Friday, March 18, 2011

dental question?

Hello, I have lots of rotten teeth that need to be fixed for pulled out. I am saving money for the dentist and want to know if there is any way of saving some money? Anyone have any ideas of how I can save money, with out having dental insurance like lots of people don't have. I hate dentist and saving my money for sedation dentistry. I know it won't be cheap, but it's worth it because I hate the general dentist office. I hate the noise, the smell, and I hate the staff most of the time. I never liked the dentist, but I am looking into a new career in about 2 years and want a beautiful smile, instead of the world's grossest smile. I brush my teeth everyday, but its time for the dentist. Any suggestions? Please only serious people reply and please no nasty remarks, like you're a sissy or toughen up and go. Thank you
--------------------
Depending on where you live you could travel to a country where it's cheaper. I live in the UK and I travelled to Poland to get my teeth fixed. It was a really cheap flight and rather than pay for an expensive 'dental tourism' package, I asked a Polish friend to book an appt for me and then just turned up there and stayed with her family for a couple of days. See if you can travel a bit further than where you live. You might find that the cost of travel more than makes up for the money you'll save and it could be a lot cheaper. Good luck!
Source

Dental question?

My adult son just had a tooth come out..at the top. Have you ever had a bridge put in for one tooth.?.Or. they said there's something else like having a tooth glued to the sides of the other teeth. Have you ever had either of these done? Do you remember approx. how much it cost? I've been trying to find a Dental Insurance for him that will help..but can't find one that covers this.Do you know of any that will pay part of it? (more than 25%)
--------------------
I don't know anything about bridges and things like that but I will pass this experience that I had on to you. Every one that I know that has had a partial plate has had this experience as well. I did not know this was going to happen until after the fact or else I would never had the partial made. I had a partial made and put in. It had wires on it that fit around the teeth that remained to hold in the partial. As time goes by, the wires on the partial does rub constantly on the good teeth that the wire is around. In time, 2-3 years, those once "good teeth" are now going to get bad because of the wire rubbing on them all the time. I couldn't tell you how many times that I had to have those two teeth fixed that kept going bad because of that partial wire around them. 20 some years have gone by since I had that partial made. Hundreds of dollars in dentist bills paid in fixing those once "good teeth". The last time that they were fixed by a different dentist told me that the wire was causing the problem. That if I could eat without the partial...to stop wearing it. I did just that, but it was too late by then, the damage was DONE! I lost one of those teeth about 4 months ago and I am loosing the other one this coming Monday. If I had it all to do over, my mouth would NEVER see a partial plate. At least I would still have 2 "good teeth". I have yet talked to a person that had a partial that hasn't had this same thing happen to them. Sorry for the long story here, but had to share my experience with partial plates. So please do something different than getting anything for him that has wires in it that touches any of his other teeth. As for the dential insurance, sorry I can't help you there. The only thing that I do know about the insurance is that in most cases that I have saw, you have to have it for a few months before you can use it.
Source

Question(s) about dental implants...?

I am 17 years old and I have had a very difficult time with my teeth since I was very young. I have had acid reflux since I was about 2 years old and it has caused my teeth to decay extremely rapidly regardless of my oral hygiene practices. My teeth are now literally coming to pieces and it has really lowered my self esteem and self confidence. I have been looking for options for the permanent replacement of all of my teeth and I am really interested in dental implants. I would be replacing most of my teeth with them. I would like to know about the cost of the implants and about the procedure that I would have to undergo and how long it would take. My father works for the state of New York but I don't know what kind of dental insurance they provide or if I would be partially covered for the costs. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!
--------------------
Dental implants can range from $2000 to $4000 per tooth. If they need to build up the bone in your jaws to help hold the posts for the implants, they can cost even more. Next time you go to the dentist, you should have an estimate done on tooth replacement options to see what might be best for you. There are options for replacing more than one tooth with a sort of implanted denture, but no idea what the cost of that would be, so getting an estimated of all your replacement options, would be the best thing to have done for you.
Source

So private insurance companies will now be required to accept pre-existing conditions?

And have no limits to coverage, cover all prescriptions, cover all doctor's office visits, cover dental, AND be cheaper and affordable for everyone? What is this Max Baucus guy smoking anyway? How is all of that possible without costing a lot more than what most people are paying now?
--------------------
Sounds good to me.*
Source

hopefully someone with a dental background can help with this!?

