Toothache and dental treatment

[EJK]

Not good. It hurts like hell. My first molar seemed decaying inside and I'll need Endodontic therapy to fix it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Root_Canal_Illustration_Molar.svg

Well the problem is, I'm not a big fan of drills weeeeeeeeez but to ease the pain, I can dig with that. But thats not the real problem. They quoted me (belive it or not) around $3,000 for the treatment. $3,000 for one 3cm-long-fucking-tooth. FOR A SINGLE TOOTH!

I'm in a middle of a decision, but mean while how should I ease the pain? Anyone had this kind of exerience before? I'm dying here. It surely is Death and Decay (Or Decay and Death, whatever).

Sigh... should I fly to India?

Edit: OK, what's the consequenses of not having this treatment? Should I bite hard and save myself $3,000?

[PirateJafa]

<img src="http://www.deepjiveinterests.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/stop-hammer-time.jpg">

[Laxi]

:blip::blip::blip:
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[EJK]

:blip::blip::blip:


I'll need a bigger bow & arrow. haha

[Laxi]

all you need is a couple of friends then
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[DarkLord]

You could get it pulled out? You wouldn't have a tooth there anymore but it'd be a lot easier on the pocket...

[EJK]

Pulling it out woud proably dislocate the whole row of tooth as the gum develops, grows and so on. And no, I can't pull it out even if I want to. The root is damn deep. I could use a pocket knife but it won't be preety!


all you need is a couple of friends then


I want to take out only one sigle tooth at the back, not the whole front row! :lol:

[Laxi]

we have dentists that let you pay it off, im sure you must have a real dentist down there:Pokey:

[DunerzNick]

Im studying dental surgery in Dunedin, prices are very reasonable at the dental school compared to private clinics. You will see a student but every step is overseen by a tutor so can't go too wrong. I could check the price list for you if you like..? In syaing that the treatment will be more than one appointment so you would need to make a couple of trips. Does that $3k include a crown placement for the damaged tooth?
Consequences of leaving there are not good. Leads to abcess formation in the supporting bone under the tooth. Like DarkLord suggested, the dentist could pull it for a lot less than the price of a root canal treatment but then you are left without a tooth.
But in the mean time take nurofen (pain killer and weak anti inflammatory) and you can take panadol at the same time.

[LBD]

Im studying dental surgery in Dunedin, prices are very reasonable at the dental school compared to private clinics. You will see a student but every step is overseen by a tutor so can't go too wrong.

Guess thats one rider who won't be on a VTR250 for long.....

Drop of oil of cloves applied with a coton bud sometimes work great to ease a sore tooth.

Good advice about infections above.

Had the same treatment for about the same cost.

Have another one planned next week in .....DUMdumDUMdumDUM...Bishkek..... Gulp

Had the canal drilled in NZ but has flared up so needs rework before the crown....gold of course, have to blend in with the locals here.

Try the oil of cloves....

[kevfromcoro]

Drink a bottle whiskey

tie yourself in a chair....

wrap a guitar string around you tooth.. and tie it to the door handle..

close the door..

and yell The house is on FIRE

[LBD]

Drink a bottle whiskey

tie yourself in a chair....

wrap a guitar string around you tooth.. and tie it to the door handle..

close the door..

and yell The house is on FIRE

Tried that once....door swung in towards where I was sitting,:Oops: with a paniced look on my face...and Dad looking down at me wondering WTF?:doh:

[EJK]

Im studying dental surgery in Dunedin, prices are very reasonable at the dental school compared to private clinics. You will see a student but every step is overseen by a tutor so can't go too wrong. I could check the price list for you if you like..? In syaing that the treatment will be more than one appointment so you would need to make a couple of trips. Does that $3k include a crown placement for the damaged tooth?
Consequences of leaving there are not good. Leads to abcess formation in the supporting bone under the tooth. Like DarkLord suggested, the dentist could pull it for a lot less than the price of a root canal treatment but then you are left without a tooth.
But in the mean time take nurofen (pain killer and weak anti inflammatory) and you can take panadol at the same time.

Yes please! Hope it'll be better than $3,000!
For now, please find out the price for me. And yes, the price above was including the crown placement.

[cc rider]

Not good. It hurts like hell. My first molar seemed decaying inside and I'll need Endodontic therapy to fix it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Root_Canal_Illustration_Molar.svg

Well the problem is, I'm not a big fan of drills weeeeeeeeez but to ease the pain, I can dig with that. But thats not the real problem. They quoted me (belive it or not) around $3,000 for the treatment. $3,000 for one 3cm-long-fucking-tooth. FOR A SINGLE TOOTH!

I'm in a middle of a decision, but mean while how should I ease the pain? Anyone had this kind of exerience before? I'm dying here. It surely is Death and Decay (Or Decay and Death, whatever).

Sigh... should I fly to India?

Edit: OK, what's the consequenses of not having this treatment? Should I bite hard and save myself $3,000?

I know the feeling EJK, literally.

Root Canal & Crown - about $3000 here too. Almost had to sell the vtr. :bye:

I had the same proceedure. I have a 'tooth' coloured crown.

The pain factor of the removal was bugger all. Drills are so much smoother now.

Go see your dentist. The longer you wait, the more head-pounding the pain.

Pain relief - ask your doc for a script. or whatever OTC drugs work for you. I used Seda Lotion when I was at work.
Seda lotion works a bit like clove oil, but doesn't make you dribble. Active ingredient Lignocaine/Lidocaine.

Good luck

[Number One]

Yes please! Hope it'll be better than $3,000!
For now, please find out the price for me. And yes, the price above was including the crown placement.
Fark if that is including the crown then shit that's a good price! In Welly they charge like wounded bulls and it's around 5K WITH the crown for a molar.


