Objective advice needed please...and maybe it's a slow enough day that you can wade through this saga...
I was not blessed with good teeth. I have always gone to the dentist twice a year for cleaning, and take care of my teeth well at home (Ok, I could floss a bit more, but I'm fairly diligent about oral hygiene). Over the years, I have spent an inordinate amount of time and money on my mouth - multiple teeth pulled due to overcrowding, braces several times, many cavities filled, crowns, etc.
A few years ago, I started with a new dentist. He wanted to replace all metal fillings as they were 'too old' and 'were never meant to last a lifetime'. We then embarked on a long term plan, with virtually every filling being replaced - and there were alot of them. Many were not straightforward and needed further work - root canals, more drilling, crowns etc. I have spent hours in the dentist's chair and thousands of pounds (maybe 10k?). I thought I was finally done with our dental 'overhaul'.
I went again last week for my 6 month cleaning, and the hygienist did extensive x-rays (says they need to be done every 3 years). She didn't see any problems after cleaning/check-up. (Yea! Finally!) Mr Dentist walks in, looks at x-rays and immediately lists 3 things that need doing...........which means several follow-up visits and more £.
I did not take the news well. I wasn't horrid, but was clearly unhappy, and muttered something about wanting to just once come in for a check up and walk out again with no follow ups. Of course it's not his fault, but I'm starting to wonder if this dentist is ever done. (I used to work for a doctor who regularly did unecessary exams/tests when business was slow....so that experience sticks in my mind).
I half-heartedly apologised, and made a weak joke about how it's never good news to hear about further/expensive treatments needed - similar to clients who are unhappy with accountants who deliver the bad news about big tax bills owed (I'm in America, and it's tax season here).
He launched into an explanation about how he could do all necessary work in a short time, but has learned that patients don't have the physical tolerance or deep enough pockets for big bills so he has learned it is better to 'stretch out treatment'. I said I was thinking we were finally through with work needed, and was unhappy that, with the end in sight, now there is suddenly more to be done. He sort of snapped, and said if I preferred it he would stop telling me bad news, and wouldn't tell me even if I had mouth cancer. He then left the room with a 'think about it, and give us a call if you want to schedule time for the things that need to be done'.
I was stunned. Walked out and paid my bill (v. expensive due to many x-rays), and now think I want a new dentist.
Perspective please?