Well in a frame of reference of 3 million years there were a lot of hominids
that didn't need their teeth after age 30. I want you and Matt to feel free
to avoid the dentist for the next 30 years and then get back to us with your
reports.  You don't need to have teeth to live to a ripe old age - that is
your decision.  Caveat - there is more to dentistry than teeth.

carabelli

I'm with you. I mean, how did humans survive the last 3 million years
without dentists? (Mind you, they didn't have a lot of refined sugar either,
but let's not nit-pick here).

Oh yeah?  I'm 48, and had the first cleaning in *my life* only a month
or so ago.  I can't tell any difference either.  So-called cleanings
by dental offices are a pocket-pad activity as far as I can tell,
unless,
that is, your patients are slobs who take shitty care of their teeth,
which in your case, I wouldn't doubt.

--
Cliff

Bull sh*t.

Doubtful.

Second opinion is often a good idea.

Cleaning related damage ?
Horse sh*t.
--

W_B
Take out the G'RBAGE
wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com

Some people can go twenty years without a cleaning with no ill effect.
It depends on the individual's physiology, diet, and hygiene.  If you
have gone three years without cleaning, you may be one of the lucky
ones.  Ask them for the specific indications that you need a cleaning.
Then go to another dentist and ask the same question.  In twenty years
you might save $3000 and some time and some cleaning-related damage to
your teeth.

I'm in my 40's and have quite a few heavy fillings in most of my molars. I
recently attended a dental clinic for the first time and they advised me
that I need 6 crowns. Apparently if I don't get the crowns I run the risk of
breaking the fillings and the underlying tooth. Just how true is this, and
do crowns last longer than fillings? I asked about the longevity of crowns
and one dentist said they could do me my lifetime, whereas another one (in
the same clinic!) said 10 - 15 years. Asuming I live longer than 15 years,
if I get 15 years from a crown can I simply get it recrowned?

One last unconnected question... is cleaning of teeth by a dentist a
necessary procedure? This clinic have advised that they clean my teeth, even
though they have inspected them and classed them as being in fair condition.
It has been about 3 years since my last cleaning. What gives me some concern
is that they want CAN$150 for the cleaning.

I guess dentists are just like any other business. As soon as you walk in
the door they try and sell you all sorts of stuff. Some worthwhile, some
not. The problem is knowing which is which.