Sally.... so glad to be of help to you!!

I will answer your questions in bold type.

<<< Do "free consults" indicate a slow or needy practice?>>>

THE ENTIRE DENTAL INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE HAS HAD A MAJOR DECLINE IN BUSINESS DUE TO THE ECONOMY AND PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES, THEIR JOBS AND/OR THEIR DENTAL INSURANCE. IT'S BEEN A STEADY DECLINE FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS NOW AND MANY OFFICES HAVE REDUCED THEIR HOURS AND THEIR STAFF IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE PRACTICE GOING. SO MANY DENTAL OFFICES ARE OFFERING ALL SORTS OF "INCENTIVES" TO GET PATIENTS TO COME IN! WITH THAT SAID... SOME DENTISTS HAVE ALWAYS OFFERED FREE CONSULTS... SO MAYBE YOURS IS ONE OF THEM?? I WOULD HOWEVER BE LEARY OF A DENTAL PRACTICE THAT HAS SEVERAL ON GOING "COUPON OFFERS" ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE RIDICULOUSLY LOW. DENTISTS ARE NOT GOING TO WORK FOR NOTHING SO THEY WILL HAVE TO MAKE UP THE COST DIFFERENCE IN EITHER DOING INADEQUATE CARE AND/OR NAILING YOU WITH A MAJOR TREATMENT PLAN. I DO NOT TRUST LOW BALL COUPON OFFERS IN ANY AREA OF HEALTHCARE... THERE IS ALWAYS A CATCH.

<<< Is it feasible-or a waste of time-to ask the oral surgeon to recommend someone who is known to make good, natural looking dentures?>>>

IF YOU CHOSE AN ORAL SURGEON ON YOUR OWN AND YOU ARE NOT REFERRED THERE BY A DENTIST, THEN IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO ASK FOR THE NAME OF A RESTORATIVE DENTIST! JUST MAKE IT CLEAR THAT YOU'RE NOT SEEKING THE "NICEST GUY ON THE BLOCK" BUT RATHER SOMEONE WHO DOES QUALITY WORK. HE MAY REFER YOU TO A PROSTHODONTIST FOR THE DENTURE AS THEY ARE SPECIALISTS IN THIS AREA OF DENTISTRY.

<<< I know usually the dentist recommends the oral surgeon, but my current dentist is "outta here"! I went to his office 9:30 this a.m. today hoping to get squeezed in as it's Friday & I didn't think a possible sinus infection should wait till Monday. He was quite arrogant & rude. Said "Well you're not going to see me today, I'm on my way out".>>>

THIS IS BS! GRANTED YOU SHOWED UP WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT BUT THERE WAS NO REASON FOR HIM TO BE SO RUDE.

<<< After some convincing he agreed to see me. It seems he doesn't have hours on Friday & was almost out the door when I got there. At any rate, after much talk/examining he says #11 is infected but doesn't "think" it's in the sinus.>>>>

DID HE TAKE AN XRAY?

<<< I'm to see what happens by Monday. If sinus is worse will prescribe Clyndamisin (sp) & re-work the canal. (Like that's gonna happen)! He has no idea how educated I've become & how I really feel or that I've decided on dentures. He is very anti-denture & very pro r/c. I kept calm & managed to get the following out of him.>>>

RE TREATING THE TOOTH IS NOT GOING TO ALTER THE STATUS OF THE TOOTH. IT WILL HOWEVER CAUSE FURTHER IRRITATION AND INFLAMMATION.

<<< The x-rays look as if 10 thru 14 all show infection in the bone. (He only admitted it was in the bone after I specifically asked.>>>

IF THAT IS TRUE, THEN YOU HAVE A SERIOUS INFECTION WHICH DID NOT OCCUR OVER NIGHT. IS THIS THE FIRST TIME HE IS INFORMING YOU OF THIS INFECTION INVOLVING ALL THESE TEETH?

<<< He cleanses his r/c's with something akin to Clorox. Is this normal?>>>

THEY ATTEMPT TO DISINFECT THE LARGE CANALS WITH EITHER BLEACH, FORMALDEHYDE, OR PEROXIDE. THE BLEACH AND THE FORMALDEHYDE ARE VERY TOXIC AND CANNOT BE RINSED OFF OF THE INTERIOR PORTION OF THE CANALS.

