Dentist tried to do work on me that I didn't need!

[Anonymous]

We had to get new insurance (a HMO dental plan) and so I went to a new dentist. The new dentist within minutes of being there told me I needed a mouth guard, and two cavities filled and that one of them was so deep that I might need a root canal. I had a funny feeling after finding some not so nice reviews of the new dentist so I decided to go see my old dentist and just pay out of pocket. I saw my old dentist- Dr. Banzon in Bethesda (she deserves a plug) and she told me I didn't need anything done and that my teeth were fine. She refused to charge me anything even though she had booked a 45 minute appointment for me. I asked several times for her to charge me for something and she refused. It is nice to know that there are still some really nice people out there. As for the other dentist, I don't want to name her, but she is located in downtown bethesda on Wisc. Ave.

[Anonymous]

I broke a tooth in 1989 in Salt Lake City and had to go to the dentist. He fixed it and told me all of my fillings needed to be replaced or they would fall out, causing significant pain. I passed on getting the work done and still have every one of them.

I want to name him but I can't remember it.

[Anonymous]

I wish people would name names or at least locations like OP did - thank you! The upsell at dentists is getting out of hand. I imagine it is because less and less is covered by insurance, so they make most of their money from out of pocket expenses/payments. I understand dentists have bills - like you and me - but being uncouth is no way to pay them. At least not with my money.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Ulery in Crofton told me I had 2 "pre-cavities" that needed filling.

I'm 33 and have never had a cavity, plus he seemed slimy, so I got a second opinion. And sure enough, no cavities, pre- or otherwise.

[Anonymous]

One of my good friends is a dentist. Her roommate told me that she went to dental school so she could charge people for work that they don't need so that she could have a nice house and cars.

[Anonymous]

It's notorious. I was given 5 pages of work that another dentist didn't even mention.

Rather than name and shame, I think you just have to look up reviews and find a good, reputable one. I can vouch for Modern Dentistry near the National Cathedral, on Wisconsin. I feel comfortable that they do not over-service.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is very common for dentists to look for work in this area. I try to stay away from the ones who advertise because they need business.

Always go on word of mouth.

[Anonymous]

Every time I go to the dentist, I need a filling. None are ever deep "mild occlusions". I guess they have given up on me buying a soniccare....gotta get me somehow.

[Anonymous]

I've had the same experience. Had a dentist who told me my fillings and a crown needed to be replaced. Skeptical, I went to another dentist. Needed none of these things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've had the same experience. Had a dentist who told me my fillings and a crown needed to be replaced. Skeptical, I went to another dentist. Needed none of these things.

We're biased insofar as we think well educated professionals are any different from auto mechanics. They're not. Some are great, others, not so much.

[Anonymous]

Same experience. Dentist told me I needed 8 fillings. I had two done. Saw another dentist who said I had zero cavities and that bc of the type of teeth I have I wouldn't get cavities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dr. Ulery in Crofton told me I had 2 "pre-cavities" that needed filling.

I'm 33 and have never had a cavity, plus he seemed slimy, so I got a second opinion. And sure enough, no cavities, pre- or otherwise.

I went to an ex-Ulery dentist and was told I needed to replace ALL my fillings. I left. And they still call me trying to get me to make an appt. So slimy!!!!

[Anonymous]

i have had this happen too. my new dentist not charging me for bogus dental work said it is fairly common actually.

[Anonymous]

I have to say, even the dentists highly recommended by word of mouth and who are very kind can do this. My old dentist was really highly recommended but told me I needed about 1500 (after insurance) worth of work done. But my uncle is a dentist. So I was really shocked to learn I needed all that, never thought twice about it because of how highly recommended she was. He has told me that there's no chance I need that work, and to send me the xrays taken. I did so, and while I haven't seen him yet (so I'm not going to say her name) he said I have one cavity that he would want to address with a simple feeling, and that we could even watch it for a while.

So, yessirree, it happens.

[Anonymous]

Happened to me with a dentist in Tysons corner. Look out for the heavy advertising ones with fancy offices and flat screens in the lobby. It never hurts to get a second opinion. Treat your teeth like you would a car or an estimate for home remodeling, get multiple opinions. It's a shame you can't trust dentists these days, but I think this type of thing is really becoming more common than not.