Had all my teeth (32) cleaned by dentist. Charged me $70 which I paid without complaining. This is my complaint: My wife also had her teeth cleaned by same dentist (Because she wears full and partial false teeth, she only has 6 real teeth which were the ones cleaned.) and the dentist charged us $70 for her cleaning. Reason: His schedule does not differentiate for number of teeth cleaned.
Was the Dentist's Bill Unreasonable?
Most dentists do not change the fee based on the number of teeth that a patient has.
Sorry, I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but honestly the only time that a difference in fee is made based on the number of teeth, is on a deep scaling, and then the fee (and a different code) is used for 3 or less teeth in a quadrant.
You could try and call around, but I have never seen a dentist change his fees for a cleaning based on how many teeth a patient charges. WHY??? Well, in all honestly, the over head cost for each patient really doesn't change depending on how many or how few teeth they have. The hygientist still opens a sterilized pouch of instruments, therefore they have to be resterilized, she still uses a prophy cup and a prophy angle to polish the teeth, she still has to go through the same disinfection protocal for the room she used regardless of how many teeth that she actually cleaned. I have actually seen patients will only a few teeth, have a dirtier mouth than someone with a full mouth of teeth, so usually they just have a single set fee for a cleaning.
Reply:They schedule X # of cleaning per time period. Your wife reserved a slot. So you are paying for that time slot.
Reply:Are you for real? Rhetorical. The price was MORE than reasonable. I usually pay upwards of $125.00 for cleaning and X-Rays. You are paying for the dentist's time, NOT THE NUMBER OF TEETH! Geesh!
Reply:you shoud come to the UK....$70!!!!!!!!! for a scale and polish...
Reply:You are paying for the appointment more then the work done. Unfortunately even though the dentist had a much easier job with the work he did on your wife, he still scheduled her for the same process as you.
Reply:Although its unfair, he's entitled to this. Dentists tend to set their charges to earn a set amount per hour, working from the amount of time it takes them to do the procedure, like a time basis system.
However, all the dentists I've worked for have halved their prices or worked out a more reasonable fee if they are only treating a localised area, e.g lower teeth only.
I've known patients to pay £45 for a cleaning, often up to £150 in London but I'm not sure how this translates into US dollars. I'm afraid I can't relay my own charges as I dont, I treat patients for free on the NHS as part of my course.
Reply:Not unreasonable at all. As a matter of fact, if you have no dental insurance and all you paid was $70 per cleaning, I think you got a great deal. When people make appointments for cleanings, they don't ask questions like - 'how many teeth do you have', or 'how dirty are your teeth'. Some people take a little time, some take a long time, the bill is the same.
Reply:Sounds right. When my husband was a general surgeon, he charged $75 for an office visit. It was $75 whether the patient was there for 5 minutes or 45 minutes.
As with many physicians, dentists mostly charge by the procedure done, not the amount of time it takes to perform it. Many have price lists that they have made up %26amp; that is what the receptionist goes by to charge patients.
Reply:He is right to charge for the same as full mouth person. Seen a barber giving a discount to people going bald?
Reply:Dentists rip off everyone. If you dont have insurance its worse. I wish I was only charged $70 to even walk in the door of a dentist office.
Reply:Dentists absolutely do NOT "rip off everyone."
They are trained professionals who charge for helping patients keep their teeth healthy and pain-free for a lifetime.
If you resent what you pay at the dentist, keep your teeth clean, brush and floss often, and give the dentist no reason to "rip you off."
Reply:The fee of $70.00 is a very good one for teeth cleaning, most dentist charge over $100.00 for that service. The Dr gave you a fair fee.
Reply:Your wife may had reserved a time slot, but a shorter time slot since she was only having 6 teeth cleaned as compared to you. Dentists will take all the $$ they can and some do shoddy work.
Therefore you had 26 more teeth cleaned than her and took more time.
Reply:He's a dentist, not a mechanic. Dentist is in the clear.
Reply:Personally, I would charge less for 6 teeth - most of the time. However, SOME people's 6 teeth are harder to clean than some OTHER people's 32 teeth! If she is down to 6 teeth, it suggests that she might not be as good at maintaining her teeth as you are and she might have a lot more tartar on her teeth.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dental Problem. I visited the dentist a few weeks ago to have a filling.?
