One of our readers just tried to take advantage of a $50 teeth cleaning offer from a local dentist, but once he got there he was quoted a new price of $1,136 for what they described as a “deep cleaning.” Was their revised offer legit?
Span_Wolf writes:
I submit the following question to Consumerist readers, or any dentists that might read. Under any circumstances would it ever be reasonable to charge $1,136 dollars for a tooth cleaning?
I lost my dental insurance about a year and a half ago when I lost my last job. Being a year and a half since my last appointment I decided to go get a cleaning when a letter from a local dental office came in the mail offering half off on a cleaning for new customers. I went in fully expecting to need a bit of elbow grease in my cleaning since it had been so long, but after my initial examination I was told that I would be needing a, “deep cleaning” including numbing my gums, and my 50 dollar cleaning turned into 1,136 dollars. They said they would be willing to mark it down to 900 dollars if I paid up front. I told them I would think about it and got out of there as fast as I could short diving out the nearest window.
On the way home I pulled into another dental office and simply asked them, “What is the most you would ever possibly charge for a DEEP tooth cleaning?” They informed me that the most they would ever charge was a little less than 450 bucks, but that was a service for older patients that hadn’t been to a dentist in years and really needed some work, but as young as I was (25) I’d most likely not need anything that extreme or expensive.
So scam, ripoff, somehow legit, or a case of an upscale dentist office charging upscale prices?
First of all, I have to commend you on your diving-out-the-window exit, as that’s how I’d like to leave any dentist’s office I’ve ever been in.
As your second opinion source suggested, this page says deep cleaning is usually a service provided for patients who are 40-years-old and older. Unlike normal cleaning, a local anesthetic is used and the teeth are scraped several millimeters below the gum line. Usually the procedure is only performed if the dentist finds that the pockets around your teeth are deeper than normal, because that’s an early sign of gum disease.
The teeth are often cleaned in quadrants and it therefore can take more than one visit, which helps explain why it can cost more money.
Since you’re only 25 and have no history with this dental office, I’d definitely make an appointment elsewhere for a cleaning and not mention anything about this visit, to see whether a second examination reveals the same thing.
Any dental expert types out there who want to offer some advice?
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I had a dental office tell me the same exact thing, I was 25 at the time. They claimed I needed the deep cleaning due to gum disease and it would cost me over $1000. I said I needed time to think about it, went to a different dentist who told me I just needed two regular cleanings over the course of a few months and that would be fine. He told me the office, located in a shopping mall btw, was just trying to get money out of me…
I would almost guarantee that it’s a dental franchise. During times when I haven’t had dental insurance, franchises are the cheapest for cleanings. However, without fail, they have always tried to sell me dental sealants. I’m 38, and they’ve been hawking them since I was 25.
Sounds like I might need them – with the exception that my brother and sister-in law ARE dentists. If I didn’t live half a country away, I’d go to them (and do when I’m at home). According to both of them, I don’t need any sealants, and never have. Last time, I confronted the “dentist” with the fact that sealants are almost never recommended to adult patients, and she was visibly ashamed that she recommended them. Wouldn’t make eye contact with me, and after the first one, wouldn’t offer any more excuses other than “I’m sorry.” I wasn’t ugly to her at all, and had a pleasant conversation after the sealants discussion was over.
Many of these chains have policies that dictate that they try to put sealants on EVERY person that walks in the door. The ADA won’t say that they’re bunk, because in some cases they aren’t. Also because it’s a HUGE moneymaker, and they won’t hurt their constituents by saying so.
Also, be VERY wary of anywhere that won’t do a basic cleaning on the same day as the initial consultation. That’s a big tip-off that they’re not the place you should be going if you have a choice.
Whether or not he needs a scaling and planing is up to a dentist to decide, but hopefully a legitimate one who doesn’t need to offer up bait-and-switch coupons in order to get patients. And it shouldn’t cost that much, even if you have zero insurance.
I’m a dental hygienist and this is definitely a legit procdure that I do evey day. Age has no factor, it depends on the depth of your periodontal pockets and the amount of tartar on your teeth. The youngest patient I’ve had to do scaling/root planing on was a ten old refugee. I work in a rural area and we charge $200/quadrant so $1100 isn’t overly excessive. Also, cleanings every 6 months aren’t enough for most patients so don’t be suprised if they want you to come back every 3 months.
