Entrepreneurial Dentists ... ?

MouseMan01

Recently went to a dentist in Togher, Cork City. Got off to an inauspicious start. Told the sales/office person what I did for a living and he commented that I 'must have loads of money'. Spent over the odds for a consultation.

Then low and behold, they 'discovered' that I had periodontal disease and that if I didn't pay them nearly 2000€ for immediate treatment literally 'all my teeth were going to fall out'.

I've been to a number of other dentists. My regular dentist said my teeth were fine. Another dentist said I need 3 sessions with a dental hygenist at 50€/ session.

I'm not really sure who to believe at this stage. All 3 dentists took x-rays. The crowd in Togher are mostly foreign dentists (eastern european). The other two dentists are UCC grads.

I've nothing against foreign medical workers or anything. Some of them are great. But push comes to shove. I'd probably go with a UCC grad over an eastern European trained dentist.

What's your experience of dentists in general? Have you ever had the 'hard sell'? What should I do about my 'peridontal disease'?

Fitz II

Why are you switching dentist?, people who switch dentist often have worst teeth. Your regular dentist who you have seen regularly over the years is in the best position to judge the condition and deuteriation of your teeth or gums.

I am getting a not so subtle undertone of "the dentist is making things up to rob money off me"...if you feel like that go to a different dentist or none at all if the entire profession is under your suspicion. At the end of the day its your teeth and nobody will suffer or benefit from dental treatment, or the lack their of, other than you.

Generally dentists are far too busy to be bothered making up treatments that need doing, and honestly people have such bad teeth and gums there is no need.

MouseMan01

Why are you switching dentist?, people who switch dentist often have worst teeth.

I'm shopping around to get veneers done. My regular dentist doesn't do veneers so I have to book a consultation with various dentists before they'll quote me ...

Fitz II

MouseMan01 wrote: »

I'm shopping around to get veneers done. My regular dentist doesn't do veneers so I have to book a consultation with various dentists before they'll quote me ...

ask for a referral to a specialist from your regular trusted dentist. Don't have any work done by a dentist you dont trust implicitly. As for shopping around for dental work....see the common law of business balance here

MouseMan01

MouseMan01 wrote: »

I'm shopping around to get veneers done. My regular dentist doesn't do veneers so I have to book a consultation with various dentists before they'll quote me ...

If I were doing veneers for you, I also would want to make sure that your periodontal health was a close to perfect as possible. Most Dentists who do cosmetic work will not agree to do treatment if they suspect condition of gum/bone will deteriorate post-fit.

Dianthus

MouseMan01 wrote: »

What's your experience of dentists in general? Have you ever had the 'hard sell'? What should I do about my 'peridontal disease'?

You should be provided with a written estimate of treatment plan& costings. If not, request it. This will allow you to see exactly what is being proposed.

Try to avoid having multiple x-rays at different practices (from both a cost & a radiation exposure perspective). Ask for a copy of your x-rays from one/all three practices you've been to thusfar& have those copies for any further consultations.

Like any service& any profession, go with your gut instinct & make sure you choose someone you trust & have a rapport with.

billycruz10

It is important to remember that while shopping for the best price can be beneficial, it's also vital to ensure that you choose a dentist you trust and with experience in the treatments you need. Good luck!

Billy

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