Have you ever wondered if your dentist is scamming you?

1. 67

   amiebutchkoposted 10 years ago

   Have you ever wondered if your dentist is scamming you?
   
   I just seem to notice that every time I go to the dentist there seems to be another trumped up reason why I need work done.  As well, my children always seem to be needing xrays, sealants... have cavities between teeth although their brushing habits are termed "excellent."  Is there any way to know if the expenses are needed or just pre-cautionary and can wait?  It just is so much money every time we go!

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2. 72

   Aime Fposted 10 years ago

   Can't say that I have.
   
   Brushing doesn't prevent cavities between teeth nearly as effectively as flossing. As someone who does a pretty good job of brushing but fails hard at remembering to floss, I can certainly attest to that. All of my cavities have been between teeth.
   
   I do think they probably try to do as much for you as they possibly can, but that's business. I don't think they make up issues.

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   1. 67

      amiebutchkoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Aime.  You feel like a failure when your kids get cavities!!!!!!!  I appreciate your thoughts.  Getting them to floss will be even harder than getting them to brush regularly, but I know I have to just follow them around and nag, nag, nag!

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3. 86

   Kathleen Odenthalposted 10 years ago

   I havent wondered. I knew for a fact my dentist scammed me. He kept finding new things he needed to fix, and then when I got my statement from my insurance company showing that he billed TWICE for all procedures he did.
   
   Worst of all, he lived in my apartment building. Oh man, he had messed with the wrong lady!
   
   My advice, ALWAYS get a second opinion when it comes to any medical field. Or anything actually.

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   1. 67

      amiebutchkoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks!  I suspect the same thing goes on all over.  Why wouldn't they bill and bill if they can?  We are kind of at their mercy unless we get second opinions, which is time consuming and costly.  SIGH.

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4. 60

   Penny Gposted 10 years ago

   Yep. Ok I actually changed Dentists because of this. I Needed a cap, no root canal though. The Dentist had a receptionist who tried to get me to pay an extra 200.00 under the table for a gold cap, which is covered at no extra charge by my insurance. I called the Insurance company they were upset. I called the Dentist he knew nothing about it. This all happened after my Dentist before insisted on fire filing a tooth, that was ok but an old filling. Then it hurt which it did not before. Then it had to be capped! Then this scam yikes be careful. Check it out go somewhere else. My last Dentist billed my insurance for stuff I never had done. I am sick of this!

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