Baton Rouge Dentist

Do Quality Affordable Dentists Exist?

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I haven’t had dental insurance until just recently, within the last seven to eight months. Because of this, I haven’t kept up on my dental checkups and have many dental issues which need work.

Once I received my dental insurance benefits, I met with a dentist to discuss my treatment options and learned they would cost me over $12,000. Even with insurance, that cost was not an option, so I headed for the door and began my search for a dentist I could afford.

However, what I’m finding is dentists with low costs aren’t accompanied by good reviews. I’ve taken advantage of some of the

The problem I’m running into is that the ones I find who advertise low-cost dentistry also don’t have great reviews. I’m also finding that those dentist whom I do meet with feel hurried, rushed, like they are moving from one patient to the next, and treating multiple patients at the same time. This won’t work for me. I have a great deal of dental work to be done, therefore I want someone who will focus on me, establish a genuine relationship with me, and make me feel comfortable.

Is it possible to find an affordable dentist who does quality work?

Thank you,
Abby

Dear Abby,

Great questions. It is possible to find good dental work, within your budget parameters, but not without changing your thinking some.

From the surface level, it may seem to the patient that services which dentists offer, as well as the techniques they use for these services, may be similar from dentist to dentist. However, dentists are all different and have various approaches to treatment and customer care. If you focus your search on dentists who are inexpensive, there are only so many ways for them to cut cost and you may be sacrificing service.

Ways Dentists Can Cut Costs

  1. A dentist can limit his or her time with their patients. This may cause an assembly line type of service, and less one one one attention.
  2. A dentist can use less expensive materials.
  3. A dentist can reduce operating costs by staffing fewer people on his or her team, recruiting those with less experience, or offering fewer amenities in their office.

Therefore, each of these cost-cutting measures would impact your experience as a patient, so you should avoid offices which use these tactics and instead, focus your search on finding quality care that fits within your budget.

Ways to Make Dentistry More Affordable

  1. Some dental offices will segment your treatment plan into smaller pieces, allowing you to take on the expenses individually, per each treatment, as your budget allows.
  2. Look into offices which offer financing options. A few offices offer in-house programs, while many use programs such as CareCredit, which offers interest-free financing for a limited amount of time.
  3. Utilize insurance benefits. If you don’t currently have insurance, get it. Also, look into a secondary insurance. Be aware of waiting periods though, as some companies will make you wait close to a year before using services.
  4. Be sure you are taking full advantage of insurance. Ask the dental office about ways to get the insurance company to cover more, and be sure you are utilizing all what the insurance company will pay.

If you focus your search on finding a great dental office with whom you mesh and can establish a solid relationship, but the treatment cost is outside your budget, be sure to let them know. A good dentist will find ways to help make the cost manageable for you.

Good luck!

This blog post is brought to you by the office of Baton Rouge affordable dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

If you find an office you jive with, but the cost of treatment makes it feel like it’s out of reach for you, let them know. A great office will help you find ways to start getting your treatment done, even if it is just a little at a time.

 

Can a Full Mouth Reconstruction Be Done By An Affordable Dentist?

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As a child, and into adulthood, there were many reasons that prevented me from seeing a dentist. Finally, I grew tired of having broken and missing teeth, and saw a dentist. He recommended that I receive a full mouth reconstruction. While this sounds like a wonderful option, the dollar amount is far beyond anything in my budget. Financing is not an option for me, as I have no credit. Are there any affordable dentists who would do a procedure like this without the hefty price tag?

Thanks,
John

Dear John,

A full mouth reconstruction procedure requires a deeper technical knowledge than what is taught in dental school. In order to help you figure out the option best for you, it would be beneficial for you to understand everything that goes into the procedure, as well as options to consider regarding your budgetary constraints.

What Does a Full Mouth Reconstruction Involve?

A full mouth reconstruction couples varying forms of aesthetics with restoration dentistry for improvement of function and cosmetic appearance. It is a lengthy and very detailed, planned out procedure and, therefore, expensive. And, because of the additional training, not all dentists are even qualified to perform such a procedure. Because of this, it is imperative that you research your options before choosing a dentist for a procedure like this, but your main concern regarding a full mouth reconstruction should never be cost.

