topic Re: Dental Practices Today in Community Chat

Dental Practices Today

KathyPet — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:00:58 GMT

Am I the only one who somehow feels that dentists today are primarily interested in getting you to,spend as much money as possible with them to the point where they are getting really pushy. The last two times I have been into my dentist for a cleaning and check up I have been told that one of my molars is showing decay and needs to come out and be replaced with a crown. I have had no problem with the tooth and while I understand that the tooth could "give way" at any time I would prefer to stave off this procedure. At both visits I told the dentist I appreciated the diagnosis and would seriously consider it. Today I got a call from their office wanting to know if I was ready to schedule the removal. say what??? What amuses me is that they do not send me any reminders or call when I need just a cleaning and check up. I have to remember that on my own but when it comes to the big buck procedures they are quick to follow up. This makes me wonder how much I really need to have this work,done and how much they need the income.

Re: Dental Practices Today

Cakers1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:05:12 GMT

Kathypet: No, my dentist doesn't push for any procedure. His rates are reasonable, too, compared to others in my area. Clean rooms and the only complaint I have is that I usually don't get the same hygienist; most of his are interns from dental school. But that's ok, really - they need the practice.

Sorry yours does that; maybe you need to shop around.

Re: Dental Practices Today

vermint — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:10:49 GMT

I agree, KathyPet! I've been going to the same practice for more than 30 years, but my original dentist retired a few years ago due to poor health. Very rarely did I have to have anything done other than cleaning/x-rays...2-3 crowns over 30 years. Same with my husband. Now, Every.Single.Time we go in for a cleaning one of us is advised to come back for something else.

Some of this is probably due to the fact that we are older, but every time?

Re: Dental Practices Today

kdgn — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:12:34 GMT

My dentist, who I just saw for a routine cleaning, is in a single doctor office. I don't get any pressure for anything to be done. This last visit showed I need some work done on a permanent bridge. He told me what needed to be done and why and the appointment is scheduled. He also told me there is a filling that needs to be watched. I asked if it was time to replace it now and he said no, he'll look at it again in 6 months at my next cleaning. He explained what it was doing, why that indicated replacing it but it's not at the top of the "to do" list.

He also gave me my options on what may be a failing root canal. Again, no pressure, we're taking a wait and see attitude. If I decide to have the root canal done over I will be sent to an oral surgeon. If I decide to have the tooth pulled, he'll do it. The decision is mine and he went over the potential consequences of pulling the tooth.

We both get the postcards reminding us it's time for the dental cleaning and it's sent out a month in advance. We get a call the day before reminding us of the appointment time.

I like my dentist and his staff. Small office, good service.

Re: Dental Practices Today

Cakers1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:19:04 GMT

On 9/11/2014 kdgn said:
My dentist, who I just saw for a routine cleaning, is in a single doctor office.

I like my dentist and his staff. Small office, good service.

I think this could be an issue - some of those larger offices have so much office staff let alone so many hygienists/assistants - no wonder they push - the paychecks alone must cut deep into profit.

But there will always be some dentists out for mucho dinero.

Re: Dental Practices Today

FrostyBabe — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:21:41 GMT

My dentist is a single practioner, and they are certainly pushing cosmetic procedures. It got to the point where when they told me I need to fill out paperwork to update my file, it was all about which cosmetic procedures you'd be interested in. I gave it back to the receptionist blank and said I have no interest in cosmetic dentistry and if that's the way the practice is going, I appreciated knowing so that I could find a different dentist. They backpedaled quickly, but still try to get me to do all kinds of unnecessary things when I go in for cleanings. I don't have dental insurance (private policies are very expensive and don't provide much in the way of coverage) and I think they see me as a source of revenue. I did let them know how I felt and said I would only agree to procedures that insurance would cover (as in once every 5-7 years for full mouth x-rays, not every year). They still push and I still say no. If it weren't for the great hygenist that I see, I would definitely look for a different dentist.

Re: Dental Practices Today

gazelle77 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:32:50 GMT

I totally GET what you are saying. Everytime I go to the dentist there is something that they point out needing attention. Now I have 59 year old teeth, and yes, I do have issues to be addressed... but I also need to watch my bank account and just can not afford to fix everything right NOW.

I just crowned two teeth with old mercury fillings... they had cracks in them like you were talking about and with my upcoming surgery on my hip, I wanted it taken care of before surgery. I have one more molar left with a mercury filling that needs a crown( will fix later). The two teeth I crowned cost me out of pocket WITH GOOD INSURANCE-- $1200.

I take extra good care of my teeth, but, still have recession, and my teeth are not perfect white. I would love to have a movie star smile,( I do not) but, really, at this point in my life, I just want to have healthy teeth, that do not hurt. IF I could afford to have $50,000 worth of restoration and have a movie star smile, I would do it gladly. But until that happens, I just try to keep up with my teeth, fix them as I need to and can afford to. They are not movie star beautiful... it seems that is what the dentist now strive for with their patients. Crowns are not a perfect fix either.... you get decay UNDER crowns usually which down the road leads to the nerve dying and a root canal. As they are now pushing implants at $5000 a tooth... it is just so out of touch with reality to the average consumer. So, it just basically NEVER ENDS.

