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Author Topic: new dentist  (Read 7116 times)

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Offline wolfter

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new dentist
« on: April 08, 2013, 10:34:58 am »
I think I've mentioned before that my beloved dentist is leaving the area which necessitated me finding a new one.  I guess I was fortunate that he was local enough all these years.

It got me to thinking about all the complaints from those who have to travel great distances for adequate care.  I sought out a local dentist, but couldn't find one who has extensive knowledge in treating HIV pos folk.  I had to expand my search area and will now be traveling quite a distance.

I have my first appt with a dentist today.  I asked tons of questions before deciding to try this guy out.  It was paramount for me to explain my situation in advance so there'll be a complete understanding of my overall health. 

The major drawback;  Wolfie will be attempting to drive through downtown Columbus.  I made the appt with that in mind so hopefully I'll be missing major traffic.  I'd rather drive 2 hours of dirt roads then drive in the city. :o  Damn, even as typing this, I'm getting more nervous about this prospect.  I googled and found if I drive an extra half an hour, I could make a giant loop and have less city driving.

If I don't make it home, just wanted to thank you all. ;D

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline tednlou2

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2013, 01:11:54 am »
My HIV doc is at the university.  The dental clinic is right next door.  I decided to just go there for dental care, since they see so many poz patients.  They have access to my labs.  Everyone has been great.  One dental student was very nervous.  She wore the full hazmat suit, and she was noticeably nervous.  I only saw her once. 

The drawback is that you don't keep the same dentist more than one school year, but that doesn't matter to me.  They are students, but I haven't found that they are any less knowledgable.  In fact, it seems they know the latest things-- obviously because they are in school.  They certainly seem to be much more educated about HIV, which is something older dentists probably didn't get much education on. 

All the best with your new dentist and your navigation. 

Offline wolfter

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2013, 06:19:52 am »
Well, wasn't that an adventure....I totally messed it all up.  When I wrote it down, I mistaked the time.  Cognitive abilities be damned.   :o  My appt was at 11:00 but I read it as 1:00.  So I arrived late at the wrong location.  They have 2 offices and I "googled" the wrong one.

The good news; I absolutely adored the lady who managed to fit me.  I think she felt sorry for me.  They started me out in a public area, but quickly moved me a "secure" area.  I was "put off" at first until it was explained that she wanted to be able to speak freely. 

I absolutely adored her and have chosen to keep her.  It didn't hurt when she commented on my sense of humor. 

It was mostly good news.  I was preparing to have my "dingy" teeth whitened, but she didn't think it was necesary.  She indicated that for my age, they're perfectly above normal. 

And since she had to fit me in, I managed to be heading home at rush hour.  I white knuckled it for the first half hour, but quickly figured out how to drive like a lunatic.  I've had this truck for a long time and just turned 118,000 miles on it.  On the way there, I drove slowly.  On the return trip, I hit 80 mph to keep up.  And I liked it...lol

Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline mitch777

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2013, 09:15:30 am »
great story!

maybe you could write a book?
"Wolfie's adventures on the road for oral care"

illustrations are a must. :)
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline wolfter

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2013, 06:00:18 am »
I have one tough decision to make in the next few days.  When I cracked my back tooth, I falsely assumed it could just be filed down.  This dentist indicates that she can see the nerve and she was suprised that it's causing not pain at all. 

So I can opt for a root canal and a crown or simply have it pulled.  It's the very back tooth so I'm thinking to just have it yanked.  And considering the cost difference, I'm not sure a $2,000 investment is warranted.  I'm a bit scared at the thought of having my first tooth pulled. 

I also learned something....I asked about my bone loss issues and calcium deficiencies and the affects on my dental heath.  Those things don't have anything to do with dental health.  The only concern would be if teeth are loosening because of bone loss in the jaw.  She said mine are perfectly fine in that regards.  Thankfully!!!



Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline Jeff G

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2013, 10:04:31 am »
Hi Wolfe . I had to make the same decision once and I chose the extraction and used the money I saved as free money to shop for my house I had just bought .

If you want to live to be old and toothless you have to start somewhere . 
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Offline buginme2

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2013, 12:08:39 pm »
Save the tooth!!

Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline Jeff G

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2013, 12:14:06 pm »
Save the tooth!!



For a Tooth in the very back ? ... I say loose the tooth , go on vacation .
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2013, 12:22:29 pm »
I cracked a tooth a few years ago and they did a bridge (I guess that's what it's called) and Ryan White paid for all of it. I've not been charged a penny for any dental work in the past decade. They also made me one of those custom molded tooth guards so that I don't grind my teeth at night. I'm sure that would be about $500. Back when I was working I didn't have ANY dental insurance so I paid cash for my flashy 5th Avenue gay dentist that played Streisand during our sessions. But I never had more than an easy cavity back then so I was lucky.

