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12 Y.O. Boy dies from Toothache

Why is dental care so expensive?!

February 28, 2007 2:59:55 PM from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

I've heard that this can happen but never actually heard anyone dying from their tooth being infected. I know it affects the health and that's why it is so important to have dental care.

But for so many who have nothing, it is such a horrible situation!

It's horrible that in our country there has to be a choice between deciding whether to eat or go to the doctor, or get your health taken care of . Some people are likely to blame the mother as to why her child die. From what I've read she was doing something to help her children. It's a horrible thing to have happened.

I'm tired of hearing people say that the government isn't responsible for it's people's problems etc. While I agree in some cases, they are not, but for many people who don't stand a chance there should be something done to help with the bereauracratic nightmare that ensues and make things easier for those that really need the help!

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Why is the cost of dental care so expensive?

Because the cost is so high, many people, including me, don't get it done on a regular basis. I've heard people having to get a small loan just to get their dental needs taken care of!

Just to pull one tooth cost $80-$100 sometimes! The last time I had two tooth pulled at the same time, it cost me over $200! I had dental care insurance at the time. I don't now. But I am lucky to have a reimbursement plan that I plan to utilize in order to have my kids go to the dentist.

There's got to be something done where the cost of healthcare and dental care is concerned. Otherwise there will be more than just a 12 year old boy dying!
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Dr. Guy
Join Date 09/2004
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Reply #1 February 28, 2007 3:23:00 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

I dont have an answer to the question.  I just know that my dentist here in the states wants to charge me $780 for a crown, yet a dentist in Mexico charged me $160.  The saving was enough to pay for the air fare for my wife and I to visit her family.  So in essence, we got a free trip.

Right now, my wife is looking at getting 2 implants. (she lost 2 teethe when she was much younger).  The price down in Mexico will be about $2300.  Here? $6000+ (I have heard up to $10k). Even with Dental insurance, we still save $1000 by having it done in Mexico.  And I have gotten comments from my Dentist here that the work was very good (I hinted - but did not state - that I had to have it done while out there because the temporary came out).

Now?  I am just going to Mexico.  And I found out today that it is eligible for reimbursement from the MSA - which means Uncle Sam helps pay for it (actually, I just pay less in taxes but that is still a savings to me).

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Sugar High Elf
Join Date 10/2004
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Reply #2 February 28, 2007 3:24:24 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
My uncle died from an infected tooth. It's a shame.
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greywar
Join Date 05/2003
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Reply #3 February 28, 2007 4:38:47 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
ERs will also treat severe things like this for uninsured folks as well. It is not all about cost, sometimes it is also about people not getting kids the care they need.
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Gideon MacLeish
Join Date 06/2004
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Reply #4 February 28, 2007 5:29:06 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
ERs will also treat severe things like this for uninsured folks as well. It is not all about cost, sometimes it is also about people not getting kids the care they need.


Maybe, just maybe, greywar, they're trying to dig themselves out of a hole by not having the mountainous debt that numerous ER visits can and do make for so many. Honestly, though, MOST ER's I've been too would just give the kid painkillers and send him home. I know firsthand. That's why my knee's so messed up. Because it has needed treatment for many years, but when I would go into the ER despite being able to barely walk on it, they would bandage it and send me home with a note for two days off work.

I don't believe in socialized medicine, you know that. But I DO believe that somehow we should be able to come up with a better system, one that gives choices to the working poor that don't involve more than 10 years of bad credit afterwards.
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Reply #5 March 1, 2007 12:49:29 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
my dentist here in the states wants to charge me $780 for a crown, yet a dentist in Mexico charged me $160.


The price down in Mexico will be about $2300. Here? $6000+ (I have heard up to $10k). Even with Dental insurance, we still save $1000 by having it done in Mexico


Why is that I wonder?! I would love to know why there is such a difference in the cost! Just like with prescriptions, you can get it cheaper in Canada and in Mexico but not here.



My uncle died from an infected tooth. It's a shame.


That's awful Sugar! I don't know why it's so difficult when it comes to healthcare. I read also that a 19 year old died in the UK because of an infected tooth. It's not just here in the US, where there is a problem with dental care.


ERs will also treat severe things like this for uninsured folks as well. It is not all about cost, sometimes it is also about people not getting kids the care they need.


They extract tooth at the ER too? I believe in the end when he got treatment, it was because of a hospital. The tooth came out (by a dentist I believe) and he was on the mend.


I don't believe in socialized medicine, you know that. But I DO believe that somehow we should be able to come up with a better system, one that gives choices to the working poor that don't involve more than 10 years of bad credit afterwards.


Absolutely!


I heard the story recently about a couple, by no means poor, but not rich either. The husband got sick, went to the ER, didn't stay long, just a couple of hours. His ER bill was very high. He couldn't pay it off at once, they put a lien on his house!

I forgot which city it was. I wouldn't be surprise if it was here in Florida, they do stuff like that here!
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Dr. Guy
Join Date 09/2004
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Reply #6 March 1, 2007 12:52:58 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

Why is that I wonder?! I would love to know why there is such a difference in the cost! Just like with prescriptions, you can get it cheaper in Canada and in Mexico but not here.

Malpractice Insurance.

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Texas Wahine
Join Date 08/2004
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Reply #7 March 1, 2007 1:34:03 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
It's crazy. Growing up I hardly ever went to the dentist partly because we were uninsured and partly because my mom is terrified of dentists.

Adrian and I feel like regular dentist appointments are a priority for our children. Both of us would have benefited from braces but never got them.

We are fortunate to have very good dental insurance (less than $30 a month for me and the kids, regular check ups at no cost, 20% co-pay on dental work) and a dentist who will allow patients to make payments if they can't pay for something up front.

I think finding a compassionate dentist is probably paramount for poor families.
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Jythier
Join Date 02/2003
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Reply #8 March 1, 2007 7:15:31 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
The difference in cost has to do with the difference in regulations, not just insurance. You can't get cheap care here because it's impossible to run a cheap medical operation. It would be shut down in five minutes.
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Dr Guy
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Reply #9 March 1, 2007 7:55:50 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

The difference in cost has to do with the difference in regulations, not just insurance. You can't get cheap care here because it's impossible to run a cheap medical operation. It would be shut down in five minutes.

That too.

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uDigItTheMost
Join Date 06/2005
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Reply #10 March 2, 2007 3:45:41 AM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
A friend of mine needed to go to the dentist but was having trouble with her insurance. Her husband is in the military and he is the sole provider. Her dentist refused treatment because the insurance wouldn't pay for it all. They wanted her to pay the difference in full before her appointment. They had signs saying they have payment plans but they said she doesn't qualify because SHE doesn't work. It doesn't make no sense to me.
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Reply #11 March 2, 2007 12:15:00 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Oh yes Doc, Insurance is a part of it, law suit anyone? That's the main reason I guess uh? Too sad though if that's all it is.

Jythier, I don't think anyone really want to have shoddy work done to their mouths. They'll pay for it in the end!



Her dentist refused treatment because the insurance wouldn't pay for it all. They wanted her to pay the difference in full before her appointment. They had signs saying they have payment plans but they said she doesn't qualify because SHE doesn't work. It doesn't make no sense to me.


This is the problem right there! Many dentists are like that. IT's not about insurance or looking for cheap care. Why would anyone want cheap care in their mouths? Like Tex said, Its a matter of finding a dentist who is invested in his community and that's the crux of it right there!
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Reply #12 March 4, 2007 11:30:30 AM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
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For those without dental plans, I've found a link to a website that looks pretty helpful on obtaining a plan to suit your budget and needs. Just type in your zip code to find the plan for your area. I'll check it out for myself and give an update sometime later in the year after I've tried it!
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