Tag Archives: dental insurance

Pediatric Dentistry

How Expensive is a Pediatric Dentist?

Hi there,

I have a six-year-old daughter and currently take her to see our family dentist. Recently, I was thinking of switching, though. Our family dentist does not seem used to working with such young children. My daughter was chided for fidgeting during her last cleaning. I think seeing a pediatric dentist would be a good change, but I am a single parent on a strict budget. Do pediatric dentists usually charge more, or would the price be the same as a family dentist?

Taylor, from Rochester, NY

 

Hi Taylor,

Pediatric dentists are general dentists who have undergone additional training to hone their skills. Each office sets their own fees. You’ll have to check with pediatric dentists in your area to compare prices.

If you are able to find a pediatric dentist in your insurance network, the price will be about the same. The insurance company dictates the fees that dentists can charge. If the work your child needs is preventative, such as cleanings, your plan should cover it. If you go outside your network, the fees may vary.

You don’t necessarily have to see a pediatric dentist. Many general dentists are comfortable working with children – you just need to find an office that sees a lot of children. This way, you won’t need to worry about higher fees, either.

Call your insurance beforehand. They can let you know pricing if you see a specialist, or even refer you to an in-network pediatric dentist. If you do not have insurance, call individual offices and ask for a price quote on common, preventative services. This way, you can make an informed decision on whether you will stick with your current family dentist.

This blog post is brought to you by Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Affordable Dentist

The Filling Over my Root Canal Fell Out!

Hi,

I had a root canal done back when I had dental insurance. Now, I don’t have insurance anymore and the filling covering the gap the root canal left behind has fallen out. Since I lack the funds to see a dentist, I’d usually let it slide, but I’m worried. There’s a metal rod that’s been exposed, and what’s worse, it’s loose – I can wiggle it with my tongue. Is there anything I can do on my own, or is seeing a dentist my only solution? I need an affordable solution.

Barney, Poughkeepsie, NY

 

Hi Barney,

I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Root canal treatments can fail if they are not protected from saliva in the mouth. Loosening the protective filling can cause another infection, which means another root canal is needed, or else you will lose the tooth.

I’d recommend you go see a dentist that caters to your needs. If you explain your situation, they should be able to fix this for low cost (or if you’re lucky, no cost.) There are two different solutions I would recommend: The first is quick and easy, and can be done using Cavit (a paste that comes in a tube, and hardens when exposed to moisture – such as in the mouth).

A more permanent but still affordable solution would be to create a filling around a metal post using a bonded core material. In your case, if you can not afford to come back for a crown, this filling would last for several years. Once you have dental insurance again, or are in a more-secure financial state, you can complete the next step of treatment – a new root canal topped with the porcelain crown you need.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Is an Affordable Dentist Possible Without Dental Insurance?

I’m in my late thirties and have never been the best at taking care of my teeth. I have been without dental insurance for the last couple of years, and, therefore, haven’t had a checkup in well over that amount of time.

I am a contract employee, which means I don’t have dental insurance, and, recently, found myself without any work. The nature of my unemployment status has me under more stress than ever before and I’m discovering that I am grinding my teeth when I sleep. In fact, I think I may have a cracked tooth because of the grinding.

I am certain I have a myriad of other dental issues which need addressed, since I haven’t been seen for quite some time. I know that I can’t put dental care off any longer, but am concerned about the cost, since I don’t have dental insurance.

Is it even possible to find a cheap dentist who does quality work?

Thank you,
Erica

Dear Erica,

It sounds like you’ve been experiencing a run of bad luck. Unfortunately, searching for a cheap dentist will likely yield cheap care. If you seek dentists that are promoting the fact that they offer cheaper rates than their competitors, you will more than likely get what you pay for. Your treatment could be quick and rushed, the quality of care could be less, or you could be one of several patients being seen at the same time.

The best route to take is to try to focus your search on finding a quality dentist, who does a great job, yet is within your budget parameters. There are several considerations when doing this.

What to Consider When Looking for an Affordable Dentist

You mentioned not having dental insurance. One option to consider is getting dental insurance of your own. Many of the major insurance providers offer policies similar to what you would have through an employer. It just isn’t subsidized, as it would be with an employer. You would likely pay something in the range of $50 per month, maybe more, maybe less. If this is something to consider, don’t wait, as many policies require a specific waiting period.

Another consideration is looking into a practices that offers financial arrangements. Some offices offer discounts for cash paying customers who pay in full. Many offices offer financing options through programs such as CareCredit. CareCredit is a program which offers no interest payment plans for a specified period of time.

A third option to consider is arranging your dental procedures in an order which allows you to budget for them. Ask the dentist which procedures are priority and should be addressed soon, then stager the remaining procedures.

Finally, you are right to want to take care of the teeth grinding, before any major problems begin to occur. Grinding teeth can wear your teeth down greatly, causing a need for crowns and fillings. It can also cause teeth to break, or loosen, and can ultimately cause jaw issues. All of which will become worse if left untreated. If your grinding your teeth at night, be sure to address this with a dentist, as you could be fitted for a night guard.

If you are grinding your teeth during the day, due to stress-inducing clenching or grinding, this is different. Because it is impractical to leave a night guard in all day and night, there are other techniques that can help to prevent daytime grinding. Many people have good luck learning to practice techniques of mindfulness and relaxation. Therefore, if you find yourself beginning to clench your jaw, or grind your teeth during the waking hours, you could try to think of something that relaxes you, or meditate briefly.

Many of these considerations will allow you to address your dental needs with a quality, affordable dentist, which staying within your budget.

Good luck!

This blog article is provided by the office of Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

 

 

Affordable Dentist

Why won’t my insurance cover all porcelain crowns?

I wanted to get an all porcelain crown, especially because it is on my front tooth, but my insurance will only cover metal based ones. Do you know why?

Sara L. – Kentucky

Sara,

Insurance companies generally only want to pay for the bare bones treatment. In your case, that will mean a crown with a metal foundation. That doesn’t mean you can’t get the crown you want.

Your dentist will likely let you upgrade to the all-porcelain crown and just charge you the difference from your insurance. If he’s an affordable dentist, then he (or she) will have payment plan options for you.

Good luck with your crown. And, you’re right, on a front tooth you’ll want an all-porcelain crown. It will be much more natural looking.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.