Hello,

I just had a Root Canal done on my number #15 tooth on Tuesday. My insurance coverage is now wiped out for the year. I can not afford $1300 out of pocket for a crown. What other options do I have? My sister-in-law is a dental assistant and tells me I should ask for a permanent filling instead of a crown. Will my dentist do this, or look at me like,"Oh, so you are now a Qualified Dentist?"

Just really need to know how urgent it is to get the crown or filling. I want to be financially prepared.

Thanks

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Originally Posted by stephthegreat

Hello,

I just had a Root Canal done on my number #15 tooth on Tuesday. My insurance coverage is now wiped out for the year. I can not afford $1300 out of pocket for a crown. What other options do I have? My sister-in-law is a dental assitant and tells me I should ask for a permanent filling instead of a crown. Will my dentist do this, or look at me like,"Oh, so you are now a Qualified Dentist?"

Just really need to know how urgent it is to get the crown or filling. I want to be financially prepared.

Thanks

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Have you asked the Dentist about your options?

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Have you asked the Dentist about your options?

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No, I have not been back or called yet. I wanted to research and get some opinions first. I hate going into a situuation like this not knowing what I can and can't do.

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Originally Posted by stephthegreat

No, I have not been back or called yet. I wanted to research and get some opinions first. I hate going into a situuation like this not knowing what I can and can't do.

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I know - some years ago I had a very similar situation and the Dentist suggested that a post and implant would be less expensive than a root canal and crown. As it happened he "allowed" me to make payments so I DID have the root canal and crown.

Honestly, I think the words "ha ha" should appear everywhere after the words "dental insurance."

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

I know - some years ago I had a very similar situation and the Dentist suggested that a post and implant would be less expensive than a root canal and crown. As it happened he "allowed" me to make payments so I DID have the root canal and crown.

Honestly, I think the words "ha ha" should appear everywhere after the words "dental insurance."

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So true, and also a little picture of Nelson from the Simpsons saying it!

Thanks for the help, I will ask my dentist about paying it over a plan. They are very reasonable.

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by stephthegreat

So true, and also a little picture of Nelson from the Simpsons saying it!

Thanks for the help, I will ask my dentist about paying it over a plan. They are very reasonable.

Thanks!

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No problem - laughing.

I have had a couple of root canals where I did not have a crown installed. It was filled as your sister-in -law suggested. I would imagine it depends upon on the overall condition of the tooth. It's worth asking your dentist if this is an alternative.

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Originally Posted by pmvislusky

I have had a couple of root canals where I did not have a crown installed. It was filled as your sister-in -law suggested. I would imagine it depends upon on the overall condition of the tooth. It's worth asking your dentist if this is an alternative.

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Yes, I will do that, Thanks!