My son is 7, when he was 2 he smashed his mouth on concrete killing his front tooth. For about a month now it has been lose and then on saturday I noticed that his adult tooth was coming in in his jaw! Look at the picture to see what I mean. My question is this. Is this something that could wait till july 1st to be looked at? We have military insurance and the dental insurance doesn't kick in until july 1st. It has already broken through the skin and he is not in any kind of pain... Any suggestions? I cannot afford to pay out of pocket right now but want to make sure i do the right thing. So if its ok to wait, i would much rather do that! http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/ar…
--------------------
Have your son keep wiggling the primary tooth so it vacates the spot so hopefully the permanent incisor will lower correctly in the right spot. You could also take him to a dental college that are A lot more cost effective and give you a few more suggestions.
Source

dental question?????????????????

I am very particular about my teeth, they are my favorite "me" thing, you know how some people love their hair and some people have great eyes, well my best feature is my teeth and I have always taken very good care of them getting them cleaned twice a year. Well I am now without dental insurance and it is driving me crazy to not get them cleaned, I've heard there are some policies you can take out privately without going through your employer. Does anybody know of anything like this or had any experience with one?
--------------------
If you never get cavities and only want a cleaning twice a year, you probably don't need insurance for that. A cleaning usually costs about $75-100 (which would be $150-200 for two cleanings a year). Individual dental insurance can go for several hundred dollars a year and will still have a deductible that you have to pay out of pocket. The bottom line: don't bother with dental insurance unless you think you may get cavities or need your wisdom teeth pulled down the line. Also, brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is a very effective cost saver in the long run. I know a guy who didn't brush his teeth for a few years and has 10 cavities in his mouth now.
Source

where can I find dental inurance in NY?

My mouth hurts, feels like a cavity. I'm unemployed and have no insurance. Where can I find dental insurance in NY?
--------------------
You could look into a discount dental plan. I have located a website that you can compare discount dental plans, as I do not have experience with any company other than Ameriplan. I will list both as a source. When you compare plans, I would look at the monthly premium, number of local providers and the savings on general procedures.
Source

Do you think lack of dental care is acceptable?

I myself am a clean teeth, visit your dentist person. But I know alot of people who just don't care about there teeth. I know of a woman who had dentures up and down when she tuned 30! Because her teeth rotted. I have a great dental plan at work, have all my teeth, nice and straight and white. I always went to the dentist whether or not I had dental insurance. So do you think lack of dental care is acceptable in 2008? Why someone would let there teeth rot into there head?
--------------------
I am with you on that one. But getting dental work done is very expensive if you don't have insurance....but if you keep your teeth clean and go in for cleanings, then people most likely will not need to have dental work done. So yes, it is unacceptable.
Source

Dental Professionals! Is it possible to have a tooth pulled....?

and have nothing put in to replace it? Is it gaurenteed that the other teeth will begin to shift? Or would it be okay? (I am an adult) I ask this because I have been told that I need a root canal. I have no dental insurance and it is super expensive. Like $1400 for all of the work they want to do. $995 just for the root canal, and they want that up front. Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to just have it pulled?
--------------------
The other teeth will shift & in years you may loose others from the space no t being filled in but it takes awhile. Check around for a better fee on the R T canal? Doc W
Source

A question of Ethics regarding patient of dental office?

A Patient comes to a dental office and gets $3K work done. Insurance doesn't cover $600. Due to the good nature and as a courtesy the office writes off the amount not covered without discussing it nor a request from the patient. One year later the patient calls to schedule an appointment for her husband. Through a gross over- reaction on the part of the patient her husband calls and while using foul language tells the receptionist that he will not be comming back to the office. Several messages later the patient finally speaks to the owner of the business and though no foul language was used the attitude was rude and disrespectful. Even though it's been one year and the office deserves the money that was origially written off, should they bill the patient or just forget about it? The patient was made aware of the amounts not covered by the explanation of benefits the dental insurance sends out but was never billed and wasn't even aware of this courtesy ajustment or write-off until one year after the fact.
--------------------
So, you logic is something like this: you are a great patient and we love you and give you $600 discount. Now, a year later, we do not like you for whatever reason and we want you to pay us $600... Try it and you'll loose many more patients because this woman and her husband will tell this story to every patient of yours.
Source

i need immediate dental help?

