Should I confront our dentist?

[seaglass]

My kids have gone to this dentist all their lives and I think she has taken good care of their teeth. Between both of my kids (ages 16 and 17) they've only had 3 cavities. I, on the other hand, have not had great luck with her - 2 fillings that she put in fell out within 3 months though others she's done have stayed - I really think it is my teeth rather than her work.

My daughter had her teeth cleaned yesterday, then the dentist came in for her check-up. She found a cavity by looking at my daughter's x-rays. The problem was that my daughter didn't get x-rays last night, she got them 6 months ago.

I am going back to the dentist this weekend for my son's appt. Should I say something to the dentist?

I do understand that everyone makes mistakes and don't know if there is any value in pointing her mistake out.

[Scooter24]

1. I'd politely mention it...

it sounds as if she might be overwhelmed.

[JackBeck]

3. I agree.

Everyone makes mistakes. At least this wasn't life threatening.

[Gormy Cuss]

2. You may need to look for a new dentist.

I put up with a seemingly good dentist and ignored the little mistakes around the edges until I needed a crown. He was so incompetent and unapologetic about it that I finally sought out a new dentist and can't be happier with the difference. The new one actually LISTENS to my concerns and reacts in a timely manner, and he even does the prophylaxis -- he just does the cleaning itself and a tech does the polishing. That way he has the chance to examine the teeth and mouth on every visit. He also has designed the order of procedures so that there is always time to look at the x-rays before the patient leaves.

If you want to give your dentist another chance, talk to her this weekend. Based on her reaction you'll know whether to look for another dentist or stick it out with her.

[skygazer]

4. There is most definitely value in pointing out a mistake

It's yours and your kids dental health at stake and you have a right to be concerned. As a professional, your dentist should realize that.

Did you discuss the issue of the fillings when they fell out? Is it your opinion or hers that the fault was with your teeth? I don't know, I think I'd bring up the issue of the x-rays and see what kind of reaction you get. And I'd consider seeing another dentist and at least getting a second opinion on the work she's done.

[rug]

5. Keep the appointment and bite her when she puts her finger in your mouth.

[jobycom]

7. Obligatory spray smilie!

:spray:

[jobycom]

6. You have to bring it up.

Not meanly, just ask her politely what happened. You need to be sure they are the right X-rays, if nothing else. If she is evasive or makes it sound as though nothing serious happened, maybe consider finding a different dentist. If she apologizes for the mistake and offers a reasonable explanation, and if you are happy with the rest of her work, chalk it up to human error and forgive.

[seaglass]

8. Thanks for all your advice. I think I will at least ask her about

it. It is possible the hygientist felt something when doing the cleaning and mentioned it to the dentist who looked at the x-rays more closely. IOW it could have been just a pinpoint cavity 6 months ago. It certainly isn't anything that has bothered my daughter even while getting the cleaning.

[QMPMom]

9. I'd be switching dentists.

My friend went for a dental appointment at a new dentist when a problem started and she couldn't get into her regular dentist quickly. She had just had a check up at her regular dentist in the prior week or so, so she wasn't expecting any huge problem, but still needed a dental appointment very quickly. The new dentist took x-rays.

And found 13 cavities. Yes, 13 cavities.

She wanted a second opinion and went to a third dentist. Sure enough, she really had thirteen cavities.

Needless to say, she did not go back to her original dentist. She's maxed out her dental coverage ($2000) for the next six months and still hasn't gotten all the cavities filled.

Get a new dentist.