-- Check with the appropriate government agency in the destination country about its national dentistry guidelines.

-- Find out what recourse is available if something goes wrong.

-- At the dental office, look for infection-control procedures, including instrument sterilization and use of protective gloves, mask and eyewear.

-- A traveler's guide to dental care is available through the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures at www.osap.org.

Source: American Dental Association.

Why is dental cheaper in Mexico? - lower operating costs, dentists are not required have malpractice insurance, dentists are less advanced and use less expensive technology and infection control procedures.

Dental treatment performed abroad although less expensive, also carries an increased number of associated complications and risks.

Travel, Dental Care and Dental Tourism

There is a growing phenomena called "Dental Tourism" in which people travel to a destination that offers less expensive dental care. The decision to visit another country for dental care should go beyond simply comparing prices or even evaluating the dentists' expertise. Countries differ in their standards for infection control and safety. The use of fresh gloves, sterile instruments and safe water are not standard practice in all countries. Without these precautions, patients could be infected with diseases such as hepatitis B.

Before considering such trips, it is important to be prepared by using information such as that contained in OSAP's Traveler's Guide. Additional information may be obtained at www.ada.org, www.iamat.org and www.adse.co.uk.

Go to Mexico's largest dental directory at dentistasdemexico.com and search for a dentist, all dentists are fully licensed and governed by the country of Mexico

• My wife has experienced in our opinion, the worst dentist ever and he is in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico... His name is Dr. Victor M. Silva. He put in an implant in her upper jaw and two days later she had a very bad infection. Upon Dr. Silva looking at it, he just stated that it was too small of an implant and grabbed it with his finger and just pulled it out ... He did not even offer her any antibiotics until I insisted on them... His practice is a one room office/examining room that is not sanitary and usually he is there by himself without an assistant.

After removing the implant, he told her to come back in two months and he would put in another one that was longer. When my wife returned, to his office, he then told her that there was not enough bone and that she should come back in one year, At this point (4 trips later from Tucson to Nogales)we did not want to deal with him anymore and asked for our money back, he straight out refused to refund the money that we had given him as a down payment for the service. I would strongly suggest that this dentist be avoided at all if looking for a good dentist in Nogales. REMEMBER, his name is Dr. Victor M. Silva. He will take your money and give you the run around.

• I went to a dentist in Naco 9 years ago and please don't make the mistake I did.

I was 25 at the time and had great teeth but I hadn't been to the dentist for 2 years for financial reasons. I was living in Bisbee at the time and heard dentists were cheaper in Mexico. The dentist told me I had 9 cavities-- which should have tipped me off right there-- 5 on my lower teeth and 4 up top. I only had only two tiny cavities previously, but I thought, was afraid that I had "neglected my teeth". He drilled and filled the lower teeth, one side at a time on 2 separate visits (if I remember correctly) and told me to come back for the top teeth. It was incredibly painful whereas I usually have a high pain tolerance. I think on some level my body knew it was wrong and was trying to tell me. He charged me $50 per filling. They were enormous fillings and I could see the metal shifting around my mouth, or my chemistry reacting to it or something because months later dark lines were settling around the base of my teeth. I did not return for the top teeth.

About six months later, I went to a free dental clinic in the town where I now live (U.S.) thinking that i would need to get the cavities up top filled. The dentist there told me that I didn't have 4 cavities that needed to be filled, only ONE "weak spot" (which to this day has not required a filling). He said the dentist in Mexico must have been following a very old dental philosophy. Nowadays dentists fill very minimally if at all. It looked like he had carved out all the valleys, any area potentially vulnerable and filled, over what were probably "weak spots" or tiny cavities at best.

I had the fillings replaced with composite a few years later just to have all the metal out of my mouth. The receptionist (U.S.) on the phone had quoted me about $60 per filling (I swear I was specific). I was surprised, but really happy it would be so affordable, so when I came out of the dental chair after the procedure and they told me I had a $3,000 bill, I nearly passed out.

