Will I insult my Dentist?

[Scott R]

I know we have a few dentists and medical professionals here, so I thought it would benefit me to ask. I have a 20 year relationship with my dentist, he's fantastic, but I need some expensive cosmetic work and I want to bargain.

A month ago I lost a tooth in a fight (sanctioned fight) and he put the tooth back in, but it has to come out the end of this week, sadly. I would like to get a nice replacement for which insurance doesn't cover under the category of "cosmetic," which I agree with.

I have the initial estimate, however it seems terribly high, or maybe it isn't I haven't shopped around honestly. Do you think my dentist will be insulted if I call and ask him for a cash price discount? Do dentists work like doctors in that they will often honor a cash price?

[speeder]

It never hurts to ask if it's done politely, IMO. And I would think that most dentists will give a cash discount. Mine does. If anyone in L.A. needs a recommendation for the best, cheapest dentist in L.A. county, PM me.

So how much is the estimate? What kind of replacement is it? Bridge/implant/etc. The other thing is that I would consider seeking out a really good prosthedontist, (specialist in dentures), especially since he or she would probably not be more than your dentist.

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by speeder

It never hurts to ask if it's done politely, IMO. And I would think that most dentists will give a cash discount. Mine does. If anyone in L.A. needs a recommendation for the best, cheapest dentist in L.A. county, PM me.

So how much is the estimate? What kind of replacement is it? Bridge/implant/etc. The other thing is that I would consider seeking out a really good prosthedontist, (specialist in dentures), especially since he or she would probably not be more than your dentist.

It's going to be an implant, with a metal post I believe. The estimate is about 4k from start to finish. Insurance will cover part of the procedure due to the original issue to the tune of about $1400 leaving me with the balance.

Thank you for the suggestion on the "prosthedontist" I honestly didn't even know they existed, and I'm going to call one tomorrow.

[azasadny]

I treat my dentist the same way I treat any other medical professional and he's fine with that. I ALWAYS get a 2nd (or 3rd) opinion and price...

[89911]

Originally Posted by Scott R

I know we have a few dentists and medical professionals here, so I thought it would benefit me to ask. I have a 20 year relationship with my dentist, he's fantastic, but I need some expensive cosmetic work and I want to bargain.

A month ago I lost a tooth in a fight (sanctioned fight) and he put the tooth back in, but it has to come out the end of this week, sadly. I would like to get a nice replacement for which insurance doesn't cover under the category of "cosmetic," which I agree with.

I have the initial estimate, however it seems terribly high, or maybe it isn't I haven't shopped around honestly. Do you think my dentist will be insulted if I call and ask him for a cash price discount? Do dentists work like doctors in that they will often honor a cash price?

If your dealing with a non insurance item, some discounts can apply. You are actually bound to charge the same, especially if you use insurance in your practice. This being said, we do offer small discounts for those that pay in full, senior citizens, profession discounts and others for non insured procedures. I have had done some bartering also with mixed results although the owner of the garage I have my 911 serviced at has been great. As far as using a Prosthodontist, Their fees are significantly higher in my area for similar work. Tends to be the trend for specialist. Charges for Molar root canals are approximately $1000 here for general dentist. You can expect to pay $1200-1500 from an Endodontist. I use oral surgeons or periodontist to place implants. Cost is usually $1500-$2000 for the first phase. My charges are $1500 for the implant parts, crown, and placement. The Charges you are quoting and your cost of living index for you area tend to match up. I would interested to see what they would be from a prosthodontist.

[89911]

Originally Posted by azasadny

I treat my dentist the same way I treat any other medical professional and he's fine with that. I ALWAYS get a 2nd (or 3rd) opinion and price...

Unless your completely rebuilding your mouth, thats a lot of leg work everytime you need something done. Although I can see you reasoning, don't you think you would be better served by sticking with someone you trust and have developed a relationship with? Do the 2nd and 3rd opinions come with some kind of charge? I have had some come into my office on occasion seeking opinions and I actually felt kind of sorry for them, like they are in a relationship with someone they don't trust.

[vash]

you fight scott??!!!

all those jokes i made about you..are just that..jokes..heeheh..

we good?

[Zeke]

I tend to go to specialists for specialized work. My dentist is one to promote this practice. He is very good at what he does, but he does not do root canals or implants.

And the best of the specialists get very high prices. Last root I had was 2K. 600 more for a crown. No wonder I'm broke.

[azasadny]

89911,
I agree 100%! I trust my Dr and dentist and about 90% of the time I take their advice, but the 10% of the time, I get a 2nd opinion. Nothing beats a good dentist and doctor... nothing!

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by 89911

Unless your completely rebuilding your mouth, thats a lot of leg work everytime you need something done. Although I can see you reasoning, don't you think you would be better served by sticking with someone you trust and have developed a relationship with? Do the 2nd and 3rd opinions come with some kind of charge? I have had some come into my office on occasion seeking opinions and I actually felt kind of sorry for them, like they are in a relationship with someone they don't trust.

Exactly, I trust my dentist 100% and don't bother going elsewhere. I have heard horror stories from other people, but I have never had an issue with my dentist, and he is pretty damned cheap too. In fact he is the only dentist I've ever gone to. I have an orthodontist, and I trust him the same....


And he used to be a 911 guy to boot, so he will talk cars when I am there...

[ShakinJoe]

Scott......

1st rule of the fight club.......................

[vash]

Originally Posted by ShakinJoe

Scott......

1st rule of the fight club.......................

hahahahha..well played!!

[Baz]

Mexico!

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by ShakinJoe

Scott......

1st rule of the fight club.......................

lol, well I figured just saying I lost a tooth and people would ask "how?" Then I figured if I left it just left it at "a fight" people would think I was out getting into brawls.

This happened with my guard in, the guy hit me so hard I'm not even sure what day of the week it was that I lost the tooth.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I'd ask. Girl that works for me had to pay out of pocket for her husbands detached retina surgery. They "couldn't" afford our insurance which is bs. She makes good money and he works plus we pay 100% of hers.

Anyway, $16,000 bill for just the hospital. They called her 3 days after discharge and said if she wrote them a check that day they'd cut it in half.

Not sure if dentists are the same but worth asking.

[A930Rocket]

Had an implant several months ago. The removal, bone graft, and implant was $3800. No cost on the replacment tooth ( I have a temp in there now ).

Insurance didn't cover anything but the removal ($300), but I had reached my limit of $1500 with 3 root canals last year and didn't get anything.

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Had an implant several months ago. The removal, bone graft, and implant was $3800. No cost on the replacment tooth ( I have a temp in there now ).

Insurance didn't cover anything but the removal ($300), but I had reached my limit of $1500 with 3 root canals last year and didn't get anything.

This is it exactly, I get the temp tomorrow. Insurance will cover the removal and a small portion of the work on the replacement. As far as insurance is concerned they would rather I have it extracted and be done with it.

My issue is it's in the lower front and I do often speak in front of people, so I think it's worth doing.