Category Archives: Affordable Dentistry

Affordable Dentistry

Did I get ripped off by an affordable dentist?

I did a lot of research to find an affordable dentist. My dental insurance expired in March because my hours were cut to part-time work. I don’t mind paying out of pocket but I guess this is not at all what I was expecting. When I got to the dentist I needed digital x-rays. The hygienist told me that it looks like I have gum disease, so I needed a deep cleaning. The dentist found 2 teeth that he says needs porcelain inlays, and I have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks. I am beginning to wonder if this dentist is trying to line her pockets a little thicker. What about this dental visit says this is really an affordable dentist? Last night I started thinking about switching dentists but I am concerned that the new dentist will want to repeat some of the same work I had done already and it will cost me even more money. Should I have left the office when they told me I needed a deep cleaning?  Thanks Rozalia

Rozalia,

There are many variables in the cost of dental care, including the cost of living and operating a business in a certain area, an individual dentist’s fees, and how that dentist makes treatment affordable. Affordability may be offered in the form of lower fees for treatment, but it can also be provided through payment plans or financing.

A deep dental cleaning is not uncommon. A buildup of tartar, inflamed gums, or periodontal disease will prompt a conscientious hygienist to complete a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing are completed to ensure that plaque beneath your gumline is removed. This will help your gum tissue adhere to your tooth roots and ensure your teeth are stable. Otherwise, your teeth can loosen. Although you should have been given a reason for the deep periodontal cleaning, ask your dental hygienist why he or she thought it was necessary.

X-rays are a routine part of ensuring your teeth and the cavities of your mouth are in good condition. A panoramic x-ray examines your teeth, mouth, and jaw. It is taken every few years. Bite-wing x-rays assist your dentist with early detection of cavities, and they are taken yearly.

Depending on the previous dates of your dental cleanings and x-rays, the dental care you received was likely routine. Ask your dentist why she is recommending porcelain inlays instead of composite fillings. Carefully consider the reason inlays are recommended. In the long term, they may last longer than fillings in the teeth would.

You will likely receive reasonable explanations for the diagnosis and treatment. If you decide to switch to a new dentist, ask for fee estimates, and inquire about what that particular practice does to make dentistry affordable for its patients.

 

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

Need to find a dentist with reasonable prices

My adult niece just got approved for SSDI. She has never been able to work a job that provided enough hours for her to get dental insurance. She hasn’t been to a good dentist since 2012! I took her to a dental clinic but the service was so bad and she was treated so rudely that we had to leave before her dental cleaning was over. She still needs some significant dental work completed. I don’t want the solution to be to simply pull her decayed teeth. I really want them fixed. She already has some serious self-esteem issues, so the solution isn’t to pull teeth. I am working on getting her dental coverage but this is a very slow process. I am afraid that she will get a tooth infection if I don’t do something soon. There is a very strong odor on her breath. What should I do to find a dentist with reasonable prices? I will pay out of pocket if I have to. Thank you Eva

 

Eva – We compliment you for taking care of your sister and being so concerned about her oral health. The oral health of people who need public assistance is often neglected. Your proactive approach will really help your sister in the long term.

Most often, government programs provide limited benefits for dental treatment. Dental cleanings are often covered, but teeth are often extracted rather than restored. Speak with your sister’s case worker or social worker to find out what dental coverage is available. The dental insurance provider can provide with more information on plan provisions.

If you want to get dental treatment right away, consider your own dentist as a start. Explain the situation and your willingness to pay for your sister’s dental care. Your dentist may be willing to provide you with a payment plan or financing. If your dentist isn’t able to help, call a few dentists, including those who accept Medicare patients. Check for reviews of each dentist to ensure your sister will get quality care. Don’t be afraid to switch dentist’s if things don’t turn out well.

Also, you may be able to find inexpensive dental coverage for basic dental care for your sister. Even if you are only able to get limited insurance, some coverage will help you pay for the costs.

We wish you the best outcome possible.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Dentures

Looking for an affordable dentist for good dentures

I just got new dentures three years ago. The upper dentures fit great but the lower dentures are very loose and regularly come off. I can’t even eat soft foods like applesauce and yogurt without them lifting up. The dentist tried 4 or 5 times to reline them but it is just not working. I know that I am going to need new dentures. I am not going to get them from this dentist. I have to find a dentist who knows people have a budget and get some good dentures from that person. I am wondering how to go about this. Do I just have to do a random search? – Tamar

Tamar – It is not normal for new lower dentures to regularly come off. If they do come off regularly, either they were not properly fit initially, or previous to receiving dentures, you may have experienced jawbone shrinkage, which would make it difficult to keep a denture in.

If your dentures have been repeatedly relined in the past, you are correct that you probably need new dentures. If you have experienced jawbone shrinkage, bone grafting can build your bone back up so that it can support a denture. Affordable dental implants can be used to stabilize your dentures and prevent further jawbone shrinkage. When your dentures are secured with dental implants, it will be easier to eat and speak with them.

