Disney or Dentist?? :(

[Blue.Fairy2]

I'm sooo upset. Just as we were about to book a trip I went to the dentist for a routine cleaning. Hadn't had x-rays in 3 years...had them...found a TON of cavities (this is not new to me...had a lot as a kid and work on all of my back teeth)...and walked out with a treatment plan totalling $5600!!! I'm in shock...I actually started crying right there when I saw the number. Some "words" in there include multi-surface composites, porcelin onlays, crowns/caps, possible root canals.

I feel so stuck. I mean, I have to get treatment and get the decay out...I just can't imagine spending that money!! And yes, I'm going to get at least two other opinions, but these dentist are VERY well known and known as some of the best in our area.

Any advice...I guess I'm just venting a little.

I am not saying you don't have cavities but can I ask how old you are?

I am a dental hygienist and most adults do NOT get a mouthful of caries for no reason, what I'm saying is get a second opinion! Do not mention to the second dentist your diagnose from the first.

Unless you have had some medical issues in the last 3 years, started living with candy in your mouth, or just stopped brushing your teeth, you should not have rampant decay.

You also do not need to go to a dental school if you do not have one close, check out local community colleges that have a dental hygiene program. Dental Hygienist have to work on real patients and like dental school you can get a second opinion there for a fraction of the cost. Be sure and get your x-rays from your dentist and take those with you so they do not need to take more.

 

[Mom2Ben02]

I went to a dentist for years when I was younger...until one day, I saw his name in the paper. It appears that a woman came in, he read in her chart that she had still not paid for a crown that he had put in a while before. So...he PULLED IT. Later, she was able to produce a receipt - she HAD paid for it. Needless to say, we switched dentists.

OP, get a few opinions. If it were me, I would do the absolutely urgent stuff now, and still go on vacation. But that's just me

 

[skhermsmeyer]

Do you have a really good dental school near home? Sometimes you can get the work done there for a fraction of the cost of a dentist office. It's quality care, the students cannot do the work until they are ready. My niece goes to a university in Utah and needed emergency dental work done, she did not have dental insurance and was a broke college student. She got a root canal and few cavities filled for a couple hundred dollars. That was probably three years ago and she has not had problems since.

I agree, you should check it out. When students are getting ready to do their boards, they will sometimes pay YOU and for the work to be done if you have something they need in order to complete a boards patient. It's work looking into. HTH

 

[Jitzy]

I went to a new dentist when we moved to our new home four years ago. The dentist told me that there was a cavity in every tooth! Truly! This still astonishes me! There was no way that there were that many problems with my mouth...I only have had one cavity my entire life and I'll be 40 this year. The next dentist I went to found no cavities. Definitely get a 2nd opinion!!!

 

[dreamin_disney]

dental schools- growing up my mother didnt have much money. I got most of my childhood work done at the dental schools. I remember my teeth big and a lil croaket. I think i might have had a spacer in the back of my mouth on a molar. I remember when it fell out it was connected to a wire thingy. My mom said what in the world is this. I told her my tooth. Whatever it was -lol! I just remember always being in the chair. I always had good experinces and loved getting to pick from the treasure box-lol! good memories from the dentist students

When i turned 16 and got a job i also got my own insurance and boy was the dental experience different not so gentle and friendly. The point is the dental school was great and because of them I think my teeth look great! I always get asked if i had braces. My front teeth are straight. When i look back at my childhood pics I'm amazed at the difference in my teeth. Good Luck!

 

[NYCDiane]

I havent read all 3 pages so forgive me if someone mentioned this...

My dentist has a "health credit card" (as does my friend's dentist) where you get it interest free for X months as long as you pay the required amount. That could be an option for you, bc vacation or no vacation that is a large amount of money to pay at once. Also, some dentists will allow you to make payments to them, depending on what it costs and what it is. Maybe that is an option?

