Brouhaha at the dentist this morning over xrays (1 Viewer)

[sartre]

I had an appointment for a cleaning this morning. When I showed up they made me fill out a two page medical form because I hadn't been in for a while. No problem. They take me back where we stop at the x-ray room. They tell me because it's been over a year I need to get 20 or so x-rays done to "make sure there are no viruses in the teeth and roots". I tell them my teeth feel fine, that I'm only there for a cleaning and that I'll begrudgingly do the minimum amount of x-rays but 20 or so isn't going to happen. I broke my elbow in April and have had a ton of x-rays this year already. The assistant goes out and talks to the dentist. She comes back and says the x-rays are a necessity. I ask if I can just have my scheduled cleaning done without getting x-rays today. She leaves again, comes back and says no. I shake my head, say thanks a lot and walk out.

Did I do anything wrong here? I made an appointment specifically for a cleaning, not a check-up, no x-rays. I've read that the effect of x-rays are cumulative over time and that the recommended amount of x-rays are "as few as possible". Shouldn't I have just been able to get my teeth cleaned without being forced to submit to 20 x-rays? I took time out of my day to go to the appointment, now I have to do it all over again at a new place. Can I use the steam coming out of my ears to clean my teeth?

They are really cracking down in the world of medical litigation on the issue of "standard of care" and it does not hold up in the court of law to allow a patient to select service that is below the standard of care.

Let's say for instance that you had an infection that you didn't know about. And let's say the really low odds type of thing happened that the infection got so bad you were sent to the hospital and spent several days in for an oral infection.

Now let's say you decided someone should be responsible for it. Well your attorney asks... have you been to the dentist recently? You say "yes" Well did they take the necessary x-rays? You say.. nope, I denied them. They say.. "hey, no problem.. it's ok as a patient you should not be allowed to choose something below the standard of care" And so you sue... and guess what... you'll win.

It doesn't even work if someone signs the paperwork saying they denied the x-rays. for my defense.

Regardless if your teeth "feel" fine there is still the chance out there for oral pathology in your bone, for dental decay to be lurking in between your teeth (that's what we look for in the bitewings), and infection.

We also look to "get rid of" patients who deny x-rays because the medic-legal risk is too high to treat them.

There's also no "cleaning only" package offered... I'd lose money on that. Without the built in price of at a minimum an exam... and some x-rays... there's no profit.. no one is going to do that.

I've looked but have been unable to find any citation of any successful litigation against a dentist for failing to perform radiographs as part of a preventative care visit (regardless of whether the patient waived them).

Are you certain of the validity of that legal argument?

Of course, if the patient comes in with an actual problem, for which x-rays would be part of the standard diagnostic process, well that is an entirely different issue.

 

[Thunderlips]

Just talked to my dentist and he said he takes 18 x-rays for a first time patient just to establish a baseline from which to work with. Then he does 5 x-rays every year at one of the cleaning sessions.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Just had someone come in with a broken tooth.... I took 2 x-rays of it - god forbid.

Then despite the fact they only came in with a broken tooth, I pointed out at the 3 teeth next to them had cavities in them as well... which were very visible and obvious

I said I could fix just the broken tooth, or fix all of them. Whatever you want.

She wanted to fix them all. UPSELL!!$$$$$!!!!!! #jerkstore #alldentistssuck #upsell #worsethanlawyers #dumponchest

That's a lot of investable dollars

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Why would you make a "cleaning only" appointment? What's the point of that? Paying someone else to brush your teeth for you?

No reason for a "cleaning only" without the "and check-up" added in.

no ####..

 

[Willie Neslon]

Why would you make a "cleaning only" appointment? What's the point of that? Paying someone else to brush your teeth for you?

No reason for a "cleaning only" without the "and check-up" added in.

no ####..

You really think a cleaning at the dentist office is the same as brushing your teeth? Strange.

 

[rascal]

Dental x-rays are one of the lowest radiation dose studies performed. A routine exam which includes 4 bitewings is about 0.005 mSv, which is less than one day of natural background radiation. It is also about the same amount of radiation exposure from a short airplane flight (~1-2 hrs). The American Dental Association recommends that patients who are not having problems have dental x-rays performed every two years. Proper shielding is also common, which makes the potential risk even lower.

