Category Archives: Affordable Dentist

Affordable Dentist

Affordable Dental Care for Domestic Violence Victims

I don’t know if there is a program available to help me, but I’m just hoping. I was in a difficult relationship where there was physical abuse. Most of my teeth have been broken or damaged, so my smile is ugly. I’ve left the abuser, but that puts me in the predicament of having to provide for myself. I’m having trouble getting a job because of my appearance. I can’t even get an entry level job such as working in a fast food place or a mall shop. I’m sure it’s my appearance keeping me from being hired, but I have no money to do anything about it. Are there any affordable ways to help people in my predicament?

Eileen K. – Washington

Eileen,

I’m sorry for what you’ve had to live through. Let me say, however, that you’re brave and strong for getting out of that situation. You’re likely right that the damage to your smile is keeping you from being hired. Though it is unfair, we’re an appearance driven society. I have a few things I want you to try out.

1. Do an internet search for an “affordable dentist” in your area. Dentists often go into the field because they want to help people. Dentists who advertise as affordable tend to be even more compassionate. They charge less because they want to help people without resources. If you explain your situation, you’ll likely find a dentist willing to work with you.

2. Another option is a longshot, but it’s worth trying. The Give Back a Smile Program is designed to help victims of domestic violence. Dentists donate their time to repair the smiles of victims who’ve suffered domestic violence. Obviously, they don’t have unlimited resources, but it’s worth applying.

3. Dental schools will treat patients at discounted prices. Bear in mind that those treating you are still learning, but they are well supervised by their instructors.

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

Affordable Dentist

Affordable Root Canal Now

I fear I’m developing an emergency situation and need a root canal right away. I’ve had a cavity that I haven’t dealt with simply because of finances. I predicted I’d have enough money in two more paychecks. But, this morning I woke up with a swollen face. I fear it’s worse than I thought. Is there any way to deal with this in an affordable way quickly or am I stuck waiting for another month?

Laura O. – Illinois

Laura,

You’re in a bit of a pickle. I don’t want you to think I’m insensitive to your situation because I’m not. Before discussing your options, I wanted to make sure you understood how serious this is. It seems like you have some idea based on what you’ve written above. I just want to make sure you know that people still die from tooth infections. The good news is they rarely die from it when they get timely treatment. There is hope.

There are dentists who, not only strive to be affordable dentists, but will work with you on payments. Most dentists have payment plan uptions either in-office or through Care Credit. Let them know what’s going on and I’m sure you’ll find a dentist willing to work you.

Worst case scenario, you can go to your primary care physician and get some antibiotics. IT will not cure your infection. but it will buy you some time. Just don’t take too much time.

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

Affordable Dentist

Errors and Overcharges From an “Affordable Dentist”

I recently visited a doctor who advertised as an “affordable dentist.” One of my premolars became a problem suddenly. I was in agony and my whole face was swollen. I knew I couldn’t wait until I had more money and see my regular office, so I looked up the name of an affordable dentist online and scheduled right away. I thought I was lucky because he was charging hundreds less for the root canal, but my experience was horrific. He went through the process of doing the root canal and spent nearly two hours doing it. I was almost in tears because he kept jerking my head around and my mouth was open for practically the whole time. Then, he tells me that he wants to prepare the tooth for a crown then and there. He said that the decay was bad and he wanted to get at least that much squared away. I agreed to it, thinking the guy was looking out for me. When he was removing the cavity, I felt it give way and he muttered something and left the room. A few minutes later, another assistant came in and told me my tooth would need to be extracted.

I thought I was lucky because he was charging hundreds less for the root canal, but my experience was horrific. He was rough, made me keep my mouth open for two straight hours while he yanked and grabbed violently.  I was almost in tears.  Then, he tells me that he wants to prepare the tooth for a crown then and there. He said that the decay was bad and he wanted to get at least that much squared away. I agreed to it, thinking the guy was looking out for me. When he was removing the cavity, I felt it give way and he muttered something and left the room. A few minutes later, another assistant came in and told me my tooth would need to be extracted.

I agreed to the extraction and the doctor came back and did it. I wasn’t thinking and just left afterward, only to get a bill about a week later for the root canal and the extraction. I called the office and the lady said the doctor deserved to be paid for his time. Clearly, he was no affordable dentist, but can they actually do this? Is there a law or a rule that protects me here? This wasn’t my fault and I shouldn’t pay for both. I don’t think I should pay at all after facing such horrendous treatment. What now?

