Games Dentists Play

[sherryinutah]

Last month I scheduled an appointment to have x-rays and an exam to make sure I don't have cavities.

I was told how much to pay and that I would be expected to pay in advance.  That's fine.  I was willing to comply.

I show up for my appointment, pay in advance and have my exam. 

As I'm leaving I'm told that because I had bite wings I owe more money than I paid...for that same appointment.

What? 

They knew in advance that they were doing x-rays, including bite wings.  I felt I was being jerked around and decided to find a new Dentist.

Is it common for people to be financially jerked around after their dental appointment?

Have any of you had a similar experience?

[linderlizzie]

My dentist keeps telling me that one of my molars will fall apart soon and then he pokes it a leeeeeetle too hard several times to make sure I get the message. I'm thinking if he didn't poke it, it might last a little longer. What do you think? Duh. 

[ancmetro]

    Hello! Hello! I have been there and know what it is like. But there is hope! Google: "AKMOM.ORG" and look for "Alaska Mission of Mercy". They are visiting and providing free dental services for people with dental problems in the USA. Or contact your local Dental Society or the American Dental Association and ask for the closest location and date of services.  The best thing is all free. We will see you there!

[countrygirl12]

I agree some doctors of any kind do things like the poking thing that hurt to try to teach you a lesson or drive home their point.  Here is my point. You do something to hurt me and I will find another doctor.  I have switched dentists several times.  I really like the last one I went to.  So far anyway. lol

[killers2]

I have had bad experiences with my dentist office. I  hope to go elsewhere in the future.

[JaniceSW]

I support your point about the x rays.  That would have made me angry, too.

To Everyone Who Reads This:
However, please get any dental work completed that you need and make sure you take the best possible care you can of your teeth on a daily basis.  After years and years and money on top of money, it became evident that I was genetically predisposed to bad periodontal disease that was not going away even with treatment.  The last two years (almost) has been a journey of what it's like to lose all your teeth and realize you can't wear regular dentures.  In about 30 days, my journey will be over and I will have a full mouth of implants with new teeth on all.  I can hardly wait.  Until you know what it is like living your life without any teeth, there is no way to explain how essential they are.  Do yourself a favor and push the extra inch to care for your teeth like a fanatic if you are having any problems whatsoever.

[braggin]

No I have not had problems like this with my dentist. If I did, I would certainly get another dentist just like you are doing! My dentist is very fair and tells me all options available for fixing whatever he finds wrong, both the expensive ones as well as the inexpensive ones. Then he lets me choose the option I can best afford. And I never pay before services are completed.

[Gerianne]

there is a group of dentists called "biological dentists".
I stay away from them. I gargle with Himalayan salt and swish with coconut oil when I brush my teeth.
When I went to the dentist, he would always say " no cavities"
After 10 years of this same comment, I decided to stop spending that money.

"if it ain't broke, don't fix it"

[Penwoir]

Your story is such a shame. I have had fantastic dentist care throughout my life however I must confess that I do my part at home. I brush my teeth religiously and I do look after my teeth. When I was growing up we weren't allowed candies unless we were on vacation. I had my first cavity at 27 years old. However, there is a story I have to tell. When I moved to Arizona and was looking for a new dentist for myself, husband and 2 young kids, I selected a dentist off the list I was given. I went in first and was given an array of xrays, examinations, all of which took two hours and at the end I was told I had a number of cavities. Not only did I find a new dentist, I didn't even let my husband and kids have their initial appointment. I figured if you're not good enough for me, you're definitely not good enough for my kids. My current dentist, which I have had for the last 8 years, is fantastic. The key is to keep looking until you find a dentist you are happy with. Good luck.

[makeblessed]

Yes, they always seem to find something more serious then what you went in for!! almost like a car mechanic