Recently a patient told me a story about her friend that had
treatment for missing and damaged teeth that was complicated. It was not satisfactory and so needed to be
redone at a second additional cost. She
said that she wished she had paid a little more to have it done the appropriate
and effective way the first time instead of have to pay twice for. It
seemed that the insurance company had contracted to the lowest bidding
provider in the area and was not committed to the best outcome for her. Although the insurance company readily takes
monthly premiums, they often deny to pay for the most appropriate and effective
treatments. Why was it called
“insurance”? What exactly do they insure
against loss or damage? Nothing. At best it seemed that it was a mediocre
discount plan. I told her, what I told
my own mother—“pay yourself the monthly premiums and put the money under your
mattress for when you need dental work and be true to your teeth.”
When it comes to the
sometimes limited resources of older adults on fixed income, it is important
for them to receive the most appropriate and effective care to avoid redo
dentistry. Appropriate and effective treatment is more affordable over time. That’s why prosthodontists dedicate an additional
3 years after dental school training—they are the committed to give the best
outcomes to adult patients with missing and damaged teeth issues. The final
result is what matters. Prosthodontists
are specialists in the final result.
They see the treatment through from start to finish to ensure your
result is appropriate and effective and affordable.
Dr Rod Andrus is Southern Utah ’s
ONLY board certified prosthodontist and exclusively serves adults with advanced
dental needs. He can be reached for
appointment at 435-674-3100.
