Question:
Is it normal and customary to be charged extra for the filling of the
root canal. The dentist puts in the "temporary" then makes the
appointment a couple of days later to take out the "temp" and replace
it (at an additional cost) with a permanent filling. Does this seem
right?
Answer:
Having had 2 root canals done by 2 different dentists here in NJ the both
had 1 price that was all inclusive of all work. ie. relieve pain, temp,
final.
I'm not sure whether you're talking about the actual filling of the canal
or the placing of the crown, etc., on top of the canal-ed tooth.
I had a root canal done by an endodontist and then the crown, etc., done
by a dentist, so obviously I paid those fees separately; my second
endodontist had me half the fee at each of two visits, which perhaps is
what your dentist is doing. Some dentists might also charge separately for
the crown prep and the crown, or even separately for the "post" (sorry if I'm
getting terms wrong, but that's what I thought I heard) that fastens the crown
onto the "empty" tooth.
I'd be less worried about how many checks your wrote than the total cost
when you put them together, unless your insurance company feels different
about the matter. My second, two-payment root canal was actually cheaper
than the first.
My wife who is an dental assistant states that it is customary for
the permanent restoration on top of the root canal to be billed as a
seperate fee. In her office, if the patient immediently crowns the
tooth vs doing just a filling or buildup, the doctor waives the buildup
or post charge which is generally about $100.