The dentist was not my usual dentist and she filled my tooth. When she had finished, she told me that she had drilled the tooth beside it and put a dressing on as she said it had an abcess. I had no problems with this tooth before this and later, it started to really hurt. I went back to my normal dentist, who drilled it and drained the abcess and temp filled it for me to go back in 3 weeks time to get a root filling. Later I started to get a throbbing pain and had to go to the A%26amp;E dentist. When he was drilling the tooth, the drill slipped slightly. Nothing happened then, he drained the abcess and gave me a'biotics and temp filled it again. the next day half of the tooth broke off due to the drill slipping. I went yesterday to get the filling, but as the was only half a tooth, I asked for it to be took out as it was a back tooth. Dentist said no and filled it. When he took the brace away, more of tooth broke and now he tells me I have to pay for a crown? The tooth is still throbbing.
Dental Problem. I visited the dentist a few weeks ago to have a filling.?
How did you know the drill slipped? Maybe the tooth that has fallen apart was already cracked or had fractured. If I was you, I'd get a 2nd opinion, if theres really not much left its possibly best to get it out. Also, he can't make you get a crown (you'll prob. need root canal treatment also) - tell him you want to know why exactly you can't get it extracted. I've worked with quite a few money grabbing dentists and a crown will get them much more cash than an extraction. Hope you get it sorted asap - nothing worse than toothache!
Reply:wow.............what bad luck,,,,,,,these things happen
Reply:My advice would be to get a 2nd opinion as Claire D has suggested.
The tooth breaking probably had nothing to do with the drill slipping, but probably because it's been drilled into 3 times in a short period of time and all you have been left with is just the shell of the tooth leaving it fragile and vulnerable to breakage.
There is a chance that the tooth can be saved by crowning it, but if you dont want it crowned and just want it removed then that's your choice and not the dentists.
As Claire has quite rightly pointed out some dentists will and do steer you in the wrong direction to line their own pockets, an extraction under the nhs will cost you £43.60, a crown will cost you £194, big difference.
Get a 2nd opinion and hopefully the next dentist will listen to what you want instead of chasing the £ signs!
Good luck
Reply:It sounds as though you may have a potential dental claim against both dentists that treated you....
Did the first dentist drill your tooth without your knowledge or consent? if so, s/he should not have done this and this is a clear breach of the GDC guidelines on getting proper consent to treatment before starting.
If the second dentist slipped and caused damage to your tooth, then you may be able to claim for this, but more investigations will be needed.
Contact me on the link below for free advice.
Dental Problem. I visited the dentist a few weeks ago to have a filling.?
How did you know the drill slipped? Maybe the tooth that has fallen apart was already cracked or had fractured. If I was you, I'd get a 2nd opinion, if theres really not much left its possibly best to get it out. Also, he can't make you get a crown (you'll prob. need root canal treatment also) - tell him you want to know why exactly you can't get it extracted. I've worked with quite a few money grabbing dentists and a crown will get them much more cash than an extraction. Hope you get it sorted asap - nothing worse than toothache!
Reply:wow.............what bad luck,,,,,,,these things happen
Reply:My advice would be to get a 2nd opinion as Claire D has suggested.
The tooth breaking probably had nothing to do with the drill slipping, but probably because it's been drilled into 3 times in a short period of time and all you have been left with is just the shell of the tooth leaving it fragile and vulnerable to breakage.
There is a chance that the tooth can be saved by crowning it, but if you dont want it crowned and just want it removed then that's your choice and not the dentists.
As Claire has quite rightly pointed out some dentists will and do steer you in the wrong direction to line their own pockets, an extraction under the nhs will cost you £43.60, a crown will cost you £194, big difference.
Get a 2nd opinion and hopefully the next dentist will listen to what you want instead of chasing the £ signs!
Good luck
Reply:It sounds as though you may have a potential dental claim against both dentists that treated you....
Did the first dentist drill your tooth without your knowledge or consent? if so, s/he should not have done this and this is a clear breach of the GDC guidelines on getting proper consent to treatment before starting.
If the second dentist slipped and caused damage to your tooth, then you may be able to claim for this, but more investigations will be needed.
Contact me on the link below for free advice.
Cant get numb at the dentist?
