If* you're in St. Louis, why do you want to travel to Mexico for dental
care?

I really don't have anything to offer.

Webby

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The Real Bev - 31 Jul 2008 00:46 GMT

>> >> > Information about Los Algodones dentistry. I also share what I've
>> >> > learned. This is how usenet works. Do you have some other idea?
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> *If* you're in St. Louis, why do you want to travel to Mexico for dental
> care?

Huh? I'm in Los Angeles.

Signature

Cheers, Bev
==========================================================
"It's no piece of cake, but it sure beats listening to Ted
Kennedy on the Senate floor."
- Jesse Helms describing heart surgery

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