From Web MD

Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to a number of measures that will minimize the risks associated with X-rays. However, even with the advancements in safety, the effects of radiation are added together over a lifetime. So every little bit of radiation you receive from all sources counts.

– One bitewing X-rays, F-speed film = 0.007 mSv for about 0.4 seconds of part body exposure

– One dental X-ray, Panorex, digital = 0.014 mSv for about 18 seconds of part body exposure

Eating 1,000 bananas, or 40 tablespoons of peanut butter, or smoking 1.4 cigarettes equals a dose of 0.1 mSv.

– Sleeping next to another person = 0.02 mSv/yr of full body exposure

– One airplane cross-country flight = 0.03-0.05 mSv of full body exposure

– Eating one banana per day for a year = 0.036 mSv/yr of full body exposure

wait, sleeping next to my wife is going to give me cancer? #####!

 

[gianmarco]

Why would you make a "cleaning only" appointment? What's the point of that? Paying someone else to brush your teeth for you?

No reason for a "cleaning only" without the "and check-up" added in.

no ####..

You really think a cleaning at the dentist office is the same as brushing your teeth? Strange.

Buy yourself an electric toothbrush instead of the cheap ones with the bristles.

If you want the full dentist experience, get some discount gritty toothpaste. That's all you're getting out of a cleaning.

And a dump on your chest.

 

[top dog]

I think I'm with dentist on this one..

 

[Willie Neslon]

Why would you make a "cleaning only" appointment? What's the point of that? Paying someone else to brush your teeth for you?

No reason for a "cleaning only" without the "and check-up" added in.

no ####..

You really think a cleaning at the dentist office is the same as brushing your teeth? Strange.

Buy yourself an electric toothbrush instead of the cheap ones with the bristles.

If you want the full dentist experience, get some discount gritty toothpaste. That's all you're getting out of a cleaning.

I'm laughing. You made me laugh. Thank you.

 

[McGarnicle]

I use an Oral B Vitality and it does make cleanings easier, though she does still work me over with that damn hook. I should floss.

Also I highly recommend Xanax for dentist visits, no schtick.

 

[Fennis]

I use an Oral B Vitality and it does make cleanings easier, though she does still work me over with that damn hook. I should floss.

Also I highly recommend X-rays for dentist visits, no schtick.

fyp

 

[Johnny Rock]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

You're only worried about radiation that was unplanned?

 

[McGarnicle]

Not sure if this qualifies as a full-blown brouhaha. Definitely a rhubarb imo.

 

[flapgreen]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

Why are you getting so many xrays? Did you break your elbow in a billion pieces or something?

Not for the elbow

Weirdo

 

[Willie Neslon]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

You're only worried about radiation that was unplanned?

I didn't go to the dr's office for an ekg only to be told I couldn't get one unless i relented to 20 chest x-rays.

 

[flapgreen]

I use an Oral B Vitality and it does make cleanings easier, though she does still work me over with that damn hook. I should floss.

Also I highly recommend Xanax for dentist visits, no schtick.

I'm going to ask for one before my next cleaning. I'll bet they keep a huge stash on hand for guys like myself.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

Why are you getting so many xrays? Did you break your elbow in a billion pieces or something?

Not for the elbow

Weirdo

You're the weirdest guy here.

 

[flapgreen]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

You're only worried about radiation that was unplanned?

I didn't go to the dr's office for an ekg only to be told I couldn't get one unless i relented to 20 chest x-rays.

 

[flapgreen]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

Why are you getting so many xrays? Did you break your elbow in a billion pieces or something?

Not for the elbow

Weirdo

You're the weirdest guy here.

I'm pretty weird.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

Why are you getting so many xrays? Did you break your elbow in a billion pieces or something?

Not for the elbow

Weirdo

You're the weirdest guy here.

I'm pretty weird.

Jacko

 

[flapgreen]

In all seriousness, I also work in the medical field. I understand you always have to look out for yourself but the paranoia of some people toward those in the medical profession is crazy these days. They read some things online and think they immediately have it figured out. Forget what the person with years of training has to say.

