My Son's Teeth

Hi,

My daughter has had a lot of dental work. Look at drpoulsen.com, although he is in Utah they may be able to refer someone in Nevada. He uses the best technology and I have been to 3 pediatric dentists who said to "put her under" for all the dental care. Its unneccessary and after you look at his website you'll understand there are other options than being put under for dental care on children or drugs to calm anxiety. He uses a laser for cavaties, He does NOT numb them and they don't need it because of the laser he uses. My 7 yr old girl goes back WILLINGLY by herself when they call her name. When they did numb her to pull her front teeth they used the "wand" which is regulated by a computer and is just a pinch, its looks like a pen, it numbs only the tooth NOT the mouth. Contact them for advice, they are awesome and I would look for some one comparable to him with the same technique.

They can usually work financially with you and some even have "care credit" which allows the dr to get paid and gives you a determined amount of time interest free to pay for services. Sometimes its 18 mo interest free.

Something to look into

I will never go back to a dentist who does not use these because it is unneccessary to be put under or get shots when this technology is available to us. The other dr's just haven't been taught this other way. or it is too expensive for them to carry in their clinic.

Are they actually rotten or do they just look stained/blackish brown? My niece and my son both have this problem. Well, my niece out-grew it, but my son is still dealing with it (he's 10). Some people's teeth are just more prone to staining and you have to seriously brush. I know that a lot of dentist's offer sliding scales and payment plans...do you not have dental insurance or a medical flex plan? If you cannot receive these things, your children should at least qualify for medicaid even if you don't. I would call your local department of human services again just to see. Start brushing your son's teeth and make sure to floss and use mouthwash (if he is six or older) and check his teeth after you brush them to see if the staining is going away. His gums might bleed for awhile (especially if he is not good at brushing), but they will eventually stop after consistent brushing. It should only take a few days to a week for the bleeding to subside (I mean that they won't bleed when you brush them, not that they will bleed the whole time!). Call your local dentists and see what kind of payment plans they offer.

S.,
I have 2 suggestions...contact the Northern Nevada Dental Health Program throught the Northern Nevada Dental Society. They have a program that screens kids and the refers the work to volunteer dentists. Another suggestion is the St. Mary's Dental Van - I'm not sure of the number, but the same contact through the other program will be able to help. Hope that helps!
T.

I was in a similar position last year except I had 2 children with teeth issues. We found a fabulous solution! It is called "The caring foundation" Through private donations children can get up to $1000/ year in dental care. (It is through Blue shield) I can't remember the qualifications off hand but the are much higher than medicaid or chip. I simply looked them up and had them send me the info and they quickly qualified my kids they were so kind. We then went to Dr. Roy Rogers here in town who does accept the program, talk about a gifted dentist he was great and even did some care for us above and beyond what was covered. GOOD LUCK

my sisters are the same way and one of the dentist suggested she try to get into one of dentist schools locally...there is a waiting list...I believe there is one at the community college. Good Luck!

wow how terrible -- there was a federal law on health care and kids some time ago and I dont know but I am sure dental is included also -if you dont have dental offere through your own health ins -I am sure you can get medicaid -I would make and appt at medicaid and talk to someone and ask for options also community clinins go on a sliding scale --go to a clinic that is an all in one place -- they are for those with low income (I know because that is where we go) if all else fails google dental care and assitance or any combinations that come to mind plus you home county -- best of luck -until then cut out all sugar and get him flossing and brushing oh you can also get a plague rinse at the drugstore that when you use it it shows you teh plague so you can brush it off!

Hey S.,

i am new to this also, but want to offer a little advice. here in omaha we have a dental school that is relatively less expensive than a dentist. they have students do the work and a teacher/dentist supervises. sometimes if it is a case where its not just a routine filling, cleaning, etc.; they will do it for even less b/c they need the experience. so look for a dental school or if you are close to omaha, call creighton dental. you don't have to have med insurance to get the lower prices.

wishing you the best,
L.

You might check with a local college. I know that the college in my town gives very inexpensive treatments so that the dental students can get some experience.
Hope this helps!
Good Luck,
tam

A persons' teeth are something they will be judged on their entie life no matter what the cost...it is worth it. If you do not have dental insurance I would suggest getting a low rate or no interest medical loan. Care Credit thru GE Financing(you can look them up online) offers a revolving credit account for medical care. You just have to use a provider in their network. The payments are low and you dont have to have good credit to qualify. If I were in your shoes I would work 2,3 even 4 jobs to afford dental care. Have you ever seen a top executive or any other person in a high paying job with bad teeth? It is worth the expense....it is a gift we can't not afford to give our children.

Hi S., My name is A.. I have 6 kids. Here in Idaho there are clinics that have a sliding fee scale for different incomes and once in a while the newspapers runs ads for clinics to fix kids teeth. Sorry I couldn't be of more help for I don't live in Nevada But may be I gave you some ideas.

Hi S. I am also new to Mamasource I love it. I do have to same problem as you My son is a 11 and he needs braces we can't afford braces. they cost 4,000.00 there is no way we can pay that but steven needs braces bad what do I do? Our dental care is also so expensive. I am married and have a 11yr old we live in Nebraska

Try the School of Dewntal Medicine at UNLV. Here is the link with there phone number:
http://dentalschool.unlv.edu/clinicsAbout.html

There is a health clinic in Reno called the "HAWK" clinic, sorry I don't have time to look it up for you, but see if you can't find it. Best of luck to you.

Another reason why it is important to brush-even if they don't like it!! Luckily, most of his teeth he will probably lose if he hasn't already. I would get him in to the dentist ASAP. Explain your situation. Most will take payments. Better than him having horrible teeth in those important years!
Good luck!

S.--see if you can find a dentist that will work with your situation. A truly compassionate dentist will care more about your child's future teeth than his financial gain! See what the minimum you need to do is and find a dentist who will take payments and help you get on the right road to keep his up and coming permanent teeth from suffering the same fate.

Good luck!