Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Hi folks!
First off I’m in Alberta. Figured this info would be helpful.
But yesterday I was forced to go to the dentist thanks to part of my tooth chipping away. I hadn’t actually been for 12 years as the place actually terrifies me.

After a full 80 minutes of an initial consultation, having photos and a million xrays taken and then a brief look by the dentist and a temp filling added to smooth out the sharp edge where the tooth chipped away, I had to pay $385.
I was then told I needed 2 root canals and a crown. Estimated costs (not including any sedation) is approx $6000.

Now- I can’t afford that!! I do have blue cross insurance through my husband which covers 80% of the root canal work & 50% of a crown but only up to $1500 a year.
I can set up the insurance through my own employer too and claim the same (after the 3 month wait or wgatever) But even then, that’s only going to cover 1/2 of the cost.

Do different dentists charge different amounts?! Is it worth me asking around and seeing what other places quote? I’ve been emailed my X-rays already so can presumably pass those on to another dentist to help?
And if not and I’m looking at at least a $6000 bill, is it possible for me to fly to the uk and get work done there? I’m in Canada on a TWP and have my registered Uk address as my parents-in-law on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Any help/advice would be hugely appreciated!! Thank you!!

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

You can fly anywhere you want to get the work done be it the UK, Mexico or any other country that offers cheap dentistry.
I believe an extraction is only about $200 per tooth. Dentists prefer to fix teeth rather than extracting them. I wonder why?

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Is it possible to stagger the work? Have the most critical one done this year and the next one the year after.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I was told after looking at X-rays that these teeth will not come out easy. They all havevsuper long roots. One is bent and the other has essentially a bulb near the bottom presumably meaning it won’t cone out easy.
But I feel like I really should get a second opinion. I’d rather them just be pulled out to be honest- but I know nothing about dentistry. :-/
Someone else briefly mentioned Mexico to me yesterday. I thought they were joking. Maybe it’s common practise?!
Thank you!

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Is the tooth painful? Is it unsightly for you? Bear in mind that dental advice is always influenced by a need to maximise income and may not represent your best interests.

I have a number of teeth where bits have chipped away, no doubt a dentist would think he had won the pools if he looked at my teeth. But that's where it stops, they aren't painful so the dentist has to wait until I think they need attention, not the dentist.

FL's quite right, a tooth pulled is a tooth pulled, a tooth mended is an investment in the future.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Look at the terms of insurance with your employer. Usually an employee becomes eligible after a waiting period. If they choose to take the insurance often it is no medical questionnaire required at that point. Once they are past that qualifying period and did not opt in to the extended health, they can apply for the insurance, but usually have to have a medical, after which they may or may not be accepted into the plan.

If one has two insurers, they don't pay half each. The primary will pay up to 50% of the bill, or the plan maximum, the other will pay half of the remaining balance, or up to the plan maximum.

If you can have the work done over 2 calendar years, there may be more coverage, i.e. in Dec and Jan the next year.

If flying back to the UK to get work done, won't you have to pay there too? Would be a good idea to find out the costs first, cannot see that being much of a saving with flights etc.

If considering Mexico, I would do some serious research first. I have heard of some very mixed results.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/crowns...xico-1.3810709

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I believe each province has a guide but it's not much use as it seems to say things like $1000 to $2500 per tooth for whatever needs doing. :(

I'm currently just over half way through three root canals. The first two needed specialist work and each was just under $1500 with a recommendation to have them finished with crowns. I read a bit and apparently research has shown something like 90% of root canal treatments failing in some way within 5 years and needing a repeat.

My dentist recommends only one crown for the two done so far though and that's around $1000. I'm hoping that the third one won't need a crown as it's in a similar position (lower but other side). He's doing the third one as it's more straightfofrward and it'll be less than the first two.

Despite him doing x-rays, the specialist wanted her own done.

You could fly to the UK but not being resident you don't qualify for NHS but private treatment looks about a quarter of the cost.

Mexico is a possibility too. :blink:

It could work.

I have no coverage but the treatments are spaced out, so that at least spreads the costs.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Some dental prices from Mexico
Mexico Dentist Prices

Lots of Americans living close to border towns have work done.

https://www.dentaldepartures.com/mexico-dentists/

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Thanks for all your replies. I think it’s still cheaper privately in the UK.