Everyone in the field is not out to get you or rip you off. Some of us do it because we truly want to help others. We're governed by a certain set of rules and regulations as well. Do some of the jobs pay well? Sure. It also takes years of school and money to learn the stuff. Most jobs with that many years of training pay well. There's a reason for it. When a medical professional gets a patient who thinks they're going to dictate exactly what's going to happen with their medical care, even though they have little to no knowledge on how to do so, it's easier to let them move along to someone else. I'm respectful with how I approach patients, but I'm not letting them decide how I need to do my job. If they don't like it, they're free to go to someone who will. I'm sure they're out there. Just take your money and do whatever you ask them to do. No thanks. I want the person giving me care to shoot me straight and tell me how it is. I'm not saying you should just blindly do what every medical professional says, but you're taking a risk when you think you know better than all those trained to do it. But again, everyone is free to do whatever they like.

 

[flapgreen]

If all dentists want to do x-rays, I'm sure it's for a reason, not just a ploy to make more money. That's an irrational way of thinking. Now as to the number of x-rays taken, I won't even begin to try and figure out how many they should do. If I get a cleaning twice a year and get x-rays during one of those visits, I don't even think about how many they take. Could be 5. Could be 20. Why should I care how many or try to make an educated decision on how many they should take? It's not what I do. That seems like such a small detail to even think about and there are so many variables that could make that determination that I know nothing about. Find a dentist that you trust or one that has good reviews and listen to the guy.

 

[Willie Neslon]

I never said it was a ploy for money. I made an appointment for a cleaning. If they told me over the phone that 20 x-rays were going to be necessary before the cleaning there wouldn't have been a problem. I even relented to the basic set of xrays. 4 or 5 or whatever it was. The dentist didn't even talk to me, just told his assistant to tell me it was 20 or no cleaning. #### him. To me it would be irrational for anyone to just say OK and plop down in the x-ray chair. What else would you be willing to do if the dentist said you had to do it before you had the service done that you came in for? I don't give a #### if he went to the Harvard of dental schools and graduated valedentistorian.

I had a doctors appointment today that was the polar opposite of the dental experience. You sit with the doctor, he asks you what's going on, he examines you and orders his tests. He doesn't make you get shots and have an mri before he'll examine you. My feelings about x-rays aren't important. You're fine with thousands of x-rays. Great. You think I'm nuts because I'm skiddish on a ton on x-rays. You could be right. The important part was how it was handled. When you call for an appointment they ask you why you're coming in. I told them. Then when I get there it's another thing and something else. Back to the old place next week and I know it'll be night and day. Never had an experience like that at a doctor, dentist, mechanic, car wash or anywhere. You have to do this or else you don't the service you came in for. gtf outta here.

 

[Sebowski]

Had a doctor's appointment today. 3 x-rays. No problem. That's why I was there.

You're only worried about radiation that was unplanned?

I didn't go to the dr's office for an ekg only to be told I couldn't get one unless i relented to 20 chest x-rays.

You must not have an HMO

 

[AAABatteries]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

 

[top dog]

I've had crappy dentists in the past that did shoddy work. It really is important to trust the person doing the job. My current dentist is awesome and I would never believe he would subject me to anything more dangerous than determined acceptable by today's standards. I think what you are saying is that your problem is more in how the situation was handled than the procedure itself.

Find a better dentist. If my dentist says, we should do xrays, I'm going to do it. I didn't go to school for dentistry, so I'm not going to pretend I know more about the subject than he does. And even more importantly, I trust he knows what HE is doing.

 

[otello]

I get X-rays whenever the dentist tells me, but if I wanted only a cleaning, I would find a dentist who will do that and that only.

 

[sartre]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

It was pretty crappy for them not to mention in advance, when the appointment was made, that the service he requested would not be possible unless he submitted to x-rays.

It seems obvious that dentists are well aware that some patients are averse to x-rays. It's poor practice then, to not tell the customer up front that service will be predicated on x-rays being performed. In Willie's case, they just wasted everyone's time. Very unprofessional.

 

[B-Deep]

LAst time i went in my dentist said he needed to check me for a hernia before he could do the exam..

What The Hell

they are XRAYS

every dentist takes xrays, it is not like he wanted a stool sample

 

[B-Deep]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

It was pretty crappy for them not to mention in advance, when the appointment was made, that the service he requested would not be possible unless he submitted to x-rays.

