Category Archives: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

Dentist or Death?

I recently read a story about another young person who died because his mother felt she couldn’t afford the dentist.  He had six infected teeth, but his mother had no money, so she ignored it thinking it wouldn’t do any harm.  Unfortunately, it led to a brain infection that killed her son.

Tooth infections ARE a big deal. If you have trouble coming up with the funds for dental care, there are ways to get affordable dental care.

The key is be honest and upfront with your dentist.  If you don’t have a family dentist, there are likely dentists in your area who advertise as being affordable dentists.  A quick google search can lead you to them.

Be careful though, there is a difference between affordable dentistry and cheap dentistry.

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

What do you do if you want dental implants, but can’t afford them?

I have lost a tooth and feel humiliated every time I smile.  What do i do if I can’t afford a dental implant, but am desperate to get one?

Alexa- L.A.

Alexa,

It’s good that you’re looking at getting a dental implant.  It’s the tooth replacement procedures that will actually help you retain your jawbone.  With other procedures, such as dentures, your jaw bone begins to degrade.

I know they can be expensive, but an affordable dentist, like Dr. Peck, there are ways to get affordable dental care, even for dental implant procedures.

There are payment plans available from most dentists, through care credit. They have low and even no-interest payment plans.  Another option is to get mini implants.  These are more affordable and can help you jaw bone stay in place while you save up for there stronger counterparts.

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