Do people really understand what "BAD" dental advice is?

Question

I posted a question earlier, after reading numerous ridiculous answers from people who had no idea what they were talking about, concerning why people give dental advice when, like I said, they really have no idea what they are talking about. From the fact that I got 3 thumbs downs, apparently I struck a few nerves. So I just wanted to give examples of what I mean by "Bad" dental advice and see if anyone else agrees.

Any cure for periodontal disease?(And this one got best answer!)

Try using a high-quality electronic toothbrush (such as Oral-B Triumph). It greatly improves the health of the gums. A little expensive, but well worth the money.

Uh, there is not cure for periodontal disease. Even if there was, it wouldn’t be an electric toothbrush.

Did I get ROOKED or what? I just paid $875 for a root canal.?


There's no way in hell a root canal is supposed to cost 875$!!!! Did he fill it with gold or something?! I think they are supposed to cost no more than $200! I'd be questioning the crap out of that dentist

And in what office does this person work??? That is very reasonable for a root canal.

Point is, people are asking for advice, and some people are just talking out their heads, without having any real knowledge of the subject.

I'm not saying people can't, or shouldn't give advice based on their own experiences, but there is a difference between inacurate advice and just plain "WRONG" advice. For someone who themselves have no real dental knowledge and are seeking it on here, it is very easy for them to confuse the bad advice they recieve here, for the right advice. You take someone who had a not so good experience with their dentist, and tell them to "SUE SUE SUE", that is just dumb advice, because you don't even know the details of the situation or if they even have a case. I just think people need to have a little more knowledge of the advice they are giving, before they give it to others. I am amazed every day getting on here and reading some of the "advice" people are giving, and I am sitting here hoping that the person asking doesn't take the "bad" advice to heart.

Just to add: I have been a dental assistant for 10 yrs. I am not one of the people seeking dental advice, I am one giving it. I work for a very knowlegable dentist, and myself attend continueing ed classes on everything from dental implants to sleep apnea to normal every day dental concerns.

Answer 1

You are absolutely right about your periodontal point, as there is no "cure" for periodontal disease. However, I have to disagree with you regarding the usual fee for endodontic therapy. If someone provides a root canal for $200, I'd be questioning that. I am not sure where you are located but I am in Atlanta, and the average fee for a root canal for a molar could range anywhere from $850 and up. $200 is a little sketchy, I'd wonder if the canals were being filled with silly putty.
I've been in the dental industry for about 16 years.

Answer 2

A lot of dentists offer conscious sedation, which is an intravenous injection of sedative into the hand. It relaxes you to the point where you are almost asleep and don't really care. You forget a lot about the experience later and so it gets easier to go back for further treatment but you also have to be collected by a trusted family member or friend as you are very vulnerable in this state. If that sounds too drastic, a dentist can prescribe you one dose of a mild sedative to be taken orally before treatment. If you do a bit of research you will find a dentist in your city that offers these options. Then the first step is to go and get a check up and treatment plan. If you are a sedation patient they won't do anything the first visit. Make sure you tell the receptionist when phoning. Dental phobia is really common and is taken seriously.

Answer 3

I agree completely. Although dentistry isn't my forte, I see this kinda stuff all over Yahoo Answers. People post answers just for points, and it is a little unsettling to see it so much in the Health sections. If someone's health is at stake, give them an honest, well-based answer! There's no telling what would happen if people really took all the half-assed advice that gets thrown around here.

Don't worry about thumbs-downs; this site's full of people who vote based on 'agree/disagree' rather than 'good/bad question/answer.' It's very important that people realize that a lot of bad information gets circulated in places like this.

Answer 4

My daughter works for a really fine team of dentists and she said that for our area the amount you paid is about right then you should have had some other things done. As far as periodontal disease goes you need to take care of your teeth if they are not so far advanced that it is hopeless. I do admit that I am not an expert but my daughter knows a lot about it.

Answer 5

I answers questions in Dental mainly about my experience with braces as an adult. I also give advice and tell people to go to the dentist. I don't mean to step on your toes - lol.

Answer 6

I would also have to agree with you and Dr. Albert. It's scary enough to see how many people are on here that don't see a dentist regularly let alone those who have no idea what they are talking about and passing themselves off as knowledgeable.

Answer 7

while i agree with you, the whole point of Yahoo Answers is to get an inkling to the right answer. If you really want good advice, you have to pay for it.

Answer 8

My dad is a dentist...he gets pissed when he hears other dentist's advice. The problem is: No one knows anything about teeth so they can tell you just about anything.

Next time, get a second opinion...it really is the only way...

Answer 9

i totaly agree with you, some people just do it for the points others do it because they like to give advice. or some can talk from experience, but most just pull it out of their @$$%$.

Answer 10

I agree with you whole heartedly. I hope those asking questions have the common sense to research their questions and answers they've received in other ways.