MODERN TIMES
After the X-rays, I would naturally have an audience with Dr. Moller. Last year in early 2009, he very gently went tap, tap, tap around the various teeth, which are still there, and then he stepped back. Our conversation went something like this:
Dr: Moller: “Now, you know, you have one crown, the upper left rear, that has been in there since 1986.…..”
Melitas: “Gee, I haven’t really been keeping track of any of them. Sorry to interrupt —-”
Dr. Moller: “…and the glue deteriorates, and that glue is probably in bad shape, and so I would strongly suggest that WE replace it before WE have a problem.”
Melitas: “How much?”
Dr. Moller: “$1400.00”
Melitas: “Oh, well, then I’m saying…….. if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
End of conversation.
Now, we are in the present, this 8th day of July 2010: after the Dental Assistant completed the X-rays, she announced the Doctor’s pending arrival to check on everything, and I was surmising that he would no doubt find another crown from some other year to bad mouth, while he was at it — and want to “86” that one as well. In my imagination, I heard the roll of drums, and there he appeared . He studied the pictures, then turned to address those teeth now standing at attention awaiting his gentle tap, tap, tap. The conversation started where we had left off last year.
Dr. Moller: “ Now about that 1986 crown……..”
Melitas: ….interrupting….”Yes, I remember that crown, and how you want to “eighty-six” that 1986 crown….. Same answer as last year — If it ain’t broke……..”
Silence reigned, so while I had a captive audience, I continued:
Melitas: “You know, Doctor, you have been pretty darn lucky to have me sticking around as one of your customers all these years. I would venture to say that there are very few in my age group still hanging around. And you know what? If I went ahead and let you replace that dear old 1986 crown —- which I have come to love —- I may croak shortly thereafter, and then I WOULD REALLY BE MAD!“
End of that conversation.
I could see he was trying to escape — the Assistant had already made herself scarce — and so when I finished my dissertation, I turned to pick up my belongings, while he probably threw up his hands in despair, silently fleeing out of there to a nice, quiet room. I went to the desk to settle for the cleaning, and asked the girl what the price was for old ’86 to be “deep sixed,” — still the same? She looked it up, and nodded her head up and down. Yes, it was the same old $1400. They obviously have not heard about the depression the good ol’ US of A has been wallowing in these past several years.
There IS a MORAL to all this: Do NOT let these guys talk you into something when it isn’t even “broke” yet. It may break next week, and then you can address the problem at that time………. I ALWAYS SAY.
Amen, sister!
Thanks Melitas for a good laugh to start my week!
Jamie
You did the right thing. See you after September 29.
Alice
Dear, sweet Melitas…Although we are far away, we are feeling a closeness to you through your writing. Keep up the good work!! We are enjoying your stories and your wonderful sense of humor.
Love, Barbara and Sandra
The last time a dentist wanted to “redo” my mnouth, I said I did not want to have the best looking mouth, with the same old face, in the cemetery. Then I found a new dentist!!
Peg
Dear Melitas,
Great story – thanks for sharing. I go through the same thing with my dentist year after year … and when I finally let him replace a 12 year old implant, they severed a nerve and now I can’t feel anything in a certain area of my mouth. They don’t want to know about that and everyone denies that they did it!
Oh well, we just got to get together on these photo projects. I could always do a Monday with you and Tammy if that would suit your schedule. Let me know. I’ll be in touch.
Cheers and have a great week.
Eileen Bobbitt
bobbittlqe@aol.com
Tel: 760 610 2706
Oh how I love your stories! Im with you, if it isn’t broke – don’t fix it!!! Keep up the good work Melitas! Oh and by the way, I don’t think Tammy is qualified to “work” on your teeth! Love the pictures!!!
Hey Melitas, I know the crown cost thing very well. Unfortunately, I did not have a choice and needed one. I get the permanent one on Monday. $1,400. must be the going rate every where. I’m glad you told that dentist he’s lucky he’s not 86’d. Love you!
Melitas what a pistol. Lori