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writeradmin writes blog posts on behalf of Dr. Kevin Peck
Affordable Dentist

Does location determine price?

I live in an affluent area. Recently I got a dental implant. My best friend, who lives in a poor area, also got one.  She was talking about how incredibly expensive it was.  But, it turns out hers  was several thousands dollar cheaper.  Does where she live make it cheaper? Would I be better off slumming it in her neighborhood?

Lindsey G. – Chicago

Lindsey,

The geographical area that a practice is located can have an affect on price.  Most of that is the leasing costs.  For instance, Dr. Peck is only a short distance away from Scottsdale, AZ.  The cost of living is higher in Scottsdale, so by being right outside of it he saves money on his location.  That is a savings that he passes on to his patients. Making him a very affordable dental option for residents of Scottsdale.

That being said, there could be other reasons why her implant cost so much less that yours. Maybe she went to an inexperienced dentist who lowered his prices significantly to draw people in.  Or maybe he uses parts that are lower quality in order to have low prices without affecting his profit margin.  Neither of these reasons would be good for your friend.

Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean affordable quality.

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

 

Affordable Dentist

Just found out my insurance covered something I was charged for

I recently had a dental procedure done that I paid full price for.  Than…afterward, I found out my insurance would have covered that.  Shouldn’t my dentist’s office have taken care of that?  It’s hard enough affording the dentist without having to pay extra.

Melissa A. – Boston

Melissa,

Some dental offices do the filing for you and others expect you to do it yourself.  I would discuss it with your dentist’s business office.  If they want you to do the filing, it will be a little harder to get all the bang for your buck.  They know the insurance policy better than you do.

I would look for a clinic that will work with you to get the most out of your dental insurance.  Otherwise it is a waste of money and your funds.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

I called my dentist in pain and he told me to schedule an appointment

I called my dentist in massive pain.  I mean massive.  I’m still in pain, but a friend gave me some of their left over oxycodones.  That’s helping numb me out some, but it is not taking care of the complete frustration I feel at my dentist completely ignoring me.  He told me I’d have to schedule an appointment just like everyone else. The soonest they can see me?  Two weeks!  He said he’d call me in an antibiotic until then.  Gee, thanks.  I can just live in complete torture. Is this standard practice?

B.L. – New Jersey

B.L.,

Wow! I’m sorry for your experience. You really need a dentist that cares.  Dr. Peck lives close to his practice, just so he can help patients quickly in situations like yours.

You’ll want to get this problem looked at right away. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, I just wanted to reiterate that you’re right in your feeling of urgency.  This will only spread. People actually still die from tooth infections.

I want you to google emergency dentist. See who’s in your area that will see non-established patients quickly. Some will even see them the same day.

Your dentist giving you an antibiotic without actually dealing with the problem is actually pretty dangerous. It could even make your infection resistent.  If I were in your place, once I dealt with the infection, I’d start looking for a new dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Dental Flipper for a two year old?

My two year old lost his front teeth in a play yard accident. I went to a pediatric dentist and asked about a dental flipper until his new teeth come in, but he just blew me off and said that wasn’t possible. When I asked him why, he said because he was the dentist and knows better. Am I just supposed to take his word for it? Won’t his teeth shift, leading to crowding?

Leila K. – New Jersey

Leila,

The arrogance you just described is one of my least favorite qualities in some medical professionals. Yes, he’s the dentist. Yes, he has knowledge you’re unaware of. But, YOU are the parent and have a right to know all you treatment options for your child and why some won’t work well.

Despite his rude behavior, the pediatric dentist was right. A dental flipper is not a good fit for a two year old. Here’s why.

First, a dental flipper is removable and would be a choking hazzard. Then, there is the issue of getting a toddler to cooperate keeping it in.

Additionally, at that age, their mouth is growing so quickly that there is no way to keep in an appliance that is attached by clipping in.

You won’t have to worry about these teeth being out, either functionally or socially. At this age, kids aren’t thrown by missing teeth. Plus, the only ones that will cause shifting is when the back teeth come out prematurely.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Lumineers

Permanent Vampire Teeth

Halloween is coming up.  I can find a lot of dentists that are willing to give me temporary vampire teeth, but none that seem to be willing to do permanent. I wanted to get lumineers shaped like vampires.  Do you have any lumineer dentist recommendations?