Ask family members or friends for recommendations on a dentist who does high-quality work. Don’t sacrifice quality to find the lowest costs on dentures. Take the time to find a cosmetic dentist to provide you with dentures that fit well and look natural. Ask about payment plans or financing that will help you pay for dentures according to your budget.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Comfort Dentistry

Need an affordable dentist that does great work

I love my dentist. He is great for cleanings, fillings, etc., but I don’t trust him to do my cosmetic dentistry work. I asked him about training in cosmetic dentistry, but he really doesn’t have much. He referred me to a colleague in a nearby town, but this dentist is way on the upper end for cost. I need too much work done to pay that much. I don’t know any cosmetic dentists. I know I can do an internet search to find one, but do you have any suggestions on how I find an affordable dentist that really does great work? – Maya

Maya – If you know friends who have had cosmetic dentistry, you can ask for recommendations for a dentist who does high-quality work. You may also consider asking neighbors, workmates, or other contacts if they have recommendations.

During your Internet searches, find out what training the dentist received in cosmetic dentistry, where it was received, and what credentials he or she has. Also consider how much experience the dentist has in cosmetic dentistry and whether or not he or she stays current through continuing education. Check for a smile gallery of before-and-after pictures on the dentist’s website. These considerations will help determine if the dentist produces high-quality results.

For your concerns about finding an affordable dentist, the website should indicate whether the dentist accepts insurance, or offers payment plans or financing.  He or she may offer to do the work in phases to make it more affordable for you. You can call the dentist’s office for specific information.

Keep in mind that high-quality costs more. It’s true of most goods and services, and that’s often because it costs more for the provider of the services or goods to purchase or provide high-quality services or products. So even though the services you receive can be make affordable for you, expect to pay a little more than average if you want outstanding cosmetic dentistry.

After you have a few dentists you would like to consider, schedule consultation appointments, to help make your final decision.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

Looking for affordable female cosmetic dentist that does excellent work

I love my dentist. He is great for cleanings, fillings, etc., but I am not sure that I can trust him to do my cosmetic dentistry work. I asked him about his continuing ed in cosmetic dentistry, but he said although he really doesn’t have much he does a good job. I don’t think he has any extra training all. He referred me to a colleague, but that dentist’s cost were much higher than average. I think part of it is to pay for his swank office. I need too much work done to pay that much for my smile and the office. I know I can do a Google search to find one, but do you have any suggestions on how I find a good affordable dentist in my area? If the cosmetic dentist is female that’s a bonus, too. – Sarai

Sarai – Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations for an affordable female cosmetic dentist. You can also search for an experienced cosmetic dentist on the internet. Visit each dentist’s website to find out if he or she has any post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. The website should also indicate how much ongoing continuing education the dentist participates in each year.

The dentist may have membership, fellowship, or diplomate status in cosmetic, or aesthetic, dentistry organizations. The website should also show before-and-after pictures of patient cases the dentist has completed.

Affordable services are often made possible through payment plans or financing. No-interest financing is often available. Additionally, many dentists are willing to provide treatment in phases. This allows you to progressively pay for dental services, based on your budget. Call the dentist’s office for details.

After you have selected a few dentists with cosmetic dentistry qualifications, schedule a consultation with each of them. Consultations allow you to get a feel for the office environment and staff, and determine if you like the dentist’s chairside manner and communication style. Those are important factors in establishing a long-term relationship with your dentist.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

Messed up my teeth and can’t afford to fix them

Since I was 14 I’ve had a bad habit that has really messed up my teeth. I am over the habit now, but my teeth are a wreck. When I was a teenager I didn’t think it was a big deal, but now that I am 37 it is really concerning me. I know that my teeth are a distraction because I can see people’s eyes looking at them. Despite my Bachelors degree, which I got in 2013, I’ve had limited job offers and none in the field that I studied. My appearance is influencing everything. I feel trapped because I can’t get a job with decent dental coverage and the out of pocket cost for correcting my teeth is way too expensive. I am wondering if there is some temporary way to make my teeth look better so that I can at least get a job. After I have dental coverage I will work on really correcting my smile. Thanks. L.T.

Dear L.T. – We understand your concerns about your smile. A smile definitely makes a first impression. It’s also important to restore decayed or broken down teeth to prevent them from further weakening. It is possible for untreated teeth to be damaged beyond repair and eventually need to be replaced.

Photo of a blonde woman witth a pretty smile for Plano, TX affordable dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.Before recommending a cosmetic treatment for your teeth, Dr. Lacy would need to examine them. There are temporary dental appliances that fit over your natural teeth to give you a quick smile makeover. Find a few skilled cosmetic dentists with whom you can have consultations to determine if this treatment method is right for you.

Otherwise, it may be recommended that the work of restoring your teeth is given priority now. Dentists are concerned with preserving your teeth and helping you restore them. So they will work to make it affordable for you by means of financing or payment plans.

You will likely be encouraged by a few visits with cosmetic dentists to discuss your options. Many patients are surprised to learn the ways that restorative dental work can be done to fit your budget.

