Recommendtion for a dentist who doesn't insist on x-ray?

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by LoveAlbuquerque

Is there anyway I can get this requirement waived? I've found that I've got too many x-rays taken and try to avoid radiation from now on.

Buy one of those nice rechargeable electronic toothbrushes (like sonicare), a water flosser, and don't go the dentist unless you have an actual problem with your teeth.

Dentists are going to want x-rays and are going to want to remove any wisdom teeth regardless of whether they are causing problems or not. If you really don't want x-rays, treat dentists as more of an emergency service as opposed to twice a year cleanings. Your teeth will not rot and fall out if they aren't professionally cleaned twice a year.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by boyd888

Dentists are going to want x-rays and are going to want to remove any wisdom teeth regardless of whether they are causing problems or not.

That's not always true. I saw at least 5 different dentists between the ages of 18 and 37. All said:


Dentist: "hmm..looks like your wisdom teeth are in, but seem to be pretty far back and hard to clean. Are you having any issues or pain?"

Me: "No."

Dentist: "ok".

It wasn't until I was 37 that the dentist (same I had seen for the previous three years) said..."ok, let's go ahead and remove them", when I first mentioned a problem.

Believe me, I was not worried or scared or getting them removed. Really, no big deal to me. But, I felt zero discomfort and was just waiting for the dentist (expert) to make the decision to remove them.

So, at least the dentists I've been to, waited until I mentioned an issue before removing the wisdom teeth.

[frostopsy]

My dentist in Alexandria doesn't do X-rays. We did one once, and he said I was good for a couple years. When I told him that most dentists request one every time, he said it's because they can get more money out of you. He said he's done paying for med school, he doesn't have to gouge people every time they need a check up. I tend to believe him. If you brush once a day, and floss, along with no tobacco habits, you should be fine, and X-rays are just a huge waste.

PM me and I'll give you his info.