Wisdom teeth need to be pulled. No insurance?

Question

My husband is 24 and desperately needs his wisdom teeth removed ASAP. He hasn't been to the dentist in 12 years and his dental hygiene hasn't been the best (better now sense we have been married lol). His new job offers insurance (but isn't that great for the amount we would have to pay) and I am on maternity leave (no job = no insurance). We applied for Medi-Cal but were told we would have a "Share of Cost" (meaning we would have to pay around $3,200 a month before they would cover anything)... I am not sure if it makes any difference...but... we are in Redding California (no dental schools around here...)

Anyways... My questions to you wonderful people are...

-Can he get insurance just to have his wisdom teeth pulled?

-If he hasn't been to the dentist in YEARS, does he need to see a dentist before the Oral Surgeon or can we just see the Oral Surgeon?

-If he can't get insurance, how much is this gonna run us?

Thank you for all your help I really appreciate it!

Answer 1

It seems that the longer people go without getting anything preventative or treatment done, the more expensive it gets unfortunately.  My dentist only charges $125 per tooth to pull them, but he doesn't do wisdom teeth just because they are SO far back and can get complicated.  You will most likely have to get a referral to see the oral surgeon.  Get a couple and shop around (ask for your x-rays from your dentist to take to your referral...they shouldn't charge you for one or two x-rays)  

Oral surgeons can be costly because of the anesthetic methods they use...that's the expensive part.  He can always request not to be put under and save a ton!  It might not be worth the trouble to wait for insurance.  Plus he might have an infection that needs to be cleared up before he can get anything done.  

Another option is financing it.  Care Credit offers 18 months zero interest I believe.  Good luck.  

Answer 2

I would encourage you to visit this website: www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up online 5 years ago now for all my dental work. They have saved me thousands throughout the years from Root Canals, extractions, exams, x-rays, cleanings…etc. All services are included in this very affordable plan. They even had my benefits active in 2 hours and able to use them the same day. Good Luck and Hope the Helps.

Answer 3

your screwed up the ***

Answer 4

You can get a dental plan for only 19.95 per month that would cover you and your husband and save you $1000s just go to www.medicalanddental4u.net, read some of the testimonials, sign up, and see the savings for yourself. Our country is in a health crisis mainly because people think they can not afford quality health care.WRONG! You can get great health care and save money by signing up with this company, soon you'll find out what I mean...Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

He will probably need a referral from a dentist to see an oral surgeon. I am in a similar bind, I need my wisdom teeth pulled and have no insurance. I looked online and found a few sites that might help. I'm not sure what they are right now, i have them written down at my mother's house, but you could try googling it. It's not really "insurance" but you can get it up to 3 days before you need dental surgery and you basically pay like $145/year and then they'll cover the extractions except you'll have to pay maybe a couple hundred bucks for it. Which would be better than a couple thousand.

Edit: another option would be to ask the oral surgeon to remove one or two at a time so you don't have to pay as much right away. you could wait a few months inbetween and try to save up money. also, don't do general anesethesia as it will cost you more. try to do just locally numb it.