Trailwinds Dental Beware

[Kathe]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.

[ScottGo]

Sold me the deep cleaning package it's the same as a regular cleaning, only ins. doesn't cover it. I dropped them.

[fdpaq0580]

Thanks for the warning.

[BobnBev]

Time for small claims court, maybe get their dental license pulled and a fraud investigation started by the state atty general.

[Stu from NYC]

Why would you pay the $ 100 late charge?

[bsloan1960]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.
My dental insurance requires a Pre-Treatment Estimate. The dentist and I get a paper confirming they will pay, and how much. The dentist accepts a reduced amount as the 'privilege' of accepting that insurance. An example: Cash for an implanted molar- $5,000. Insurance offers $3,500 and the patient pays 1/2 of the $3,500- not 1/2 of the $5,000.

[Pairadocs]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.

This about the 3rd or 4th time I've heard such stories, and very similar, given quote, shown portion patient would owe, and then not until after the work, told insurance paid -0- and an added "late charge" added. Probably the answer is, take the dentist's own quote and detail of work, and contact the insurance company yourself ? Too late now, but a warning to others since this has happened to others here !

[brianherlihy]

you will not fiend a good one her

[WharfRat]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.

Sorry for your bad experience at Trailwinds. I’ve been a happy customer there for over two years. Nevertheless, I’ll keep your experience in mind and thank you for sharing.

[Toymeister]

Contractually speaking, they made an offer and you accepted it. There is no doubt that you signed an agreement that you would pay what the insurance did not. The agreement was in the initial paperwork that most people do not read.

I know this sounds harsh, I'm only posting this to point out that you have no small claims case.

Basis of comment, four decades of contracting experience (writing contracts). To comment that you have a case with some regulatory agency is simply a demonstration of the Dunning Kruger Effect.

[jswirs]

Sold me the deep cleaning package it's the same as a regular cleaning, only ins. doesn't cover it. I dropped them.

Many dentists are pushing the "Deep cleaning package". My dentist wants $3,500.00 for the medication involved and the cleaning itself. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but they claim my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they refused, telling me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning". Further, after the deep cleaning I would have to go back to the dentist for a regular cleaning every 2 -3 months for the rest of my life. Sounds like the dental profession has found a way to generate more income.

[bjswist]

Definitely file your complaint with the attorney generals office.

[rmd2]

As of late, there have been a lot of dental places around here that are "over-selling" dental work that does not need to be done i.e. deep cleaning, dental implants, etc. Beware.

[Two Bills]

Stuff the Dentists.
Let them all fall out, and then drink soup!

[rsmurano]

Not sure about the deep cleaning because no dentist has brought this up. I have had dentists tell me that the insurance paid portion is an estimate and there have been times where I either got a refund or I had to pay a few bucks more.
But, if you he dentist told me that insurance was covering a major portion of it, then it’s their responsibility to get close to that amount of money from the insurance company. It sounds like the dentist didn’t actually call me he insurance company and so they lied to you and I would not pay the insurance part. I always ask the dentist, or a doctor is this procedure is covered and how much is my portion and the dentist/doctor has always called the insurance company because if it’s not covered I need to have enough funds to pay for it or it might not be worth doing.
If this your case and you paid by credit card, call the bank to dispute the charge, then call your insurance company to see if they actually called and tell them that the dentist told you they were going to pay x dollars toward the bill and why aren’t they.
As for the $100 late fee, I would not have paid that unless you didn’t pay for a couple years and they kept adding late fees. There would be no late fee if you paid the bill once you got it.
Call the bank

[bowlingal]

Kathe..... maybe go to the state dental board?

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.

Florida has a Board of Dentistry responsible for "licensure, monitoring and ensuring the safe practice of dentists and dental hygienists in their service to the people of Florida". While this role does not specifically include "fair" practice, I would certainly pursue your issue with them. Good luck.

[Travelhunter123]

Many dentists are pushing the "Deep cleaning package". My dentist wants $3,500.00 for the medication involved and the cleaning itself. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but they claim my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they refused, telling me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning". Further, after the deep cleaning I would have to go back to the dentist for a regular cleaning every 2 -3 months for the rest of my life. Sounds like the dental profession has found a way to generate more income.