The only thing to consider is that root canal is not ALWAYS 100% effective...SO you could spend the dosh and still lose the tooth down the track....

It happens - however if you can pay it off I would definitely say do your best to keep it in your head...depending on how much damage is done and the skill of your dentist you might be one of the lucky ones ;)

[rainman]

They quoted me (belive it or not) around $3,000 for the treatment. $3,000 for one 3cm-long-fucking-tooth. FOR A SINGLE TOOTH!


In Welly they charge like wounded bulls and it's around 5K WITH the crown for a molar.


I had a root canal recently and it cost around $1,100. Any more expensive and I would have just pulled the fucker out - by finding a dentist that does extractions, of course. (That's tooth extractions, not money from the wallet extractions). My dentist understands this and knows I will not fund his yacht and Porche - I'll pay a fair price, beyond that he can get screwed and I'll go elsewhere.

Dentists in NZ are taking the piss on a large scale. 15 years ago I was quoted $11k by an expensive dentist to fix all my teeth up properly (I have really shitty teeth, hardly any have nerves left, and I usually have a few broken ones at any time). And that was with all the latest gadgetry and digital x-rays and all. For a price like that to go to $5k PER PROCEDURE in 15 years is just a crock.

Tell 'em to shove it where the sun don't shine and shop around.

[CookMySock]

Last time I got something like that done, the damn thing split down the center and fell out within a week. Not amused.

Steve

[EJK]

Fark if that is including the crown then shit that's a good price! In Welly they charge like wounded bulls and it's around 5K WITH the crown for a molar.


The only thing to consider is that root canal is not ALWAYS 100% effective...SO you could spend the dosh and still lose the tooth down the track....

It happens - however if you can pay it off I would definitely say do your best to keep it in your head...depending on how much damage is done and the skill of your dentist you might be one of the lucky ones ;)

$3K good price? Hmmm... I'll think about that. (Might have to sell my bike. No choice). I better get it sorted as soon as possible. It's bloody annoying! I can hardly sleep at night. Sigh...

[Maha]

Im no Dental Surgeon EJ but, get a second opinion, $3K??
I had my eyeball cut open and a new lens put in for that.

Extraction is way to go if at all possible, pain gone in seconds, about as long as it takes to whip a tooth out. If extraction is not a real option, (bearing in mind Dentists would rather not extract ching ching) then you may well just have to stick with plan A.

[imdying]

Linterman, AMP building. You won't save any money, but you'll get a top job and he'll do his best to make it as painless as possible (FWIW with a job like that). Go talk to him.

[Maha]

Have you had an x-ray on the tooth EJ?
It may be so decayed that they have no option but to pull it.

[EJK]

Sure will, thanks.

I'll find a cheaper way. But if I fail, I'll just have to pull it out (by the dentist). Sigh, if only God made human teeth with Titanium... :(


Have you had an x-ray on the tooth EJ?
It may be so decayed that they have no option but to pull it.

Not yet, If lucky I'll make an appointment later this afternoon and find out. I don't like lollies and I do use Colegate so hope it's not too bad.

[Max Preload]

Pull the bastard. Root canals and crowns are more of a pain in the ass than having no tooth there - the fucking things are just a money-making venture for dentists that plays on your own vanity. I don't have any crowns (I still have all my own teeth with just one missing - top left wisdom tooth) but everyone I know is always having their crowns come off. My dentist, who is fantastic, reckons the same thing.

For $3000 per molar you can buy a lot of blenders to do your chewing for you if it ever comes to that! That's my philosophy, anyway.

[CookMySock]

BTW if pain and nervousness is an issue, ask your GP for 2 grams of Lorazepam tabs, and drop them both on an empty stomach about 30mins before your appointment. You won't be driving home though, and you will have to resist the temptation to tell the dentist where and how to stick the needle and have a go with the drill yourself.

Steve

[MSTRS]

Of all the 'professions' Dentistry has the highest rate of suicide. It's probably an inability to live with teh embarassment and shame of their charges.
Just get the fucker pulled.
And what's all this 'gum, bone, jaw collapse'? Bullshit.

[Flip]

If you have great teeth get it fixed, otherwise get it pulled. If you get it pulled go to an older more experienced dentist (its all technique).
"And what's all this 'gum, bone, jaw collapse'? Bullshit." Its dentist talk for an uneven set of teeth top and bottom causing problems.
If the infection is causing a lot of problems-pain and you still want to get it fixed go to your GP and get some antibiotics like amoxicyllin, they will hold the infection for a short while but it will return in a few weeks. If you have been to the dentist ask them for a script cause they can percribe these. Going on biotics gives you a break to save some dosh.
Look into the dentist school, its in Dunedin, it sounds like a good idea.

[vifferman]

Sorry - I can't help you; I'm currently suffering from a falling-apart molar myself (because my wife vetoed paying $1500 for a crown).
But I can send you some scary educational pictures and movies about dental surgery...

[Finn]

Dentists are like most trades people. Don't trust em.

[Swoop]

Dentists are like most trades people. Don't trust em.
Bollocks. They went to Alcoholism School (a.k.a "university") so they are "professionals"...
/sarcasm.

[EJK]

Sorry - I can't help you; I'm currently suffering from a falling-apart molar myself (because my wife vetoed paying $1500 for a crown).
But I can send you some scary educational pictures and movies about dental surgery...

I think I'd like to see that.

What's for sure, Clove oil is quite powerful.

And for my teeth, I think I'll have to get it pulled. It's the poor people's way. There is no other choice. It's a fact that I just can't afford $3,000 (or near that amount). Simple.

