Dental Fun & Games
#1
Dental Fun & Games
I'm a huge coward when it comes to the dentist - so I've been putting it off!
I've had toothache, so I finally had to bite the bullet (not really pun intended) and head off to the dentist.
Given that I've got to pay more than on the NHS (even with the insurance) - I imagined that the facilities would be a bit fancy.
How wrong I was!! I went to my local "Aspen Dental" and it was awful. It consists of a corridor with about 6 dental chairs in - separated by big filing cabinets. You can totally hear what is going on in the chairs around you. My chair even had splits in the vinyl.
A clean and scrape cost $300 for one side (after insurance) - then I'm back in a couple of weeks for a clean and scrape on the other side (and another $300)!
The most fun part was the approx 12 injections to numb that whole side of my face - including those awful ones in the roof of the mouth.
So OUCH - both financially and physically
I've had toothache, so I finally had to bite the bullet (not really pun intended) and head off to the dentist.
Given that I've got to pay more than on the NHS (even with the insurance) - I imagined that the facilities would be a bit fancy.
How wrong I was!! I went to my local "Aspen Dental" and it was awful. It consists of a corridor with about 6 dental chairs in - separated by big filing cabinets. You can totally hear what is going on in the chairs around you. My chair even had splits in the vinyl.
A clean and scrape cost $300 for one side (after insurance) - then I'm back in a couple of weeks for a clean and scrape on the other side (and another $300)!
The most fun part was the approx 12 injections to numb that whole side of my face - including those awful ones in the roof of the mouth.
So OUCH - both financially and physically
#3
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by paddingtongreen
That's a ripoff, I don't pay that and I don't have insurance.
#4
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,181
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by paddingtongreen
That's a ripoff, I don't pay that and I don't have insurance.
Agree. With my insurance, cleaning is free. I think the dentist gets about $170 from the insurance. That's for both sides and front
Something doesn't sound quite right.
#5
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,181
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by newbieloubie
They claimed it was $1000 worth of cleaning (it took an hour).
Have you called your insurance company? What do they say?
#6
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by newbieloubie
They claimed it was $1000 worth of cleaning (it took an hour).
#7
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by Elvira
Have you called your insurance company? What do they say?
They are saying I need a whole host of fillings as well and that I'll end up owing them $1500.
#8
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by dbj1000
That's really an incredible rip-off, I reckon. We have dental insurance, but we see the full charge to our insurance company, and a full cleaning for an adult is never more than $75 total.
#9
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,181
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by newbieloubie
I haven't, but after what you guys have said, I think I will.
They are saying I need a whole host of fillings as well and that I'll end up owing them $1500.
They are saying I need a whole host of fillings as well and that I'll end up owing them $1500.
Talk to your insurer about the charges you have already incurred.
Personally there is NO WAY I would go back to this dentist. Quite apart from the rip-off charges, you want to feel comfortable about the person who meddles with your teeth.
#10
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by newbieloubie
Does that include injections etc?
#11
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by newbieloubie
Does that include injections etc?
...but all the same, you're talking >10x difference.
You need to talk to your insurance, and dispute the charges. You also need to change dentist.
#12
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by Kate2112
Why would they give you anaesthetic for a cleaning?
#13
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,181
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by newbieloubie
Does that include injections etc?
Normal cleaning doesn't usually require injections. I suspect you were given a 'deep-cleaning', i.e. well below the gum line. Even so, the charges look outrageous to me.
Never agree to any treatment - dental or medical - without getting a treatment plan and clear estimate of charges.
And go by personal recommendations.
#14
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by Kate2112
Why would they give you anaesthetic for a cleaning?
She used a high pitch water pick thing, and then gave them a serious scraping as well.
#15
Re: Dental Fun & Games
Originally Posted by Elvira
Normal cleaning doesn't usually require injections. I suspect you were given a 'deep-cleaning', i.e. well below the gum line. Even so, the charges look outrageous to me.
Never agree to any treatment - dental or medical - without getting a treatment plan and clear estimate of charges.
And go by personal recommendations.
Never agree to any treatment - dental or medical - without getting a treatment plan and clear estimate of charges.
And go by personal recommendations.
Wish I'd asked her advice before - but you live and learn I guess