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Question
Hello,
I went to my dentist due to gum bleeding and possible cavities between two teeth on the left top side of my mouth. He said that he would need to take xrays and he did. He said that I would need either extraction, or a root canal. I told him I would think about which I would choose. In the meantime, I had a small pocket form on my gums above the teeth that would move around. I went back and he told me it was a fistula. He pulled part of it off using his fingers and gauze. He then said he would need to take more xrays of the same two teeth that he had taken xrays of two weeks prior. He then told me that he cannot see by the xrays which tooth is the one that needs the root canal. I have never had pain or sensitivity with this unless a large piece of food would get lodged into the gum between the two teeth. Is it possible that he cannot tell which tooth is the problem by the xray? I was wondering also why he would have needed to take a second set of xrays when they were only taken two weeks apart. I am paying out of pocket to see him, and I don't want to have to worry about wasting money on xrays or procedures that can be unnecessary. Thanks, Jason.
Dear Jason: Yes it is possible that he cannot tell which tooth is the one causing the problem. It may be that both are. Second x-ray was made due to a change in your circumstances, and an expansion of your condition. I would have done the same. If you feel that what you are spending on your teeth is a waste of money, then have them both removed. This is the cheapest way to resolve your problem. But not necessarily the best for you. Perhaps you might look into purchasing a dental plan. There are dozens available now. Only you can decide how valuable your teeth are to you. It appears that you have decided they are not too valuable if you consider money spent on diagnosing your problem accurately is money wasted.
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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