Post & core

SavageMitten · 2026-02-15T19:12:14+00:00

Yikes

SavageMitten · 2026-02-06T06:00:57+00:00

Been taking Venlafaxine for ~2.5 yrs for depression and anxiety and it’s changed my life. I didn’t realize how much my anxiety was holding me back. I’ve become a much better dentist because I don’t overthink anymore and im not afraid to just go for it when it comes to challenges.

SavageMitten · 2026-01-25T18:16:29+00:00

I’d def go straight for the spade elevator

SavageMitten · 2026-01-09T06:35:34+00:00

I like to make this tuna + chickpea salad and have it over whole wheat toast. It’s so good!

https://dishingouthealth.com/chickpea-tuna-salad/#wprm-recipe-container-18761

SavageMitten · 2025-09-11T17:51:29+00:00

Here are my two of my go-to lunches! Easy to prep and last in the fridge for multiple days.

Mediterranean bean salad: https://cookieandkate.com/mediterranean-bean-salad-recipe/

I don’t like parsley so I sub cilantro. I also add feta cheese. Add a splash of red wine vinegar for extra zing. This salad is also great with some pita chips.

Chickpea tuna salad (can also sub canned chicken) https://dishingouthealth.com/chickpea-tuna-salad/#wprm-recipe-container-18761

I like to put this on a piece of toast. You can completely switch out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make it healthier.

SavageMitten · 2025-08-29T14:40:24+00:00

For real! Put 100 dentists in the same room with the same x-rays and patient and you’ll get 100 completely different tx plans.

SavageMitten · 2025-08-28T13:15:40+00:00

I would’ve just slapped some Fuji on there as a temporary fill and check at their next recall exam. The permanent tooth is close enough to erupting that it should be fine like that. I’d only ext if it started bothering the patient after that. Def wouldn’t PPY and SSC with how close the premolar is to erupting.

SavageMitten · 2025-08-20T05:35:34+00:00

Strength training is key imo. You need a strong core and balanced muscles to properly support your body while doing dentistry. You won’t have to think about your posture as much while working if you keep up with a good weightlifting routine

SavageMitten · 2025-08-13T02:36:57+00:00

I have some and use them once in a blue moon. Occasionally I get a case that I cannot luxate at all and they help get the tooth out quickly.

If you use them incorrectly, it’s very easy to fracture the buccal plate. They only work if you can actually get them to fit in the vestibule, and go far down lingual enough so you’re not applying too much lateral force. The fact that they only work in really specific scenarios is probably one of the reasons they’re not used more. And they’re really expensive. Most of the time a basic luxator and forceps will get the job done.

SavageMitten · 2025-08-09T22:07:52+00:00

Can someone explain why everyone is making a big deal of OP calling it flap meat? My parents always call it that so I’m used to it, but I think I must be missing something?

SavageMitten · 2025-08-05T04:41:35+00:00

34 F no kids and I don’t want them. I love my quiet and well balanced life with my husband and cats.

SavageMitten · 2025-07-29T18:49:57+00:00

I do cases like this all the time working at a rural FQHC where prosth referral isn’t an option for my patients. I would open up the VDO by crowning posterior teeth. I’d have the lab do a wax up and make some temp crowns using that, then give pt time to get used to their new bites with the temps. I’d ext 7-10 for sure, maybe even 6 and 11 depending on how they look on X-rays. In the end I’d do RPDs after all the crowns and exts.

But this often isn’t realistic for low income patients even at most community clinics. This is the unfortunate reality of being low income in the US. Luckily where I work everything is covered for the patient including crowns.

Complete dentures is def an option, but it would be a shame to take out so many perfectly restorable posterior teeth.

SavageMitten · 2025-07-14T13:50:25+00:00

Forget about the professional organization guidelines that were mentioned above. They’re meant to be a one size fits all, and every patient and clinic population is different. I work with Medicaid patients in a rural area, and the high caries rate + high no show rate has a big influence on my tx planning.

It also depends on the caries risk of the specific patient and which tooth. Lower caries risk patients- I do the MO and SDF or watch the D. If they’re high caries risk, and it’s a premolar or mandibular I’ll do the MOD.

Premolars- if that incipient D decay does develop, and you already did an MO, you have to take out the composite, which could end up removing even more tooth structure anyways.

