I'm a Dentist. Doing a Q&A for Dental Health Week

Ljasonlah on 06/08/2019 - 10:53
Last edited 09/08/2019 - 11:34

Hi Guys, been a member of Ozbargain for a many years now.

Some of you may know that I'm a dentist. I've given some input previously, but its Dental Health Week, so my clinic is doing a Q&A Session where you can ask whatever dental or teeth related questions and I'll try my best to answer. Its going to a a live stream on facebook format. But I would really love to have some questions beforehand to answer. Not really an ozbargain AMA in the traditional sense, but hopefully still helpful for some people.

So if you have anything you want to ask, or something you've avoided, or if its difficult to ask a dentist in person, (eg fear of going etc), feel free to ask me!

The facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/GlenmoreParkDentist/

Please comment on the link or below here and I'll do my best to answer in the live stream. The live stream should be taking place 7:15pm this Thursday.

Cheers!

EDIT 1: wow thanks for the great response. Probably way too much to talk about in one live stream, so I will pick the most interesting topics and overlapping questions and talk about them. Dental health week is all about education and starting a conversation.
With the other questions that I dont touch upon in the live stream (i dont want to drone on and on) I will try and answer them here when I have time later. Thanks again.

EDIT 2: Live stream is done and dusted. Please let me go home and type up some answers here for you guys.

EDIT 3: Alright, The video is up on the facebook page anyone wants to watch it. I think I covered the below topics:
- How often you should visit the dentist
- Whitening and DIY kits
- Charcoal toothpastes
- Electric vs Manual tootbrushes
- Airfloss/waterpik
- FLOSSING
- Mouthwashes
- Brushing before or after breakfast?
- Gum disease
- Root canal and alternatives
- Jaw pain and grinding
- Why does dentistry cost so much?

Thankyou to those who asked questions and watched the video and hope you can give us a 'like' or comment on the video. I have answered the ones I skipped below here in the comments. There have been some very useful discussions also below.

Health & Beauty

Comments

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:48

      If you leave it there is a risk of pain to your child from toothache, or could develop and abscess or infection and damage the adult tooth underneath.

  • profar on 07/08/2019 - 19:24
    +1

    Joining Smile does it give you true discounts ?

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:02

      No. their max prices are actually pretty standard. You are paying a fee to a third party to get supposedly cheaper prices elsewhere.. doesnt make sense.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/08/2019 - 20:06

    What are your thoughts on removing light tartar at home? Is it safe or is it actually as bad as dentists make it out to be?

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:48

      How can you remove tartar at home?

  • piece on 07/08/2019 - 20:45

    Brushing before or after breakfast?

    • Ozbargainlyf on 07/08/2019 - 21:02

      After. Removes the plaque and food that builds up from brekky

  • mrvaluepack on 07/08/2019 - 21:25

    My crown is starting to hurt but only sometimes. Does that mean that I need to get a new one asap?

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:49

      You should see your dentist to get it checked and xrayed, so see what is wrong with it and they can give you the treatment options.

  • ozbjunkie on 07/08/2019 - 22:04

    I hate flossing, my dentist tells me to floss. I have read articles that there is an absence of evidence that flossing is actually effective.

    I realise an absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. I have also read rebuttals which state that studies on flossing are hard to conduct due to individual differences in technique and ability, suggesting that flossing by a dentist is better than no flossing at all, but on average there is no improvement from the individual flossing vs not flossing.

    Care to weigh in on this, share studies where flossing appears effective, or simply address the issue from a theoretical perspective (e.g there's crud between your teeth, it's bad for the gums, floss you lazy bugger)?

    • Herbse on 08/08/2019 - 18:53
      +2

      What benefit could there be from rotten food and bacteria sitting between your teeth?

      • ozbjunkie on 08/08/2019 - 19:48

        Didn't say there was benefit. I said the little available research suggested flossing and brushing was not superior to brushing alone.

        Your response is like if someone asked "should you stretch before lifting weights?" And someone replies "what benefit could there be from tight and inflexible muscles".

        Pretty useless.

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:20

      I addressed this in detail in the video.