Trail winds told me it would take a total of 2 hours for the deep cleaning. Total cost $2400 or $1200 per hour

[mrkorn12@aol.com]

Call Dr. Kevin Wallace: (352) 259-0822. He has been our Dentist for 12 years, since moving to The Villages. He and his Staff are excellent. He is very professional and very patient and caring. The practice is called the Marion Dental Group. The office is on 441.There are 5 or 6 Dentists in the Practice. So, if Dr. Wallace is not available-- you should be able to see one of the other Dentists.

[Gunny2403]

Then why did you pay them?

[Gunny2403]

Not sure I believe you

[cmeinel@verizon.net]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.

I would NEVER had paid the late fee that is crazy. The cost of service you owed but not the late fee.

[chappy]

I had some questions about my services, with a different company, this is why I always call my insurance company before anything is to be done new.

[RJF152]

Many dentists are pushing the "Deep cleaning package". My dentist wants $3,500.00 for the medication involved and the cleaning itself. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but they claim my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they refused, telling me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning". Further, after the deep cleaning I would have to go back to the dentist for a regular cleaning every 2 -3 months for the rest of my life. Sounds like the dental profession has found a way to generate more income.

Pretty much the same thing with Dental Care at Magnolia, I went in expecting to get a "regular cleaning" and exam. They tried to upsell to $60 Cancer Screening. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but after exam and 41 x-rays they claimed my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they told me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning".

[JMintzer]

Florida has a Board of Dentistry responsible for "licensure, monitoring and ensuring the safe practice of dentists and dental hygienists in their service to the people of Florida". While this role does not specifically include "fair" practice, I would certainly pursue your issue with them. Good luck.

Definitely the route to take...

I'm licensed to practice Podiatry in FL and during my continuing education classes, we're told that the #1 issue for patient complaints and actions taken are due to billing...

Same thing up north in DC and MD...

[Wondering]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.
Go online to Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection for Senior Citizens and file a complaint. It is easy to do and your should get results.

[retiredguy123]

Trail winds told me it would take a total of 2 hours for the deep cleaning. Total cost $2400 or $1200 per hour
I had a similar experience at another dentist office. And, the 2 hour deep cleaning was to be done by a hygenist, not the dentist. I never even heard about deep cleaning until I moved to The Villages. I have been going to a dentist in Leesburg for 5 years with no deep cleanings.

[Kathe]

I thought they would stand behind their quote but they sent it to a collection agency. The extra $100 to get it paid so it wouldn’t damage my credit score.

[Scbang]

I had a similar experience at another dentist office. And, the 2 hour deep cleaning was to be done by a hygenist, not the dentist. I never even heard about deep cleaning until I moved to The Villages. I have been going to a dentist in Leesburg for 5 years with no deep cleanings. Something is very off with this picture. My dentist back in NY charges $350 for deep cleaning and $150 for regular cleaning both 100% covered by the insurance.

Cheers!

[Kathe]

Thank you. Good info I will heed your suggestion.

[tuccillo]

You don’t want the dentist doing any sort of cleaning for two reason: a hygienist will typically be better at it and, secondly, the dentist should be spending his/her time doing exams and restorative work. Root planing, aka deep cleaning, is appropriate when you have periodontal disease with deep pockets that can’t be reached with dental floss. It is a standard practice in dentistry. Whether you need it is another story. If you move and start with a new dentist who recommends this procedure and your previous dentist did not, then you might want to get a second opinion. There are essentially two possibilities: your previous dentist was remiss or the new dentist is recommending a treatment you don’t need.


I had a similar experience at another dentist office. And, the 2 hour deep cleaning was to be done by a hygenist, not the dentist. I never even heard about deep cleaning until I moved to The Villages. I have been going to a dentist in Leesburg for 5 years with no deep cleanings.

