Choosing a new dentist? Here’s What To Watch Out For…
Finding and choosing a reputable dentist can be a daunting task. Many people think dentists are greedy practitioners out to get them. Here at Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental in San Antonio, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our patients are the heart and soul of our practice, and their trust in us is what we strive for every day. If you are looking for a new dentist, here are some things to watch out for.
Expensive treatments & unnecessary fillings – It always pays to shop around a bit when looking for a new dentist. Patients with fairly healthy teeth should be wary of a dentist that recommends thousands of dollars in services however. It’s not uncommon for some dentists to recommend unnecessary fillings. As a patient, you have the right to ask the dentist to show you the affected areas before you allow them to perform service.
X-rays – Patients only need dental x-rays every two years. The exception is if your last set of x-rays is unobtainable, or if an x-ray is unclear. If an x-ray isn’t clear, the dentist should only need to take one or two scans, not a full set. Additionally, if a dentist recommends cone beam X-rays – especially on a child – you may want to take your business elsewhere. This type of X-ray delivers up to 18 times the amount of radiation from traditional x-rays and should be avoided if possible.
Quarterly cleanings and deep teeth cleanings – some dentists recommend cleanings every three months instead of every six. Unless you have significant oral health issues, two dental visits a year will suffice. Some insurance companies won’t cover more than two cleanings a year. Another trick some dentists play is recommending deep teeth cleaning. Also known as scaling or root planing, it’s reserved for patients with severe periodontal or gum disease issues. If you have neither and your dentist pushes you to get it, or recommends cleanings more than twice a year, don’t be afraid to push back.
Bogus treatments on the bill – You may have experienced this: you see a service listed on your bill that you didn’t receive. While it could be an honest mistake, in some dental practices it’s the norm. Be sure to check your bill thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to question anything that doesn’t make sense to you. You, and your insurance company, should only be charged for the services rendered.
Specials and deals – Every dentist must market themselves to generate business. But sometimes a deal offered by a dentist isn’t that great, and they may try to upsell you once you’re in the chair. Always read the fine print and ask questions about how the deal works (and how it works with your insurance), before agreeing to service.
Dentistry chains – Many dental horror stories stem from experiences at the hands of a dental chain. Some are reputable, but many set quotas on their dentists, forcing them to upsell patients on services they may not need.
Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental is a local San Antonio owned and operated dental practice. You can rest assured that we will never exploit our patients with the practices mentioned above. We don’t have quotas, and will never sell you unnecessary services. We explain every procedure until you are comfortable, and we encourage you to ask lots of questions! By treating you fairly and helping you stay informed, we hope to earn your trust and your business. If you’re ready for a positive dental experience, give us a call today at (210) 877-2273to schedule an appointment!