It's not over either. The fillings were so big that the integrity of the teeth under them has been compromised and 2 or more of my teeth have fractures in them now. Those cracks don't heal, they only eventually go all the way down to the nerve. That means I will need crowns, and maybe root canals, and maybe to have the teeth completely extracted and a bridge put on. I got the news it's time for the first crown today, because the tooth actually has two cracks and has started causing some pain. $1,150.

I am not the kind of person that has awful things like this happen a lot. I have just been had this very unfortunate experience with dentistry, and it's not over yet, and it's very expensive. I think there surely must be many reputable dentists in Mexico, and occasions when getting a procedure done there is more affordable. But please be careful and trust your gut. I was nearly shaking when I drove to those appointments in Naco, but my foolish reasoning mind did not listen to my body. I had great teeth.

• HOW DO YOU FIND A GOOD DDS IN MEXICO? GOOD QUESTION - I KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY, HOWEVER THE ONE I FOUND BEWARE!!!! IT WAS WASHINGTON DENTAL CLINIC. BEFORE ANY TREATMENT YOU TALK TO A CLOSER {YOU KNOW LIKE BUYING A USED CAR} YOU NEED TO PAY BEFORE ANY TREATMENT. THE TREATMENT I RECEIVED WAS FROM THE STONE AGE. THE SHOTS WERE NOT IN THE LEAST gentle - picture this I wore a hair piece and within the first five minutes it was on the floor the dentist (so called) kicked it to the side with his worn out cowboy boots. I WANTED TO STOP HIM BUT HE SUPPOSEDLY KNEW NO ENGLISH AND KEPT GOING MY TREATMENT WAS TO EXTRACT ONE FRONT TOOTH AND REPLACE IT WITH A PARTIAL I WAITED FOR THE PARTIAL FOR HOURS AND WHEN IT WAS DONE IT LOOK ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. I COMPLAINED AND WAS TOLD TOO BAD THAT THEY LOOKED GOOD TO THEM I HAD ALREADY PAID (WITH CREDIT CARD) WHEN I RETURNED TO STATES I PUT A STOP ON THE PAYMENT. AFTER A BIG HASSLE MY CARD RULED FOR THEM THE CHARGE WAS 2700-5000. I'M OUT THE CASH BACK IN THE STATES, I HAD TO HAVE A ROOT CANAL ON ONE OF MY TEETH THAT THEY RUINED AND A NEW PARTIAL FOR ANOTHER 3,000. YOU DO THE MATH. JUST BE REALLY CAREFUL NO CLINICS THEY ARE SO MUCH WORSE THEN CLINICS HERE!!

• This is in regards to the Fierro Clinic in Palomas, MX. Beware, the good Dr. Fierro has much more competition from other very good dentists in the town like Dr. Lam and others, therefore he is not backing up the work done in his clinic and not willing to "make good" on bad work. He has overextended himself by beginning to build a hotel next door to his clinic and therefore the clinic's practice is compromised! I will not go into any details because I believe that the clinic has some very good doctors, specially the specialists, and the clinic still has a chance to live up to its reputation if Dr. Fierro maintains the standards that people coming from the U.S. side expect.

• Dr. Carolina Borjon AKA Dr. Borjon Acevedo Carolina did a hack job on my teeth. I would never recommend anyone to ever visit her or any other practicing Dentist in Mexico. The price quoted to me over the phone was much lower than what it was at the time of payment. I went in to receive 3 crowns and I ended up with 3 large boulders in my mouth. The pain is intolerable and I am out 600$, now I have to pay another 2100$ here in California just to repair the mistakes she made. So much for a guarantee, she will not even return my phone calls. I just came back from a local dentist office and he was horrified to see the work that was done on me, he compared it to a mad doctors science experiment. PLEASE DON"T EVER VISIT ALGODONES MEXICO FOR DENTAL CARE< & JUST TO BE SAFE FOR NOT ANY TYPE OF HEALTH CARE. Please spread the word so that no one else will make the same mistake as I did, many elderly were at her office and I hope that she did not take them for a ride like she did me.