[BlackHarley]

Keep in mind, many if not ALL dental practices here and the surrounding area (Marion Dental) have hygienists working on COMMISSION. That's right, a commission basis verified by one of Marion Dentals own staff.
I go there since I went through 2 others in The Villages in 6 months. All of which wanted to literally rape my wallet. Estimates ranged from $4,800-$6,000 worth of up-sold "preventative " work. I called Bulls**t and went elsewhere. Marion was the only "fair" practice. Caution...they will not accept any form of Medicare insurance. Good luck. Most dental offices are jamm packed.

[tuccillo]

Your "numbers" may be the depth of your pockets. Once they get too deep, you can't reach them with dental floss and more frequent cleaning may be necessary to maintain them (i.e. not get worse). You may wish to consider getting a second opinion.

Many dentists are pushing the "Deep cleaning package". My dentist wants $3,500.00 for the medication involved and the cleaning itself. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but they claim my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they refused, telling me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning". Further, after the deep cleaning I would have to go back to the dentist for a regular cleaning every 2 -3 months for the rest of my life. Sounds like the dental profession has found a way to generate more income.

[tuccillo]

My own experience would also suggest that choosing a dentist outside of The Villages may be a good idea. Our dentist is well outside The Villages, after one not so great visit to a dental office within The Villages.

Keep in mind, many if not ALL dental practices here and the surrounding area (Marion Dental) have hygienists working on COMMISSION. That's right, a commission basis verified by one of Marion Dentals own staff.
I go there since I went through 2 others in The Villages in 6 months. All of which wanted to literally rape my wallet. Estimates ranged from $4,800-$6,000 worth of up-sold "preventative " work. I called Bulls**t and went elsewhere. Marion was the only "fair" practice. Caution...they will not accept any form of Medicare insurance. Good luck. Most dental offices are jamm packed.

[retiredguy123]

You don’t want the dentist doing any sort of cleaning for two reason: a hygienist will typically be better at it and, secondly, the dentist should be spending his/her time doing exams and restorative work. Root planing, aka deep cleaning, is appropriate when you have periodontal disease with deep pockets that can’t be reached with dental floss. It is a standard practice in dentistry. Whether you need it is another story. If you move and start with a new dentist who recommends this procedure and your previous dentist did not, then you might want to get a second opinion. There are essentially two possibilities: your previous dentist was remiss or the new dentist is recommending a treatment you don’t need.
I agree that the hygienist may be better at cleaning, but, if they are charging more than $1,000 per hour, where is the money going? A hygienist makes about $40-50 per hour. The deep cleaning charge seemed very excessive to me. In my case, the hygienist made the diagnosis and was to do the procedure with no involvement with the dentist. My dentist in Leesburg has not recommended a deep cleaning.

[tuccillo]

Upselling for a cancer screening? That is interesting. My dentist does it automatically as part of the annual exam. They use a special light. I'm not sure I understand the reasoning for making it optional - either you need it or not, in their professional opinion.

Pretty much the same thing with Dental Care at Magnolia, I went in expecting to get a "regular cleaning" and exam. They tried to upsell to $60 Cancer Screening. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but after exam and 41 x-rays they claimed my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they told me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning".

[tuccillo]

I don't worry about where the money is going - not my concern. My concern would be a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. My wife practiced for 35 years and we have, according to her, an excellent dentist so we don't typically have any real concerns. Our dentist is not inside The Villages.

Did they chart the depth of any pockets? Do you have periodontal disease?

I agree that the hygienist may be better at cleaning, but, if they are charging more than $1,000 per hour, where is the money going? A hygienist makes about $40-50 per hour. The deep cleaning charge seemed very excessive to me. In my case, the hygienist made the diagnosis and was to do the procedure with no involvement with the dentist. My dentist in Leesburg has not recommended a deep cleaning.

[augustnotes]

I never heard of deep cleaning until I came to Florida. The dentist want $800 and I refused. They cleaned my teeth for $94. Stand up for yourself.

[retiredguy123]

I don't worry about where the money is going - not my concern. My concern would be a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. My wife practiced for 35 years and we have, according to her, an excellent dentist so we don't typically have any real concerns. Our dentist is not inside The Villages.

