Wisdom teeth sticker shock!

[LauraR]

Both my sons (16 and 18) need all 4 wisdom teeth removed. I took them to an oral surgeon today and the one who has 4 impacted teeth will cost $2,065 and the one with two erupted and two impacted will cost $1,465. ACKKK! If I'd known they were both going to need this, this year, I'd have put more in our FSA account (I only put in $1,800). My husband is a federal employee and our dental coverage is not very good. I called the insurance company and they said wisdom teeth extraction is not covered, some oral surgeons (including the one we saw) just offer a discount. I have one other oral surgeon my dentist gave me a referral to, who I plan to call and see what fees he charges, but I have a feeling it's not going to be much less. Any advice from people who've been through this kind of thing?
We are leaving for WDW on Wed. for a 6 day trip. I was really excited until today, now I feel sick. I probably wouldn't have planned the trip if I'd known we were going to have this expense .

 

[MissyBrenda]

I don't know if this is an option, but can you postpone the surgeries until the first of next year? That way, at least you can get some tax savings benefits out of this. Sorry you have to deal with wisdom teeth - they are no fun! But have fun at WDW - it's a great place to take your mind off of it!

Brenda

 

[JenLanDisney]

Have you checked with your health insurance carrier to see if they will cover anything? Maybe just the sedation, but it could help.

 

[LauraR]

Thanks Brenda. I am tempted to post-phone my older son's extractions until next year, but he is going to leave for college in August (Florida Tech, actually), and I am worried about him having trouble while he is away. The younger one is actually the only one complaining of pain right now, but he's the one where two have come in. I would like to get this out of the way for them, but also want to do this the least expensive way possible!

But you are right, I'm sure WDW will relieve some of my anxiety! Thanks again.

 

[Granny square]

Our health insurance covered about 1/4 of it.

 

[LauraR]

Jen, I did ask if they was any kind of coverage, but the insurance provider said they don't pay for wisdom teeth. They just have a list of dentists who provide a discount. It's United Healthcare Dental. Really lousy coverage.

 

[Granny square]

Jen, I did ask if they was any kind of coverage, but the insurance provider said they don't pay for wisdom teeth. They just have a list of dentists who provide a discount. It's United Healthcare Dental. Really lousy coverage.

You asked medical? Or dental. I had no clue that medical would cover at all.

 

[dcfromva]

Jen, I did ask if they was any kind of coverage, but the insurance provider said they don't pay for wisdom teeth. They just have a list of dentists who provide a discount. It's United Healthcare Dental. Really lousy coverage.

Does your healthcare provide any benefits ?

 

[Nohal]

DS had 2 impacted and 2 erupted wisdom teeth taken out. Our major medical paid for the impacted ones and our dental paid for the erupted ones. I would call your major medical company and find out if they would pay for the impacted and then call again to the dental (maybe get a different person) and ask about it again. I'm surprised the oral surgeons office didn't give you any information about this. Most dental over a certain amount usually has to be preapproved before you can have the work done. I would think that the 2 erupted ones would be considered a normal extraction.

 

[whatname]

We bought dental insurance through The Dental Network. It is pretty cheap and the coverage is fairly good. DH is also a fed employee and we needed the coverage. You may want to check it out. You can get coverage pretty quickly. Good luck.

 

[whatname]

Oh, just to add...With The Dental Network, choose IND20 as the plan if you look at it.

 

[LauraR]

Does your healthcare provide any benefits ?

It covers basic preventive care (check-ups, xrays, and cleanings). But only 50% for crowns and nothing for root canals, and I'm finding now, zip for wisdom teeth. In the past I've looked at different plans during open enrollment, but it is really hard to figure out what each plan covers. I got really frustrated trying to compare apples to apples, it seems like you have to be a specialist to understand them. I really couldn't find an obviously "better" plan.

 

[LauraR]

We bought dental insurance through The Dental Network. It is pretty cheap and the coverage is fairly good. DH is also a fed employee and we needed the coverage. You may want to check it out. You can get coverage pretty quickly. Good luck.

Thanks! I will definitely look into it.

 

[bigbabyblues]

You asked medical? Or dental. I had no clue that medical would cover at all.

When I had my wisdom teeth out, my medical picked up the cost for one of them because it was impacted and considered surgical. The others were not impacted and considered dental extractions.

 

[DVC96]

Have you thought about the U of Md. dental school? I believe they have oral surgery there.

 

[anniemck]

Just turned 46 and still have all 4 of mine, so glad I have not had a problem. My 3 daughters still have theirs as well.

 

[Granny square]

When I had my wisdom teeth out, my medical picked up the cost for one of them because it was impacted and considered surgical. The others were not impacted and considered dental extractions.

That may have been why. Two of his were impacted.

 

[mini22]

Sounds like what you are describing is your dental coverage.Yes? What others are trying to point out is to check out your medical insurance. Your medical insurance should cover any surgeries and that is what the impacted ones would be. That is why you are going to an oral surgeon and not the dentist.

 

[LauraR]

Does your healthcare provide any benefits ?

Duh-oh, I'm just now getting what you meant! The dental and medical are the same company, United Healthcare, but I will definitely call the medical side and see if I get a different answer. Thanks for bringing that up.

 

[icemanextreme]

I would postpone the wisdom teeth. Usually it's not that big of a deal.