Ok, I haven't been around in over a year but my problems are not over... last year I sank almost $5000 into my mouth and now I've got an estimate for $3000 for several small cavities and two crowns. I have a couple questions...

First off, how bad would it be if I had a molar (lower left, last molar) extracted instead of crowned to save $$? I had it root canaled last year and it has started to bother me a little (and appears very worn down), so I am sort of wary of crowning it anyway...

Second, I have between 7-9 small cavities, and the dentist recommended I shouldn't have the tray whitening done on my teeth, b/c it uses a weak acid and that would make the cavities worse. Anyone heard of this? I want my teeth whitened badly, and was supposed to get it free if I came in to have a cleaning and xrays done, which I did. Is he just trying to get out of the free whitening? He said I could do the Brite Smile Whitening, but that would cost me $500, which I'm not about to spend. Also, if it's ok to do, has anyone purchased a professional whitening system from somewhere other than a dentist office (on Ebay or something)? And if so, how did that go? My final option would be the Crest Whitestrips or something similar- any good/bad experiences with that?

Thanks so much!
Jules

I buy whitening products from online (I am not going to post the website here, but you can find a lot using a search engine) and it's the same stuff that you get from dentist (Nite White Excel, Opalescence, etc) at lower prices (about $8/syringe)

Your concern should be the tray. I find that the tray does make a difference. Maybe someone can describe their experience with the bite & boil method, but a dentist can make you a much better tray. It may be worth buying one of those OTC whiteners just for their trays, then order some good whitener....

I have never heard the issue with cavities and whiteners. Besides, I don't think carbamide peroxide is an acid, but it's been too long since my chemistry classes. I think some add citric acid, but hey, as long as you can eat an orange you should be ok. I'd be more concerened with the state of your gums, since whitening products can irritate your gums.

Two hints about buying whitening products from online:

1. Don't buy from Ebay. You don't want someone's leftovers, you don't know how older they are or how they were stored.

2. Ask the seller how old the product is, and how it was stored. It keeps pretty long in the fridge (a year, I have been told) but that's assuming that you start with fresh product.

My gums are in good shape from what I've been told, so I'm gonna go for it unless I hear otherwise. Thanks for the advice! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Jules-

I strongly suggest that you reconsider. Do a search for cavities and tooth whitening and read up on the risks you will be taking. Cavities may allow the bleaching solution to reach the roots of your teeth causing painful, irreversible nerve death. The only way to treat this will be root canal. Last time I had one it cost me $1200 for the root canal and $800 for the crown. The fillings could very possibly turn out to be the cheaper option.

Just something to consider...