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Dentistry/Root Planing

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Expert: - 9/5/2005


Question
Hi Howard

In your opinion, do 6MM pockets necessitate root planing and antibiotic treatment?
My dentist tells me he won't let me do a normal inexpensive cleaning since he would be
liable if my gingivitis  worsened  in e future.   Planning and antibiotics costs $580 which I don't have, being a 53 year old single parent, who is below the povery line.  I don't think he used a probe, but instead
went off the x-rays ( which he showed me)  

I suspect that he is diagnosing based on fear of being sued.  He told me as much, stating that he could loose his license and would be liable if
he let me just get a basic cleaning.

My last dentist in another town had me on a 3month cleaning regimen which I had adherred
to.  But the planning was never recomended.

Many thanks in advance!


Answer
Dear Rob:  The simple answer is "yes".  If your dentist probed your gums and measured 6mm of detachment, he is certainly correct in recommending periodontal deep scaling.  Imagine that the skin around your nails was separating from the base of your nails, and you could measure 6mm depth before the ruler hit something that was attached.  I would be concerned.  However, if he used only the x-rays to make a diagnosis, and did not probe, perhaps you might wish to visit another dentist.  Good luck.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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