<<< He says Amoxicillin is the same as Penicilin. True?>>>

THEY BOTH BELONG TO THE SAME FAMILY OF DRUGS CALLED BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO IS THE WAY THEY ARE ABSORBED IN THE BODY AS THEY EACH TARGET DIFFERENT INFECTIONS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE BODY. BOTH ARE USED FOR ORAL INFECTIONS.

<<< Do you agree with the use of Clyndamisin for a sinus infection?>>>

THE SINUS INFECTION FIRST NEEDS TO BE BACTERIAL IN ORDER FOR AN ANTIBIOTIC TO BE USEFUL. THE CHOICE OF ANTIBIOTIC DEPENDS ON THE STRAIN OF BACTERIA THAT IS CAUSING THE BACTERIAL INFECTION. THIS CAN ONLY BE DETERMINED VIA A CULTURE OF THE BACTERIA. THERE IS NO STANDARD ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBED FOR AN UN CULTURED SINUS ISSUE.

LET ME JUST ADD THIS HERE ABOUT THE SINUS..... IF YOUR SINUS ISSUES ARE DUE TO THE INFECTION IN YOUR UPPER JAW.... WHICH IS VERY POSSIBLE.... THEN AN ANTIBIOTIC WILL NOT DO MUCH OTHER THAN TEMPORARILY REDUCE THE BACTERIA COUNT AND INFLAMMATION WITHIN THE SINUS. THE PROBLEM WITH A SINUS INFECTION THAT IS CAUSED BY AN ORAL INFECTION IS THAT UNTIL THE SOURCE OF THE INFECTION (THE TEETH) ARE REMOVED, THE SINUS WILL REMAIN INFECTED. IF THE INFECTION IS TREATED WITH ANTIBIOTICS TOO MANY TIMES PRIOR TO THE REMOVAL OF THE TEETH, YOU MAY END UP WITH BACTERIA THAT IS RESISTANT TO THE USUAL ANTIBIOTICS.

It would be a good idea to rinse with warm salt water several times a day emphasizing the rinsing in the upper left area between 10 and 14 until you can get in to see the oral surgeon. Keep your teeth very clean and avoid eating sugary foods and drinks because bad bacteria thrive on sugar. The consumption of sugar also compromises the immune system and messes with the blood sugar levels which makes the pancreas work harder than it needs to.

Bryanna

[QUOTE=Bryanna;1002770]Sally.... so glad to be of help to you!!

I will answer your questions in bold type.

<<< Do "free consults" indicate a slow or needy practice?>>>

THE ENTIRE DENTAL INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE HAS HAD A MAJOR DECLINE IN BUSINESS DUE TO THE ECONOMY AND PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES, THEIR JOBS AND/OR THEIR DENTAL INSURANCE. IT'S BEEN A STEADY DECLINE FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS NOW AND MANY OFFICES HAVE REDUCED THEIR HOURS AND THEIR STAFF IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE PRACTICE GOING. SO MANY DENTAL OFFICES ARE OFFERING ALL SORTS OF "INCENTIVES" TO GET PATIENTS TO COME IN! WITH THAT SAID... SOME DENTISTS HAVE ALWAYS OFFERED FREE CONSULTS... SO MAYBE YOURS IS ONE OF THEM?? I WOULD HOWEVER BE LEARY OF A DENTAL PRACTICE THAT HAS SEVERAL ON GOING "COUPON OFFERS" ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE RIDICULOUSLY LOW. DENTISTS ARE NOT GOING TO WORK FOR NOTHING SO THEY WILL HAVE TO MAKE UP THE COST DIFFERENCE IN EITHER DOING INADEQUATE CARE AND/OR NAILING YOU WITH A MAJOR TREATMENT PLAN. I DO NOT TRUST LOW BALL COUPON OFFERS IN ANY AREA OF HEALTHCARE... THERE IS ALWAYS A CATCH.

<<< Is it feasible-or a waste of time-to ask the oral surgeon to recommend someone who is known to make good, natural looking dentures?>>>

IF YOU CHOSE AN ORAL SURGEON ON YOUR OWN AND YOU ARE NOT REFERRED THERE BY A DENTIST, THEN IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO ASK FOR THE NAME OF A RESTORATIVE DENTIST! JUST MAKE IT CLEAR THAT YOU'RE NOT SEEKING THE "NICEST GUY ON THE BLOCK" BUT RATHER SOMEONE WHO DOES QUALITY WORK. HE MAY REFER YOU TO A PROSTHODONTIST FOR THE DENTURE AS THEY ARE SPECIALISTS IN THIS AREA OF DENTISTRY.