That's "Care Credit" and it's issued through GE Money Bank. The interest rate on that card is insane, so you better KNOW you'll be able to pay it in full before the 6 month interest free is up!

 

[J3nn78]

I wouldn't say you save a ton of money or get the best treatment.

First, dental schools don't take insurance. You'll be paying completely out of pocket and most of the time, the "savings" aren't all that great. They will usually give you 20-40% off the market cost of the work.

Dental schools USED to be the way to go --- most work, you were able to get done free or at a very minimal cost. Now that "everyone" knows about them, they have driven cost up, the waiting lists are very long, and you have to go through an entire regimen of treatment instead of only getting the work you need done. AND, if they're not doing the particular treatment you need that semester, you have to wait and hope to be able to get it done during a later semester.

As far as the work being the "best". It's not. You are being treated by students who are supervised by a professor. They can/do make many mistakes and the sanitary conditions leave a lot to be desired.

NO, they do not take insurance directly, but you can submit it on your own. We did and got paid the full amount. Had we done private practice we would have paid out of pocket after the insurance did not cover the whole procedure
THe dental school we go to has far better sanitary conditions than the dentists I have gone to. I can tell you first hand that the treatment and attention to detail and care we have gotten there is better than any private practicing dentist would do. The Dr/patient communication has been amazing as well.
As for waiting lists- I will give you that. We just luck out with that because a very good friend of ours is the head of the orthodontics school and gets us to the top of the list

 

[smokeyblue]

I'm sorry! I just want to say that I suggest a second opinion. A few years back I decided to switch to a dentist that was close to my new home. This dentist was very well established and had been in business for 30-plus years. He tried to suck every single cent he could out of me.

As dental insurance goes, I had the best. I needed a cleaning and to have a couple of fillings redone. Well I thought my first appointment would be a cleaning; it wasn't it was an "assessment". I thought the second appointment was a cleaning; it wasn't, it was a dental hygiene lesson. On my third appointment they actually did the dental work and replaced a few fillings. On my fourth appointment I finally had my cleaning. However the hygienist said it was too difficult and she could only do my top teeth and would need to come back!

At that point I was done! I had paid the co-pays at each appointment. I started getting bills in the mail beyond the co-pays. I mean HUGE bills. I was only around 20 at the time and I got my dad involved (he administrates the insurance programs at a mid-sized school district). The fees they were charging were FAR from customary. They advertised themselves as a provider for my insurance company and by agreement with said company they were only allowed to charge "customary fees". My dad called their business manager and told them that he was on to them and they sent me statements with a zero balance.

I guess what I'm saying, even though someone is purported to be a reputable dentist, seek a second opinion! Also, I would suggest getting any work you need to done. I know how hard it is. I have been putting off some much needed work myself due to the cost. Maybe you can find out what the most pressing issue is and take care of that first and go from there.

I work on an inpatient surgical floor and we just had a gal with a terrible abcessed tooth. She has been there for a couple of days on IV antibiotics and will probably need to go home with home health for the same for a few days to clear up the infection. The poor little thing has been pretty miserable. I don't wish this on anyone.

I hope you find a good solution!

 

[lh193]

Wow, all these stories really get my goat. When I was a teenager, my family dentist (who I've been seeing since I first got teeth) would find cavities every single visit. My parents were angry and I was so ashamed of my mouth full of metal fillings. We trusted them completely and did whatever they said. On my last visit to them, they had 3 cavities that they wanted to be filled, but I didn't have the time and moved out of state to go to college and grad school. Because of all the pain and agony, I had developed a large dentist phobia and without my parents to make my appointments, I avoided going to the dentist. Ten years later, I found a new dentist (recommended by DH) and after nearly 8 years, they have not found a single cavity and told me my teeth look great.