It seems obvious that dentists are well aware that some patients are averse to x-rays. It's poor practice then, to not tell the customer up front that service will be predicated on x-rays being performed. In Willie's case, they just wasted everyone's time. Very unprofessional.

other than the gagging, this is the first time i have heard someone pissed about xrays (though i am not a dentist)

it's amazing to me

 

[B-Deep]

I just had an implant redone (it did not take)

doc gave me a shot of versed,,,don't remember a thing

the dude really could have been crapping on my chest for all i know

i did sniff my chest and shower later, just to be safe

 

[James Daulton]

I just had an implant redone (it did not take)

doc gave me a shot of versed,,,don't remember a thing

the dude really could have been crapping on my chest for all i know

i did sniff my chest and shower later, just to be safe

Versed? Is this something new dentist are offering? This is the twilight sleep drug used mainly for things like colonoscopies and I figured you have to have a doctor overseeing the administration.

 

[B-Deep]

I just had an implant redone (it did not take)

doc gave me a shot of versed,,,don't remember a thing

the dude really could have been crapping on my chest for all i know

i did sniff my chest and shower later, just to be safe

Versed? Is this something new dentist are offering? This is the twilight sleep drug used mainly for things like colonoscopies and I figured you have to have a doctor overseeing the administration.

My regular dentist does not offer it, but the implant is putting some titanium post or screw or something into my jaw, so they send you loopy for that

it is crazy stuff

 

[comfortably numb]

In all seriousness, I also work in the medical field. I understand you always have to look out for yourself but the paranoia of some people toward those in the medical profession is crazy these days. They read some things online and think they immediately have it figured out. Forget what the person with years of training has to say.

Everyone in the field is not out to get you or rip you off. Some of us do it because we truly want to help others. We're governed by a certain set of rules and regulations as well. Do some of the jobs pay well? Sure. It also takes years of school and money to learn the stuff. Most jobs with that many years of training pay well. There's a reason for it. When a medical professional gets a patient who thinks they're going to dictate exactly what's going to happen with their medical care, even though they have little to no knowledge on how to do so, it's easier to let them move along to someone else. I'm respectful with how I approach patients, but I'm not letting them decide how I need to do my job. If they don't like it, they're free to go to someone who will. I'm sure they're out there. Just take your money and do whatever you ask them to do. No thanks. I want the person giving me care to shoot me straight and tell me how it is. I'm not saying you should just blindly do what every medical professional says, but you're taking a risk when you think you know better than all those trained to do it. But again, everyone is free to do whatever they like.

I agree here.

I can see Willie's point.

He wants X and nothing else, he shouldn't be forced to get something he doesn't want.

I also see Dentists' POV as well.

However, when he explains it...all I hear is a mechanic explaining how he loses money on a $34.95 oil change.

"When you factor in the cost for the oil, filter, latex gloves, socket wrench, oil filter wrench, the mechanic cost $25/hour, dispose the oil filter etc...

So...I have to try to sell a needed tune up or radiator flush to make it worth it."

I

 

[CurlyNight]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

It was pretty crappy for them not to mention in advance, when the appointment was made, that the service he requested would not be possible unless he submitted to x-rays.

It seems obvious that dentists are well aware that some patients are averse to x-rays. It's poor practice then, to not tell the customer up front that service will be predicated on x-rays being performed. In Willie's case, they just wasted everyone's time. Very unprofessional.

other than the gagging, this is the first time i have heard someone pissed about xrays (though i am not a dentist)

it's amazing to me

This would have been me with all the zillion scans I've had done until I learned in this thread that no worries.. So it's not so out there for those of us who get scanned to death to initially think this.

Also if you are a poor popper then knowing ahead of time what's expected to go with the cleaning or no cleaning for you is a must. Xrays for a poor cash pt aren't cheap.

