Question regarding plans and fees for dental work?

Question

i went to the dentist today for the first time in many years.

the treatment plan the dentist has for me is pretty extensive

restorations - fillings

endodontics - root canal therapy

oral surgery/extractions

i.v. sedation for surgery

crowns and/or bridgework

which is an approx total of $10,000

and my insurance will only cover $2,000

would it be better if i take it one step at a time and have them charge my insurance that way?

say i have a procedure that'll cost $2000, would it be cheaper to use charge insurance on just that procedure? or is it the same if i factor in the other $8000 worth of work as well?

Answer 1

Well, that limit is a PER YEAR limit.  I doubt the crowns/bridgework will WAIT five years.  Nor will the fillings, and root canal!

Answer 2

Talk to your dentist. They are pretty used to working this so that most of it can be eventually billed to your insurance. It could take several years though. Your only other option is to see if he will work out a discounted amount for the work that will not be paid for by your insurance.

Answer 3

Yah I would go to a few other dentists if you can, also your insurance probably has a year limit so if you do break it up you'd have to wait a year till you get the rest of it done...You could try to find some better insurance too.

Answer 4

A dentist will do as much work as you want. First of all, I would go to a couple more dentists to get estimates for the same work. That is quite an investment.

Figure out which is the most important work to be done first.

You also need to talk with someone about how to handle the

insurance on this. Usually the dentist's business office can advise you.