Dental ? getting 2nd opinion 4 DD11 cavities

[dizkids]

Hi~I know its not totally budget so i guess the mods can move me. I am trying to save money though : ). Sorry a bit long.

DD11 has had no cavitites until we went to a new Pediatric dentist on Fri. She came out with 3 and we have gone every 6 months so this was a surprise. I know of course its possible.

Our insurance was always horrible so i chose my dentist we liked and paid in full when we went in the past but we now have 100% preventitive so that is why we chose a new dentist. I only looked at who was in the vicinity and should have done my homework. Found out the new place has a reputation as not being well liked. 4 different people said dont let them drill, they're root canal happy, my other friend was told she had a cavity and then was told she doesnt. Anyway i also took my DS13 there the week before and was not fully happy(horray no cavities). I was new there and they didnt call me when he saw the dentist which i assumed they would. But then they yelled at me becuase they said i left the building and left a minor child (i never budged from the waiting room)...all this when i asked if he saw the dentist and was he done. I should have known. I left happy because i didnt pay a penny and that was thrilling so i took the chance again but this time with the Pediatric dentist (ds saw first availble).

So my question is this. I have a recommendation for a differnt pediatric dentist who is also in my plan. I would rather go to them to have the work done on DD for her fillings. Can i just go there for work and assume they will send for the xrays (or i can get them) or will they do another exam which i most likely would have to pay myself since insurance paid for last week?

And also regarding the work to be done. The dentist on Friday said she would recommend laughing gas. Didnt know they still used that? Any pros/cons if this new dentist wants to do the same thing. She is pretty brave if she gets a needle. I tried getting my insurance company this morning and was told to leave my name number for a return call so i figured i would come here an ask all the disboarders the wisest people i know ; )

Any thoughts would help. Thank you!

 

[cvjw]

I made the mistake of leaving our family dentist of about 20 years to find a dentist closer to our house. Our whole family has always seen the dentist twice a year, and had no teeth issues. We go to the new dentist, and he tells me how lousy my old dentist is, that youngest DS has multiple cavities, that I need a root canal, etc, etc. I mistakenly let him fill one of DS's "cavities" before running right back to our old dentist, who is an hour away. Guess what? DS didn't have all those cavities, and I didn't need an immediate root canal. My old dentist just changed out an old silver filling on the tooth that was "about to fall apart if an immediate root canal is not done." I still regret the fact that I subjected my DS to a filling for which he did not have a cavity. Moral of the story - get your second opinion. I think some dentists just want to drill to make money, regardless of whom is hurt in the process. Last year we were able to find an honest dentist much closer to our house, but I do find it harder to trust after being taken advantage of.

You might want to check to make sure that the teeth where your DD has cavities aren't baby teeth that are about to fall out anyway.

 

[amez]

I will answer the questions that I can. Call the dentists office and just ask for the xrays and hand carry them to the other dentist that you want to see (if you decide to see another one) the can mail them as well, but I am more comfortable knowing that I have them in hand.

My dentist literally pulls me over and shows me the cavities, the xrays, the teeth, etc. When my youngest dd had cavities they made sure that I saw each one. Might be something to ask about.

Yes, if you see another dentist you will have to pay for the exam. With our insurance one exam is paid for every six months. I had to reschedule my dd's appt. and made the mistake of making it a few too early and I had to pay for it. Not a big deal-my mistake.

Our pediatric dentist used gas to relax dd as well. They put a cherry flavor (she picked) inside the mask and left it loosely on the entire time. She was very nervous, but had no problem getting the shots to numb the area in her mouth.

hth a bit

 

[dizkids]

Thank you both previous posters.

I will go with my 2nd choice dentist and will pay the exam fee.

I also have a dumb question. Is the laughing gas only to make them feel comfortable to get the needle or is it in place of? Never had it. I assume they did one over the other.

The dentist did try and show me on the xrays the 2 cavities far back upper permanent teeth. She said it was in between and hard to see. When she showed me the xrays i couldnt make it out to well...but then again i was never great at finding the heart beat in the ultrasound either ; )

 

[kaytieeldr]

One over the other, unless your (DIS) name is kaytieeldr in which case BOTH are just preliminary pain-reducing and fear-calming methods Our dentist as kids was a schoolmate of my mom's. My brother swears he used water, not novocaine, in the so-called pain-killing shots; my cousin, as an adult, was told by her dentist they'd never SEEN such terrible work and would have sued for malpractice if she hadn't moved far out of the area by then; and I got thrown out of the office permanently at age twelve for telling him to his face he was a lousy dentist

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

You might want to look at how your plan will handle out of network dentists and see if you want to pay the difference to keep going to your old dentist. You can also ask if the old dentist would be willing to enter the plan that you have available which would solve all your problems.