Scarlett – Washington

Scarlett,

It sounds like he was a little sketchy on the ethics in billing –. Certainly inconsiderate. I understand your frustration. You went to an affordable dentist because you needed the affordable part. This seems like a stab in the back.

My advice would be to first get a copy of your x-ray, so if you need a second opinion on whether he missed something you can get it. Then, talk with their office manager. Tell her it is fair for you to pay for the extraction. .

If that’s not enough, try talking to the dentist directly. Show your x-rays to your current dentist. He should be able to tell you if the other dentist ignored something obvious.

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

Affordable Dentist

What If I Can’t Afford to Fix My Wisdom Teeth?

I need some help. I have a rotting and decaying wisdom tooth, that is causing severe throbbing and pain. Now the surrounding teeth are starting to decay; some already have holes in them. I’ve started to get pressure just to the side and below of my eyebrow, right along my left cheek bone closer to my ear. Should I rush to the ER or just get antibiotics and have it handled by a dentist when I can afford it?

Eric – Tennessee

Eric,
A very bad idea to try to get by or to try to just take some antibiotics. In fact, it won’t work.  An infected tooth is different than an infection in your body. The antibiotics only get to your blood stream, which won’t reach the inside of your tooth. The infection will just blow up again.

Believe it or not, people still die from tooth infections. I wouldn’t trifle with an infected wisdom tooth. It’s swelling around your eye now. What if this infection spreads to your brain? What will you do then?

There are affordable dentists that would be willing to work with you. Do an internet search then tell them your circumstances., I’m willing to bet more than one of them will be willing to work with you.

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

Affordable Dentist

Is there an Affordable Way to Fix My Mouth?

I have neglected my teeth just a bit, then had a car accident that caused some mouth damage. I went to a dentist just to get an idea of what all needs to be done. Wow! Was I in for some sticker shock. I have three cavities, two chipped teeth, one cracked tooth, and two teeth knocked out. Apparently, medical insurance doesn’t cover dental issues, even after an accident. Is there an affordable way to get all this done?

Jeanna – San Diego

Jeanna,

You’re right. Medical insurance will not generally cover any dental work. It’s a shame too, because dental problems have a negative impact on your overall health.

The first thing I would do is talk to your dentist about your financial situation.  He can help you prioritize your treatments from most urgent down.

Then, ask what kind of affordable options he has for you. Most dentists have payment plans, or even a discount program that they run in-office.

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

Affordable Dentist

Finding an Affordable Way to Repair My Porcelain Veneers

I’m trying to find an affordable dentist to redo my veneers. I always wanted to make my smile better. Both of my front teeth have been chipped since I was a kid and I probably should have had ortho, but I was one of seven kids, so that never happened. I have one tooth near the front that’s twisted quite a bit. I did quite a bit of research to find an affordable dentist the first time around, but I’m just not happy with the results. I don’t know how to describe it. They don’t look natural at all. It really looks like I have fake teeth glued over the tops of my real teeth and the one that’s twisted still looks twisted. How can I find an affordable dentist who is skilled enough to correct this?

Thanks,

Kyle

Dear Kyle,

I’m sorry. I know it is disheartening to look forward to a beautiful smile only to be disappointed with the results. I know you’ve likely already spent a pretty penny. Unfortunately, cosmetic work is the last thing you want to seek out an affordable dentist for.

Yes, the costs will vary quite a bit based on the office, and you can find lower rates for sure. Just don’t focus specifically on the cost as your deciding factor.

Ask what kind of training he or she has had in cosmetic procedures. Ask to see before and after images of smile makeovers he’s done. Anyone who does cosmetic work should have a smile gallery of sorts.

Also, you could try financing it through a medical source, such as Care Credit. They’ll let you pick the terms of the financing (unlike regular credit cards). This can allow you to have your smile re-done and pay in out in little bits.

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

 

Affordable Dentist

Why Don’t Affordable Dentists Seem to Care?

I’m self-employed and don’t have dental insurance. I keep looking for affordable dentists. I find them, but end up hating the care. They always seem to rush me through and have little time or patience for any questions or concerns I have. Am I doomed to this type of care?

Annie W. – Alabama

Annie,

I’m very sorry you have had such negative experiences with dentists. It is true that many dentists who advertise has having lower fees will often try to make up for the low fees by volume. That ends up with a conveyor belt type of care for patients.

