sygyzy
Lifer
- Oct 21, 2000
- 14,001
- 4
- 76
I've always said that dentists are the same category as plumbers and car mechanics. Unlike doctors, there's more than one solution to a problem and often the more expensive solution can't be proven incorrect.
Examples: You don't need a new air filter but the mechanic says you do. They change it. You could never go back and prove this was *wrong*. Maybe you could look at your old filter but how would you determine what proper wear is? This just an example. We can choose brake pads or transmission fluid.
A dentist can recommend a root canal and crown on every tooth with a cavity, even ones that could just use a filling. And shopping around for a second opinion is not the same as shopping around for electronics. Dentists will charge hundreds to take their own set of xrays and diagnose/examine you. It's really a great industry to be in.
Examples: You don't need a new air filter but the mechanic says you do. They change it. You could never go back and prove this was *wrong*. Maybe you could look at your old filter but how would you determine what proper wear is? This just an example. We can choose brake pads or transmission fluid.
A dentist can recommend a root canal and crown on every tooth with a cavity, even ones that could just use a filling. And shopping around for a second opinion is not the same as shopping around for electronics. Dentists will charge hundreds to take their own set of xrays and diagnose/examine you. It's really a great industry to be in.
Born2bwire
Diamond Member
- Oct 28, 2005
- 9,840
- 6
- 71
Bah. It's hard to complain when you only got one set of teeth. I put a high price on having good dental health which means that you need to take the time to put forth the responsibility to ensure it. Finding a good dental plan, a good dentist and taking the time to take proper care of your teeth are all things that a lot people seem to skimp out on and it usually comes back to haunt them.
yhelothar
Lifer
- Dec 11, 2002
- 18,408
- 39
- 91
o rly?
what data to you have to back up your claims that regulated industry jacks up the price?
stats show that we're BY FAR the highest spenders per capita on healthcare
AND we're nowhere near the top when it comes to health care satisfaction.
But we're tools if we see something wrong with the healthcare industry putting a higher priority on their profits than the well being of the people.
You're right that the industry shouldn't be regulated and insurance companies should be free to deny claims all they want just so they can see a bonus in their salary.
Tool? Teh irony. :laugh:
I feel your pain. Last March I got @ss raped for three grand on two root canals and caps. Just got laid off work but my dental insurance was still good. They billed 9 grand for the whole thing. With dental care so expensive, we should all just go to Mexico and get all our teeth extracted and just wear dentures for the rest of out lives.
Muse
Lifer
- Jul 11, 2001
- 37,741
- 8,261
- 136
Originally posted by: moshquerade
Originally posted by: Muse
Originally posted by: moshquerade
First, this is for 3 teeth, not 2.
Dentist sounds like he's suffering from Napoleon Syndrome ""Be in pain and don't eat anything till you get them fixed" or "get them fixed tomorrow"
His prices seem high or is that the going rate where you live?
I like how he is going to "seat the crown", aka put it on for FREE. : /
Don't get the teeth pulled. You will regret it. How about taking your xrays, yes, they are *yours*, you paid for them, and getting a second opinion?
There is no "going rate," rates vary. Getting the teeth pulled actually costs more than getting crowns. That is if it's done right, which requires implants and the implants cost more than a root canal. Absent implants you are going to have ongoing problems since with open spaces, teeth move and your bite is ruined.
what the hell?
"going rate" means rates vary depending on your area.
getting the teeth extracted DOES NOT cost more than getting crowns. it's just not the best solution and if you want to replace the teeth it will cost you more. no kidding.
you forgot to mention a bridge. a bridge may be feasible just the same as an implant is.
The handout I got from my endodontist stated in emphatic terms that replacements were necessary after extraction and that going that route is more costly than root canal/crown approach. I can't respond to the bridge approach. The handout didn't discuss it, and I didn't encounter that in my researches.
Muse
Lifer
- Jul 11, 2001
- 37,741
- 8,261
- 136
Sounds expensive to me.
I had chips on my front teeth fixed with a compound for under $200 by my usual dentist. I had this done about 3 times already in about 5 years, but am hopeful it won't be necessary any time soon. He ground down the business end of the teeth so that the repairs won't be contacted in the event of grinding at night, a common syndrome, totally unconscious.