What Options Exist If a Full-Mouth Reconstruction Is Financially Impossible?

If you are concerned with the cost, you should get opinions from other dentists to see if there are other options. It’s possible that dentures or partials and crowns may work, if your budget is tight. Regardless, it is important to find a quality dentist, then share your budget with them. This will help them better provide you with solid options which can help your problem, yet fit within your range.

This article is provided by the office of Baton Rouge affordable dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

Can an affordable dentist do a full mouth reconstruction?

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As a child and into my adult years, I rarely saw a dentist, for a myriad of reasons. Now, I suffer from several missing teeth, as well as several broken teeth. I finally decided I could no longer live this way and went to the dentist. After x-rays and an examination, he recommended a full-mouth reconstruction. There is no way I can afford all of the work he says is necessary. Is there anyway to get similar results without the hefty price tag?

Thank you,
Tiffany

Tiffany,

A 100% full-mouth reconstruction takes a great amount of technical knowledge, in addition to that which is taught in dental school, not to mention the artistry required for the cosmetic work. The work is a combination of many aesthetics, along with restorative dentistry to improve the functioning and appearance of your entire mouth. That said, you should never let cost be your sole consideration when having a full-mouth reconstruction. The process is a timely, meticulous, and expensive one, in which not all dentists are qualified to perform. Therefore, careful and intentional research should be put into who you chose to perform the work. I would also suggest that you seek opinions of other dentists, in order to determine if any alternative options may work for you. It is possible that dentures or partials and crowns may be a better route for you financially. Looking into an affordable dentist and making them aware of your budget constraints from the beginning will help you find options that fit your needs and your range. Best of luck to you!

This post was provided by the office of Baton Rouge affordable dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.

How do dentists truly call themselves “affordable?”

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I can’t figure out what a truly “affordable dentist” is. A few weeks ago I finally ventured to the dentist after a long time of not going. Honestly, I was in and out of jobs and situations with my family and boyfriend. I didn’t have the money then and really don’t have it now, but I decided I wanted to go anyway. What happens? I went to a dentist who was supposed to be affordable, but they wanted to do an extra treatment on my gums and extra cleaning on my teeth, and then they put fluoride on. Of course they found cavities, so now I have to go back next week. It all costs so much money. So is it just affordable to walk in the door?

Gina, Asheville, NC

Dear Gina,

That’s really frustrating to finally decide to spend the money on something so important, your oral health, only to find it wasn’t as affordable as you expected. Unfortunately, when you return to the dentist after a long hiatus, there is extra work that is sometimes required to treat your mouth and get it healthy.

Why do affordable dentists do extra work in your mouth?

The treatment on your gums is to help alleviate or ward off any gum disease.  Gum disease can affect not only your gums and teeth, but also the bones that hold your teeth in place. If left unchecked, in extreme cases, you could lose your teeth.

Your dental team was trying to help prevent cavities by treating your teeth with fluoride. Fluoride applied to your teeth at the dentist’s office is a higher concentration than that found in toothpastes and mouthwashes from the store. If you can prevent more cavities from forming, it will save you in the long run.

The unusual thing about your appointment is that the staff didn’t ask you before they started those treatments. Most offices have a protocol to ask before performing any treatment that will cost additional.

You were smart to search for an affordable dentist the first time. There are dentists who will do a free exam or first appointment to assess the health of your mouth, make a treatment plan with you, and discuss your options and prices so you know what to expect before you start. They may even be able to work with you on a payment plan. Call the dentists’ offices you are interested in and ask questions before your appointment. That way you won’t end up paying unexpected amounts, but you can still get the care you deserve.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry at Baton Rouge Family Dentist.

Is a partial crown or a full crown better for a cracked tooth?

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When I was eating popcorn the other night, I cracked one of my back teeth on the bottom. I can see the crack when I look at the tooth in the mirror. Because I don’t have a lot of money,  I have been trying to research how to fix it the cheapest way and have found information about crowns and partial crowns to fix it. Can you tell me which is going to be best for me?