  • jtc13 on 07/08/2019 - 22:18

    Hey thanks OP - question for you. I had a temporary filling with intention of getting a root canal about 10 months ago. Root canal is so expensive I have not gone ahead but not getting any pain in that tooth any more ( back left Molar on the bottom ) what are the concerns with progressing without the root canal as I cannot afford the $4k plus I have been quoted. What is likely to happen with temporary filling?

    • Tech5 on 08/08/2019 - 19:34

      Temp filling will eventually break. Tooth will eventually hurt. Longer you wait, the lower the success rate of the root canal

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:21

      Yes the temp filling will break or leak bacteria into the cavity, possibly have more decay.

  • qwerty123 on 08/08/2019 - 01:40

    Do you recommend sugar free chewing gum such as Wrigley's Extra Chewing Gum to improve oral health? If so, how often would you recommend someone to chew sugar free chewing gum?

    Thanks.

    • Tech5 on 08/08/2019 - 23:13

      Best chewing gum for oral health would be one that contains xylitol, or even better, cpp-acp like Recaldent

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:21
      +1

      sugar free gum helps clean the chewing surface of the teeth after eating, also stimulates saliva which naturally contains minerals that protect the teeth surface

  • jasonlah on 08/08/2019 - 09:37
    +1

    Hi everyone, I will be doing the live stream at 7:15pm today. I am currently at work from 10am to 7pm. After the live stream I will answer the questions here in this thread. Thankyou.

  • Homr on 08/08/2019 - 11:30

    What is your yearly salary??

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:22
      +2

      I own my own business so I dont get a salary. I get the scraps after I pay my staff, suppliers, bank, insurance company, THE TAX OFFICE (big one). My business is new so at the moment I dont really have a figure.

      • Homr on 09/08/2019 - 11:58

        What's your yearly profit?
        How much you pay for the dentist that you employ?

        • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 12:14

          I have one dentist and that is me. The business is new so cant really answer the profit question sorry.

  • jchowx on 08/08/2019 - 11:37

    Teeth whitening has been mentioned above, however (1) can you recommend and state the pros and cons of the best affordable at home procedure available to purchase easily over the counter/online (e.g. Crest white strips) comparative to the affordable procedure available at the dentist (e.g. Zoom)?

    Also, I understand in many Asian countries whitening is offered at much lower prices, (2) if one was to go overseas (e.g. Thailand/Bali) and ask for whitening at a standard clinic (e.g. https://www.theteethwhitenerbali.com/) what are the pro's and con's? (3) Alternatively what should I look for at these clinics to ensure they are safe and effective for whitening?

    Thanks in advance!

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:24
      +2

      talked about in the video.
      Literally why would you go overseas to get whitening that is cheap here in oz? Professional whitening is only $400 and that is safe regulated, proven results.
      Home whitening I would recommend colgate optic white. Do not get online internet ones like hismile

  • down-under on 08/08/2019 - 12:14

    I’m currently in the process of solving a dental cost dispute in the US, so I’m wondering if the situation in Oz is a lot better… Things like, being charged consultation fees ($100-) every time going in to his office for any services, and the last time I was even charged a dental health health education fee ($300)

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:25

      sorry i have no idea about the usa system

  • DrakeIsEasyListening on 08/08/2019 - 13:19

    I have daily chronic tension headaches (2 years now, reaction to medication I was taking). My dentist indicated there is evidence of grinding (not severe though) on my teeth. My jaw muscles are fairly tight and stiff, opening/closing jaw is pretty average.

    I was fitted with a custom made mouthguard to wear at night. I found this didn’t really help though.

    In your experience do dental splints work? Could you suggest further treatments?

    • DrakeIsEasyListening on 08/08/2019 - 19:48

      thanks for your answer OP! Will look into a referral and use the jaw exercises in the meantime!

      • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:25

        hope you found it useful

  • Kingfabay on 08/08/2019 - 13:53

    When can you ask a dentist for a refund? My dad has a crown that fell off 3 times over the course of two months. A temporary crown lasted 6 month prior to the installation of this new crown. Does my dad have a case of a full refund? The dentist charged him every time he revisited to fix the fallen crown. Are there any dental associations or ombudsman that we can seek help from?

    • Knightelf on 09/08/2019 - 09:24

      Have you tried to ask for a refund in writing? They are obliged to tell their insurer when you do so. The insurer will probably just pay you out if your case is legitimate. You can also complain to AHPRA and the Dental Board of Australia on 1300 419 495.