 

[Sabertooth]

I had an appointment for a cleaning this morning. When I showed up they made me fill out a two page medical form because I hadn't been in for a while. No problem. They take me back where we stop at the x-ray room. They tell me because it's been over a year I need to get 20 or so x-rays done to "make sure there are no viruses in the teeth and roots". I tell them my teeth feel fine, that I'm only there for a cleaning and that I'll begrudgingly do the minimum amount of x-rays but 20 or so isn't going to happen. I broke my elbow in April and have had a ton of x-rays this year already. The assistant goes out and talks to the dentist. She comes back and says the x-rays are a necessity. I ask if I can just have my scheduled cleaning done without getting x-rays today. She leaves again, comes back and says no. I shake my head, say thanks a lot and walk out.

Did I do anything wrong here? I made an appointment specifically for a cleaning, not a check-up, no x-rays. I've read that the effect of x-rays are cumulative over time and that the recommended amount of x-rays are "as few as possible". Shouldn't I have just been able to get my teeth cleaned without being forced to submit to 20 x-rays? I took time out of my day to go to the appointment, now I have to do it all over again at a new place. Can I use the steam coming out of my ears to clean my teeth?

Nope. Scumbags are just trying to upsell you like a car lot.

 

[Sabertooth]

In all seriousness, I also work in the medical field. I understand you always have to look out for yourself but the paranoia of some people toward those in the medical profession is crazy these days. They read some things online and think they immediately have it figured out. Forget what the person with years of training has to say.

Everyone in the field is not out to get you or rip you off. Some of us do it because we truly want to help others. We're governed by a certain set of rules and regulations as well. Do some of the jobs pay well? Sure. It also takes years of school and money to learn the stuff. Most jobs with that many years of training pay well. There's a reason for it. When a medical professional gets a patient who thinks they're going to dictate exactly what's going to happen with their medical care, even though they have little to no knowledge on how to do so, it's easier to let them move along to someone else. I'm respectful with how I approach patients, but I'm not letting them decide how I need to do my job. If they don't like it, they're free to go to someone who will. I'm sure they're out there. Just take your money and do whatever you ask them to do. No thanks. I want the person giving me care to shoot me straight and tell me how it is. I'm not saying you should just blindly do what every medical professional says, but you're taking a risk when you think you know better than all those trained to do it. But again, everyone is free to do whatever they like.

This comes as no surprise to me.

 

[B-Deep]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

It was pretty crappy for them not to mention in advance, when the appointment was made, that the service he requested would not be possible unless he submitted to x-rays.

It seems obvious that dentists are well aware that some patients are averse to x-rays. It's poor practice then, to not tell the customer up front that service will be predicated on x-rays being performed. In Willie's case, they just wasted everyone's time. Very unprofessional.

other than the gagging, this is the first time i have heard someone pissed about xrays (though i am not a dentist)

it's amazing to me

This would have been me with all the zillion scans I've had done until I learned in this thread that no worries.. So it's not so out there for those of us who get scanned to death to initially think this.

Also if you are a poor popper then knowing ahead of time what's expected to go with the cleaning or no cleaning for you is a must. Xrays for a poor cash pt aren't cheap.

if you go regularly you know when xrays are. If you have not been to a dentist in a year it is common sense.

I agree they should let him know in advance, but i have never met a dentist where you could walk in and say "hey doc, haven't had my choppers checked in ages, how about you just give me a quick shine and I'll be on my way"

 

[CurlyNight]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

It was pretty crappy for them not to mention in advance, when the appointment was made, that the service he requested would not be possible unless he submitted to x-rays.

It seems obvious that dentists are well aware that some patients are averse to x-rays. It's poor practice then, to not tell the customer up front that service will be predicated on x-rays being performed. In Willie's case, they just wasted everyone's time. Very unprofessional.

other than the gagging, this is the first time i have heard someone pissed about xrays (though i am not a dentist)

it's amazing to me

This would have been me with all the zillion scans I've had done until I learned in this thread that no worries.. So it's not so out there for those of us who get scanned to death to initially think this.

Also if you are a poor popper then knowing ahead of time what's expected to go with the cleaning or no cleaning for you is a must. Xrays for a poor cash pt aren't cheap.

if you go regularly you know when xrays are. If you have not been to a dentist in a year it is common sense.