Dental care abroad

If you go abroad for dental care:

-- Check with the appropriate government agency in the destination country about its national dentistry guidelines.

-- Find out what recourse is available if something goes wrong.

-- At the dental office, look for infection-control procedures, including instrument sterilization and use of protective gloves, mask and eyewear.

-- A traveler's guide to dental care is available through the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures at www.osap.org.

Source: American Dental Association.

Why is dental cheaper in Mexico? - lower operating costs, dentists are not required have malpractice insurance, dentists are less advanced and use less expensive technology and infection control procedures.

Dental treatment performed abroad although less expensive, also carries an increased number of associated complications and risks.

Dental implants Mexico are today's best alternative to natural teeth. They can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind.

An implant is, essentially, a sophisticated titanium screw which is placed into the jaw bone to replace the root of a lost natural tooth. The implant fuses with the jawline to form a secure foundation for tooth replacement. The end result... replacement teeth that look, feel and function just like natural teeth. The embarrassment , irritation and self-consciousness often experienced by people who have missing teeth, those who wear dentures or who have suffered through older methods of tooth replacement are overcome with the confidence of permanently anchored dental implants.

Dental implants are now recognized as routine treatment for a full range of problems from replacing a single tooth, to full oral rehabilitation, or simply for reliable denture retention.

The fees that I see are only $100-$300 more in McAllen, Brownsville, or Harlingen for an oral surgeon to place the implant. The cost of the crown or denture on top of it is only slightly higher, too. What you must realize is the post-op care and guarantee that goes along with the cheaper price. What if you get a bleeding problem after the surgery? What if your are left permanently numb in your chin after the surgery? What if you get a serious, life-threatening infection in your neck and chest after the implant is placed? What if the implant fails after 2 or 3 months? Would you rather have a US trained dentist, or Mexico trained? What if you get Hepatitis, TB, or AIDS from the procedure? I am a retired dental assistant from south Texas and I have seen it all. Be Careful!

Dental care abroad

If you go abroad for dental care:

-- Check with the appropriate government agency in the destination country about its national dentistry guidelines.

-- Find out what recourse is available if something goes wrong.

-- At the dental office, look for infection-control procedures, including instrument sterilization and use of protective gloves, mask and eyewear.

Source: American Dental Association.

Why is dental cheaper in Mexico? - lower operating costs, dentists are not required have malpractice insurance, dentists are less advanced and use less expensive technology and infection control procedures.

Dental treatment performed abroad although less expensive, also carries an increased number of associated complications and risks.

Travel, Dental Care and Dental Tourism

There is a growing phenomena called "Dental Tourism" in which people travel to a destination that offers less expensive dental care. The decision to visit another country for dental care should go beyond simply comparing prices or even evaluating the dentists' expertise. Countries differ in their standards for infection control and safety. The use of fresh gloves, sterile instruments and safe water are not standard practice in all countries. Without these precautions, patients could be infected with diseases such as hepatitis B.

Before considering such trips, it is important to be prepared by using information such as that contained in OSAP's Traveler's Guide.

What can anxious patients can do to prepare themselves for dental treatment?

• If one has had a negative dental experience in the past, especially in the distant past, be aware much has changed in the dentistry in a short time. The dentists are using more modern equipment, better materials and up to date methods to insure better comfort.
• Inform them of your fears. Don't expect them to know your fears by mental telepathy. Most dentists try to be kind, caring and gentle, but I assure you they will try even harder if they are aware of your fears.
• Patients should never self medicate prior to dental treatment without informing their dentist. It could pose a danger if the dentist administers anesthesia or other medications.
• Think positively! Once a patient convinces themselves that treatments is necessary, and the dental problem will only worsen if gone untreated and may required more difficult procedures whish could cost more.
• The patients must remember that the dentist is their partner in achieving good oral health. Never consider your dentist an adversary, but rather a friend.

