Dentist! Aaarg!

I will admit it - I had not been to a dentist since my return to Canada at the end of 2010. That's five years without a dental visit. Why? Well, because I have been barely employed and dental is not covered by our Medicare system. And yet, I'm paying taxes through the nose. So, resentment aside, I just did not prioritize the dentist.

I mean, after all, I do take good care of my teeth. I use an electric toothbrush, I floss regularly, I don't generally consume sodas or other tooth-rotting items.

And,yet. About a month ago I developed sensitivity in my lower left molar. Anything cold would send a shiver of pain through me. I tried Sensodne first. And finally caved and called around to various dentists to check prices. OUCH and double OUCH. It is SO expensive. But, alas, I had to swallow the bitter pill, and opted for an appointment at a near-by dental clinic, the Dentisterie Aylmer.

It's a nice, clean clinic with friendly staff. But, honestly, prices were my main concern. I got a full exam - no, actually, a nearly complete exam as I refused the panaoramic x-ray which would have raised my bill to $170 instead of the $100. (I had to argue to NOT get this). But still a pretty full check-up. And this check-up revealed a lot of problem issues - the main one being severe gingivitis.

Oh, no! How can I conquer this?? The assistant / hygienist was explaining that laser cleaning was the only way to fix this. Laser cleaning, which would happen over four visits, cost almost $300 per visit. Uh, huh. The dentist himself when he came in to see me, knowing I am unemployed, said a good, deep cleaning with ultrasound would help a lot. That would be two visits, at about $200 each. By far more affordable! I will call today to make the appointment.

Other issues - the 'filling' in my broken front tooth needs to be replaced - almost $222. And the dentist suggests removing my left upper wisdom tooth - another $120 dollars.

Other things that need seeing to but are not pressing - removing and replacing the fillings in my back molars, maybe four of them, at $1300 a piece. Hahaha. I do NOT see that happening anytime soon.

And finally, getting a crown for my discoloured root-canal tooth at another $1200 to $1300. That I might do, for cosmetic reasons.

Anyway. My impression of this dental office? I really liked the dentist himself, although he spent only 10 minutes with me. He seemed genuine, and not out for a buck. The assistant, however, seemed out to get as much income for the clinic as possible. Suggesting the laser cleaning and implying it was necessary, Also, at first, she really did not want to let me refuse the $70 panoramic x-ray. She tried scare tactics, saying that without the x-ray they couldn't do a real exam and couldn't see cancer in the jaw. Really, honey?? I'll take my chances at this point.

So anyway, if you have insurance, I'm sure this clinic is delightful, and I will go back for my cleaning, but I will also keep an eye out for other alternatives in future.