I have a genetic dental problem. No dentist I've ever been to has been able to numb my bottom jaw. As a child I dealt with teeth being pulled and feeling every bit of it. I was even slapped in the face by one dentist when I cried out from the pain. As an adult, I've had dentists treat me like an idiot because they don't believe I can still feel it. I did have a tooth pulled under IV sedation a few years ago, and I woke up during the procedure because of the pain! Now I have severe problems with my teeth because I'm terrified of going to the dentist. My teeth are getting worse very rapidly because I am too afraid of the dentist. I desperately need help and I'm running out of time.
And for those of you who think it's in my head (as many have told me) then please explain why my mother and sister have the same problem???
Cant get numb at the dentist?
find a better dentist. There are lots of different ways to numb the teeth in the mandible, (lower jaw). I have never seen a patient, yet, that we can't get numb.
And for those of you who think it's in my head (as many have told me) then please explain why my mother and sister have the same problem???
Cant get numb at the dentist?
find a better dentist. There are lots of different ways to numb the teeth in the mandible, (lower jaw). I have never seen a patient, yet, that we can't get numb.
Is my dentist doing work wrong or cheap, when im paying alot for his work. I feel like im getting ripped off!!
I have had alot of work done at my dentist over the years as far as fillings at the gum line, I just recently had to get one RE Filed from one he had already filled, it fell out when i was brushing my teeth, and the root got exposed whih hurt worse and i had to pay a second time for that procedure, Dentist are high enough i cannot keep continuing going back over his work and getting this fixed twice, this is the second fillng from him ive had to get refilled.
Now hes saying if i dont pay my remaining bill in 10 days that hes turing me in to collections, but you know what why do i want to pay him when i jsut paid another dentist to fix his work.
Does anyone know what i can do about this..... THANKS
Is my dentist doing work wrong or cheap, when im paying alot for his work. I feel like im getting ripped off!!
How long ago did you have the original filling done? It could be an old filling. If it wasn't, you should have told your dentist about it and normallly they will refill a new filling for nothing.
Also, make sure you go for your 6 month cleanings, so that they can find problems before they get worse.
Reply:If theirs a college near you. I suggest you go there and have them check it out.
Reply:If it is a recent filling and it fell out then he should not charge you for it. if it is older, it is out of his hands and he will charge you for it. Dental work is pretty expensive. I would ask the other dentist that fixed it for you if it should have fell out. If he said not if it was done properly, then I would contact the better business institute.
Reply:in all probablility its not the dentist's fault your teeth are falling apart.
Needing fillings at the gum line is an indication if improper oral hygene and probably excessive consumtpion of carbonated beverages. The combination of both is devastating to your teeth.
Most (practically all) carbonated beverages contain acids which can attack the calcium in your teeth. once the tooth enamel is compromised, the tooth can essentially become a sponge inside a thin shell.
It may or may not be too late to save your teeth now... when the teeth have been softened enough that filligs fall out shortly after being put in the damage is severe.
Reply:Sometimes fillings at the gumline fall out due to you clinching or grinding, which puts pressure on the neck of the tooth, where these fillings are. Ask the dentist if you have signs of clinching/grinding %26amp; if you need a night guard. If all else fails, get a second opinion.
Reply:white comosite fillings can fall out.... he doesn't seem like such a good dentist.... but you gotta pay him or ????? you're gonna have bad credit. you can go to peer review in your area, they will examine you and then about five dentists will decide if the work is good..... if not, he will either have to redo or refund..... call the ADA to find peer review in your area....... and trust me froma dental family and a hygienist myself...... go to the best..... you want your teeth...... go to peer review......... maybe they can help.... did he fix the one that fell out? if you don't refill, you will soon need a root canal and crown....... go to peer review and then find a good dentist or go to dental school and get good work........ teeth don't grow back...... kay?
Reply:TELL THIS DENTIST THAT YOU WILL TAKE HIM TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT IF HE INSISTS THAT HE WILL SEND YOU TO COLLECTIONS. YOUR DEFENSE MAY BE MENTAL AGGRAVATION. HE WILL NOT TAKE OUT OF HIS OWN SCHEDULE TO GO TO COURT REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT THE EXPERT. THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON HIS WORK.
ps.if the incorrect materials are used, the class V fillings can come out.
Reply:Ok, here is my opinion, to share or not.
You have not given even close to enough information for anyone to give an accurate answer to this.