Hi, i went to dental assisting school and never completed but made it almost to the end of the program. My boyfriend has several teeth that are exposed the enamel is eaten away and the pulp is half way gone. Two molars of the mandibular and two premolars on the maxillary. He;s in excruciating pain with no dental insurance. I need help i believe it is infected and severe. He's very afraid to go to the dentist but if i can find a place that'll help for very little or no money it would be very helpful. I am located in NY and i believe he could die if the infection is way more severe than i believe. Please if anyone can help or tell me what to do!
--------------------
Medical Discount Plan ideal for those who cannot afford or qualify for traditional health insurance. The companies offer discounted health services for a quite low monthly fee. Benefits include a range of discounts for doctors, hospitals, dental, vision, prescriptions, vitamins, as well as other health services. Individual & Family Health Plans This is a major health insurance plan for individuals and families. If you are looking for comprehensive long term health insurance coverage for yourself and/or your family members who are 62 years old or younger - this is the plan to choose. Short Term Medical Plans This plan is ideal for individuals in transition. Maybe you have just graduated from college and are no longer covered under your student health insurance or you moved out on your own, and you're no longer covered under your parents' medical insurance plan. Or perhaps you're employed part-time, going to school, leaving home for the first time, or even retiring early. Maybe you've found a new job, but your new employer's group health insurance plan won't kick in until you've been with months. Common situation you met like many other people,be patient,and check the resource here    www.HealthInsuranceFree.info/dental.html    i found very useful for me to solve my similiar problem.
Source

Where can I file a complaint for unfair medical or dental billing practices in California?

My wife took my 3 year old son for some dental work that was covered partially by insurance. We paid the amount that was due and agreed upon and we were told that everything was paid and good. My son then had his teeth fixed. Later on, we found out that the dentist had performed additional work and wanted to get paid extra. Obviously, the dental insurance rejected the new claim and now they want us to pay for it. Isn't that unfair that we were not informed about it? We never gave consent for additional treatment for something else, and that seems a little like a bait and switch tactic. They got consent for one thing and they tried to throw something else in. They say that since they performed the work, we need to pay. But that doesn't seem right to me because we were never advised about it. Who can I contact to assist me with this cause I am sure I am not the first one this happened to in that dental office? I appreciate any helpful suggestions.
--------------------
Speak with an Attorney immediately. If your Dentist did all of the work in one appointment; it makes you ask a valid question of why he did not turn all of the billing into your insurance company at once instead of billing separately.
Source

Is it safe to have dental work done when pregnant?

I'm not right now, but I miscarried 2 weeks ago, and I hear that you're very fertile after miscarry-ing (not to mention, now I at LEAST know that I can conceive, so hopefully soon) Problem is, I have a lot of dental work to take care of. Several cavities.. I just haven't had the time to mess with it, although I REALLY should while my husband is in the military and we have great dental insurance (up until next June anyways!) So, I was wondering, If I DO get pregnant again soon, is it safe to continue dental care? I'm hoping to get the X-Ray's out of the way before there is a chance of pregnancy, but as far as the actual work goes... is that ok? Usually, they just give you the local anesthesia (the numbing shot) Although, I have a fear of needles, ESPECIALLY when they're in my mouth, and it really worries me... so I generally use the happy gas (nitrous oxide). Is THAT safe? if not, I can go through it without it if for nothing but for the sake of the baby (that is if I am LUCKY enough to be pregnant again soon!) Thanks!
--------------------
It is very important to have a healthy mouth before pregnancy....You really need to plan to have necessary work done before, as you can NOT have nitrous while pregnant, (or trying)..... I would advise you to talk to your dentist soon about treatment planning around this, and getting things done to stabilize yourself to last the 9 months..... Please do some reading below:
Source

Dental billing issue?