Thanks,
Rhett, West Virginia

Dear Rhett,

This is difficult to answer without seeing your tooth. There are different types of cracked teeth, some of which are hardly noticeable and some that warrant a trip to the emergency dentist. You may have cracked just the enamel on the surface, or the crack may go down into the middle part of the tooth that houses the pulp. The crack may go just across one corner or may go all the way across the tooth. The point of treating a cracked tooth is to prevent it from fracturing or getting further damaged, and also preventing infection.

How to fix a cracked tooth?

Because of the risk of additionally damaging the tooth, a full crown is typically the treatment preferred by dentists. This a more long-term approach to protecting the tooth because it completely covers the tooth.

A partial crown, or onlay, is an option only for certain types of cracks in a tooth. Onlays cover the surface of the tooth used for chewing, not the whole tooth. For minor cracks, an onlay may work if it is made of a good material. A gold onlay is the most durable for any crack in the surface of the tooth. Porcelain or other composite materials may not hold up against the rigorous chewing done with those back teeth. Some dentists don’t recommend onlays simply because they are not comfortable placing them.

Visit your dentist and find out the severity of your cracked tooth and if an onlay is an option for protecting it. Your dentist may be able to work with you on an affordable treatment plan if a crown is what is recommended for you.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry in Baton Rouge, LA.

 

 

 

Why can’t my son’s dental work all be done in one appointment?

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We had a regular visit with my son’s pediatric dentist today. It was very frustrating. We were told that my son not only has to have several cavities filled, but he also needs to get caps on a couple of teeth. The frustrating part is that the dentist won’t just sedate my son and get it all done in one appointment. I have to bring him back several times over several weeks. Why? Is the dentist just trying to make more money off of me than he’s going to anyway?

James, Hyde Park, MA

Dear James,

Boy at the dentist's office

By stretching the work your son needs to be done over several appointments, it may seem that the dentist is trying to pad his pocketbook. As adults, we are often able to use sedation dentistry to get a lot of work done quickly and in the most comfortable manner. Unfortunately, that’s not always the best scenario with children and your son’s dentist may feel such.

It’s not a standard practice for most pediatric dentists to use sedation on children. Some think that when people are sedated during an appointment, they are asleep. This isn’t true. The medication used for sedation helps a patient be very calm and relaxed, so much so that they may not even remember much about the appointment, but they aren’t asleep. Dentists need their patients to be able to follow simple commands.

Why not use sedation?

Sedation does deal with medication, and with any medication, there may be side effects. Although patients under sedation are closely monitored, it’s not always recommended for children.

Another reason sedation isn’t routinely used is that pediatric dentists are used to treating children. It’s not unusual for their patients to feel scared or nervous, or for their patients to have considerable work to be done. Most likely your pediatric dentist has experienced your son’s same scenario several times and knows from experience how to get the work done in the safest, most comfortable, and reasonable way. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the most convenient way or the cheapest.

Speak to your son’s dentist before the work on his teeth begins and ask questions. He may be willing to work with you to create a treatment plan you are comfortable with or that is affordable. If you are still concerned, you could always get a second opinion for your son’s care.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Ryan Perry a family dentist in Baton Rouge, LA.

How can I get cosmetic work done cheaper?

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Is there such a thing as an affordable dentist? I had braces when I was in junior high, but once I was “done” with my retainer, they went crooked again.  I haven’t been regular with my visits to the dentist since I left home, so I have cavities. I’d like to fix my teeth now and my friend said  I should make sure to see a cosmetic dentist, but they said it was going to be an obscene amount of money to fix my teeth. They also got all bent out of shape when I asked if there was any way to do it cheaper. Are there any affordable dentists?

Katie, Dallas

Dear Katie,

There are affordable dentists, but if you want your teeth done right, be cautious. Cosmetic dentistry is not black and white. It is not an official area of study for dentists, so some who have had a two-hour class about Lumineers may call themselves “cosmetic dentists” in comparison to those who have taken extensive training on porcelain veneers to improve their skills. Because of this additional training, cosmetic dentists do typically charge more than regular dentists.

