Should I do what my dentist says and go into years of debt, or should I find a different dentist?

Question

My dentist wants me to spend thousands of dollars on six crowns and one implant. He wants me to save money to do one per year and won't listen to my excuses that I can't save that much money that fast. Since they are considered cosmetic procedures, my dental insurance doesn't cover any of it. He keeps "bugging" me about it every six months I get my teeth cleaned.

Answer 1

Definately get a 2nd opinion! I had to have a bridge made for my bottom 4 front teeth.I wanted a partial,that I could put in and take out.(I call them hockey teeth). My dentist at the time(5 yrs ago) said,"no,thats not a good idea,but cementing this bridge in will last for 20 yrs or more"
Well, the bridge fell out this past summer,messed up about 3 more teeth,and I had to get another bridge made.Difference is, a better dentist, had a partial made,and put me on a dental plan. Your dentist reminds me of my first one,only wanting the $$$ ! Good luck.....Altho it cost me another $1200(after insurance),I am much happier!

Answer 2

There may be a reason he wants you to do six crowns. If you have failing fillings or cracked teeth, then you very well may need crowns. However if it truly only is for cosmetic purposes then by all means get another opinion. You should know all the facts before you embark on anything that will cost you thousands of dollars out of your pocket. Not all dentists are "used" car salesman, however some are. The best thing you can do is listen to your gut and go elsewhere if you don't feel comfortable in your present dentists care.

Answer 3

Your dentist sound like a person who is only interested in his own opinion. He needs the $$$ and does not care if you can afford it or not. You have a life and obligations to pay bills also.
Go get a 2nd opinion. I can't understand why dentist cannot get it through their heads dental insurance does not pay for everything. First are you a candidate for an implant, some fail, the same as crowns.Keep what you have, you may only have more problems down the road.
Are you going to be a movie star, a model or TV personality? Then have it done.
Would your dentist go into debt for you?
SAVE SAVE,SAVE when do you save for yourself and retirement or paying college loans? Easy for them to say when they are not in your shoes. Don't let him hassle you, tell him no once and for all and to stop bugging. Sure they have debts also, I wonder if he would change places with you and your debts. Knowing they make much $$ even with their expenses it is passed off to the patient. They just raise their prices. check out ...salary.com

Answer 4

If they are not necessary to your dental well being then your dentist should not be bugging you about it. Maybe there is some reason why he thinks you need to do this other than cosmetics. He should be able to come up with less expensive options though. Next time he bothers you ask him if there's a non-cosmetic reason to do what he's talking about. Then ask if there's a more affordable option. If it's truly just a cosmetic thing then explain to him that you are not interested and it makes you uncomfortable to have to keep telling him so. If you want to be even more persuasive you can mention you are considering changing offices because of the problem.
Dentists should want their patient's teeth to look nice and function well but they shouldn't act like car salesmen.

Answer 5

First of all, insurance does cover crowns. They don't cover them for cosmetic reasons, but I'm sure your dentist knows a way around that.
Be sure to ask him why he thinks you need crowns and an implant. Have him break it down for you. Make your own decision as to whether it's worth the cost to you.
Check into local dental schools and ask to see some of their work and ask about prices. Also, call around to area dentists. You'd be surprised at the difference in their prices. If you're in a city, call a more rural dentist. I'd almost guarantee lower prices there.
Good luck!
Happy New Year!

Answer 6

Get dental insurance and go to a different dentist to get a 2nd opinion.

Answer 7

If you'd like to get the dental crowns and implant done, but if the cost is the issue, there are other options available. Many people in USA are traveling to Mexico and other countries like Thailand and India for dental procedures. The cost savings are huge (50 - 80% savings). For example, a dental implant typically costs $3500 in USA and it is $950 in India, in internationally accredited (JCI / JCAHO / ISO) hospitals with USA / UK trained doctors. But, you need to do your research before making decision to go abroad for dental treatment. Keep in mind not only cost, but the quality also. Companies like Healthbase (www.healthbase.com) who specializes in medical, dental and cosmetic travel abroad, do their research about the hospitals, doctors and also do onsite visit of their partner hospitals. Though cost is the primary criteria for many, Healthbase emphasis and focusses on quality too. Healthbase is the one-stop source for all the medical travel needs. Healthbase takes care of everything from scheduling with the doctor, hospitals, sending your medical records, travel arrangement, travel insurance, accommodation and even financing like dental loan. Healthbase (www.healthbase.com) is located in Newton (near Boston), MA, USA. Healthbase arranges medical travel for people from USA / Canada / UK to Thaialnd, India, Singapore and Mexico.

Answer 8

Yes, get a second opinion. If it is elective surgery the dentist should understand your financial limitations and not harass you. if it is necessary for your dental health they can appeal to the health care insurance to try to get it accepted.

Answer 9

On anything that costs that kind of money, it is definitely worth getting a second opinion. I believe I would do that.

Answer 10

If the work would make you happier I would do it, But if is to make the dentist happy then forget it!