      • Kingfabay on 24/08/2019 - 14:45

        hi knightelf, can you tell me more about the obligation? My dad has emailed them several times and they have never responded.

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:25

      ask the dentist, why is the crown falling off? Is it a new crown or is it an old one?

      • Kingfabay on 24/08/2019 - 14:44

        The dentist claim that the tooth is to shallow and that the glue does not bind well with the new crown. The problem is, the temporary crown done overseas lasted more than 6 months.

  • TigerWoops on 08/08/2019 - 15:11
    +1

    When I visited a dentist for scaling he asked to visit again 3 more times. he divided my mouth four parts - upper right, upper left, down right and down left. One visit per a part and cost about 150 dollars. I did it as I have no idea about the cost and the procedure in overseas as I do it in my home country. I just think the cost is a lot in overseas. Later I found no dentist does it like that. He was a Chinese dentist and talked a lot of things making me didn't think of cost. After that I never do it again here. It cost 50 dollars in maximum in my home country. Bad dentist…

    • Tech5 on 08/08/2019 - 19:22
      +3

      There are plenty of dentists that do that. A routine 6 month clean with your regular dentist is done in 1 visit. But if you have been neglecting your periodontal health, then yea, can often take 4 visits of deep cleans.

      Your $50 cleans in your home country may be the reason why your gum/bone health is so poor and now needs fixing

    • ankor on 09/08/2019 - 08:01

      What was your flossing/brushing routine in say, the past 10 years before visiting this dentist?

    • 20 on 09/08/2019 - 11:44
      +1

      That's not quite true.
      Almost all dental practitioners divide the mouth into four - mainly to make it easier to refer to later.
      Scaling only a quarter of the mouth in one visit likely just means that you had enough tartar to make him think he wouldn't be able to do a good job cleaning your whole mouth in the limited time he had.

  • Seedy seed on 08/08/2019 - 16:45

    Would you prefer a nail in the doodle or a splinter in the eye?

    You said ama. Lol ill tune in just to check if u answer it 😂

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:26

      splinter in the eye, still got the other one :)

      • Seedy seed on 09/08/2019 - 12:04

        Lol i put that in because ive recently had a accident where a silky oak branch hit my eye and ive still got wood in it.

        Honestly id rather a nail in the doodle after that 😂

  • neyo on 08/08/2019 - 22:59

    My back tooth started aching out of nowhere. Around the area where ot meets the gum. Hurts when I suddenly move or bump my head also. Any thoughts?

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:27

      Could be sinus, could be an infection or abscess.
      You really need an examination to check the tooth and likely xray as well.

      • neyo on 10/08/2019 - 04:55

        It feels like it is healing on it's own. Aching is going away. Ok to not get checked up?

        • jasonlah on 11/08/2019 - 19:21

          if its been a while since your last checkup, just go get it checked and xrayed lol

  • barozgain on 08/08/2019 - 23:21
    -3

    I'm currently a uni dental student and wonder how much do fresh grad dentists earn? and how much does it increase to after 5 years, 10 years etc? (average of course)

    • barozgain on 09/08/2019 - 19:55
      -4

      Thanks for answering pffft

      • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:16
        +2

        hey sorry I missed your question when I was scrolling through.
        Average graduate salary i believe is around $80k give or take. As a uni student you probably shouldnt be focused on money in your first job. The things to look for are - good and ethical boss, someone who is willing to mentor you in your first few years.
        In my first job I had an excellent boss who took his time to educate me and help me when my skills werent as good. This is so much more important than money in my opinion.

        • barozgain on 09/08/2019 - 22:20

          Thanks so much for replying. Have a good night!

        • maybeamacy on 10/08/2019 - 18:14

          How are job opportunities for new grads - I heard the metro oversupply is pretty bad atm, any truth into this?

          • jasonlah on 11/08/2019 - 20:01

            @maybeamacy: You should be ok. Or move to the country like I did for my first job. Very good lifestyle in rural.

  • Naigrabzo on 09/08/2019 - 08:14

    Thoughts on Xyletol mints vs just brushing teeth after lunch? Thankx.

