Confused about Dentists and Insurance?

-My dentist passed away. His son now runs his business. He's been there for awhile so I assume his reputation is good. They charge around 230 for the full visit, cleaning, xray, exam.



Another dentist charges about 181 for the full service.



I think the only difference is the first listed does a panoramic xray, while the second just does bite wings.



I don't have dental insurance. I am thinking about getting it though, then cancelling after my visits.



Worst case scenario, if I have a cavity, then I will keep the insurance and wait 6 months for filling coverage to kick in.



The insurance will only cover 50% of the filling, one per tooth. And I don't even think they cover composite fillings, just the metal kind which is sad, because I'll only do composite.



I kinda don't know what to do because I haven't been to the dentist in about 6 or 7 years, but I brush everyday, and floss a lot.You must be sure this particular dentist will accept the individual coverage plan you purchase. Individual plans are different from group plans from the same insurance company. Most dental plans have network dentists. If you have a cavity you cannot wait 6 months to fill it. I would pay cash and get the work done now so your teeth dont get worse. You can probably make a monthly payment plan.
dental insurance is not needed. dentist visit is relatively cheap. just go and pay the bill. Pick the dentist who is cheapest.



It is not as if you can have a medical disaster with your teeth that will wipe you out financially. forget the insurance for dentist.
You haven't been to the dentist for 6 or 7 years...

Just pay the $230.



What is insurance going to save you, NOTHING.
You could buy a discount dental plan AND get the xrays, cleaning and evaluation cheaper than what you dentist is charging. THEN you'd have the plan for 12 months for your next visit and any other coverage.



Buying an insurance plan for the cleaning and a potential cavity with the plan on cancelling is.....dumb. That's your most expensive route.



But, if you actually want to be prudent and get dental for the potential major service then go for it. Dental is not needed, but you should at least pick up a discount plan because the dentists idea of giving you a good deal and what the insurance company has the dentist agreeing to are vastly different.