Did they chart the depth of any pockets? Do you have periodontal disease?
They didn't give me a chart, but when I discussed it with my previous longtime dentist from Virginia, he said that I didn't need a deep cleaning, and my new dentist in Leesburg agreed. No periodontal disease.

I don't care where the money goes either, but I don't have dental insurance, and I certainly would not pay a hygienist 20 times as much as the average hourly rate for a dental hygienist.

[tuccillo]

Lack of periodontal disease at our ages is a good thing. Keep up the good home care.

You do realize that what the practice pays the hygienist is just the beginning of their actual costs of delivering treatment? I will have to check with my wife (retired for a while so perhaps a little out of touch with current fees), but I believe $250 a quadrant is a typical cost for root planing. I am lucky in that my wife practiced otherwise separating the wheat from the chaff could be challenging. Second opinions are good.

They didn't give me a chart, but when I discussed it with my previous longtime dentist from Virginia, he said that I didn't need a deep cleaning, and my new dentist in Leesburg agreed. No periodontal disease.

I don't care where the money goes either, but I don't have dental insurance, and I certainly would not pay a hygienist 20 times as much as the average hourly rate for a dental hygienist.

[mikempp]

I had a Florida dentist pull that on us, wife and I had a cleaning, then a month later they said mine was a deep cleaning so I owe them $100 or so more, my wife’s was $15 with insurance. I paid my wife’s $15, I paid $15 for my cleaning then denied the remainder. I’d get a bill every now and then for a couple years. If you deny a bill/charge they’d have to win in court to get anything or even put it on your credit.

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

So if your insurance company does not cover something yes you are responsible for it. If you’re not sure about it, you should check with your insurance company before you proceed further as far as the late fee goes, there should be no late fee due to the fact that they were billing the insurance company so I would’ve paid the difference, but not paid the late fee

[bjansson]

This was a ridiculously long time ago but I used to work for a small hospital in Incline Village NV processing insurance claims. During that time I got pregnant with my first child. About six months in the hospital changed insurance companies and in due time I had a C-section which cost $10,000. The new insurance company denied it saying my pregnancy was a pre-existing condition. Well it wasn't my fault the hospital changed insurance companies and after a YEAR of trying to get them to pay the bills I got a great tip to file a claim with the insurance commissioner. All of the bills were paid within one week after that.

It has been my experience that lot of these insurance companies will automatically deny a claim as policy.

Same thing happened when my dad had a stroke and my mom got the bills afterwards. The insurance companies denied everything even though it was an emergency and he was covered. I told her I would handle it. Bills paid.

Don't just roll over and pay the bills yourself. If you know you're covered fight for your rights.

[Chloe Girl]

Many dentists are pushing the "Deep cleaning package". My dentist wants $3,500.00 for the medication involved and the cleaning itself. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but they claim my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they refused, telling me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning". Further, after the deep cleaning I would have to go back to the dentist for a regular cleaning every 2 -3 months for the rest of my life. Sounds like the dental profession has found a way to generate more income.
My previous dental experience was that I was told I needed a deep cleaning. My insurance paid a portion but I had to pay around a $130. I thought that I could go back and start getting quarterly cleaning but was told I couldn't and would have to continue with the deep cleanings. I dumped them and went to Oaks Dental Care. I was able to get on a quarterly cleaning schedule and my insurance covered the whole bill. The dentist looked at my teeth and said there were a couple of areas of concerns but would just keep an eye on it for the time being. It's so refreshing to be dealing with an honest dentist. Everyone in the office is friendly and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

[Ele201]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.
Respectfully, I’m not sure the dental office is responsible if your insurance company refused to pay your bill. Wondering if you contacted the insurance company before work was done, and did they approve these particular procedures, was a deductible involved etc. Apparently the dental office was turned down when they submitted the claim. Or, did they not submit the claim at all?

