I just took my 4 children to the dentist, and it seems each year at least one of them needs $1000 worth of work. We just started going to a Pediatric Dentist last year, so I paid the money and had the work done. This time after paying almost $500 for their checkups/cleaning, they have estimated almost $2000 more in work on 3 of the 4. Only two of the teeth with cavities are adult teeth. My husband went through the roof and thinks having baby teeth worked on is a complete scam because he doesn't believe there is any way the decay can get into their adult teeth since they are out a while before the new ones start coming in. Some of the charges are also for Sealant which may be an added unnecessity - I'm not sure how preventative this truly is. We are self employed so do not have dental insurance since they cover so little anyway! I feel it is very important to have them taken care of; I just need to prove to my husband it isn't a scam, or is it? Any thoughts...thanks!
I want to thank everyone who responded. I do think teeth are important to take care of, and you all gave me some great insight about the best way to handle things, and some great recommendations of places to go. You Mom's ARE GREAT! Thanks a million....
I can't answer your questions really, but I can suggest a pediatric dentist that is awesome and doesn't suggest unnecessary work. It is timber falls dentistry (Dr. Quakenbush). We don't have dental insurance, so we pay out of pocket. It is about $160 for a cleaning/check-up, etc. He has never suggested any additional work.
D., my sister works for an amazing dentist in Gilbert who treats both adults and children. Her name is Dr. Kathy Jacobsen ###-###-####. I am sure she will talk to you and give you the information you are looking for. She is a mother of 3 and works on payment plans, if you dedide to use her. Either way, I am sure she would be happy to discus your concerns with you so that you can better understand your children's dental needs. She is very honest and never does unnecessary work. I will email her and let her know you may be calling to ask advice. They are not in the office today, but will be there tomorrow or Friday. Good Luck.
Hi D. -
I have to say I'm of the same opinion as your husband. Unless one of my 3 complained of pain, I didn't even take them to the dentist until their permanent teeth came in and all 3 have beautiful teeth. As far as the sealant goes, when 2 of my 3 had all their permanent teeth - after age 12 - the dentist put sealant on them. When I asked why he didn't put sealant on the youngest, he said there was no point until all the permanent teeth were in because the others would just fall out anyway.
Just my opinion.
M. M. Ernsberger
D.,
It totally depends on the kind of issues with the baby teeth. Docotrs also consider the age of the child, how long until the tooth will fall out, and family history of dental problems. I know there are pediatric dentists out there who will do unnecessary work. Your dentist should always be explaining to you why the work is needed and any other options available. My son has always had issues with his teeth so I understand how expensive it can be. We go to My Kidz Dentist and they always explain everthing to me and let me decide based on ALL the info. Good luck!
My daughter had 8 cavities the first time I took her to the dentist. We chose to have her baby teeth filled because she was already in pain. The dentist we had said that it's best to take care of it to avoid pain. On the sealants, neither of my daughters has ever had cavities in teeth that were sealed, so I see it as a less expensive option. You can have them sealed now for less money and no pain, or you could pay more later and so could your kids when they get cavities. Yes, sealants are only for permanent teeth. Most dentists put on the sealant as each permanent tooth comes in.
Okay, D. it is so important to have the work done as needed. If you want a second opinion please contact me and I will refer you to someone in your area. Sealants are SO wonderful to help with future decay on permanent teeth. I know it is expensive, but if the decay goes untreated, it can cause an infection or possible damage to the adult teeth underneath. Also, you can talk to your dentist about some type of discount. Most of the time they can cut you a break for paying cash. It never hurts to ask. Good luck!
C.
I know people on both sides of the coin. I have friends that feel dental health is extremely important at any age and some who just don't feel much is needed before there adult teeth come in. I think there is a middle ground between having teeth cleaned /maintained but not major work until adult teeth come in.
I took my kids to a dental school clinic in Mesa. My husband plans to back for himself. They charge half off regular dental costs. Here is the link if you want to check it out. http://www.atsudental.com/home/
I would get a second opinion from another Dentist. I know it can be bothersome to set appointments and get them all there again, but it is worth knowing if the work needs to be done. The reason I say this is because on more than one occasion I have had one dentist say one thing and the other the total opposite. My two oldest children had all of their molars drilled and capped before they were 7. Then the dentist wanted to start on my third child. We moved and so went to a new dentist and he said there was nothing wrong with her teeth, just needed a good clean and then sealed them. About a $800 discount is how I look at that one!! As far as cavities in baby teeth it depends on if the child is having pain, can eat properly or if the tooth is close to coming out whether you want to spend the money or not. As for sealants they only work for the top of the molar, not in between teeth or on the sides, but it can prevent decay that could lead to root canals later. It is not permanent either, must be done every few years. We are also cash payers and I have found that the dental/orthodontic school can be a great place for regular check ups and work. The students are supervised and really good with kids. It does take longer, but if you prepare for the time it is worth it as the cost is less than half the regular dental office visit. There is a school on baseline and Recker Roads in Mesa called A.T. Still university. Hope this helps. Good luck!
