I intentionally chose an affordable dentist out of a directory because I do not have dental insurance. I’m a little behind on my regular checkups, so I expected to run into some snags, but I was totally unprepared for the total bill. First off, they charged me for a more expensive “deep” cleaning and for some kind or rinse or medication that was applied during it. On top of this, they hit me for two different kinds of x-rays, and then they recommended I get a fluoride treatment and come back in a few weeks for a follow-up visit with the hygienist, which also has a charge. I’m already out a few hundred bucks, and this doesn’t even include the fillings I need to have done. Does this sound right coming from an “affordable dentist?”
Javi – New Jersey
Dear Javi,
An affordable dentist is usually one who either has lower prices or works with you to find the most affordable treatment in your budget. Sometimes, when you’ve been away from the dentist for a long time, it is a little pricey at first. This is actually designed to save you money in the long run. If they can get your smile healthy, it will keep you from need expensive repairs or from losing your teeth.
As for the things you were charged for, a deep cleaning is fairly common when it has been a while since your last cleaning. If your gums were inflamed and you had a lot of buildup, the hygienist probably did what’s known as a full mouth debridement. If you had periodontal disease, you may have received scaling and root planing. In either case, a follow-up appointment is fairly typical. They want to see if your oral health improves or whether you may need additional treatment. Sometimes, a deep cleaning can be enough to set you on the path to good oral health, but if you’ve been struggling for a while, you may need more help. You will have to talk to the hygienist or someone in the office to find out what kind of cleaning was done and why they felt it was necessary, but nothing seems out of order with that.
As far as the x-rays go, those sound standard as well, as even an affordable dentist needs them to make a full diagnosis. It’s typical to have a panoramic, which shows your whole mouth and jaw, taken every few years. Bite wings, a set of four, let the dentist see between your teeth and catch decay. Those are often done on an annual basis.
The cleaning solution and the fluoride are personal choices. Because you’ve been struggling with either gingivitis or periodontal disease, killing all the bacteria with a medicated rinse is helpful. Some offices charge for this service and some do not. The fluoride was likely recommended to help prevent decay, though it’s sometimes offered to adults with sensitive teeth, too.
Going forward, it might be best for you to have a discussion with the office staff before a visit, so you know what to expect in terms of procedures and costs. You can also pick up a good dental plan from a reputable company for a yearly cost that’s on par with the costs of your regular checkups, and usually covers them entirely. It won’t help you with the visit you’ve already had, but it can help turn any dentist into an affordable dentist in the future.
Almost all affordable dentists have payment plan options so that should help.
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