re: How much of a scam is the dentist?

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AMA

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Then why didn’t they do a normal cleaning then suggest the “deep cleaning” if it is a completely different thing? Explain that to me like I’m 5.

Liability

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$5.71 per paycheck, just checked. So about $148 a year...add in $25-$50 twice a year for my cleanings and I'm all in for about $200 or so.

So still less expensive and I get the benefit of not having a disgusting mouth, pain, a poorer quality of life because my teeth are failing, not having the downstream effects of unhealthy teeth/gums, etc.

So like I said, if you want to deal with your gum disease every few years and all that is sure to come with it, and pay more to do it, by all means.

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You have good numbers. My numbers were $21/m and still somehow was coming out of pocket $80 just to walk in the door. Very shitty coverage.

Everyone's dental health situation is different, and everyone's insurance coverage is different.

There is no one size fits all.

You baws seem to have this whole dentist scam figured out. Yep you caught us red handed.

Just know, in a few years, when you need a set of dentures, I’ll be happy to fix you up with a set of plates. I’ll even come out of retirement (I retired just 10-15 years after I graduated dental school).

I’ll just have to find time between the boating, golf club memberships, lavish vacations and my polo ponies.

But honestly, I’m here to help and would be glad to shuck your remaining teeth in your head to make way for your replacement for not having teeth.

Just LMK.

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Decided I’m paying for insurance I’ll go get a cleaning. I can’t even do that. I have to go get X-rays and an exam before they will schedule my cleaning.

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Yes. That is standard protocol because they need to know if you have periodontal disease or not. Xrays are to make sure you don't have anything serious that needs to be taken care of first.

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After 2 doctors and a hygienist are in my mouth I’m told everything looks good, no cavities but you need a deep cleaning. Will take 2 visits and you will need to be numbed. That will cost you $450.

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This is because you have periodontal disease. You will never have a regular cleaning again.

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Also your wisdom teeth might start hitting another tooth here is your referral to get them all out.

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Or you could just let them go until it fricking hurts and it's a massive problem.

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I haven’t been in a decade.

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I mean...that's like the women who have no idea that you're supposed to change the oil in a car. It's possible (although highly unlikely) that your oral health is impeccable and you just are unlucky with the bacteria in your mouth. Ultimately though, your oral health is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. And it is a dentist's responsibility to do the right and ethical thing by the patient. Giving you a regular cleaning when you have a diseased gums and/or bone is unethical. Sorry you don't like it.

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Then why didn’t they do a normal cleaning then suggest the “deep cleaning” if it is a completely different thing? Explain that to me like I’m 5.

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I'm not a dentist but I can help you here. A regular cleaning is less invasive and what they do for people who do not have an underlying more serious issue like gum disease. You have gum disease which a regular cleaning will not help manage.

You're welcome.

ETA: This gum disease you now have is something that is easily identified and prevented with regular visits to the dentist. But as you said, they're a scam, so here you are.

Can anyone recommend a honest dentist to me in Metairie or NOLA?
The guy I used to go to retired and I haven’t been for a few years.

My friend is a dentist. He once said, "you can smell the disease" when a lot of people open their mouths. I didn't believe him until I walked by a guy with his mouth agape on an international flight, and I immediately went, "That's the stink!"

My guy spends maybe 5 seconds on an examination. We then talk a couple mins about LSU sports and that's it.

They're constantly trying to upsell me on needless procedures as well.

Been going to the same office for over 20yrs. Will probably switch soon.

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My office is just myself and a skeleton crew. I own the business and it’s a 24/7 very stressful job. Many sleepless nights such as this one.

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I don't love that paying my dentist $175 for cleanings and $300 for a basic filling, but I don't envy his overhead and having to staff and manage his own office. That seems like a huge pita. Glad to have an independent guy I trust even if I get a bit of sticker shock when having work done.