It doesn’t have to be that way. There is a difference between affordable care and cheap care. You want affordable care. I would start by searching not by fees, but by patient satisfaction. Find dentists people are happy with. Make a list.

Then go down the list and call them. Ask about their fees. Then ask about payment plans and other options they have for patients without insurance. You will be much more likely to find a dentist you will be happy with that way.

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

Affordable Dentist

An Affordable Dentist With Fancy Ammenities?

I went through the phone book and chose an office that touted itself as an “affordable dentist,” but now I’m starting to wonder if I made a mistake. The office was really nice inside. The guy had TVs in every room, nice furniture, and a bunch of other amenities. I kind of feel like I got duped. He is offering a fair price for my work, but if he is really an affordable dentist, how is it that he can install all these expensive things? And if he can do all this while undercutting the other guys, is he skimping somewhere else or is every other office ripping people off?

-Darcy P. – Little Rock, AR

Dear Darcy,

This is probably one of the oldest arguments in any kind of medicine. Where’s the right balance between finding an affordable dentist and only paying for what you need, versus getting all the bells and whistles? Each dentist has his own budget and allots finances for different things. Some things are truly an investment, because when you take good care of your patients, they tend to stay. Every office has some kind of marketing budget, so it’s possible the affordable dentist you saw has taken that marketing budget and funneled it into things that will help him with patent retention instead. As the old saying goes, it’s a lot less expensive to keep a customer happy than it is to find a new one.

If you’re receiving good care at a rate you can afford, then kudos to the office. It sounds like they’ve found the perfect balance. In the dental industry, you’ll often find professionals who are fantastic at repairing teeth, but they may not be business savvy. Unlike doctors, who often group together in one place of businesses, and can therefore afford an experienced business manager to handle budgets, marketing, purchases, and strategy, dentists often go it alone, and are totally responsible for every aspect of their business. So, you will find some that funnel their budgets into things that patients enjoy, simply because they know that it will help them retain their existing patients.

The bottom line is whether you’re paying too much or not. Again, this comes down to whether you’re receiving good care or not. If the doctor had put that money into mailing postcards to people who aren’t his patients, you probably never would have known. Instead, he provided a better atmosphere, and you can see it. Ultimately, if his rates are fair and he treats you well, you have found the equivalent of dental gold.

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

Affordable Dentist

The Problem with Affordable Dentistry

I have a problem with my affordable dentistry. Each of the dentists on my insurance seem to have a conveyor belt type of clinic. I’m looking for an affordable dentist, but I’d prefer one with who I can develop a good relationship. I need communication about my dental health and treatments, but all the affordable dentists I’ve run into seem to want to just get me in and out.  Is there a way to have quality affordable care?

Milton S. – New Mexico

Milton,

What disappointing experiences you’ve had. I’m sorry that has been happening to you. It’s true that some “affordable dentists” try to make up for their lower prices by volume of patients, but not all affordable dentists are like that. I promise.

Some affordable dentists want a good relationship with their patients.

My suggestion to finding one, would be not to just to do an internet search for affordable dentist, thought that will certainly be your first step. But, don’t stop there.

You’re next step is to look up the reviews that people who have visited this dentist has given. When you find someone who’s affordable and has a good reviews, you’re probably at the right spot.

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

Affordable Dentist

Do You Have To Go To A Rude Dishonest Clinic To Get An Affordable Dentist?

I needed a dental crown, but was unemployed and didn’t have much money. I called around and went with the dentist who quoted me the lowest price. I had no idea what I was getting into. The entire staff was rude and acted like I wasn’t up to their standards. The work was done in a hurried, and I might add, not so gentle manner. Then my bill was twice what they quoted me on the phone. Is there a way to get quality, honest affordable dental care?

Alice M.  – New Jersey

Alice,

What an unpleasant experience.  First, I will assure you that not all affordable dentists behave in such a way. Many, like Dr. Peck, strive to be affordable because they want everyone to have access to quality dental care no matter what their budget.

Their rudeness is inexcusable, but the problem with the quote may have been on the level. Some dentists refuse to give quotes because it is almost impossible to give an exact quote, because so much of a crown depends upon the condition of the tooth. There are several different fee levels for the same overarching procedure.

The best way to get quality, affordable care is to research the reviews a dentist gets for their care of the patient, then call that office to see how they work with patients.

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