Category Archives: Affordable Dentist

Affordable Dentist

My Dentist Won’t Listen to Me

My dentist has in mind the type of treatment I need for a tooth that I would prefer to save, but he wants to replace with a dental implant. The tooth starting hurting me last week.  I went in to see my dentist.  He said the tooth is unsavable and wants me to get a dental implant.  I can’t afford a dental implant and he won’t listen to me.  I can’t believe that a tooth that JUST started hurting could be unsavable.  What do I do?

Samantha J. – Washington

Samantha,

It sounds to me that you need a second opinion. I agree that it would be unlikely a tooth couldn’t be saved if it had just started decay. Of course, there may to decay you never noticed. Another dentist might look at the tooth and have other ideas.

However, even if the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants aren’t your only choice. There are more affordable options for a tooth replacement.

A dentist has an ethical responsibility to tell you all of your treatment options.  For a tooth replacement, you can get a dental bridge, or even a removable partial denture. .

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

Affordable Dentist

Why can’t I find an emergency dentist for my mother?

My mom is disabled and on Social Security/ disability. Right now, she has no dental coverage what so ever, but I am told she might get some in the future when she gets fully approved for disability. I guess there’s some kind of limbo period where the state plan doesn’t cover it but the federal plan will? I really don’t understand all this. At any rate, I just took over managing her care and she needs a lot of work done. I think it’s going to come down to pulling her teeth and getting dentures, but I’m not totally sure. I have been trying to find an affordable dentist, but nobody seems to be willing to help. They all want thousands of dollars up front. I don’t know if it’s these offices or the healthcare system, but she needs help. Any ideas on how I can find an affordable dentist?

Sincerely,

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Kudos to you for stepping up to the plate and helping your mom out. The programs are so confusing, you practically need a PhD to understand what covers what and what’s actually available.

Unfortunately, you are correct, in that government programs do not typically see to the dental needs of disabled and elderly adults. Every plan is different, and when you’re still battling it at a state level, each state has different rules, too. There’s a very good chance your mom only has emergency coverage, or coverage for work that needs to be done in the hospital right now, but please contact the company that provides her coverage to be sure.

With disability, there tends to be a 24-month waiting period while you wait for the transition from state to federal coverage, but when the higher coverage kicks in there should be some dental coverage. Again, you must talk to your mom’s case worker, social worker, or plan provider to find out what the process is and what’s available to her. If coverage will increase soon, it may be worth waiting a couple months before you start anything.

If she needs to find an affordable dentist now, you could try asking offices whether they do payment plans or financing. Many of them do. You may also have luck signing up for an inexpensive insurance plan. There are some PPO plans for as little as $35 from reputable companies that provide instant coverage. If you’re getting into an extensive treatment plan, like extractions and dentures, it’s worthwhile to research some of these to reduce your costs. Best of luck to you.

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

Affordable Dentist

Should I get All-on-Four implants to make it more affordable?

I wanted to get dental implants, but they were out of my budget. I got dentures, but they’re horrible ugly. I’ve been reading that all-on-four dental implants are more affordable. Will that be a better option than the dentures?

Marissa M. – San Antonio, TX

Marissa,

I have several thoughts on this.

First, if your dentures are ugly, it’s because of the dentist, not because you got dentures. Well done dentures can be made to look just like natural teeth. In fact, with a great cosmetic dentist, you could end up with a prettier smile than you had when you went in.  If you’re happy with your dentures, other than their appearance, you could just have them re-done by a more artistic dentist.

There are reasons for choosing dental implants over dentures, though I know affording them is an issue. First, is protection of your jawbone. When you remove your teeth, your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. In a few years, you have a shrunken jawbone. Other reasons for implants are comfort, security, and chewing effeciency. Dental implants don’t move around in your mouth the way dentures do.

As far as getting all-on-four, I wouldn’t recommend it. This procedure has a higher than normal failure rate. Plus, if one implant has a problem, the entire unit has to be re-done, which can get expensive.

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

Affordable Dentist

Will insurance cover dental implants?

I’m going to lose three teeth due to a car accident. I’m really devastated about it because they’re in the front. I really want to get dental implants so I can feel confident smiling again, but am worried about the expense. Will insurance cover it?

Laura O. – Texas

Laura,

Just a few years ago I would have had to tell you ‘No’. Dental implants were considered an experimental treatment and insurance companies flat out refused to cover it. That made it almost unaffordable for most patients.

But, a lot has happened in the last few years. Because more dentists have made the effort to get significant training in the procedure, the success rates have skyrocketed. Now, about half of all insurance companies are willing to cover the procedure.

You’ll want to go to a dentist with the right training AND is willing to work with you to get the most out of your insurance policy. Even if yours is not one that covers the procedure, there are ways your dentist can work with you to make it happen. Be open with your dentist. They’ll help.

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

Affordable Dentist

What if you can’t afford a toothache?

I’m being honest with you when I tell you that I just cannot afford a dentist. But. I also have a horrible toothache. What do I do?

Lance Q. – California

Lance,

What you need to do is find a dentis who is willing to work with you.  It’s not as hard as it sounds.  Most dentists get into the field because they like to help people. There are a lot of dentists who will be willing to work with you.

It’s easier if you look at dentists who advertise as affordable dentists. They’re usually more willing to work with patients. Not only do they have affordable fees, but they also have payment plans.

Explain your circumstances and they may have other ways of helping as well. What you don’t want to do is to put off being seen. If this is a tooth infection, it will spread and only get worse.

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

Affordable Dentist

Dentist insists on full payment up front

I have a toothache. A massive toothache. I called my dentist to schedule an appointment. When I did, they informed me that I’d have to have full payment that day.  I asked them for a range of possible cost. I can’t even afford the lowest amount. Am I doomed to be in pain until I have enough money?

Wesley  C. – Minnesota

Wesley,

You’re in quite a pickle. If you’ve explained your financial situation to your dentist and he is still unmoving in his financial policy, you likely need to find another dentist.

There are affordable dentists that are willing to work with patients, especially those in situations like yours.  They will all have payment plans of some sort.

I would call around and explain your circumstances. There will be a dentist willing to work with you.

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

Affordable Dentist

Can’t afford to fix my teeth

I saved up to get my teeth cleaned and get some whitening done. I was disappointed when the dentist told me I needed some other work done before the whitening. I have two cavities. One of them so big I need a crown. I can’t afford this. Now, even if I find a way to pay for the work I don’t want, I can’t get my teeth whitened. I’m really disappointed. Can I get the teeth whitened, if my teeth aren’t bothering me?

Maddie K. – Florida

Maddie,

It must be terribly disappointing to you. Here you thought you were finally going to get a bright, new smile and instead you’re stuck spending your money on maintenance for your teeth.

Hopefully, you’re working with an affordable dentist who will work with you financially. There is a way to stage your treatment so you don’t have to pay for all of it at once. Your dentist could list the most important treatment first and work your way down. I suspect it would be the tooth that needs a crown.

Some dentists even give free teeth whitening to new patients. your dentist may be willing to cut you a deal on on the whitening at the end of your treatment, because of all hte money you’ve had to spend. I can’t speak for him or her, of course, but it won’t hurt you to ask.

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

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.