Re: Okay, I went to the endodontist


Steven Bornfeld wrote:
> Sue wrote:
> >>
> >
> > Dr. Steve,
> >
> > Thanks for the additional information. It seems that treatment
> > decisions are continually evolving. Although there is nothing I can do
> > now since the post has been placed, I will keep this information in
> > mind should I require RCT in the future (on my other front tooth that
> > was also crowned). I will certainly inquire further, should my dentist
> > suggest placing a post!
>
> This is a clinical judgement, and honest dentists will differ on their
> opinions. But your dentist should be able to explain the reasons for
> the clinical decisions made. It may not be so easy to explain to
> patients in comprehensible language without a lot of background. Any
> hesitation in getting into details about this should be viewed in that
> context.
>
> Steve
>
> >
> > Also I guess that in the future I will know better than to infer that
> > infection itself can be seen on xray...only the result of abscess can
> > be seen (if I understand you correctly).
>
> That's about right.
>
> >
> > Also I agree that any invasive procedure is not without risk. IHMO
> > that may be one of the main reasons why the endodontist may be waiting
> > to give more credence that this therapy is necessary.
> >
> > But this is just a guess coming from a patient.
> >
> >
> > As always, thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge and
> > expertise.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > Sue
> >

Thanks again Dr. Bornfeld,

I believe my dentist is honest. I think he thought he was steering me
right when he told me to wait to see if the nerves would calm down
(rather than seek endo right away). His staff all look up to him. They
have nothing but good things to say; how he supports and advocates
further education and training for them. Whenever I talk to him, he
comes accross as honest and caring. He is non-pushy.

When I was complaining of pain, he never hesitated to see me. He kept
adjusting my bite, assuming that was the problem. We both hoped that
would take care of the pain.

I do not think I was relaying exactly how bad the pain was. I will
know better in the future! (especially since I now understand the
dangers in waiting too long to have the root canaled)

I was always taught to "tough it out" and not complain. For ex., my
mom was one who never would allow novacaine or allow the dentist (or
doctor) do any procedure that was not absolutely necessary.

It was a very difficult decision for me to have the bonding (that my
college friend placed many years ago) with porcelain. She suggested
having this done (veneers to replace the bonding). My dentist
preferred crowns. I consulted with a "cosmetic" dentist as well. The
"cosmetic dentist" told me that both procedures removed tooth structure
and that crowns just removed a bit more. Then my dentist told me that
he had just done the lower and uppers on his wife (all porcelain
crowns).

That put me more at ease. So I went ahead.

In retrospect, I wish I had demanded veneers or rebonding (if that is
possible)... but I cannot change my decision now. I think my dentist
has learned some things too. His wife has had complications too. Ex.,
she broke her front tooth off while biting into a Power Bar while they
were on a ski vacation.

And guess what? Now he has added a "cosmetic specialist" to his staff.
I think he is leaving this sort of work to someone that has more
experience!

So all in all, we have all learned. That is the way I prefer to look
at the situation.

Dr. Bornfeld, thanks for allowing me to articulate my "crown" story.
And once again, thank you for sharing your expertise.

Best wishes to you and yours as we ring in the New Year,
Sue

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Okay, I went to the endodontist
    ... Sue wrote: ... When I was complaining of pain, he never hesitated to see me. ... "cosmetic dentist" told me that both procedures removed tooth structure ... and that crowns just removed a bit more. ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Should I get the root canal before the crown?
    ... >his patience may be tested. ... >lot of interest in keeping up with your oral health now. ... Thanks Sue. ... Dr. Bornfeld says it's okay for patients to post here, ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Question re bone graft
    ... " If you are the perfect communicator ... Dr Bornfeld, ... Jim wrote that you have been the most helpful in answering his ... Sue ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Rotary endodontic failure
    ... >> If you are speaking to me (Sue) about calling my lawyer.. ... Why is Steve Bornfeld calling Sue Madden's lawyer? ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)