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:28

      sugarfree gum.
      Dont brush straight after if you have had anything acidic to eat or drink (eg salad dressing, juice, soft drink, wine etc.)

      • neyo on 10/08/2019 - 04:55

        Why?

  • Naigrabzo on 09/08/2019 - 08:15

    How soon can I brush after lunch? Is it better to floss daily in the morning before or after brekky?

    Whats the best and safest in home whitening sytem?

    Thanks!

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:28
      +1

      answered in the video and above.
      Colgate optic white is the best DIY.
      Professional home whitening by a dentist is safe as well and gives much better results.

      • Homr on 09/08/2019 - 12:05

        I've been using Colgate optic white for over a year, I've noticed some improvements but yet there are still yellow stains here and there especially my bottom teeth. Will colgate optic white make all my teeth white eventually or is this the best it can do?

        • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 12:16

          DIY stuff can only work slightly. The concentration of whitening agent or hydrogen peroxide simply isnt high enough in the DIY stuff.

  • Herbse on 09/08/2019 - 09:34

    Did anyone watch it?..

  • lyon on 09/08/2019 - 10:15

    Sad to hear from the Q & A that I still need to do string/traditional string flossing AND water flossing :( Great analogy of the car

  • Taro Milk Tea on 09/08/2019 - 11:41
    -2

    Turned out to be not helpful AMA LOL

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:45

      i'm sorry to hear this, what question did you want answered?

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 11:46

      Oh lol you asked about the music question haha
      I just play the radio usually

  • fmarxis on 09/08/2019 - 12:00

    I missed it! Didn't saw this thread until just now. I definitely have a question I'd like to ask.

    I brush my tooth twice every day, really tried hard to look after it. However, over the past few years, I started to notice some black spots/lines appearing in the grooves of my back tooth, and I can notice it starts to get worse, slowly, but surely, and spreading to tooth in front of them.

    So, I went to a local dentist, did some cleaning and got an x-ray. Dentist told me they were decays, and recommended me to drill and fill 7 tooth. That's a lot!

    I talked with my parents who have had fillings before, and they told me that it will make my tooth more sensitive, and I should get a second opinion.

    Now, I've visited dentists before, and I used to have these black spots/lines as well, but they always told me to just observe, and no further actions required. So this time I am really not sure if this is serious enough to get filling for 7 tooth. There is no pain, and x-ray shows that the decay/cavity has not progressed through the outer layer yet.

    Here comes my questions, is there a easy way for myself to determine whether or not I should get fillings? And what would be the potential side effects.

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 12:19

      If its been a while since your last few visits then there is real possibility that you have developed decays over that time. Especially as you say they are getting worse and spreading.
      Ask the dentist (or your regular family dentist who has your history) to explain to you why it needs filling. At my clinic we use xrays and cameras to show patients and explain.

      The side effects of not getting treatment if you do truly have decay is what you should think about.

  • Homr on 09/08/2019 - 12:02

    I have a friend who smokes 15-25 cigarettes a day and her teeths are white AF!

    Yet, I don't smoke and her teeths are whiter than mine. How does she keep her teeths so white??

    I use colgate optic white toothpaste everyday

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 12:20
      +1

      ask your friend? Maybe she has veneers. maybe she vists the dentist regularly to get them cleaned or whitened? i dont know lol

      • Homr on 09/08/2019 - 12:26

        I just googled veneers and it looks like she does have them. Her teeths are like "too" perfect.

        Are veneers permanent??

        Do they fall out?? http://i.imgur.com/3rMzshx.gifv

        Can they be an alternative to braces?

        • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:27

          Veneers are permanent but they do require maintenance. They are cemented onto the teeth and do not fall out unless there is a problem later on such as decay or if you grind your teeth.
          The veneers can make your teeth look straighter, but as for the question if its alternative to braces, the answer is it really depends on each persons individual situation and how their teeth are.

  • w0421981516 on 09/08/2019 - 18:09

    Thanks for offering, appreciated it indeed!!!

    Just want to ask about if any thoughts on Myobrace treatment? they claim they can correct my son's problem (under bite) in a nature way, rather than wiring it up.