However, I have Never heard of a dental office charging a “late fee.” That’s a red flag right there. They aren’t a credit card company! Steer clear from them, but be absolutely certain your insurance covers your next procedure. By the way, I was really taken aback by the way some dental offices in The Villages do business. It’s all about the money. They’d give me free complete X-rays, then write up a treatment plan for thousands of dollars. So I agree, you do have to be a bit wary.

[retiredguy123]

Lack of periodontal disease at our ages is a good thing. Keep up the good home care.

You do realize that what the practice pays the hygienist is just the beginning of their actual costs of delivering treatment? I will have to check with my wife (retired for a while so perhaps a little out of touch with current fees), but I believe $250 a quadrant is a typical cost for root planing. I am lucky in that my wife practiced otherwise separating the wheat from the chaff could be challenging. Second opinions are good.
I was quoted $1,200 for deep cleaning 3 quadrants, in a 1 to 1.5 hour procedure. So, $400 per quadrant. Now, I pay about $100 for a regular cleaning.

[lmrk32]

Time for small claims court, maybe get their dental license pulled and a fraud investigation started by the state atty general.

Oh yes! I agree. I wouldn’t have paid it

[UpNorth]

Many dentists are pushing the "Deep cleaning package". My dentist wants $3,500.00 for the medication involved and the cleaning itself. Nothing wrong with my gums, no bleeding, no pain, but they claim my "numbers" are too high. So when I ask for just a regular cleaning they refused, telling me that would be malpractice because I need a "Deep cleaning". Further, after the deep cleaning I would have to go back to the dentist for a regular cleaning every 2 -3 months for the rest of my life. Sounds like the dental profession has found a way to generate more income.

My advice: get a second opinion. It's easy to "find" pockets that "need" a "deep cleaning" if that is what the business is after. Same thing happened to me on a "new patient special". Went back to my regular trusted dentist back up north and he said "no way" and laughed. There are plenty of profitable "add ons" when doing SRP. Beware. I had 40+ years in the dental industry and know how these things can work, and not in favor of your wallet.,

[tuccillo]

Prices do vary a bit. I pay $67 for a regular cleaning (prophy) and $145 for prophy, bitewings, and Dr’s exam (once per year).


I was quoted $1,200 for deep cleaning 3 quadrants, in a 1 to 1.5 hour procedure. So, $400 per quadrant. Now, I pay about $100 for a regular cleaning.

[JMintzer]

However, I have Never heard of a dental office charging a “late fee.” That’s a red flag right there. They aren’t a credit card company!

It's quite common for practices to charge a "finance fee" on amounts owed.

It's typically about 18%/year and should be declared when you first enter the practice, when you sign your insurance papers...

$100, otoh, is ridiculous...

[jswirs]

You don’t want the dentist doing any sort of cleaning for two reason: a hygienist will typically be better at it and, secondly, the dentist should be spending his/her time doing exams and restorative work. Root planing, aka deep cleaning, is appropriate when you have periodontal disease with deep pockets that can’t be reached with dental floss. It is a standard practice in dentistry. Whether you need it is another story. If you move and start with a new dentist who recommends this procedure and your previous dentist did not, then you might want to get a second opinion. There are essentially two possibilities: your previous dentist was remiss or the new dentist is recommending a treatment you don’t need.

Firstly I take Umbridge with the term "Periodontal DISEASE". IMHO, the dental folks use that term to frighten, or, coerce patients to agree that a deep cleaning is necessary. It is not a DISEASE, the condition is caused, in some folks, simply by the process of ageing. An analogy would be calling facial wrinkles "Wrinkle disease".
Secondly, I agree that those "pockets" cannot be reached by using dental floss, but I GUARANTEE those pockets can be reached, and thoroughly cleaned, by using water floss, or, a "Water Pic", on a strong setting. I know this for a fact because I use water floss after every meal. And so, would a dentist ask, or recommend using water floss? The answer is NO! Because there is no financial gain when offering moral and ethical advice. All said IMHO.

[tuccillo]

I didn't make up the term so please take your complaint to the ADA. Regarding using a water pic, my hygienist recommended that I start using one soon after I started with their office. The word is "umbrage".

