Dentist grumpage

[beamie]

Your insurance Co. sux. Many dentists, although it is more expensive, are going to the white epoxy fillers. There seems to be some thoughts that silver in your mouth all those years possibly leads to certain illnesses......could be als, not sure.

Your should get an itemized bill that shoes the difference between silver and epoxy. The exam is the same and the drilling is the same etc etc. Basically they should be paying say 50% not 0%.

[EricW]

Originally Posted by beamie

Your insurance Co. sux. Many dentists, although it is more expensive, are going to the white epoxy fillers. There seems to be some thoughts that silver in your mouth all those years possibly leads to certain illnesses......could be als, not sure.
.

It isn't the Silver in the amalgam filling, it is the mercury they contain that some see as a cause for concern. That is a whole debate, but I agree best to go with white fillings. I am lucky to have learned that 35 years ago from a very progressive dentist who was using composite fillings before many others were. I have had only white fillings since I was a kid. Some have held up, but others have had to be re done.
As far as insurance, they either pay for that type of filling or they don't you can always get a pre treatment estimate from them.

What I don't like is that there is usually a cap like 1200 for yearly benefit. Even with a "cadillac" dental plan from a generous employer. Doesn't go too far at the dental office these days.

[FishermanTim]

Yeah, I feel your pain.
With the cost of most "procedures", dental plans don't do much for you if you need multiple visits or major work.

What gets me is he cavalier approach they have when presenting you with a bill for more than a month's salary!

Your best bet is to have a relative in that field, so that even if they can't do the work, they can steer you in the right direction and give you an ida of the costs involved.