I've noticed an interesting pattern with dentists over the last 30 years...go to a new dentist and get a list of work that has to be done.

I stayed with one dentist for many years because I was lucky enough to meet her shortly after she started practicing under another dentist. Unlike every other dentist I'd encountered prior to her she worked hard to preserve my natural teeth. When I moved out of state five years ago ...instant treatment plan on multiple teeth and badmouthing of the choices made by the former dentist. I've only let him do one crown in the last five years with no issues at all with the other teeth he claimed needed to be done.

I keep him because I don't enjoy the process of shopping around. But as soon as I can find another dentist who'd rather avoid destroying my natural teeth I'll move on.

 

[jodifla]

I had this experience. No cavities all my life. Went to college, didn't see a dentist those 4 years. Came back home, and my old dentist retired. So go to a new person, who promptly pronounces that I have a mouthful of cavities.

I leave, never to return. Go back to a new dentist a few years later. Don't say anything about all the cavities. He says all is good. When I ask him about the alleged mouthful of cavities, he says, no, you can tell those are NOT cavities.

There are certain dentists who are just money grubbing crooks, unfortunately. I always get recommendations now before seeing anyone new.

 

[dizkids]

You might want to look at how your plan will handle out of network dentists and see if you want to pay the difference to keep going to your old dentist. You can also ask if the old dentist would be willing to enter the plan that you have available which would solve all your problems.

I tried this and they take my insurance company but not my exact plan....close but not close enough.

 

[dizkids]

I had this experience. No cavities all my life. Went to college, didn't see a dentist those 4 years. Came back home, and my old dentist retired. So go to a new person, who promptly pronounces that I have a mouthful of cavities.

I leave, never to return. Go back to a new dentist a few years later. Don't say anything about all the cavities. He says all is good. When I ask him about the alleged mouthful of cavities, he says, no, you can tell those are NOT cavities.

There are certain dentists who are just money grubbing crooks, unfortunately. I always get recommendations now before seeing anyone new.

Wow big difference ha!

Well i am definitely going with the new recommendation and will pay for the new exam.

I didnt have a good feeling so no need to continue with this place.

Thanks for the advice. I know there is always someone out there who has been in similar situation which is why DIS is so great.

 

[kimmyann]

Definetly get a 2nd opinion. I was taking my kids to a new pediatric dentist in our area and the second time we went they said my (at the time)5year old had a cavity so bad that she needed a root canal & crown. I could not understand how a tooth could be that bad in 6 months. Guess what? Went to another dentist for a second opinion and found it was a cavity, but just a cavity, they filled it, no crown or root canal. It made me sick to think they were going to put her through that just to make a buck.

I don't know what the group is called where you are, but here it was koolsmiles, and boy, after this I found out they really have a horrible reputation. One of our news channels even did a report on them because of so many complaints of unnecessary work. The x-rays are yours legally. Just call and let them know you want them and they have to provide you a copy, it may take a couple of days, but you can have them. Good luck.

Kim

 

[Leajess99]

Thank you both previous posters.

I will go with my 2nd choice dentist and will pay the exam fee.

I also have a dumb question. Is the laughing gas only to make them feel comfortable to get the needle or is it in place of? Never had it. I assume they did one over the other.

The dentist did try and show me on the xrays the 2 cavities far back upper permanent teeth. She said it was in between and hard to see. When she showed me the xrays i couldnt make it out to well...but then again i was never great at finding the heart beat in the ultrasound either ; )

My DD11 had a filling done and no gas at all. They just used the needle to numb. If your child is not anxious about the needle than I would forgo the laughing gas as some insurances will not cover it.

I agree that you should get the second opinion especially if you are not happy. I changed my kids' dentist last year and it was the best move we did. I talked to some friends who absolutely loved this dentist and I can say I love him too. He is awesome with the kids (not specifically a pediatric dentist so they can keep him as long as they wish) and will show you and talk to you about everything. We had a pediatric dentist for my youngest and I was not happy at all with the office staff or the dentist. My older 2 had a different dentist that was actually being dropped by insurance companies as too expensive and always wanting to do more work than was actually needed. I hope you like the next dentist a lot better.

 

[Leajess99]

Definetly get a 2nd opinion. I was taking my kids to a new pediatric dentist in our area and the second time we went they said my (at the time)5year old had a cavity so bad that she needed a root canal & crown. I could not understand how a tooth could be that bad in 6 months. Guess what? Went to another dentist for a second opinion and found it was a cavity, but just a cavity, they filled it, no crown or root canal. It made me sick to think they were going to put her through that just to make a buck.