#1: Why did the filling come out? Did it have recurrent decay? If so, how is that the dentists fault. Sugar causes decay. A dentist can do not notch work on someone, but if they drink alot of sodas, eat sweets, don't brush good enough, have acid reflux, etc., then it is not his fault if the work fails. I know from the stand point of someone who is spending alot of money on dental work, they feel the work should last for a specific period of time, but in the dental world, that just simply isn't the case. It would be like a little old lady, who only drives her car to church on Sundays and a teenager who drives the heck out of his car, both getting the same type of brand new tires. Who do you think is going to get the most life out of those tires?
#2: Do you grind your teeth? If you said no, are you 100% sure you don't do it during your sleep? Gumline, or what we call class 5, fillings can be popped off by someone who is a tooth grinder. I have seen it happen time and time again in my career. Was it the dentists fault? No. He didn't make them grind their teeth. Again, go back to my "tire" comparrison.
Now, as far as the collections thing. If I were guessing, I would say that the bill has been outstanding for at least 90 days. Most offices, mine included, send out statements every 30 days. If they do that, and for the past 3 months or more you have not made any attempt to pay the bill, they have the legal right to turn you over to collections. Sorry, but that is how it works in the dental field.
Like I said, you didn't give enough information for me to give you any really accurate advice. And personally, I don't think anyone else on here could give you accurate advice either, without getting more details on your treatment.
dance shoes
Now hes saying if i dont pay my remaining bill in 10 days that hes turing me in to collections, but you know what why do i want to pay him when i jsut paid another dentist to fix his work.
Does anyone know what i can do about this..... THANKS
Is my dentist doing work wrong or cheap, when im paying alot for his work. I feel like im getting ripped off!!
How long ago did you have the original filling done? It could be an old filling. If it wasn't, you should have told your dentist about it and normallly they will refill a new filling for nothing.
Also, make sure you go for your 6 month cleanings, so that they can find problems before they get worse.
Reply:If theirs a college near you. I suggest you go there and have them check it out.
Reply:If it is a recent filling and it fell out then he should not charge you for it. if it is older, it is out of his hands and he will charge you for it. Dental work is pretty expensive. I would ask the other dentist that fixed it for you if it should have fell out. If he said not if it was done properly, then I would contact the better business institute.
Reply:in all probablility its not the dentist's fault your teeth are falling apart.
Needing fillings at the gum line is an indication if improper oral hygene and probably excessive consumtpion of carbonated beverages. The combination of both is devastating to your teeth.
Most (practically all) carbonated beverages contain acids which can attack the calcium in your teeth. once the tooth enamel is compromised, the tooth can essentially become a sponge inside a thin shell.
It may or may not be too late to save your teeth now... when the teeth have been softened enough that filligs fall out shortly after being put in the damage is severe.
Reply:Sometimes fillings at the gumline fall out due to you clinching or grinding, which puts pressure on the neck of the tooth, where these fillings are. Ask the dentist if you have signs of clinching/grinding %26amp; if you need a night guard. If all else fails, get a second opinion.
Reply:white comosite fillings can fall out.... he doesn't seem like such a good dentist.... but you gotta pay him or ????? you're gonna have bad credit. you can go to peer review in your area, they will examine you and then about five dentists will decide if the work is good..... if not, he will either have to redo or refund..... call the ADA to find peer review in your area....... and trust me froma dental family and a hygienist myself...... go to the best..... you want your teeth...... go to peer review......... maybe they can help.... did he fix the one that fell out? if you don't refill, you will soon need a root canal and crown....... go to peer review and then find a good dentist or go to dental school and get good work........ teeth don't grow back...... kay?
Reply:TELL THIS DENTIST THAT YOU WILL TAKE HIM TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT IF HE INSISTS THAT HE WILL SEND YOU TO COLLECTIONS. YOUR DEFENSE MAY BE MENTAL AGGRAVATION. HE WILL NOT TAKE OUT OF HIS OWN SCHEDULE TO GO TO COURT REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT THE EXPERT. THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON HIS WORK.
ps.if the incorrect materials are used, the class V fillings can come out.
Reply:Ok, here is my opinion, to share or not.
You have not given even close to enough information for anyone to give an accurate answer to this.