Firstly I take Umbridge with the term "Periodontal DISEASE". IMHO, the dental folks use that term to frighten, or, coerce patients to agree that a deep cleaning is necessary. It is not a DISEASE, the condition is caused, in some folks, simply by the process of ageing. An analogy would be calling facial wrinkles "Wrinkle disease".
Secondly, I agree that those "pockets" cannot be reached by using dental floss, but I GUARANTEE those pockets can be reached, and thoroughly cleaned, by using water floss, or, a "Water Pic", on a strong setting. I know this for a fact because I use water floss after every meal. And so, would a dentist ask, or recommend using water floss? The answer is NO! Because there is no financial gain when offering moral and ethical advice. All said IMHO.

[jswirs]

You don’t want the dentist doing any sort of cleaning for two reason: a hygienist will typically be better at it and, secondly, the dentist should be spending his/her time doing exams and restorative work. Root planing, aka deep cleaning, is appropriate when you have periodontal disease with deep pockets that can’t be reached with dental floss. It is a standard practice in dentistry. Whether you need it is another story. If you move and start with a new dentist who recommends this procedure and your previous dentist did not, then you might want to get a second opinion. There are essentially two possibilities: your previous dentist was remiss or the new dentist is recommending a treatment you don’t need.

I didn't make up the term so please take your complaint to the ADA. Regarding using a water pic, my hygienist recommended that I start using one soon after I started with their office. The word is "umbrage".

Sorry, I was not directing my complaint regarding the term "periodontal disease" at you, or your use of the term. I was referring to the dentist who use that term. Also, your dental office is evidently more ethical than the two dental offices I have been seen in.
AND, thank you for the spelling correction, my mistake.

[Full-timer]

Trailwinds quoted me $800 for dental services, $385 payable by me, remaining payable by insurance. Paid $385 - after work done they said insurance didn't cover. I paid the difference plus $100 penalty for late. I tried to talk to them, they wouldn't return my call. Seniors against crime they did talk to but to no avail. Numbers were in black and white but they wouldn't stand behind it.

Sounds like conformation was missing. Did you request them to call and verify with insurance first? Just the word of the receptionist (or other) at the office is not good enough.

Also, you can call yourself to verify. (the best way)

There are many different plans under same insurance carriers for everything. Also, depending on the "coding" used for payment, the "payable" amount can be different.

Always check prior to having anything done. Staff make mistakes. Get it in writing whenever possible, all you have to do is ask for it.

My wife goes there. Never had any issues.

[Carlsondm]

I go to Trailwinds and had the deeper cleaning because I calcify. They were referred by my insurance site. Two hours and about $200 out of pocket. They did a great job, healed the gums and my teeth are squeaky clean for a while. We did it in two sessions.

Sounds like someone in billing messed up. Make sure they really called the insurance company and find out why it was denied. Wrong codes maybe. If so, they used a crappy procedure and I’ll watch out.

[JP]

Water pics are like the sprayer at the hand held car wash. Unless you use the "scrub/soapy" brush too, your car, or teeth, really won't be clean(and SHINEY!)

[Pilodent]

Sold me the deep cleaning package it's the same as a regular cleaning, only ins. doesn't cover it. I dropped them.

No insurance company has a code for "deep cleaning" & therefore it is never covered. It,therefore, is not a legitimate term. It would more correctly be termed "root planing & curretage" which is technically periodontal treatment. Someone who has their teeth cleaned every 10 years probably needs more than a routine cleaning known as "scaling & prophylaxis.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I have a couple of different bridges in my mouth and through no fault of my own I’ve had gum problems but not for many years. I get a periodontal maintenance cleaning every 3 months I believe the price is $165 ,do I need it every 3 months most likely not but it can’t hurt

[tuccillo]

You missed the point. Water piks are for those areas that you can’t get to with a tooth brush or floss. Brush, water pik, and floss.

Water pics are like the sprayer at the hand held car wash. Unless you use the "scrub/soapy" brush too, your car, or teeth, really won't be clean(and SHINEY!)