I've visited this office three times, and each time got worse until they broke this camel's back…read more
At the first visit, of course, we were just getting to know each other. I was quite surprised, though, not to receive any encouraging word when they discovered that, at age 65, I still had no cavities. Instead there was a lot to say about all the procedures they should do and how I'd need to start coming in for quarterly visits, rather than sticking to the bi-annual visits covered by insurance. On a singular positive note: This was the first time a dentist told me, definitively, that I am grinding my teeth and causing damage to enamel and gums. (Past dentists would ask me if I grind. I'm asleep, I don't know.)
At the second visit, I was prepared for the negative experience and determined up front that they would not shame me into fluoride treatments, periodontal rejuvenation, etc. When I told Nabila that I couldn't afford to go down the road with all their suggestions, I received pity for supposedly being too poor. I said "no" to all the extras and left with just the exam, xrays, and cleaning, as planned, but miffed that she would talk to me that way.
The straw: First off, the shocking blow that I have my first cavities. (Did you know a medication can cause dry mouth and ruin your saliva protection?) That's not their fault, of course, but the treatment plan!
Nabila quoted around $1800 was "necessary," including "cerec inlays" for 3 cavities mounting to $1100. She even mentioned the word "crown" a couple of times. Crown? I thought "filling" is the appropriate treatment for a cavity--especially one that hasn't been there long and can't be very large.
Additionally, Nabila had charged me nearly $250 for the cleaning (covered by my insurance) and proposed another $100 for cancer screening. Every prior dentist has done a cancer screening included with the exam, but because this office uses high-tech digital equipment...
I left with their proposal and determined to seek a second opinion. Thankfully, insurance covers the consultation with another dentist--and thankfully the local dentist I chose (using the same high-tech digital equipment) offered to do a whole new set of xrays with the exam. I made an appointment the same day and received confirmation that I do, indeed, have cavities, but only TWO need to be treated--with composite fillings, not inlays; they are too small to require that much intervention. The third spot on the xray was too small for treatment. This dentist recommended waiting and watching to see if the small amount of damage can be reversed with fluoride and flossing.
Bottom line: Addressing only the cavities (and saving the periodontal issues for another day), I'll be spending $80 for two composite fillings compared to $1100 for three cerec inlays at Dentists of Gainesville.
Thank God for gut feelings. I knew there was something very wrong about that office! They are not to be trusted.
