Dentists please advise

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jesse

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Jesse
I'm looking at having to pay for $4,361 in dental work out of pocket (:yikes::yikes::yikes:)

Quote:
RESIN THREE SURFACES ANTERIOR QTY 2 ($189 EACH)
RESIN TWO SURF,POST-PRIM/PERM QTY 6 ($238 EACH)
SCAL RT PLAN, 4 OR MORE TEETH QTY 4 ($182 EACH)
RESIN 3 SURF,POST-PRIM/PERM QTY 1 ($259 EACH)
CROWN PORCELAIN TO PREDOM BASE QTY 2 ($784 EACH)

Of course, none of that, makes any damn sense to me..and..did I say :yikes::yikes:. I do know that they are going to spread the above over three appointments. The crowns are because I had two root canals in the past that were never crowned.

My question...are those prices reasonable for whatever that is? I tried to beat them down since I'm paying cash but a 5% discount is all they'll do. I had my wisdom teeth extracted last month which capped my insurance for 2009. I had no insurance for most of my life and didn't really bother with the dentist...well..that came back to bite me in the ass...
 
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If you want to save bucks on dental work go to a school.

I had my first crown done at Iowa City years ago and saved myself a fortune. I felt the level of work was top notch. There were several professors strolling around consulting with my dentist every few minutes. I KNEW I was getting the best possible care.

However...

I learned why we pay good professional dentists a fortune. In a word, speed.

Having your mouth wide open for HOURS ends up being really painful in the long run. I had 2 sessions at Iowa City, each about 4 hours. Both times my jaw ached for TWO WEEKS, not from the dental work but from the jaw joint being extended for such a long time. It was horrible.

I didn't have a choice at the time. Had to get the work done and didn't have the big bucks. Turned out fine and the work has held up superbly. But I now really appreciate how fast an experienced dentist can work and realize that's a HUGE part of what we are paying them for.

Good luck, Sweet Tooth
 
Here's my best guess on the breakdown... 8 fillings with composite resin (more expensive than metal fillings, but look 200 times better), scaling and planing (serious cleaning including below the gum line), and 2 crowns (dental appliance over an existing tooth base). As far as expense, my anterior composite fillings were about 130$ each.

The dentist should've gone over all this information with you... but you can look at splitting up the work, or delay things until next year when your insurance will be back (are the crowns something that you think you need right away? That's almost 1600$ right there).
 
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wbarnhill said:
Here's my best guess on the breakdown... 8 fillings with composite resin (more expensive than metal fillings, but look 200 times better), scaling and planing (serious cleaning including below the gum line), and 2 crowns (dental appliance over an existing tooth base). As far as expense, my anterior composite fillings were about 130$ each.

The dentist should've gone over all this information with you... but you can look at splitting up the work, or delay things until next year when your insurance will be back (are the crowns something that you think you need right away? That's almost 1600$ right there).
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Thanks William, as far as the crowns, I've went a year and to be damned if I can notice not having them..I don't even know what teeth they go to. I'll push these to next year.

I have the first appointment @ 9am Monday (today)...
 
jesse said:
Thanks William, as far as the crowns, I've went a year and to be damned if I can notice not having them..I don't even know what teeth they go to. I'll push these to next year.

I have the first appointment @ 9am Monday (today)...
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Explain the situation to the dentist and ask what work can be deferred until next year. Also see if he accepts something like CareCredit, which is 0% interest for 1 year if you pay it off in full. (I don't think you'd be able to pay it off using next year's insurance money, though, since they base that on date of service.)
 
gprellwitz said:
Explain the situation to the dentist and ask what work can be deferred until next year. Also see if he accepts something like CareCredit, which is 0% interest for 1 year if you pay it off in full. (I don't think you'd be able to pay it off using next year's insurance money, though, since they base that on date of service.)
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They do CareCredit -- but I have little interest in financing any of it. I hate loans.
 
I had a crown in January which cost me 800 out of pocket. Insurance kindly picked up the other 400 bucks (in other words, dental insurance as a rule sucks as you are finding out). 800 bucks for a crown sounds about right given your location - I assume that is the whole cost?
 
There's always "a second opinion", too... especially if this current one is part of some chain or "group". i.e., go find an independent dentist in practice in your area for 10+ years. I've had experience with a dentist that was trying to add on more work than two other dentists thought were needed (I got two extra opinions about needing to remove my wisdom teeth--the other two said "nope, leave 'em in!").
 
jesse said:
Thanks William, as far as the crowns, I've went a year and to be damned if I can notice not having them..I don't even know what teeth they go to. I'll push these to next year.

I have the first appointment @ 9am Monday (today)...
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I definitely agree with talking to the doctor about your financial situation and figuring out what can be pushed to next year when your insurance will kick back in. And remember that you are paying them, even with insurance, so don't let them push you into something that you don't think you need. Hell ask them outright why you need all this and make em go down the list. Planing I wouldn't expect would be necessary unless your gums are swollen and bleeding when you brush. You already mentioned that the crowns you don't even know where they are supposed to go, and the fillings, unless you've got discomfort or there is an otherwise aesthetic reason to get it done now, you can at least hold off on that (just make sure you make up for it with your brushing so it doesn't get worse before you can get back to it).

