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Dentistry/Serious advise for serious problem!

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Expert: - 5/21/2005


Question
Hello Dr. Finnk,

I am a 52 yr. old man from Swansea, MA. in dire need of your expertise and knowledge. However, I am on SSDI due to a spinal cord tumor resection back in 1993. Being on 100% disability I am not sure what (if any) dental coverage I have. I am sure that I cannot wait much longer to have my dire situation dealt with.

For a multitude of reasons my teeth have completely fallen apart. I have been taking heavy narcotic (among other) drugs for chronic pain and mobility problems etc. since 93. I have also been seriously neglectful of my dental care for a number of reasons for which depression leads the list. I also am terrified to death of dental visits. It is usually only when an emergency such as this arises that I dare to get the process started.

It's to the point where I break teeth just nibbling on my fingernails. The teeth I have left are all loose to one degree or another. I am sure that whatever the infection is (Gingervitis or >) called, I must have it. Believe me when I say it's embarassing at best, painful and sickening at worse.

I desparately need the advise and input from a doctor with your expertise and knowledge! Thanks, ahead time. I am also sure that this will lead to more questions down the road a peice.

A couple of basic questions come to mind now. What do I do if I do not have insurance? How do I get help? Given the basic information that I have told you, could my situation get much worse if left untreated? In other words, could it lead to other physical problems either related or unrelated to my dental situation?

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Mike Salvas  

Answer
Dear Mike:  Sounds like you are on the brink of losing your teeth.  The infection of which you speak is combined tooth decay and periodontal disease.  The infection is literally dissolving away the bone around your teeth, along with the teeth themselves, not to mention getting into your bloodstream.  These infections can spread.  Not good.  If you cannot afford private dental care, find a dental school near you (I don't know if there is one).  If not, phone the largest hospital in your area, and ask if they know of a low- or no-fee dental program.  Many counties fund clinics, and some hospitals will have a low-fee dental clinic on premises.  Otherwise, ask around.  Your doctor, school, or county agencies might be helpful.  I hope I've helped.  Let me know what you find out.  

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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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