$1500 for a DENTAL CROWN….How About $450? Let us show you how you can save THOUSANDS on your dental needs. This is NOT and insurance. We’ve allowed DENTISTs with extra space in their schedule to offer better pricing to you.
From Crowns to Root Canals to Gum Cleaning to Braces we’ve worked hard to match dentists with consumers.
Tucson has 100’s of dentists, orthodontist and endodontists that are looking for your business. A spot on their schedule is just like an empty airline seat or an unbooked hotel room. If our dentists and dental specialists can fill their open spot at a discount they can still make their practice work and you benefit by better than normal pricing on dental care.
If you are in pain and need immediate attention let us know, we may be able to help. Tell us what you are looking for and we’ll match you with a high quality, great value dentist right in your back yard.
Depending on where you live, we offer a great option that may cut your dental costs by up to 75%. CashMedicalCare.com has put together special pricing with dentists in Nogales, Mexico. We’ve done the leg work, vetted the dental options and have been sending clients and or using these dental services for the past decade.
Our Mexican dentists are fully trained and have years of experience in the dental profession. Depending on your procedure, most services can be handled in the same location. Our preferred vendor is a second generation family Dentistry with over 53 years of experience serving Arizonans and other Americans. The staff speaks English has an local phone contact and is about 4 blocks from the US Border.
Embed this YouTube video under Mexico – NYT http://youtu.be/XJiD7_o2gnk
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped outer shell that is cemented onto a tooth build up or replacement post. Crowns are used to restore the size, color, shape of a broken tooth. Crowns can be used to strengthen a weak tooth or to cover root canals. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal or a combination called porcelain-fused-to-metal.
The cost of a dental crown depends on the materials used; the size, location and condition of the tooth; local rates; and the dentist’s training and experience. Depending on the material of the crown the cost can range between $780 to $1700. (In Mexico crowns range from $250 for porcelain to $450 for an EMax composite). Dental insurance might cover a portion of your crown cost. The problem with some insurance policies is that even when they say they cover 80% of a given dental procedure, watch out if they use the term UCR which stands for “Usual, Customary, and Reasonable” fee criteria. Basically it means that they will pay 80% of any fee that the insurance company considers to be reasonable; of course, you have to pay the rest. What this means to you is that your dentist may charge you, say, $1000 for a crown. However your insurance company may consider $1000 to be unreasonable and will only pay 80% of the first $600. So instead of paying only $200 for the crown you’ll actually end up paying $560!
Crowns come in many materials and options. Materials range from stainless to PFM Porcelain, to Zirconium ceramic to EMax veneers. More on Dental Crowns from WebMD.
Differences between PFM versus all e-max and zirconia crowns
Porcelain fused to metal dental crown (PFM)
Porcelain fused to metal crown (PFM) is a full cast crown that is constructed by fusing the porcelain to all or most of the metal surfaces.
A PFM dental crown is indicated in case of minimal inter-occlusal clearance that requires a stronger restoration. It is also used on any tooth that requires a full crown for preventive and restorative purposes.
PFM dental crown is contraindicated when the size of the tooth pulp is negligibly smaller thus compromising the tooth preparation process. It is also contraindicated when the clinical tooth crown is very short and lacks the required stability including retention that is enough to provide the space for porcelain and metal. An e-max or a zirconium crown can be a best option when one is looking for an aesthetic appearing tooth crown.
E-Max Crown
The E-Max dental crown is considered to be a best inclusion in dental crown technology. It is a form of all-ceramic crown which provides best aesthetic appearance by complimenting with the natural teeth and it lasts longer. It has an appealing translucent color and is highly durable with extra strength.
Emax crown is generally constructed by 4 techniques: Pressed, milled Yttrium Zirconia, pressed to Zirconia, and a milled esthetic glass.
E-max crown is indicated for stained or damaged teeth with poor quality and to provide an aesthetic look. The E-max crown consists of a block of top grade material, lithium di-silicate ceramic which assures correct fitting, durability, toughness, and opaqueness thus it is priced more. The crown is also made of a glass ceramic crown that is endurable with a higher toughness but still providing a delicate look.
The E-max crown has a lifelike shape and transparent color that provides an exact color match with the patient’s own natural teeth. It has no metal alloy base thus does not affect the aesthetics around the gum line. The crown is long lasting, strong, and less prone to fractures when compared to other traditional crown types. When compared to zirconia crowns, an E-Max crown is less likely to get chipped.