I told my parents this story since they were still going to him. They both needed such "extensive" cleanings that they were going to him four times a year. Of course, insurance doesn't cover more than 2 visits. He had filled their heads full of scary stories about their teeth falling out if they didn't get the treatments. He used my grandmother as an example, since he had pulled out all her teeth and gave her dentures. Knowing what I know now, I wonder if he screwed her too. My parents thought there must be something wrong with my new dentist...that he was missing something, because obviously the old dentist couldn't be bad (in their eyes).

I agree, get a second opinion and don't tell the 2nd dentist what the first one said. IT does seem wrong to have someone diagnose a problem when they have a financial interest in finding problems. This is not only a problem with dentists, but with auto mechanics too.

 

[flamestarrdust]

That's "Care Credit" and it's issued through GE Money Bank. The interest rate on that card is insane, so you better KNOW you'll be able to pay it in full before the 6 month interest free is up!

I used "Care Credit" and I agree it does have high interest rates provided you don't pay within the limited time period. But if you do get a second opinion and find the amount is still high, at the very least Care Credit would make it possible for you to make smaller payments instead of all at once. But it still may not save your trip. I would definitely say dentist over Disney any day. And trust me, I know, I've spent a lot of money on dental work and it was all worth it. The times that I delayed cause me lots of pain and dental issues.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

thanks everyone for the responses. To answer some questions...I'm 29 and have cleanings every 6 months, but hadn't had x-rays in 3 years. I've had a lot of cavities as a child, so I guess I wasn't too surprised...just surprised at the cost!!

We live near Detroit and my husband works for GM...max of $1700 per year. This dentist told me I need to get this taken care of quite quickly as the decay will only get worse. He did go over the x-rays with me and showed the cavities...I sure hope the other opinions are at least cheaper!!

I'm working on getting some more opinions...thanks for the help!

 

[SaveTheSeaTurtles]

As so many PP's have said, please get another opinion. There are so many dentists out there who are just padding their income by telling patients that they MUST have work done that, in reality, is not necessary OR there are alternatives that they "forget" to tell you about .

I went to a dentist in the most expensive area of Jacksonville ( I really believe that his location accounted for many of the costs that got added on to people's bills ) for a couple of years (keep in mind that meant 3 total appts. because I didn't need to go often). My husband had his regular checkup the day before I did and he was told he needed 3 implants, etc. and then when I had my appt. the next day, the dentist tried to set up a treatment plan for me where I needed two crowns and two porcelain onlays...huge expense. (the onlays, he said were necessary because a regular filling would not stay in place - "what?" I have two fillings there now and they have been there since I was a child...why wouldn't replacement fillings stay in place?? ...

I thought that whole thing was ridiculous and went to another dentist for his opinion. Turns out that I did not need the crowns and only one of my old fillings needed to replaced (with another filling - not an onlay!)... My husband only needed one filling..

I agree with others who have said that dentists can sometimes be a rip-off - that is part of what makes it difficult for patients - I mean, most of us cannot see into the recesses of our mouths and determine that the porcelain onlay is not necessary and a regular filling will do. The other thing is that many dental insurances do not provide very good coverage and we end up with high costs out of pocket.

I love the idea of going to a dental school - I really hadn't thought of that but will do so in future if $$ dental work is needed.

Also (as others have said), you may indeed need some (or all of the work) BUT it is not likely that you need it all now.

IMO, health should be rated above vacations, and esp. if you need to choose one over the other.

Good luck to you!

 

[jfoofj]

I feel for you......... DH just found out yesterd that he needs $1600 worth of work done, after insurance. It stinks.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

thanks..yes..I was told on my treatment plan i need FOUR porcelin onlays at $925 a piece!

Have another opinion Monday morning and praying for a better outcome! I will certainly put my health first, but refuse to let this get in the way of my family's WDW vacation!

 

[mommycrawford]

Where do you live? Some cities have higher rent, which translates into higher fees. Is there a neighboring town that has a lower COL that you could get the services done?

