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Medical Forum / General / Dentistry / September 2005dentist office credit plans
When I talked to my dentist, he told me I could decide to get all my teeth fixed at once, one side fixed at once, or 1/4 fixed, whatever I wanted to. But then I talked to the person in his office who was supposed to help me, who immediately began to apply high pressure that I had to come in 2 days later and have all my teeth fixed (5 crowns and 2 fillings) on Wednesday and it would be like $5000 so I should sign up for this credit card like plan that had free interest if you charged $1000 to it. I told her I only wanted to fix one side at a time and she insisted my teeth couldn't wait and I needed to charge $1000 to get free interest. Also, my dental insurance starts over in January (4 months from now) and it would pay for most of this and I wouldn't even need a loan. Thing is, I'm wondering if she's just and idiot who is too zealous or if she is getting a kickback for everyone she signs up and they activate the accounts. Anyone know how this works in dental offices? >When I talked to my dentist, he told me I could decide to get all my teeth >fixed at once, one side fixed at once, or 1/4 fixed, whatever I wanted to. How about one or two teeth? Then if the tooth acts up at least you can figure out which one it is. Joel M. Eichen DDS >But then I talked to the person in his office who was supposed to help me, >who immediately began to apply high pressure that I had to come in 2 days [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >if she is getting a kickback for everyone she signs up and they activate the >accounts. Anyone know how this works in dental offices? REPLY It sounds like she's just and idiot who is too zealous or if she is getting a kickback for everyone she signs up and they activate the accounts. >Anyone know how this works in dental offices? Probably no kickback. Is she the dentist's wife by any chance? Joel I ended up getting only the one crown done on the tooth that has the fractures in it and makes me scream if I acidentally got so much as a wet rice krispies in it's bite by accident. Also, a replaced filling in the tooth right behind it. The rest can wait until I see how my mouth likes what's done. The 2 went pretty well, he seemed like a good dentist and worked gently and fast. But, I still don't know if the tooth will behave, as you never know, it might decide it won't be happy without a root canal - will have to see how it goes. And I hear it's like most health problems, they can go along and go wrong from the beginning, or 4 months later, or 4 years later.... at any rate, I had just 2 teeth worked on, and made a point of NOT using the credit, just in case her motivation was a kickback. No, she's not his wife, but the office manager for years. She probably thinks she's helping others to afford the help they need, but with that kind of pressure, she's probably actually losing him business. If I had just been looking for a dentist for regular care, I'd not went back. But I knew I was in trouble already, and my last dentist totally missed it. When I gave him the classic symptoms of cracked teeth (don't hurt unless you bite down on them, and then you scream and fall under the table) he said, "sometimes teeth just act like that". I knew I had to try someone else, and this guy found it and had the exact place pinpointed in minutes. The next teeth I will eventually get done are 2 small old fillings that have turned the teeth absolutely BLACK, and the gum looks somewhat black too. But not until I feel this one is behaving, I mean, sure, it can go bad at any time, but once the real crown is on and if it isn't killing me, I'll consider proceeding.  SignatureHappiness doesn't come from having things, it comes from *having things you can find* :) > > >When I talked to my dentist, he told me I could decide to get all my teeth [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > > Joel >I ended up getting only the one crown done on the tooth that has the >fractures in it and makes me scream if I acidentally got so much as a wet >rice krispies in it's bite by accident. Also, a replaced filling in the >tooth right behind it. The rest can wait until I see how my mouth likes >what's done. REPLY This is good to hear. Remember, a crown isn't so bad .... especially compared to crown, root canal, post, crown lengthening, etc. Joel >The 2 went pretty well, he seemed like a good dentist and >worked gently and fast. But, I still don't know if the tooth will behave, >as you never know, it might decide it won't be happy without a root canal - >will have to see how it goes. YUP > And I hear it's like most health problems, >they can go along and go wrong from the beginning, or 4 months later, or 4 [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >she's helping others to afford