Welcome to the Melbourne Community Daily Discussion Thread.

  • Dalek Thal
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    7 months ago

    Anyone got recommendations for an affordable dentist? Very concerned I may have developed periodontitis (as a 24 year old because I’ve not been able to afford dental care most of my life), and need a check-up and quote to deal with it

    • Llabyrinthine
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      7 months ago

      As someone who’s been through this, and I understand the affordability aspect, but if you’ve been referred to a perio, please go to one. I, too went through a dental practice and spent almost as much there as I did at a perio, which is where I should have been referred to in the first place.

      Get your teeth right. Bone/gum loss is irreversible and it will be one of the most important investments you’ll make. (I know that sounds a little harsh, but please know that it is well-intentioned.)

      That said, you won’t know till you see a dentist. I’ve also been to the Melb Uni clinic and it is more affordable as far as dental practices go.

      • Dalek Thal
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        7 months ago

        Absolutely fully understand mate, nothing harsh about the truth. To get a reference point around how much I need to save, how much did it end up costing you?

        • Llabyrinthine
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          7 months ago

          I think there was an initial consult that might have been $300. The main treatment was $1200 split into two visits and I just paid half each visit.

          Please keep in mind that these are likely top end prices given that it’s in the CBD. You may find better pricing out of the CBD. I am also vigilant about my checkups so have returned with a bit more frequency.

          You may find that you may fare really well with a good dental scale and clean. So don’t jump to any conclusions until you get the full picture.

          My perio costs are not general dental costs so they don’t do teeth per se. Fillings etc. are done through your dentist. So like I said, just wait to see what it is. There are always options and payment plans and choice of who you want to go to.

          • Dalek Thal
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            7 months ago

            Thanks mate, you’ve no idea how helpful that is. I’ll start making some phone calls and go from there

            • Llabyrinthine
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              7 months ago

              All the best! Dentists and related services are not pleasant, but once you start framing it as self-maintenance, you’ll never look back.

    • Thornburywitch
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      7 months ago

      www.dental.mthc.com.au/services - (Melbourne Dental Clinic) have a low cost clinic - care provided by final year students under supervision. About the cheapest in Melbourne that I know of. There are fees, but nothing like the usual ones.

      • Catfish
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        7 months ago

        It’s even cheaper if you’re a student or related to a Uni Staff member. Appointments are generally available very quickly, though that might not apply at this end of the year.

    • wscholermann
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      7 months ago

      Do they have to be qualified? If not I know a local butcher who would be willing to give it a crack 😂

      • Bacon
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        7 months ago

        I have a door and some strings. I’ll do it for $10.