Reasonable Price for filling?
Added: November 23, 2005 - 6:39 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Austin, TX
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Filling
Teeth: 15,19
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: August 2005
Last Cleaning: August 2005
Case Description
My dentist quoted $1,816 for replacing my current filling with inlay porcel/ceramic-2 surface for teeth 15 (OL) and 19 (OB) - info is from my dentist's Treatment Plan sheet. He mentioned that my current filling (appear metalic/amalgam?) needs to be replaced - I think he said that its seeping - recently I feel sensitivity in them (not sure if its psychological). Is this a fair price in Austin, Tx?
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Reply: Reasonable Price for filling?
added: November 26, 2005 - 5:17 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Not being able to see the xrays or examine the extent of damage to your teeth, it is difficult to say whether this fee is totally fair. i will say that for a two surface laboratory fabricated ceramic bonded restoration $900 per tooth is not out of line, if it is done with excellence using the best materials. Could you please answer a few questions for me:1. Do you have any signs of clenching or bruxism in your mouth, and if yes do you currently wear a protective appliance to control the pressure and wear?2.. What is the extent and size of your existing fillings? Are they close to the dental pulps? Are any internal fractures apparent in either of these teeth?These are questions which are critical in determining what is the best long term restoration for these individual teeth.I hope I have helped you by allowing you to continue on your continuum of health.Regards,Matthew Steinberg, DDS FAGD FACD FICD
Reply: Reasonable Price for filling?
added: November 27, 2005 - 10:43 AM
Cost Estimate: $300 - 400
Without seeing the teeth, I do not know the whole story, but from what I understand, your dentist may be misleading you into having expensive dentistry you do not want. My first concern is the sensitivity you are experiencing. I wonder if the teeth in question are hitting wrongly (possibly even against each other). Bad occlusion is a common cause of sensitivity and is easily corrected. If the dentist did not slip a piece of carbon paper between your teeth to check your bite before suggesting porcelain inlays, return to the office and ask for your records because he or she is either incompetent or dishonest. (If it was suggested that the mercury in the fillings was causing you harm, turn this dentist in to the state board for lying to you in order to make a sale). I also have a problem with the choice of restorations. If the lesion is small enough to be restored with an inlay, why not use a silver amalgam? A two surface filling will probably cost about $150 and it may last for decades.. If esthetics is an issue with the lower tooth, have a tooth colored filling placed there. Cosmetic fillings are getting better all the time, but be aware that they will be more expensive and probably will not last as long as mercury-silver alloys. Though it may sound old fashioned to advocate silver fillings, no other restoration has such a proven track record. Please accept this as advice I would give my own family. I think you need a better dentist. -Darrell Pruitt DDS
Reply: Reasonable Price for filling?
added: November 28, 2005 - 9:31 AM
Cost Estimate: $$398.00 - $458.00
Hello,The price quoted to you for 2 inlays is fair for this area. The cost is because an outside laboratory is fabricating the restoration. However, many dentists may suggest replacing a failing filling with another filling, which is a much less expensive alternative.
Reply: Reasonable Price for filling?
added: November 28, 2005 - 1:13 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
As my colleagues above have stated , a complete exam would be needed to evaluate the need for inlays vs. new fillings vs. full coverage crowns. Many factors would need to be evaluated. The sensitivity could be caused by many factors such as : decay, grinding your teeth, sinus infection, or bad occlusion just to name a few. As stated above, if the current fillings are relatively small then only a new fillings (tooth colored if your concerned about the esthetics) would be needed and would cost much less.My guess would be that the dentist you went to has an expensive machine called CEREC that will make crowns/inlays in office. It seems some of these dentist will over recommend inlays on patients that a simple filling would be sufficient. That was just a guess and can not be confirmed until a comprehensive exam is done.If you are in doubt of the necessity of the inlays , I always recommend that you go get a second opinion. Ask one of your co-workers who their dentist is and if they recommend him. Then go to that dentist for a second opinion.
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