I agree they should let him know in advance, but i have never met a dentist where you could walk in and say "hey doc, haven't had my choppers checked in ages, how about you just give me a quick shine and I'll be on my way"

I didn't go in to get my teeth cleaned. I went in because I had 2 broken teeth to fix before chemo starts. Otherwise, yes I know once a year is the recommended if you aren't having any problems with your teeth. They didn't even ask me if I wanted my teeth cleaned while I'm there despite it's been over a year now. If I wanted it I would have asked. I went in for one purpose and that was it, and they didn't make me feel stupid for thinking that dental xrays are a big deal because I've had a zillion scans in the past 6 months. How a place treats you and not just the dentist himself and his work also plays into who will be a returning customer. I know a couple dentists as friends. They don't make a ton and if they do they have to work a lot, at least in this country. When the economy tanks, so does many of their businesses unless someone has a problematic tooth. So how you treat people matters. I think that's what OP is venting about.

 

[B-Deep]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

It was pretty crappy for them not to mention in advance, when the appointment was made, that the service he requested would not be possible unless he submitted to x-rays.

It seems obvious that dentists are well aware that some patients are averse to x-rays. It's poor practice then, to not tell the customer up front that service will be predicated on x-rays being performed. In Willie's case, they just wasted everyone's time. Very unprofessional.

other than the gagging, this is the first time i have heard someone pissed about xrays (though i am not a dentist)

it's amazing to me

This would have been me with all the zillion scans I've had done until I learned in this thread that no worries.. So it's not so out there for those of us who get scanned to death to initially think this.

Also if you are a poor popper then knowing ahead of time what's expected to go with the cleaning or no cleaning for you is a must. Xrays for a poor cash pt aren't cheap.

if you go regularly you know when xrays are. If you have not been to a dentist in a year it is common sense.

I agree they should let him know in advance, but i have never met a dentist where you could walk in and say "hey doc, haven't had my choppers checked in ages, how about you just give me a quick shine and I'll be on my way"

I didn't go in to get my teeth cleaned. I went in because I had 2 broken teeth to fix before chemo starts. Otherwise, yes I know once a year is the recommended if you aren't having any problems with your teeth. They didn't even ask me if I wanted my teeth cleaned while I'm there despite it's been over a year now. If I wanted it I would have asked. I went in for one purpose and that was it, and they didn't make me feel stupid for thinking that dental xrays are a big deal because I've had a zillion scans in the past 6 months. How a place treats you and not just the dentist himself and his work also plays into who will be a returning customer. I know a couple dentists as friends. They don't make a ton and if they do they have to work a lot, at least in this country. When the economy tanks, so does many of their businesses unless someone has a problematic tooth. So how you treat people matters. I think that's what OP is venting about.

i was thinking more of the OP, sorry.

But i agree that with any health professional how they treat you matters a ton. I think even more with dentists because so many people fear them. I love my dentist, he's old school but he works through my issues patiently and is very kind.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

I wasn't asked!

 

[James Daulton]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

I wasn't asked!

Willie has turned me completely around. I'm now on his side!

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Why would you make a "cleaning only" appointment? What's the point of that? Paying someone else to brush your teeth for you?

No reason for a "cleaning only" without the "and check-up" added in.

no ####..

You really think a cleaning at the dentist office is the same as brushing your teeth? Strange.

Buy yourself an electric toothbrush instead of the cheap ones with the bristles.

If you want the full dentist experience, get some discount gritty toothpaste. That's all you're getting out of a cleaning.

I'm laughing. You made me laugh. Thank you.

Did all your teeth stay in?

 

[Dentist]

Look I agreed with Willie also given his history there.

I also explained why its proper to take xrays and the risks we take when not doing so, and also explained the economics behind things.

I side with Willie in that a compromise could have and should have been reached. Not 20 or gtfo.

If you've never been seen in an office though you're just not going to get a cleaning only appointment.

That's all

 

[Willie Neslon]

Lol at worrying about the radiation from dental xrays. I'm betting that WN exposes himself way more to "cancer risks" through other stuff.

Maybe I do but on some of them I don't have a choice. I had a choice yesterday. Why should I be forced to have something done I don't want to have done? You think it's nothing to worry about? Great. Go x-ray your balls off. I offered to do the minimum, just didn't want to do twenty. I've had dozens of x-rays already this year on my elbow. I don't press an iphone to my ear 8 hours a day either.