<<< I know usually the dentist recommends the oral surgeon, but my current dentist is "outta here"! I went to his office 9:30 this a.m. today hoping to get squeezed in as it's Friday & I didn't think a possible sinus infection should wait till Monday. He was quite arrogant & rude. Said "Well you're not going to see me today, I'm on my way out".>>>

THIS IS BS! GRANTED YOU SHOWED UP WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT BUT THERE WAS NO REASON FOR HIM TO BE SO RUDE.

<<< After some convincing he agreed to see me. It seems he doesn't have hours on Friday & was almost out the door when I got there. At any rate, after much talk/examining he says #11 is infected but doesn't "think" it's in the sinus.>>>>

DID HE TAKE AN XRAY?

<<< I'm to see what happens by Monday. If sinus is worse will prescribe Clyndamisin (sp) & re-work the canal. (Like that's gonna happen)! He has no idea how educated I've become & how I really feel or that I've decided on dentures. He is very anti-denture & very pro r/c. I kept calm & managed to get the following out of him.>>>

RE TREATING THE TOOTH IS NOT GOING TO ALTER THE STATUS OF THE TOOTH. IT WILL HOWEVER CAUSE FURTHER IRRITATION AND INFLAMMATION.

<<< The x-rays look as if 10 thru 14 all show infection in the bone. (He only admitted it was in the bone after I specifically asked.>>>

IF THAT IS TRUE, THEN YOU HAVE A SERIOUS INFECTION WHICH DID NOT OCCUR OVER NIGHT. IS THIS THE FIRST TIME HE IS INFORMING YOU OF THIS INFECTION INVOLVING ALL THESE TEETH?

<<< He cleanses his r/c's with something akin to Clorox. Is this normal?>>>

THEY ATTEMPT TO DISINFECT THE LARGE CANALS WITH EITHER BLEACH, FORMALDEHYDE, OR PEROXIDE. THE BLEACH AND THE FORMALDEHYDE ARE VERY TOXIC AND CANNOT BE RINSED OFF OF THE INTERIOR PORTION OF THE CANALS.

<<< He says Amoxicillin is the same as Penicilin. True?>>>

THEY BOTH BELONG TO THE SAME FAMILY OF DRUGS CALLED BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO IS THE WAY THEY ARE ABSORBED IN THE BODY AS THEY EACH TARGET DIFFERENT INFECTIONS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE BODY. BOTH ARE USED FOR ORAL INFECTIONS.

<<< Do you agree with the use of Clyndamisin for a sinus infection?>>>

THE SINUS INFECTION FIRST NEEDS TO BE BACTERIAL IN ORDER FOR AN ANTIBIOTIC TO BE USEFUL. THE CHOICE OF ANTIBIOTIC DEPENDS ON THE STRAIN OF BACTERIA THAT IS CAUSING THE BACTERIAL INFECTION. THIS CAN ONLY BE DETERMINED VIA A CULTURE OF THE BACTERIA. THERE IS NO STANDARD ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBED FOR AN UN CULTURED SINUS ISSUE.

LET ME JUST ADD THIS HERE ABOUT THE SINUS..... IF YOUR SINUS ISSUES ARE DUE TO THE INFECTION IN YOUR UPPER JAW.... WHICH IS VERY POSSIBLE.... THEN AN ANTIBIOTIC WILL NOT DO MUCH OTHER THAN TEMPORARILY REDUCE THE BACTERIA COUNT AND INFLAMMATION WITHIN THE SINUS. THE PROBLEM WITH A SINUS INFECTION THAT IS CAUSED BY AN ORAL INFECTION IS THAT UNTIL THE SOURCE OF THE INFECTION (THE TEETH) ARE REMOVED, THE SINUS WILL REMAIN INFECTED. IF THE INFECTION IS TREATED WITH ANTIBIOTICS TOO MANY TIMES PRIOR TO THE REMOVAL OF THE TEETH, YOU MAY END UP WITH BACTERIA THAT IS RESISTANT TO THE USUAL ANTIBIOTICS.

It would be a good idea to rinse with warm salt water several times a day emphasizing the rinsing in the upper left area between 10 and 14 until you can get in to see the oral surgeon. Keep your teeth very clean and avoid eating sugary foods and drinks because bad bacteria thrive on sugar. The consumption of sugar also compromises the immune system and messes with the blood sugar levels which makes the pancreas work harder than it needs to.

