The Deep Clean Scam

[Pablo]

Deep cleaning? Oh heck no.

 

[WeyounDS9]

Monday, I woke up with an abscessed tooth. It was a 20-year-old root canal that
decided to go full bore with pain. Only root canal I have ever had, and I still have all my teeth.
My dentist is no longer in business, and I have to go in network with my new provider.
I called around and was offered from 30-90 days just to be seen. Yes really.

I found a local dentist that I called, and they said we can see you mid-September.
With this kind of pain, I would be dead. lol

I got educated pretty quick as I only go when I have an issue.
The local dentist started off the conversation with how clean are your teeth?
When was the last time you were at a dentist and all of that.
I told her thanks, but I need to resolve this sooner than later.

Thirty minutes later she called back and said If I could get there in one hour, they have an opening.
Bear in mind she was told my exact situation in detail. So, I get there and fill out 20 minutes of forms which is normal.
Do I see the dentist... nope. I get 18 x-rays and my teeth cataloged with pictures.

They start trying to sell the "deep cleaning" nonsense and are contacting my insurance.
I said I am not here for that. The #19 tooth is the issue.
I see the dentist for 5 minutes and she says we don't do the retreatment here . You have to go to an Endodontist for
that.

So, they hook me up 60 miles away and I have to wait until 8/22 for that.
This whole visit was nothing but a scam and after this I read up on the deep cleaning and it
simply is a deep wallet flush.

This is not an attack on dentist as my old one was great and never tried stuff like this ever.
After more reading this seems to be the new scam, and many say the deep cleaning at nearly $2000 was
simply a regular cleaning and nothing more. Live and learn.

I try not to go to doctors as personally I never get any resolution.
My general doctor has had his staff weekly call me that I have to get in there quickly.
I finally agreed and she said we can see you October 16th.
I told her I am starting a new insurance in October, and you are not in my network.

Further calls for my tooth issue resulted in either we are not accepting new patients or several months out.

Couple years ago, a chain dentistry tried this with me.

I came there for a check up for my job and a cleaning, which I needed.
They then refused to do anyting but a "full cleaning program" with multiple visits and special toothbrushes and toothpaste (to be purchased there at exorbinant rate).

They refused to give me the regular cleaning I had made the appointment for.

When right after my appointment they ushered me to a "finance" manager instead of an office lady to make next appointment (for "deep clean") my alarm went up.
Now I am moderatly well-off, but most people are not, so if the normal stop for this dentist is a finance manager that tells me two things:

- they are peddling a lot of procedures an insurance company will not pay for.
- And they are doing this to people who cannot afford it.

At my office a couple other guys had similar experiences, with the exact same place, always the same $3000 "deep cleaning program is urgently neccessary" otherwise "severe dental problems might occur".
Appearently, no matter who walks through the door.

Now I am not in my teens and I am sure my gums are receding a bit, but I do generally take good care of my teeth and am a believer in the best dental care possible, (almost) regardless of costs but I dont like to be scammed.
I would have totally done this even if 50% out of pocket but the place just set off too many alarm bells in my head.

No other dentist before or since, has told me I need $3000 of "deep clean treatment" . "right now".

Never did get that "deep clean".
My next dentist was happy to give me a regular clean and said my gums were fine.

That particular dentistry chain and when I asked around in town, they are infamous for those practices there.
Name available only via PM , as I imagine such those places likely sue folks, to cover up their reputation.

 

[CKN]

Way to resurrect a "kumbaya thread". Now let's drive all over town looking for cheap motor oil and cheap Walmart tires.