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jiwonstr · Jun 4, 2008, 08:21 AM

Hi alll,

I have a question about dentistry pricing. It seems like I'm paying a lot for my dental fees.

I have AETNA DMO as my dental insurance.

I recently went into dentist for a root canal for $950, with my coverage, I paid $380. The dentist mentioned that I should take all four of my wisdom teeth out as Oral Surgery. He also said it should cost about $600 per tooth. I did some online research and found that someone only paid about $130 for all four teeth without dental insurance. Is my dental trying to rip me off??

Also, after the oral surgery, I will do a crown on my tooth that should cost me around $1000 again. Is this normal or am I paying too much for my dental fee?

Should I change my dentist? Does that going to help me save money money? I can't switch my plan to PPO from DMO right now, so I'm stuck with DMO.

Can you help me to save more money? I'm 23 and paying rent, cars, and loans... can't afford to get another financial hit.

Thank you,

Credendovidis · Jun 4, 2008, 09:40 AM

Dear jiwonstr

Best thing to do is ask for prices by other dentists for similar operations.
I would not like to be in your shoes if you want to put pressure on your dentist, and than sit in his chair with your mouth full of cotton rolls, and a buzzing drill inside.

In other words... find - if needed - another dentist!
Why don't you phone AETNA DMO, and ask them for target prices?

Success !

flossie · Jun 4, 2008, 04:48 PM

The fees you have been quoted are not that out of line. The fees for the wisdom teeth make me think that they are still impacted under bone. You might want to check fees with an Oral Surgeon (one who specializes in removing teeth, not to be confused with Dental Surgeon, one who does a little bit of everything).
It's unfortunate that your dental coverage does not pay more but it is not the dentists fault. Dental coverage is generally a "benefit" many plans do not cover 100% (fewer and fewer as the years go by).
I'm sure your dentist can offer you some kind of payment plan that might help the pocket book.
You certainly could get estimates from other dentists in your area.