Visiting the dentist could care your finances.

The people that have an extensive treatment plan are usually the ones that haven't visited a dentist in years.

For some one that needs more difficult procedures visited their dentist for regular check ups and cleanings, could care their finances, most dental problems can be quite inexpensive if diagnosed early.

What's a cavity and how to prevent them

A cavity develops when a tooth decays or break down. A cavity is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have a cavity. Its important to be repaired.

If you don't go to the dentist the acids can continue to make they way through the enamel, and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay.

Though cavities can be repaired, try to avoid them by taking care of your teeth, here's how:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after each time you eat or at least twice a day. Bedtime is an important time to brush
• Brush up and down in a circular motion
• Gently brush your gums as well to keep them healthy
• Floss your teeth once a day fore more plaque and food that's stuck between your teeth.
• Limit sweets and sugary drinks like a soda

Mastication means chewing.

masticate
Mastication. It's from the Greek mastikhan, for to grind the teeth.

Of course you can brush after using whitening strips! Most use the same bleaching compounds as "whitening" toothpastes.

Interestingly, you get more bang for your buck if you brush beforehand. It makes sense, scrubbing off any excess substances that would absorb whiteners, as well as creating a more even surface for the strips to work on.

There was a clinical trial done by R.W. Gerlach, et al. about this "Impact of Prior Tooth Brushing on Whitening Strip Clinical Response":

"According to crest, you should not brush immediately before applying the strips; but after applying strips, it is fine to brush gently"

Here is the Q and A from their site.

Q. Can I brush my teeth immediately before using Whitestrips?

A. Do NOT brush immediately BEFORE applying strips. To avoid gum irritation, allow for some time to pass after you have brushed your teeth to apply strips.

Q. Can I brush my teeth immediately after using Whitestrips?

A. Yes, after using Whitestrips, you can brush gently.

For more information please refer to the related link.

Dental x-rays and Pregnancy

If it is imperative you have dental x-rays make sure the dentist knows you are pregnant, but otherwise leave them until after you have the baby.

The dentist will only take x rays that are completely necessary. And they probably won't take any in the first trimester. You will be covered with a lead apron that will protect you very well, but it's better to be safe. If you don't want an x ray, you can refuse to have one until later in your pregnancy or after you have the baby.

Could an X-Ray at the dentist's office damage an unborn fetus?

Tooth x-ray, also known as dental radiography, is using low energy radiation. If what you mean by tooth x-ray is orthopantomography (OPG), the dose is slightly higher.

There are risks of unwanted effects to your baby especially during the first trimester. Unless the x-ray is emergency, I recommend you to postpone.

Be sure to tell your dentist first hand that you are pregnant. Most dentist offices make you put on a lead cover anyhow. I have my tubes tied and they still do it to prevent other radiation effects. They say that any x-ray can be harmful and cause birth defects.

Is it safe to get a filling from the dentist when pregnant?

'Safe' is a relative term. Yes, it is safe, that is it is more than likely that neither you or the baby will experience any adverse effects. On the other hand, the possibility does exist, even though it is remote.

Therefore, it is necessary to weigh the risks against the benefits.

If you are in pain, it is probably likely that you have an infection. If so, the infection itself could lead to complications of the pregnancy or delivery. In that case, having the tooth treated is probably the most prudent course.

On the other hand, if the tooth is not painful, it might be better to wait until the baby is born before treating the tooth. At the very least, waiting until the last trimester might be sufficient.

The best course of action would be to discuss your concerns with your dentist.

Dental fillings and Pregnancy

White fillings are safe.

Local anesthesia is safe.

X-rays are not safe for the baby.

Some drug medications are not safe.

Most dentists agree that silver fillings are not safe.

• The best time to go is in your second trimester, most doctors won't do anything unless you are in that trimester (and some don't do anything in any trimester). I would call your dentist and ask what they accept; all they can really do is clean your teeth though.

