They're going to make me pay in teeth?

April 16, 2008 3:54 PM

I'm going to see a dentist in Toronto tomorrow. How much is this going to cost me?

Feels like a waste of a question but I realized I have to pay up front and then get reimbursed by insurance afterward. I'm getting a checkup/cleaning and x-rays done as a "new patient visit."

Roughly how much is this going to set me back? I looked online but the ODA mentions the dental fee guide but I can't seem to find the actual prices anywhere.

posted by SassHat to health (10 comments total)

Why not call the dentist's office and ask for a price quote?
posted by Carol Anne at 3:59 PM on April 16

I never seem to get out of the dentist's office without dropping at least $200. I have a recent bill here.. 3 units of scaling was $144, and a 'specific exam' was $118. Add the X-rays and new patient setup charges and I would budget about $350. (I'm in Toronto).

Apparently the ODA fee guide is available in public libraries. But I think Carol Anne has a good idea.
posted by sevenyearlurk at 4:09 PM on April 16

The exact type of appointment you describe cost me $223.65 at my dentist. They gave me a free toothbrush afterwards, your mileage may vary.
posted by tracert at 4:26 PM on April 16

Carol Anne - because I'm going in the morning and I need to figure how much cash to free up on the old Visa tonight...and they're closed.
posted by SassHat at 4:45 PM on April 16

It is perfectly acceptable to ask the dentist or their staff what the charges are going to be. I have on occasion negotiated lower prices from the dentist or doctor. This has to be done BEFORE you get any work done.
posted by snowjoe at 4:45 PM on April 16

My dentist puts the bill through the insurance electronically and gives me an invoice with 30 days to pay it. Check with your dentist and see if they are able to do this as well. Show up with your certificate/plan number and good luck.
posted by xenyz at 4:45 PM on April 16

I agree with what has been said. Most of the cleaning is billed in units of scaling. So if you haven't been to a dentist in 10 years, I would budget $250-300 for cleaning and consultation. If your teeth are in good shape, $120-200. But the x-rays (how many, etc.) will probably add another $100-120.
posted by kamelhoecker at 5:41 PM on April 16

I went to the dentist in Toronto yesterday. No insurance, so I paid out of pocket. It was:
4 Bitewing radiographs (x-rays): 37.00
3 units periodontal scaling: 165.00
Polishing (which is optional): 18.00
Recall exam: 29.00
Total: 249.00
posted by meerkatty at 7:58 PM on April 16

In Alberta, as a new patient, with x-rays, exam and cleaning I paid $415.
posted by blue_beetle at 9:07 PM on April 16

It was 279. They ended up just taking a copy of my CC number and processing the insurance for me so the difference will be applied to my card (~50 bucks). Thanks y'all!
posted by SassHat at 1:33 AM on April 19