Comments on: How to Save Money at the Dentist – Get a Second Opinion http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html Bridging the gap between saving money and investing Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:40:05 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: patricia http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-651362 patricia Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:27:52 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-651362 When it comes to the dental profession beware! There are more scams than you can shake a stick. It is a worry to think of how many are scammed or treated unnecessarily on a daily basis in this country. That has been my observation after walking the walk having entered an office for a check up and passed to the buddy and had my insurance worked over and... just BE CAREFUL and question everything. Look in your mouth or your child's mouth. Do you see a hole? Search google for dentist arrested just to read the unusual stories of sexual assaults, drugs, and then search dental fraud. The dental world is difficult to navigate. On the positive side, I think they have been doing a lot of this for a while and people are catching on and reporting. Always report fraud to the dental board. The dental profession is self regulation so don't expect much help. Just put something in the file to be seen and hopefully if reports keep appearing for the same dentist something will finally happen. Otherwise, we are all very much on our own navigating the dental world. When it comes to the dental profession beware! There are more scams than you can shake a stick. It is a worry to think of how many are scammed or treated unnecessarily on a daily basis in this country. That has been my observation after walking the walk having entered an office for a check up and passed to the buddy and had my insurance worked over and… just BE CAREFUL and question everything. Look in your mouth or your child’s mouth. Do you see a hole? Search google for dentist arrested just to read the unusual stories of sexual assaults, drugs, and then search dental fraud. The dental world is difficult to navigate. On the positive side, I think they have been doing a lot of this for a while and people are catching on and reporting. Always report fraud to the dental board. The dental profession is self regulation so don’t expect much help. Just put something in the file to be seen and hopefully if reports keep appearing for the same dentist something will finally happen. Otherwise, we are all very much on our own navigating the dental world.

]]> By: fred zietz http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-635345 fred zietz Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:35:06 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-635345 Sounds like you all need to have a little more faith. If you dont trust the dentist, find another. Its not just the work, it is the relationship. And no dentist is going to be correct 100%. However, there is the 5% (like any profession that should not be working). And CARING dentists can go to any dental school-not just public schools. Sounds like you all need to have a little more faith. If you dont trust the dentist, find another. Its not just the work, it is the relationship. And no dentist is going to be correct 100%.
However, there is the 5% (like any profession that should not be working).
And CARING dentists can go to any dental school-not just public schools.

]]> By: x http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-608996 x Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:07:39 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-608996 I hate dentists and doctors. When I was a kid, I had a real demon for a dentist. Every time my sister and I went, we "needed" fillings. What a pattern! Each of us ended up getting the exact same molars filled with that toxic amalgam crap. When I was just 13, I had a visit, and that time, I "needed" a fifth filling. Well even at such a young age, I was suspicious. (My mother was not... Go figure.) The dentist giving the second opinion said my teeth were fine. Fast forward 26 years, and my teeth are still fine. And I still hate dentists. I hate dentists and doctors. When I was a kid, I had a real demon for a dentist. Every time my sister and I went, we “needed” fillings. What a pattern! Each of us ended up getting the exact same molars filled with that toxic amalgam crap.

When I was just 13, I had a visit, and that time, I “needed” a fifth filling. Well even at such a young age, I was suspicious. (My mother was not… Go figure.)

The dentist giving the second opinion said my teeth were fine.

Fast forward 26 years, and my teeth are still fine.

And I still hate dentists.

]]> By: Adam Aronowitz http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-505596 Adam Aronowitz Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:16:03 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-505596 I find that it is always good to get a second opinion. But the second opinion can be used by the other dentist or orthodondinst to redirect you to their business's. I find that getting a second opinion online, sending x rays to a specialist who is an expert in diagnoses, and doesn't have the conflict of interest of stealing your business to be the way to go. There are a few websites like this already available in Dental and Orthodontry. I find that it is always good to get a second opinion. But the second opinion can be used by the other dentist or orthodondinst to redirect you to their business’s. I find that getting a second opinion online, sending x rays to a specialist who is an expert in diagnoses, and doesn’t have the conflict of interest of stealing your business to be the way to go. There are a few websites like this already available in Dental and Orthodontry.

