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

Sorry I'm getting to your post so late.

It's not surprising to me that Ken's dentist that didn't stress the need for flouride for him also neglected to diagnose his periodontal disease. Good thing you made the switch. You seem to have found the right dentist as she is willing to wait to do the bridge until the periodontal disease is treated. This is the appropriate treatment plan.

For clarification purposes, there are abscesses that are related to the nerve (pulp) of the tooth dying, which are different than abscesses in the gums, due to periodontal disease.

I would be interesrted in finding out more about the device that you mentioned for delivering moisture to the mouth.

I wish Ken good luck with his treatment at the periodontist. Please keep us posted.

Jerry

Ken's Wife,

There is an OTC Biotene Sensitive tooth paste that I used during Treatment. It was best I found for not stinging much.

Post RT I have switched to Biotene Gel which stings a bit.

Hello Jerry,

Thanks for the info on the explanation of abscesses.

As far as the device goes, I don't have any more information than what I have already stated. If you would like the name of the surgeon who developed it, I can give that to you.

Don B,

He does also use the biotene dry mouth toothpaste.

Ken's wife

The name would be good and any other identifying information, if you have any.

Thanks.

Jerry

Yep, his name is Richard D. Isaacson, D.D.S. (dentistry-oral/maxillofacial surgery) and he works out of Lutheran General Hospital.

He has three office #'s as follows: 847/229-1300;
847/296-6100 and 847/675-6868.

Let me know if you contact him. Maybe I will too. I would like my husband to have this device but much to expensive!

Ken's wife

I have not heard about this device. That by no means suggests that it does not exist or does not work. I'll check my sources and see if I can get more information and get back to you.
Cheers,
Mike

Did I mention I'm from Illinois? This is the location of this particular dentist & hospital.

Thanks!

Ken's wife (Linda)

Thanks Linda. I wanted to ask your name in my last post to "Mrs. ken", but was afraid you might not see the smile on my face.

Lani