Medical Emergency dentist cost

[MikeDos]

Hi all,
So i am currently in BA and this morning I had the worst tooth ache that I ever had in my life. I looked up English speaking dentist and found a place that took me . Pain is better but my bank balance is in pain now as it cost something like 1800 US is that normal. My insurance will cover at least 600 of it but 1800 US seems steep for an extraction and a root canal.

 

[NigjeFs]

That quote is unreal, run away from there, and if they pull your tooth they will give you a root canal? A root canal is not an emergency dental procedure fyi. Getting a tooth pulled at an emergency dental should no be over 150usd ( in reality less than 100usd )

 

[DanielEight]

While I haven’t had this type of dental work done in BA before, I have had lots of other dental work done in BA and I find it to be significantly cheaper (enough to even consider going there from abroad for most major work) than the US and Europe and of equivalent quality.

I think the fact that you were in desperation/emergency mode, combined with the fact that it was obvious you were a foreigner by not speaking Spanish, might’ve set you up to be taken advantage of.

I don’t know that there’s much that can be done, as apparently professionals in Argentina with a few exceptions are free to charge whatever they want.

 

[RichardOne]

Hi all,
So i am currently in BA and this morning I had the worst tooth ache that I ever had in my life. I looked up English speaking dentist and found a place that took me . Pain is better but my bank balance is in pain now as it cost something like 1800 US is that normal. My insurance will cover at least 600 of it but 1800 US seems steep for an extraction and a root canal.

A guess you were not presented with a cost estimate for the procedures..?

 

[CremmSeles]

Seems exhorbitant.

My husband had a tooth pulled at a good dentist in the city and it was like 2000 pesos a couple months ago.

I would fight this. Get someone (ideally a local) to get a quote for the procedures you were given from their office. Try to get it in writing - email, WhatsApp, etc. Then go back and point out that there must have been a mistake. If they argue, threaten to go to defensa de consumidor and follow through if they refuse to reimburse you. Also leave a bad review if it comes to that. Keep and copy all receipts and communications.

 

[earlyretirement]

In all my years living in Argentina I found the dentists to be pretty horrible there. I don't want to generalize but I went a few times and none were great experiences. I think overall Argentina has a way better healthcare system vs. the USA and other places but their dental system sucks for the most part.

I don't think Argentines take good care of their teeth compared to USA and maybe that's why the dentists aren't that great IMHO.