I don't know what the group is called where you are, but here it was koolsmiles, and boy, after this I found out they really have a horrible reputation. One of our news channels even did a report on them because of so many complaints of unnecessary work. The x-rays are yours legally. Just call and let them know you want them and they have to provide you a copy, it may take a couple of days, but you can have them. Good luck.

Kim

Here we have a bunch of new dental places that popped up and they take the kids' state medical insurance and very few other plans. When they first came out it was just the state medical insurance that was advertised as accepted. i guess that is how they make their money because after all the stereotyping is that "poor kids have bad teeth".

The pediatric dentist we used to use for my youngest, a friend goes there and they have capped her son's front teeth 3 times because he had damaged them and even though he is 6 they just capped them again and his teeth are blue. She is now taking him to the dentist where my kids go.

 

[HM]

Insurance won't pay for the gas. My DH was offered it and should have said no thanks, but didn't and we had to pay for it oop.

If your child needs any kind of sedative before mouth work, the pediatric dentist can prescribe a mild sedative that she/he'd take 1/2 hour before going to the office. It really helped my son, who had a real aversion to having someone in his mouth (kept clamping down).

 

[svhargis]

Hi, This is actually something I know a lot about. I am a dental assistant and My father Has been a pediatric dentist for 25 years. His advice would be to get the 2nd opinion because no matter how free it is, your peace of mind is worth much more. You will see a big difference in a general dentist and a pediatric office as well. They are specialists and have had an additional 2 years of school. Also being around nothing but kids all day and having equipment for little mouths makes a huge difference. As far as the nitrous oxide ( laughing gas), most offices still use it, but in our office we will only use it for about 5 mins. before starting any work while the assistant talks to the child. It is only used to relax the patient, not to make them loopy. Once 5 mins. is up we switch to oxygen. This way the gas nose stays on blocking the view of all scary instraments and needles so the kids can be numbed and have all the work done in about 15-20 mins. and never feel a thing. Oh, and if you ask the office to transfer your xrays, they will usually do it at no charge, but if you ask for copies for yourself, they will charge you a fee. I hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[dizkids]

Hi, This is actually something I know a lot about. I am a dental assistant and My father Has been a pediatric dentist for 25 years. His advice would be to get the 2nd opinion because no matter how free it is, your peace of mind is worth much more. You will see a big difference in a general dentist and a pediatric office as well. They are specialists and have had an additional 2 years of school. Also being around nothing but kids all day and having equipment for little mouths makes a huge difference. As far as the nitrous oxide ( laughing gas), most offices still use it, but in our office we will only use it for about 5 mins. before starting any work while the assistant talks to the child. It is only used to relax the patient, not to make them loopy. Once 5 mins. is up we switch to oxygen. This way the gas nose stays on blocking the view of all scary instraments and needles so the kids can be numbed and have all the work done in about 15-20 mins. and never feel a thing. Oh, and if you ask the office to transfer your xrays, they will usually do it at no charge, but if you ask for copies for yourself, they will charge you a fee. I hope this helps. Good luck![/QUOTE)

YES thank you this has been helpful. I do want the original xrays and not the copies.

 

[bumbershoot]

Second, third, however many opinions are good. Dentists see VASTLY different things based on the same information.


DS had two teeth grow in yellow, turn brown, and start disintegrating. Since it was only 2, and DH had several, while FIL had ALL of his baby teeth crumble, the genetics are slowly being watered down. Anyway, we thought we found a dentist that would be good, but ultimately she was afraid to work on such a little dude (he was only a year at the time). Found a pediatric dentist with a GORGEOUS office...yeah, not the brightest. He was diagnosing DS with all sorts of problems before looking at his teeth, because DH and I carry too much weight. DS is skinny and muscular, but obviously we just eat sugar ALL day long so he's got rotted teeth because of that. He finally looked in DS's mouth, after I left the room (and I got judged for that, even though it was for the dentist's sake, because we had found with the first dentist that DS was much more brave when just with DH and the dentist), and said he would be extracting FOUR teeth, and would be filling all sorts of "spots". He wanted to use General Anesthetic, with an MD and nurse called into the office (they would come from the nearby hospital) and I would have to coordinate dental and medical insurance, and it would all be done at the same time, and I would NOT be allowed in the room.

We laughed really hard as we left, never to return.

