Things to Consider Before Visiting a Dentist

 Keep in mind dental or other medical treatment is always a business. When is the right time to visit a dentist? The answer is simple - when you have a toothache, while chewing or when pressure is applied, prolonged sensitivity or pain to heat or cold temperatures even after the hot or cold have been removed, when there is discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the gums, or other discomfort in the mouth. It is true in rare cases mild cavity or tooth decay does not present any symptoms, a trip to the dentist once a year will take care of this for you. Dental problem with severe constant or sporadic pain is an indication of a serious problem that needs to be resolved before things get worse.  

Some of us believe it is a good idea to see the doctors even before there are any symptoms, to cure the problem before it even starts. There are advantages and disadvantages to this approach. If you don't have toothache, but you are told you need some work done, it is the time to visit one or two other dentists to confirm you need the suggested treatment. Most dentists are ethical professionals; however there is a disturbing number of dentists who are dishonest. The healthy teeth may be pulled out; unnecessary x-rays and root canals may be done, and drilling for cavities that don't exist for profit is not that uncommon. The treatment that ends up with crowns or fillings that fall out practically right away, surgical debris embedded in gums, painful infections and disfigurement is also common. Experimental cosmetic dental treatments may be performed and paid for without the customer even knowing it or requiring it.

 Tina from Indian Harbor Beach, Florida was telling a familiar story. "I went in for my initial consultation, and had a set of x-rays taken. I was told I have Gingivitis, and needed a series of deep cleaning sessions, and that I absolutely had to have my wisdom tooth out. I am only 25, and this scared me, so I went along with everything."  It is important to remember that traditional teeth cleaning methods create more problems than fix. Sharp instruments are used to cut and scrape around the teeth, gums and periodontal ligaments to remove plaque, which by the way can be removed with mouthwash. Bacteria, viruses and toxins that happened to be in the mouth at the time of cleanning or on dental instruments all get a path to the bloodstream. Such treatment exposes patients to harmful pathogens and may result in serious infection or inflammation.

Root canal treatments that drill away healthy tissue and fill the root chamber with toxic chemicals coupled with crowned teeth can develop into multitude of problems, including bone death around the tooth. Trips to the dentist should be considered carefully. Don't sign up for treatment you may not need or even that may hurt you in the long run.