Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Johnny2X2X

(18,745 posts)
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 03:04 PM Aug 2020

Aspen Dental questions

Heard a ton of horror stories about this place. They are akin to payday lenders and subprime auto loan lots. They pressure people into unnecessary procedures and do substandard work all while financing them for thousands of dollars.

My mother in law went there today. They told told her she needs 6 teeth removed and a bridge put in for $7500. She is not in pain, but lost 3 of her crowns in the last few months.

And here's the kicker, she's getting knee replacement in 3 weeks, well they told her that she has an infection in her jaw and that would mean she couldn't get her knee surgery. My question is, who do they think they are to comment on her upcoming surgery? Doesn't seem like the type of thing a dentist should be telling a patient.

They tried to get her to sign papers right there to agree to a procedure.

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Big Blue Marble

(4,978 posts)
8. Dentists are perfectly capable of making that call.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 03:37 PM
Aug 2020

They understand the systemic impacts of dental issues and appropriately raise them with their
patients. A professional dentist having made this diagnosis should consult with her surgeon with
this information and the x-rays.

Kali

(54,990 posts)
3. a dental infection could be dangerous for the knee surgery
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 03:08 PM
Aug 2020

but she should talk to the knee surgeon about it. she probably should not have the two surgeries so close together unless in good health.

calguy

(5,223 posts)
4. When I had my knee replacement surgery
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 03:20 PM
Aug 2020

three years ago, I had to take heavy anti biotics a week before and after any dental procedure, including simple cleaning.
I can't comment on your specific situation other than to say what they told me. Dental infections can move all around the body until they find a weak area, (my post op knee which was healing), and latch onto it and cause many serious problems and complications.
I would definitely get another opinion and check with the surgeon before doing anything.

In_The_Wind

(72,300 posts)
5. My husband chipped a tooth eating popcorn.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 03:24 PM
Aug 2020

They tried to pressure him into unnecessary gum surgery before fixing his tooth. We spend a lot of money on floss. He brushes after every meal. He doesn't need gum surgery.

Ixnay on Aspen.


Mention the possible infection to her doctor and let him figure it out.

Johnny2X2X

(18,745 posts)
6. She's stubborn but sweet
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 03:24 PM
Aug 2020

It's really hard to talk her into something and she's ready to go with these scammers even after seeing how crooked they are.

Big Blue Marble

(4,978 posts)
7. I will defend their raising the issue of the dental infection.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 03:34 PM
Aug 2020

Dentists are appropriate when they diagnose infection in the oral areas of the body and inform their
patents of any systemic concerns or threats to their health.

Having said that, I would would seek an second opinion from a competent professional dentist as
well as consulting with her surgeons. Dental infections are very serious and can even lead to death.

I would also seek a second opinion on any other conditions or treatment.

Why was she not offered implant replacements rather that bridges? And it is possible her
crowns may be replaceable.

There are far better dentists than Aspen dental.




Fla Dem

(23,352 posts)
10. Definitely get a 2nd opinion on gum infection.
Thu Aug 6, 2020, 08:35 PM
Aug 2020

Never heard of an infection, particularly in the gums/jaw that didn’t hurt like hell and she’s in no pain. Easy thing for them to say without having to provide any proof. They also cannot do any teeth pulling if she has an infection. Let us know how things turn out.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Aspen Dental questions