• It is imperative you go to the dentist while pregnant and you can have most treatments while pregnant, especially with the techniques now employed. There was an old saying that you lost a tooth for every baby you had. In the UK you can get free dental treatment on the National Health Service while pregnant and for a year after the baby is born.

• Just make sure the dentist doesn't take x-rays. Usually if you tell the dentist that you are pregnant, he will know the precautions.

• When you are pregnant you can do all dental treatments, including anesthesia, but you cannot take x-rays. Some drugs are also not advised to be taken.

"Although costs vary across the country and by dental office, the cost of typical metal filling ranges from approximately $75 to $145 per filling, whereas a composite resin fillings range from $150 to $300for a single surface white composite filling."

Here are more opinions and answers from other users:

• About $50 a tooth or less.

• Hi. I am a dentist. An honest dentist, one of the few. As a rule of thumb: "Cheap" fillings are bad fillings, 100% guaranteed. If a dentist makes good and cheap fillings, he/she will be out of the dental business in a very short time. Very often, a bad filling is worse that no filling at all, so the "cheapness" of the filling is doubtful. "Expensive" fillings have a chance of being good fillings. A well cared-for good filling can last a lifetime, so the expensiveness of the filling is also doubtful. ... but dishonest dentists can also charge a lot for a bad filling. The trick is to find a honest dentist, and for this task you MUST educate yourself about basic dentistry. I strongly suggest you to read "Complete Guide to Dental Health", a consumer report book.

• I just had a resin filling done today, my first ever filling at the age of almost 31 and the cost was $90 without insurance. It was only a very small cavity. I am a person with a fear of dentists because I grew up with free dental and medical being an airforce brat and I was very nervous picking a dentist for the first time (so many exposes on corrupt dentists claiming work needs to be done when it doesn't). I hadn't been in 7 years and was amazed I didn't need more fillings. I contacted 1800 DENTIST.

• I had two fillings done in the last two weeks. I wanted only composite fillings, and it cost $170 per filling. I live in Northern Virginia where rent is relatively high. My insurance only paid 80% of the mercury filling, that is $86 (of $105). I guess $170.00 is right in the middle of the range of prices.

• Years ago I paid $250 per composite filling, which fell out within a year in San Diego. The dentist charged the same for the replacements, which also fell out. So I didn't see a dentist for years. Yesterday I got some composite fillings in Ensenada Mexico that were $45 per filling, with a warranty.

