Dental Insurance question

[deftron]

I can't get dental insurance where I work, and the only thing I've found
that you can get as an individual are "discount plans". The best one seems to
be Careington Dental Network.

What I need done is removal of of some wisdom teeth that are grown in and messed up.

I'm guessing that is "Removal of Impacted Tooth- completely bony"

The discount plan says its $170 with the plan
and regular price is usually $350 - $430

It also has discounts on other procedures, from check-ups to fillings to braces.

Prices listed are from 20% to 50% of the quoted "usual prices"

I'm a bit skeptical of these "usual prices" and discount plans in general.

Really wish I had full coverage insurance through work but I don't
so I'm wondering if these discount plans are worth it or if I should call around
to dentists and get quotes (not sure if they even do that)

 

[DaveSimmons]

Removal of a set of wisdom teeth is more like $1,000 but includes anesthesia (you don't want to be awake for it).

Discount plans -- I don't think they really help, but your mileage may vary.

If you can't afford $1,000 there might be a dental college in your area where someone can :: shudder :: learn how by practicing on you. Personally I'd skip a system upgrade or two and pay for someone who knows what they're doing.

Asking coworkers / friends is a good way to find a reliable dentist for general work, but removing wisdom teeth is most often done by a specialist oral surgeon. Use your friends to find a generalist then ask them for a recommendation.

Also, since you apparently don't have a dentist now for cleanings and check-ups: get one!
Regular cleanings and a filling now and then is cheaper and more pleasant than a root canal and crown. Trust me, I know.

 

[everman]

Well you can get a local anesthetic so you can hear those teeth cracking

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: everman
Well you can get a local anesthetic so you can hear those teeth cracking

ouch!
A dentist told me that it's much better for the patient to be fully out, otherwise the dentist has to fight against tensed muscles which are likely to get strained in the process. And only Bill Murray would want to be awake for the cracking *




* that's Little Shop of Horrors in case you haven't seen it.