I took Joseph into the dentist on Tuesday for his regular cleaning. They took X-rays and found that he had a cavity. Yikes!! They wanted us to go to a pediatric dentist to get it filled because he is only 4 and the dentist thinks it will be a better experience for him.....doesn't want to scar him or something like that.
I called to make an appointment for a pediatric dentist that is in Glen Burnie which is about 40 minutes away (could be worse). They were able to get us in on Friday, which was great!
We got there and they didn't think the X-rays were good enough that our normal dentist took, so they took some more and found that he didn't just have just 1 cavity but 6!!! I was floored, he is 4. I kept my cool...don't want to get overly worked up. The dentist asked if he drinks lots of juice or eats lots of candy. For all of you who know Joseph, the boy never stops eating or drinking. It drives me crazy!! I explained this to the dentist and he said, "Just stop buying it!" Is it really that simple?!? I don't think he has any idea who we are dealing with! He then proceeded to tell me that they will fill the teeth in 3 appointments, so that it won't be so traumatic for him. My thought was wouldn't it be better to do it all at once so that it can be done and over?? But then he mentioned something about giving him too much medication, I could understand that. I then went to the front desk to schedule an appointment and to get my estimate on what the co-pay would be for this next visit. She said it would be about $227.00, I said, "OK and that is top fill all of the cavities?" "No, that is for just the next appointment. I don't know how much the other ones will cost." I couldn't believe it. These teeth are going to fall out within a couple of years!! Do I really want to spend about $700 on teeth that he isn't going to have to treasure for the rest of his life?? I feel like I am left with no options, What else can I do???.......Grrrr
January and February
11 years ago
5 comments:
Yikes! Poor Joseph! I feel his pain :) That is so pricey, ouch.
We have taken Lindsey to a great pediatric dentist in Columbia, if you want me to pass that info along.
Oh no!! That's horrible that it's going to cost so much!! Wow!! I'd have a hard time paying that too since they are going to fall out!:(
Working in the dental field, I would recommend getting a second option. There are a lot of dentists who are not honest. Going from one cavity to six is a BIG difference. Also, I would recommend brushing his teeth after lunch, he probably has soft enamel--very common in baby teeth. Also walmart brand, equate--i think, has a fluoride rinse, if he is able to swish and spit--no swallowing, I would try that too.
Oh I am so sorry.
I have gone throught the same thing with Cait. She had Five cavities the first time and two the next. The front four I realized was because I was sending her to bed with a sippy which i knew better not to do, but did it anyway. And she is too adicted to sweets. I have slacked on that part and she has also learned the outcome of such bad eating habits. I have probably total spent 6oo on her teeth and I am done. Dawson we have been lucky on. No cavities so far. Good luck with that. And I agree with your friend go to another dentist. cait first dentist was a cheat and we over paid him, but I do like this dentist we have now.
Oh no! Poor little Joseph! And poor Mom, too. I can't believe how expensive it is. And that Glen Burnie was the closest they could recommend! 6 cavities has me quaking in my boots, though. I have been putting off taking Eleanor in, but I should just suck it up and do it. I hope Joseph handles all the fillings well. Keep us posted on the dental drama.
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