Need to check if he's on my insurance. Thanks again guys. If I get time, I'll share my reasons for my deep-rooted hatred of the dentist.
I want to switch dentists since I still go to the one I went to before I moved and it is an hour drive. I have called around and it seems I can only get checked on the first visit, no cleaning. Then they want to sell some special cleaning. I go to the dentsit every 6 months, I have x-rays and don;t need special cleaning. Anyone know the reccomended dentist policy on these things?
If you're still looking, and would like to compare prices and insurance acceptance and such stuff, Dr. Edith M. Salinas on Gulfton is my 2 girls' dentist. Good work, good people, great service. Easiest number: 713-665-BITE . EDIT: was featured as a "Top Dentist" in Houston by H Magazine. I think I have recommended her before in this here forum.
The first time I went to the dentist I recommended, they checked with my insurance to see if I needed the full set of xrays. They did the normal cleaning and only did the xrays because I was due. The hygenist did talk about the special cleaning, but determined I did not need it. So just a normal first visit.
Typically, the initial dentist visit consists of the following: 1. Recording of medical and dental histories; vitals (blood pressure, heart rate) 2. Intra-oral and extra-oral examinations 3. Full set of x-rays 4. Clinical examination of teeth 5. Clinical examination of gingiva From this, the dentist will construct a treatment plan. He may give a number of potential treatments and it is up to the patient to determine what he/she is willing to have done. Before any actual treatment is started, a cleaning is needed, which usually will take place during the 2nd visit. I see some of you are talking about a special cleaning...what exactly are you referring to? Im guessing you are talking about a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing. Usually, this is recommended for patients who have gingival pockets of 4 or more millimeters or a disease called periodontitis, which is basically what takes place if gingivitis is not controlled.
I need to find a new dentist and get some dental insurance. I used to get my dental work for free from my former girlfriend....
Dr. Alice Lam and Mimi Tran They are awesome. Recommended another Clutch Fan and they were pretty happy with them to. http://www.TexasDreamSmile.com
rezdawg, I want to get Invisalign. My dentist at Miles of Smiles said it would cost between $2500 and $4000, and I would only have to wear them for about 6-8 months. I decided to get a second opinion from a dentist in Bellaire who is a highly rated Invisalign premier provider and he gave me a quote for over $6000, and said it would be wearing them for well over a year. I hope i'm not doing the wrong thing, but I'm going to get it done at Miles of Smiles. Do you think it matters who i go to for Invisalign?
yeah thats all great but since I have been under the regular care of a dentist I have all up to date XRAYS and don;t need anything other than a regular cleaning. If I have to take 2 days off work instead of one I prefer just to just make the drive to my old dentist.
I have a great family dentist I've been going to for over 15 years. Let me know if it doesn't work out where you are planning on going and I'll give you his information.
A lot of this depends on how extensive of treatment you need to straighten out your teeth. I'd say that simple cases are in the ball park of around $3000, but on average, the costs are usually above the $4000 you were quoted from the dentist at Miles of Smiles. It seems to me that if they are giving you a figure of $2500-$4000, with a time range of 6-8 mo., then you have a simple case. Seems like a good option, but again, its difficult to accurately say what type of results you will get without actually seeing how your teeth look now. Usually, the dentist should be able to show you computerized animation of how your teeth look now and how they will look at the end of treatment. If you are satisfied with what Miles of Smiles shows you, then go with that.
If you can obtain a copy of your up-to-date X-Rays, then take them to the new dentist and he will not need to take new ones. As long as he has current radiographs, then that is all he needs. Call the previous dentist and try to have them mail you a copy of your X-Rays. Also, call the new dentist and ask to see if you can get a cleaning on the same day you show for your initial visit.
yeah this is where I have been failing. All so far have said first visit will not include cleaning. I think it is basically a trick so they can get the cleaning cash from my insure then get more from me out of pocket.
That was me! I'll second the nod for Dr. Lam and her staff. Everyone there is top notch. They liked the story of how I was referred to them by a fellow BBSer
Is it just me or are dentists becoming like used car salesmen in that they try and push stuff on you?
" Hey... it's YOU! You still want that 'Vette at all ??" Spoiler <object width="540" height="451"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZOaRmOLu21w&hl=en&rel=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZOaRmOLu21w&hl=en&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="540" height="451"></embed></object> ^ some NSFW language