#1: Why did the filling come out? Did it have recurrent decay? If so, how is that the dentists fault. Sugar causes decay. A dentist can do not notch work on someone, but if they drink alot of sodas, eat sweets, don't brush good enough, have acid reflux, etc., then it is not his fault if the work fails. I know from the stand point of someone who is spending alot of money on dental work, they feel the work should last for a specific period of time, but in the dental world, that just simply isn't the case. It would be like a little old lady, who only drives her car to church on Sundays and a teenager who drives the heck out of his car, both getting the same type of brand new tires. Who do you think is going to get the most life out of those tires?
#2: Do you grind your teeth? If you said no, are you 100% sure you don't do it during your sleep? Gumline, or what we call class 5, fillings can be popped off by someone who is a tooth grinder. I have seen it happen time and time again in my career. Was it the dentists fault? No. He didn't make them grind their teeth. Again, go back to my "tire" comparrison.
Now, as far as the collections thing. If I were guessing, I would say that the bill has been outstanding for at least 90 days. Most offices, mine included, send out statements every 30 days. If they do that, and for the past 3 months or more you have not made any attempt to pay the bill, they have the legal right to turn you over to collections. Sorry, but that is how it works in the dental field.
Like I said, you didn't give enough information for me to give you any really accurate advice. And personally, I don't think anyone else on here could give you accurate advice either, without getting more details on your treatment.
dance shoes
Should my dentist have known this?
A couple of weeks ago I asked if I needed to return to my dentist after an extraction. I had some really good replies. I rang my dentist up and he told me that because the part of the root he had left in was so far up, it was virtually impossible for it to be the part of the root he'd left in and was more likely to be bone. He told me that it should come out within a few days. It didn't and was painful, so today I went back. I had got some bone protruding (as I knew) which he removed without me feeling it, however when he said there was a larger piece and was having difficulty removing that (as if I wasn't aware by how painful it was and how long it was taking him) surprise, surprise he told me I'd a fourth root which he removed.
Shouldn't he have known this from either the Xrays or when he was extracting the tooth a fortnight ago?
I go as a private patient and I really have no faith in him anymore. Can I ring Denplan up and just change dentists?
Should my dentist have known this?
no dont if he did the job he can do it but then again he should have known so both ways its good but dont change till you find a trust worthy person to do the job
Shouldn't he have known this from either the Xrays or when he was extracting the tooth a fortnight ago?
I go as a private patient and I really have no faith in him anymore. Can I ring Denplan up and just change dentists?
Should my dentist have known this?
no dont if he did the job he can do it but then again he should have known so both ways its good but dont change till you find a trust worthy person to do the job
Should my dentist have known I'd a fourth root?
A couple of weeks ago I asked if I needed to return to my dentist after an extraction. I had some really good replies. I rang my dentist up and he told me that because the part of the root he had left in was so far up, it was virtually impossible for it to be the part of the root he'd left in and was more likely to be bone. He told me that it should come out within a few days. It didn't and was painful, so today I went back. I had got some bone protruding (as I knew) which he removed without me feeling it, however when he said there was a larger piece and was having difficulty removing that (as if I wasn't aware by how painful it was and how long it was taking him) surprise, surprise he told me I'd a fourth root which he removed.
Shouldn't he have known this from either the Xrays or when he was extracting the tooth a fortnight ago?
I go as a private patient and I really have no faith in him anymore. Can I ring Denplan up and just change dentists?
Should my dentist have known I'd a fourth root?
As I stated the last time you ask a question about this tooth and dentist; you need to find a new dentist. The fourth root isn't always visible on an x ray "but" should have been realized upon examination of the extracted tooth and "should have been" removed at that time, not later. If an x ray had been taken post op, it would have been visible then as well. This dentist lack of professionalism and concern for his patient is reason enough not to go back to him. Find a new dentist and report this one. So sorry this happened, not all dentist are like this one. Good luck!
Additional information: I don't think your being overly sensitive or paranoid about your teeth or your dental situation, and this is "not" a common mistake. Find a new dentist, chalk this one up to just a bad dental experience being grateful that it could have been worse. Don't let this deter you from obtaining dental care elsewhere from an experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate professional that you can put your trust and faith in for many years to come. I wish you only the best in the future and for your dental care. Good luck!
Reply:he should have known and probably did but wanted you to pay more money for the repeated visits. cahnge your dentist.
Reply:He should have known. He should have known by the type of tooth it was -- he would not have even needed to look at an xray to know how many roots it had. All molars have four roots.
Find a new dentist.