Bryanna[/QUOTE

Bryanna, To the rescue once again! Now I feel surprisingly calm & ready to go Doctor hunting 1'st thing Monday.

As far as the rudeness factor goes it got worse. I just chose not to get into it because would take too much time & words to explain it properly. He's very arrogant & I'm not about to suffer that for the next several years.

No, he did not take an x-ray. Before he pronounced the bone was infected at all 5 sites he looked long & hard at the previous x-rays with a magnifying glass. I'm hoping this means that the infection isn't all that huge! He had not previously said a word about infection.

I hope it turns out that I don't have a sinus infection. I shall really put a rush on things so as to avoid more rounds of antibiotics. Even though sinus issue has been almost gone today & the lump/sensitivity are better I still feel it is infected & maybe it just drained reducing symptoms. (I read that from one of your other posts).Lump is smaller but firmer & has moved up closer to my nose. I understand they won't pull a tooth if infection is present because you can't get it numb. This rule wouldn't apply to being sedated to pull all of the uppers would it?



I may look for some "Mushrooms" or "Transfer Factor" to boost my immune system for the upcoming event. Any reason not to do this?

Will the Oral Surgeon automatically do a culture to determine proper Anti Biotic, or should I request it? Don't want to risk offending him with too many questions & requests.

If my sinus's don't ever bother me too much should I refrain from taking the Clyndamiacin until the Surgeon can do a culture? Which may be a month or two, I don't know how fast this all can happen.

The only allergy issues I know of is an intolerance to the latex in bandaids. Unless that problem I had with the inlay/onlays feeling like they were dry & my gums & tongue feeling all tight-along with the burning sensations that all lasted 4 or 5 months was a reaction to the filling material. He billed me for porcelain but my current dentist say's they are resin composite.

You mentioned a biological dentist for allergy testing. There are none near enough to me. So--What if I question who ever ends up making my dentures about the allergy issue & he won't do any of the testing. Should I ask him what will be done about it if I do have a problem, or just let it go?

I guess the questions will never end. Thanks again.

I hope this all is legible, brain is getting fried at this point.

Have a nice weekend. Sally

Hi Sally,

<<< I understand they won't pull a tooth if infection is present because you can't get it numb. This rule wouldn't apply to being sedated to pull all of the uppers would it?>>>>

LOCAL ANESTHETICS ARE NOT VERY EFFECTIVE IN AN AREA THAT HAS AN ACTIVE INFECTION. HOWEVER, THE PATIENT IS PUT ON AN ANTIBIOTIC A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE ORAL SURGERY WHICH WILL LOWER THE BACTERIA COUNT AND INFLAMMATION ENOUGH FOR THE ANESTHETIC TO BE EFFECTIVE. OF COURSE BEING SEDATED FOR THE SURGERY HELPS TOO!

<<<I may look for some "Mushrooms" or "Transfer Factor" to boost my immune system for the upcoming event. Any reason not to do this?>>>

WHEN THERE IS AN INFECTION, THE BEST WAY TO LOWER THE BURDEN ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IS BY EATING NUTRITIOUSLY, DRINK PLENTY OF FILTERED WATER, AND GET PLENTY OF REST. IT IS ALSO BEST TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AFTER THE INFECTION IS REMOVED RATHER THAN BEFORE. I WOULD BE HELPFUL TO SUPPLEMENT NOW AND AFTER THE SURGERY WITH VITAMIN C IN THE FORM OF A POWDERED L- ASCORBATE AS IT GETS INTO THE SYSTEM RELATIVELY QUICK. THE ONE I PERSONALLY USE IS PERQUE POTENT C GUARD. IT'S IMPORTANT TO GRADUALLY INCREASE THE DOSAGE TO BOWEL TOLERANCE TO AVOID UNPLEASANT DIGESTIVE ISSUES. JUST A NOTE ABOUT VITAMIN C.... DO NOT TAKE FOR 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SURGERY... BUT DO TAKE IT AS SOON AFTERWARDS AS POSSIBLE.
PRIOR TO SURGERY YOU DON'T WANT TO SUPPLEMENT WITH ANYTHING THAT IS GOING TO THIN THE BLOOD.... MUSHROOMS CAN PREVENT OR SLOW DOWN THE COAGULATION FACTOR SO THEY SHOULD BE AVOIDED. I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH TRANSFER FACTOR.

