My recent trip to the dentist: something fishy?

[johnjohn320]

I admit I hadn't been to the dentist for about 4 years-moving around, changing jobs, etc, meant I didn't have dental insurance until recently. I still did the normal stuff, i.e. brushing twice a day and flossing.

So I google a dentist in my new town and set up an appointment. They have an initial consultation meeting, no cleaning or anything, just checking it all out and taking x-rays. Because it had been a few years, even with good care of my teeth between, I figured there'd be a lot of a plaque buildup and maybe a cavity or two.

Instead, the dentist says he's found about a dozen (literally) cavities that need to be filled. This is surprising enough by itself, but then I get led out to reception to set up the next appointment for cleanings and fillings, where the receptionist informs me that my dental insurance won't cover the type of fillings they do-apparently they do "white" fillings instead of silver ones. In her words, my insurance would "contribute $0 to this" and I would have to pay out of pocket. How much? A total of well over $4,000. When I tell her there is no way in hell I could afford that, she says she'll speak with the dentist and call me to let me know.

This all sounds a little fishy to me-what do you guys think? Should I pack up and try another dentist? 12 super-special fillings that insurance doesn't cover and cost $4000+ right off the bat...hm...I dunno...

 

[jagec]

Actually, dental insurance often has piss-poor coverage, and the white fillings are considered "cosmetic" and aren't covered to the same extent.

However, $4k is outrageously expensive. I'd find another dentist.

 

[Oil]

Get a second opinion

 

[Printer Bandit]

sounds like my latest visit to jiffy lube.

 

[dbk]

i had a similar experience.. i had to get 6 cavities filled.. i think i paid like $400 altogether.. Humana is my provider

also had to get deep cleaning done.. whatabitch that was!

if you think your dentist is messing with you ask to see the cavities

 

[herrjimbo]

sounds like my latest visit to jiffy lube.

but, you have to admit, there was no charge for the bend over exam.

 

[BladeVenom]

Get a second opinion

Agreed.

 

[Anubis]

just go and get a 2nd opinion

 

[onza]

RAPE.com

Find a new dentist.

 

[edro]

lolwut on the not covering white fillings.
Many dentists don't even do amalgam (metal) fillings anymore.

 

[drinkmorejava]

A cleaning by me is ~$100, which means two a year is only slightly more than my insurance contribution. Thus, you shouldn't use not having insurance as an excuse. That said, I've had insurance and hadn't gone in 2 years. I had maybe one cavity that they're not going to worry about until my next cleaning. I also use ACT every day though.

My previous dentist in California said I had 6 cavities that I never did anything about. I only went to him once, and that was only 6 months after my prior dentist that I had no cavities with. I'd say you're being screwed.

 

[fleshconsumed]

lolwut on the not covering white fillings.
Many dentists don't even do amalgam (metal) fillings anymore.

My dentist says "silver" fillings last longer than synthetics, so he usually recommends those unless the filling is visible if the person smiles/speaks.

 

[CrimsonWolf]

Ditto. Get a second opinion. Sounds like the dentist is try to take you for a ride.

Also, check your policy on the fillings. Technically my dental insurance doesn't cover the white matching colored fillings either, but they reimburse the value of the old silver fillings. I just had to pay the difference. It wasn't very much.

 

[dud]

I just came back from my appointment (its been two (2) years) appointment and the Dentist informs me that I have two ancient silver fillings that require replacement.

My visitation fee (x-rays, cleaning and exam) ran $142. The treatment plan for replacing my metal fillings with porcelain is about $320.

Go get a 2nd opinion and be prepared to pay up. Dental Insurance is prohibitively expensive and only pays off if you require major ... and I mean MAJOR work. Recommend that you go shopping for a DISCOUNT plan vice insurance. My discount plan runs about $150 a year and easily pays itself off over that time. The prices I quoted above are the discounted prices.

... and go take better care for you teeth ... at least (as of now) you do not need crown(s) or root canal(s).

 

[unokitty]

This all sounds a little fishy to me-what do you guys think? Should I pack up and try another dentist? 12 super-special fillings that insurance doesn't cover and cost $4000+ right off the bat...hm...I dunno...

When I moved to Daytona, I probably went to fix or six dentists before I found anyone that I was even half way comfortable with...

Preliminary dental evaluations ranged from everything is fine to OMG you need $13,000 worth of work now!

If I were you, I would ask around. I've had my best experiences with dentists that have been recommended by other people that I knew... Talk to the people you work with... If you go to school, talk to people there as well...

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[JPerk]

Go to Mexico

 

[JamesV]

When the dentist was explaining about your cavities, was he showing you the x-rays at the same time, and pointing out the trouble areas? If not, then definately fishy.

Cost me about $3k for alot of work I had done earlier this year, but my teeth were in bad shape. If you brush and floss daily like that, and have that many cavities, you must be cursed.

 

[Bateluer]

I feel for the OP on this, as Uncle Sam's amazing medical care while I was active duty royally fucked up my teeth.

Fortunately, there are no shortage of dental officers and you should be able to find a dozen within a 10mi radius if you're in a large-ish city.

 

[RossMAN]

If only we had a DA (dental assistant) who could offer some helpful advice and ask the right questions.

 

[wirednuts]

lolwut on the not covering white fillings.
Many dentists don't even do amalgam (metal) fillings anymore.

word. they only use metal if the customer wants it nowadays

 

[Elixer]

My bro went to a dentist, Aspen dental (they have free x-ray & checkups) they told him he had 3 cavities in a row, and then they told him he had to pay 60% up front. He was like WTF is up with that?

He got a 2nd opinion, and it turns out he has 1 cavity for sure, but the two others are from shadows on the first xray that they took (make sure you get a copy of your xrays!), the teeth were smooth, so no decay.
When it came time to get the one cavity filled, dentist took out the silver filling, and showed him the decay that he had via a mini camera.
Total was $265 for lower molar w/composite (they don't do the silver anymore, since he said it don't bond to a tooth like composite does).

 

[johnjohn320]

So one more question about this (yeah yeah, I've been slow to get around to it): Can I just be upfront with another dentist and tell them I'm seeking their second opinion? Or is that tacky/whatever? Point is, if the second opinion matches the first, I'll probably go back to the first (I already have appointments set up with them and my x-rays, etc, have already been billed from them to my insurance).

 

[Vdubchaos]

get a second opinion (just don't tell them you went elsewhere).

Also, get the white fillings. You don't want mercury in your head.

 

[KaOTiK]

So one more question about this (yeah yeah, I've been slow to get around to it): Can I just be upfront with another dentist and tell them I'm seeking their second opinion? Or is that tacky/whatever? Point is, if the second opinion matches the first, I'll probably go back to the first (I already have appointments set up with them and my x-rays, etc, have already been billed from them to my insurance).

I wouldn't tell them that you are there for a second opinion. You could have say 6 cavities but are led to believe you have 12 from the first dentist you went too, this new guy figures hey I can tell the patient he only has 10 and he will do the business with me instead and I still make out.

 

[airdata]

They gonna do you like this?

I'd seen some recent news coverage where people are basically doing insurance / medicaid fraud by doing this shit to kids since they can just charge it up to medicaid.