• Dr. Judd's research will hopefully lead us from the current medieval practice of treating teeth into a brighter future. Please read Dr. Judd's information... Dear Government Executive and Employee: We can all stop spending billions for American dental work and research. Let me tell you why: I have learned the real causes of dental cavities and gum infection. People, including you, will now be able to take care of their own dentistry with insignificant cost, and end with perfect teeth. Cavities and gum infections are ended! A great amount of REPUTABLE DENTAL RESEARCH proves the following: Tooth cavities will be ended simply by rinsing acids off the teeth. ACIDS ALONE EAT THE ENAMEL. There would be no cavities in the world if all people rinsed acids from their teeth promptly. Just sip water, milk or other liquid while eating. Water reacts with acids. Foods and drinks, other than those containing acids, have no action on tooth enamel. SUGARS HAVE NO ACTION ON THE ENAMEL. Bacteria cannot damage the enamel (calcium hydroxy phosphate). There is no such thing as decay of the enamel since bacteria require carbon and hydrogen to live. Billions of human and animal remains show teeth and bones are resistant to earth-bound organisms. Teeth reenamalize when clean. TO MAKE TEETH CLEAN ONE BRUSHES WITH ANY BAR SOAP. (There are good toothpastes at the health food stores. Check the ingredients before buying. Don't get anything with glycerine in it.) Soap washes off in just two rinses. What about toothpastes? Glycerine in all tooth pastes is so sticky that it takes 27 washes to get it off. Teeth brushed with any toothpaste are coated with a film and CANNOT PROPERLY REENAMELIZE. Taking calcium and phosphate in the diet results in reenamelization of the teeth, but only when they are clean. Bar soap does a perfect job in cleaning the surface. The enamel thickens and becomes less sensitive. Adenosine diphosphatase furnishes phosphate to teeth. Gums are disinfected by brushing with any bar soap. Not only bacteria and viruses are destroyed promptly by small amounts of soap in water, but also white flies and aphids. Gardeners: Spray 1 tsp of dishwashing soap in 1 gallon of water to kill white flies and aphids. Plaque, a poorly formed crystal stuck to the bottom of the enamel, is prevented and eventually removed by brushing with bar soap. Dental procedures to get the badly formed crystals off dig holes through the enamel. These cavities catch food and cause gum infection. Prevention of plaque retards gum pockets. Gum pockets are formed as the plaque pushes the gums away from the teeth. Gum pockets, from 1 to 8 mm deep, are also formed by FLUORIDE, which severs the protein molecules adhering the gums to the teeth. SOAP PREVENTS GINGIVITIS caused by bacteria which is lodged in the gum pockets. VITAMIN C AND PHOSPHATE help knit the gums back to the teeth. Pressing against the gums with fingers forces adhesive materials from the gums onto the teeth, which helps the process. Abscesses can be offset by holding Cepacol (14% alcohol) in the mouth 5 minutes. Receding gum surgery will end when the gum pockets cease. The very mention of the procedure, which involves transferring flesh from the roof of the mouth to the excised area of the gums, is a heinous and useless procedure which ought to pass into oblivion. Removal of flouride from drinking water, pastes or gels saves the enzyme adenosine diphosphatase so it can deliver phosphate to calcium at the tooth surface, resulting in a beautiful, semi-flexible enamel. As stated above, the gums can be reconnected to the teeth by taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (1 tsp) with Arm and Hammer baking soda (1/2 tsp) in 1 inch of water, letting it fizz and then diluting to 1/2 to 1 cup with water, then drinking. The resulting SODIUM ASCORBATE is non-acid, very pure and a thousand times more soluble than vitamin C. Sodium ascorbate is more reactive than ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in building connective tissue and antibody structures and more effective in killing some viruses and bacteria. Receding gums and plaque are ended when soap is used for brushing and vitamin C is taken daily in the form just mentioned. 30% of American youths ages 8-10 have no cavities. 100% of Ugandan youths ages 6-10 have no cavities. What does this tell us? The reason Ugandan youths have 3 times better teeth than American youths is because they do not consume as many acid foods, have no fluoride in their drinking water, have regular meals rather than sipping acid drinks all day, have more calcium and phosphate in their diet, and have fewer dentists to work on their teeth. Dental literature says 42% of Americans over 65 have no natural teeth, while 25% of those over 43 have none. Dental literature says Americans age 43 average 32 cavities, those age 17 have 13 cavities, blacks and poverty stricken (without calcium and phosphate) have twice this and the native Americans have four times this amount. The Native American plight can be blamed on their poor nutrition, excessive fluoridation, and free but improper dental care. If fluoridation were effective in preventing cavities, Native Americans would have the least cavities. They have had forced fluoridation for approximately 62 years. Fluoride in water at 1 part per million INCREASED tooth cavities in four large reliable studies (7%, 22%, 45% and 10%, averaging 21%). The reason far these increases has to do with the fact that adenosine diphosphatase is destroyed by fluoride and CALCIUM FLUORIDE which slips into the enamel, is alien to the tooth composite and makes the enamel weak, brittle and discolored. The health of American teeth will increase to be very nearly perfect if the regimen of water rinsing, soap brushing and taking calcium, phosphate and vitamin C in the diet is implemented. Fortunately, we now know the current teeth perfecting protocol of dentistry with fluoridation is flawed. If the early estimates of 80% tooth improvement in childrens' teeth by age 13 were true, each American would now have less than one cavity. That is far from true. The teeth in America are in a sorry state, and at the present time are getting worse. Numerous top scientists over the past 60 years have discarded the theory that fluoride helps teeth, or is a nutrient helpful to man. To avoid fluoride is to prevent more than 114 ailments listed with references in a book "Good Teeth Birth to Death" by Gerard F. Judd, Ph.D.. These 114 medical side effects extend all the way from cancer down to headaches caused by 1 ppm fluoride in the water. Thirteen of these side effects are proved by a double blind study on 60 patients by 12 physicians, 1 pharmacist and 1 attorney. The mechanism for destruction of enzymes by fluoride has been proven by x-ray studies. Hydrogen bonds are broken by fluoride. Fluoride is the smallest negative particle on the face of the earth. Since the fluoride particles are so small and so intensely negative, they connect with the hydrogen bonds holding the enzyme coils in place and ruin every enzyme molecule at very low concentration, around 1-3 ppm. These enzymes are often 3,000 or more times the small size of the fluoride. The effect is ruinous. To avoid fluoride is to prevent the destruction of 83 enzymes listed with references in Good Teeth, Birth to Death, by Gerard F. Judd, Ph.D.. Fluoride is a severe biological poison. Being intensely negative, it unlatches positive hydrogen bonds in enzymes AND proteins. It is fortunate we have learned fluoride is a nerve poison. Fluoride causes cavities. There is not the slightest doubt. Methylmercury formed from amalgams in the body is deadly. It causes brain disease. Fillings made of quartzite and epoxy are a safe substitute. Fluoride harms the economy by making people purchase other than city water to avoid it. It also harms the economy by making people dependent on undependable professions that know nothing about it. Ignorance about fluoride and what it does is worldwide. Keep the teeth moist. Teeth that are dry crack. If you chew ice, teeth may crumble. Teeth do have a breaking strength. LOOK IN YOUR MOUTH. Tell the dentist(s) what you want done and get several bids for examination and work. Save your fortunes. We now know we can cancel the green light given by Harry Truman with the help of Congress to subsidize dentistry. Billions of dollars being wasted in this regard (Public Law 755, June 24, 1948) can now be returned to the taxpayers. I hope you will put this information in the hands of your Congress persons so they and we may alert the newspapers, radio and TV stations, magazines, and all other news media as well as their friends, families, and associates about this giant leap in dental technology. I ask for your feedback on this letter and I would also like you to ask for feedback from the ones you contact. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Respectfully yours, Gerard F. Judd, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Chemistry