[Stirts]

Not good. It hurts like hell. My first molar seemed decaying inside and I'll need Endodontic therapy to fix it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Root_Canal_Illustration_Molar.svg

Well the problem is, I'm not a big fan of drills weeeeeeeeez but to ease the pain, I can dig with that. But thats not the real problem. They quoted me (belive it or not) around $3,000 for the treatment. $3,000 for one 3cm-long-fucking-tooth. FOR A SINGLE TOOTH!

I'm in a middle of a decision, while how should I ease the pain? Anyone had this kind of exerience before? I'm dying here. It surely is Death and Decay (Or Decay and Death, whatever).

Sigh... should I fly to India?

Edit: OK, what's the consequenses of not having this treatment? Should I bite hard and save myself $3,000?


Fooken hell $3,000?! That would buy a decent lil track bike!!!

Your post brings back a far away memory.
I was in serious pain with a molar about a year ago, went to the dentist....after digging around in it for a second or two he says (quite farken too eagerly I must say)......
"Will have to do a root canal on that"

My inner voice starts going off......Like fark you will, I know how expensive it is! The tooth is further back in my head not to notice ....
"Just take it out" I say

The look on his face was priceless!!!

$150 later....no tooth, no pain.

Salvacol Mouth Wash is your friend in the mean time (while you make your decision), to fight any infection and Nerofen Plus at night (if you are not asthmatic).

[allycatz]

Get the dentist to part drill and apply a dressing to see if it settles down...its likely you have an absyss already under it...if it settles (ask for anti biotics as suggested above) you may get away with not having to anything for a bit longer. Worked for my wisdom tooth...I have to have oral surgeon remove it and it periodically flares up from absyss but cant afford surgery yet

[EJK]

Fooken hell $3,000?! That would buy a decent lil track bike!!!

Your post brings back a far away memory.
I was in serious pain with a molar about a year ago, went to the dentist....after digging around in it for a second or two he says (quite farken too eagerly I must say)......
"Will have to do a root canal on that"

My inner voice starts going off......Like fark you will, I know how expensive it is! The tooth is further back in my head not to notice ....
"Just take it out" I say

The look on his face was priceless!!!

$150 later....no tooth, no pain.

Salvacol is your friend in the mean (while you make your decision) to fight any infection and Nerofen Plus at night (if you are not asthmatic).

How long did you had to take Nerofen Plus/ Salvacol after the operation? And just a doubt, like other dentists says, did it misplace the row of teeth?

[Stirts]

How long did you had to take Nerofen Plus/ Salvacol after the operation?

A mere week I tell you.

[EJK]

Great thats not too bad.

[Stirts]

Great thats not too bad.

You aren't allowed to tongue the hole though. :shifty:

You do have to be a little careful what you eat for a couple of weeks, but your mouth tends to heal itself very quickly.

The Salvacol assists with this also, far better than a salt wash every couple of hours that most dentist recommend. Tastes far better too!!

[MSTRS]

And just a doubt, like other dentists says, did it misplace the row of teeth?

They will say that in an effort to convince you to dig deeper in your wallet. Little chance of a tooth out causing mayhem in alignment. But if you are really worried, it's still cheaper to get the corresponding one on the other side out. Balance is achieved!

[EJK]

Sound doable! It's better than having this annoying pain-in-the-mouth/ paying $3,000 for a SINGLE TOOTH with less probable positive outcome!

[LBD]

We have it all backwards....we should be drip feeding dentists and doctors when we feel well, and stop the payments when we don't....then see how long it takes to get good treatment.:yes:

[Max Preload]

I'm deadly serious, BTW. Crowns are a lifetime of hassle and expense. Ask the dentist if he'll give a full replacement warranty of significant length, say 10 years - I guarantee he won't. He knows they just don't last.

My mate, who put me onto the dentist I see, went to a different dentist and got the whole "I just bought a new Mercedes, so you're going to need a root canal" bullshit, so he said "Fuck that. Pull it out". That dentist actually said "You can't just go pulling your teeth out!". He reminded him they're his fucking teeth and will do as he pleases with them and when the dentist refused to pull it, my mate refused to pay his bill. Then he went to the good dentist and was told "No need for a root canal" and patched it up at negligible expense on the very first appointment. That was about 7 years ago and he says it's been fine ever since and if it plays up again, it's gone!

[Dealer]

I'll need a bigger bow & arrow. haha

Use a motorcycle:scooter:

[DunerzNick]

Im in the clinic tomorrow so will grab that price for you, so standby before pulling it out.
And you said you haven't had a x-ray??? We don't do any root canal treatment without diagnostic x-rays to make sure its necessary

[EJK]

Im in the clinic tomorrow so will grab that price for you, so standby before pulling it out.
And you said you haven't had a x-ray??? We don't do any root canal treatment without diagnostic x-rays to make sure its necessary

Maybe it's OK mate. I think I'll visit someone who runs a clinique here.
I did check with the dentist last time (for just a check) and I did got an X Ray. Well according to the dentist (not the one I know), he recommended me to get the root canal treatment.

I'm sure I'll get it pulled out but I think I can get that done here. Thanks for the recommendation tho. :)

[lb99]

me at the dentist.......

"I have a sore tooth, its thissun, even whiskey dont work on it doc"

"ok, open wide" (dum de dooooo)

"what do you see doc?"

"a new motor for my boat, uhhh I mean I can rebuild it"

"fuck that, pull the fucker"

"ohhhh ok then (crestfallen)"

15 min later, no more pain.

pull the fucker, all true bikers have missing teeth

[cc rider]

me at the dentist.......

"I have a sore tooth, its thissun, even whiskey dont work on it doc"

"ok, open wide" (dum de dooooo)

"what do you see doc?"