One way to gleen if your dentist is skimming is to ask for your xrays (YOU pay for them so they are yours!) and see if there is any reluctance.

cautionary tale: My mom started dental implants in NY, so did not move til treatment was complete...had she just moved, she would have saved over $13 grand...some of the implants even grew wrong

My daughter had a pediatric dentist...$400. for a basic exam (but she got to play video games in the waiting area and two "free" crap toys)....switched her to a regular dentist, $125. and takes insurance...$0...and uses cutting edge technology: no needles

 

[carmie3377]

My daughter had a pediatric dentist...$400. for a basic exam (but she got to play video games in the waiting area and two "free" crap toys)....switched her to a regular dentist, $125. and takes insurance...$0...and uses cutting edge technology: no needles

We took our son to a pediatric dentist and they charged the insurance for a full cleaning even though they just took a regular toothbrush with regular toothpaste and brushed his teeth the same way I do. They also charged for "teethbrushing instructions" which was declined by insurance as a non-covered charge. FIrst off, they never told me how to clean his teeth and if they did, I would have told them I don't need to be told how to brush my child's teeth. When I asked them about it, they said they were required to charge for it for Medicaid (which we DON"T have) so they just charge everyone for it but that they would waive it for me. So, 6 months later, I took him back. She said that he needed a deep cleaning, which isn't fully covered by insurance and cost about 3x what a normal cleaning costs. WHAT??? I scheduled but knew I would probably cancel it. Called my mom who had been a dental assistant for my whole life and she said she has never seen a 2 YO need a deep cleaning. So I took him for a second opinion to our dentist that we have been using for about 2 years and he just laughed when I told him what the pedi dentist had said. He said NO WAY did he need a deep cleaning. He cleaned his teeth just fine with a regular cleaning.

 

[monkey30]

I feel for u OP! I have always had horrible teeth, I brush 2 times a day, and floss fairly reg, but nothing helps I get cavities all the time.

Unfotunitly my ds has inheritied this trait as even with his teeth sealed he has had 4 fillings, and is going on tuesday to the dentist again as I can see anther one. He is only 4.5 and I brush his teeth for him!!!
We paid a ton of cash or a ped dentist to fix his front tooth, not even a year later it fell out they want another bunch of money for a tooth that will fall out soon anyways (he already lost a bottom one!)

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

With all due respect, and without bashing the profession of dentistry, shouldn't you be discussing the treatment plan with the dentist as he presents it?

Why are people so afraid to open a dialog with the health care professional about his (or her) recommendations at the time? Do I need this level of treatment? What are the alternatives? Is there a lower cost option? If I could only afford half these procedures, which would be the most important? Which materials are best, how much do they cost and how long can I expect each one to last? How did you determine I have cavities? Can I see the X-rays? Can you demonstrate to me with the pick the sticky condition that indicates decay in each of these areas?

Dentistry is a labor-intensive profession for which insurance coverage is NEVER adequate. Perhaps if dental insurance plans were more like health insurance we wouldn't be so bad about preventative care.

 

[rockundergirl]

I agree you should do it little by little. Make one appointment every 3 weeks. Tell the dentist that's the best you can do. When you need a cap and replacement tooth surfaces like that, I can't imagine that waiting even a year to do it could do much harm.. Maybe as him/ her to start with the worst thing?

 

[CrawfordMom]

I've had extensive dental work since I was in Jr. High school, and I've had just about everything you can think of. Braces, teeth pulled, root canals, partial bridge, you name it. We don't have dental insurance; like most people, it's so expensive we don't really save anything over just paying out of pocket. Our local dentist (we live near a very small town) no longer does root canals, so when I needed one a few years ago he referred me to a larger dental surgeon in the city. He billed my medical insurance and they paid for it! A nice surprise, since I figured they would just refuse and I'd be paying the bill. Anyway, the whole thing cost about $125 just because I had to meet a deductible. I don't really know that much about insurance, but it is worth looking into. I had several other things to fix, as well, but we spread it out over a couple of months and it wasn't too bad. Good luck!