• Dr. Judd only said to use BAR SOAP. I must have copied his info from a place other than his site. This is what he says,(ref 5)? Reenamelization of the teeth occurs when they are clean.? All toothpastes make a barrier of glycerine on the teeth which would require 20 rinses to get it off.? A good solution for clean teeth, which I have used for 5 years, is bar soap.? Wet the brush, swipe the bar two or three times with it, then brush the teeth thoroughly and the gums gently.? Rinse with water three or four times.? All oils are washed off the teeth and the gums are disinfected.? The bacteria are killed by the soap.? The teeth are then ready for reenamelization with calcium and phosphate in the diet.? The enzyme adenosine diphosphatase delivers phosphate to the enamel surface.? Do not use liquid soaps.? Their different composition is harmful to the protoplasm. This is a link to Dr. Judd's site so you can read his affidavit.

Fillings cost between $50 and $300 depending where you live, and the filling material (amalgam or composite) used.

Dentists won't lose their jobs because they use mercury amalgams. There has been study after study after study, that shows no diseases linked to amalgams. To say mercury is poisonous in all forms is akin to saying oxygen is poisonous, because when combined with carbon it can form carbon monoxide - therefore all oxygen is poisonous. And so far as re-mineralization is concerned - I'm sure Dr. Judd's research is accurate, but most cavities are formed in deep pits and fissures in tooth structure. Food particles get jammed down deep into crevasses so small that a tooth brush can't remove them. Eventually a cavity forms. This is how 90% of cavities form. Sealants, fluoride and proper hygiene and diet can control the vast majority of decay in this country.

