Why are dentists more vulnerable to insurance fraud?

The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud describes the problem as involving “a small but disturbing number of dentists.” Why Is Dentistry Vulnerable to Fraud? There are certain aspects of dentistry that leave the profession more vulnerable to fraud than, say, the medical profession.

What was the case of the dentist that sold his practice?

The case was an elderly mother against a dentist in practice for 20 years. The dentist had sold his practice to another dentist, inflating the margins and inflating the value of the practice with procedures that people didn’t need. I had seen this plenty of times before, but this abuse of patient care was egregious.

Is it bad to get a second opinion on a root canal?

In other words, recommending a root canal is an easy way to bill for the big-ticket crown…Even if the root canal isn’t the only viable option and a dental filling might do. If you need a root canal, it’s not a bad idea to get a second opinion, just in case you could resolve the cavity with a less expensive and invasive procedure.

How did I become expert witness against dentist?

I’ll never forget the long nights I spent poring over x-rays and charts in order to assist the lawyer paying me as an expert witness on a case of fraudulent dentistry. The case was an elderly mother against a dentist in practice for 20 years.

What to do if you have a cracked molar?

If the inside of your tooth is damaged, your dentist may suggest a root canal to remove the damaged tissue. The root canal will be recommended if there’s an infection. Tooth extraction is the last case scenario if the tooth is too far gone and can’t be saved. Molars are an important part of your dental structure.

When to see a dentist for a tooth infection?

You need treatment from a dentist or endodontist — a specialist who can help save your tooth. If you don’t treat it, the infection can spread beyond your jaw to your neck, head, or other body parts.

What causes a crack in the back of your molar?

How Does it Happen Cracks are a common occurrence for your molars because they are in the back and side of your mouth and absorb most of the force when you chew. Eating hard types of foods (like hard candy) and chewing on ice can lead to a cracked tooth that needs repair. Grinding your teeth can too.

Why did my dentist think I had a toothache?

‘It was a gradual thing, and I thought it must be toothache, so I made an appointment with my dentist a few days later. He thought it was a filling that needed changing,’ says Alison, 53, who lives in Cambridgeshire with her husband, Nigel, a software architect, and their three children.