[identity profile] elusiveat.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] davis_square
Back in January when I went in to have my teeth cleaned at Dental Services PC, my hygienist pretty muchly strong-arming me into getting X-rays that I did not want to pay for, and wouldn't really have wanted even if they were covered by insurance. The only explanation given was that this was a really good dentist's office and not some walk-in place that would just do whatever you asked, that it was important to them to monitor the health of their patients. Which evidently means annual X-rays.

When I talked to my periodontist about it, he said that he thought that was completely inappropriate and that you always have the right to refuse X-rays, and once you say no it should not be raised again as a question.

So, today when I called the office (http://dentalservicespc.com/) to see about rescheduling an appointment, I also asked whether the yearly X-ray policy is for real. Well, it turns out that it is indeed *required* for all patients there. Or so I was told by the receptionist who picked up.

So, even though it's only 6 months since my last X-ray, I canceled my appointment, and I will instead get my teeth cleaned at my periodontist's office (http://www.cambridgeperio.com/). There, I know that there is at least one doctor (Alan DerKazarian) with a healthy respect for radiation and for patient wishes regarding minimizing exposure.

Date: 2010-09-07 10:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] teele-sq.livejournal.com
Dr. Derkazarian went to med school with Dr. Samadani (Cambridge Orthodontics) and Casey Cook (Davis Square Dental). I've seen all three as a patient and have only positive things to say about my experience with each.

Date: 2010-09-08 01:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] teele-sq.livejournal.com
Hm, yes I see now that you said Alan DerKazarian who is the father, and my only experience was with Mark, the son. Sorry for the mix up.

Date: 2010-09-08 04:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dfan.livejournal.com
I am also really happy with Mark DerKazarian. He's friendly but also super-informative about what your situation is and what he's doing about it.

Date: 2010-09-07 10:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] m-b-w.livejournal.com
Finding your category on this chart may be helpful in knowing if their policy makes sense for you:

http://www.ada.org/sections/professionalResources/pdfs/topics_radiography_chart.pdf

Date: 2010-09-07 11:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] marphod.livejournal.com
Annual X-Rays are standard practice for most dental work.

What is your reasoning for avoiding it?

Date: 2010-09-08 02:25 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thetathx1138.livejournal.com
If you've got high incidence of cancer in your family, dodging radiation is just generally a good idea. I only have X-rays done if they're absolutely required and make sure anybody treating me is aware of my concern (I don't contravene doctor's orders, of course, but generally doctors understand).

Date: 2010-09-08 02:29 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bombardiette.livejournal.com
First I've heard of annual x-rays being standard. My dentist is awesome and only requires them every 5 years after first visit (less if you prefer), unless there's something that necessitates an x-ray such as facial injury, something wrong with your teeth, etc.

Date: 2010-09-07 11:50 pm (UTC)
ext_174465: (Default)
From: [identity profile] perspicuity.livejournal.com
you should goto dr doris. he's a riot, but a good dentist. right on mass ave, just north of porter.

#

Date: 2010-09-08 12:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] danger-chick.livejournal.com
I assume you also do not fly when you travel, as two round trip flights across the US a year would be more radiation than your average full mouth dental X-Ray.

In my experience...

Date: 2010-09-09 09:11 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] litia2005.livejournal.com
A number of dentists push X-rays so that the machine stays in use and pays for itself...

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