I have found that those who practice "General Dentistry" are not always very bright -- to put it nicely. For any extractions, infections, bridges, or replacement teeth, find someone who practices "Oral Surgery" instead.
Shouldn't he have known this from either the Xrays or when he was extracting the tooth a fortnight ago?
I go as a private patient and I really have no faith in him anymore. Can I ring Denplan up and just change dentists?
Should my dentist have known I'd a fourth root?
As I stated the last time you ask a question about this tooth and dentist; you need to find a new dentist. The fourth root isn't always visible on an x ray "but" should have been realized upon examination of the extracted tooth and "should have been" removed at that time, not later. If an x ray had been taken post op, it would have been visible then as well. This dentist lack of professionalism and concern for his patient is reason enough not to go back to him. Find a new dentist and report this one. So sorry this happened, not all dentist are like this one. Good luck!
Additional information: I don't think your being overly sensitive or paranoid about your teeth or your dental situation, and this is "not" a common mistake. Find a new dentist, chalk this one up to just a bad dental experience being grateful that it could have been worse. Don't let this deter you from obtaining dental care elsewhere from an experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate professional that you can put your trust and faith in for many years to come. I wish you only the best in the future and for your dental care. Good luck!
Reply:he should have known and probably did but wanted you to pay more money for the repeated visits. cahnge your dentist.
Reply:He should have known. He should have known by the type of tooth it was -- he would not have even needed to look at an xray to know how many roots it had. All molars have four roots.
Find a new dentist.
I have found that those who practice "General Dentistry" are not always very bright -- to put it nicely. For any extractions, infections, bridges, or replacement teeth, find someone who practices "Oral Surgery" instead.
Is my dentist a crook?
I had never had a cavitiy in my life, and went a couple of years with no visit. Then went to the dentist on my husband's insurance and was told that I needed a deep-perio cleaning and had 6 cavities! It cost a total of $1,200!(I had to go with white composite filligs because I was pregnant) I just went in for my "perio-maintenence" which is basically a cleaning and they check your gum line recession. Then I was told that I had 3 more cavities-which were NOT pointed out on my x-rays, she just pointed to them in my mouth. She told me I also needed to have some tooth-brush abrasion filled in(which is true, I can at least see that).
During this entire consultation with the dentist she had the finance lady standing right beside her like a vulture, adding commentary and confirming what she said. Then I was whisked away by this finance lady to tally up what it would cost for all of this-$1,200 more!!!!
I felt like I do at the auto-repair shop! Is this ordinary for a dentist?
Is my dentist a crook?
It is always your right to have a second and sometimes third opinion. The periodontal maintenance visits are par for the course when you have periodontal disease. As such it is to your benefit to see the dentist four times per year (or hygienist) to keep this condition from getting worse. We do this in our office and it is not always covered by insurance. Most patients gladly pay out of pocket for this service because they don't want to lose their teeth to perio disease. You can also get cavities very quickly esp. if you have not been seeing a dentist reg. to monitor your teeth and gums. Sometimes dentists will "watch" a tooth that looks like it may have an area that is weak in the enamel. They will do this because the cavity or weakened area may not be bad enough to fill yet, however if it gets worse, eg. through the enamel layer, then they will fill it before it gets worse. If an area of decay goes through the enamel layer, then it can spread very quickly because the layer under the enamel is softer, which means the decay can spread very quickly into the pulp chamber which holds the nerve of the tooth, causing even more problems, such as an abscess, tooth ache, and ultm. a root canal to save the tooth, or an extraction. Many dental offices have a financial coordinator. It is up to them to let you know the cost of your treatment, what your insurance will and won't pay for, and how you plan to pay for your treatment. If you felt rushed, or like you weren't getting good service then by all means find another dentist that you are comfortable with. This dental office sounds like it was/is on the up and up about your treatment needed, however it does sound like you were rushed in and out. I worked at an office like this and hated it. It did indeed feel like we were rushing people in and out, and I left after two years because I felt like I could not give my patients the best care and compassion because we were so rushed. Not all dental offices are like this, so find one that you don't feel like you are being pushed out the door.
Reply:find a new dentist
Reply:I had my dad's union plan dentist do something similar to me, so the next time, I went to a plain jane dentist with no fancy office, just an honnest guy, he told me I had no cavities and no wisdom teeth emergency, cleaned my teeth and I walked out for $95.00. This dentist was an honest Catholic who had acceptable, equipment that was not the newest, he knew his trade. Ask around for an honest dentist.
