Tag Archives: Phoenix Affordable Dentist

Affordable Dentist

Is It Possible to Get Affordable Dentistry with Attentive Care?

I needed to see a dentist but am between jobs. I googled cheap dentists and quite a few names popped up. I picked one close to me and went in hoping for the best.  I didn’t get it. In fact, I felt like I was on a conveyor belt. They rushed me in and out. Hardly asked any questions. I’m not sure if that’s normal, but I felt like a piece of cattle. I still need a couple more things done, but don’t have a ton of money as I’m living off savings right now. Is there a way to get affordable dentistry that still treats you like a human?

Carlton M.

Dear Carlton,

It’s great that you’re making an effort with your dental care even though you’re between jobs. Many people neglect their dental care in your situation, which ends up costing them more money and putting them in an emergency dental situation.

One thing to know is there is a distinct difference between cheap dentistry and affordable dentistry. Cheap dentistry usually means they lower their prices substantially in order to draw in patients. However, they have to make profits somewhere, so either they make it up with booking more patients than can be treated with attentive care or they cut corners by using sub par materials. Neither of those work out well for patients.

There are dentists who chose to be affordable in order to help people in your situation. They won’t have the rock bottom prices but they’ll be reasonable and they’ll be willing to work with you on payments so you can get the treatment you need.

Go ahead and do another search on affordable dentists (not cheap), then check their reviews to be sure the treatment other people received was the quality you deserve.

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

Emergency Dentist

Why Doesn’t My Dentist Consider My Broken Crown an Emergency?

I was flossing my teeth and my temporary crown broke. My dentist has an emergency line. I called him and told him what happened. I wanted to come in right then,, but he said to come in the morning and he’d try to work me in. Why doesn’t he consider it an emergency?

Katie S.

Dear Katie,

If you had some other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or a fever then it would be a true dental emergency. I wouldn’t be too upset at your dentist. He is having you come in first thing in the morning. They’ll make you a priority. They do understand how important it is and will place a new temporary.

It’s not uncommon for a temporary crown to break. They aren’t as strong as their permanent replacements. Now, if your dentist would have said see you in a week, then I would have said he’s being neglectful. Seeing you first thing in the morning sounds like he cares.

I know you’re worried. It’s scary being the patient and having something not go according to plan. But, just sleeping overnight won’t damage the natural tooth which is there. Your dentist wouldn’t put you at risk.

Just don’t take any unnecessary risks like eating on the damaged tooth.

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

 

 

Affordable Dentist

Dentist is Humiliating Me Because I’m Broke

I felt like a total failure when I went to the dentist. I hadn’t been able to go for two years, because I don’t have insurance and I have to save up for this kind of thing. It turns out those were two bad years for my teeth. I need five fillings and two crowns. First, the dentist derided me for not coming in sooner. Then, when I told him I couldn’t afford all the work he lectured me and said if I didn’t I would lose all my teeth or die. I was so humiliated because he said all this in front of his staff. But what is a patient supposed to do if they can’t afford something? I can’t produce money out of thin air.

Louis K.

Dear Louis,

That was bad form on the part of your dentist. It was unfair of him to lecture you for something you have no control over. It’s even more unfair that he humiliates you for needing to do this in stages. And, you should know, it is totally fine for you to do this in stages. Not everyone can afford to do all their work at once. You need to find a dentist who is willing to work with you financially.

In the meantime, have this dentist list out the work which needs to be done in order of priority. Which cavities or infections are further along. Do those first, giving yourself time to save up for the other procedures. There are also dentists who work with Care Credit. It’s a medical credit card, which will allow you to have all the work done at once (if you’d like), then pay it out. Often, depending on your credit, you can choose your terms. Some have zero interest.

Your dentist is right about one thing, though not the way he handled it. People do still die from tooth infections. In fact, a father in his thirties passed away this past February from not getting to the dentist in time. Some patients make the mistake of thinking just taking an antibiotic will be enough. It won’t. It will stave off an infection for a while, but because there is no blood stream in a tooth, there’s no way for the medicine to reach it. A dentist has to physically dig out the decayed material. So, while you can put this off for a bit, don’t wait too long. That’s why I asked you to have the dentist list out the work in order of urgency.

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

Affordable Dentist

Am I Being Ripped Off By My Affordable Dentist?

I intentionally chose an affordable dentist out of a directory because I do not have dental insurance. I’m a little behind on my regular checkups, so I expected to run into some snags, but I was totally unprepared for the total bill. First off, they charged me for a more expensive “deep” cleaning and for some kind or rinse or medication that was applied during it. On top of this, they hit me for two different kinds of x-rays, and then they recommended I get a fluoride treatment and come back in a few weeks for a follow-up visit with the hygienist, which also has a charge. I’m already out a few hundred bucks, and this doesn’t even include the fillings I need to have done. Does this sound right coming from an “affordable dentist?”

Celia

Dear Celia,

Affordable dentist can mean a different thing from one dentist to another. There isn’t an objective, standard fee for anything where someone who’s below that is considered more affordable. He could just mean he finds the most affordable solutions to your case. Or maybe he’s slightly lower than other dentists in the area.

However, you’re more concerned with the specific procedures. Most of these are fairly common if it’s been a while since you’ve gone to the dentist. The two types of x-rays are standard care. One is a panoramic, only done every few years. The other, the bitewings, are annual. These help the dentist detect decay between your teeth.

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, a deep cleaning may have been necessary. If your gums were inflamed and you had a lot of build-up, the hygienist probably did what’s known as a full mouth debridement. IF a patient has gum disease, they also often do scaling and root planing. In either case, a follow-up appointment is fairly typical. The reason for that is to be certain your situation is improving. They’re trying to forestall anything serious happening and keep you out of an emergency dentistry situation.

The cleaning solution and the fluoride aren’t always necessary. But, with gum disease, killing all the bacteria with a medicated rinse is helpful. Some offices charge for this service and some do not. The fluoride was likely recommended to help prevent decay, though it’s sometimes offered to adults with sensitive teeth, too.

Many offices that advertise as affordable will almost always have some form of payment plan available. I’d talk to the office and see what they had to offer. Ask them also to give some details on your prognosis and what to expect for future care.

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

Emergency Dentist

Is There Affordable Dentistry for the Unemployed?

My dad was laid off, after 30+ years with the same company. Can you believe that? It’s so annoying. Now he has a toothache he’s hiding, but I’ve noticed. He’s a proud man and won’t accept help from me. I know him enough to know that he’s trying to wait it out until he finds employment again. I’m worried whatever the problem is will grow and spread. Is there a way to get him affordable dentistry?

Abigail L. – Delaware

Abigail,

I love that you’re looking out for your father. I also like he’s a man who likes to stand on his own two feet. However, you’re right. He needs to get this treated. It can blow up into an infection and infections spread. Even in the 21st century, people die from tooth infections. He has a couple of options, though.

First, he could just go to his normal dentist. Even if he’s not what you’d normally consider an “affordable dentist“, if your father’s been a long time patient, he’ll almost certainly work with him on payments.

If your father’s dentist is inflexible and doesn’t do payment plans, it’s perfectly acceptable for him to see another dentist in emergency situations. This definitely qualifies as a dental emergency. Many emergency dentists also have payment plans. They do that because they realize people end up with tooth infections when they avoid the dentist because of cost. They’ll either have in-office payment plans or use Care Credit.

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

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

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

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.