Community Discussions
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Are X-rays necessary at the dentist?
Main Post:
I went to the dentist and did not get an x-ray but my dentist checked my teeth and everything seemed fine. Is it necessary to get an x-ray?
Top Comment:
Necessary at least every couple years to see cavities between teeth and to look at roots and gum health.
How dangerous is a dental x-ray?
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Hey guys, I am 19m. Today I went for a dental check-up. They did 3 dental x-rays on me. 2 on left cheek and 1 on the right. This is my frist time being exposed to a dental x-ray. Previously I have never had it done.
I was wondering as to how dangerous is a dental x-ray and how bad can it's effects be for someone of my age.
Top Comment: For comparison a dental X-ray is about the same radiation dose you get from normal activity from the sun over the course of 2 days. They're pretty safe even if you get a bunch done. The guys giving the X-rays hide outside the room to avoid being exposed multiple times a day over the course of their career.
The New X-Ray Gun My Dentist Uses
Main Post: The New X-Ray Gun My Dentist Uses
Top Comment: For your safety, do not tamper with the testing apparatus. Aperture Science thanks you for volunteering.
$1400 for routine cleaning and X-Rays normal for dentist?
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Hi all,
I recently went to a new dentist in NYC that charged me $1426 for a routine check up, cleaning and X-Rays. They said they were in network and apparently are not soy insurance didn't cover it. The total amounted from comprehensive oral exam $313, x rays $350, oral facial imaging (2X at $225 each?) $450, adult cleaning $313. That seems incredibly high even for OON or no insurance. To make matters worse they offer the same thing for those without insurance for $485 yet charge me $1426. This may be normal? But I feel like I'm being taken for a ride.
For comparison before my insurance at other provider they charged $82 for x rays which included full bite wing scan that this office didn't do. So if this normal or am I being taken for a ride.
TLDR; new dentist charged me $1426 for routine oral exam and cleaning with x rays. They say their in network but apparently are OON, is this a normal cost?
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Can I request my X-ray from my dentist ?
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I just finally found a dentist here. Everything went well with my examination and cleaning but then I saw the prices for fillings and inlays and decided that I wanted to get more opinions. Is it possible for me to request my X-rays from this dentist so that I can get work done at another dentist?
Top Comment:
Did you ask your dentist?
New Dentist says Texas state law requires x-ray or previous dentist x-ray records.
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Truth or Sales?
BTW North Dallas Suburb. $400 cash price for cleaning. I have insurance but only wanted a cleaning. Once they looked up my group policy in office they would not do the cleaning without x-ray.
Top Comment: Sales. I've never paid that much for a cleaning before.
How many X Rays are normal?
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I really like my dentist office, but they do X rays every year, and it is expensive. I paid almost $700 on cleanings and X-rays for myself and my son yesterday. My husband also goes but pays for himself. Just cleanings are more like $200 per person. I don't use insurance because I did the math once and it does not really save any money. They are not in network to anyone.
I got a little annoyed because for the first time they asked me to do a special X ray of my whole jaw yesterday, so I think it was a bit more expensive. Allegedly they do these every 3-5 years, but I have been going the same place for more than 10 years and have never had one. They generally do try to upsell me on random things like Invisalign, which I have refused. Yesterday they told me for the first time that I grind my teeth and need a mouth guard... by pointing out wear that has been there for years.
I am starting to wonder if this is normal or if I am being overcharged and upsold services I don't need.
When I was a kid I do not remember getting so many X rays (if any, maybe a couple??). I did not regularly go to the dentist between high school and going to this dentist, but when I did I don't think they X rayed me either. My husband has been going to this dentist for like 20+ years, so he doesn't really know any different.
It was a different RDH than I usually see, but she has been there for years also. Maybe she is just more of a salesman?? But the dentist reviewed everything like it was all normal business as usual. He did almost send me out the door without the "special" X ray though. So I really wonder if it is actually necessary.
I can afford expensive visits I guess, but I am not going to lie that it hurts my checkbook. I am thinking about just not going anymore and finding someone else for my kids.
Thanks in advance for any input!
Edit to clarify: I am not concerned about radiation levels that much, as I understand it's less than a plane ride and all that. It's more to do with the expense. I am spending approximately $1100/year for two people (more once my daughter starts going, plus what my husband spends, I guess about $550/year?), and it is just a big hit every time I go. I really dread the part where you go to the counter to pay.... Insurance premiums are $60-120/month, so it really does not save any money, especially since my dentist is not in-network anywhere. Since my teeth are relatively healthy, I am just trying not to have so much of a bill to stress over every 6 months. Maybe insurance is worth it since it hides the cost and spaces it out, IDK.
Top Comment: Radiographic needs can be sooner than ADA recommended at the Dentist/clinician’s discretion, but usually it is a Panoramic X-rays or a Full mouth series (18-20 images) once every 3-5 years, 4 bitewings can be every 6 months if an adult is at high risk for cavities, once a year for these is the maximum my dentist allows for everyone. If we can’t see what is going on inside your tooth before you have pain and problems then we are doing a disservice to you if an infection goes on because we didn’t take the necessary images to assess your oral conditions.
Refused service at dentist office
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10 weeks pregnant, went in for a routine teeth cleaning because I haven’t had one in a while and I know the teeth risks during pregnancy. When I marked in my chart I was pregnant and seeing an OBGYN, they must not have seen and tried to take me to the x-ray. When I told them I was pregnant, they told me to LEAVE. They said I needed a written form from my doctor to give the go ahead to get my teeth cleaned. She even had the balls to tell me maybe I should wait till I give birth (which can cause gingivitis!) I live in Kentucky and I can’t help but think this is all a part of the new control on our bodies the government has. DON’T GET TEETH CLEANED BECAUSE ITS UNSAFE FOR BABY ? ITS NOT UNSAFE AND MY TEETH MIGHT FALL OUT. Anyways, I’m gonna try to calm down and find a new dentist. 😒😒
Top Comment: That is so bizarre. I’ve had two cleanings during this pregnancy, if anything they are more important. They just skip the x rays and give me extra lectures on flossing to avoid pregnancy gingivitis lol!
My dentist refused to clean my teeth if I didn’t take an X ray
Main Post: My dentist refused to clean my teeth if I didn’t take an X ray
Top Comment: It is a liability. If there is something on the X-rays that causes you issues later on the line, you can sue even if you were the one who refused X-rays. Even if you pinky promise not to sue, it’s better not to risk your health or the office’s wellbeing. Also, as a hygienist, I cannot determine what kind of cleaning you need without X-rays and a perio chart. Even if you think you want a “quick cleaning”, that may not be what you need. Plus, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want me to make sure everything is healthy with your gums and get a better diagnosis for you. That’s the purpose of a dental appointment. It just makes our job harder.
Can I request my x-rays?
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Hey, hope this is the right place to ask this. I recently went to a dentist where they took x-rays, did an evaluation and all that good stuff and it turns out I need a significant amount of work done. They created a treatment plan for me but the cost is exorbitant. I’d like to speak with other dental offices to see if there are more reasonable plans or alternative procedures to get the work done. I know most places (in my region at least) let you do a consultation for free but I’m nervous about having to have x-rays done each time. What I’d like to do is request mine from this first place so that the other offices I consult will have them. Is this possible?
Top Comment: Yes, 100% you can request your x-rays. In Canada, they are legally yours. Most offices can request them on your behalf, so when you book your second opinion consult, tell them the original office that took your xrays, and ask them to request. If the original office makes it difficult, you may have to request them, but they can usually email if they are digital.