"a new motor for my boat, uhhh I mean I can rebuild it"

"fuck that, pull the fucker"

"ohhhh ok then (crestfallen)"

15 min later, no more pain.

pull the fucker, all true bikers have missing teeth

Hey, can the next episode be "Me at the tanning salon...." :wari:

[gijoe1313]

:pinch: Gah, sorry to hear about this episode you having ... blardy hell, at your age as well! :no:

Never mind, modern technology of the future will have us all with ceramic teeth that can play FM soon! :yes:

[EJK]

me at the dentist.......

"I have a sore tooth, its thissun, even whiskey dont work on it doc"

"ok, open wide" (dum de dooooo)

"what do you see doc?"

"a new motor for my boat, uhhh I mean I can rebuild it"

"fuck that, pull the fucker"

"ohhhh ok then (crestfallen)"

15 min later, no more pain.

pull the fucker, all true bikers have missing teeth

Ha! Tomorrow I'll be visiting a Christian Dentist. This is gonna be fun! I'll report back tomorrow lads, stay tuned :shifty:

What will he say? :innocent:


:pinch: Gah, sorry to hear about this episode you having ... blardy hell, at your age as well! :no:

Never mind, modern technology of the future will have us all with ceramic teeth that can play FM soon! :yes:

I'd like to custom order a set of carbon fibre teeth set!

[MSTRS]

Ha! Tomorrow I'll be visiting a Christian Dentist.
What will he say? :innocent:


If he starts with "In Nomini Padre..." RUN FOR THE HILLS.

[EJK]

What a f**king cunt! Bloody son of a!
Where do I start...

OK today I went to see that cunt. OK it started out all right. I sat on that chair etc. He questioned me "You are over 18 right?", so I nodded. He giggles and said "Under 18's are free you know hehehe". WTF? Ofcourse I know that, I'm not dumb! And why do you say that? Was he trying to make me feel good/bad about something?

Basically, today I (yes, I. Me!) just wanted to have a check, take an X Ray and see the damage, then if possible get that tooth out.

Well he started by examining. He looks at it and saw the decayed tooth. He picks up a drill and starts to dig a little. No big deal. But later it seems his digging abit deep.
So I asked him "Whats the progress? What are we doing?". He replied "I'm making a hole down the canal, I'm doing the Root Canal Treatment. I was like WTF?!?!?! I know what that is! I fukn know how bloody expensive that is you fuck! So I replied to him "Uhh hold on, wait a minute", but he cuts me and said "Keep your mouth open".
Seriously, I didn't want it! But he started it. What the hell?? Also I don't know if this is normal but he didn't numb that area while he was digging. It hurt. Really bloody fuckly hurt. While he was digging/ cleaning down the canal (pulp chamber), many nerves were decayed and dead already but some of the nerves were still alive. And fuck me oh hell it hurt when he drilled that tissue. Oh hell. Is this normal? Don't they use a little injection or some sort?
Well before some of you say "Ah harden up!", imagine dentists drilling a part of your gum without any numbing injection.

After all that's done, he then explained what he did (FUK ME I KNOW WHAT YOU DID!). That time my mother was there. She asked him a question, but he cuts her and said "Read this, listen, I'm trying to explain the price of the treatment". WHAT A CUNT! And so on he explains how I'll need to come back 3 times etc etc, strongly recommending me to get a crown. While he was explain the cost and the types of crown, he suggested me to get a GOLD crown. WHAT THE FUCK? Who do you think I am? Son of Jackie Chan??

I didn't literally say it but I told him to get fucked. Then I made today's payment (there will be 2 more appointments to finish the job) of $500. OK honestly this wasn't that bad. I was expecting (I wasn't expecting root canal treatment from the beginning!!) around $800 for the canal cleaning, from the quote I got earlier this week.

But still... He dug for half an hour and gets paid $500? My mother made this payment. But I wanted $130 tooth extraction! Or maybe not from this fucker.

Finn was right. Dentist are not to be trusted. I'm wondering how the hell I suppose to pay off the damn bill for the next 2 appointments.


P.S. The decay is UNDER the root, so what's the point of treating inside of the tooth? I still have toothache!

[EJK]

OK many would think "Ahhh there are 2 sides of the story..." But I am not lying or making up stuff. I did not exaggerate an issue or part of the story. I'm quite mad and used some offensive words but thats about it. Everything he said and did was true.

[Maha]

WTF!!!! an injection at the very least.....:nono:
And um....no way would I have sat there and let him do what I did not want doing. :Oi:
What he is doing is only a temp fix EJ.

One has to know whats going on before work starts.

Today, I ripped up some vinyl in a bathroom and the two corners were rotten and need replacing before I go any further. I could have just filled/bogged the two areas and layed the vinyl, but that would only be a temporary fix.
Ethics tells me to do it once, do it right.

[EJK]

EXACTLY! He didn't tell me what he was going to do at the beginning!
The problem is... I don't usually stand up and tell people off (since I'm what, only 19 and the dentist is what, 40?)

But I will tell him about why he didn't tell me what he was going to do at the beginning. I'm quite sick of adults reining upon younger people (It's a Korean thing...)


P.S. Who wants to buy my bike?

[Stirts]

What a f**king cunt! Bloody son of a!
Where do I start...

To start with.......go place poo under his car door handle!!!

The farken C00nt!!!

That is absolutley shocking chairside manner!!! I would be inclined to report this arsemunch to the Dentist Association thingie, but then like anything they will look after their own. Go back to him and YOU tell HIM exactly what is going to be happening with YOUR treatment from now on!!!



Ethics tells me to do it once, do it right.

Ethics of Dentistry?....oxyfarkenmoron!!!

[MSTRS]

... I don't usually stand up and tell people off (since I'm what, only 19 and the dentist is what, 40?)