I only have one dentists views to go on. Despite the website saying he apparently specialises in restorative work he said he’d have to send me off to a specialist. Which sort of confused me.
I know my husband had a similar situation needing a root canal in the Uk a few years ago and a regular dentist did it and stuck a crown on- thoug he did end up needing the tooth pulled 2 years later anyway.

Hmmm...a lot to think about.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

My specialist did two appointments for each root canal. The one my dentist is doing only needs one. The specialist did seem better equipped and, to be honest, I'd rather have her as a regular dentist.

But her expertise and better equipment is no doubt the reason for higher charges.

So if you did find a lower root canal fee, that might be from someone who couldn't do what yours needs anyway. :unsure:

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I've been going to the same folks in Los Algadonis for 17 years now. It's only 15 minutes from my place. US$350 for a root canal and from US$185 for a crown, depending on the material used. Always had great results. The dentist's office is more modern technology wise than the dentist in NS. People do actually go to Algadonis for "dental holidays". What they save if they need major work more that covers the expense.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Alberta has just introduced a dental price guide - one local place is advertising that it has lowered it's rates to come in line with it. I had a crown done just before Christmas - I was advised before I left the UK 12 years ago that I would need one very soon, and one not long after ;) It cost me just over $800 and the insurance is paying the other $800. I will probably get the other one done later this year.

If you have insurance and your OH has insurance you can claim from both.

Keep any receipts and file on your tax return for the amounts you end up paying.

https://www.alberta.ca/dental-fees.aspx

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I would get a second opinion and/or explain to the current dentist that you want to stagger the treatment over different benefit years. They are so used to this. They will also take some push back from you as to what you want or are willing to do and pay for. I find the dentists here always recommend the gold plated service. You can opt for bronze 😉

If there is no pain or broken teeth right now, do one crown this benefit year, and then considering getting other coverage in place for the second crown next benefit year.

Dental insurance coverage should not require medical questionnaires. It is simple pot of money to be used in a year. There is no risk to the insurer. ( extended health cover is another matter). Group benefits through an employer is usually ‘no questions aaked’

The Alberta Dental Fee Guide, while a step in the right direction after not having one for decades, is still only a recommendation to dentists. They don’t have to comply 🙄.

Good luck, don’t panic, I hate the dentist chair, do the necessary stuff first and make a shopping list of the ‘nice to haves’.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

What, even with the nice TV they have up on the ceiling these days? :lol:

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

FYI. I have had 2 crowns applied privately In the UK in the last couple of years. Each crown cost £500 which equates to around $888 per crown.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Back in the 1990s I had 2 root canals done by a regular dentist in the UK and each failed. When the first one failed the dentist persuaded me to have the tooth extracted which I did but I wish I hadn't. This is because with the second failure I got a second opinion and another dentist referred me to a specialist who saved the tooth. This was 21 years ago. Where I went in London there were 6 dentists and all they each did was root canals. She drilled straight through my gold crown and did the work in 2 sessions. It was £450 in 1996: I'm sure a lot more now.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Not necessarily. When an employee qualifies for the employer EH benefit, they can opt in, or opt out. If they opt out because a partner has EH somewhere else, they could qualify with no examination at a later date if their OH lost their EH, such as through retirement or a leaving their employer.

If however, the employee declines the EH because they decide they don't want it for any other reason than above, a medical would be required if they later decide they want to apply to join. The risk is also not getting accepted.

It is not a pool of money, it is an insurance benefit, the insurer is out to make money. If the draw on the plan exceeds premiums paid, premiums go up.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

That many could be hazardous, not to mention time consuming!

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Actually tempted by this! Haha I mentioned it to the husband and I could tell he wasn’t apposed to the idea as he added “maybe we could do that and both get done what we need and at least make a holiday out of it?” Haha I feel like if I’m doing something I really hate I may as well try and cushion the blow!!
Do you mind letting me know what dentist practise you actually use?


Thanks to everyone though for the insights, advise etc. It’s something I’d never really thought about- but now, if I could do it all again- before heading out here I should have gone in the UK and had absolutely all work done! Oh well. Can’t change that now!

