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[oldfullprof]

I'm very suspicious of dental implant purveyors. I was referred to one by my new dentist (who has a lot to gain because she would make a new crown, and any dentures.)  A visit to this oral surgeon resulted in a demand for $95 (refused to bill insurance) just to listen to their sales pitch. The practice was far too "slick," featuring a film on implants, a well scripted staff (who had memorized their lines - and were referred to as "nurses",) and gorgeous, muted early American decor. Where have I seen this before?  (My dissertation, which was on healthcare fraud.)

The practice also has an "implant coordinator," who, I suspect, is a marketing person.  Of course, she was on the phone to me the next day.  Everything is cash on the barrel-head.  I'm considering just having the tooth pulled since it doesn't oppose anything.  I also understand that implants in the upper jaw usually don't work out over time.  They didn't mention this.

One thing I hate about dentistry in the Northeast is these ping-pong referrals.  Your own dentist won't even do a root canal.  He has to refer you to his cousin for that.   

[systeme_d_]

I wish I could remember the name of the dentist in your area of the country who made a crown for me.  I broke a tooth, and called names in the phone book until I could find someone who would see me right away.

This guy was fantastic.  In his office, he had pictures of famous musicians (referred to him by the excellent BBQ place / blues joint in town) whose teeth he cleaned or fixed.

I've since left that area of the country, but every single dentist I've seen since then has commented on the amazing job this guy did -- when they learn that this one tooth has a crown.  They can't even tell.

So I guess my advice is to call the BBQ / blues joint!

[oldfullprof]

Dinosaur BBQ?

[systeme_d_]

Yep!  I was trying not to reveal your area!

[see_wolf]

Dinosaur BBQ?

LOVE this place.  I went to a conference this summer catered by them... all dinners should be catered by them.

[mountainguy]

OAP, I don't have any real advice, but I do sympathize. Have you tried asking friends/colleagues for recommendations?

I went to four different dentists in the Pepsiopolis area before I found one I liked. Dentist #1 was oily the same way you describe. Dentist #2 was a bumbling old man with a rude office assistant. Dentist #3 flipped out when I told her that I had dental anxiety and asked for nitrous oxide or some other sedative. Dentist #4 had a dirty office in the basement of a low-income apartment complex with a giant plant in the waiting room that reminded me of The Little Shop of Horrors. Dentist #5 not only has a pleasant bedside manner and an awesome staff who make my physical comfort a high priority, but actually charged me less than Dentists 1-4 for the procedures I needed. He was the only one I found through referrals from friends. Go figure.

[notaprof]

OAP, I don't have any real advice, but I do sympathize. Have you tried asking friends/colleagues for recommendations?

I went to four different dentists in the Pepsiopolis area before I found one I liked. Dentist #1 was oily the same way you describe. Dentist #2 was a bumbling old man with a rude office assistant. Dentist #3 flipped out when I told her that I had dental anxiety and asked for nitrous oxide or some other sedative. Dentist #4 had a dirty office in the basement of a low-income apartment complex with a giant plant in the waiting room that reminded me of The Little Shop of Horrors. Dentist #5 not only has a pleasant bedside manner and an awesome staff, but actually charged me less than Dentists 1-4.  He came highly recommended to me by one of my previous psychiatrists. Go figure.

Dentists supposedly have the highest suicide rate of any profession and it makes sense to me that one known to a psychiatrist might be taking care of his own mental health, unlike perhaps dentists 1-4.