What's that got to do with anything? It's your tooth/pain and your money and your decision what to do. The dentist DOES NOT get to tell you what to do...all he should be doing is telling you what options you have. And then doing what you decide is best for you.
PS - what's the 'Korean thing' got to do with anything, either. This is NZ. I'll give you the 'under your parent's roof'...but not out there in the wider community.

[Maha]

Ethics of Dentistry?....oxyfarkenmoron!!!

Yes agreed, and he was a christian.

[Maha]

The dentist DOES NOT get to tell you what to do...

What about when he says.....''now rinse and spit''?....:apint:

[EJK]

What's that got to do with anything? It's your tooth/pain and your money and your decision what to do. The dentist DOES NOT get to tell you what to do...all he should be doing is telling you what options you have. And then doing what you decide is best for you.
PS - what's the 'Korean thing' got to do with anything, either. This is NZ. I'll give you the 'under your parent's roof'...but not out there in the wider community.

It's a funny thing this Korean thing. It's a culture thing I guess. We young people are suppose to obey/ listen or ATLEAST take manner whatever we say or do to older people. (But not including crimes e.g. rape).
It is considered rude talking back to an adult (I grew up like that, sadly...). But hell I'm sick and tired of it. I tried to talk kindly but seems won't work.
You are right, it's my tooth, my money and my decision.

Sigh, I feel so weak. I just can't talk back. But not any more!

[cc rider]

Ok EJ, take a breath. Now take a couple pain killers, if you haven't already.

Your rather shitty experience sounds about par for the course with some dentists. They think they know best & you just happen to be connected to the mouth their digging in.
Bloody hell, an injection to numb the area at the least. Damn that would have hurt.

Remember it's up to you if you want to go back to that dentist. Ask around at some other local dentists & see if they will take a look at the job YOU want done.
You can ask the dentist to talk through the proceedure before starting. I know it can be very overwhelming when you're in a 'vulerable' position (in the chair).

Take mum again. But have a plan worked out between you two about what questions & what answers you want before any work is done. I got a written quote. It made it easier to figure out payments.

Age is not a sign of wisdom, maturity or inteligents.

Can maybe a KBer in your area go with you next time? That'll keep the dentist in check.

Keep us up to date.

Sorry it's been such a crappy experience. It shouldn't have been.

CC

[Max Preload]

What's that got to do with anything? It's your tooth/pain and your money and your decision what to do. The dentist DOES NOT get to tell you what to do...all he should be doing is telling you what options you have. And then doing what you decide is best for you.


That dentist actually said "You can't just go pulling your teeth out!". He reminded him they're his fucking teeth and will do as he pleases with them and when the dentist refused to pull it, my mate refused to pay his bill.

Shouldn't have paid.

[EJK]

Too late I guess. Treatment is a treatment. If I didn't pay, he'd probably see me as a theif...
Sad thing is that I'll have to go back to finish the treatment orelse I'll be living the rest of my life with half a tooth. But I'll try and negotiate with the next treatment.


There would be others who got ripped off/ treated unfairly too by this fucker. This is lame.

[Number One]

Umm actually EJK this is all VERY BAD AND VERY WRONG!

I would check that he is infact a registered dentist and if he is I would put a formal complaint through to them.

When I was working in dentistry we had people pass out due to the pain of having damaged and 'on their way out' nerves removed. This was not good and I would not have paid and his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired!

I would not let this go dude you were shafted good and proper and he deserves a slap on the hand and no payment for his shitty effort.

WRONG WRONG WRONG!

[steve_t]

OK, here's how you need to proceed.
Write a letter to the dentist and keep a copy for yourself. Explain that you did not want him to start the root canal treatment but were there only for a consultation. State that you did not give "Informed Consent" to him to start treatment. Note that had you been given the chance to say so, you would have asked him to extract the tooth. Ask if he would consider extracting the tooth and refunding you the $370 balance (if he charges $130 for an extraction). He is VERY likely to be agreeable to this.
If he says no, you need to ask the dentist if he is a member of the NZDA (New Zealand Dental Association) and make a complaint to either your local branch or Dr David Crum, NZDA President. If he's not a member, the NZDA may contact the dentist or pass the complaint to the HDC (Health and Disability Commissioner).
From your account, the fact of the matter is that you did not consent to the treatment you received and have a legitimate grievance.
There's no decay under the root. There's an abscess, which can be a sack of pus under a lot of pressure. Cleaning out the inside of the root is the correct way to treat this.
Keep copies of all correspondence.
Good luck... but you don't need it cos you're clearly in the right

[Max Preload]

Too late I guess. Treatment is a treatment. If I didn't pay, he'd probably see me as a theif...

Who gives a shit what he might see you as - clearly he's not too bothered at being seen as a crook...

You're covered by the CGA - you didn't get what you asked for - just a consultation - you're not obliged to pay more than a reasonable amount for the services you specified.

[EJK]

OK thanks for all the suggestion guys. I'll discuss this with my mother and talk to the dentis about it on Friday. I'm persuming the dentist will have plenty of experience defending his so-called-rights (some Koreans I tell ya!). I'll get an apology very least plus negotiate my futhur treatment. If that fails and he continues to act like a crook, I'll do the legal way.

Hey steve_t, how long will this pain from abscess last?

[MSTRS]

OK thanks for all the suggestion guys. I'll discuss this with my mother and talk to the dentis about it on Friday. I'm persuming the dentist will have plenty of experience defending his so-called-rights (some Koreans I tell ya!). I'll get an apology very least plus negotiate my futhur treatment. If that fails and he continues to act like a crook, I'll do the legal way.

Hey steve_t, how long will this pain from abscess last?

The abscess will not stop hurting, or go away, without at least anti-biotic treatment. And even then, probably not. Generally speaking, I believe an abscess under a tooth requires that tooth to be removed to allow the abscess to be drained.
Is this prick dentist Korean? And if so, I suspect that he is not practising legally.

