At your dentist...is this normal procedure? (kinda long)

[Allie]

I think Denny and I are getting hosed by our dentist office. Well, "scammed" for lack of a better word. For one, they always underestimate the insurance, so what was supposed to be a $100 procedure ends up costing $300 fairly consistently. Now, there is also the issue of office staff bullying me and doing the scare tactic routine to get a cavity filled.

When I went to get my cleaning done in March, I had X-rays done and the dentist told me I had a very small cavity between two back molars. I've never had a cavity before, but I do have occasional sensitivity on the tooth in question, so it seemed reasonable. I couldn't even see it on the X-ray when he tried to show me where it was, though. After talking to my mom I decided to wait a little while on getting it filled, and called to cancel my appt. The lady gives me this total BS about how I'm going to need a crown and I actually have TWO cavities on my tooth. : She wouldn't let me NOT reschedule, so it ends up I have a cleaning and cavity filling tomorrow. Well, I still don't want the tooth filled, so I called to cancel the cavity filling part. Now guess how many cavities I have--FOUR. Now I know that either A)the office staff are a bunch of dumbasses, or B)they are totally trying to bully me and give me the run-around. If my tooth was rotting out, that would be one thing. But I couldn't even SEE any damage on the tooth on the X-ray, and it doesn't hurt, maybe just every so often if I'm eating something sweet.

So, should I be totally pissed or is this just normal procedure for dentists--the more rotten teeth the more $$$$ they make?? : They keep pushing Denny to have more and more work done, too.

[Chester B. Dickens]

Get a second opinion!

[rottnlabs]

It sounds flakey so I'd get a second opinion. FWIW, it is better to get cavities filled when they are small so I'd do it now if you can. Cavities can grow and contaminate other teeth and gums. It can get nasty pretty quickly and end up costing a lot more in the long run.

Estimates should be in the same ball park as the final figure. I'll allow a 10% discrepancy but you are talking about a 300% discrepency. I'd tell them you aren't paying the difference since they can't seem to estimate correctly. Hell, even I could tell you how much something might cost if you gave me a 300% leeway.

[Jinx]

You guys are getting hosed. I agree, get a second opinion.

[amazongold]

It's time to find another dentist. How can one cavity turn into two, then four, from the same xray??? : You are being scammed big time.

[imported_Aim]

I'd be looking for a new dentist.

[rubbertoes]

Dental work is so damn expensive , an insurance dont cover hardly any of it . >

[jzgrlduff]

Screw the 2nd opinion - get a new dentist!!!* *They absolutely cannot force you to reschedule an appointment!* As far as new cavities magically reappearing on an XRay - PFFFFFFTTTTT!!!!!!

Call 1-800-DENTIST* ;D* (Seriously, I would!)

[imported_nellies mom]

time to get those x-rays and go to another dentist. If they give you a hard time about the x-rays they belong to you since you paid for them. If they still give you a hard time tell them you'll see them in court. Another dentist can get them for you also. Sounds like they are scamming you. I wonder if the dentist knows what his front office staff is doing?

[dare1969]

This is right up my alley, because I work for dental insurance billing and customer service for an insurance co.

You are entitled to get what is called a predetermination, that is basically a claim that is put through the motions, but not processed. that way you know what you benefits will pay.

As far as coverage, but I am not familiar with what your plan pays, or who you are insured with, or what your mouths are like, so I can't say as to why it's not paying as much.

Now, with the dental office....going to the dentist is scary enough...who wants someone digging around in their mouth? I would definately look for another dentist, I would also let them know as to why you are leaving.

If you have any questions, let me know.