I did look on the Scottish healthcare website and it said you’re still entitled to NHS rates if you’re a UK citizen and living abroad if you’ve not been living outside the country for more than 3 years (for me it’s only 1yr 2 months currently) and can prove that you had full time employment before you left the UK- which I can.
And man- Scottish rates are CHEAP! (Having not been for 12 years- the last time I went I was 18 and in full time education so it was all covered anyway). But seeing things like £4.99 for 2 X-rays when I just paid $250 for a bunch, £7 for a simple extraction, £79 for a crown even! - just makes me feel a bit fed up! Wish I’d taken advantage of it when I lived there!! Morals have been learnt!

But anyway- thanks again- first stop is to get a second opinion at another dentist- Then if they say the same thing- think about addressing one of the issues this insurance cycle, and then either just waiting till next insurance cycle or look into getting it done somewhere cheaper.

Cheers!!

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Is there a dental school at the university???

It's often worth while to check it out if there is ......... work will usually be done for free or a very low price.

Dental students need experience, and their work is closely supervised by faculty.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Given that I had a truly horrific childhood dentist and I’m now terrified of any dentist...no way am I allowing an unqualified person in there when I’ve been told I need specialist work! Haha
Possibly a good idea for those who need simple work/aren’t scared- but definitely not for me.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Yep, I get all that - but you are talking about Extended Health Care. Group or private Dental coverage is a pot of money with a limit, regardless. I've never known anyone apply for dental and get refused. Health - yes, for sure...

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

[QUOTE=suzeandmatt;12455520]Actually tempted by this! Haha I mentioned it to the husband and I could tell he wasn’t apposed to the idea as he added “maybe we could do that and both get done what we need and at least make a holiday out of it?” Haha I feel like if I’m doing something I really hate I may as well try and cushion the blow!!

Do you mind letting me know what dentist practise you actually use?



I go to Dr. Alma Luna for general dentistry and Dr. Hernandez for orthodontic stuff. Both US trained. Dr Hernandez teaches at the uni in Loma Linda, CA in the summer months.

check out molarcity.com

It's also the place for glasses. Meyer Optical is who I have used for many years. Never had any problems. Hundreds of $$ less than here.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I have a dental appointment tomorrow at a periodontist for an assessment $540 for one hour! I really only want my teeth cleaned but my dentist wont do this until I see the specialist.However Im not prepared to pay $1000s for dental treatment as I feel it is a complete rip off and will be getting any expensive treatment done in Mexico.
A work colleague was quoted here in Calgary $7000 for his treatment its too much money so he is also having it done in Mexico.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

As I've just had a couple of root canals done I felt partly qualified and I was going to offer, but okay. :lol:

Just to say though...it was an absolute doddle in the chair. Probably easier for me to say than for you to read but I think those who recoil at the idea of root canal treatment probably do so for any kind of dental treatment.

The session was a little longer than usual but if anything it was easier than having a filling done. My biggest concern was actually falling asleep!

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Why would ine have anything apart from implants done privately in the uk, the nhs will do you a mouth full of crowns for about 400 and my private/nhs dentist says theres no meaningful difference.

Whaat he does say - never let a dentist extract a tooth using the classical rolling technique. It makes the tooth come out easier but damages/weakens the jaw, making implants a more difficult process. They have to be pulled straight out, and if you know theres an implant going in, you x-ray it there and then, and insert bone powder then if needed, 3 months later - implant.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

They are NOT unqualified.

What on earth gave you that idea?

Would you have considered your husband in the last year of his PhD as unqualified in his field of expertise? Same thing

They have practised and practised on dummies before allowed to touch a human, and they are closely supervised by VERY experienced teachers.



And you can't possibly have had any worse school dentist that I experienced back in the UK ............ remove teeth was their remedy.


If it is any consolation, going to the dentist here is nothing at all like the school dentist in the UK, who seem to have been trained to be masochistic sadists!


PS ............. neither myself nor any of my family or friends are dentists, but I did go to the Liverpool Dental School way back when and had some of the best treatment ever, and I have friends here who swear by the UBC Dental School


Just a cheaper option for you ............ and one that I personally would rather take than going to Mexico, after all the horror stories we get in the press here caused by doing so that have to be corrected by Canadian dentists at even great cost to the patient.

Research Mexico very carefully if you decide to go that route, despite the great recommendations given on here. Not everyone has had the same experience.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

My husband does fall asleep in the chair ........ even when he was having root implants done!