[DunerzNick]

Some sound advice above,
If how you explained it is how it went down, then he is blatently in breach of the Halth and Dissabilty Commisioner's Code of Rights that are there to protect patients.
Your right to "informed consent" is a biggie -you should have been presented with your options for you to choose how to proceed.

"Fully informed" is another of your rights -this clearly didn't happen.

"Services of an appropriate standard" is another one of your rights when you're in the chair -I would think this considers appropriate pain relief. Pulpectomy without anaesthesia is ridiculous.

The "right to complain" is the final one on the list -something I would seriously consider.

There are free advocacy services available free of charge that are there to support patients through the complaints process.

On the M.O.H website, they suggest to start here with making a complaint (hdc@hdc.org.nz), that is present your story to the H&D commisionor. A full copy of your rights can be found by downloading the pdf at their website: http://www.hdc.org.nz/

Its dentistry like this that gives us a bad reputation. I know when I am operating or presenting treatment plans, communication with my patient is one of my top priorities. I ALWAYS seek permissison before I begin anything and I make sure they are aware of the treatment costs. And hell I give anaesthesia for scaling sometimes if I have a jumpy patient!

Good luck with it all.

[DunerzNick]

And here are detials of the free advocacy/support service:

0800 555 050 or by emailing advocacy@hdc.org.nz

[steve_t]

OK thanks for all the suggestion guys. I'll discuss this with my mother and talk to the dentis about it on Friday. I'm persuming the dentist will have plenty of experience defending his so-called-rights (some Koreans I tell ya!). I'll get an apology very least plus negotiate my futhur treatment. If that fails and he continues to act like a crook, I'll do the legal way.

Hey steve_t, how long will this pain from abscess last?

If the first stage of the Root Canal Treatment has been done correctly, the abscess pain should resolve in 2-3 days. Given your history, you should definitely have been prescribed some antibiotics and pain killers by your dentist (unless you're already taking heaps of Over-The-Counter pain killers eg Nurofen Plus and Panadol, where he'd only give you antibiotics).
The process is to first discuss your treatment with your dentist. The HDC and NZDA will tell you to do this first if you complain to them without having done so. The tooth does NOT need to be extracted to let the abscess drain. It will resolve with Root Canal Treatment, provided it's done correctly.

[Hitcher]

Attached is some sage advice about self-medication.

http://publicaddress.net/default,5882.sm#post5882

[EJK]

Some sound advice above,
If how you explained it is how it went down, then he is blatently in breach of the Halth and Dissabilty Commisioner's Code of Rights that are there to protect patients.
Your right to "informed consent" is a biggie -you should have been presented with your options for you to choose how to proceed.

"Fully informed" is another of your rights -this clearly didn't happen.

"Services of an appropriate standard" is another one of your rights when you're in the chair -I would think this considers appropriate pain relief. Pulpectomy without anaesthesia is ridiculous.

The "right to complain" is the final one on the list -something I would seriously consider.

There are free advocacy services available free of charge that are there to support patients through the complaints process.

On the M.O.H website, they suggest to start here with making a complaint (hdc@hdc.org.nz), that is present your story to the H&D commisionor. A full copy of your rights can be found by downloading the pdf at their website: http://www.hdc.org.nz/

Its dentistry like this that gives us a bad reputation. I know when I am operating or presenting treatment plans, communication with my patient is one of my top priorities. I ALWAYS seek permissison before I begin anything and I make sure they are aware of the treatment costs. And hell I give anaesthesia for scaling sometimes if I have a jumpy patient!

Good luck with it all.

Thank you, Thank you! That'll really help me!


If the first stage of the Root Canal Treatment has been done correctly, the abscess pain should resolve in 2-3 days. Given your history, you should definitely have been prescribed some antibiotics and pain killers by your dentist (unless you're already taking heaps of Over-The-Counter pain killers eg Nurofen Plus and Panadol, where he'd only give you antibiotics).
The process is to first discuss your treatment with your dentist. The HDC and NZDA will tell you to do this first if you complain to them without having done so. The tooth does NOT need to be extracted to let the abscess drain. It will resolve with Root Canal Treatment, provided it's done correctly.

Sure thing. I will discuss with this with my doctor (or so-called-doctor) first. And yes, the pain is subsiding.
Oh, I didn't recieve any antibiotics (not even panadol). Still do I need it? Should I ask for some tomorrow?


.
Is this prick dentist Korean? And if so, I suspect that he is not practising legally.

His ad is not on Yellow Pages. I couldn't get his address by typing his clinique on Google search engine. So I got his address by following Google Maps and still the address isn't well known (no word "dentist" appears). Isn't there a website where I can check if he is a New Zealand registered doctor? I think TV3 programme Target mentioned it couple weeks ago.


Another fact is, he is a friend of my father's and so both my parents are not trying to really understand me.
I'm not sure. My parents said to me last night I should just ignore it. My father also said like humans make mistakes so I should accept it and just get over with it.
But honestly I do feel unfailry treated and even if he is a friend of my fathers, I, as a customer, don't sense any sign of justice if I keep it to myself. I'll see how I go tomorrow at 11am appointment. Tomorrow I want a formal sincere apology on a letter, him admitting what he did wrong and what he is sorry for. Simple. Well ofcourse first I will nicely explain everything that I was uncomfortable with. If he fails/ denies his wrong and continues to act like a fucker, then I will send a complaint mail to the above suggested website.

[MSTRS]

His ad is not on Yellow Pages. I couldn't get his address by typing his clinique on Google search engine. So I got his address by following Google Maps and still the address isn't well known (no word "dentist" appears). Isn't there a website where I can check if he is a New Zealand registered doctor? I think TV3 programme Target mentioned it couple weeks ago.