Ben L. – Forest City, AR

Ben,

I think you’ll have a very hard time finding a dentist who’s willing to give you permanent vampire teeth. The reason for that is the danger it poses not just to yourself, but to other people. You’ll find plenty of dentists willing to place temporary ones, but  Lumineers are permanent.

The lumineers company has a list of lumineers certified dentists. You could look up the ones in your area and just start calling down the list.

If your heart is set on it and you can’t find a lumineers dentist to do it, you could just call around and see if another cosmetic dentist will do it that places porcelain veneers. You’re not limited to the lumineers brand.

I honestly wouln’t hold out too much hope for permanent teeth though.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Is it possible to get dental implants if you don’t have much money?

What if I really want dental implants, but don’t have very much money?

Jeremy F. – Wisconsin

Jeremy,

Some of it will depend on the dentist you go to. The first thing you’ll want is to go to an affordable dentist.  Don’t just look for the cheapest dentist, because sometimes they’re cutting corners that put your health at risk.  But, you can look for someone with reasonable prices.

Second, there are payment plans that have low and even no interest plans that will allow you to spread out payment.

One other thing you can do is get snap on dentures with just two implants while you save up for more implants.

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

Emergency Dentist

I don’t like my dentist but have a toothache

I haven’t been to the dentist in two years. Mostly because the guy is a total jerk.  Every time I try to make conversation he finds fault in something I say and tells me what is wrong with me.  I haven’t had time to find a new dentist, but I have a massive toothache.   What do I do if I don’t want to go to my dentist?

Mandy P. – Colorado

Mandy,

There are few things worse than someone who is always finding fault with our ideas. It gets even worse when we think we might have to tuck tail and go ask that person for help.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go to this dentist. In fact, I recommend you don’t.  There are great dentists out there. Dentists who care about their patients.  You can find one of those dentists.

In the meantime, you have to do something about this toothache.  My suggestion is that you look up emergency dentists in your area.  Many of these dentists will see you the same day you call them.

You may even like that dentist so much that they become your new dentist.  Whatever you do, don’t put this off.   Believe it or not. Patients still die from tooth infections.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Do I have to see a pediatric dentist for a thumb sucking device?

I am considering switching from a pediatric dentist to a dentist that can see our whole family.  It’s just so inconvenient going to two different clinics and time is a precious commodity in our household.  My only hesitation is that my five year old sucks her thumb.  Her pediatric detist feels she needs to have a thumb sucking device made.  Can a general dentist do that or should I stick with the pediatric one?

Amanda A. – Kansas City

Amanda,

A lot of patients find dthat having their family go to the same dentist is not only convenient, but helps with treatment in the long run. This helps the dentist to see patterns in your family’s dental health that will benefit your children.

You’ll want to make sure it is a general dentist who enjoys treating children.  You can generally tell by when they like to first see them.  If they suggest waiting until they are 8 or 9, you can extrapolate that children aren’t their favorite.  If they’re happy to see them by three years old, you’ve found someone who’ll enjoy treating your darlings.

Any dentist can help fit your five year old with a thumb sucking device, so you’re good to go there.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck

Lumineers

Will Lumineers fix cigarette teeth?

I have smoked cigarettes for years.  Now my teeth look really ugly and stained.  Will Lumineers cover that?

Jeremy – Missouri

Jeremy,

Yes, Lumineers will adequately cover the stains on your teeth from cigarette smoking. In fact, they can do more than that. If you wnat to reshape your teeth, they can do that as well.

If, all you’re looking for, though, is to get rid of the stains, you might be happier by simply having professional teeth whitening done.  It will get rid of the cigarette stains and is a significantly less expensive procedure.

Lumineers, will do more than just whiten them, so there is that to consider as well.

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

Affordable Dentist

Affordable dentistry in Scottsdale?

When you work hard to give your family everything they deserve, sometimes you have to make sacrifices.  Between a mortgage, healthy food, great schools, and extra curricular activities, there may be little left for anything else.  We don’t want you to have to give up quality dental care too.

We’re located just outside of Scottsdale. We do that intentionally.  Our cost is a little lower out here and that allows us to pass on the savings to you.

If you’re looking for a quality, affordable dentist, click here to learn the four ways we save you money on your dental care.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.