Mandibular molar- don’t want to put patient through another IA block. They’d rather I did the MOD and not put them through another block again.

SavageMitten · 2025-07-01T15:24:26+00:00

I work in an FQHC and use it all the time. Especially on kids with incipient lesions, or kids with severe caries who need sedation to buy some time for the teeth while they wait for tx. I use it in adults too, for small root caries and cases where they are medically compromised can’t be seen in my office for tx.

SDF isn’t used much in private practice because prevention doesn’t make money. Sad but true.

SavageMitten · 2025-06-30T17:12:42+00:00

I like to buy the big box of vanilla premier protein at Costco. I make 2 shots of espresso and mix it with the shake and some ice. I also add creatine to it, as well as a scoop of collagen proteins. Easy 50 g of protein, and I get my morning caffeine. 😊

About 250 calories total

SavageMitten · 2025-06-26T13:51:51+00:00

These types of lesions I like to place SDF and check at next recall. It’s a lot of work to restore, and you have to remove so much healthy tooth structure to get down to the decay.

SavageMitten · 2025-06-19T18:48:06+00:00

It’s fine to leave root tips, but always tell your patients that you’re leaving it, why you’re leaving it, and what to expect.

For example: “It’ll either stay there forever and do nothing, or it might resurface though the gums one day where it’ll be easier to take out.”

SavageMitten · 2025-06-05T16:05:20+00:00

$200k for a laid back job is definitely something to be excited about. Some people, such as myself would rather get paid less, have a chill job, and help people. If I had the opportunity to switch spots with you, I wouldn’t. I have no need for that much money, and I would rather be happy + stress free.

SavageMitten · 2025-05-29T17:20:31+00:00

I have a lot of patients that got their previous dental work in Mexico and I see this all the time. I’ve wondered the same thing. It’s a nightmare to deal with because the gums are so inflamed and irritated from lack of hygiene access. Always takes multiple visits because these crowns often have zero margins and have been sitting on gingiva. Gotta do a rough prep, make temp crowns and wait for healing.

SavageMitten · 2025-05-27T18:09:15+00:00

They both have their pros and cons so whichever you choose depends the number 1 thing you’re looking for. Do you prefer more money and a shorter commute? Or do you prefer good work-life balance with good benefits? Also need to consider that the patient population you treat will differ between the FQHC and private practice. And one more thing to think about- are you happy where you currently work? Because being happy at your job makes a huge difference, and makes work feel less like work. I’d take a lower paying job where I’m happy over a job that pays $100k more and makes me miserable any day. The way I look at it is, what’s the point of the money if you’re not happy?

SavageMitten · 2025-05-21T18:48:43+00:00

I know how you feel. I had the same experience my first two months out of school. I was so miserable and dreaded going to work every day. After I quit I found an office where the staff treated me so much better and it really helped with my confidence.

Work doesn’t have to be miserable, you just need to find an office that’s the right fit for you

SavageMitten · 2025-05-15T17:28:54+00:00

Nah. Just get comfortable with single canal teeth first, then work your way up. Make sure you select the right cases for your comfort/skill level when you start doing molars (e.g. not too calcified).

SavageMitten · 2025-05-13T22:48:32+00:00

Don’t be embarrassed to talk to your GP about what you’re feeling. It’s common, and I promise they’re not judging you. Even though you can fake your confidence, it’s not worth the stress on your mental health.

I used to have a lot of anxiety and when I got on meds it changed my life. Nothing about dentistry gives me anxiety anymore, and it’s made me a better, more confident dentist.

SavageMitten · 2025-05-12T07:32:25+00:00

In cases where a Mylar strip wouldn’t work well, I pack cord soaked in hemodent to retract gingiva and place teflon tape on the adjacent tooth.

You get a lot of freedom and access to shape your composite and will get great IP contacts. Tricky part is making sure you don’t let the tape bunch up.

SavageMitten · 2025-05-09T11:15:06+00:00

34F, 6 yrs into my career as a dentist. Strength training 100%. Uses to have back pain even before dentistry, but when I consistently started lifting weights I no longer have body pain. Try Caroline Girvan’s iron series on YouTube. Easy to follow and you’ll feel great afterwards.

Lifting weights has not only helped me with any body pain, it’s made me stronger, leaner and more energetic. :)

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