Bummer. I tried to negotiate something with the office manager, but she was pretty rude and wouldn't entertain the idea.
Thanks for the response, anyways. I still think it's a shady bait-and-switch strategy by the dentist (give out a low estimate that appears to be a standard amalgam filling, only to actually use white fillings that cost the patient much more.) I've never had a problem with a dentist or medical professional like this before, but I guess lesson learned... always get a pre-determination to protect yourself from a bait-and-switch practice.
Thanks,
Matt.

