Dr. Don Kelger

Jennifer Thomas _{on Google}

Aug 22nd, 2022

Dr. Knellinger diagnosed me with periodontal disease and advised me that traditional deep cleaning (approx $1,000) would not be helpful and I would lose all my teeth by the time I was 50. I was then pressured into the Lanap laser cleaning ($6000) procedure by Dr. Knellinger and his sweet talking office manager who mills around with the pretense that you're financing this "on a budget". If I had known she signed me up for Care Credit I would've taken out a small loan from my bank with a low interest versus a 23% interest card after 6 months. This unnecessary procedure set me back $6000 plus 23% interest for the last 2 years.
After the long procedure which took over 3 weeks, I went in for one of the 4 mandatory hidden-cost checkups($90 each) and Dr. Knellinger says I have 9 cavities?? He and the Dental assistant cold pressed that I was making poor food choices and not following at home care instructions. I work in the natural health field and have a well above average diet (mostly plant based). I am 125 lbs and ate homemade vegetable soup most of the month because I couldnt chew from the Lanap surgery. The only reason I believe he told me I needed this was, yes, when I walked in I may have had some 3 cavities or so and 6 deep pockets but I truly believe they pressured me to get the Lanap because I mentioned to them that I haven't seen a dentist in 10 years, I have good credit and dental insurance. Infuriated, I finally went with my gut instinct and found a new dentist for a 2nd opinion and he confirmed I did in fact have 2 cavities after the Lanap, not 9. The new dentist explained because of the deep scrapings...the teeth are fresh for any new bacteria to form. Dr. Knellinger lied about the 9 cavities.
It was doom and gloom every time I walked into this office. Dr. Knellinger would appear and disappear out of the room (without even saying hello/good-bye) and let the dental assistant take over for the follow ups. Really? Conflicting with his commercials, his withdrawn bedside manners had me regretting having done this painful procedure which I had to take off work 4 extra days. The commercials are fabricated and the people in the commercials are not genuine, characterizing Mr. Knellinger as was so kind. It is the commercial that drew me in after I lost my blind rescue dog due to a rapid growing cancerous tumor in his mouth. So I vowed to myself (and Seymour) to make an appointment. During the consultation, I mentioned the recent hurtful situation that prompted me to visit a dentist (my dog) and he was disinterested. That was my 1st sign! Dr. Knellinger never once made me feel like he "cared" for my teeth and wellbeing, even in the consultation. That was my 2nd sign. I just kept thinking I need this, just do it.
My new dentist had told me the Lanap laser surgery was an unnecessary procedure and a regular deep cleaning wouldve done the job. From the beginning, I shouldve went with my gut instinct and walked out of that office. It took me 2 years to overcome this financial hurdle and be more at peace with the way I was treated. The best dentists do not need commercials and paid actors. I work in the health field and love helping people feel better and I would never treat a patient this way.
My best advice: ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion when it comes to a dentist giving you a firm impression that Lenap is the only answer.