I went to the dentist today to receive an onlay on one of my molars that has a cavity. I was quoted $645 for the procedure. I had the procedure done, went to check out, and was charged $350 more than my quoted price. Apparently, the dentist decided (during the procedure) that a 4-surface onlay was needed rather than a 3-surface onlay. Am I obligated to pay the new price? I signed the quote that I was given for the original price of $645. I can't afford to pay my new balance of $995 right now, and would have waited until I am eligible for dental insurance next year if I had known I would be charged almost $1,000!
--------------------
Sorry this happened to you. The dentist should have told you when he decided he needed to do something different. You should still pay as the dentist did what was needed to be done and things change sometimes once work is started. What they gave you was an estimate for services, not a bill. By the way, even if you got insurance, most would have a waiting period of a year to get anything major done. Still would have cost you the same. If anything, I would just let them know you would appreciate it if they would tell you when they are changing what they are doing as opposed to surprising you at the end.
Source

Dental Abcess Maybe?

I got a tooth cleaning like 2wks ago and then suddenly like 3-4 days after the cleaning. i notice swelling and pain on the roof of my mouth and the swelling is behind my last two back molars. There was lots of swelling but it subsided a little and the pain is gone. I am flossing and brushing. and im taking pinicillin v 800mg Im trying to get a appointment. But since i dont have dental insurance. im trying to get on this sliding scale for a discount.
--------------------
It could be an abcess or it could be a little damage done by the cleaning that has caused the soreness and swelling....but you are doing the right things as far as I am concerned!
Source

I have a wisdom tooth that is growing into my cheek and I really need to get it removed.?

I was planning to make an appointment since I have just finished with school for this semester when I realized that my insurance does not cover dental. can anyone tell me about some affordable dental insurance that I could use immediately after I got it?
--------------------
I would encourage you to visit the following http://healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up online over 3 years ago when I was in college for all my dentistry work. They have saved me thousands throughout the years. All services are included: Xrays, exams, extractions, root canals ...etc. Its very affordable and had my benefits active in 2 hours and was able to use it the same day. Hope this helps and good luck.
Source

Does the type of insurance I have affect my dentist's treatment and attitude?

I'm self employed. I have minimal dental insurance and pay for most dental care out of pocket. My last two visits to the dentist I've used for 10 years made me feel like I was some kind of red headed step child. The normally considerate Dr was rough and inconsiderate. I kept having to get him to stop because the spray from the drill was aimed directly at the back of my throat and kept gagging me and he acted as though I was inconveniencing him. I was there an hour and a half for him to do 18 minutes worth of work. The hygienist was a different one than the last time I was there and she was very rough, making all of my gums bleed. I have a high pain tolerance and have never had issues going to the dentist before and honestly, after today's visit, I won't go back to that one. Does the fact that I don't have top notch dental insurance matter to them? If they get paid either way, why does it matter?
--------------------
Quite possible probably what your insurance reimburses for services rendered where not up to his liking. Or, the Dr and the hygienist we having an affair and had just broken up because he wouldn't divorce his wife. At one time I had medical insurance through a company that also provided medical care for free to people whom were indigent or something like that and when I went for my first Dr's appointment they were rude and I heard the office staff making comments about me being a slim ball or something like that getting free medical services.
Source

Is my work overcharging me for insurance?

Ok, so I work for a good company, but I kind feel like im getting jipped here. I have been here for almost a year and a half. After about 6 months my boss told me I was eligible for medical insurance through the company. I was offered the choice of a pay raise or keeping the same rate per hour with the amount I would have received via raise to be used to pay my part of the insurance. So..the raise would have been $2 an hour. The extra entire $2 an hour is supposedly being used for my insurance ( I have since been told my total compensation package is "X" amount..which is my base pay plus 2). My question is; I work full time (40 hours a week) which means I am paying $320 for medical/dental insurance for myself. That seems very high. I checked BCBS website and the rate quote for individual with a $500 deductable is only $103 a month. So why am I paying $320? I understand that being part of an employee group affords me dental as well (wheras individuals do not qualify) but that much?
--------------------
Group policies are completely different from individual policies so the premium can't be compared. First off, they are usually more comprehensive so they give you coverage for more procedures, such as maternity which can easily add $200 to the monthly premium. Depending upon the size of the group and the amount the insurance company has paid out in the past also affect the premium. You are possibly subsidizing the premium for older people in the group or people with costly major medical problems such as diabetes or cancer.
Source

Why isn't dental coverage considered a right by the caring democrats in Congress?