Reply:It is very common for people to have many cavities without knowing. It is also common to find cavities that you missed in the initial exam while you're getting a cleaning. Overall, if you don't feel comfortable with your dentist or you're having second thoughts it might be good to get a second opinion. If you go to another dentist and he agree's with your last dentist then you can feel at ease knowing you weren't being ripped off.
Reply:It's gonna be like pulling teeth to get your money back. ;-)
Reply:No I have never had a dentist have the finance lady right there. Get a second opinion from another dentist.
Reply:yeah find a new dentist and report it to ur insurance cause the company with ask for the proof and they have to provide it.I had the same thing happen to me and the dentist was doing this to allot of people to make up the lost's in other areas.My insurance for free paid for me to see someone else and get anything I need if I needed anything.I did not have any cavity after all I just need my wisdom teeth out and i was fine.
Reply:yes they are!!! and almost all of them are like that... then they will be asking you to come twice a year making it sounds like you'll gonna lose all your teeth if you didn't go for a check up. Then they will make you wait for an hour or so just to get your teeth check for less than 10 minutes. The heck with these dentist. I stopped seeing a dentist 6 years ago and my teeth are still fine; no cavities, no tartar, nothing at all.
Reply:I had this EXACT same thing happen to me...I had to pick a new dentist b/c I moved to a new state. It was time for my 6mo. checkup (I saw my old dentist every 6mo for cleanings, etc). This new guy told me that I had 5 cavities and needed a root canal done, which he wanted to do right there on the spot! I said no. He finished the exam by sending the slick, fast talking financial person into the exam room (never had that happen before), who promptly gave me an invoice for THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS to have the work done!!!
I started laughing, I thought it was a joke, and then got into a fight with this guy- I have great dental insurance and have never had to pay more than $100 for ALL the work I've ever had done. I left the office and called my dental insurance co. They told me to not go back and gave me a list of other dentists...when I read the list of procedures on the invoice to the ins. co, they told me the dentist was basically screwing me over- charging me $50 for each novicane shot per filling and billing the ins co $80 when it is 100% paid for by insurance. It was inconvenient to go find someone else but it was worth saving 3 grand, turns out I had one cavity. There are honest dentists out there, I guess you just have to seek them out!!!!!
Reply:Get a second opinion. You shouldn't be pressured into things.
Reply:Dentistry is expensive. Perio fpr quadants can be 300x4 which is 1200. The composite filling is your choice. Tell them to note they told you and do the cheaper amalgam. There is no real hard evidence of danger from amalagam. Composite does however hold a tooth that has a large cavity together. You can try to floss properly daily, rinse with a perio rinse, brush gently four times a day and use a tooth pick around your gums and inbetween your teeth to reduce inflamation. They will charge you again for another perio probing. Sometimes with pregnancy you get inflammation. Work hard at it by yourself, but if you had 5-6 mm pockets you must work hard it and continue to do so.
Reply:Wow, This is definitely weird....I would go to another dentist for a reference and see what he/she says.
Those prices definitely sound OUTRAGEOUS!
I hope you can get all this worked out.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Reply:Ask another dentist to check you're teeth.
During this entire consultation with the dentist she had the finance lady standing right beside her like a vulture, adding commentary and confirming what she said. Then I was whisked away by this finance lady to tally up what it would cost for all of this-$1,200 more!!!!
I felt like I do at the auto-repair shop! Is this ordinary for a dentist?
Is my dentist a crook?