Zirconia crown
A zirconia crown is made of a strong, biocompatible material, zirconia which is also used in medical applications like artificial joints. It is a well-known, type of all-ceramic crown which significantly improves the tooth appearance that has been previously disfigured or stained for years.
Different types of zirconium dental crowns include:
glass-infiltrated zirconium toughened alumina (InCeram Zirconia)
yttrium cation-doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Cercon Zirconia)
partially stabilized zirconium (Mg-PSZ)
shrinkage free ZrSiO4 ceramic
Cercon Base ZrO2 sintered crown
Zirconia is a crystal form that is indestructible and lasts longer. It has adequate strength and durability. In fact, its crown cannot be spotted amongst natural teeth. Patients are least likely to develop an allergic reaction to zirconia and thus considered a safe option when compared to porcelain fused to metal crowns.
Zirconia crown is long lasting, easy to wear and durable when compared to other crowns. The translucent appearance of zirconia crowns blends well with the natural teeth color and thus provides the most pleasing appearance. It requires minimal tooth preparation thus preserves most of the original tooth substance which is also favorable while removing the crown. Hence, zirconia crown is an ideal option to cover-up the damage including stains and to restore the tooth function.
Cost Estimation of PFM crown, E-max crown and zirconia crown The cost per porcelain fused to metal crown is approximately $700. An E-max crown costs around $1200 each, while a zirconia crown costs around $1500 per unit. (In Mexico a fused to metal PFM crown costs $250-$300, E-max $450 and zirconia $500).
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting. A partial denture uses the remaining teeth as anchors.
A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years.
Reasons for dentures:
No Teeth
Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch.
Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch.
Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
Dentures range in materials, application and quality. Prices can range from $780 for an upper to $6000 for teeth removal, post inserts and full dentures. Cost of simple tooth extraction is $100-$150 and cost of surgical tooth extraction is $200-$350 per tooth. Cost of dentures is about $1000-$5000. Cost of denture varies from type to type. (In Mexico a Valplast Flexible Full Upper and Lower runs about $750) Ask questions about how the denture will be processed. Injected or packed dentures with heat cure denture acrylic cured in a conventional method is the best. Find out what kind of teeth you will be getting and get a top of the line brand and pay some extra money for them if you have to.
A good dental professional teamed up with a good denture technician using superior materials is the best way to go. The thinner, lighter and least intrusive denture would be the best so make sure your dentures are made with a fracture resistant denture acrylic, Diamond D Ultra Impact Heat Cure would be the strongest, after that Lucitone 199 or Ivocap would be alright.
A full analysis of your dental needs is where to start your dental care journey. The costs for a cleaning vary wildly not depending on your area and your Dentist. A cleaning alone may be around $150. (In Mexico a stand alone cleaning is about $50, with a laser deep clean running $80). If it has been a while since you’ve had x-rays, many Dentists will require them. Pan. x-rays can cost from $65-$100 (In Mexico $30 for a Pan x-ray). Many Dentists require x-rays every 2 years, but most Dental insurance companies typically only pay for them once every 5 years. The rates change every year, and through every Dentist. If you have questions regarding Dental offices in your area, Please try this website. It is the American Dental Association and it can provide you with far more details on Dentists in your area, including office hours and contact information.
Most plans are a 100-80-50 Which means this, 100% preventative is covered, xrays, cleanings, consults, and usually 2 emergency consults per year. (This is a broad generalization and can be tailored according to your plan). 80% of basic treatment covered, such as fillings, etc. Depending upon the type of filling and how complex, you may only have to pay around $40 for a basic filling. (Once again, this is all dependent on what your Dentist charges) and 50% of Major work. Crowns, bridges etc. At $650 for a basic crown, 50% is a definite plus! You can contact your Dental insurance company to get local dentists in your area that accept their plans. This means that they have entered into a contract with the dentist that they will only charge a specified amount (agreed upon by both parties) So you will not be charged more than your co-payment and percentage due. Whereas going out of network may subject you to extra charges if a Dentist charges more than your insurance company allows.
