The Root Canal Scam

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46114848/ns/health-health_care/t/dentist-admits-using-paper-clips-root-canals/from/toolbar

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A former dentist in Massachusetts has pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud for using paper clips instead of stainless steel posts in root canals.
Michael Clair is scheduled to be sentenced next Monday after pleading guilty last week in New Bedford Superior Court to a variety of charges, including defrauding Medicaid of $130,000 assault and battery, illegally prescribing prescription drugs and witness intimidation.
Prosecutors say the 53-year-old Clair was suspended by Medicaid in 2002, but continued to file claims from August 2003 to June 2005 by using the names of other dentists in his Fall River practice.
Authorities say instead of stainless steel posts for root canals, he used sections of paper clips — which can cause pain and even infection — in an effort to save money.

An amusing story of particular interest to me because I have a tooth ache and I'm pretty sure I am in for another root canal and crown. I have lost count how many I have had already.
I bet the dentist in question was a Romney supporter to boot.

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Originally Posted by Humbert

Authorities say instead of stainless steel posts for root canals, he used sections of paper clips — which can cause pain and even infection — in an effort to save money.

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Yikes!

^Some of your posts are akin to root canal treatment:)

he sounds like he is using the steel for the crowns not the the root canal
I think that's filled with some kind of rubber.
...
I bet the thick journalists was a Obama supporter to boot

I got one that been already been root canaled hurting at the moment too , it's seems to be a bit hit and miss digging the root out .

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Originally Posted by blue

he sounds like he is using the steel for the crowns not the the root canal I think that's filled with some kind of rubber.

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I always thought they used a metal stem to mount the crown on.

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Originally Posted by Fukwit

^Some of your posts are akin to root canal treatment:)

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I can send you a bill if you like?

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Originally Posted by Humbert

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blue

he sounds like he is using the steel for the crowns not the the root canal I think that's filled with some kind of rubber.

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I always thought they used a metal stem to mount the crown on.

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Yeah, thats what I think - and having it done now. had the "root canal bit" (the digging all the stuff out, disinfecting and packing the hole with stuff) next is the "pin and crown".

^

correct.

lets hope no Thai dentists have read the story and learnt how to reduce their costs while staring at their supply of paper clips.

Post retained crowns are hardly used anymore by dentists in the know due to their high failure rate.

I had a root canal done last night. Nasty business and it really hurts after the novacain wears off. 5500 baht for the root canal and 8500 baht for the crown. A little more expensive than last time but a fraction of the cost back home.

^ how much for the paperclip, err, pin?