If all else fails, I'd definitely say go for a second opinion if you can afford it. Worst case scenario they'll echo what the other dentist said, but like Troy, I had one dentist tell me that my wisdom teeth needed to come out now, and another who said that unless there was discomfort or pressure, not to worry about it. Sure enough, they're not causing me a problem, so they're staying in for now.

Good luck, and tell them to don't forget the anesthetic (especially when they hand you the bill! :yikes:)
 
jesse said:
Thanks William, as far as the crowns, I've went a year and to be damned if I can notice not having them..I don't even know what teeth they go to. I'll push these to next year.

I have the first appointment @ 9am Monday (today)...
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Pass on that quote. If you don't see the need for it pass on it. Dentists are hurting as is everyone, especially when you live in a dental school town. They load up the quotes and services way past what is really needed. Cleaning and check ups every 2 years is plenty. Only do the work you need done.

I got a similar quote 15 years ago. Still haved the same teeth, and only needed two crowns since then. They wanted to spend $4,500 of my money back then. I found a new dentist in Lincoln that does crowns while you wait for $700. PM me of you are interested.
 
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The problem with going to the dentist is that they may be right, or they may be drumming up business for you.

You're close to half way through the year right now. If you can get away with not having to do this until next year when your insurance is working again, I'd go for that. I actually need to get my wisdom teeth pulled (I'm noticing it), so I'll get that scheduled soon.

Several years ago, I went to my mom's dentist. The woman came up with all kinds of issues that she said my teeth had, none of which seemed plausible. I'm rather distrusting of most dentists. I suspect it's a lot like car repair shops - some of them are honest and competent, some aren't. I was especially distrusting of my mom's dentist, seeing as she had an office in Rockafeller Center, and I didn't see many people there. It looked to me more like she just wanted to drum up more business than anything.
 
wbarnhill said:
Here's my best guess on the breakdown... 8 fillings with composite resin (more expensive than metal fillings, but look 200 times better)
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Not only that but according to my previous dentist, You also remove less "good" tooth as the metal fillings have to have a cone shape to hold on correctly. The Composite ones you can just remove the decayed area.

Paying for the composite is worth it.

I agree with the other people finding a good dentist who isn't just trying to drum bup business is difficult, be wary and be smart, but take care of yor teeth.
 
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I'd check with your insurance company to see what they will pick up even if you were starting at zero, before waiting another 7 months to get the work done. I think you will be unpleasantly surprised at how little they will cover. I've never been impressed with the quality of dental insurance.

If the problems you have were a result of avoiding the dentist for years, I'd say the best course of action is to find out if you truly need the dental work. If you do, then make it happen as soon as you are able lest it get worse and more expensive.
 
The prices look to be well in the range of standard, but that's for my area. Not sure about yours. Are you going to a "corporate" type clinic (Doc-in-a-box, franchise type places) or a private practitioner? In my personal experience, private practioners and dentists who've been practicing for a long time tend to be more conservative in their treatment plans than franchise dental clinics and newer dentists. YMMV.
 
woodstock said:
I think you will be unpleasantly surprised at how little they will cover. I've never been impressed with the quality of dental insurance.
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I've had 4 crowns spread over a few years which were about $1300 each of which dental insurance paid 50% up to a maximum of $1000/year, so I ended up paying a fair amount out of pocket. In my case the old fillings I had when I was a child were deteriorating and either the teeth or the fillings (I don't remember which) were cracked. The dentist was able to spread it out over a couple years so that I could take advantage of the insurance.
 
Everskyward said:
I've had 4 crowns spread over a few years which were about $1300 each of which dental insurance paid 50% up to a maximum of $1000/year, so I ended up paying a fair amount out of pocket. In my case the old fillings I had when I was a child were deteriorating and either the teeth or the fillings (I don't remember which) were cracked. The dentist was able to spread it out over a couple years so that I could take advantage of the insurance.
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Oh, mine pays 50% too. 50% of what they think is normal. Even though I am in the metro DC area, they decided 800 bucks is normal for a crown and so they gave me 400 bucks. I really should dispute that, it's irritating.
 
you made me look. im 100% covered with no deductible for basic, preventative, and major work. 50% coverage on orthodontia (braces?) with a $1750 lifetime max.
 
tonycondon said:
you made me look. im 100% covered with no deductible for basic, preventative, and major work. 50% coverage on orthodontia (braces?) with a $1750 lifetime max.
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Basic and Preventative, 100% covered, yes, mine is too. Major work (crowns?) mine is 50% (of what they deem reasonable) and I'd be willing to bet that your 50% braces coverage is 50% of what they deem reasonable. 1750 lifetime max is crap. That isn't annual, that is lifetime.

