Today we are faced with insane gas prices, ever increasing grocery prices, political promises that may be little more than pipe dreams, and....oh.....that biggest question of questions: CAN I AFFORD TO GO TO THE DENTIST?? Honestly, let me put this question to rest: I don't know what you can afford! But I do know that especially today Dentistry is an excellent value. Why? Well, let's assume you have dental insurance. Do you think that the fee paid by your insurance company to your dentist increases with the cost of gas or groceries? NO!  Do your dental copayments increase in the same way? NO! So while you may choose to cut back on far away vacations or extra grocery items, rest assured that what you pay for dental treatment will change very little. Now let's get to the real topic here.....

Ten years ago, "Reader's Digest" published an article questioning the honesty of the dental profession. This story, on page 50 of the February 1997 issue, reported what it called, "disturbing news about the dental profession." The author traveled 50,000 miles across America receiving 50 independent dental examinations. What he found very disturbing was the incredible variation in recommended treatment from different dentists. He was told he needed minimal treatment by some, moderate treatment by others, and $19,402.00 worth by still another!

As a health care professional, I am happy to see media exposing what I consider to be the worst type of dental fraud: overtreatment. As is hinted in the article, overtreatment is extremely difficult to pinpoint. Why? Simply put, there are many different, yet acceptable ways to treat a given patient. For example, let us suppose that you have a mouthful of very healthy, but permanently stained teeth. A general dentist may recommend a cleaning and a home bleaching kit to lighten the stained teeth. This treatment might cost, let's say $345.00. A prosthodontist (dental specialist dealing with crowns, bridges, dentures and difficult cases related to them) may recommend porcelain caps costing $10,000.00 for you. These porcelain caps would also take care of your difficulty with stained teeth. Who is to say which dentist made the correct diagnosis? Both treatment recommendations appear quite acceptable to me.

Personally, I feel that a health professional should first provide the necessary treatment to establish health and proper function. After disease is arrested and function is restored, a pleasant appearance can be addressed.

I hope that together, you and your dentist can decide on a plan of action to solve your dental difficulties that is tailored to your individual needs. It is my practice philosophy to provide good conservative care. I  build my practice through the patient's understanding that I am doing what should  be done.

Cosmetic dentistry is rewarding for the patient and dentist. Silver and black fillings are transformed to their original pristine white! However, no one should insist that you have extensive and very costly cosmetic dentistry should you desire simply repairs and restoration of function.

There truly are more ways than one to fill a tooth! Let us suppose for just a moment that your dental examination reveals one simple cavity on a molar tooth. What can we do to remedy the situation? Right! A filling! But what is the proper material with which to fill the tooth? That's my problem, you say! After all, I'm the dentist! Did you know that we could fill your tooth with any one of many perfectly suitable substances? Silver (mercury containing) fillings are popular. Why? They are inexpensive, fairly durable and covered by almost all insurance plans. If you want acceptable fillings with little out-of-pocket expense, get silver-mercury fillings. Is the mercury in these fillings a health threat? You decide! The American Dental Association says "NO," but a number of dental professionals disagree and have stopped using silver fillings in their practices.

You should know that alternatives do exist and are superior to silver fillings in every way except initial cost. Two types of white fillings exist: resin (plastic) and porcelain.  Both resin and porcelain white fillings look very realistic, unlike silver fillings, which often appear "black". In fact, a white filling tooth often will appear  like it does not have a filling at all!  White fillings do cost a bit more than their silver counterparts, but their value is another matter.  

If you want the best, you want porcelain. The porcelain filling can be fabricated in the office in one visit at a cost of 2 to 3 times a regular filling rate.  The cost is higher, but the value is much higher. Porcelain fillings are the only fillings I will have placed in my mouth because they last longer, fit and look better than silver ones. But I will not insist that you have the best. It's your choice!

In summary, you have to decide who you trust. Dentistry is like all walks of life. As an informed patient, you are better equipped. Learn as much as you can about your own situation and explore all of the avenues of care available. Only then can an informed, reasonable plan of action be formulated. I'll leave you with the best advise I can give anyone. Brush after all meals and floss before bedtime!

Most Sincerely,
V. Steven Franz, DMD        02/02/07