Then we heard that the fabulous-reputation ped dentist office had brought in a new guy! And we could get in! The old guy's office was so busy he wasn't even accepting new patients *at all*. Not a wait list, just NO. So Dr Ben was brought in, and it was a breath of fresh air.

Dr Ben first did the filling in DS's two front top teeth (that the other guy was just going to do an extraction for). NO lidocaine at all. DH could be in the room with him. Actually, at the first two visits, DS didn't even get on the chair...DH and the dentist sat knee to knee, with DS's head on the dentist's legs and the rest of his body on DH's legs. That's how the filling was done. He would have used lidocaine if needed, but nothing was needed.

OH, have I mentioned that this guy has TVs in the ceiling with Disney movies playing? That was DS's pain relief.

Next visit, I guess DS ran back and jumped up onto the chair, ready to see the beginning of Nemo again (funny, to have Nemo on at a dentist's, but as Dr Ben says, they don't ever spend enough time with one patient to get to the dentist scene). They used a blip of lidocaine, pulled the teeth (I still don't know how, they were so disintegrated by then), and it was all done.

This guy sees the "spots", but is just watching them.

Much much different from the other guy, and I suspect the other guy had a balloon mortgage payment coming up, or wanted a boat, or something like that...

These visits were all paid for, even though I know two of them were inside of 6 months, and I don't think we went over a year for them. We were mystified but very pleased.



Right now, DH is dealing with not trusting my dentist. My dentist hasn't found any problems with me, and is following a hands off program (I had some pain, but he saw nothing, and now the pain is gone). But with DH, augh. Dentist said DH had 5 cavities, but then when they showed him the treatment plan, it had doubled. It's VERY weird, and they dance around the questions when we ask about it. I don't think DH is going to be able to see the guy, because he just doesn't trust him with his own teeth.


I prefer to get everything figured out before the visits for DS. "I will be in the room with my child. We will start with nothing and move up while work is done, based on the kid's need; we won't just start with nitrous etc. We will figure out the best way to hep the situation (for instance, having DH with DS worked better than with me there, even though I am the healthcare person in our house)." Etc etc etc. That way they aren't seeing your kid without calling you back, aren't accusing you of things, etc.

DS's dentist does one thing I don't agree with (misunderstanding of privacy laws and putting them onto the parents), but we'll deal with it for now, because he's been so good with DS and I like his philosophy.


Good luck!

 

[amez]

(for instance, having DH with DS worked better than with me there, even though I am the healthcare person in our house Good luck!

I do everything for my kids-dr appt, cuddles when they are sick etc. But when dd at age 5 had fillings done it was dh who was definitely the best fit for keeping her calm. She had different areas that needed work and it wasa disastor when I would go in with her. With dh is went so much smoother.

 

[windycitymom]

Always get a second opinion! We had a bad experience at a pediatric dentist office. My son who was 5 at the time, had a fear of dentists so I thought a pediatric dentist would be helpful. Well, the ped. dentist told me I couldn't be in the exam room with my son (though I did stand outside the open door so I could hear everything). The dentist was getting frustrated at my son who was asking alot of questions, so he started raising his voice at my son and when I popped my head in to say "this isn't working" then he blamed me for my son's fear saying I was too overprotective. Never leave your young child alone in a dentist's room. You must be able to hear everything. Better yet, insist on being in the room. If they won't let you, then you'd better wonder why.... We then found a new dentist who not only let me stay in the room, but answered all of my son's questions over and over. My son adored that dentist (and so did I). The dentist had children of his own so I think that made a big difference as he could relate. Finding a great dentist whom you trust and feel comfortable with is priceless. Not everyone is good with kids (no matter what your profession).

 

[svhargis]

There are very good reasons why parents are not allowed back with childen. We let a mom come back because she insisted her child would be calmer with her in the room even though this is usually never the case. As soon as the dentist pulled out the scaler to count the child's teeth, the kid sat up to reach for the mom and almost got a scaler right in the eye. The only way to prevent that is holding the child down and that is a major NO NO. We find that if a child is too reluctant to do a cleaning than he needs to be sedated for his safety and to keep him from being traumatized. This is usually only needed for kids 5 and under in our office. If they are older, we will refer them to a dentist who is licensed to give them medicine to make them sleepy and do the work in the office. But if you have a dentist who will let you go back and your child does well, stick with it.

 

[deva]

If it is cavities, find a ped dentist that uses lasers for cavity removal. No pain at all, so no need for gas or novacaine. I have horrific memories of getting fillings when I was younger, so I was afraid of how DS would react. He was just lying there is the chair - like nothing was happening. He's had it done twice now with absolutely no pain. I am going to see my son's dentist if I get another cavity