We have just applied for PHI so am sure it will not cover DH's root canal and cavity treatment which has suddenly started troubling him. Could anyone please inform what the charges usually are for root canal and filling? Also as we have recently migrated to Australia, I was wondering if all dental is Private or is there a Public dental system as well, especially in Melbourne.
It would also help if you could suggest a good dentist.
Some area's offer a public dental system now, but I'm not sure if its in Melbourne.
You need to be covered by medicare & on centrelink benifits (Health Care Card or similar) to be able to use it.
I've no idea about the costs, but its a possible option you could look into, as it would be free to have it done that way. Most of them are set up in the bigger public hospitals.
it cost us about $1200 about 5 years ago... there is a public dental system but you have to be on the pension I think... and there is a HUGE waiting list... most dentist will take a payment plan as a root canal takes quite a few visits ( well mine did )... if it is a back tooth I would think about getting it taking out, cheaper, and no-one will be able to see it...
mine was a frount tooth, so now its black God how I hate it... I wish I just got it out and got a fake one...
most denisit will want to cap the thooth after the root canal to make the tooth stronger so thats extra about another $1000 I think...
Which tooth is it?
Costs vary greatly depending on the nature and extent of treatment, and whether a general dentist can do it or an endontist is required.
Could be 500 or 2500 depending.
Major dental is generally all private if you aren't on goby benefits, and there is no regulation on pricing so the dentist sets their own price. I can recommend a good endodontist if you need a specialist.
Tali, like Olive said, you can get that one tooth bleached. The dentist will drill a hole in the back of the tooth (no needle as the tooth is already root filled!), insert the bleach and put a temporary filling in it. You usually need a couple of changes to the bleach (quick and easy appointments) and when you're happy with the shade the dentist puts a permanent filling in. I worked as a dental nurse years ago and I can't remember the cost, but I know it wasn't terribly expensive. Some people get a better result than others to the bleach, but you should definitely see some improvement. If you are still not happy with the appearance you could consider a composite or porcelain veneer for the tooth. I'd definitely try the bleaching first though! You definitely made the right decision keeping the tooth and having the root canal - extractions can lead to all sorts of dramas, particularly front teeth!!
Check on the waiting period for your private health insurance, I think you can claim for dental after 2 months (if he can hang on that long!)
Also shop around, sometimes you can get deals where if you sign up they will waive some waiting periods which will usually include dental.
As for a dentist, I see you are in Armadale. Just down the road in Malvern, on Station Street off Glenferrie Road, is Mint Dental and they are excellent. I saw Marianne Kagiaros when I was living there but she only works part time so can be a bit hard to get into...but I'm sure anyone else there would be just the same.
ETA: You don't have to have PHI to go to a dentist, but you'd have to cough up the full amount at the time of treatment.
Curly's right you need to check the waiting period, but also check whtehr it will fall under general dental or major dental.
I think this depends on whether its a normal dentist or an endodontist who does the RC
Also depending on the level of cover you have, your insurance may not cover as much as you imagine.
We had the second top extras coverage (with Australian Unity) and DHs molar root canal still cost over $600 (with a general dentist)- then they said they couldnt save it and extracted it anyway!!
The out of pocket costs I was quoted for an endodontist, albeit an extrememly good one, was about $1500 + a crown which is about another $1000
ETA: Ive just realised that probably doesnt help you a lot.
The % of the total cost that we got back was less than 20%
Just had one finished and am about to start the next. First was a front tooth - was $1400 + more if it isn't straightforward. The second is a rear tooth and the cost is going to start from $2400 + more if it needs more done. It cost me $200 for the inital assessment where they checked the teeth and quoted the work - it was with a specialist however (got a referral from my regular dentist).
Mine don't include permanent fillings or crowns, I am going back to my normal dentist for those
Last edited by misty; April 9th, 2010 at 04:24 PM.
My root canal (large molar) cost me in total $650 about 13years ago, i had about 3 appts for it to have it finished ...
... my current Dentist's reception said under no circumstances do they like to hear of someone in dental discomfort all because they can't afford an outlaid fee ... she said in their dental clinic they can always work something out financially, example paying in instalments ... so therefore Could you ask at your Dentist (or rather receptionist) about that ??? (just an idea, doesn't hurt to ask )
You won't get anything from PHI for 12 months for a major dental like a root canal. I remember being quoted for one a year or two back and the price was around $3000 so out came the tooth!!
if you can possible affor it, its always better to keep the tooth in as long as possible.
Your teeth are moving all the time, and the more you have, the less they can move the way i understand it.
The other teeth will move to fill up the gaps if a tooth is removed.
Thanks everyone for all your inputs....it clarified the situation quite a bit for us ..... DH is going for initial consultation today so we'll get to know the approx total cost and will decide what to do after that.
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Cost for root canal without insurance
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