]]> By: Mieke http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-459845 Mieke Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:14:18 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-459845 My dentist, rather a new person to me, has given me two crowns in the past two years, but both have a few problems with twinges of pain. A half year ago, he gave me a clean bill of health, even though I told him about the twinges, so I believed him. Then he told me a week ago that I need 5 crowns - urgently. I had a second opinion yesterday, and was also told I need crowns, even possible root canals, and that I have been neglecting my teeth. But I have no pain, except below the two crowns that are recent. So - not sure what to do now. My first action will be to try to get an appointment with the University Dental School. My dentist, rather a new person to me, has given me two crowns in the past two years, but both have a few problems with twinges of pain. A half year ago, he gave me a clean bill of health, even though I told him about the twinges, so I believed him. Then he told me a week ago that I need 5 crowns – urgently. I had a second opinion yesterday, and was also told I need crowns, even possible root canals, and that I have been neglecting my teeth.
But I have no pain, except below the two crowns that are recent. So – not sure what to do now. My first action will be to try to get an appointment with the University Dental School.

]]> By: Heidi http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-147950 Heidi Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:24:33 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-147950 It has happened to me twice now that I went for a second opinion and save a bit of money. 4 years ago a dentist told me I needed a root canal and crown - but I had no pain so I went to another dentist who told me I didn't have one dern cavity and I was good to go... the tooth never started bothering me so I am happy I went through the trouble. Now my son needs (so I am told) orthodontic work. This is some expensive stuff... think I will shop around on this one. It has happened to me twice now that I went for a second opinion and save a bit of money. 4 years ago a dentist told me I needed a root canal and crown – but I had no pain so I went to another dentist who told me I didn’t have one dern cavity and I was good to go… the tooth never started bothering me so I am happy I went through the trouble. Now my son needs (so I am told) orthodontic work. This is some expensive stuff… think I will shop around on this one.

]]> By: Dianne G. http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-104001 Dianne G. Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:07:31 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-104001 I just got back from getting a second opinion. Funny, this opinion was completely different from the first. Now I have two different opinions. Off to see a third dentist?? The first said I had two minor cavities. No big deal. The second said I need to replace three of my fillings due to cavities underneath. One of which is too big and I would need a $600 inlay. These weren't even the ones that the first dentist was talking about. This is very frustrating! I just got back from getting a second opinion. Funny, this opinion was completely different from the first. Now I have two different opinions. Off to see a third dentist?? The first said I had two minor cavities. No big deal. The second said I need to replace three of my fillings due to cavities underneath. One of which is too big and I would need a $600 inlay. These weren’t even the ones that the first dentist was talking about. This is very frustrating!

]]> By: Tight Fisted Miser » Festival of Frugality #87 Picks http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-87173 Tight Fisted Miser » Festival of Frugality #87 Picks Tue, 14 Aug 2007 19:06:06 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-87173 [...] How to Save Money at the Dentist – Get a Second Opinion from Saving Advice. Your need to be aware that your dentist might be out for a buck rather than just suggesting what is needed for your oral health. I get my dental work done at the local university so I don’t have to worry that work is being done only for financial motives. [...] [...] How to Save Money at the Dentist – Get a Second Opinion from Saving Advice. Your need to be aware that your dentist might be out for a buck rather than just suggesting what is needed for your oral health. I get my dental work done at the local university so I don’t have to worry that work is being done only for financial motives. [...]

