I went to the dentist for the first time in years…like since I was a teenager. I’m 43 now. I need so many procedures (which frankly doens’t surprise me), that it is going to cost many thousands of dollars. I just don’t have that kind of money, but want to deal with my mouth, whihc has felt unpleasant for a while. I called around to several dentists in order to find someone more affordable. All the dentists were around the same price on all procedures (something I find a little suspicious), except one. There was a cheap dentist, but when I looked up more information about him, he didn’t have very good reviews. I’m feeling like he was cheaper for a reason. Is there any way to get affordable dentistry?
Marc G. – Little Rock, AR
Marc,
Cheap dentistry doesn’t equate with affordable dentistry. It’s a good thing you did some research. If that cheap dentist were one of those dentists that cuts corners but order cheap parts, you could have ended up with a serious problem. Fortunately, that won’t happen to you, because you’re smart enough check beyond the price list. I have seen patients that ended up with major infections or a complete failure of the procedure. What they thought was going to save them money ended up cost more than double.
Prices are the only way to get affordable care. When you need a lot of procedures, such your situation, I suggest phased treatment. I would pick the dentist who is skilled and honest, not necessarily the cheapest. Have him or her list out everything you need done, but have them prioritize the list from the most urgent to the least.
Then, set up a treatment schedule that works with your budget. Get the most urgent things done. Then you’ll have time to save up for the other procedures. I’d also suggest looking into low or even no-interest payment plans. Most dentists have some kind of connection with options like care credit.
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