That would be a dead giveaway that this guy is not kosher


Another fact is, he is a friend of my father's and so both my parents are not trying to really understand me.
So? What difference does that make? Did you/your folks not come to NZ for a 'better life'? Leave the traditional hierarchial system in Korea and embrace how it's done here.

[EJK]

Thats what I said! I'm hoping to get a formal apology letter tomorrow & negotiation of my further treatment, but if that fails then I'll show him how they do in New Zealand.

[gijoe1313]

Good on you EJ for sticking to what you know is right for you. I still remember the episode you discussed about older korean guys taking advantage of you (the motorcycle incident), glad to hear you are now confident enough to know that older isn't best or wiser necessarily.

Go sic'em tiger! :yes:

[EJK]

Good on you EJ for sticking to what you know is right for you. I still remember the episode you discussed about older korean guys taking advantage of you (the motorcycle incident), glad to hear you are now confident enough to know that older isn't best or wiser necessarily.

Go sic'em tiger! :yes:

YES! That fucker too! All this "I'm older so you obey" Korean bullshit!
Well here now, the bullshit stops!

[steve_t]

Sure thing. I will discuss with this with my doctor (or so-called-doctor) first. And yes, the pain is subsiding.
Oh, I didn't recieve any antibiotics (not even panadol). Still do I need it? Should I ask for some tomorrow?

If your pain is subsiding, you probably don't need any antibiotics now.



His ad is not on Yellow Pages. I couldn't get his address by typing his clinique on Google search engine. So I got his address by following Google Maps and still the address isn't well known (no word "dentist" appears). Isn't there a website where I can check if he is a New Zealand registered doctor? I think TV3 programme Target mentioned it couple weeks ago.


He should be registered with the Dental Council www.dentalcouncil.org.nz




Another fact is, he is a friend of my father's and so both my parents are not trying to really understand me.
I'm not sure. My parents said to me last night I should just ignore it. My father also said like humans make mistakes so I should accept it and just get over with it.
But honestly I do feel unfailry treated and even if he is a friend of my fathers, I, as a customer, don't sense any sign of justice if I keep it to myself. I'll see how I go tomorrow at 11am appointment. Tomorrow I want a formal sincere apology on a letter, him admitting what he did wrong and what he is sorry for. Simple. Well ofcourse first I will nicely explain everything that I was uncomfortable with. If he fails/ denies his wrong and continues to act like a fucker, then I will send a complaint mail to the above suggested website.

I wonder if your folks have told the dentist to do the root canal treatment so you can keep your tooth and they'll pay for it?? Obviously, being over 15 years old, you have the right to choose for yourself, but ask your parents cos they might be 'trying to help' in an indirect way that actually breaches your rights. Obviously everyone else involved would prefer you kept your teeth for the rest of your life, but the choice ultimately has to be yours.

[MSTRS]

YES! That fucker too! All this "I'm older so you obey" bullshit!
Well here now, the bullshit stops!

Now hang on! Be careful with what that GIJoe says...he's *shh* asian...
They'll try to bully you into doing what they want. Haven't you learned anything from our little chat?
:innocent:

[imdying]

*shrug* told you how to avoid any unecessary pain in post 20.

Bit like gettings a paint job on your bike, often you're better off with pros not bros.

[EJK]

I wonder if your folks have told the dentist to do the root canal treatment so you can keep your tooth and they'll pay for it?? Obviously, being over 15 years old, you have the right to choose for yourself, but ask your parents cos they might be 'trying to help' in an indirect way that actually breaches your rights. Obviously everyone else involved would prefer you kept your teeth for the rest of your life, but the choice ultimately has to be yours.

Well truely the decision wasn't made by me. I'll ask my parents how they made the appointment. Just incase if they'd mentioned any root canal treatment. But I doubt they know that word. I'll check.


Now hang on! Be careful with what that GIJoe says...he's *shh* asian...
They'll try to bully you into doing what they want. Haven't you learned anything from our little chat?
:innocent:

Nah GIJOE is cool, he knows about my previous Korean bullshit incident. It was including my borrowed bike and a drop action :Oops:


One time (ages ago) this one fag Korean dude (who I barely knew him) came to me and told me that he had rode motorbikes when he was at highschool (prob one of those Daelim 125cc crap). While I was preparing myself to take off, wearing helmet and gloves etc, he asks me if he can have a sit on it. No big deal. He sits on my borrowed bike (Hyosung GT250R), then observes it carefully. Suddenly he reached for the key and turns on the bike. Alright so far OK, I thought he wanted to hear the bike's engine sound. No biggie. But then he takes off! WTF?!
He comes back and stops on a slope. And you guessed it! He DROPPED IT!

The damage wasn't that big. See here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=97006&d=1212304065). On the right hand side (No! Not the Yamaha R1), you can see the broken indicator lense and taped mirror (crack on the fairing as well but not shown). Well he said sorry and all. So after picking up the bike, he takes out his wallet and hands me out some $$$ to fix. Yea but guess how much he gave me?

$11!!!!!! Gotta be fucking joking!!!!!!!

Sigh, good ole memory. But this one still makes my blood boil.

[The Stranger]

Not good. It hurts like hell.

Nothing compared to the pain of having your wallet drilled.
DON'T get a root canal!
I had my root canal teeth out when I had my amalgam fillings removed - don't even notice them gone.
Get it removed - better for your health and cheaper.

[MSTRS]

Nah GIJOE is cool,

Shhh, we all know that, BUT he doesn't. He'll be insufferable if he finds out...

[Flip]

Have you checked this guy out is he a dentist?

[EJK]

Have you checked this guy out is he a dentist?

