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Posted by jsjc on 01-Feb-2009 14:01 Report
Wisdom teeth!
I went to the dentist last week, and it seems I will need my two lower wisdom teeth out at some stage in the future. One is impacted under the gum, the other has partially emerged. We don't have private cover, so will probably pay out of our own pocket.

For those that have done this, can I claim anything back from medicare?

I'm not in a hurry to get it done, but will have to at some point. He said I could have them done one at a time in the chair, but if they have to cut into my gum I'd rather be out to it!

So can you guys share your experiences?
 
Replied by cheersmum on 01-Feb-2009 14:14 (Ref 1605623) Report
Hi,nothing back from medicare .I've had 4 caps in going for 2root canals it is giong to cost me $6,439.I've put it on my credit card .Mind you i haven't been to the dentist in 6 years.making up for all that time.
Replied by dutchmiranda on 01-Feb-2009 17:43 (Ref 1606044) Report
Keep receipts as we don't have privat cover either but our accountant asked for them If you spent over a certain amount on medical (incl dental) you get a little bit back at tax time (I think it is not much, about $50 for 1000 spent after medicare rebate)
Replied by kevtms on 01-Feb-2009 18:40 (Ref 1606163) Report
If you get a referral to a Oral Surgeon you can claim some of it because they are medical doctors with dental training. Generally you'll suffer a lot less with a surgeon than a normal dentist as well.
My eldest is having all four of his out in hospital on next Friday.
I had mine out with locals at the surgeon's and it was no big deal, and I'm a sook. All of mine were impacted too.
The most important thing is to go to someone who REALLY knows what they're doing.
Replied by jsjc on 01-Feb-2009 21:09 (Ref 1606421) Report
I have a really good dentist, who I have seen all my life, so I trust him! Thanks for the replies!
Replied by 8989 on 03-Feb-2009 22:42 (Ref 1610121) Report
MY DAUGHTER JOINED MEDIBANK FOR TEETH AND AMBULANCE SHE DOES NOT PAY A GREAT DEAL AMONTH AND I DO NOT THINK YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT LONG BUT RING AND CHECK IT OUT AND ASK YOUR DENTIST HOW IT ALL WORKS GOOD LUCK
Replied by shaz4gaz on 06-Feb-2009 11:59 (Ref 1614256) Report
If you need expensive work done you can apply through Mediplan.  Check out mediplan.com.au they might be able to help you out.
Replied by kevtms on 07-Feb-2009 14:20 (Ref 1616001) Report
My son had his surgery yesterday. He's come through it remarkably well. No noticable swelling and not too much pain.
Replied by cintra on 10-Feb-2009 17:57 (Ref 1622352) Report
Hi,
I had all four out a couple of years ago because they were impacted.  I even had private health and still paid over $1000 out of pocket, took me well over a year just to save up that from when I first had the appointment advising me to get them taken out.  If you go under general anaesthetic you can claim some of that back from Medicare, but that's about it.
Replied by salancia on 11-Feb-2009 18:33 (Ref 1625394) Report
It could be very expensive so why don't you take out private health cover now and see out the waiting period. I still paid near $1000 for my wisdom tooth (just 1!) extraction (had an oral maxofacial surgeon as the wisdom tooth was in a horrible position) and Medicare only covered the anaesthetist cost. I hadn't seen a dentist for 11 years so I did pay for not visiting and having my teeth regularly checked (which I will do so now).

I am paying $45 a fortnight for my private health cover which is as basic as it can be so it's not too bad.

That being said, I wish dental work was free. Healthy teeth is as important as a healthy body too. It's not really fair especially for the elderly in nursing homes whose teeth and gums are not checked (nor are their carers qualified to look after their teeth) and really that is the time of your life when you really need your teeth checked or you do starve to death because you can't chew properly!
Replied by melodymaecraig on 31-Jan-2011 00:19 (Ref 2263997) Report
One slightly used wisdom tooth in excellent used condition as I am a vegetarian I have only done minimal chewing with this tooth. This tooth has too many uses to list some of which could be jewelry, a decoration food the possibilities are endless!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!


http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320649209749&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
Replied by Melanie31 on 12-Mar-2011 21:27 (Ref 2277769) Report
 Medicare will reimburse you if you a get 721 & 723 clearance & referral from GP.To be eligible you need to have a chronic disease like cancer or diabetes plus 3 specialists treating you. It lots of paperwork but is worth it as you get $4000 dollars worth of dental work for free if you are eligible.
Otherwise you can go to the dental clinic at your public hospital and have it done for free if you are a government concession card holder.
Getting a general anaesthetic for the procedure would be nice, but it will cost about $1000 extra and private hospital fees etc.
When I had my impacted 2 bottom ones removed, it was in the chair with Methoxyflurane & total nerve block done with local anaesthetic . It was great. When you have Methoxyflurane (Penthrox inhaler) you really dont care about getting needles or teeth pulled! An IV Midazolam infusion can also be done at some dentists.
Noble Dentist is worth joining too. www.nobledentist.com.au  Heavily discounted rates and there is a list of dental fees at their website. I am with them and on the 721/723 Medicare plan.
Replied by feelin-couture on 05-Oct-2011 22:22 (Ref 2314467) Report
I had one pulled out in the chair today and only paid $150.  He's a great dentist who saved me money as i would have had to have gotten a filling in this one ($280) then most likely needed it pulled out in a few years anyway he said.  Had the one on the other side pulled by him 6 weeks ago also.  Healed nicely and it didn't hurt at all (top far less painful than todays very sore bottom one) I also had a free bulk billed xray through this dentist and i dont have HCC or Private insurance. 
Shop around!  I think the trick is to go to a family friendly one without the Porsche in the driveway - this guy does a lot of school kids so i'd imagine would lose all that business if he was charging what others do!
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