Submitted by astorannie t3_126vc18 in pittsburgh
I am looking for suggestions for a dentist that does not force treatments and possibly doesn’t do traditional X-rays. I have guardian insurance, but really wanted to find a holistic dentist, just can’t afford that right now. I have severe health/doctor anxiety and just thinking about needing to go can send me into an actual panic attack. Looking in Pittsburgh or north of the city, could be within an hour drive of downtown though.
I work at a dental office, if you don't want xrays, there are all sorts of things that can go wrong in between your teeth and underneath that can cause serious long-term damage. So yeah you're definitely right.
I completely understand your anxiety (needles, in particular, terrify me).
Dental x-rays are really not that bad, especially with modern, digital equipment that uses less powerful and more contained beams. You're exposed to more background radiation on an average day, and then the dentist can see exactly what needs - and doesn't need - to be done.
I’ve tried 3. Dentists at Shadyside Place tell everyone they need a bite guard and a bone graft. Don’t go there. I actually skipped going to the dentist for 5+ yrs after this place.
So far, I’ve been using Polished Dental in Morningside and have nothing but good things to say. They haven’t pushed one thing on me and I keep going back for regular cleanings which is a really good sign for me.
Pretty sure holistic dentists still use X-rays. You need X-rays to look for voids in teeth which indicate cavities. They could poke each tooth but could still miss things based on visual inspection.
Seconding Polished Dental
Thirding Polished Dental Morningside.
I don't have any anxiety issues or dental fears - so no comment on that side of things - but for anyone else looking for Pittsburgh dentists, I've found them to be fantastic. Clear communication, friendly and tech savvy. A lot of the old school offices around here aren't well integrated with websites, email and texts.
Are there many add ons to the basic care at polished dental? The last time I went to the dentist, it wasn't the annual x-ray visit and I didn't have cavities or anything. Somehow my basic visit involved $80 in addition to what insurance covers. Apparently they code the time the dental hygienist cleans your teeth separately from the dentist inspection, separate from the cleaning, so it allowed additional charges. I was a little annoyed that places are suddenly charging what used to be standard care on a dental visit, as extras.
Never had to pay a dime under basic dental insurance. And they did panoramic for free on first visit in addition to X-rays just so they didn’t miss something with wisdom teeth. Most insurances cover biannual cleaning and annual X-rays.
Good to know. That's always what happened for me before, unless I had a cavity, or I have been charged for a portion of the x-rays. Getting charged so much extra for a basic visit shocked me. But then, my eye Dr now splits my visits between annual eye testing and the eye exam, so I get charged 2 copays. I was starting to think maybe this is just the new normal and how businesses are working to make more money from basic visits.
You could just explain this to your pcp and they could write something for you to take once you get to your appointment. I’ve done this when I’ve had MRIs done as I’m extremely claustrophobic
I highly recommend Jennifer Dalton https://daltonfamilydental.com
I have severe dental anxiety too, and she has a very gentle approach. She’s also informative but will not pressure you to do anything you don’t need and don’t want to do.
When you say traditional x rays do you mean film vs digital? Most offices now use digital but you can ask ahead to be sure. Digital is wayyyy less radiation exposure than traditional film x rays
Very simple
Dentist: “I’d like to do x-rays” Patient: “no”
I use John Bush DMD downtown. They accept Guardian, and whenever I contemplate switching dental on Pennie, I call and give them the names/plan info so they can tell me whether they take it or not.
They’re absolutely amazing and I’ve never felt pressured into services. Routine cleaning and twice a year X-rays. He’s very kind and gentle. When I made my first appointment a few years ago I distinctly remember explaining to the receptionist that I had severe dental anxiety and I’d appreciate not having someone give me a lecture over my lack of cleaning, flossing, etc. Gentle guidance was all I wanted, and they happily noted it in my chart and took great care around me to not lecture.
mmphoto412 t1_jeb25ue wrote
I’m pretty sure you’re not going to want use a dentist that’s doesn’t use X-rays