Disney or Dentist?? :(

[loveysbydesign]

Wow, all these stories really get my goat. When I was a teenager, my family dentist (who I've been seeing since I first got teeth) would find cavities every single visit. My parents were angry and I was so ashamed of my mouth full of metal fillings. We trusted them completely and did whatever they said. On my last visit to them, they had 3 cavities that they wanted to be filled, but I didn't have the time and moved out of state to go to college and grad school. Because of all the pain and agony, I had developed a large dentist phobia and without my parents to make my appointments, I avoided going to the dentist. Ten years later, I found a new dentist (recommended by DH) and after nearly 8 years, they have not found a single cavity and told me my teeth look great.

I told my parents this story since they were still going to him. They both needed such "extensive" cleanings that they were going to him four times a year. Of course, insurance doesn't cover more than 2 visits. He had filled their heads full of scary stories about their teeth falling out if they didn't get the treatments. He used my grandmother as an example, since he had pulled out all her teeth and gave her dentures. Knowing what I know now, I wonder if he screwed her too. My parents thought there must be something wrong with my new dentist...that he was missing something, because obviously the old dentist couldn't be bad (in their eyes).

I agree, get a second opinion and don't tell the 2nd dentist what the first one said. IT does seem wrong to have someone diagnose a problem when they have a financial interest in finding problems. This is not only a problem with dentists, but with auto mechanics too.

OMG...are you sure you aren't me??? Everytime I'd go I'd have at least 3-4 cavities. Plus my mom made me get them filled without novocaine to teach me a lesson about taking care of my teeth and not getting cavities. It was horrible!
My Dad still goes there and has all kinds of issues but is so stubborn and head strong he won't go anywhere else!

 

[tink2dw]

Are these BABY Teeth??? If so, have the worst ones pulled. Fill the ones with little decays. The new adult teeth are more important!!!!!!!!! All my baby molars were root canals. Untill I was old enough tell my parent to have the baby teeth pulled. Then teach your children to brush, brush brush, and floss teeth. Send those little Wisp Tooth Brushes to school with them.

50 cent coupon
http://www.colgatewisp.com/wisp/HomePage

 

[jessica29]

I wouldn't say you save a ton of money or get the best treatment.

First, dental schools don't take insurance. You'll be paying completely out of pocket and most of the time, the "savings" aren't all that great. They will usually give you 20-40% off the market cost of the work.

Dental schools USED to be the way to go --- most work, you were able to get done free or at a very minimal cost. Now that "everyone" knows about them, they have driven cost up, the waiting lists are very long, and you have to go through an entire regimen of treatment instead of only getting the work you need done. AND, if they're not doing the particular treatment you need that semester, you have to wait and hope to be able to get it done during a later semester.

As far as the work being the "best". It's not. You are being treated by students who are supervised by a professor. They can/do make many mistakes and the sanitary conditions leave a lot to be desired.

This is not necessarily true either. I live in a university town and you do save a lot of money if you do not have insurace and they are very clean. I suppose a mistake could be made but they are watched and guided so the work is done right. Also we do not have long wait lists...