the help they need, but with that kind of >pressure, she's probably actually losing him business. WoW! You hit upon an old controversy. I have seen too many doctors delay and hold off, and while this is occurring, something really bad happens. The tooth splits down to the root and it has to be extracted. The patient never quite puts together that he/she would have been better off with the "LESS INVASIVE" crown in the first place! So it falls to the "Doc's judgement." JE > If I had just been >looking for a dentist for regular care, I'd not went back. But I knew I [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >bad at any time, but once the real crown is on and if it isn't killing me, >I'll consider proceeding. Although this tooth had 3 fractures (!) the one that was killing me was the one going down the back of the tooth that faces the tooth behind it. That means it is not one that was on the short side between the roots, but went down the long root. This was good, as it is a longer path before it can run out of tooth and split. It was so simple for him to put a little rubber thing on my tooth and test the areas as I GENTLY bit down to find which one it was. I can't believe how the other dentist just said, 'sometimes teeth act like that'. If you're going to the dentist for check ups, and still can't eat on one side of your mouth and the dentist tells you everything looks fine - find another dentist! I can't wait to get the real crown, as I'm afraid this temporary one will come off and am being real careful with it. On the other side of my mouth, where I supposedly need 4 crowns and it's probably true (old fillings) and where the 2 top ones have turned black, I have a metallic taste in my mouth that I hate. I hope it goes away when they are fixed and is not just something that I am associating with those old fillings, which turns out to not be true. SignatureHappiness doesn't come from having things, it comes from *having things you can find* :) If this tooth already has 3 fractures, I'd be VERY reluctant to do a crown on the tooth. Generally, once the tooth has a crack, there are many potential problems -- and now with 3 cracks, I wonder if you are just wasting time/money having a crown. Of course it's impossible to make any diagnosis without an exam, but considering what you've told us, I would be very leery about having a crown done. Even with root canal treatment, the prognosis would be guarded with 3 fractures already present. > Although this tooth had 3 fractures (!) the one that was killing me was the > one going down the back of the tooth that faces the tooth behind it. That [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > away when they are fixed and is not just something that I am associating > with those old fillings, which turns out to not be true. Remember, this tooth is already done, except for placing the permanent crown. The decision part is over. Only one of the cracks causes pain, the others are 'iffy' on that line that kind of looks like a crack anyway. the one that hurts, is not separated, and is on the long end of the tooth, not the short side. Yes, I know that it's even possible that I'll lose the tooth, even possible if I have the nerve out to then lose it. It's something I'm willing to see how it turns out, as I can have it pulled anytime I decide it's not working, no hurry to do that. The dentist did explain to me. SignatureHappiness doesn't come from having things, it comes from *having things you can find* :) > If this tooth already has 3 fractures, I'd be VERY reluctant to do a crown > on the tooth. Generally, once the tooth has a crack, there are many [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > you > > can find* :) >If this tooth already has 3 fractures, I'd be VERY reluctant to do a crown >on the tooth. Generally, once the tooth has a crack, there are many >potential problems -- and now with 3 cracks, I think they are using the term crack, very unscientifically. And yes, if a crack goes into a bifurcation, forget it. Its time for an implant. Joel > I wonder if you are just >wasting time/money having a crown. Of course it's impossible to make any [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] >you >> can find* :) > If this tooth already has 3 fractures, I'd be VERY reluctant to do a crown > on the tooth.