Re: Dental Practices Today

straykatz — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:38:51 GMT

I get what the OP is saying....everytime I go to the dentist it's no longer just a routine cleaning checkup....but they want to do xrays multiple times per year because the insurance will pay for them....that annoys me beyond words....I don't care if they will pay for 12 xrays per year....1 time per year is sufficient and IMO my mouth/throat/thyroid/etc. does not need multiple exposures per year to radiation just because the insurance is willing to pay for them!!

Re: Dental Practices Today

gazelle77 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:47:22 GMT

On 9/11/2014 straykatz said:
I get what the OP is saying....everytime I go to the dentist it's no longer just a routine cleaning checkup....but they want to do xrays multiple times per year because the insurance will pay for them....that annoys me beyond words....I don't care if they will pay for 12 xrays per year....1 time per year is sufficient and IMO my mouth/throat/thyroid/etc. does not need multiple exposures per year to radiation just because the insurance is willing to pay for them!!

Yes-- x rays and fluoride treatment are pushed!!!!

Re: Dental Practices Today

OnlyShopsOnline — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:02:59 GMT

On 9/11/2014 straykatz said:
I get what the OP is saying....everytime I go to the dentist it's no longer just a routine cleaning checkup....but they want to do xrays multiple times per year because the insurance will pay for them....that annoys me beyond words....I don't care if they will pay for 12 xrays per year....1 time per year is sufficient and IMO my mouth/throat/thyroid/etc. does not need multiple exposures per year to radiation just because the insurance is willing to pay for them!!

Exactly! The x-rays seem to be a big thing. I think it is because the new digital x-ray equipment is so expensive.

I recently changed dentists because of this. The last time I went to my previous dentist, I had a new hygienist who was brutalizing my gums trying to insert the digital x-ray apparatus. I finally told her to stop and not do any x-rays.

After my cleaning, the dentist came in and did his usual cursory exam and then started palpating my throat. He said I had swelling in my throat and should see my doctor. I questioned him, but couldn't get a straight answer from him.

I have thyroid disease and had just been to my endocrinologist the day before. I called my endo and he asked me "why he was touching my neck." However, I was concerned so he told me to make an appointment with my ENT doc. Of course, my ENT doc couldn't find any abnormalities. This dentist was being spiteful because I wouldn't allow the x-rays.

We know one other person that used to go to this dentist. And, he said he had a similar experience when he declined the x-rays.

I see a periodontist twice a year, and a regular dentist twice a year. I love my periodontist. And, even though he could really try to make a lot of money off of his patients, he is very conservative. However, it's really hard to find a good general dentist. And, I'm not too crazy about the new one I saw a few weeks ago either.

Re: Dental Practices Today

moonstone dunes — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:04:29 GMT

It happens to me too and I have seeing my dentist for over 20 years. They want me to shell out for ZOOM whitening, bonding and crown replacements. There is a staff of pushy admins and they want their money upfront the day you have the visit. My dentist has expanded his building space - big $$$ - for his son's practice, takes his extensive staff on ski trips and hiking excursions. sponsors concerts and free dental care days (which is great, lots of folks never go to the dentist.) but who pays? hmmmm

Re: Dental Practices Today

straykatz — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:10:01 GMT

I refuse to have xrays more than 1 time per year so it's now in my dental records and I signed some paper stating I only want then 1 time per year....so they don't push th exrays anymore...but then there's also the cancer screening and fluride treatments they push....I just think so much of the expensive health care including dental care in this country is because of insurance companies approving/paying for unnecessary procedures.

Re: Dental Practices Today

gazelle77 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:12:04 GMT

On 9/11/2014 only shops online said:
On 9/11/2014 straykatz said:
I get what the OP is saying....everytime I go to the dentist it's no longer just a routine cleaning checkup....but they want to do xrays multiple times per year because the insurance will pay for them....that annoys me beyond words....I don't care if they will pay for 12 xrays per year....1 time per year is sufficient and IMO my mouth/throat/thyroid/etc. does not need multiple exposures per year to radiation just because the insurance is willing to pay for them!!

Exactly! The x-rays seem to be a big thing. I think it is because the new digital x-ray equipment is so expensive.

I recently changed dentists because of this. The last time I went to my previous dentist, I had a new hygienist who was brutalizing my gums trying to insert the digital x-ray apparatus. I finally told her to stop and not do any x-rays.

After my cleaning, the dentist came in and did his usual cursory exam and then started palpating my throat. He said I had swelling in my throat and should see my doctor. I questioned him, but couldn't get a straight answer from him.

I have thyroid disease and had just been to my endocrinologist the day before. I called my endo and he asked me "why he was touching my neck." However, I was concerned so he told me to make an appointment with my ENT doc. Of course, my ENT doc couldn't find any abnormalities. This dentist was being spiteful because I wouldn't allow the x-rays.