    We have tried for 1 yr not much of progress, shall I continue or I have already been a marketing victim?

    thanks

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:25

      I personally dont have extensive training in orthodontics and so I cant comment on Myobrace. However I have heard from some colleagues that it is limited in how it can work and the results. I suggest you seek a second opinion.
      Sorry I cant be of more help

  • CharityCase on 09/08/2019 - 19:30

    Is teeth cleaning necessary for everyone?

    • emoticon on 09/08/2019 - 20:25

      Not a doctor but I would say so, no one brushes their teeth perfectly all the time, especially in the back of the mouth, so having it cleaned by a dentist can prevent gum disease etc

      The frequency that you should get it cleaned by a dentist depends on how well you clean your teeth and what your health fund covers/how much you can afford.

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:23

      If you have teeth you need them cleaned. The buildup of plaque and tartar can cause gum problems, not just decays etc.
      I get my teeth cleaned 6 monthly. (but the frequency will vary for each person)

  • emoticon on 09/08/2019 - 19:58
    +2

    If anyone’s interested in finding a dentist in Western Sydney I can vouch for Dr Jason and Glenmore Park Dental.

    Went there for a checkup/cleaning this afternoon after reading this Q&A and watching the live stream.

    He was very thorough examining my teeth, took xrays, took before and after pictures using some kind of specialised camera on a wand. (Never seen a dentist use it before)

    Explained in detail the condition of my teeth and gums both before and after the cleaning, showing pictures on a monitor.

    Was able to diagnose gum disease affecting my mum and explained to me an X-ray of my teeth which shows signs that I am also predisposed to the condition. None of the dental practices I’ve been to have mentioned it before.

    The cleaning was the most pain-free/painless that I have ever been to. I usually go to Pacific Smiles Dental and it always hurts.

    In the dental room there’s a lcd tv mounted on the roof, so there’s something to look at while you’re on the chair and he does his work.

    My health insurance is with Westfund who they’re partnered with, so no gap, no need to pay any extra - health fund paid for it all.

    Although I’ve never have had to pay gap with my health fund at other dentists I’ve been to (so price of individual services don’t affect me so much - health fund pays for it) had a look at the hicaps receipt and the total cost of my first visit was much cheaper than at Pacific Smiles Dental Penrith.

    Very fair pricing and no dodgy markups.

    If you live in the area and you’re with a health fund that has gap payments or aren’t insured, might be useful to know.

    The dental practice is pretty much just the dentist and an assistant so service was very friendly and personal. Didn’t feel rushed, appreciated the honest service + advice.

    Not affiliated with them in any way but as a new & independent practice they deserve the positive rep/feedback.

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:24
      +1

      It was lovely to meet you today and I'm glad you were happy with our service. Thankyou.

    • No ONE on 10/08/2019 - 10:37

      I just check Westfund. Does extraction also include wisdom teeth extraction?

      General Dental
      No annual limit
      For diagnostic and preventative dental, periodontics, endodontics, fillings and extractions or oral surgery.

      Set item benefits depending on service or item number

      2 month waiting period
      12 month waiting Specialist Dental

      • emoticon on 10/08/2019 - 11:34

        Yeah I’m pretty sure it does, oral surgery and extractions listed under general dental would include wisdom teeth. Most other health funds have it under major dental + 12 month waiting period. NIB for example is one of those.

        But you should call them to double check, there might be set benefits for extractions/surgery.

        Straight forward wisdom teeth extraction can be done at almost any dentist. If your wisdom tooth is very close to a nerve, (could damage feeling in your face/movement if they make a mistake) you might need to visit a specialist or dental surgeon. But a check up and X-ray should make that more clearer.

        .

    • Hogg on 10/08/2019 - 10:56
      +1

      I also highly recommend Dr Jason.

      • emoticon on 10/08/2019 - 12:12
        +1

        Agree 100%, will be going back. Never knew cleaning could be painless. Mum booked her second appointment on the spot after her checkup + I got quite a few family members planning to switch to him in the future.

  • 1Kenobi on 09/08/2019 - 20:30

    Should an 18 month old have their teeth brushed and if so how often? Toothpaste or not?

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:19

      Yes if they have teeth you should brush them. Use a very soft baby toothbrush (NOT ELECTRIC ONE). Use a 0-2 or 2-4 age toothpaste with reduced fluoride, and only a tiny smear. Morning and night before you put them to bed.
      Avoid giving them a bottle of milk etc or feeding after brushing at night.

