Is this legit - Dental inlay question (teeth, pain, dentist)

[k374]

During my last routine cleaning I was told that I have a cavity that required a dental inlay as it was a bit too big for a traditional filling. The term used I believe was a "Porcelain Inlay". I got an estimate for $560 after insurance. When I asked what the insurance paid they told me it's $1000 covered by the Ins. and $560 was my balance cost. So total was almost $1600 for what amounts to be the cost to fill a "slightly bigger" cavity.

This seems ridiculously expensive to me, I thought the cost after insurance to fill a cavity was around $100-200. I haven't had a cavity filled in ages so I don't know the current costs... does this sound legit?

Note - that I absolutely have no pain or discomfort in the area identified. However, I have been going to this dentist for the last 7 years so not sure what to believe.

[bart0323]

An inlay is generally bigger than a filling, but smaller than a crown. Like a crown, however, it is an "indirect" restoration, meaning it must be fabricated by a dental lab or possibly done chairside by a milling machine. The costs are on par with a crown. $1600 seems high but it can depend on your area.


Just out of curiosity, is the name of your dentist's office something like "Your Town Modern Dentistry" or "Your Town Dental and Orthodontics"?

[k374]

OK, I was a bit mistaken - the quote for $530 includes 2 inlays + 2 composite fillings for a total of 4 affected teeth. I have no idea why so many teeth because when I consulted with another dentist (in another country - India, during a recent visit a few weeks ago) they told me only 1 tooth upper right.

It's quoted at $600 per inlay with my portion around $250 or so each, so $250 x 2, + $15 x 2 for the composite fillings (all my co-pay).

In India where I just was when I saw the dentist I believe it's $80 for the same thing.

[bart0323]

Originally Posted by k374

OK, I was a bit mistaken - the quote for $530 includes 2 inlays + 2 composite fillings for a total of 4 affected teeth. I have no idea why so many teeth because when I consulted with another dentist (in another country - India, during a recent visit a few weeks ago) they told me only 1 tooth upper right.

Originally Posted by k374

It's quoted at $600 per inlay with my portion around $250 or so each, so $250 x 2, + $15 x 2 for the composite fillings (all my co-pay).

In India where I just was when I saw the dentist I believe it's $80 for the same thing.

In India I am sure there is someone is willing do to your job for less money as well.

[k374]

Originally Posted by bart0323

In India I am sure there is someone is willing do to your job for less money as well.

and American companies have shipped thousands of high paying tech jobs there as well while laying off American workers en masse to fatten their pockets.... if companies can take advantage of International markets then consumers can and should as well.

[bart0323]

Originally Posted by k374

and American companies have shipped thousands of high paying tech jobs there as well while laying off American workers en masse to fatten their pockets.... if companies can take advantage of International markets then consumers can and should as well.

You are assuming the quality of the product/service is the same regardless of where it is manufactured or rendered ("In India where I just was when I saw the dentist I believe it's $80 for the same thing."). I can't speak for all industries nor even all dentists, but generally speaking the quality of dental care in India is miles below what is offered in the United States.