I often think dentists are like garage mechanics. Not that I have anything against auto mechanics. But they have a keen eye for new business. So if you go to get that tail light fixed, the mechanic will notice that your exhaust pipe seems rusted and has a few holes. ‘Perhaps it is time to replace it,’ he will recommend, helpfully, all with your good interests at heart.
My dentist is like that. I cannot imagine why you need to take x-ray pics of your teeth every year, other than to boost the annual revenues of the dental profession. But my hygienist put out five picture tiles on the tray and casually mentioned to me that she will be taking those pictures. This time I was brave. ‘No thanks,’ I said. ‘I will take it next time.’ ‘OK,’ she responded, looking at the chart. ‘It has been a year and a half already, you know.’ ‘Yes,’ I lied through my teeth. ‘I’ve had them taken in India last time I was there.’ ‘Oh, you have had your teeth cleaned since you were last here?’ she asked. Inquisitive one, she was. ‘Yes,’ I said. Another lie. Oh, God!
I was prepared for these and more lies, really. I had been preparing myself all the way from home, since I know the routine now. I don’t think one needs to have the teeth cleaned by the hygienist twice a year, but even I knew that two years was quite a bit. So I had fixed this appointment. Well, she cleaned away, and then called the dentist for a check. I knew what was coming. ‘I see a shadow on #13’ the dentist mumbled. That usually meant they want to do a filling there. The last time, they even removed an existing filling to put a new one. ‘These usually need replacement every few years,’ that one had proffered. Like brake pads?
Then peering around further, the dentist noticed that I had a gap in my lower jaw where a tooth had been pulled out. Over 10 years ago. ‘We can plug that gap, you know. There are some very nice implants these days,’ she offered. I smiled and shook my head. (Every dentist has been trying to plug that gap since then, in vain.) The shadow on #13 proved a dead end for her, too. She left the room mentally delaying that Porsche she has been wanting.
தாய் மண்ணே வணக்கம்
6 years ago
3 comments:
the only problem with your auto mechanic analogy is that most additional dental work comes at almost zero cost to you.
two cleanings a year are covered, one xray a year is covered, and most plans cover cavities at 90% or so.
because of that, i would say that dentists really do have your interests at heart more so than mechanics.
since you've essentially already paid for these services (or your employer has anyway), what's wrong with getting them done? i have the opposite attitude with dentists - i will do absolutely everything they say, not matter what. any suggestion they make, i tell them to go right ahead.
if it makes my teeth look better and will prevent future major problems, i'm all for it.
Your attitude pushes up costs. Just because it is 'covered' does not mean one has to have it done. It is an insurance, not a pre-paid system. You probably take the view that in an all you can eat buffet, you load up your plate and stuff yourself.
fair point, but though your definition of 'unnecessary' doesn't match the dentists, doesn't mean its right. i actually feel the opposite - i wish medical visits were more like dentists. if i could get a full body xray or mri regularly, i would be way more willing to visit the doctor. i prefer preventative measures to reactive ones any day of the week.
what would probably address both of our issues would be a dental plan that's similar to a medical health fund plan. no premiums, no required visits, and all costs come out of your 'bank.'
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