I'm posting this to warn other parents!
Dr. Kristen uses pressure tactics and an ultimatum-based approach instead of transparency and options.
Went to my 4-year-old's visit and was told she has 5 cavities. They presented a treatment proposal totaling $4,107 and insisted there were no options other than completing all fillings under IV sedation (they quoted $1,800 for IV sedation alone). I specifically asked about alternatives--staged visits, nitrous/laughing gas, monitoring, sealants/fluoride, etc.--and was told IV sedation was the only option. I was also told I cannot be present during the procedure.
One of the teeth they labeled a "cavity" is a known trauma injury to her upper left canine (tooth H) from a fall about a year ago. I witnessed the injury and the area has been stable since (you can clearly see enamel loss with dentin showing). Our family dentist previously evaluated it and documented it as trauma-related dentin exposure, not decay. This office dismissed the trauma history completely and repeatedly insisted it was "definitely a cavity."
They also took X-rays, but when I asked to see the images to confirm whether cavities were between the teeth and how deep, I was told the X-rays were "deleted" and they could not show me anything--yet they still spoke in absolutes and pushed IV sedation.
As if that wasn't enough, they also stated my child has a tongue tie and suggested they cut it while she is under sedation, despite the fact that she has no feeding, speech, or tongue-related issues. This was presented casually as an add-on, not as a symptom-based evaluation or referral.
What pushed this over the edge: I was told they will not see my child again for cleanings unless we proceed with their recommended fillings/sedation. I have never experienced a provider withholding basic preventive care as leverage to force agreement to treatment.
My child has no pain. What we needed was evidence, a clear explanation, and reasonable options. What we got was pressure, dismissiveness, missing diagnostics, and an "our way or no care" stance. We will be getting a second opinion elsewhere, and I strongly suggest other parents do the same. read more