]]> By: Teri http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-85480 Teri Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:59:02 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-85480 Because a diagnosis of root planing was entirely different from a root canal. The fillings yes, but hell any greedy doctor who is going to make up stuff is going to tell me to replace all my fillings. I am not sure how that shows anything considering 3 years later from those diagnoses my fillings are going strong. As far as the root planing, that is what a friend dentist said but my own dentist said he would never do the work - completely unecessary. So I did have a thorough second opinion. I can enure you that my own oral health is top notch. But this is really where the red flags come in. I would never skimp on a procedure I Felt was necessary for my health. Let me make that clear. But it certainly doesn't mean no one is out to scam you. & why it made no sense why I suddenly needed thousands of dollars of work after decades of no problems with my teeth. & many different diagnosis. I am more concerned how I have heard these procedures can damage your oral health when they are done unnecessarily. Um I don't have any squeaks or leaks so why do I need a new transmission??? - that is really my point. Because a diagnosis of root planing was entirely different from a root canal. The fillings yes, but hell any greedy doctor who is going to make up stuff is going to tell me to replace all my fillings. I am not sure how that shows anything considering 3 years later from those diagnoses my fillings are going strong.

As far as the root planing, that is what a friend dentist said but my own dentist said he would never do the work – completely unecessary. So I did have a thorough second opinion.

I can enure you that my own oral health is top notch. But this is really where the red flags come in. I would never skimp on a procedure I Felt was necessary for my health. Let me make that clear. But it certainly doesn’t mean no one is out to scam you. & why it made no sense why I suddenly needed thousands of dollars of work after decades of no problems with my teeth. & many different diagnosis. I am more concerned how I have heard these procedures can damage your oral health when they are done unnecessarily.

Um I don’t have any squeaks or leaks so why do I need a new transmission??? – that is really my point.

]]> By: DF http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html/comment-page-1#comment-85406 DF Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:32:09 +0000 http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/08/07/101668_how-to-save-money-at-the-dentist-%e2%80%93-get-a-second-opinion.html#comment-85406 "This time the cost was for root planning and replacing all fillings (again). Since the diagnosis was entirely different this time, a red flag went off in my head." Complete contradiction... how is the diagnosis completely different if they wanted to do the same work? "He told me unless I had been homeless in the streets for years and I didn’t have terrible gum disease (obvious) he could assure me that I did not need root planning." Completely false. Without seeing the perio charting and full mouth periapical xrays, there is no way to determine the necessity of root planning. Root planning is used to stop moderate gum disease from becoming "terrible" gum disease. If it has progressed to terrible, the diagnosis would have been for osseous surgery, where they cut the gums back and clean infection and rotten tissue from the underlying bone. Most people are in denial as to how badly they neglect their own oral health. Gum disease can lead to many other health issues including heart disease. Replacing fillings may be excessive, and should be voluntary unless problems or further decay around the margins is present. I have seen many people who defer from coming in for routine work, or basic restorative procedures, and call back months later demanding to be seen as an emergency, due to problems which could have easily (but like most health care, expensively) prevented. The comparisons in this article do not make much sense. Dental work is not like buying a new car, in fact it is more like car repair. You ignore those little sqeaks and leaks, and you will end up having to replace an entire engine. “This time the cost was for root planning and replacing all fillings (again). Since the diagnosis was entirely different this time, a red flag went off in my head.”
Complete contradiction… how is the diagnosis completely different if they wanted to do the same work?

“He told me unless I had been homeless in the streets for years and I didn’t have terrible gum disease (obvious) he could assure me that I did not need root planning.”

Completely false. Without seeing the perio charting and full mouth periapical xrays, there is no way to determine the necessity of root planning. Root planning is used to stop moderate gum disease from becoming “terrible” gum disease. If it has progressed to terrible, the diagnosis would have been for osseous surgery, where they cut the gums back and clean infection and rotten tissue from the underlying bone.
Most people are in denial as to how badly they neglect their own oral health. Gum disease can lead to many other health issues including heart disease. Replacing fillings may be excessive, and should be voluntary unless problems or further decay around the margins is present.
I have seen many people who defer from coming in for routine work, or basic restorative procedures, and call back months later demanding to be seen as an emergency, due to problems which could have easily (but like most health care, expensively) prevented.
The comparisons in this article do not make much sense. Dental work is not like buying a new car, in fact it is more like car repair. You ignore those little sqeaks and leaks, and you will end up having to replace an entire engine.

]]>