I have a dental emergency but no insurance...
Added: July 01, 2009 - 6:45 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, New York, NY
Need Dentist / Specialist:
No
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Exam & Consultation
Root Canal
Teeth:
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: a month or 2 ago
Case Description
A month ago, i went to a dentist in Bryant Park and she told me that I needed a root canal. i agreed to that treatment but somehow she tried to charge me $5,000 and keep trying to make me get a lot of cosmetic work. Anyway, she only did part of the root canal and a month later, it is infected severely. I have a swolen bump on my gums where the root canal was performed and I feel tired, have headaches, and a sore throat. I know this is considered a dental emergency but the truth is; I dont know where to go that wont charge me an arm and a leg- I have no dental insurance and I just recent became employed (dental coverage starts after 60 days and wont cover anything this sever for a year). I can do payment plans but no plan that requires me to sign up for credit. I dont know what procedure would need to be do; hopefully the tooth can still be saved but if not, im assuming I would need an extraction :-( Any help or advice would be appreciated.
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Reply: I have a dental emergency but no insurance...
added: July 01, 2009 - 8:48 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
If you do not want to extract the tooth, the least expensive way to be treated, would be at a Dental School ( NYU or Columbia) or a hospital that has an outpatient dental clinic. They all tend to run on a sliding fee scale, based on income.An Extaction is also a fairly inexpensive way to eliminate the infection.I do not know how much of the $5000 you already paid, or what treatment it was actually for, so I will not comment on that.
Reply: I have a dental emergency but no insurance...
added: July 02, 2009 - 5:41 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Hello, sorry to hear of your situation. Give my office manager a call when you can and we will be able to assist you in receiving dental care. There are many options available to you to ensure you can get the emergency care you need. Dr. P
Reply: I have a dental emergency but no insurance...
added: July 02, 2009 - 7:19 AM
Cost Estimate: $to be discussed
Hello there,I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Hunte would to see you for a consultation to assess your condition and give you a treatment estimate. There would be a charge in the amount of $85 for the consultation. Please let me know how you would like to proceed and have a great day!Sincerely,Office Manager
Reply: I have a dental emergency but no insurance...
added: July 02, 2009 - 7:33 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
I recommend you come in for a consultation. Consults are FREE. We will be able to work out the finances- the important thing right now is to get your health restored. If you have any other questions feel free to email us back. Good Luck!Dr Sachar 212-752-1163
Reply: I have a dental emergency but no insurance...
added: July 14, 2009 - 3:24 PM
Cost Estimate: $100. for consult
I agree with my fellow colleagues, you need to remove the source of infection first. Extraction, retreat the endo problem, even apico if necessary but you can''''t diagnose via e-mail. A dentist will need to evaluate from and x-ray and visual exam. $5,000 seems mighty high for a root canal unless it also covered the post and crown for the same tooth. If the tooth is in the area of your smile extraction will leave an open space, which will need to be replaced with an implant or a bridge. Both options can be expense. What you should know about your insurance is most plans have a pre-existing clause in them. Which means if you extract the tooth before you get coverage the insurance most likely will deny coverage for the bridge or implant, due to the clause. You need to consult with your human resourses department on that issue. Ask friends and relatives who they recommend as a good dentist, word of mouth is always good. My practice gets at lease five new patients a month just through word of mouth. When your good your patients do the advertising. First decide to take the first step and see a dentist to decide what needs to be done. If I can be of help call my office & schedule a consult bring your x-rays.Good LuckDr. Charles A. Lennon, DMD
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