Understanding Treatment Plans and Pricing at Different Dental Practices
Why might two dentists recommend different treatment plans for the same dental issue?
Very often, two dentists can recommend different treatments for the same dental issue. It's not necessarily that one is right and the other is wrong. There can be various reasons for this. In some people's hands, one procedure might work very well, while in someone else's hands, it just works better another way.
It could also be their background, what they're comfortable with doing. Some people are very comfortable with, for example, doing a partial denture and making that work for somebody. A partial denture comes in and out, and you soak it at night. Sometimes people can make them tolerable, and you can chew with them, function with them, and do very well. Someone else might say you really need a dental implant. Dental implants differ from partial dentures in that they don't come in and out, and you don't have to soak them at night. It's kind of like having your own teeth.
There are many reasons why a treatment plan will vary. A crucial thing is to ensure you're communicating with the dentist. If you've been to someone else, ask why they are recommending something different from what the other person recommended. It's really important to maintain that communication.
How can a dentist's philosophy, conservative versus proactive, lead to different recommendations?
Some dentists are more conservative, whereas others are more proactive. For example, one dentist might say you have a cavity here that's just beginning; let's not do anything and just wait and watch. The pro is you don't have to do anything right now. The con is that the cavity can continue to get bigger; it's not going to get smaller.
Unfortunately, cavities and gum disease keep progressing. While one person might say let's watch it for a while, another might suggest intervening and stopping it while it is small, so it doesn't cause the need for a crown or root canal. The natural progression in dentistry is that if you don't fix the problem, it just keeps getting worse. Those are some reasons why someone who's more conservative versus someone who's more proactive might have differing views.
In what ways do technology, imaging tools, or diagnostic methods influence a dentist's treatment plan?
The diagnostic tools a dentist has at their disposal play a huge role in the treatment plan they present to you. If they have the latest in imaging radiography, digital x-rays, or what we call CBCTs or 3D X-rays, they can obtain good diagnostic images. Being able to take pictures intraorally in your mouth is also helpful. There are many different tools that help diagnose appropriately.
In contrast, someone without these tools might not see problems. It doesn't mean the problems aren't there, just that they're not seen. That's why having the appropriate diagnostic equipment is crucial for diagnosing issues early, so they can be addressed when they're small before becoming big problems.
How does a patient's long-term oral health goals affect the treatment options a dentist might offer?
Each individual's goals definitely impact what type of treatment is offered. Some people might say they don't care about their teeth, don't like chewing food, and aren't social, so they don't care about their teeth and just want them pulled out. Others might want to eat steak, socialize without embarrassment, and be able to eat, function, and talk normally. These two people might have very different treatment plans based on their life goals.
What advice do you have for patients who receive two different treatment plans and aren't sure which one to choose?
If you receive two different treatment plans and aren't sure which is right, I highly recommend talking to the dentist. More communication is better than less.
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, we're always happy to sit down and talk. Our consult room is always open. We'd love to have a free consultation to discuss other treatment plans you've received and see if they meet your goals. The most important thing is to find out what you want. Once we know what kind of lifestyle you want with your teeth, we can tailor the treatment plan to your needs.
Why do dental prices vary from one practice to another even for the same treatment?
The price of dental procedures can vary widely from one practice to the next for a variety of reasons. A good analogy might be getting a meal at several different places. You can go to McDonald's and get a meal, go to Costco's food court, or go to a really nice sit-down restaurant.
None of these are necessarily wrong, but there's a huge difference in the preparation and quality of food you receive at each place. That can be one reason why prices vary from one practice to the next, just the quality of service given. In any industry, there's a huge variety in dental materials, equipment, and diagnostic tools used to deliver the best possible outcome for patients. That's one of the things we pride ourselves on here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, giving the absolute best possible service to each patient.
How does the quality of materials or technology used in a procedure affect the cost?
The quality of materials used in a procedure has a significant bearing on the cost of the dental procedure. One example is the laboratory used. Often in dental work, a dental laboratory is used, and there's a wide range of laboratories. You can get work done in other countries like India or China, have things made in the United States, or have your own lab and make it yourself.
All these options will change the price. Sending work to a third-world country decreases overhead but doesn't necessarily increase product quality. The materials used for fillings also vary in quality. Some are high quality, like those we use at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, but there are other materials from different countries where cutting costs is prioritized over quality. That's another reason why some things can be less expensive at certain offices.
Can differences in a dentist's training or specialization impact pricing?
Differences in a dentist's training can cause a significant difference in price. You can visit dentists who may not have extensive training in a certain procedure, like dental implants. Some people might just do a weekend course and suddenly become implant dentists. In contrast, others might start with a residency and continue with extensive education in that procedure.
This difference often reflects in the price. At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, we specialize in and pride ourselves on being thoroughly educated and continuing to educate ourselves on all procedures. We ensure that initial education is strong, and continued education is a way of life here.
What role do factors like location, staffing, and in-office equipment play in setting fees?
Staffing, office location, and the equipment used in the office can significantly affect the cost of services. High-tech, modern equipment that performs tasks efficiently and well will naturally increase the price. In offices where things are done as they were back in the 50s, costs are typically lower. The modernness of the equipment and materials used plays a big role.
Location also impacts pricing. As we all know, services in a high-end area are generally more expensive, whereas, in a more moderate socioeconomic area, they might be less expensive. These factors contribute to determining the cost of dentistry.
What should patients consider when comparing prices between dental offices to make sure they're comparing fairly?
There are many things to consider when looking at dental prices. Is the office using modern equipment or outdated materials? Are the staff and dentist well-trained and up to date on the latest procedures? It's crucial to communicate and have a conversation with the dentist about their practice, philosophy, equipment, and materials. If a dentist is more expensive, but the quality and outcome of the procedure are much better, it might be worth it for the peace of mind that it will last a long time.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!