Hello Dr. Mike & Brian,

I wanted to get back to you on Ken's second appt. with this new dentist who said he had gum disease. She took x-rays and said he has gingivitis & periodontal disease (not even mentioned by his previous dentist). She has referred him to a periodontist. So his bridge is "on hold" for now.

He is now doing the floride treatments every night as he wasn't before as he said everything he used burned his tongue to much. He was given "Oral-B" NeutraCare for the trays and an MI paste which takes away any burning sensation. We get this through the dentist and it's all quite expensive. They also gave him a special toothpaste which doesn't burn as much as others. It is called ControlRx-Multi (1.1% Sodium Flouride) prescription toothpaste (also expensive). I'm wondering if there isn't something as good on the market that is less expensive. It's $15 for a small tube (2oz).

Also, in my previous post, I had talked about a new "night guard appliance" for dry mouth which delivers water to your mouth through a small plastic dental applicance. The rate of water is measured in drops per minute & can be adjusted for each patient. Moisture is delivered to your mouth all night. This system was developed by an oral/maxillofacial surgeon here in IL. I don't think we will be getting it though as the cost is $2,000!! Don't ask me why it's so expensive! If you would like the name of the dentist here who developed it, I can give you that info. in case you would like more information on it. Now if it were covered by dental insurance, we wouldn't hesitate to get it!

So Ken's next step is to see the periodontist.

Ken's wife