 

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

 

Affordable Dentistry

Need cheap root canal and filling for rotten tooth

i have a tooth that had a cap on it. the cap was probably 12 yrs old and it cracked last week. the tooth is starting to get really sensitive without the cap. i am really thinking that i need another root canal in the tooth. i don’t have dental insurance so i just want to get it filled this time. i know something needs to be done. other than looking for a dentist on google is there a way to find a dentist who will do a cheap root canal and fill the tooth? thx ethan

Ethan – Most dentists will provide you with a root canal treatment, and make it affordable for you. Select a few dentists, call them, and ask about payment plans or arrangements for patients who don’t have dental insurance.

You should know that if your tooth is so damaged that it needed a dental crown, a dental filling won’t be enough to protect it. A new crown will be required. You will be able to wear a temporary crown while the new one is being made for you.

An examination is required to determine the correct treatment for your tooth. It is possible that you don’t need another root canal treatment, and that a new crown is all that’s needed. While your tooth is unprotected, you can expect to feel sensitivity.

As soon as possible, make the calls to dental offices so your tooth can be treated. Without the crown, the tooth is weak. Prompt treatment can prevent further damage to the tooth. If there is further damage to the tooth, it will be more expensive to restore.

Don’t neglect quality to find the cheapest treatment available. If the restoration of your tooth isn’t done correctly, it will need to be repeated. And that will cost you more money in the long term.

 

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Root Canal Treatment

Can’t afford a dentist? Five ways to prevent a dental emergency.

Can’t afford a dentist? You may be interested in ways to prevent a dental emergency. Here are five:

  1. Brush and floss daily. You should brush your teeth twice daily and thoroughly floss between all of your teeth every day. Why? Brushing and flossing remove trapped food between your teeth that can otherwise lead to decay and plaque. Decayed teeth progressively worsen and lead to cavities. Untreated cavities progress and eventually require a root canal treatment. Plaque can lead to gum inflammation, causing gums to bleed and eventually, full-blown gum disease results.
  2. Wear a mouth guard when playing sports. Mouth guards protect the teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and lips. A significant blow to any one of these areas can lead you to a dental chair and a dental bill that is more expensive than a mouth guard.
  3. Don’t use your teeth to cut things or to try to open things. Trying to open a package, a bottle, or anything else with your teeth can seriously cut your gums or harm your teeth. The progressive pain will require the attention of a dentist. And an urgent care or emergency room trip won’t do. You may receive pain medication or antibiotics. But you will also be referred to a dentist for an examination.
  4. Avoid chewing ice or popcorn kernels, and don’t bite hard objects. These items can weaken your teeth and cause them crack or chip your teeth. An untreated crack or chip can worsen with time and require dental bonding or a dental crown.
  5. Regularly get your teeth professionally cleaned. And that applies even if you don’t have dental insurance. Get your teeth cleaned anyway. The out-of-pocket cost to get your teeth professionally cleaned helps prevent periodontal (gum) disease. It also assists in the early detection of cavities and other dental problems that, if left untreated, can escalate into more serious and more costly issues.

Remember that a dentist’s priority is to help you maintain good oral health. He or she will help you receive preventive care that is affordable for you.

If you have an unavoidable dental emergency, most dentists schedule time in each day for emergency appointments, so call right away for an examination.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, General Dentistry

What can I use to fill my own cavities if I can’t afford a dentist?

At my last visit to the dentist I found out that I have 2 cavities that need to be filled. I put off the appointment for the fillings because I don’t have dental insurance anymore. Also since then we’ve had some emergency home repairs and I have to put off the dental appt again. The place I go to is a pretty big practice and they are always trying to upsell me on something so I am not about to ask for any favors on paying for my tooth fillings. What can I use to fill my own cavities? Thanks. Titus

Titus – The techniques, materials, and tools that are needed to successfully remove decay from your tooth, clean the tooth, prepare it for filling, and place the filling are unique to skilled dentists.

Even if you had access to the necessary items to fill a cavity, you would not be able to complete the procedure on yourself. Please don’t attempt it. You can cause damage to your teeth, or inadequately complete the procedure and cause more problems than the cavities present.

Cavities that are left untreated, or that are improperly treated, can result in further decay or infection that becomes more difficult and more costly to treat. If your current dentist is unable to provide you with ways to make the treatment you need affordable, find a dentist who will.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

 

Affordable Dentistry, Dental Insurance

Lost my dental insurance

I lost dental coverage for myself and my wife. It expired on 6/30. The company offered us COBRA coverage but it 4 times more than the premium for the dental insurance we had. That is ridiculous. I don’t like the way the financial rep at our dentist sounded when she found out that we lost our coverage. How do I find a dentist who will accept us? Ted

Ted – We suggest that you get recommendations from friends or family members who like their dentist. After you get the recommendations, look at the dentists’ websites, or call the office, to find out what forms of payment are accepted. You will find that many offices accept credit or payment plans, or offer financing.

If you can’t get a recommendation from anyone, search online for an affordable dentist or a dentist who accepts patients that don’t have dental insurance. After you find four or five dentists who might be able to meet your needs, look online for patient reviews. You can schedule consultations with two or three of the dentists to help you make a final decision. If you need special care for your teeth, such as orthodontic or cosmetic treatment, be certain that the dentist you choose offers those services and is experienced with them.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.