Is this dentist a scammer?

[trippingbillies]

No flames but I have always been scared of going to the dentist.I finally caved when I got a coupon in the mail for a discounted exam/xray/cleaning from a new dentisit.I went in this morning and had an exam,xrays,digital pics and consulation.The dentist started going on about how I need braces as I have TMJ(I had braces as a teen),how I had at least 10 cavities,how I need veneers,etc.They never did the cleaning.However,I am going back tomorrow morning to get that done as there was a cancellation.

I don't know what to think.It seems very weird.Do I really need all of this done or is this how dentists operate?

[`guest`]

It sounds fishy. I went to a dentist once who told me I had 12, yes TWELVE cavities which seemed wacked to me. SO I went to another dentist who told me I had one cavity. Some are no holds barred go crazy, some are more conservative.

The reason that sounds fishy is coz of the ad. I would get a second opinion. And they didn't even clean your teeth! Crazy.

[Porcelain Interior]

I don't think it's a scam, a lot of dental places nowadays are very intense about the cosmetic side of dentistry- and with so many people getting on the braces and veneer bandwagon (adults that is) it's a cash cow.

I love going to the dentist, but you do have to be careful and make sure you know what's needed and what's purely cosmetic. If you don't like them saying "You NEED xyz" you should probably get a different dentist. Personally it offends me when they say I NEED to fix anything about the way I look. It's sort of like going to the gyno and during the breast exam them saying, "OK well we're really going to need to consider implants."

I have a slight chip in my front tooth, really not that noticeable, and I went to a dentist for the first time and he said "We have written up what you need to have done" and it was this long list of treatments.

I don't prefer the faux cheesemaker dentists, because really they think we all just want absolutely flawless perfect teeth, and I don't.

I found a new more laid back dentist that was more interested in preserving my actual teeth, and sticks to cleaning and tooth health. Not bleaching and veneering.

[tanyalynn]

I've got TMJ and my old dentist never mentioned braces. Before spending serious money, I'd get a second opinion. If nothing else, and even if work is needed, you'll get a different perspective. There are almost always multiple solutions to any problem, and it seems to take talking to a few people to get a good list of your alternatives. Good luck!

[Purple*Lotus]

Always get a second opinion. Dentists do not make their money off of cleanings.

I have serious dentist anxiety. When I finally went to one he told me I had tons of cavities. Then our insurance changed and I pretty much had no choice but to go to a different one. When I got there, I had brought my record from the previous dentist. He said that in his opinion I might have one area that he wanted to keep an eye on, but definatly no cavities to fill at that time. He also told me flat out that he encourages people to get second opinions and it doesn't offend him when people do. I am glad my insurance changed or else I would have spent a ton of money for no reason!

[Yaelita]

I would definitely go for a second opinion.

[saturnfire16]

Going to the dentist is just like going to the doctor. No matter how much of a saint they are, there is always going to be a temptation to make more money off of more procedures. And most of them are not saints. So use your own judgement. Do you think you need braces? Or are you ok with the way your teeth look? Do your teeth hurt? Are they sensitive to hot and cold? If not, then while you may have "soft spots" you probably don't have 10 cavities.