The good thing about dental insurance is that it's dirt cheap. I bet I pay barely 4 bucks a pay period.
 
yea i think i pay 9 bucks every 2 weeks or something. i need to get some cavities filled and teeth cleaned.
 
tonycondon said:
you made me look. im 100% covered with no deductible for basic, preventative, and major work. 50% coverage on orthodontia (braces?) with a $1750 lifetime max.
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wow, lifetime, that sucks. Mine is 1000 per year which was easily capped during my wisdom teeth surgery.
 
woodstock said:
The good thing about dental insurance is that it's dirt cheap. I bet I pay barely 4 bucks a pay period.
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The coverage on major work may not be that great, but you do get the benefit of the insurance company defining the UCR charges, which helps some compared to walking in without coverage...


Trapper John
 
woodstock said:
Basic and Preventative, 100% covered, yes, mine is too. Major work (crowns?) mine is 50% (of what they deem reasonable) and I'd be willing to bet that your 50% braces coverage is 50% of what they deem reasonable. 1750 lifetime max is crap. That isn't annual, that is lifetime.

The good thing about dental insurance is that it's dirt cheap. I bet I pay barely 4 bucks a pay period.
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Mine is about 20$/month for our BCBS Dental Plus, but that's on top of the state dental plan so my covered amounts get a little more reasonable. I've only paid about 60$ this year, while they've paid over 400$. So I think I'm getting my money's worth, at least for now. :D
 
I am actually in a very similar place right now, and yes, Dental insurance sucks so badly.

I have not gone to a dentist since I was a teenager because I had a bad experience with a dentist that decided that I didn't need any anesthesia when getting a filling....then later told my parents I requested to not have it.

My teeth are also super sensitive, and I'm a giant sissy when I feel tooth pain from an instrument. Surprisingly, my day to day tooth pain doesn't bother me...meh, whatever.

So I broke a tooth about a month ago, and decided I better actually use my dental insurance. Turns out I have massive gum disease and tooth decay (I can see both now that its pointed out to me). The broken tooth was actually not a break so much as it was a decayed tooth that kinda crumbled. It doesn't hurt, but its ugly and will probably smell bad soon (if not already).

So I had them do a deep cleaning to fix my gums up, and they will work on my tooth soon. I was told I had a $45 copay for dental work, so I figured I'd do the cleaning in one sitting instead of the 4 they suggested.

So - 3 hours later, I go to pay my bill and I'm handed a $450 bill, and told that the insurance company is not covering the full amount. Blegh.

I hate dentists/dental insurance. Now I have to find a way to afford to pay for the fix on my really bad tooth, which I'm sure is going to cost me over $1000 of my own money to fix.
 
Just finished the first appointment, $1400 paid, took 2 hours...A dentist must make a pretty good living :) (yes I know they have a building to pay, receptionist, insurance, etc) but wow :)

Next appointment is right after Gastons. I don't think I'll be doing much flying at Gastons this year :|
 
Jess, Send a pm to Scott ( Red Cloud) he is a dentist and as I recall gave Nick some good info on dental issues.
 
AdamZ said:
Tony basically the alignment of the teeth. ie braces, which a person really shouldn't need more than once in their lives barring any thing really weird like a trauma
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thats what i thought.
 
woodstock said:
I had a crown in January which cost me 800 out of pocket. Insurance kindly picked up the other 400 bucks (in other words, dental insurance as a rule sucks as you are finding out). 800 bucks for a crown sounds about right given your location - I assume that is the whole cost?
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The crown I got last year was the same cost, just the opposite of cost though.

Jesse, my advise is to quit your job and get with an employer that offers a dental plan. :D
 
smigaldi said:
The crown I got last year was the same cost, just the opposite of cost though.

Jesse, my advise is to quit your job and get with an employer that offers a dental plan. :D
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I have dental insurance -- it just caps out at $1000 per year which was consumed instantly by my wisdom teeth removal.
 
jesse said:
I have dental insurance -- it just caps out at $1000 per year which was consumed instantly by my wisdom teeth removal.
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i missed that post.

I know you do not like getting into a debt situation. So I would say you need to prioritize the work that is most important and that you can afford. If you also end up having some of the work deferred until next year then you get a shot at insurance covering some more it.

BTW was any of it caused by an injury? Sometimes your medical coverage will kick in to help. Things such as an accident where your face and jaw was involved will get the dental reconstruction clause of your health insurance to do some of the work.
 
smigaldi said:
i missed that post.

I know you do not like getting into a debt situation. So I would say you need to prioritize the work that is most important and that you can afford. If you also end up having some of the work deferred until next year then you get a shot at insurance covering some more it.

BTW was any of it caused by an injury? Sometimes your medical coverage will kick in to help. Things such as an accident where your face and jaw was involved will get the dental reconstruction clause of your health insurance to do some of the work.
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Yeah, I'm pushing the crowns to next year...the rest I'll pay out of pocket, which sucks.
 
I have some tools and some JB Weld. I'll do it for half that price.
 
FlyNE said:
I have some tools and some JB Weld. I'll do it for half that price.
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I'll donate the anesthesia!

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