We know one other person that used to go to this dentist. And, he said he had a similar experience when he declined the x-rays.

I see a periodontist twice a year, and a regular dentist twice a year. I love my periodontist. And, even though he could really try to make a lot of money off of his patients, he is very conservative. However, it's really hard to find a good general dentist. And, I'm not too crazy about the new one I saw a few weeks ago either.

OMG! YES!! I declined Xrays one visit... I do think they push them, I am not against them but do not need excessive Xrays like they want to do.( totally paid 100% by insurance) and the hygienist fellow who was new said back to me:

"FINE, IF YOU DO NOT CARE IF YOUR TEETH FALL OUT" and then he told me I would have to SIGN A WAIVER stating I refused Xrays..... I told HIM I would not sign anything.

I was very upset at this comment and I told them at the front desk about it. Next time I went there I asked not to have him(Bradley... I remember his name fondly) be my hhygienist.. they said he was no longer working there... you have to stick up for yourself and not worry what they think about you.

Re: Dental Practices Today

patbz — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:19:48 GMT

DH and I go to same dental practice 2-4 times per year (he needs deep cleanings). Even though I am 70 I seldom have any teeth issues ( 1 crown and 2 fillings in over 5 yrs) because I am blessed with great teeth. The only major thing I ever had done, other than wisdom teeth was replacing amalgam fillings with gold 25 yrs ago. DH is finishing up $ 22,000 worth of implants and a bridge. This work included bone grafts, sinus lifts and 5 implants. He has always had periodontal issues, wore braces as a child etc. BTW he is 63. We like our dentist very well and think the difference between us is genetics, not a dentist's greed.

Re: Dental Practices Today

kdgn — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:21:51 GMT

I am even more grateful for my dentist and his practices after reading some of these responses. I have never had unnecessary x-rays and my insurance covers them. I do not get yearly x-rays: he has never pushed them. If I get x-rays it's done for a reason OR because it's been so many years since I last had routine ones.

I have excellent insurance, I pay no out of pocket expenses unless I go over the cap. He works with me on that one too. A few years ago he started a procedure in December and suggested finishing it up in January so that I wouldn't get hit with an $800 bill.

Palpitating the neck is done by many dentists as part of the oral cancer prevention checkup. It's not the dentist doing something that he will profit from-he will recommend that you see your own doctor if he suspects something out of his area of expertise.

Re: Dental Practices Today

scotttie — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:27:56 GMT

A minor point. They don't remove your tooth OP to do a crown.

Also, something is definitely wrong here if they are calling you at home and bugging you to have this procedure. I'd get a new dentist.

Re: Dental Practices Today

LilacTree — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:30:39 GMT

I had a dentist for nearly thirty years. We were both young when I started seeing him. All of my dental work was done by him. At first he would put me on a payment plan and I would pay him monthly, which always lasted beyond the work being finished and I always paid in full. That happened several times.

Suddenly he stopped that practice and said I had to pay in full up front before each procedure, and it was hard not to see the cost was much higher. I continued to go to him (as two of my daughters still do).

After the last procedure he performed on me, which was a lower bridge that I paid up front for, I remember getting a six month reminder for teeth cleaning which, sad to say I never followed up on because of my various disabilities making it very hard to drive to and from his office. (I can go to the dentist/doctors now because my kids drive me.)

Shortly after that, I received what I almost threw away because it looked like a WalMart four or five-page newspaper-sized advertisement. It was from my dentist, and all of the articles were about how dangerous it was to neglect one's teeth . . . even to the point that several of them discussed how death can ensue if one's teeth and gums are not healthy.

I'm not saying any of it was false (but certainly overly dramatized), but I couldn't believe he was sending out such a piece of trash to his patients. I angrily threw it away. About a month later I received another one just like it, all updated with new warnings. That's when I folded it up neatly in an 8-1/2 x 11 clasp envelope with a letter that I doubt his adoring staff ever let him see. I was furious that he would stoop to this level and told him so.

The dentist I am presently seeing (in fact today) is just to get the work done. He seems capable, and because I belong to a discount dental plan now, I can just about afford it. However, I can't wait until it is over. I wouldn't expect him to treat me as though I was a 30-year patient. However, last time I went, he took the time to go out into the waiting room, find my daughter and exclaim to her how well I did, which was surprising and she thought he was very enthusiastic and liked him a lot. However, once this long period of work is done, I would not be surprised to get a lot of notifications from him either . . . although I hope it wouldn't look like a BB store advertisement with dire warnings in it.

Re: Dental Practices Today

Shorty2U — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:49:45 GMT

I go to an older country dentist. He's wonderful. I have a beautiful smile after 2 years of dental work, requested by me, and thanks to him!

Re: Dental Practices Today

missy1 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:59:01 GMT

Mine doesn't................ because I don't have insurance.

Re: Dental Practices Today

colliemom4 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:16:16 GMT

I totally agree with what you are saying. There was a thread about this on Beauty Banter a few months ago and hundreds of people responded about their experiences.