<<<Will the Oral Surgeon automatically do a culture to determine proper Anti Biotic, or should I request it? Don't want to risk offending him with too many questions & requests.>>>

NO, NOT USUALLY. YOU WOULD HAVE TO ASK HIM TO DO THAT WHICH IS YOUR RIGHT TO DO THAT AND SURGEONS ALWAYS HAVE SPECIMEN BOTTLES. THE PROBLEM WITH DOING THAT IN YOUR CASE IS THAT YOU WOULD MOST LIKELY BE PUT ON ANTIBIOTICS JUST PRIOR TO THE ORAL SURGERY WHICH COULD ALTER THE RESULTS OF THE CULTURE.

<<<If my sinus's don't ever bother me too much should I refrain from taking the Clyndamiacin until the Surgeon can do a culture? Which may be a month or two, I don't know how fast this all can happen.>>>

I DON'T KNOW THE SEVERITY OF YOUR INFECTION. SO I CANNOT TELL YOU WHETHER OR NOT YOU SHOULD TAKE THE ANTIBIOTIC NOW OR NOT. I THINK YOU NEED TO SEE THE SURGEON SOON AND ASK HIM.

<<<<The only allergy issues I know of is an intolerance to the latex in bandaids. Unless that problem I had with the inlay/onlays feeling like they were dry & my gums & tongue feeling all tight-along with the burning sensations that all lasted 4 or 5 months was a reaction to the filling material. He billed me for porcelain but my current dentist say's they are resin composite.>>>>

IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO LATEX BANDADES, THEN YOU WOULD BE SENSITIVE TO ANYTHING LATEX. SO IT WOULD BE BEST TO MAKE SURE THAT IS WRITTEN ON YOUR HEALTH HISTORY WHEREVER YOU GO. THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT YOU HAD AFTER THE ONLAYS WERE DONE COULD ALSO BE AN ALLERGIC OR SENSITIVE REACTION TO THE MATERIAL OR THE CEMENT USED TO GLUE THEM ON. ALSO IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT THE MATERIAL THAT THEY ARE MADE OF..... CALL THAT DENTAL OFFICE AND ASK WHAT MATERIAL WAS USED AS YOU HAD A REACTION TO IT.

<<<You mentioned a biological dentist for allergy testing. There are none near enough to me. So--What if I question who ever ends up making my dentures about the allergy issue & he won't do any of the testing. Should I ask him what will be done about it if I do have a problem, or just let it go?>>>

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT POSSIBLE ALLERGIES... THEN NO, YOU CAN'T JUST LET IT GO. IT WOULD BE IMPORTANT TO HAVE A CONSULTATION WITH THE RESTORATIVE DENTIST AND DISCUSS IT. IF YOU DON'T TALK TO HIM ABOUT IT AND YOU END UP WITH A PROBLEM, THEN YOU HAVE NO RECOURSE.

Bryanna

Good morning! Glad to hear from you so soon. I wish I could figure out how to put things you have said in italics like you do. It makes it so much easier for the reader. Not very pc literate.

It's time for me to make an organized list of all advice you've given so far. I will read it often so as not to forget anything. Thank you.

I have always taken 500mg V-C w/bioflavanoids but will up it to 1000mg. Will stop fish oil 2 weeks prior to surgery.

You said, Antibiotics could alter the results of a culture. Does this mean I may as well not bother doing a culture then? Why bother if you can't trust the results?

I will probably never know what the onlays are made of. The installing dentist says "porcelain ceramic" but my current dentist says they are "resin composite". I will definetely talk to the Dr. who makes the dentures about allergy testing. I doubt I will have a reaction but want to cover all bases. I've already wasted $4000 in the last year on bad dental decisions! My "old age" funds are dwindling fast. This is all a pretty hard pill to swallow, but swallow it I will.

As far as I'm concerned the infection is definitely in my sinus. Was plugged up again last night. The lump is the same but the only sensitivity left is just above the lump. Getting good sleep rarely happens for me even without a sinus infection.

I drink well water-(not tested for 20+ years). I have no reason to think its not ok though. Would it be worth it for me to buy one of those little "pitcher" type of filtering systems? Would that kind work alright?

I have been rinsing with the salt water.

All for now. Blessings, Sally