Some things to consider when looking for an affordable cosmetic dentist:

  • Ask questions. Some good questions to ask are about the dentist’s experience and schooling, and if there are pictures of work he did on other patients you can see.
  • Do your homework. Research the dentists on your woman-pointing-at-smilelist and see what experience other patients have had with them. Sometimes dentists offer free dental exams to understand your needs and to help you assess how comfortable you are with the office before doing any work. You can also call several dentist offices and ask for ballpark figures for the work you want to have done.  Compare the costs to the first dentist you visited. If the numbers for a dentist are significantly lower, that may raise red flags that that dentist isn’t as experienced or may cut corners.
  • Ask for your options. You were wise to ask if there was a cheaper way. Some cosmetic procedures are more costly, but there are often cheaper alternatives to improve your smile. Don’t be afraid to let the dentist know if something is more than you can afford.

With a little work on your part, you will find the right affordable dentist for you.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

“Affordable Dentist” Rip-off

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I had the side of my face swell up. I knew this was likely some kind of dental emergency, but couldn’t afford to go to my dentist. He’s sort of high end, because, for most part, I believe you get what you pay for. I decided I needed an affordable dentist for this, which I was sure would be a simple procedure that any general dentist could do. Worst case scenario, I’d need a root canal. I was so mistaken. He looked at the tooth and did decide it needed a root canal. He was doing the procedure. I’ve had root canals before, so I know what to expect. This guy was awful. He jerked by face everywhere, grumbled under his breath, and even said a few words I wouldn’t think would be appropriate in a profesional setting. Then there was a crack and he cursed and stormed out of the room. He comes back and says the tooth has to be extracted. I agreed. Then I get a bill and he’d charged me for both procedures, including his botched one. I tried talking to the office about it, but they said I shouldn’t expect him to work for free. Do I have any recourse?

Kerri L. – South Carolina

Kerri,

This is a tricky situation. While he does deserve to be paid for his job, it’s bad form to charge for a botched procedure, especially for a dentist who advertises as an “affordable dentist“. Those patients generally don’t have a lot of discretionary money to begin with. There are three possible options you can do to deal with the billing.

First, I’d try calling and speaking directly to the dentist, instead of the billing department. It’s possible the dentist will admit he shouldn’t have charged you for the root canal treatment gone wrong.

If that doesn’t work, you can bring your x-rays to your regular dentist. Of course, that will require explaining why you went to another dentist. If that makes you uncomfortable, you can always go to a completely different dentist for a second opinion. Some dentists even do free dental exams. IF the dentist says you were misdiagnosed, there’s a good chance you can get your money back.

Barring that, you can try the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Whether you will get any money back will mostly depend on the skill of their dispute resolution specialist.

I’m sorry you’ve had this experience. If you find yourself in another bind, you may just talk to your dentist about the situation. He (or she) would likely allow you to work out a payment plan, especially because you’re an established patient.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.

Think I’m Being Nickel and Dime’d to Death by My “Affordable Dentist”

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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.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.

Is There An Affordable Way To Re-do Porcelain Veneers?

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I’m hoping you can help me figure out how to find an affordable dentist to re-do my porcelain veneers. I’ve been ashamed of my smile since childhood. I called around to get the best deal after I got my first real job, but to be honest, it doesn’t look natural. In fact, it looks almost wooden, which is worse than my old smile.  I need to get it redone, but I’ll need to find an affordable dentist to do it.

Mary P. – West Virginia

Mary,

You’re definitely going about this the wrong way. There are quite a few procedures where finding the most affordable dentist is feasible. Cosmetic dentistry, such as porcelain veneers, isn’t one of them. In fact, you’re almost guaranteeing yourself bad results, which is what you have now.

In all honesty, if you want a beautiful smile, you’re going to have to change the way you approach it. When you consult with the dentist, I want you to ask to see their smile gallery. That is a group of before and after pictures of cosmetic work.  Ideally, you’ll want to see full face and close-ups.

Be certain that they’re showing you actual photos of their work.  Some less scrupulous cosmetic dentists will just show stock photos and pass them off as their own.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.