Estimates over the phone or email

Estimates and quotes given over the phone or by email, for dental procedures, vary depending on what the final outcome of work executed by the dentist. Therefore it is very difficult to provide patients with a near amount before all the work is finalised. Patients calling for these estimates and quotes should not expect the range given by the nurse to be equal or near final amount until the dentist has examined the patient, therefore a range is given with no guarantees.

Dentistry is not like going shopping at the supermarket where prices remain constant most of the times. A mechanic will not give the price of work till he has lifted the bonnet and looked at the problem. What sometimes appears to be a simple problem can be very complicated and a lot more involved than originally thought by the patient. For example a patient comes in with a sore tooth thinking its a straight filling, it can be a lot more than just that. If the filling is large and has progressed to the nerve of the tooth then a filling will not solve the problem. A root canal treatment may be required and therefore is lengthier and more expensive. More appointments are necessary to save the tooth.

It is always advisable to have a complete examination and xrays so that the dentist can be more accurate with costs. A treatment plan can then be given. A proper check up needs time and does cost money, as the dentist has to take responsibility for his expertise. The mouth is complicated! However, there are always options and price shouldn’t be the reason preventing anyone from visiting the dentist. Options can be provided making it more affordable and GE Credit is available if desired by the patient. Temporary fillings can also be done giving the patient more time until a permanent solution can be found.

We are here to help!

Sue

Next week: The wheelchair, the walker and the cane