That fee does seem excessive. I’m a third year dental student and have done a handful of “deep cleanings”. A deep cleaning is actually called “Scaling and Root Planing” (SRP). It is performed in cases where the patient has a lot of sub-gingival calculus (calcified plaque below the gum line), remarkably deep pockets (the space where the gums surround each tooth), or other signs of periodontal disease. They separate your mouth into four “quadrants” and typically do one quadrant per appointment. They use local anesthetic and use sharp instruments to remove the calculus down nearly to where the bone level is around each tooth.
At the dental school (which is *much* cheaper then private practice) we charge $75/quadrant. So a full mouth SRP would be 300. Anywhere up to double that wouldn’t be outrageous in private practice.
I am a general dentist in the Atlanta area with 10 years experience. Sadly, root planing and deep scaling is a procedure that is grossly over-prescribed right now. In this economy a lot of dentists have had to find new sources of revenue to continue to meet the always increasing overhead that we face. Very few 25 year old patients should require such a procedure. If there is a history of early tooth loss in your family, perhaps it is indicated. I would highly recommend a second opinion. If they will give you a copy of your radiographs I would be happy to look at them at no charge. My website is http://www.peachtreesmiles.com. (First time poster – sorry if this is bad form. I’m not seeking new patients but simply offering some professional assistance to a fellow reader.)
I read some of the other posts about dentists and a lot of people have a legitimate complaint on here. Most of us are very hard working small business owners that simply want to make our “customers” (patients) happy and hope that they will refer their friends and coworkers to us. But there is a percentage that abuse their position out of pure greed. If something sounds wrong, please seek a second opinion. Also, if you have a trusted dentist already but suddenly need something expensive, do not be afraid to ask for a discount or at least an interest-free payment plan. Most of us are happy to do it! Oh, and remember to floss! Good luck…
It’s a scam. I worked as a dental receptionist and during that time if I booked one or two deep scaling cleanings a month, that’s probably a generous estimate. I used one of those coupons for a cleaning/exam and got an estimate for several thousands of dental work that allegedly needed to be done–including a deep, scaling cleaning and a CROWN! Went to a local dental school and their assessment was that I needed a basic cleaning and small filling. “But what about the crown?” I asked the dentist professor. He looked in my mouth three times and couldn’t see anywhere that I might need a crown.
Good for you for being skeptical!
Was in Monarch? We HAVE to use Monarch on our dental insurance and they like to nickel and dime you. I really do have (had) gum disease and was charged $250 WITH INSURANCE to do a scaling and root plaining on two teeth. My husband just had one done too, but his was more extensive than mine and cost $320 at Monarch. I thought it was a major ripoff and wish I would have just had them skip it.
I used to have moderate gum disease and got one quadrant done at a reputable dentist, cash pay for around $250. After that, I started using an expensive sonic toothbrush and flossing a lot. When I went back 6 months later to have another quadrant done (I couldn’t afford it sooner than that) my pockets were completely gone. I still have 1 or two pop up (usually around two of my back molars) But, diligent extra brushing and flossing and rinsing seems to get rid of it.
My cat got a deep teeth cleaning last year. They used some kind of general anesthesia so she would not freak out too much. It cost a little over $100. I know OP is not a kitty cat, but $1,100 is complete bullshit!
This is really only necessary if you have periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Are your gums dark in colour, look swollen or puffy, or bleed very easily when you brush? If this is the case, then yes you probably do need it as periodontitis can affect anyone at any age. And yes it does cost over a grand, but get a second opinion, a proper exam, before you do it.
How common is it to get 2nd opinions on dental work? I found out recently I need a root canal and estimated cost AFTER insurance is $1900. At age 34, I’m in shock. I am considering getting a 2nd opinion/quote but not sure if dentists usually do that sort of thing.
Is that for just 1 root canal? If so, that’s ridiculously expensive! It should be maybe around $800 for the molars and cheaper for the front teeth.
Go to another dentist, there is no reason you have to stick to one.
The procedure itself is definitely legit. I had to go through it when I was 23, and that’s after visiting a couple of dentists. I never used to floss and rarely went to dentist because I didn’t have insurance.
The procedure was separated into 4 sessions and cost a fortune because I also had to get 11 cavity fillings replaced. Insurance paid about half of the total cost and my dentist gave me discount for the portion I had to pay. $1,100 doesn’t sound too excessive, mine was probably in that price range but my dentist is awesome and I got a lot of anesthetics and didn’t feel a thing in the process. (I got all my old fillings sans anesthetics and it’s probably why I avoid going to dentists for years)
$450 sound really cheap though, the cheapest quote I got was $700 and that was from a pretty cheap dental office 6 years ago. Do get a second opinion but don’t think just because you’re young you definitely won’t need it.
