Looking for a new dentist

songkrai · 02-07-2013, 07:59 PM

Don't get me going on dentists.

I assume all are honest, right?

Two dentists in two different states. One in Meredith and one in Arizona.

Different time periods. Within 2 years.

I went in for a simple cleaning with technician in Meredith. The dentist comes in in the end and states that I require over $2,000.00 in dental work. Forget exact words but something like deep gum cleaning or possibly periodontal disease or some such condition.

Later the one in Arizona - again - a cleaning - the dentist comes in and states same or similiar wording. This time I ask for a written estimate. About $3,200.00.

Fortunately I have a high school friend who is a dentist. A 3 hour drive. I make appointment with him. Drive down. He exams me and states that what other dentists are asking for is not needed.

Did I stumble across two dentists that are seeking financial gain needlessly?

Is my high school dentist friend incompetent?

codeman671 · 02-07-2013, 09:42 PM

If it was pediatric dentistry needed one of the best around just moved to Alton last fall.

Belmont Resident · 02-08-2013, 05:39 AM

Center for Contemporary Dentistry on 106.
another one who thinks your an ATM and wanted me to do about $5k in work that my new dentist says just wasn't necessary.
At over $1k they wanted me to do 3 crowns two on back teeth that have no use. Current dentist had one pulled so far, cost $200.
also had work done that wasn't done right, when asked to fix it they said I would be charged again for services.
My wife loves them but she hasn't needed anything beyond regular work done.

I now use: Troy Schrupp PLLC
60 Belknap Mountain Rd Gilford, NH 03249‎
(603) 528-0400

Best dentist I've ever used. He came recommended from someone else that was having the same problems as I was with the one mentioned above.
Good luck.

itchin for fishin · 08-23-2013, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by songkrai

Don't get me going on dentists.

I assume all are honest, right?

Two dentists in two different states. One in Meredith and one in Arizona.

Different time periods. Within 2 years.

I went in for a simple cleaning with technician in Meredith. The dentist comes in in the end and states that I require over $2,000.00 in dental work. Forget exact words but something like deep gum cleaning or possibly periodontal disease or some such condition.

Later the one in Arizona - again - a cleaning - the dentist comes in and states same or similiar wording. This time I ask for a written estimate. About $3,200.00.

Fortunately I have a high school friend who is a dentist. A 3 hour drive. I make appointment with him. Drive down. He exams me and states that what other dentists are asking for is not needed.

Did I stumble across two dentists that are seeking financial gain needlessly?

Is my high school dentist friend incompetent?

I'm a NH dentist and can honestly say I have seen and heard your story before. Chances are if you had two dentists who came up with similar but different treatment plans than your friend, your friend may not be doing you a favor. There are times where dentists believe they are doing good by saving someone money but in the end, (years down the road), end up costing the patient much more money. Many times, these are also dentists who do not keep up with good continuing education.

I will say that if I practiced using the same methods and techniques today that I learned 25 years ago when I graduated, it would be malpractice! As I write this, I am out in hot Arizona learning and updating techniques that many feel I know very well. You can't become complacent if you want to do your best for your patients.

Let me touch on fees, as it is frustrating. The cost to deliver dental care is very expensive. Whenever I get new staff member and they see invoices and what it costs to operate a practice they are shocked. We are subject to many regulations that increase the costs of care. Also, FLL, dentists go to school for 8 years: 4 undergraduate and 4 for dental school. Many dentists also do a year residency before going into practice and of course, as I noted, continuing education is ongoing. It is typical upon graduation for a dentist to have educational debts of $400,000. Don't even ask what it costs to start a practice.

There have been many excellent dentists mentioned in this thread. I will finish by saying that dental disease is preventable. True, if you already have had dental work, it will eventually need replacement. No matter how good the work, it does wear out. So the best thing you can do reduce your dental cost is practice prevention. Most of my patients just need to do prevention and it costs them less than $400 per year. How much do you spend on food, clothing or grooming? You use your teeth every single day for eating, speaking and of course smiling!

Message me if you have any questions.

Irish mist · 08-23-2013, 10:08 AM

I'm happy to hear that there might be "some" NH dentists that take walk-ins & out-of-staters these days. I had a guest staying with us about 5 or 6 years ago that had no such luck. She developed an infection and was turned down for emergency treatment by every single dentist we tried in the lakes region, and we called just about every one of them in a 3 day period. She also had no luck in Concord.

Long story short: we had to take her down to Massachusetts when to our utter shock we realised that not one dentist would treat her up here. I love my home state, but there's no excuse for this kind of treatment. The poster looking for help on this board yesterday was turned down everywhere she called.....so call me skeptical until I hear that someone took her in up here.

cheffy1354 · 08-23-2013, 11:55 AM

I agree with Belmont resident, I have used Dr. Troy Schrupp he is an awesome dentist he explains everything he is doing and is gentle. He has his office in the back of his house, 3 years ago on X-mas eve I had broke a tooth and I talked to him he said come over in the morning and I will take care of you so X-mas day I went in ,him and his family were leaving to visit family and he took me at 6am and pulled the tooth for me. When I went to pay he said to me Merry Christmas. There are not a lot of dentist around that would do that. I am moving back to the lakes region since being away for a couple of years and I am calling him first thing to get an appoinment.