After the second repair of chipped front teeth, the dentist suggested/recommended having a custom insert made, kind of like the mouth pieces worn by athletes that I would wear when sleeping. I did this but couldn't get used to it. I developed sores on the insides of my cheeks when wearing it, so gave it up. Even removing material from the insert didn't prevent the problem. Now, I'm just hoping that I've stopped grinding and/or the grinding down of the impact points of the front teeth will prevent further chipping.
Muse
Lifer
- Jul 11, 2001
- 37,741
- 8,261
- 136
Choose your dentist carefully. You should be able to tell if your dentist is a sheister (yiddish for sleazy crook). I have great faith in my dentist, have seen him for years and years and know he's on my side. On the rare occasions he's had to send me to another specialist (wisdom tooth extraction and a root canal), they have been top notch. The guy who did my root canal told me some of the people who he's worked on, including the chancellor of the university in town. He seems to be about the best around. I paid more than I might have, but it wasn't outlandish (around $2500 including the gold crown by my usual dentist). I wanted to be confident that my chances of success were maximized. It turned out the my tooth was unusual, so I think my decision smart under the circumstances (and I had the money).
Bateluer
Lifer
- Jun 23, 2001
- 27,730
- 8
- 0
Its funny that there are actually people who believe that a government controlled dental system will improve things. As someone who had government medical care for 6 years in the USAF, I can tell you with 100% certainty that you're pretty much fvcked if that happens. Military dentists are idiots and I'm looking down the nose at a 4+ thousand dollar bill right to fix what they screwed up.
Edit - Contrary to what people have said in here, you can take your xrays to another dentist and get a second opinion. If they insist on taking their own x-rays and charging you for it, thank them for their time and go some place else. Within a 10 mile radius around my house there are over a dozen different dental offices.
Edit - Contrary to what people have said in here, you can take your xrays to another dentist and get a second opinion. If they insist on taking their own x-rays and charging you for it, thank them for their time and go some place else. Within a 10 mile radius around my house there are over a dozen different dental offices.
moshquerade
No Lifer
- Nov 1, 2001
- 61,713
- 12
- 56
And there are lots of idiots in the world, in your neighborhood, and posting on this board.
Your point again?
The point Bateluer was making is that any time the government gets involved in something it ends up being a clusterfuck. He's right. I shudder at idea of what this government regulated health care system will actually end up doing to this country.
Gunslinger08
Lifer
- Nov 18, 2001
- 13,234
- 2
- 81
I got a root canal without a crown 2 years ago. I'd just get the root canals and get fillings. Then I'd get crowns when I could afford them, if I felt that the tooth was too brittle/had too much pressure on it. Or, I'd just get the teeth pulled. That's a whole lot cheaper.
May not be the recommend approach, but these will both save you money now.
May not be the recommend approach, but these will both save you money now.
I had a root canal done a few years ago for $~800. I didn't know what a crown was at the time and wasn't informed I needed it until after the procedure. When they wanted $3k for it, I was like fuck it and just took my chances without it.
We had my company's insurance broker come into work the other day and she said crowns of all things have the highest range of costs of anything, and that is why it is a good idea for us to clear dental costs with insurance first before agreeing to pay. Maybe look elsewhere?
sixone
Lifer
- May 3, 2004
- 25,162
- 4
- 61
If you weren't busy cherry-picking your facts, you might notice that the OP wants the dental industry regulated, not the healthcare industry.
And you'd already know that the health care industry IS regulated. If you think it's not regulated well, you have your precious government to thank.
How's that irony for you?
sixone
Lifer
- May 3, 2004
- 25,162
- 4
- 61
And what you fail to mention is that the Japanese government subsidizes medical services. And where do they get the money to do so?
Japan also has one of the highest tax rates in the world. What they don't pay in medical services, they pay in taxes. Whether they used said services or not.
EDIT: And why don't you look into Japan's medical malpractice system? Let me know if that's good enough for you.
guyver01
Lifer
- Sep 25, 2000
- 22,151
- 5
- 61
ok... so.. are you a student? or a private business?
If you're a private business... might i suggest a different line of work? you could easily make more than $900/month working a McDonalds.
If you're a student.. check Medical Colleges... they usually do it free/cheap.
gotta practice on someone yanno.
But don't you see.....it only costs them $6!!!!!!!!!! The rest of the money just vanishes into the clouds
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