Im 27 and my dentist gave me a deep cleaning for “free” (quotes because they then billed my insurance company about $500 to which my ins co sent me a chastising letter essentially damning me for accepting such an outrageous offer)…
Also, I did it without any numbing. It didn’t hurt that bad…
I went to the dentist about four months ago and they told me I needed a deep cleaning. total price $2,080. I said “sure” and never scheduled the appointments. They also gave me two fillings I probably didn’t need.
FWIW, I had the same situation w/ no dental insurance, and went 2 years w/ no cleaning. When I went in, they didn’t mention anything about deep cleaning. It cost $80.
I’m a general dentist, and as you can probably tell, I like to talk.
The most important thing you can do as a dental patient (or medical patient) is be educated about your condition and the treatments that have been prescribed for you.
Do not be afraid to ask questions until you understand both. If your dentist (or doctor) won’t be bothered to answer your questions or give you a means for answering them (educational materials, educated staff members), then find a new dentist. It’s your mouth and your money.
I know that for many people, that’s easier said than done. Many employers offer inexpensive dental plans that only offer benefits at a very limited number of dental offices, many of which are commonly “volume-based” chains. A good dentist is probably worth the extra cost, but it might be worthwhile to lobby the higher-ups for a new dental plan.
Oh, boy. I could write an entire article about dental insurance plans.
Anyway, it seems there are two issues in question:
1) Cost
2) Necessity
Whether or not “deep cleaning”, or “Scaling and Root Planing” (SCRP) is warranted is *necessarily* based on a diagnosis of Periodontal Disease (or “Gum disease”). This is important. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you’ve been to the dentist, or how much tartar (or “calculus”) is on your teeth, or how difficult the dentisthygienist thinks the cleaning is going to be (although these things are often correlated with “perio”). SCRP is a procedure prescribed for the treatment of active periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is generally diagnosed based on the presence of deep pockets between the gums and the teeth, which are signs that the bone of the jaw is receding. A SCRP is performed to remove the bacteria and irritants adhering to the roots of the teeth in these deep pockets, and hopefully arrest the process. It then falls to regular maintenance and diligent home care to keep the process from becoming active again.
As has been mentioned by others, it is atypical for a 25-year-old to present with active periodontal disease, though it is certainly not unheard of. Whether your diagnosis was accurate requires confirmation by evaluation of radiographs (X-rays) and periodontal probing records.
I know for a fact that some dentists will prescribe SCRP strictly based on the presence of subgingival calculus (tartar under the gumline), because cleaning it off is more difficult and time consuming, though this is technically incorrect without (again) a diagnosed case of active periodontal disease.
As regards the cost, that’s variable. It depends on where you live. Dentistry is more expensive in certain areas, just like homes or groceries. It depends on the dentist, obviously. Some dentists charge higher fees because they feel they offer a higher level of service. (Admittedly, just as in any profession, some dentists charge higher fees because it means higher profits.)
The (standard) fees at our office are higher than average because I believe patient education is important, and I believe I spend more time with each of my patients than most dentists.
In our office, SCRP runs about $225 per quadrant, or $900 for all four quadrants. If you’re on one of the dental insurance plans we participate in, the total fee comes down to around $720, and the insurance will usually pick up between 50% to 80% of that (depending on your plan).
Assuming you do in fact have periodontal disease, $1000 (or even the lower-quoted $450) is not an insignificant amount of money, but the eventual consequence of unchecked periodontal disease is tooth loss. If you need it, it’s absolutely worth it. Furthermore, SCRP should only really be necessary once, if you follow up with regular maintenance and diligent home care.
It is absolutely within your rights as a consumer and a patient to seek a second opinion any time you have doubts.
Some people’s teeth develop more plaque than others. They’re not totally sure why this is so, but it’s hereditary in many cases.
The more stress I am experiencing in life (whether it be physical or emotional), the more plaque my teeth develop. I’ve had the same dental hygienist for 10 years and I go every 6 months like clockwork. The ups and downs of my teeth’s plaque levels are well recorded. It’s the same thing for me with gum inflammation.
If we can assume your dental hygiene and dietary habits remain constant, then I’d be liable to chalk up “more stress=more plaque” to a depressed immune response.
Plaque requires bacteria and food, though it’s primarily bacteria. If your immune system is depressed due to stress, that might allow the bacteria to proliferate more easily.
