This afternoon I had the tooth which was root canaled a couple weeks ago get built up and have a temporary crown put on.
Since all but about $300 of my yearly dental insurance cap has already been used, I had the wonderful priveledge of dropping $832 in payment.
In two weeks I go back to get my permenant crown.
I like my dentist, but I kind of wish she'd get a clue.
Each time I've had an appointment with her she's mentioned to me that she'd love to do a tooth whitening treatment on me and that she'd love to close up a gap between two of my teeth. Each time I've told her I'm not interested.
AGAIN today AFTER discussing how much the root canal cost me ($650) and discussing how much I'll have to pay for the crown ($832) and seeing me cringe at parting with that much money - she again mentions about the teeth whitening, etc.
So I tell her that right now I am trying to spend money on only ESSENTIAL and necessary items - and that neither of those things fall in that category. I also told her that I'm saving up for a house downpayment. She misunderstood and thought I was looking at buying a house *right now*. I explained to her that no, I'm looking at more like 3 or more years down the road.
She told me I sure do long term planning.
Yes, I am trying to. I didn't say this to her - but I also probably would never spend the money on either of those things even if I had MORE than enough for everything I want.
I really hope she doesn't bring it up again on my next visit. I really like her and the office, not to mention the fact it's in the same office building as my company. So I'd really hate to have to find a new dentist.
Another Denti$t visit
February 21st, 2008 at 05:21 am
February 21st, 2008 at 05:42 am 1203572559
If she does during the next visit have the front office person put a note in your file: does not want to be offered extra services like teeth whitening and/or orthodontia. Please do not ask.
I did that with a dentist I went to for a couple of cleaning. The note was placed, so she brought it up again. I felt she kept pressuring me, I eventually told her; in front of her staff that I was going back to my old dentist even if it meant a 45 minutes drive each way because I did not like her business tactics. That is the only time I have strayed from my dentist in 20 years. I told him and he said that she either was receiving a discount on specific products whenever she sold them or was really not making it.
I really love my dentist and feel great that there is no pressure to buy anything. Just a small sign: if you have questions about additional services we provide or products you see, please ask your hygienist. That is it. I love his office.
February 21st, 2008 at 06:54 am 1203576845
February 21st, 2008 at 03:15 pm 1203606949
If you like your dentist, I wouldn't leave simply because she is bringing up the whitening. I say this because DH had a cavity that was drilled too far down and he had to immediately have a root canal (I think two weeks later on the same tooth, kind of suspicious). We switched dentists after that (to a friend of ours, no less) and because this guy is in practice for himself and his wife is the hygienist (spelling), they offer everything (without pressure) and I figure he probably is trying to make some extra money on us, but he's been a good dentist and it is just part of his "shpeel" ...
February 21st, 2008 at 03:25 pm 1203607541
I would be inclined to switch dentists. How annoying. Though I agree if she is good otherwise, might be worth the pain. I drive 4 hours round trip to see my trusted dentist. Not a lot of good experiences otherwise.
February 21st, 2008 at 06:53 pm 1203619983
February 21st, 2008 at 10:19 pm 1203632357
I had one of those expensive dentists. I changed and started going to Hubster's much less expensive guy!
I would certainly at least ask for it be noted to not try to sell me anymore. If it keeps happening after that? Well, I'd probably move on...the annoyance of my wishes being discounted repeatedly would probably compel me to seek assistance elsewhere.
3 years out to preplan a house buy? Not unreasonable at all!! Some people plan such a purchase for 20 years!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 01:44 am 1203644659
February 22nd, 2008 at 04:16 am 1203653764
February 22nd, 2008 at 04:22 am 1203654167
February 22nd, 2008 at 01:57 pm 1203688624