What should I do about my dentist? I don't want a different one.?

Question

My dentist keeps badgering me to get this crown or that implant even though I keep telling him that I can't afford it. Then, he badgers me to start saving my money so I can get my first crown in one year, a second crown the second year, and so on. I have temporaries instead of crowns. They last two or three years. I tell him I'll just get another new temporary, if necessary. He says that's not good enough. I have debts I want to pay off before I get the crowns and implant he says I need. He says, "You're health is more important than paying off debts". I have to have my teeth cleaned every six months, which is when he starts badgering me again. He is such an excellent dentist, and I do not want to change to a different dentist. But, enough is enough! Why can't he understand that some of his patients are not rich like he is!?

Answer 1

Sounds like an inconsiderate fellow to me. Might be great technically but poor interpersonally.
I fail to see how implants are essential. Usually they are an option at the upper end.
Yes, I have patients who NEED crowns and I have advised them so, and then I make a note on their card. Some of these people are rich! I will remind them once at the next check-up, to which they might reply, "I haven't forgotten". I write this down too. After this, I don't need to say anything else ever again or I will be seen to be badgering. I have given them good advice and have noted it. If the tooth breaks I can point it out if pressed. Most people get there in their own time if they trust their dentist.
Everyone has their own priorities in life, and I don't think we should overwhelm them. Give advice, leave it at that. It's not life-or-death (and even if it was, you can't force people into treatment!)
Next time you have a temp crown replaced, have it cemented on with a permanent glue. It'll last longer.
Also, why have cleanings every 6 months? I don't believe it is necessarily good for your teeth unless you really need it.
Ask friends, family, and workmates for a suggestion of another dentist, and get a second opinion. You might find someone with a better attitude.

Answer 2

We have the same problem with out dentist!! All dentists seem to think the only thing you have to spend money on is your teeth!! Finally, in order to get the work done, and you probably really do need the work done properly in order to prevent future problems that you can't afford to pay for either, our dentist agreed to let us make payments. If you have been going to him for a long time like we have (family of 5 -- 15 years, 2 kids had braces, many fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, etc.) ask about a REASONABLE payment plan -- not $200 a month, but maybe $50 a month. That's the only way we can get that expensive stuff done. As long as you make regular payments and not slack off, he should be agreeable.

Answer 3

Your debts are important also. No one is going to give you free utilities, rent, mortgage, medications and everyday living expenses for dental costs . The dentist knows the debts of schooling, education, practice set up before they enter the field.
The exception is keep adding up all the temps every 2-3 yeras it may be costing you more. IF he were considerate and you have been going to him for a long time, then he should take you into consideration also. Don't dentists do fillings anymore they only know crowns and implants now, maybe they forgot how to do fillings. Your dentist has debts, what would happen if he put them aside .Here is an idea see how much your dentist trusts you as he wants you to trusr him
1 Crown finance for a year, 2nd crown finance for a year, etc I bet he doesn't go for it.

Answer 4

Have you added up the cost of your continual temporaries??? In the long run, just getting the permanent crown may save you $$, because you won't have to go in and have the temporary replaced with another temporary. Does he have a payment plan to help you with it? And he IS looking out for you, you said it yourself, "he is such an excellent dentist". Patients need to be educated, that's what he is doing - trying to help you make your dental health a priority to you. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Your dentist is right... and he probably is NOT "rich". That person probably has more loans than you've ever DREAMED of (try in the area of $50,000 to $300,000 just in EDUCATIONAL loans). I have extracted every tooth in the mouth of chief financial officers of major corporations and made dentures for them. I have also done root canals and crowns on almost every tooth in the mouth of school custodians. Your dentist is preparing you for the inevitable. If you place value on your teeth (and he is assuming you do, since you come in every 6 months) you WILL fix them. He is making more money by replacing "temporary" work every couple of years than he would if you had a "permanent" crown made. He wants to see his work succeed, not fail. By only getting temporary fixes every few years, he has to charge you for work that is doomed to fail. As a person who has obviously succeeded in most of his major endeavors in life, he is not accustomed to that failure. If you value your teeth, get the work done. If you don't value them, don't worry about it, but be prepared to lose them at some point in the future. Only you can make the decision, but only your dentist knows what's best for your teeth. Best of luck. I hope this helps.

Answer 6

Well, he says health is more important than paying off debts rite? Then tell him this: How can u be healthy if there could be certain debts to pay such as electrical or water? W/o water u can't brush ur teeth or bathe. You need electricity to make food so u can eat it to get the nutrients ur body needs. So to be healthy u need to pay off ur debts.

Answer 7

i wish i knew what to tell ya, i have the same issue with my dentist.