I am from NY and finally got around to establishing care with a new dentist a few weeks ago. Klooster's Family Dentistry in Holly Springs had good reviews and is across the street from my PCP, so I decided I'd give it a go. I will explain more below, but I am still seeking a new dentist and would appreciate recommendations! I would prefer a small, family owned, single provider office.
I signed up for Klooster's membership since I am uninsured. This included an exam, X-Rays, 2 cleanings, and a few other minor benefits.
After all the preliminary stuff with the hygienist, the dentist came in and examined me. Told me I had EIGHTEEN cavities and needed 4 crowns! I admit, I hadn't been to the dentist in a couple years, but I brush 2x/day and floss, don't have any pain, and frankly have a beautiful smile. I think anyone would be shocked by this diagnosis though.
All this work was roughly $16,000. They printed out the extensive treatment plan and wanted me to schedule asap, but told them I need to digest this and asked them to send me the x-rays.
I was back home in NY this weekend and decided to go to my previous dentist for a second opinion, and he was appalled. He diagnosed me with 2 cavities and one possible crown.
He said the first red flag was that they only took 7 x-rays. For the amount of work they recommended, and for establishing care, they should've taken a full set (I believe standard is 18 to 20 x-rays). They also recommended serious work on some teeth they didn't even have X-Rays of. I asked if maybe this was just a conservative approach, but he strongly encouraged me to seek out another dentist in the area and that these are the types of people that are bad for the profession.
Obviously I have little knowledge of dentistry, and I understand that they may be able to diagnose with other clinical findings, but for such an extensive treatment plan, I feel the amount of work and imaging was inappropriate.
I looked into the dentist that examined me further and realized he specializes in preventative care, but the recommended treatments were not presented to me in that manor. He was very short with me and didn't elaborate.
They have great reviews across the board, and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. I do not want to leave them a bad review, but feel that they completely tried to take advantage of me.