Save $1,000: Get a dental X-ray

With all the controversy over dental X-rays, there are more people questioning if they are necessary. At Kirksville Dental Group, we strive to give patients the quality of care they deserve and dental X-rays are a part of that care. Here is an article on MSN.com that is a good example of why you may want to rethink refusing those next set of bitewing x-rays.  

The original article (in full) can be viewed at : Save $1,000: Get a dental X-ray by Donna Freddman  Donna  Donna

 

Here's a cautionary tale from my sister the dental hygienist. A patient who didn't have dental insurance decided to skip the bitewing X-ray.

 

The woman's reasoning was threefold: No decay was visible, her mouth felt fine, and she didn't want to pay the $55 fee.

A little over a year went by and a tooth started to hurt. Uh-oh.

When she returned to the office, an X-ray revealed a cavity too deep to fix. Decay can exist where a dentist can't see it: between teeth or underneath an existing filling. That's why X-rays are recommended every so often.

Now the patient is facing at least $1,000 worth of treatment. Did I mention that she doesn't have health insurance?

Originally she thought she couldn't afford the $55 film. Now she realizes that she can't afford to have skipped it.

Neither can you.

Tooth resources
More than 130 million Americans have no dental insurance. If you're among them, check out these options:

  • Search for pro bono care. FreeDentalWork.org offers listings for regional clinics and dental health events. Dentistry From the Heart is a nonprofit that puts needy patients in touch with dentists willing to donate their time.

Dental care is expensive if you don't have insurance. But X-rays aren't necessary at every visit. Depending on your age and current oral health, you may need bitewing X-rays only every two to three years.

 

Budget for those films. Prevention is cheaper than repair.
 

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