I want to inform the public that Cherry Hill Dental practices very poor dentistry, with a practice focus on cashflow, not their patients' interests.
In my case, I responded to one of their common advertisements offering a free tooth whitening kit to new patients. I was new to the area, so it made sense to me.
When I was there, a complete "panel" was taken, with bitewing X-rays, and a special "panoramic" X-ray. All were negative for decay.
Dr. Mary Gadbois then examined me. She said my teeth were OK, but "you really need to have those wisdom teeth removed." Although my teeth are fully erupted and the teeth & gums are perfectly healthy, she pressured me to agree.
I refused. I asked, "why? They are clean and I have no problem keeping them flossed and healthy."
Dr. Gadbois said that despite them being fully erupted, they could still cause substantial crowding of my other teeth, and to be safe they should be removed.
* This claim is completely medically false and furthermore, actually dangerous. As you will see, this was just the "setup." See end of this rant for details *
Next I was instructed to wait in the exam chair for someone from the office to come visit with me. This was unlike other dentists...
I waited for about 10 minutes, when a woman with a clipboard arrived. She said, "OK. Dr. Gadbois is recommending the removal of all four third molars." This will come to approximately $900 or so, but you are prequalified for (some dental financing plan, I don't recall name)" I was outraged. And informed her I have absolutely no intention to remove perfect teeth. She argued and pressured a bit, then said the paper wasn't binding, I just needed to sign it so "they would have a record of it."
Amidst all the other add-on pressures to add fluouride (pretty redundant for a 40-year-old), add clearcoats to my molars (which are cavity-free), or purchase special $300 neon-light whitening treatments (I already was whitening!), I really became angry and irritated.
I left and have never returned.
The fact is, removing third molars (wisdom teeth) as a preventive measure is simply bad dentistry.
My concerns, backed by numerous studies are:
1) Removal of wisdom teeth does NOT reduce or alter crowding. That's just a bald-faced lie, but a profitable surgery. The second molars have equal or stronger root structures and do not move. That's why orthodontists use the #2 molars as anchors for braces! Because they're so deeply rooted.
2) Elective, surgical removal of wisdom teeth is loaded with unnecessary risk: Infection is an obvious risk, as well as possible nerve damage to the lips or tongue, permanent damage to underlying gums, damage to the roots of the adjoining second molars.
So I'm personally happy I resisted the pressure and won't be going back. My final advice: Watch out - and realize you'll be pressured for all kinds of optional, costly, and probably completely ill-advised services.
0 comments