Should I Change Dentist?!
Question: Should I Change Dentist.?
Dear All,
I am in Canada. I am in relatively good health, and have had no serious problems with my teeth. I have been going to the same dentist since I was a teenager. I am now 30 years old. I do like doing there and am comfortable. However, the last 2 or 3 years I go there, I notice that they have been really charging me alot. I do have insurance, and I still get a bill for the "difference" that they got paid back from my insurance, and what the "balance is".
Additionally, for the last few years, usually the October Appointment, (I go in April and October), they always say I have a "ware" or "small cavity". I feel like they are "over treating" me.
Today, I paid almost 200$ for a SIMPLE cleaning and SIMPLE exam (and they skipped the polishing portion of the cleaning, because the hygienist said that my teeth are clean).
I did not take another appointment today, even though they said I have to fix the ware (but they said it's not urgent, but still wanted me to take an appointment, and I politely declined). Additionally, their equipment in their clinic looks like it is from the 1970's. The x-ray machine looks like an old cannon launcher. (seriously!)
My character is one that I feel I should be loyal to my providers (dentists, doctors, local grocery store, dry cleaners, pharmacy... etc etc). But I feel like enough is enough, and perhaps my dentist just wants to retire soon and make as much money as they can before they do so (don't we all!)
What should I do.? Should I consider a new dentist.?
Now that I went for my cleaning, should I wait another 6 months again to see a new dentist.? How do I go about choosing a new dentist.?
Any answers to my questions would be deeply appreciated.
Health Question & Answer
I am in Canada. I am in relatively good health, and have had no serious problems with my teeth. I have been going to the same dentist since I was a teenager. I am now 30 years old. I do like doing there and am comfortable. However, the last 2 or 3 years I go there, I notice that they have been really charging me alot. I do have insurance, and I still get a bill for the "difference" that they got paid back from my insurance, and what the "balance is".
Additionally, for the last few years, usually the October Appointment, (I go in April and October), they always say I have a "ware" or "small cavity". I feel like they are "over treating" me.
Today, I paid almost 200$ for a SIMPLE cleaning and SIMPLE exam (and they skipped the polishing portion of the cleaning, because the hygienist said that my teeth are clean).
I did not take another appointment today, even though they said I have to fix the ware (but they said it's not urgent, but still wanted me to take an appointment, and I politely declined). Additionally, their equipment in their clinic looks like it is from the 1970's. The x-ray machine looks like an old cannon launcher. (seriously!)
My character is one that I feel I should be loyal to my providers (dentists, doctors, local grocery store, dry cleaners, pharmacy... etc etc). But I feel like enough is enough, and perhaps my dentist just wants to retire soon and make as much money as they can before they do so (don't we all!)
What should I do.? Should I consider a new dentist.?
Now that I went for my cleaning, should I wait another 6 months again to see a new dentist.? How do I go about choosing a new dentist.?
Any answers to my questions would be deeply appreciated.
Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Talk to friends and see who they go to. You can also contact your insurance company and ask them for a list of providers, google search dentist in your area. Usually word of mouth is the best way to go your friends will tell you what they think of the Dr. also if your not happy with the cleaning that you received either call the office and inform them about it maybe the Dr doesn't know that the Hygienist skipped on the polish and you could set up another appt to have that fixed or call the ins and complain to them about the cleaning how you wern't satisfied and see what they can do about it maybe they will let you have another cleaning with another Dr. It all goes down to how you feel when you go there if you don't feel comfotable and feel that you are getting "taken for a ride" then you shoud switch dentists.Health Question & Answer
I don't know what a "ware" is and have been in the dental field 30 years. It is odd the hygienist didn't polish your teeth. As long as the x-ray machine is not shaped like an ice cream cone you should be ok.
I would get an appointment with another dentist in 6 months. You can call your local dental association and ask for references. Health Question & Answer
I would get an appointment with another dentist in 6 months. You can call your local dental association and ask for references. Health Question & Answer
Well get a second opinion. I have never had a cavity. But my little brother did and I felt like the dentist lied about it, my mom should have gotten a second opinion.
Switch to a less expensive dentist.
If you are not happy there, don't go.Health Question & Answer
Switch to a less expensive dentist.
If you are not happy there, don't go.Health Question & Answer
Try getting a second opinion, then consider switching to a new dentist. You don't have to go to this dentist, especially if you aren't happy there. Best wishes! =]Health Question & Answer
It's your decision - since you have insurance it's not too bad.But I pay 80 $ for a cleaning by a very competent dentist.There is no shortage of dentist's in CanadaHealth Question & Answer
If you would feel more comfortable with a new dentist, find out who your family/friends are happy with. Most dental plans allow a new patient exam (or comprehensive exam) & full set of xrays every 3 years, so you may want to call your insurance company to see when you are eligible for these. Find out if they keep their office updated. Most progressive dentists at least do little things to keep their clinics updated.
Keep in mind that almost $200 is the norm for a cleaning & check-up(in ontario). You may also want to check your insurance coverage. Find out what percentage your insurance company pays for your basic treatment and which year's fee guide they pay out on. These details are usually what the your additional payment is from.
Ask your dental office about the wear on your teeth. It may be on the cheek side of your side teeth around your "canines" because that is where the most pressure is applied when you brush your teeth. If this is the case, the fillings are a preventative measure to reduce any sensitivity caused by thinning(or worn away) enamel.
Keep smilin'
Health Question & Answer
Keep in mind that almost $200 is the norm for a cleaning & check-up(in ontario). You may also want to check your insurance coverage. Find out what percentage your insurance company pays for your basic treatment and which year's fee guide they pay out on. These details are usually what the your additional payment is from.
Ask your dental office about the wear on your teeth. It may be on the cheek side of your side teeth around your "canines" because that is where the most pressure is applied when you brush your teeth. If this is the case, the fillings are a preventative measure to reduce any sensitivity caused by thinning(or worn away) enamel.
Keep smilin'
Health Question & Answer
Yes, I would definitely go to a different dentist for a second exam. As to the cleaning, they should have done the polishing.Most Ins pay only one prophy every 6 mo. If u had one done and then u go to a different one for another, theywill not pay the other dentist for his work and will bill u. Yes, ur dentist looks like a very expensive onethat needs remodeling of his office.Health Question & Answer