I haven't yet managed going to sleep, but I've been close ..... I have a dentist who insists that you be comfortable before he starts any work. I remember going one time the day after having a biopsy on my back that had left me with a couple of stitches just below my shoulder blade. I warned the dentist I might have to change position if it got too sore .......... he went and brought a cushion to see if that would help.

In fact, I didn't have any problem, but he was really helpful.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Believe me when I say my fear is very real. As much as I find it totally pathetic and it embarrassed me beyond belief and has ultimately lead to the problems I have- I take some slight consolation knowing the person working on my teeth has at least passed their exams.

And my husband wouldn’t have passed his Viva a year before his PhD ended, so yeah- I’d say he was unqualified a year before the end. Haha

I am certainly not hopping on a plane to Mexico tomorrow to get dental work- believe me!

My first stop is to pluck up the courage to go to another dentist in the city and just get a second opinion if anything in the order to which they think I should get the work done. Then I’ll look at what I can afford. If I can afford one of the treatments using my insurance here then I’ll start there.
I’ll hope the other treatment can be put off for a year and as well as waiting for the next insurance cycle I will be saving up specifically to pay the rest.
If the second opinion sounds as urgent as the first dentist and that one treatment won’t wait till next year then I’ll be forced to look into alternatives.
Whether that be flying back to the UK, a dental school here or even another country.
It’s not a decision I’m taking lightly- I know it’s my health but it’s also money I don’t currently have available.

But thank you for your advice- even if you do sound rather condescending.

And thank you again for everyone else’s info and suggestions. I do appreciate it all. It’s given me things to think about and possible options- even if I am still 100% terrified! Haha

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

Sedation dentistry is a thing. Google, there are many around the city that offer this for nervous patients. I was you 10 years ago. Terrified in a way I knew was irrational really. However, it’s been a fairly positive experience here. ( I don’t go for sedation).

You’d be so proud, 😂 I actually show up for work when I need it! 😉

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

[QUOTE=suzeandmatt;12455247]Hi folks!

Now- I can’t afford that!! I do have blue cross insurance through my husband which covers 80% of the root canal work & 50% of a crown but only up to $1500 a year.
I can set up the insurance through my own employer too and claim the same (after the 3 month wait or wgatever)


You should negotiate no wait time. When I came from the UK they recognized NHS/dental public insurance and if you register within 60 days from arrival you have no waiting periods. That was when I was new. Now after 3 years of being in Canada (NS) I had my private plan, then group plan through work, now switching to private plan again. Never had I wait a single day as Bluse Cross in particular has 60 days policy menaing if you join from another plan within 60 days ALL WAITING PERIODS ARE WAIVED (dental including) Good luck. And yes annual limits are in place

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

[QUOTE=Anna Maria;12463826]Thanks but been in Canada for 15 months now so not sure how this applies. I’ve had blue cross set up from Day 1 with my husband’s employer. But I never bothered setting up my own employment insurance with Sunlife as his is free whereas I have to pay a bit for mine- but never had a reason until now as I don’t have health issues that warranted it. The policy states from setting it up that I can’t claim dental for 3 months on that specific plan. Currently using my husband’s until the 3 month wait is up then I can spread costs onto that one too.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I have come very close during root canal work to falling asleep. I have found Canadian dentistry to far superior to anything I ever received on the NHS in the UK.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I agree ......... we have had much superior treatment here. :nod:

Plus, I have never experienced much pain during treatment here, any slight twitch or indrawn breath has immediately caused the dentist (and I've had several) to stop work, and check how much pain I've felt, and to try to alleviate it.

It hasn't been helped in my case that I have a nerve in my top lip that branches when it usually does not, both branches have to be anaesthetised for major work .............. the result of course is that it takes longer than usual for my face to regain normal feeling, and to be able to drink properly :nod:

I have my 6-monthly cleaning and inspection next week ............. no worries.


My memory of the UK is very different .............. all the way back to the "laughing gas" that used to be administered by the school dentist!

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

And so it should be. They get so much more here. It should be the difference between 5 minutes with a streetwalker and a high class call girl in a posh hotel room. :lol:

The school dentist? From 1962 to 73 it was never more than an inspection at my schools, and a referral if necessary to see your own dentist. Mr Smedley in my case. :lol:

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

I think they were on piecework. Attended from primary school to have a few fillings, left with 6 teeth out.

Re: Dentist question (sorry!)
 

As long as you left with them in your pocket for under the pillow.