Dental visit :(

Out of the blue, I am told I need a deep cleaning treatment - two sides, two hours each - $2500. My last exam a year ago did not show all this decline she says I now have. This is a very popular dentist but neither I or DH really feel like she is trustworthy as she recommends crowns and fillings at every visit. What does one do in this case - start over and get another opinion? At the least, if it is truly necessary, it seems like a peridontist would be a better option since it is surgery. Thoughts?

I wish I knew more about dentistry to advise you. sorry I got nothing. But I wish you well in figuring this out!

How much is a visit with a new doc? Trust your instincts… we are always told

I would definitely get a second opinion.

Yeah, I share your distrust... I know that the dentist DH went to is part of a chain, and that dentist all but admitted that he has to hustle with the upsell to make his numbers. That alone turns me off. I would get a second opinion and make it clear that you care about your teeth but have "limited finances"--I don't know if you do or not, but one benefit of being a little older is people tend to give you the benefit of the doubt and believe that you might be eating cat food on sale that you buy with your paltry SS check.

i second the opinion for a second opinion. I have tended to think of deep cleaning as an upsell scam , but I really don't know enough about it to say for sure.

DH suggested I use his routine for a month and then go get another opinion. Water flosser, dental floss, brushing, hydrogen peroxide rinse. He was told the same thing a few years ago about another dentist but current one he just switched to says they are fine. I can afford the treatment (even though the amt seems excessive) but I want to be sure it is the right thing to do. Dentists just seem scammy these days.

You could always do a google search or ask an AI feature with your browser? The Cleveland Clinic is one of my trusted sites for medical advice or collaboration. I get the impression it's for people with indications of gum disease or poor tooth health.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/healt...d-root-planing

"Deep cleaning cost varies, depending on the severity of your gum disease or inflammation. For most people, two visits are sufficient to get rid of the plaque and tartar that are causing the problem. During these sessions, your mouth is divided into quadrants. Each quadrant costs $100 or more, depending on where you live or how much treatment you need."

One also has to trust that the hygienist who does the measuring has got it right. She would also be the one doing the procedure.

I agree about getting a second opinion. Good luck!!!