Not yet but I doubt it too.

No advert.
Cheaper bills.
Poor service.
Dental clinique built at home (Like some local dental clinique).

Hmmm...

[gijoe1313]

Shhh, we all know that, BUT he doesn't. He'll be insufferable if he finds out...

Apparently this is due to me liking the cold ... :scratch: I'm the biggest geek, nerd, dork out there! :o Cool? Meh, I'm more likely to be the one in the library reading about spiders or watching Youtube clips about ants ... :slap:

Motorcycles fortunately, make most of their riders look cool! :msn-wink: ... until you ride up wearing a Spartan outfit ... or a Boba Fett outfit ... or fall over when parked up ... or ...

Keep us updated EJ about your fight for what is right! :woohoo:

[EJK]

Tonight I had a long conversation with my parents. Finally persuaded them to support me. After the conversation, they cancelled tomorrows appointment (oh yea!). And this friend of my father will be invited over a dinner/ tea for a little chat.
During discussion with my parents, they mentioned that asking him to write a formal apology letter to me (well Korean bullshit here we go again, the age difference) could be an insult to the adult.

My point is, I'm not trying to sue his ass for a $30,000 lawsuit. I'm not even fucking asking for a full refund. All I'm asking for is a sincere apology letter that states what he's done wrong and what he is apologising for. Lastly stating that from now how the treatment will continue upon an agreement between the customer and the dentist. This could be whatever I could agree to e.g. extraction of tooth and a refund/ finishing the treatment upon agreed price etc...

I'd like a letter because it's a hardcopy, a proof and as an evidence. Also verbally saying "I am sorry" is just not enough! I'm not asking too much am I? It's only a piece of a paper. What do you guys think? It's not a fucking declaration of independence.

[steve_t]

Tonight I had a long conversation with my parents. Finally persuaded them to support me. After the conversation, they cancelled tomorrows appointment (oh yea!). And this friend of my father will be invited over a dinner/ tea for a little chat.
During discussion with my parents, they mentioned that asking him to write a formal apology letter to me (well Korean bullshit here we go again, the age difference) could be an insult to the adult.

My point is, I'm not trying to sue his ass for a $30,000 lawsuit. I'm not even fucking asking for a full refund. All I'm asking for is a sincere apology letter that states what he's done wrong and what he is apologising for. Lastly stating that from now how the treatment will continue upon an agreement between the customer and the dentist. This could be whatever I could agree to e.g. extraction of tooth and a refund/ finishing the treatment upon agreed price etc...

I'd like a letter because it's a hardcopy, a proof and as an evidence. Also verbally saying "I am sorry" is just not enough! I'm not asking too much am I? It's only a piece of a paper. What do you guys think? It's not a fucking declaration of independence.

Great that your parents have your back now. Did u check the dentalcouncil.org.nz website to check that the dentist was registered in NZ?
Hope it all goes well. While a letter of apology may or may not happen, it'll be good to hear that you've received the treatment option you've chosen and paid a fair price for it. If today's appointment was supposed to be to finish the root canal, I'd be again checking the training of the dentist. My mate says the latest research says that the medicine inside the tooth should be left there for 3-4 weeks before finishing the treatment... and that it should only be finished if the tooth isn't sore any more, at all.
Good luck with talking to this guy. The fact that he's a mate of your folks actually makes things worse as you can feel it is harder to ask for what you want

[EJK]

I tried a search on Search for Oral Health Practitioners but I couldn't see his name. It's either his not on the list/ I typed his name wrong.

Yes, today's appointment was to finish the root canal. I'll inform him about what you said about the treatment taking 3-4 weeks. And yes indeed it's harder only because the dentist is a friend of my father's.

So far thank you so much for all the information. I couldn't have stood up withouth these info. It's very helpful and I'm much appreciated.

[LBD]

Ha! Tomorrow I'll be visiting a Christian Dentist.

My turn...1 hour until my first appointment with an Islamic dentist....A root canal and crown....gold of course gotta be culturally sensitive about teeth over here....

And my GP is coming along with me to hold my hand....

[LBD]

Well...it turns out the root canal done by a dentist in nz, had not removed all the nerve. An x-ray this morning showed an infection at the end of the tooth. The 3 month old filling was removed, remaining root removed...smell....phew. then packed with antibiotics and temp filling. Go back next week and if all okay a perminant filling and crown...gold naturally.

Dental service in this 3rd world country was as good as any I have been to.

[cc rider]

Well...it turns out the root canal done by a dentist in nz, had not removed all the nerve. An x-ray this morning showed an infection at the end of the tooth. The 3 month old filling was removed, remaining root removed...smell....phew. then packed with antibiotics and temp filling. Go back next week and if all okay a perminant filling and crown...gold naturally.

Dental service in this 3rd world country was as good as any I have been to.

...and better then the last :msn-wink:

Good luck LB

[EJK]

Ugh the smell.... Sounds it all went alright. I got my appointment today at 2pm as well. Lets see how it goes...

[EJK]

Yesturday was abit better.

We had a little chat and came to a decision/ conclusion that I'll continue on with the root canal treatment AND pay no further from now on (Excluding the crown).
So the treatment was finished yesturday, with only one bill paid total of $500, and hell he won't see my face ever again. Well I'm not sure if theres one more appointment, but who cares? It'll be free :)
Still I'll need to sell my bike. Anyone interested? :(

[scracha]

Sigh... should I fly to India?

Edit: OK, what's the consequenses of not having this treatment? Should I bite hard and save myself $3,000?

Get yourself a bank loan from the westpac and THEN fly to India.

[EJK]

Get yourself a bank loan from the westpac and THEN fly to India.

Good idea but I prefer NZ. I already saved $2500 so I think I'll stay...