Your oral health is connected with your general health. Dental care check-ups can alert the dentist to other medical conditions that have symptoms in the mouth. You’d be surprise to realize that your mouth can tell a story and help diagnose diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal irregularities. Regular dental care visits are vital to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions affecting your mouth.
Your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam at your initial dental visit. This includes checking your jaw joints, radiographs to check for cavities, and an examination of your entire mouth and surrounding soft tissues, checking for precancerous or cancerous lesions, oral sores, and gum disease. They will also examine at any existing fillings, crowns and other current restorations.
Professional dental cleanings are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. At your cleaning appointment you will have a dental exam and your hygienist will remove any plaque film that forms on the teeth. The plaque produces toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease. They will also remove any tartar, which is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments. The hygienist will polish all your teeth and remove any remaining stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp , bacteria, nerves, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function. Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would have to be removed.
Cost for root canals depends on how many roots the dentist will have to work on and how complicated they are. Usually molars cost more because they have 3 or 4 canals.
It is recommended that a patient have a crown shortly after going through endodontic or root canal treatment. The reason is simple: once the nerve is removed, the tooth by itself won’t be able to handle the stress of mastication or chewing.
A post is inserted into the nerve for retention then it is filled with composite material. It’s just like building a house. You wouldn’t want to build a house without poles, right? So a pin is inserted into the root canal to stabilize the tooth. Once done, you cannot leave the tooth unprotected so you would add another layer of protection, the crown.
A root canal from a specialist can cost $1000 to $1500 in your area (In Mexico the cost of a root canal is about $480). Many insurance carries cover 80% of Usual And Customary which is often times below the actual price the Endodontist charges. Many dentists don’t do root canal procedures because they are tricky and prone to failure when done by generalists.
Some Endodontist are trained in microscope assisted endodontic root canals. These procedures are relatively new and allow for better visibility and a more complete root canal procedure. Pricing varies between general dentist and endodontic specialist. Front or rear teeth make a difference as well, as does the part of the Country your live. More from TheWealthyDentist.com .
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment means consultation/ evaluation, and then providing care as needed. Adolescent Orthodontics is based on the principle that a persons growth spurt can be utilized to manipulate the jaw bones to correct the bite. Typically braces and orthodontic apparatus are diagnosed early in childhood, prior to adolescents.
Braces have come a long way. Methods of prepping teeth for alignment have changed – they used to take out the cuspid to make space for mouths that didn’t have room but now they take out the tooth next to it.
Your teeth will stay in your mouth for as long as you take care of them and keep them flossed, brushed and clean.
Braces can play a huge part in that. If you have issues with crowding then it can be really hard to get your teeth clean which can cause decay in between them where you can’t reach. They can actually help you keep your teeth for longer.
If you have a bite that is off braces can help you correct it so that you don’t get headaches anymore. Or you might wear on your teeth strange because of the way you bite, they might get ground down and braces will fix that.
Braces are wonderful because not only do they help you achieve an absolutely beautiful smile but they help you keep your teeth clean and your bite perfect.
Pediatric Dentistry
Baby teeth are softer and decay faster. They are also weaker than permanent teeth. Put those two factors together and you end up with a decayed tooth with a large hole and a very thin wall of tooth. Once you reach a certain point, it is very likely that the outer wall will break, the filling will fall out and the tooth will decay further. A pediatric crown is not the same as ones adults would get. A child’s crown costs lots less than an adult’s permanent crown. Learn more at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Read Quick Tips for Busy Parents and see how you can take an active role in your child’s dental healt.
Getting regular teeth cleanings and daily maintenance with brushing and flossing can help fight gum disease. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into thicker (tartar). When plaque and tartar are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal symptoms include, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it. Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and bacterial pneumonia.
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up, recommended every 6 months.
A small dental instrument is used to measure the pocket of space between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy pocket measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or in combinations to anchor dentures or dental bridges.
Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will make your face look older than it is.
There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have a doctor examine your mouth. After a thorough diagnostic examination, your dentist will recommend the treatment that is best for you. In most American dental practices, dental implants run $2000+. (In Mexico titanium implants usually run $1400)
Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their dental problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.
When you have a tooth or multiple teeth that have become infected beyond repair, you will most likely need to have them extracted. Some symptoms that may alert you to a problem are pain, swelling, a loose tooth or teeth and cyst formations. Now, these symptoms do not always indicate that a tooth needs to be extracted, but they do necessitate you calling your dental office to be seen in a timely manner.
