Nancy, my brother was a periodontist for 40 years. I had great dental care for years until I moved to Hong Kong. Juliana had gum disease and my brother fixed her right up. While in Colorado we did dental insurance and the offices that gave you 2 cleanings a year had the dentist do the cleanings. So strange to have them do it especially in the states as hygienists are trained to do this. Now I’m back to private pay and have a wonderful hygienist who does routine cleanings. Life is Good.
Even when I had employer-paid insurance, they only paid half and some stuff was not covered. Have not had insurance since. It gets expensive, but oral health is a much neglected aspect of health care. I love my dentists. Problem is, at my age, I have many great hygienists, dentists, and doctors who move or retire. It's like musical chairs. I honestly don't know the names of my dentist or family doctor - why bother - they'll be gone next month. I also notice that these docs look younger than my grandsons who are just entering college.
Thanks for this write up. I've been enjoying your blogs. My husband (according to his US dentist) has gum disease and they keep extracting teeth, wanting to know when to schedule the implants (umm, when we get to Portugal?). The cost of implants in Portland, OR are about $5000 per tooth. I've started doing research and have received a recommendation for the Institute of Implantology in Lisbon. From what I've been reading, implants run about 500-1000 Euros per tooth. Portugal is also where a specific type of implant technology was developed. We'll be living in Porto, but I have a feeling we'll be spending a lot of time in Lisbon.
I have health insurance through my work. They pay half, I pay the other $515/per month. Dental is included which includes 2 cleanings every 6 months and reduced cost on many procedures. I’ve been going to the same dental office for 20+ years. The practice was sold 4 years back, my old dentist was retiring. He sold it to two younger dentist and slowly phased into full retirement. It had always been a clean but basic office, until recently. I’m starting to see new big TV screens, new furniture and equipment. Staff is now all wearing uniformed dental attire. It’s a bit more professional. Also, I see 3-4 people working the reception area, previously it was just one. Yesterday I got a my normal cleaning and 2 minute exam from the dentist. Dentist says, you got great teeth, but you have one small micro cavity we should take care of soon. I replied, “let’s do it now.” She quickly replied, “that is what I like to hear, but schedule it with the hygienist.” When the hygienist returned, she said “oh, the dentist says you want to take care of that cavity we’ve been watching for 10 years.” I was a little surprised as I barely recall this as it’s never been an issue this past decade. I actually forgot about it and only remember when they say something every few years. I suppose it’s time for me to pay for some of the new office upgrades.
When I left I asked the receptionist, what will be my out of pocket cost with my insurance. After a few bangs on the computer, it will be $98, she says looking at the screen. She then proceeds with, “the dentist has opening tomorrow, would you like to schedule?” I needed more time and will call back to setup the appointment I say. I must admit, I can’t help to feel it’s not necessary, but I’ll probably do it as my health insurance will end in the coming months. As long as I’m in the US, $98 is probably the best price I’m going to get to fill a cavity.
Headed to the dentist today - for a teach cleaning. Having been I. The military most of my life o had never “paid” for a teeth cleaning, or other dental work. The cost is absolutely insane (thankfully covered by insurance - but still). Another reason for me to hurry up and move to Portugal! “Quality of life” (this can be included in there ;)
Nancy, my brother was a periodontist for 40 years. I had great dental care for years until I moved to Hong Kong. Juliana had gum disease and my brother fixed her right up. While in Colorado we did dental insurance and the offices that gave you 2 cleanings a year had the dentist do the cleanings. So strange to have them do it especially in the states as hygienists are trained to do this. Now I’m back to private pay and have a wonderful hygienist who does routine cleanings. Life is Good.
Even when I had employer-paid insurance, they only paid half and some stuff was not covered. Have not had insurance since. It gets expensive, but oral health is a much neglected aspect of health care. I love my dentists. Problem is, at my age, I have many great hygienists, dentists, and doctors who move or retire. It's like musical chairs. I honestly don't know the names of my dentist or family doctor - why bother - they'll be gone next month. I also notice that these docs look younger than my grandsons who are just entering college.
Thanks for this write up. I've been enjoying your blogs. My husband (according to his US dentist) has gum disease and they keep extracting teeth, wanting to know when to schedule the implants (umm, when we get to Portugal?). The cost of implants in Portland, OR are about $5000 per tooth. I've started doing research and have received a recommendation for the Institute of Implantology in Lisbon. From what I've been reading, implants run about 500-1000 Euros per tooth. Portugal is also where a specific type of implant technology was developed. We'll be living in Porto, but I have a feeling we'll be spending a lot of time in Lisbon.
Wow. That's all. WOW!!
Another worry
Off your list
I have health insurance through my work. They pay half, I pay the other $515/per month. Dental is included which includes 2 cleanings every 6 months and reduced cost on many procedures. I’ve been going to the same dental office for 20+ years. The practice was sold 4 years back, my old dentist was retiring. He sold it to two younger dentist and slowly phased into full retirement. It had always been a clean but basic office, until recently. I’m starting to see new big TV screens, new furniture and equipment. Staff is now all wearing uniformed dental attire. It’s a bit more professional. Also, I see 3-4 people working the reception area, previously it was just one. Yesterday I got a my normal cleaning and 2 minute exam from the dentist. Dentist says, you got great teeth, but you have one small micro cavity we should take care of soon. I replied, “let’s do it now.” She quickly replied, “that is what I like to hear, but schedule it with the hygienist.” When the hygienist returned, she said “oh, the dentist says you want to take care of that cavity we’ve been watching for 10 years.” I was a little surprised as I barely recall this as it’s never been an issue this past decade. I actually forgot about it and only remember when they say something every few years. I suppose it’s time for me to pay for some of the new office upgrades.
When I left I asked the receptionist, what will be my out of pocket cost with my insurance. After a few bangs on the computer, it will be $98, she says looking at the screen. She then proceeds with, “the dentist has opening tomorrow, would you like to schedule?” I needed more time and will call back to setup the appointment I say. I must admit, I can’t help to feel it’s not necessary, but I’ll probably do it as my health insurance will end in the coming months. As long as I’m in the US, $98 is probably the best price I’m going to get to fill a cavity.
Headed to the dentist today - for a teach cleaning. Having been I. The military most of my life o had never “paid” for a teeth cleaning, or other dental work. The cost is absolutely insane (thankfully covered by insurance - but still). Another reason for me to hurry up and move to Portugal! “Quality of life” (this can be included in there ;)