First, track down that tooth! You can actually take it to the dentist and have it reimplanted, provided that you handle your knocked-out tooth somewhat delicately.

Once you’ve found the tooth, be careful cleaning it off—it’s best to just gently rinse it with milk or a saline solution so that you don’t accidentally damage it further. Try not to touch the roots.

On your way to your emergency dentist appointment, keep the tooth in its original socket, if that’s possible. And if not, a little container of milk is a great tooth receptacle—the milk’s sugars can feed the cells, keeping them alive until they can get reimplanted.

If all goes well with the reimplantation, your tooth can be healed in two months.

To cure a wisdom tooth infection, there are two options.

Option 1:

If your wisdom tooth is normal, you need to follow a course of antibiotics to get rid off the infection, and maintain oral hygiene in order to avoid getting back such infection.

Option 2:

If your wisdom tooth is impacted, first you need to follow a course of antibiotics to get rid off the infection, while maintaining oral hygiene in order to avoid getting back such infection, and then get it extracted by an oral surgeon before the impacted tooth outgrows and damages the adjacent tooth.

Tooth extraction can be done with just a local anesthesia using nitrous oxide (laughing gas ), or general anesthesia with an injection..

Out of personal experience it cost me about $2000.

Here are answers and opinions from FAQ Farmers:

• I would say it is probably about 2000 dollars. Or more possibly. And just a side note, it won't be too much more to have the 4th one taken out at the same time, if you have it. And it will be much better for you in the long run.

• It could be a lot less than that if you had the right plan and I am not talking insurance. I am talking a discount card that cost less than insurance and save you more money than no insurance at all.

• My doctor charged 460 per tooth for extraction and 260 for IV sedation.

• Having four wisdom teeth pulled will cost 2133.00 at the place I am having it done. I will also have general anesthesia.

• I got my wisdom teeth pulled in Brazil while I was there as it was much cheaper. I paid $600 for pulling my four wisdom teeth.

• To have all four of mine, plus IV sedation, and gas, it was $1100CA. It would have been $50 cheaper if I had it done in a hospital, but being in a hospital would mean total sedation and I'd loose all my piercings. Price really depends on experience and qualifications.

• I just got all 4 of my wisdom teeth yesterday. I have absolutely no pain at all. I am taking penicillin and ibuprofen, but I have not experienced pain yet. To take out all four of my wisdom teeth, it cost $295 for all 4 because we have insurance. It's a good thing we have insurance or else it would of cost over $1200. (Don't listen to what your friends say, because it does not hurt. For best results, be put to sleep because you do not feel a thing).
• I didn't pay a thing to have mine out, I've looked after the computers for my dentist for years. You don't need any sort of general sedation, only local. I just had to find my "happy place" while they were being pulled, it only took a few minutes each. Believe it or not but in my experience it hurts more while having a filling.
• My girlfriend just got 2 (bottom) wisdom teeth pulled today, in Medellin Colombia. It cost 300,000 COP (about $125). She had the top 2 pulled a few months back, and it was cheaper (they came out easy). For about $400 round trip from Miami, $200 to have teeth pulled, you still have quite a bit left over for a vacation, hotels, etc. to enjoy another country.
• I would recommend carefully considering the need for sedation, which our Marin, California dentist was trying to "sell" us at around $500! My kid had three teeth that were not impacted and one that was slightly. We refused the sell job on the sedation and my son said the procedure was nothing to worry about. It took 20 minutes and we saved a lot. I'm also pretty sure that sedation is not covered by many insurance companies. It is probably because it is not necessary. Let's face it, if you have impacted teeth and are going to be sitting there with your mouth open for an hour or more, then maybe sedation is the way to go. If not, don't be sold on something that is not necessary. I was shocked at the line of BS we were given to try and get us to go for the $500 pop. Unethical in my opinion.

my son needs his out. for 4 teeth $1900.00

i just got all 4 of mine taken out today with IV total sedation. it cost me 424.60 but i think insurance took care of most of the price