Den65 · 08-23-2013, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheffy1354

I agree with Belmont resident, I have used Dr. Troy Schrupp he is an awesome dentist he explains everything he is doing and is gentle. He has his office in the back of his house, 3 years ago on X-mas eve I had broke a tooth and I talked to him he said come over in the morning and I will take care of you so X-mas day I went in ,him and his family were leaving to visit family and he took me at 6am and pulled the tooth for me. When I went to pay he said to me Merry Christmas. There are not a lot of dentist around that would do that. I am moving back to the lakes region since being away for a couple of years and I am calling him first thing to get an appoinment.

Barry is that you,I remember when that happen to you. Nice to see your still around. You are still missed

GrandmaBig6 · 08-23-2013, 06:26 PM

Thanks everyone for the names. I've called one place and they won't take me. Will try the others in the morning.

Besides having this tooth problem vacation has been wonderful!

Irish mist · 08-24-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandmaBig6

Thanks everyone for the names. I've called one place and they won't take me. Will try the others in the morning.

Besides having this tooth problem vacation has been wonderful!

Sorry to hear this, but I'm not surprised. Take my advice & get down to Massachusetts.....most any dentist will take you in an emergency. Don't let this situation linger on.

tis · 08-24-2013, 03:19 PM

I can't believe one of the dentists in Wolfeboro won't take you. I had a friend visiting that lost a crown and one of the dentists took her. Try Dr. Selle or Dr. McGuire. Not exactly the Laconia area, but is better than going all the way to Mass.

02-08-2013, 05:39 AM	#3
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 410 Times in 251 Posts	One not to use Center for Contemporary Dentistry on 106. another one who thinks your an ATM and wanted me to do about $5k in work that my new dentist says just wasn't necessary. At over $1k they wanted me to do 3 crowns two on back teeth that have no use. Current dentist had one pulled so far, cost $200. also had work done that wasn't done right, when asked to fix it they said I would be charged again for services. My wife loves them but she hasn't needed anything beyond regular work done. I now use: Troy Schrupp PLLC 60 Belknap Mountain Rd Gilford, NH 03249‎ (603) 528-0400 Best dentist I've ever used. He came recommended from someone else that was having the same problems as I was with the one mentioned above. Good luck. __________________ "better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, then a long life spent in a miserable way.."

08-23-2013, 11:55 AM	#6
cheffy1354 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	best dentist I agree with Belmont resident, I have used Dr. Troy Schrupp he is an awesome dentist he explains everything he is doing and is gentle. He has his office in the back of his house, 3 years ago on X-mas eve I had broke a tooth and I talked to him he said come over in the morning and I will take care of you so X-mas day I went in ,him and his family were leaving to visit family and he took me at 6am and pulled the tooth for me. When I went to pay he said to me Merry Christmas. There are not a lot of dentist around that would do that. I am moving back to the lakes region since being away for a couple of years and I am calling him first thing to get an appoinment.

08-23-2013, 06:26 PM	#8
GrandmaBig6 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 103 Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks for the information Thanks everyone for the names. I've called one place and they won't take me. Will try the others in the morning. Besides having this tooth problem vacation has been wonderful!

02-07-2013, 07:59 PM	#1
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 732 Thanks: 35 Thanked 146 Times in 99 Posts	Don't get me going on dentists. I assume all are honest, right? Two dentists in two different states. One in Meredith and one in Arizona. Different time periods. Within 2 years. I went in for a simple cleaning with technician in Meredith. The dentist comes in in the end and states that I require over $2,000.00 in dental work. Forget exact words but something like deep gum cleaning or possibly periodontal disease or some such condition. Later the one in Arizona - again - a cleaning - the dentist comes in and states same or similiar wording. This time I ask for a written estimate. About $3,200.00. Fortunately I have a high school friend who is a dentist. A 3 hour drive. I make appointment with him. Drive down. He exams me and states that what other dentists are asking for is not needed. Did I stumble across two dentists that are seeking financial gain needlessly? Is my high school dentist friend incompetent?

02-07-2013, 09:42 PM	#2
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,486 Thanks: 221 Thanked 810 Times in 486 Posts	If it was pediatric dentistry needed one of the best around just moved to Alton last fall.

The Following User Says Thank You to Belmont Resident For This Useful Post:
Whimsey (02-08-2013)

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to itchin for fishin For This Useful Post:
Overlake97 (08-25-2013), VitaBene (08-23-2013)

08-23-2013, 10:08 AM	#5
Irish mist Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 683 Thanks: 127 Thanked 85 Times in 49 Posts	I'm happy to hear that there might be "some" NH dentists that take walk-ins & out-of-staters these days. I had a guest staying with us about 5 or 6 years ago that had no such luck. She developed an infection and was turned down for emergency treatment by every single dentist we tried in the lakes region, and we called just about every one of them in a 3 day period. She also had no luck in Concord. Long story short: we had to take her down to Massachusetts when to our utter shock we realised that not one dentist would treat her up here. I love my home state, but there's no excuse for this kind of treatment. The poster looking for help on this board yesterday was turned down everywhere she called.....so call me skeptical until I hear that someone took her in up here.

08-24-2013, 03:19 PM	#10
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,700 Thanks: 751 Thanked 1,454 Times in 1,011 Posts	I can't believe one of the dentists in Wolfeboro won't take you. I had a friend visiting that lost a crown and one of the dentists took her. Try Dr. Selle or Dr. McGuire. Not exactly the Laconia area, but is better than going all the way to Mass.