Hereditary factors may (and probably do) play a role, but the bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease are transmissible, and you’re not born with them. The most common mode of transmission is from caregiver to child, from sharing utensils, “sampling” food, kissing on the mouth, etc. In some cases, also passed down are familial dietary/hygiene habits.
The more stress might mean a dryer mouth which might help facilitate things like plaque.
. If you need a pick me up due to stress coffee can sometimes stain teeth. Alcohol might dry the mouth. As can certain tooth pastes-increased intense brushing might leave too much flouride which can look like a brown stain.
Wow! $1,136? You’d be getting clean teeth and getting screwed at the same time. Hope the dental assistant is hot and very booby.
I had to have a deep cleaning done a couple years ago. I hadn’t been to the dentist in a long ass time, basically all through college, and yeah, it got sorta bad. I don’t remember it costing that much, but I was still on my parent’s insurance, so I didn’t care too much. By that time they had me paying the costs, though, and I think it was a bit more than $100 for both sessions. I say both because that’s how my dentist does it, and is apparently the recommended method. You’ll go in, and they’ll numb the upper and lower jaw on either the left or right side only, then you go in a week later and they do the other side. That way they don’t numb your whole mouth in one go.
The procedure is legit, because what’s happened is buildup has gotten bellow your gum line, so deep that cleaning it during a regular cleaning would be EXTREMELY painful (they’re going BELLOW YOUR GUM LINE HERE). They need to get the buildup out of there, otherwise it’ll continue to eat away at your teeth, and at that deep it’ll eventually start eating away at the bone in your jaw, which doesn’t grow back apparently.
The cost is what seems extremely abnormal, though. Sounds like they’re trying to take you through the ringer.
I think you’d be fine waiting a bit until you have insurance again, but don’t wait too long.
Some DDS’s are great, others are just the worst. If you have an expensive treatment plan, get a second opinion. Scaling and Root Planing is tedoius, fine, painstaking work (no pun intended), and yes it can be expensive. We always had our patients sign off, that we recomended scaling and root planing and the patient understands that “just a cleaning” (removing plaque and tarter above the gum line) would not help any gum disease. I worked for a DDS in a rural town (pop 500) and his work was excellent and less expensive than the “city” DDS’s. The practices that offer $50 cleanings usually have a liability that that price is effective only in the absence of periodontal (gum) disease. If your gums bleed or are a bit red and puffy this is a sign of gingivitis which is an early form of gum disease, which disqualifies you for the $50 cleaning. If you have access to a dental school, that is a great place to go. You will save a lot of money, but because it is a teaching school, it will take a longer time, but the treatment is top notch and everything is very carefully supervised. So if you have more time than money, that is the way to go.
On the other hand, I was a sub at one office for a week and this DDS was a real piece of s***.
As a dental hygienist I cannot diagnose. So if a patient asks, “So do I have any cavities?” by law I cannot say yes or no but usually reply, “There are a couple of spots Dr. DDS needs to check. Well this one piece of s*** where I subbed, oooh this just makes me so mad to think about it, “Hi Mr. Smile, hey, looks great, everything looks real good, see you in a year” when there was obvious decay. Why charge $ for a filling when in a couple of years you can charge $$$ for a crown and maybe $$$$ for a root canal, too. The patient’s just loved this guy too, hey why not, he never found any cavities!! Also this was when dental HMO and PPO’s came out. Say for instance (hypothetically, as I have no idea what the amount would be) for each person enrolled in the plan he received $1500. Well, any work he actually provided would come out of that, thus reducing his profits. When patients would ask if they needed to come back in 6 months, his reply was, “Everything looks so good, you’re doing such a great job, let’s make it a year.” All his patients had nothing bad to say about him, oh he was just the greatest DDS. I worked for him for just that one week, I just couldn’t do it. Especially when some of these kids rally needed sealants or had small cavities starting. The kids were really happy when they were told they didn’t need flouride treatments (they cost about $2 to $3, out of pocket to the DDS, what a cheapskate!) Makes me sick…Karma, my dear DDS…Karma. Most DDS’s like thier job and are honest and ethical. If you ever have any doubt get a second opinion. If they vary like night and day, get a third. The best thing is if they have an intra-oral camera. Then you, the patient, can see what we see…
I have been a Certified Dental Assistant for 25 years and a Licensed Dental Hygienist for 12, I love my job 98% of the time, and am still passionate about the work that I do!
I’ve had mild gum disease for the past few years. I just had this procedure. It was $500 and my insurance covered it 100%. They did it all in one day. It hurt like hell. IANAD (I am not a dentist) but it seems like it was pretty effective at getting all that piled up gunk out of the gumline.