Infection is not the only reason teeth may need to be removed. Third molars, or “wisdom teeth,” are the last of your 32 teeth to erupt. If they are aligned properly and the gum tissue is healthy, you may be able to keep your wisdom teeth. Many times, however, these teeth are positioned sideways, they are trapped beneath the gum and bone, or there simply is not enough room for them to come in. These issues may affect surrounding teeth and cause unwanted movement. Having these third molars removed early will prevent future problems from happening.
Surgical Extractions (wisdom tooth)
Composite Fillings
Onlays & Inlays
Zirconia Crowns
PFM Crowns
Bridges
Partial dentures
Complete dentures
Dental implants supporting conecting bar
Overdentures
Hybrid Dentures
Implant Bridges
Laser Assisted teeth cleaning, in Mexico.
General Dentistry
More Fun Than Root Canals? It’s the Dental Vacation
VIVA MEXICO Tyler Gates at a dental clinic in Mexico.
By Camille Sweeney February 7, 2008
Roughly half a million Americans sought medical care abroad in 2006, of which 40 percent were dental tourists, according to the National Coalition on Health Care, an alliance of more than 70 organizations. That’s up from an estimated 150,000 in 2004, said Renee-Marie Stephano, the chief operating officer for the Medical Tourism Association, a nonprofit organization that researches global health care.
To allay new customers’ fears, many dentists abroad, some of whom have trained in the United States and use the same equipment as American dentists, rely heavily on word of mouth from satisfied customers. Their Web sites include testimonials, and stateside references are provided.
$1,000 For a Dental Crown? Maybe You Should Shop Around – Forbes 5/27/2011
The one place I have seen dentistry price-driven is in the dentist-filled towns in Mexico, just south of the U.S. border, where snowbirds flock to have budget work done. Perhaps a little more open competition through this site or another like it will bring prices down to the point that these dental tourists return to shopping locally.
The Country Just Over The Fence – NYT 2/23/12
“There have always been inexpensive dentists in Nogales, but the combination of rising health costs in the United States (and the fact that many retiree health plans don’t include dental) along with the availability of cheap real estate in Nogales has created a dentistry boom here, which is expanding to include spa and other services as well.
At Laser Tech over on Obregon Street, Dr. Francisco Vazquez enlarged his dental practice a year ago to include a dermatology unit, and his wife (and mother of three), Martha Gonzales, opened a spa with treatments that included not only massage and steam baths but also “ancient rituals” inspired by the Aztecs, and for good measure hired Dr. Angel Minjares, whose specialties are theology and psychology, for “assessments.”
Their businesses are among the approximately 60 dental “wellness” practices here, mainly concentrated in a three-block area all within easy walking distance from the border gate. Most of the patients are American retirees nipping over for the day from Tucson or nearby Green Valley.”
Why Your Dentist Costs So Much – CBS News June 10, 2011
Insurance isn’t really insurance. Dental insurance, the dentists told me, is nothing like health insurance or auto insurance. It’s a maintenance plan that will cover cleanings and x-rays, maybe half the cost of a crown. It will not protect you if you need a lot of work done. The maximum annual benefits, $1,000 to $1,500, haven’t changed in the 50 years since dental insurance became available. “It’s a minor cost assistance, and there’s a widening divide between patients’ expectations of their dental insurance coverage and the actual coverage that’s provided,” says Dr. W.
Dental insurance drives docs nuts and they wish they didn’t have to use it. “The number one most complicated aspect of running a dental office, bar none, is dealing with dental insurance. You wouldn’t believe how long it takes to get through to a rep, make sure the patient does have benefits, calculate a copay,” says Dr. M. And the largest insurance plans in the country discount most dentists’ fees by 10% to 20%. If you’re paying out of pocket, ask for a discount. (You might discover the dentist is giving you one already.)
Lack of dental coverage sends patients to ER for pain
By Alison Bath, USA TODAY – 1/20/2012
The seven-state sampling in the HRSA report found that no fewer than 24% of the patients who visited the ER for an oral health complaint had their expenses covered by Medicaid. Arizona had the highest number with Medicaid paying the costs for 46.2% of ER patients reporting dental problems; Maryland had the lowest with 24.1%. The study also included Florida, Iowa, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin.