talking to your dentist? - Dental Health Message Board

wmkcolors · 03-24-2005, 04:05 PM

I've been struggling to find a prosthodontist I can talk to, without running up against his or her ego. It seems most doctors are impatient, to answer questions or alleviate your fears. My dental work will cost over $15,000, not to mention the cost of long-term maintenance. Of course, I've done my research about implant supported overdentures and have had 2 or 3 consultations, over the past year. The prosthodontist I saw yesterday does excellent work, but, after a second consultation, he seems offended that I'd need to ask more questions from him, like I'm doubting his expertise. Primarily, it's because it is so expensive and I can't find alot of info. about overdentures on-line. My mom recently died. I haven't been feeling well, so, my gut instinct tells me to postpone this very expensive dental work, leave my 6 expensive dental implants covered for another 6 months. The prosthodontist, yesterday, seemed to downplay my other health concerns and was only focused on my mouth. Question: How do you know when the dentist is right for you and your particular dental work, especially since the work is so expensive? He seemed to even reprimand me, because I put off my dental work, during the holidays. I'm so confused. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm high maintenace, in terms of trying to find a prosthodontist or general dentist I feel safe with. Any common experiences or advice?

rush_rulz · 03-24-2005, 06:48 PM

Well, I've never had implants or any prosthetics done HOWEVER I'm a very intuitive person and I just think you have GOT To be comfortable w/ your Dentist/doctor!!! It's important! If you aren't you won't get your ?s answered and I kind of felt that way last time I visited mine--it's like he's a great guy, very knowledgable and may be very well qualified to do what he does, ie not a quack but at the same time I can't ever recall all the ?s I had for him and I feel like, at least last time as they were close to closing time that day, that they were just rushing me on out of there. I hate that. However he was kind enough not to charge me as all he did was adjust a bite that would really be his fault technically as I told them I do not bite down the same when numb. So that's a good thing, he isn't out all for $ as he could've been an *** and charged me just for that 5 min "visit" but, really I just think that if you dont feel totally comfortable in talking w/ your Dr then find another one. I know how frustrating it can be, I had a great dentist back home where my parents are now I don't!! But, I would not say to you , from what your telling me, that you are high maintenance ! If they are making you feel that way/pressuring you to commit to something you aren't ready for, IMO, that's not kosher. I'd recommend finding a new dentist, and when I see mine again I plan on asking a lot of detailed ?s and if he can't answer them--I'm not going to go back for the rest of my fillings there!

DebraL · 03-24-2005, 07:43 PM

"Running up against their egos". I SO agree. I have gone to my very good dentist for many years and had several crowns done. No problem. But this last time i had a big problem, and his manner changed considerably. Its not that I even blamed him for the problem, but he didnt even like me questioning him. So....much as I have liked him, good as I think he is....Im not certain I can continue with him and his big ego.