      • 1Kenobi on 10/08/2019 - 06:47

        Avoiding feeding seems like poor advice as they need fluids etc
        Also if plaque gone why would food be a problem ?

        • jasonlah on 11/08/2019 - 19:26

          Sorry I mean you should brush their teeth right before bedtime, and they shouldnt feed afterwards (because they are sleeping). You should never give the baby a bottle before they go to bed.
          If they do need to wake up and have a night time feed, then by all means go ahead, but then brush again.

          In response to your question that the plaque is gone so why is food a problem, the plaque forms again even if you dont eat. The saliva has bacteria in it which doesnt go away. For example when you wake up in the morning after sleeping all night, you develop plaque on your teeth even though you havent eaten.

          This is a good website and goes into oral health for babies in great detail.
          https://www.dhsv.org.au/dental-health/general-dental-advice/…

  • Kamsi on 09/08/2019 - 20:56

    I drink apple cider every morning diluted with water would it harm my teeth in long run.?

    • jasonlah on 09/08/2019 - 22:21

      As long as you drink it in one go, or with a meal then there is no problem - similar to drinking orange juice in the morning. Just dont sip on it throughout the day. The apple cider is acidic so risk is the tooth erosion or tooth wears away. But make sure you drink normal water during the day, you dont want the acidity in your mouth all the time.
      I talked about brushing before or after breakfast also previously and in the video.

  • khomeini on 10/08/2019 - 00:11

    Hi Jasoniah - thanks for the AMA.

    Would you clarify the following statement/question I have:

    Dentists who after doing a 1-2 week course feel they are qualified to perform or prescribe orthodontics (ie. braces).

    Shouldn't orthodontics be recommended or performed specifically by an orthodontist? I feel dentists think they're capable of doing these but may not be suitably qualified for these procedures.

    Your thoughts?

    • Tech5 on 11/08/2019 - 13:04

      Orthodontics is just another part of dentistry, just like root canals, extractions, crowns. There are dedicated dental specialists for each of those procedures as well.

      Just like in those procedures, the key is case selection. Understanding which cases are easy and within your scope of practice, and which should be referred.

    • jasonlah on 11/08/2019 - 19:17

      Hi khomeine,

      General dentists can legally perform all and any aspects of dentistry. They are general dentists. So we are fully qualified to do that.
      However, each dentist must only perform treatments that are within their scope of knowledge and abilities.

      Your dentist should explain to you the options on treatment including the option for referral to specialist, and you should make your own decision.

  • KBZ on 10/08/2019 - 10:48

    Interdental brushes Vs Flossing?
    Can the former replace the latter or flossing better all round?

    • jasonlah on 11/08/2019 - 19:20

      flossing is still best. However interdental is still very beneficial.

  • lostn on 10/08/2019 - 20:01

    What does an X-ray actually cost you? I don't mean the machine itself, but every x-ray you take?

    • Tech5 on 11/08/2019 - 13:01

      X-ray itself, close to nothing (except if you count the cost of the machine and reusable films. 10,000+). But you aren't paying for the x-ray. You are paying for the interpretation of it

      • lostn on 11/08/2019 - 18:16

        dentists don't print on film. It just goes to the computer.

        The interpretation is part of the job and is required for getting work done. It should have been factored into the filling, root canal or whatever work you get done.

        • Tech5 on 11/08/2019 - 18:23

          I am a dentist. The "film" is a reusable phosphoric plate that is put into a phosphor plate scanner. Both of these cost money. This then goes into the computer

          If you say the interpretation is part of the job, what about bitewings taken for routine examinations? You don't necessarily need to do a filling to justify taking xrays. How would you detect the presence and extent of decay starting interproximally without an xray?

          If you want to factor it into the cost of a root canal sure. We can increase the price of root canals by the cost of 3-4 xrays that is often needed, and build it into the price. What about those cases where you only need 1 xray? Should that patient subsidise the cost of treatment for people with more difficult cases? There is a reason why the australian dental association fee schedule separates an intraoral xray as a separate item number (022)

          What about the comprehensive or periodic examination (that is, 011 or 012). By your logic, these should also be free.

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