That one bridge issues is the only complicated thing I've had done. I went to the dentist a LOT this past year because they worked on about eight fillings -- none were new ones, they were just old fillings that needed to be redone. Still, combined with two cleanings that took about six visits, or every other month. And I had to fit that in with all of the podiatry crap.

I have to make an hour's journey to my colo-rectal specialist in a couple of weeks: two subways and then a bus. Google maps is great about plotting out the intricacies of public transportation and gives time estimates. It says it should only take me an hour but I'm not sure I believe that. And mind you, technically this is only 10 miles away, so don't think living in a city is necessarily easier to go to a doctor, though I will admit that most of my doctors are easy.
« Last Edit: April 10, 2013, 12:24:30 pm by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline OneTampa

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2013, 12:23:36 pm »
Well, I had the tooth extracted I mentioned a few weeks ago.  After about 7 days of dull throbbing pain following the procedure, I am now feeling fabulous with no other side effects.  I am glad I had it done. (Total cost $175.00). 

Signed,

OneTampa (Who is getting getting old and will likely be semi-toothless.)

 ;D
"He is my oldest child. The shy and retiring one over there with the Haitian headdress serving pescaíto frito."

Offline mitch777

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2013, 12:39:20 pm »
I had a cracked back tooth pulled about 2 years ago.
No pain during or after the pull. :)
Even my dentist (who at times seems to really like to empty my wallet) suggested it.
He said that I wouldn't even miss it.
After about a week of minor adjustment in chewing, I can honestly say I don't miss it at all.
One less tooth to brush and floss too. ::)
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline wolfter

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2013, 03:10:35 pm »
I am not sure of the details, but I think Ohio suspended all their Ryan White dental assistance.  Perhaps it was due to the waiting list we had for so long?  I only ever asked once, but was told they could only assist with dental emergencies.

I'm fortunate that at my age, I've only needed basic cleaning and regular check ups.  This dentist did suggest that I just pull it as I'll probably not even notice.  I wrongly assumed that loosing a tooth would cause the others to go crooked.  Probably some old wives tale we were told to make us practice good dental hygiene.

OH, and I did ask which one was less painful.   :o  Both sound equally terrorizing.

And, I now travel to 4 different counties for all my different medical and dental needs.  I'd still rather have quality of convenience any day.
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline Jeff G

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #12 on: April 10, 2013, 03:42:44 pm »
If you have that tooth pulled don't smoke for 24 hrs afterwards ... I made that painful mistake and got what they call dry sockets ... it was horrible , really horrible .
HIV 101 - Basics
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #13 on: April 10, 2013, 04:09:42 pm »
I would make double-sure that Ryan White doesn't cover dental services, even if it means driving an hour to Columbus. We have it here, but even in a city this large there are only maybe three places that participate with Ryan White, mainly dental schools of major universities. I also have a friend who has a car and found a private dentist that does the Ryan White funding but it's 15 miles out in the suburbs. I know I went 3 years with no dental services because I wasn't aware that Ryan White funded it back when I first went on SSDI in NYC -- then a friend clued me in on where to go. Case workers here are very good about immediately setting up all HIV patients with this if they qualify.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Jeff G

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #14 on: April 10, 2013, 04:35:03 pm »
I'm fortunate to have a full range of free dental care at UAB under the Ryan White grant , they work exclusively with HIV positive people . I actually have to be at 10 in the morning for a cleaning .

It was mentioned last week at our Patient Advisory Board meeting that they are expanding the dental clinic to accommodate hundreds of patients that will be eligible for the program soon . They are also having clinic hours on Saturdays for those who work and cant come in Monday through Friday .   
HIV 101 - Basics
HIV 101
You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
HIV Transmission and Risks
You can read more about Testing here:
HIV Testing
You can read more about Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) here:
HIV TasP
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HIV prevention
You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
PEP and PrEP

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #15 on: April 10, 2013, 05:46:54 pm »
Let me know when they yank out all of your teeth because I might let you give me a blow job finally.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Fisher

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #16 on: April 10, 2013, 06:22:29 pm »
Wolfie

If it starts hurting, seek antibiotics immediately, else face the potential of sheer agony. Had a cracked tooth recently, and the bone underneath became infected . . . and of course, on a weekend! Not fun at all, but the pain was handily resolved with antibiotics.
- fisher
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Offline wolfter

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #17 on: April 10, 2013, 06:44:28 pm »
I'm not on Ryan White funding, so I haven't been sure of their protocols.  I had to have their assistance when waiting for ssd to be approved.  But it only covered meds until I was approved. 

I really did like this dentist as she said some zin would keep the pain in check until my return visit.  Well, maybe not those exact words....but that's what I heard. 

Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #18 on: April 10, 2013, 07:00:00 pm »
Actually I'm not on Ryan White either -- at least not anymore. I used to be. Now I'm on a combination of Medicare as my primary, and Medicaid picks up the remaining so 100% is covered. However I have to pay premiums for both so the total is ~$200/month but there are no co-pays for doctor visits and my medication is covered except for maybe $50 at the beginning of the year. Confusing, I know and obviously this varies by state. I qualify under something called MAWD (Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities) and that's based on my SSDI income amount. Unfortunately I was never aware of this program until two years ago or I would not have procrastinated with see specialists for the first six years I lived in Philadelphia.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline tednlou2

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #19 on: April 10, 2013, 11:24:49 pm »
I say yank it.  I had two top teeth that I spent $1,600 for root canals.  I am not sure the name of these particular teeth.  One on each side, right in the middle from the front teeth to the back.  The crowns were going to be another $1,600, so I didn't get them.  I was not informed that not getting the crowns was a bad idea.  Without the crowns, the teeth often become brittle and break.  And, that's exactly what happened to both.  Dentists should really tell patients they need the crowns, or you should just save your money and have them pulled.  The same thing happened to my partner.  They recommended the root canal, but said the crowns were basically cosmetic.  His ended up breaking, as well.  Money wasted.

So, I ended up having them pulled, after all.  So, that was $1,600 wasted.  Having them pulled was an experience.  Having the dentist getting leverage on the table to pull them out with pliers is a very strange experience.  It didn't hurt, but the force of the pulling is what got me.  I kept thinking the teeth would have to crack from the pressure, but they didn't.  And, I wasn't in much pain, after the injection wore off.

I eat perfectly without them.  You can't see where they were, unless I open my mouth wide open.  They couldn't do the bridge thing, or whatever it is, because of some reason I am still unsure about.  They measured me for a partial, where a thin piece of metal would run across the roof of my mouth, connecting the fake ones.  I was fine without that, so I didn't get it.  I do have concerns about my teeth shifting, due to the dead space.  I probably should have gotten the partial to fill the void, because I've read you can get sunken areas in your cheeks, where the teeth were, especially as we age. 

Offline buginme2

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #20 on: April 10, 2013, 11:38:48 pm »
I.understand that if you don't have insurance then the cost of having a root canal and crown (you definitely need a crown if you have a root canal) could be prohibitive and lead you to choose to have it pulled instead.  However, if that's not an issue I can't imagine choosing to have your teeth pulled over getting the problem fixed (with a root canal, bridge, or whatever).

Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline msavoy

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #21 on: April 11, 2013, 09:52:53 pm »
Hey Guys,
I've just been recently diagnosed and started my medication a few weeks ago. I haven't been to a dentist since my diagnosis.  I'm a bit confused...is it really that hard to find a dentist who will take you if you have hiv?  Don't all dentists have to treat each patient as though they could potentially have the virus and if so, then I don't understand the problem.  Also, do I HAVE to disclose that I have hiv to my dentist or is it just respectful that I do?
Thanks!
Mark

Offline Jeff G

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #22 on: April 11, 2013, 10:00:54 pm »
Hey Guys,
I've just been recently diagnosed and started my medication a few weeks ago. I haven't been to a dentist since my diagnosis.  I'm a bit confused...is it really that hard to find a dentist who will take you if you have hiv?  Don't all dentists have to treat each patient as though they could potentially have the virus and if so, then I don't understand the problem.  Also, do I HAVE to disclose that I have hiv to my dentist or is it just respectful that I do?
Thanks!
Mark


The discussion in this thread has wandered from Wolfes dental visit to also discussing ADAP  and insurance issues . There may be some dentist out there that may not want to treat you but I haven't had that problem since the 80's personally .

I consider my dentist a part of my health care team that keeps me healthy and wouldn't dream of keeping my HIV status from him . There are medical conditions and complications you dentist may need to factor in to give you the best care .
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Offline wolfter

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #23 on: April 11, 2013, 10:12:19 pm »
I don't think most dentists would blatantly deny care, but I certainly wouldn't want to have one that isn't well versed in HIV.  I view it no differently than going to an ID doctor instead of GP even though most GPs have a basic understanding of the virus.

There are many dental issues related to HIV that we most monitor and I think it's imperative to be open and honest with all my health care professsionals.

Also, I don't mind if this thread delves into any aspect of dental care.  Be it funding, disclosing...etc.
« Last Edit: April 11, 2013, 10:14:36 pm by wolfter »
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline wolfter

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Re: new dentist
« Reply #24 on: May 23, 2013, 08:35:54 am »
Well, I had the tooth yanked and had no issues.  I didn't even accept a prescription for pain meds that she offered.   I have one follow up appt to have a couple of old fillings replaced. 

I absolutely adored her and the entire staff. 

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

 


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