Since they want to mandate that I purchase my rights why doesn't that include dental insurance?
--------------------
Absolutely, if they are going to force rationed health care down our throats and fine & jail us if we don't pay- I want it all! There has been plenty of Research to link bad teeth resulting in medical disease processes such as sepsis, diabetes and Chronic hypertension. Yet, we all know this is not even about health care as much as it is about owning a very lucrative part of the American Economy- they want to own it all, we are just measly pawns in their game to be discarded.
Source

how can a person get extensive dental work done if they are on medicaid, medicare and limited income?

Can they get private dental insurance and not lose those benefits?
--------------------
Married lady I would have loved to answer your question, but I do not have enough information, therefore I will speak in general terms. I need to know what state you live in, and what treatment you will require, and your age. over or under 21? I will speak generally. Medicare part-B has a blanket exclusion for dental services, unless they are being done as a result of an existing condition, or accident. i.e., if you needed jaw reconstruction after an accident, or reconstruction after cancer in the mouth. Most states offer dental coverage for all medicaid recipients. You would have to find a dentist who accepts Medicaid, and get an estimate for the services. Another option you may consider is the local county hospital often they have indigent healthcare programs which will pay the residual costs after Medicare and Medicaid. Another source is a dental school most dental schools have clinic days where they offer assistance to the public. You also have to option of purchasing private dental insurance or buying a Medicare Supplemental policy that offers dental care. If you buy a Dental policy, it will not affect your medicare benefits. However, it will affect your medicaid dental benefits, as both companies would work together and coordinate care and payment for your services. Good luck.
Source

root canal needs to be redone in my molar tooth, but I have no dental insurance and just lost my job?

I did a root canal on one of my molars 2 years ago, everything was fine, but recently I have started to experience a pain when I drink something hot. My general dentists advised me to see a specialist, but I don't have money to do it. I started drinking antibiotics and pain and sensitivity went away for 3 months. Now the tooth hurts more, I can feel hot and cold water, and sometimes it hurts in the evenings too. I wonder if there is some good dental plan I can buy, that can help me to save money on health insurance in California, or maybe there is some dental insurance I can buy. I am from Ukraine, so I am thinking maybe i should buy a ticket home and fix my tooth there, however I am registered for classes in the university and I don't want to put my life on hold because of this trip. To cut a long story short, I just really need a good advice on what should I do. I want to save a tooth, and I am not even thinking about pulling it out so don't advice me that option please.
--------------------
If you are under 21, you can apply for Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal. http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal… "Drinking antibiotics" is bad for your body, and if you keep doing it, your body will build up an immunity to the antibiotics.
Source

How long does it usually take for my insurance company to reimburse the dentist?

I had a root canal done last week that cost $916. I have dental insurance but the dentist wants me to pay now and then he said he'd sign the insurance check over to me once he receives it. I was just wondering how long it takes the insurance company to issue a check.
--------------------
It usually takes about 2-4 weeks after the claim is filed for the dental office to receive insurance payment. However, if the insurance requests additional information (ie. x-rays, narrative) from the dentist, it may take longer depending on the response time. You should receive a copy of the insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) a few days before the dentist receives their copy. You can also call your insurance to check on the status of the claim to know if its currently or already been processed. If the insurance tells you it's pending additional information from the dentist, you can call your dental office and let them know to hopefully expedite the process. Hope this helps.
Source

I need to purchase medical/dental/vision insurance for myself, please help!?

I would like to spend under 100 bucks per month. I know this will get me be the bare minimum, but oh well. I am currently employed as an independent contractor.
--------------------
I have very good luck with a discount medical plan that covers chiropractic, medical, dental, vision and prescription. It is only $19.99 per month. Actually what I used to pay for insurance including co-pays and deductibles, I am better off with the discount thing. They even have a hospital advocacy program. Here is the link for it http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/cmcdowell Hope it helps! Good Luck.
Source

Is it possible to get my health/dental insurance back again once I go back to being a full time student?

I'm dropping out of two classes so I will only be a part time college student and will lose my medical/dental insurance that I had when I was a full time student. Also my parents were paying for it. Once I go back to becoming a full time student next semester, can I get it back again?
--------------------
Yes. Up to the age of 25 I believe.
Source