It is always your right to have a second and sometimes third opinion. The periodontal maintenance visits are par for the course when you have periodontal disease. As such it is to your benefit to see the dentist four times per year (or hygienist) to keep this condition from getting worse. We do this in our office and it is not always covered by insurance. Most patients gladly pay out of pocket for this service because they don't want to lose their teeth to perio disease. You can also get cavities very quickly esp. if you have not been seeing a dentist reg. to monitor your teeth and gums. Sometimes dentists will "watch" a tooth that looks like it may have an area that is weak in the enamel. They will do this because the cavity or weakened area may not be bad enough to fill yet, however if it gets worse, eg. through the enamel layer, then they will fill it before it gets worse. If an area of decay goes through the enamel layer, then it can spread very quickly because the layer under the enamel is softer, which means the decay can spread very quickly into the pulp chamber which holds the nerve of the tooth, causing even more problems, such as an abscess, tooth ache, and ultm. a root canal to save the tooth, or an extraction. Many dental offices have a financial coordinator. It is up to them to let you know the cost of your treatment, what your insurance will and won't pay for, and how you plan to pay for your treatment. If you felt rushed, or like you weren't getting good service then by all means find another dentist that you are comfortable with. This dental office sounds like it was/is on the up and up about your treatment needed, however it does sound like you were rushed in and out. I worked at an office like this and hated it. It did indeed feel like we were rushing people in and out, and I left after two years because I felt like I could not give my patients the best care and compassion because we were so rushed. Not all dental offices are like this, so find one that you don't feel like you are being pushed out the door.
Reply:find a new dentist
Reply:I had my dad's union plan dentist do something similar to me, so the next time, I went to a plain jane dentist with no fancy office, just an honnest guy, he told me I had no cavities and no wisdom teeth emergency, cleaned my teeth and I walked out for $95.00. This dentist was an honest Catholic who had acceptable, equipment that was not the newest, he knew his trade. Ask around for an honest dentist.
Reply:It is very common for people to have many cavities without knowing. It is also common to find cavities that you missed in the initial exam while you're getting a cleaning. Overall, if you don't feel comfortable with your dentist or you're having second thoughts it might be good to get a second opinion. If you go to another dentist and he agree's with your last dentist then you can feel at ease knowing you weren't being ripped off.
Reply:It's gonna be like pulling teeth to get your money back. ;-)
Reply:No I have never had a dentist have the finance lady right there. Get a second opinion from another dentist.
Reply:yeah find a new dentist and report it to ur insurance cause the company with ask for the proof and they have to provide it.I had the same thing happen to me and the dentist was doing this to allot of people to make up the lost's in other areas.My insurance for free paid for me to see someone else and get anything I need if I needed anything.I did not have any cavity after all I just need my wisdom teeth out and i was fine.
Reply:yes they are!!! and almost all of them are like that... then they will be asking you to come twice a year making it sounds like you'll gonna lose all your teeth if you didn't go for a check up. Then they will make you wait for an hour or so just to get your teeth check for less than 10 minutes. The heck with these dentist. I stopped seeing a dentist 6 years ago and my teeth are still fine; no cavities, no tartar, nothing at all.
Reply:I had this EXACT same thing happen to me...I had to pick a new dentist b/c I moved to a new state. It was time for my 6mo. checkup (I saw my old dentist every 6mo for cleanings, etc). This new guy told me that I had 5 cavities and needed a root canal done, which he wanted to do right there on the spot! I said no. He finished the exam by sending the slick, fast talking financial person into the exam room (never had that happen before), who promptly gave me an invoice for THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS to have the work done!!!
I started laughing, I thought it was a joke, and then got into a fight with this guy- I have great dental insurance and have never had to pay more than $100 for ALL the work I've ever had done. I left the office and called my dental insurance co. They told me to not go back and gave me a list of other dentists...when I read the list of procedures on the invoice to the ins. co, they told me the dentist was basically screwing me over- charging me $50 for each novicane shot per filling and billing the ins co $80 when it is 100% paid for by insurance. It was inconvenient to go find someone else but it was worth saving 3 grand, turns out I had one cavity. There are honest dentists out there, I guess you just have to seek them out!!!!!
Reply:Get a second opinion. You shouldn't be pressured into things.
Reply:Dentistry is expensive. Perio fpr quadants can be 300x4 which is 1200. The composite filling is your choice. Tell them to note they told you and do the cheaper amalgam. There is no real hard evidence of danger from amalagam. Composite does however hold a tooth that has a large cavity together. You can try to floss properly daily, rinse with a perio rinse, brush gently four times a day and use a tooth pick around your gums and inbetween your teeth to reduce inflamation. They will charge you again for another perio probing. Sometimes with pregnancy you get inflammation. Work hard at it by yourself, but if you had 5-6 mm pockets you must work hard it and continue to do so.
Reply:Wow, This is definitely weird....I would go to another dentist for a reference and see what he/she says.
Those prices definitely sound OUTRAGEOUS!
I hope you can get all this worked out.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Reply:Ask another dentist to check you're teeth.
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