Poll- do you pay at each dentist visit or is it free with insurance? ?

[Anonymous]

I don't know if I’m being scammed or not but I went to one dentist that’s 5 star reviews. first time as I haven’t been to the dentist in few years. I got x rays and can’t come back until I pay $350 for deep cleaning. The nurse lied to me said I can wait 3 weeks for insurance to cover it or pay now. I called back after a month & now she says it’s 2 deep cleanings as my teeth are bad & I need pay $350 I can’t have insurance cover the first cleaning then pay $350 it don’t work like that. I need pay.

I have a lot of pain in teeth and jaw & used a medicine for gum gingivitis’s in the meantime but may I will finally have the $350 so for now I can’t go to the dentist I’m broke.

I assume they want u to pay so u don’t run away and not come back if you get free cleaning? Or they are trying steal my money? Help! Do I try go to another dentist what do I do?

[MORPHEUS_12]

So you are paying the price for not flossing and caring for your teeth. A deep scaling (deep cleaning in your case) is done when your periodontal charting numbers are high. They check every single tooth to check for pockets of food trapped from not flossing. These pockets have to be removed and cleaned out for better oral health. Deep scaling is done in sections upper and lower. The going cost without insurance is $160 per section so the price they quoted is not off. Also deep scaling is NOT something you need to have done immediately. In my opinion, I would wait until dental insurance can help defray some of the expense.

[Asker]

They lied they said I can wait a month for insurance cover it or pay now 350. I waited a month and change story. I have to pay 350 it don’t work like that I can’t have first cleaning with insurance free then pay no it don’t work that like. I have to pay for first cleaning

[Asker]

I will have $350 til may as I’m broke rn. guna have $800 saved next week & end of April I’ll have $400 free check to use for dentist. I only make $400 a wk that’s it and have another job where I make $100-200 a wk for food gas n other expenses.

[Asker]

So I can’t get deep cleaning til may

[Anonymous]

That sounds a little suspect. But I guess depending on the dental insurance you picked it could mean more or less financially. I had to do two deep cleanings w in the last 3 months. Insurance paid something like 70% each time, w me owing a little over a hundred each time. I had to have my mouth numbed w injections, then a drill like someone else pointed out. But again my part was a little over a hundred each time. But too I have the higher end plan as an individual cause I thought I’d need extensive work done. I just had my older silver filling drilled out, replaced by something similar to your natural teeth coloring. I think all in all they did something like 8 fillings. W the deep cleanings as well as the fillings my total all together after insurance paid their part was a little under $900

[Asker]

I have medical

[Asker]

Medical insurance

[richardcory]

Check your insurance. Some covers dental, some needs a supliment. Then make sure your dentist takes the insurance you have. My work insurance has always had a small suppliment that covered all dental work

[Quackthulu2]

My insurance pays 85% for a max of $2,000 a year. But a few years ago I didn’t have insurance and ended up having to pay like $1,200 out of pocket. Dental work is fucking expensive. So if they are charging $700 for deep cleaning when you know you have problems I honestly wouldn’t be surprised.

[Asker]

So u think it’s ok I pay $350 for deep cleaning? Supposivly for the second deep cleaning then they can use my insurance to cover it. My mo says they prob already tan my insurance and want steal my money take advantage

[Quackthulu2]

So I had a deep cleaning, and they did it in separate parts its more expensive because they have to numb you and use that painful ass drill thing that goes down under the gums. I don’t remember what the total cost of it was but it was a few hundred all together. My share was only like $50

[Asker]

So u only paid $50?

[Quackthulu2]

Yeah, but like I said. I only pay 15% of the total cost.

[Asker]

I have medical insurance but they lied said u can wait a month for insurance go through or pay now. I waited a month called and nurse said angry I need pay $350 I can’t have insurance cover it for free no that’s not how it works! it’s Two deep cleanings ur teeth r very bad! You need pay $350 then maybe second cleaning insurance might cover it

[Anonymous]

The cost of dental services can vary depending on the type of insurance you have and the specific services you need. Typically, dental insurance will cover a portion of the cost of preventive services such as cleanings and x-rays, but you may be responsible for a portion of the cost, such as a co-pay or deductible. For other services, such as deep cleanings or fillings, insurance may cover a portion of the cost but you may still be responsible for a portion of the cost.

It's important to check with your dental insurance provider to understand your coverage and benefits, as well as any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.

Regarding your specific situation, it's difficult to say whether you are being scammed or not without more information. However, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion from another dentist if you have concerns about the recommended treatment or the cost.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your teeth and jaw, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible. You may be able to find a dentist who offers lower-cost or sliding-scale services, or who offers payment plans to help you manage the cost of treatment.

Remember, it's important to prioritize your oral health and seek treatment as needed, but it's also important to be informed and advocate for yourself as a patient. If you have concerns or questions about your dental treatment or costs, don't hesitate to speak up and seek additional guidance and support.

[Nikki1989]

I pay zero. My employer covers it.