Just a point to ponder (DIY and a Orthosurgeon)

[Argeo]

Last week when I was getting four wisdom teeth out (Novacaine, not anethesia) I thought gee, I bet a lot of guys on Pelican could have done this for me and saved me a grand or so. Basically grab the tooth with a pair of pliers and start twisting until it pops out. If it breaks, get out the grinder as was in my case and get out the rest. Well as time went by, I starting thinking my idea was crazy. That was until this morning. I went today to get my stitches out and while I am waiting for the doctor, I pick up a brochure on replacement teeth. Basically, drill a hole into the jaw bone, screw a post into the hole and apply tooth.

Any of you guys looking for side work? Probably get a GT2 in no time.

[kpfoten]

Step into my office...

We use Lidocaine or something similar now... Novocaine hasn't been used since the 50's. (and it's a local anesthesia)

Most oral sturgeons could probably get away with driving a GT2. There's an attitude amongst the general public that looks unfavorably upon a dentist driving such a car (in my opinion) as they're more apt to go to somebody who doesn't throw their money around as much... (depending on what area you're practicing in...) Thus lies a problem with being a Pelicanhead....

That's why I drive mine only on moonless nights...

(hope this isn't too off-topic)

[Hetmann]

I have never met a tooth carpenter who wasn't a little guilt ridden by their fabulous income. Mine seems to be on vacation about half the time, plays golf the rest. How do you do it???

[yelcab1]

Originally posted by Hetmann
I have never met a tooth carpenter who wasn't a little guilt ridden by their fabulous income. Mine seems to be on vacation about half the time, plays golf the rest. How do you do it???

$1000 for a root canal, that is how.

[Argeo]

My Oral surgeon must just say novacaine as not to confuse the patient. It was approx. 10 shots in my mouth. I was only the 4th person in his 35 years to not go under. He tried to talk me out it a few times but I guess I am too stubborn. Not sure why not used more often in his case, it was totally painless and sort of interesting. I guess it is easier for him if the patient is just out cold.

Interesting about the GT2 and dentist thing. Not sure I agree. I have no idea what my dentist drives. He parks away from where I can see his car. Though if he did drive a GT2, I would probably think "hey that guy must do good work to afford a car like that".

Anyways, good luck with your practice. I was just kidding about the whole thing but I wouldn't be surprised if a few guys here had the skilled hands to do that type work. Me, no way. I would probably drill right out through the the skin of the chin.

Take care.

[B D]

My wifes old dentist, who was only say 32 picked up a 360 Modena in Italy last year. At that point she finaly agreed he over charges and doesn't see that swindler anymore.

[RickM]

I think quite a bit of permanent nerve damage can occur when removing the bottom wisdom teeth....I don't think it's a "no-brainer". At least that's what I recall my wife telling me.

[Argeo]

Hey, with all that training they deserve what they get. They give up a lot to be successful. Then you have to add in they are pating their own insurances (medical, malpractice etc.) and they also have to fund their own retirement.

[Chuck Moreland]

Drill a hole and screw in a post. Doesn't sound too hard.

But if you are going to DIY, you need to fix your own teeth. Use a mirror.

[Argeo]

Up around Boston, carpenters are charging $600 cash for a days labor. Now that is corrupt. Geez, A Rod, $25 mil a year. Everything is warped. Social workers get like $20k a year without the prestige and power also.

[roGERK]

My Uncle is a dentist here in the UK.

He's proud of the fact he's NEVER done a five day working week in his life, and lives out in the countryside where he can be fishing (his hobby) in a few minutes...

Having said that, I did glace through his old text-books and lecture notes one day and it seems errrrrrrr complicated, to say the least...

There again, Porsche MFI isn't exactly simple.

- roGER

[dickster]

they earn shed loads in london - i know of a couple that plead poverty, but its all relative!

my dentist splashes plenty of cash on cars including porsches, but it dont mean he's a good dentist, just a good businessman.

wouldnt do it though, the profession has one of the highest rates of depression........they think knowone likes 'em. ged ouda here.

[MrKJBlue]

the profession has one of the highest rates of depression........

Well mine allways looks down in the mouth....

[CHILI]

Ny dentist drives a longnose 911 that he bought new! Hell yea! I think it's about a 69. He's been my dentist since I've had teeth. Actually, he's been my mom's dentist since she was in her early 20's, so he's gettin' up there these days. He mostly drives another car he ownes. A 89 Acura Legand. But, still you gotta give it up for the long-nose that he's had for sooooooo many years. Total stocker. One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Ohh, and yes he plays golf. His son is a semi pro.

[TerryBPP]

I watched my father pull a guys molar out with a pair of pliers. It took about 3 tries and there was a ton of blood. To a pretty site.

[s_wilwerding]

My father's a dentist, though not full time (he also teaches at Creighton University's Dental School). He does make good money from his practice, but I wouldn't switch places with him. He is literally on his feet the entire day, working on people who don't want to be there and who are scared of him. Also, I'm not too wild about the idea of sticking my hands in people's mouths. As far as I'm concerned, dentists earn the money they make.

[CHILI]

Originally posted by s_wilwerding
My father's a dentist, though not full time (he also teaches at Creighton University's Dental School). He does make good money from his practice, but I wouldn't switch places with him. He is literally on his feet the entire day, working on people who don't want to be there and who are scared of him. Also, I'm not too wild about the idea of sticking my hands in people's mouths. As far as I'm concerned, dentists earn the money they make.

I read some years back, that dentists have the highest suicide rate of any profession, because of that very reason. They feel that nobody likes them and all they do is inflict pain on others. Not good for the psychie.

[89911]

Hey, I'm sitting in my Dental office checking out the Pelican and I come across this post. Priceless. I actually think working on some parts of a 911 (left bottom hood shock) rival anything I've done is someones mouth. Dentistry isn't for everyone. Most people don't want to see you, they don't want to have works thats needed done, and on top of it, don't want to pay you. (I could buy a nice GT3 with my outstanding collections!) Beyond that, its great.

[89911]

Originally posted by 89911
Hey, I'm sitting in my Dental office checking out the Pelican and I come across this post. Priceless. I actually think working on some parts of a 911 (left bottom hood shock) rival anything I've done is someones mouth. Dentistry isn't for everyone. Most people don't want to see you, they don't want to have works thats needed done, and on top of it, don't want to pay you. (I could buy a nice GT3 with my outstanding collections!) Beyond that, its great.

Michael Herock, DMD
Class of 1987, University of Pittsburgh.

[RickM]

Regarding the screw in post (Implant): I had one done. My female dentist used a drill that looked suspiciously like one in my tool box to drill a hole in my jaw bone. She then went on to screw the stainless post into the bone using a ratchet that looked suspiciously like one in my tool box. I heard a couple of cracks as she struggled to torque this torture device down into my mouth...talk about a sinking feeling.

The next day I was fine...."That procedure wasn't so bad" I bragged. Heh heh, the second day after....I felt like someone smacked my jaw with a sledge hammer. Percocets for 4 days to help me live.

Woof, that sucked.