I relocated to the area and was looking for a new dentist in town. I researched a few websites and was very impressed with Smile Viera. I called and made an appointment and I was happy with how quickly they were able to schedule a new patient, the staff sounded very professional and friendly.
When I arrived for my visit, I was told the cleaning was not going to happen that day, I had to take x-rays, have the gum test, and discuss what time of cleaning I needed. I have never had a cleaning broken up into 2 visits, but I went ahead with it. I spoke to a lady in the front office and asked 3 times if my insurance would pay 100% for all procedures performed that day. The visit was completed and I was told I had a balance of $58.70. Apparently, the lady I spoke with was not the normal billing/insurance lady at the clinic and informed me incorrectly. My insurance would only cover 1 type of x-ray but not both. However, it is the clinic's practice to take both. I was told I had to pay $78.00. Needless to pay I was not happy. Then, I was informed I needed a deep cleaning in all 4 quadrants of my mouth. I had never heard of this type of cleaning before. I was told it would cost $254.60 for the cleaning after insurance. After speaking with them, I was very scared since I was having some trouble with my teeth. I had no idea things had gotten that since I had been to the dentist within the past year?.... I scheduled the deep cleaning as directed as soon as I could to resolve the issue. I was able to get a fast appointment and had the deep cleaning. Not once in my deep cleaning appointment did the dentist come to peek in my mouth or check our process. The dental hygienist did everything. She was very nice and gentle, but I was surprised by this.
After the cleaning, I was told that the dentist had time to review my x-rays and. The billing/insurance office lady was the person who showed me my cavities. At this point, I had met with the dentist during my first visit for about 1-2 minutes. Now an office representative without the same training was discussing my cavities. To my utter shock, I was told almost EVERY tooth in my mouth had a cavity on it. Next, I was given a variety of quotes for the work. Quotes that not only maxed out my insurance coverage for the year which is $2,000, but also would require $2063.40 out of pocket. This was to be scheduled over 4 visits, one per quadrant. I did not schedule because I felt something was going on with this clinic. I got to my car and cried because I was in a state of shock. Now I had to come up with $2,000 and sit in the dentist chair for hours to get every tooth drilled into?!
Once I called down, I thought about this business and reviewed the facts. I had been to a dentist within the last year and had 1 cavity filled and was told I was fine. I contacted that office to collect a copy of my x-rays. Then, I talked to my parents, who are very close with their dentist in Titusville, FL. I scheduled a second opinion with that office. I collected my current X-rays from Smile Viera and took all of this information to my parent's dentist. Upon this second consultation, I was told I had 5 cavities. 2 were between teeth in the back and I was on the side of my mouth. I asked him to look carefully again and be sure. We ended up taking more x-rays and he confirmed that only the 5 needed to be worked on. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I finally told him what the other dentist said about cavities and brought the quotes with me. He said "he wanted to drill on your front teeth even, which are perfectly healthy? Dentist's like this are disgusting". Needless to say I got my 5 cavities filled there and never returned to Smile Viera. This dentist is friendly and spends time with his patients and is available to answer questions. I have had no problems since.
Looking back I am just disturbed that I almost gave that much money and time to Smile Viera. I don't understand how dentist's criteria for what constitutes a cavity could be so different. I could have filling marks on every tooth in the front right now. I am so happy I got a second opinion. I would be very cautious if you try this place of business because they are going to try to get as much money as they can out of you. Even if it means they have to recommend unnecessary procedures.... Be careful for who you select as your dentist. read more