You were not forced - you were asked (and I assume nicely) to have them done and you didn't comply - seems fair for them to refuse care and I'm fine with you walking. Why keep #####ing about it when Dentist has given you plenty of information on why this happens and why you shouldn't be concerned with it. Granted, still sounds like you ended up with a crappy dentist but your scenario is not brouhaha worthy.

It was pretty crappy for them not to mention in advance, when the appointment was made, that the service he requested would not be possible unless he submitted to x-rays.

It seems obvious that dentists are well aware that some patients are averse to x-rays. It's poor practice then, to not tell the customer up front that service will be predicated on x-rays being performed. In Willie's case, they just wasted everyone's time. Very unprofessional.

other than the gagging, this is the first time i have heard someone pissed about xrays (though i am not a dentist)

it's amazing to me

This would have been me with all the zillion scans I've had done until I learned in this thread that no worries.. So it's not so out there for those of us who get scanned to death to initially think this.

Also if you are a poor popper then knowing ahead of time what's expected to go with the cleaning or no cleaning for you is a must. Xrays for a poor cash pt aren't cheap.

if you go regularly you know when xrays are. If you have not been to a dentist in a year it is common sense.

I agree they should let him know in advance, but i have never met a dentist where you could walk in and say "hey doc, haven't had my choppers checked in ages, how about you just give me a quick shine and I'll be on my way"

Every time I make a medical/dental appointment I'm asked what the nature of the visit is. I went late last year for the same thing and the hygienist took me in back for the cleaning and that was it. Another time the dentist popped in and gave me a quick look. Other times I've gone in for a check-up and have had x-rays and no cleaning. Sometimes I've gone in for specific work, like a filling. If they need x-rays all they have to do when I make the appointment is say, on this visit we'd like to get x-rays because your due for them. Oh OK, great. No problem. I still would have asked the dentist directly if 20 was necessary but at least I would have known I was having them done before the cleaning. Nothing like that happened. I came in and was told 20 x-rays were happening. When I said I was just in for a cleaning I got an ultimatum, and not even directly from the dentist. I asked for the minimum number of x-rays and they said no. Forget that x-rays even had anything to do with it. Ultimatums are a crappy way to treat a patient.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Look I agreed with Willie also given his history there.

I also explained why its proper to take xrays and the risks we take when not doing so, and also explained the economics behind things.

I side with Willie in that a compromise could have and should have been reached. Not 20 or gtfo.

If you've never been seen in an office though you're just not going to get a cleaning only appointment.

That's all

A few people here are saying an electric toothbrush at home plus gritty toothpaste is the same as a cleaning at the dentist. Are they right?

 

[CurlyNight]

It's more than just a quality electric toothbrush. With all the scraping they do using the metal pick, that's what really gets the plaque off. Nothing can match what they do unless they aren't doing a good job then well your electric toothbrush would be about the same.

 

[Dentist]

Look I agreed with Willie also given his history there.

I also explained why its proper to take xrays and the risks we take when not doing so, and also explained the economics behind things.

I side with Willie in that a compromise could have and should have been reached. Not 20 or gtfo.

If you've never been seen in an office though you're just not going to get a cleaning only appointment.

That's all

A few people here are saying an electric toothbrush at home plus gritty toothpaste is the same as a cleaning at the dentist. Are they right?

If you had zero tartar and no gum disease on your teeth, sure.

That applies to like 3 to 5 percent of the population.

For everyone else it's much more

 

[B-Deep]

Look I agreed with Willie also given his history there.

I also explained why its proper to take xrays and the risks we take when not doing so, and also explained the economics behind things.

I side with Willie in that a compromise could have and should have been reached. Not 20 or gtfo.

If you've never been seen in an office though you're just not going to get a cleaning only appointment.

That's all

A few people here are saying an electric toothbrush at home plus gritty toothpaste is the same as a cleaning at the dentist. Are they right?

If you had zero tartar and no gum disease on your teeth, sure.

That applies to like 3 to 5 percent of the population.

For everyone else it's much more

I got so much tartar, I don't have to dip my fishsticks in ####!

 

[Meatwad Reloaded]

How much does the average dentist make? Serious question.