\> Hog-wash. Most posterior teeth in people who clench hard at night will display multiple fracture lines. You have to excavate under high magnification to get past the fractures and then restore. Full cuspal coverage. If the fractures cannot be cleaned out without perforating the furcation, then, yes, the tooth is hopeless. Signature/ Amatus / > If this tooth already has 3 fractures, I'd be VERY reluctant to do a crown > on the tooth. Generally, once the tooth has a crack, there are many [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > you >> can find* :) Depends on location of fractures and wether they are horizontal or vertical. >If this tooth already has 3 fractures, I'd be VERY reluctant to do a crown >on the tooth. Generally, once the tooth has a crack, there are many [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >> which one it was. I can't believe how the other dentist just said, >> 'sometimes teeth act like that'. If you're going to the dentist for -- W_B Take out the G'RBAGE wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com > Depends on location of fractures and wither they are horizontal > or vertical. Vertical fractures are from squeezing with full force for hours at a time. Horizontal fractures are from trying to grind the teeth while they are firmly clenched together. Signature/ Amatus / > > Depends on location of fractures and wether they are horizontal [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > Take out the G'RBAGE > wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Those who can, do. Those who can't ...... teach. Those who can't teach, teach gym. > .... at any rate, I had just 2 teeth worked on, and made a point > of NOT using the credit, just in case her motivation was a kickback. The plan you describe actually charges the dental office between 5% and 9% to handle the credit transaction. It costs the office money to get you the credit. The only incentive for the dental office is to make the dental care affordable so that you get the care done before things get any worse. Yes, some offices try to do more work than needed. but this is not the majority of offices. Most offices recognize that dental insurance will barely pay to have one tooth fixed each year (at the present level of coverage and the cost of modern dentistry). Many people cannot have their teeth restored one tooth at a time, and end up with good contours and bite. Restorations are best done in small groups of teeth at the same time (or near the same time). Signature/ Amatus / >I ended up getting only the one crown done on the tooth that has the > fractures in it and makes me scream if I acidentally got so much as a wet [quoted text clipped - 74 lines] >> >> Joel > Thing is, I'm wondering if she's just and idiot who is too zealous or > if she is getting a kickback for everyone she signs up and they activate the > accounts. Possibly both? It is difficult for the average consumer to evaluate the dental skills of their dentist; evaluating their business practices is a far simpler matter. If the business practices of your dentist leaves you with a slimy feeling, it is exactly the same situation as anywhere else that you do business. You probably know what to do. Vaughn I do not know if she is getting a kickback but reading between the lines it sounds like the doc and his lady are a little closer than he wife thinks they should be. <<joking here>> I do not know either one that well although I hear the woman in question is quite a babe. <<joking AGAIN!>> Joel SignatureJoel344 Oh great, DentalCom snipped the information between the brackets .... Trying again ..... < j o k i n g > and < j o k i n g a g a i n -- Joel34 I don't like high pressure sales tactics, and neither does anyone else! This technique has absolutely NO place in a dental office, and if I were you, I would inform the dentist that you were put off by these tactics and then find another dentist IMMEDIATELY!! I would begin by asking the dentist how he/she would like it if he/she were "handled" in this manner if he/she were a patient like you. I also would consider contacting the local dental society and asking them what they thought about this. There are MANY dentists out there, and I'm SURE that you should have NO problems locating one who never uses ANY high pressure sales. You are indeed fortunate that this dentist has given you "bad vibes" this early so that you can leave without having had anything started. Check with friends/work colleagues/etc. and find a dentist who is more interested in YOU rather than in your pocketbook!! > When I talked to my dentist, he told me I could decide to get all my teeth > fixed at once, one side fixed at once, or 1/4 fixed, whatever I wanted to. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > if she is getting a kickback for everyone she signs up and they activate the > accounts. Anyone know how this works in dental offices? DENTAL SCRIPT: (Please memorize) "Normally we are so booked up that we could get to this for at least six months, but quite fortunately, quite amazingly, we have an opening for your eight crowns .... for tomorrow?" "What? You are going to a funeral? So sorry ..... wait a minute, hmmmmm, there's an opening for day after tomorrow at 3 pm." "No good? How about at 4:30 pm?" "No?" Then 5:30pm? -- Joel34 You wrote, and find a dentist who is more interested in YOU rather than in your pocketbook!! REPLY I always wondered about that expression ... I just picture a bunch of guys running around South Beach carrying their Louis Vuittons ...... . [image: http://parisfashion.allstarz.org/images/Louis%20Vuitton%20Murakami%20Multicolor% 20Monogram%20Speedy%2030.jpg] . SignatureJoel344 > [image: > http://parisfashion.allstarz.org/images/Louis%20Vuitton%20Murakami%20Multicolor% 20Monogram%20Speedy%2030.jpg] Man, that's an ugly purse! I'll stick to my $6 pocketbooks. This is why its better to say, "Oh that will hurt the patient in the wallet," instead of any mention of pocketbooks. When I was a kid they called paperbacks "pocketbooks." I did not care for that terminology either! Joel >> [image: >> http://parisfashion.allstarz.org/images/Louis%20Vuitton%20Murakami%20Multicolor% 20Monogram%20Speedy%2030.jpg] > >Man, that's an ugly purse! I'll stick to my $6 pocketbooks. >When I talked to my dentist, he told me I could decide to get all my teeth >fixed at once, one side fixed at once, or 1/4 fixed, whatever I wanted to. >But then I talked to the person in his office who was supposed to help me, Does not sound too helpful. >who immediately began to apply high pressure that I had to come in 2 days >later and have all my teeth fixed (5 crowns and 2 fillings) on Wednesday and >it would be like $5000 so I should sign up for this credit card like plan >that had free interest if you charged $1000 to it. I told her I only >wanted to fix one side at a time and she insisted my teeth couldn't wait and >I needed to charge $1000 to get free interest. What a lot of bs. RUN! Get out of there! > Also, my dental insurance >starts over in January (4 months from now) and it would pay for most of this >and I wouldn't even need a loan. Sounds good. > Thing is, I'm wondering if she's just and idiot who is too zealous or >if she is getting a kickback for everyone she signs up and they activate the >accounts. uh-huh. good estimation. > Anyone know how this works in dental offices? Yes, how it works is: they are trying to work you. >> Anyone know how this works in dental offices? > >Yes, how it works is: >they are trying to work you. Yup, GET DOWN ..... get down ....... c'mon ....... Ya know, used car salesmen are far more trustworthy than clowns like this. >When I talked to my dentist, he told me I could decide to get all my teeth >fixed at once, one side fixed at once, or 1/4 fixed, whatever I wanted to. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >if she is getting a kickback for everyone she signs up and they activate the >accounts. Anyone know how this works in dental offices? >Ya know, used car salesmen are far more trustworthy than clowns >like this. Actually clowns have very high standards. They have the OSHA regs and they they always pay all their income taxes and stuff. If one clown hires another clown he always deducts for federal taxes and never tries to call the junior clown an "Independent Contractor." Joely >it would be like $5000 so I should sign up for this credit card like plan >that had free interest if you charged $1000 to it. I had a similar experience after recieivng some periodontal work I wanted to wait till Jan when the insurance kicked in for further work . I had completed an SRP and I asked whether I could wait for some oseous surgery work, and what were the risks... the periodontist said there was a risk of , and I'm not making this up, "exploding abcesses" BTW.. none of the teeth have abcesses, in my lay opinion you would need an abcess before one could explode. Now his peridontal diagnosis could have been correct, and maybe he got carried away about the risks, but my BS detector rang like a bell His secretary recommended a similar credit plan on leaving the office >>it would be like $5000 so I should sign up for this credit card like plan >>that had free interest if you charged $1000 to it. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >oseous surgery work, and what were the risks... the periodontist said >there was a risk of , and I'm not making this up, "exploding abcesses" What are implodiung abscesses? Joel >BTW.. none of the teeth have abcesses, in my lay opinion you would >need an abcess before one could explode. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >His secretary recommended a similar credit plan on leaving the office >What are implodiung abscesses? God only knows.. the guy started to get agitated and threatend to call the retorative dentist to stop a crown in progress, unless I immediately got osseous surgery on the upper right quadrant, so I did not get a chance to ask. My take was if there was such great risk the general dentist would not have begun the crown.. but what do I know As I said, the perio work could be real, and I've got an appt with a different periodntist But sheesh Louise, exploding abcesses.. come on now, where did he get that BS |
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