Dental work?

motdaugrnds · #1 05/09/12, 08:00 AM

Is there a way to take care of one's own dental needs without going to a dentist? (I know about brushing, picking & flossing. I'm interested in actually taking care of any cavities that might show up & a good "cleaning" method.)

HermitJohn · #2 05/09/12, 10:24 AM

There is some temporary filling stuff you can get at drug store, but it is really temporary, just meant until you can get to dentist.

And no unless you live with somebody that is trained to do it, its not a doityourself thing. Thats why they can charge such ridiculous prices, they have you at a big disadvantage. You are in PAIN and not lot you can do about it yourself.

If you have any money, take trip to Mexican border. If you dont get shot or beheaded or kidnapped, then less fancy dentists there will charge 25% of what an American dentist will charge. The fancier dentists charge like 50%.

My experience, American dentists have colluded on set pricing, they wont negotiate price, they just offer you some sleazy high interest 3rd party loan.

homefire2007 · #3 05/09/12, 11:57 AM

I'm going to second Hermit John. I have known people to book round trip tickets to Brazil to get dental work done...and it still comes in cheaper than getting it done here. I've heard of folks getting work done at Dental Schools for cheap, the caveat being the students are doing the work. Here in my area, once a year they do a free dental clinic.....check your local Rotary or Kiwanis club, sometimes they can help. Dental prices make my blood boil...the working poor cannot afford them

Pelenaka · #4 05/09/12, 02:06 PM

I bought a few dental picks & mirror @ a gun show this year for our medical kit and I'm sure I could also buy the paste used for cleaning. With a bit of research I'm sure you could come you with instructions on deep cleaning.
I can say that drilling & filling a cavity is beyond DIY scope. Besides knowledge & equipment, there is the anesthesia factor. Novocain and the others drugs aren't easy to come by nor should their use be taken lightly. I'v e had a few men tell me that they have pulled a tooth and as a nurse I've had a few adult pts who teeth have fallen out but as someone who had major dental surgery last year - shoot me now if I had to under go a home DIY root canal or worse.

Do invest in a few of those drugstore emergency dental kits they work well.

motdaugrnds · #5 05/10/12, 06:12 PM

Thanks everyone. Next time I get an opportunity to get to town, I'll check out their dental care items.

The "Oral Surgeon" did give me a Rx for Peridex to keep infection at bay.