Why Pricing and Treatment Plans May Differ Between Dentists
Two dentists can recommend two different plans. For example, if you have a missing tooth, there are several options to restore it. One option is an implant, another is a fixed bridge, and a third is removable dentures. The dentist may not have explained these three different options to the patient, leading the patient to wonder why there's a different plan.
How can a dentist's philosophy, conservative versus proactive, be different?
The dentist's philosophy in this situation, between conservative and proactive, is that being conservative means allowing you to keep your healthy teeth. Now, if we find something like decay on your teeth or an infection, we need to be proactive to address and fix it. This way, you can return to having a healthy tooth and maintain it as much as possible. In that case, it will not lead to different recommendations because I would most often recommend what is best for you.
In what ways does technology influence?
Diagnostic tools like X-rays and pictures significantly impact the dentist's treatment plan.
For example, if you come to the office for a regular checkup and cleaning but refuse an X-ray, it's like I'm examining your mouth with my eyes closed. There are areas I cannot see with a regular visual exam, such as cavities between your teeth. The only time I can see those is with a specific X-ray called a bitewing, which shows the space between your teeth or if there's an infection in the root of your tooth. The X-ray can reveal that. Without those diagnostic tools, certain issues may remain hidden, affecting and changing the treatment plan.
How does a patient's long-term goal for oral health affect the treatment?
I hope the patient wants to stay healthy and live longer. Many studies show that the more teeth you have, the longer you live. In that situation, with the patient's long-term goal, I would highly recommend what's best for them to stay healthy, keep their teeth longer, and live longer.
If their long-term goal is not to stay healthy, I would definitely talk to them, sit down with them, and try to understand why they have that philosophy or goal. If possible, I hope to lead them to get healthy again and live longer. The treatment options will not affect them as long as I always recommend what's best for the patient.
What advice do you have for patients who receive different treatment plans?
If a patient receives two different treatment plans, I would highly recommend sitting down with their dentist and asking about the pros and cons to get as much information on those treatment plans. This way, they can make a wise decision regarding their health. If they have two different plans from two different dentists, I would highly recommend getting a second opinion. Our office offers free second opinions, and we'll be happy to sit down with them and go through that with them.
Why do dental prices vary from one practice to another?
Dental prices vary from one office to another, even though it's the same dental treatment, because of the following reasons. One is the kind of material used.
Two, the experience and training of the dentists.
Three is how long it will take. A more complicated case will take more time to do and finish the treatment, so it's going to cost more.
Another factor is the geographic location and the operating cost in that area. A high cost of living will affect the prices. The other one is also the insurance participations.
How does the quality of material or technology affect the cost?
The quality of material and technology may affect the cost. Let's say, for example, a silver filling is going to cost less than a white filling. Though we don't do silver fillings in our office anymore, it's because of concerns about the mercury that is part of the silver filling.
Now, the white filling is going to cost more, though it is nice looking. It almost mimics your tooth color. We try to do it, but it's also technique-sensitive. It is moisture sensitive, so we have to be very careful when we do that to ensure it will not compromise the integrity of the filling. That's why the price is more expensive with the white filling.
Do differences in training or specialization affect pricing?
Yes, the dentist's training and specialization will definitely affect the pricing because specialists like endodontists, who specialize in root canals, have extra training and most of them are board-certified. Their cost is higher than a general dentist. Basically, that's what they do in everyday life. That's why they're called specialists, because they specialize in that certain procedure.
What roles do factors such as location play in pricing for dentists?
The location where you're going to have your treatment done will affect the pricing in the sense that if you are in an area with a high cost of living, the rent and the utilities are higher, so the prices in that area will be higher.
The wages of the employees will also be affected because in some states, we have a higher minimum wage. Dental assistants are skilled and trained, and they are not just entry-level positions, so they get higher pay. The cost of the lab fees around the area is also going to be higher. If we need to use the lab, that will be affected as well.
What should patients consider when comparing prices?
The patient has to consider many things when comparing prices. They must consider the material used, the treatment included, the time required, and the time to completion and service delivery. The experience they have in the dental office during their treatment is also important. Low fees do not necessarily mean better value, and higher fees do not automatically mean better care. That's something they need to look into as well.
Additionally, they should ensure they're comfortable because most treatments are personalized for each patient. In our office, we take the time and extra effort to ensure the patient is comfortable when they have their treatment done.
Want to learn more? Call Myrna E. Lazaga, DMD at (619) 377-7586 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.