Wellness

[Q-Checker]

For those who can afford it and have a lot of ongoing need for dental care, I recomend thinking about dental insurance. The billing clerk in your dentist's office may have a good company to recommend. I am fortunate to be insured through a federal employee plan and have saved a good deal of money, especially with a couple of implants. In those years where I just need cleanings and exams, I come close to breaking even. Dentists, like physicians, have a lot of overhead expenses, which accounts for some of the huge costs for quality care.

[SilleeMee]

Fortunately I live in a city where we have community dental centers which are government and donation funded facilities which provide basic dental care for everyone. Billing is based on an income sliding scale and all seniors get extra discounts with free 6/mo cleanings. My last checkup there cost me a whopping $18 and cleaning was free. One time I had a small cavity filled and that was only $10. My last comprehensive checkup w/x-rays was only $25. I know all of that sounds too good to be true but it's true. I'm more than grateful.

[Kachina624]

I don't understand. A root canal removes the nerve in the tooth.  What does he mean it's "gone bad"?  It shouldn't be hurting you.

It could have decayed and could be crowned but there's nothing to prevent further decay in the future.

I'd ask for more information.

[jubilant]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

I don't understand. A root canal removes the nerve in the tooth.  What does he mean it's "gone bad"?  It shouldn't be hurting you.

It could have decayed and could be crowned but there's nothing to prevent further decay in the future.

I'd ask for more information.

 I have decided to go back to the endontist that my dentist sent me to months ago.  He looked at the tooth and told me he thought I might get another 2 yrs. out of it. My regular dentist still has offered me the other solution of  cleaning up the decay and crowning the tooth. I find that kind of odd and am not sure if he is trying to get the job for money, or just to save me money.  I don't know him all that well. 

I've decided I will call the Endontist today and make another appointment to see him. He never gave me a price because he thought it could wait awhile yet. Maybe the decay wasn't showing as bad then....who knows???? 

[wagirl]

Oh sure--have many root canals that were crowned but needed a new one. 

[Forbidden Fruit]

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@haddon9 wrote:

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@Forbidden Fruit wrote:

@jubilant 

I just had this done (replace filling, crown done) $1400 total before insurance. I'm in the midwest.  I would get a second opinion as the price seems too high.  In my area, we had 2 dentists (in the last 3 months) that were reprimanded because they were doing unnecessary dental work.  Not sure why they weren't arrested for fraud--lots of money involved for the procedures. Try to save the tooth so you don't have bone loss.  

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@Forbidden Fruit I had a tooth pulled and went to an oral surgeon for a consultation for an implant.  I was told that I had a cavity next to the tooth which was to be replaced. 

I went to my regular dentist to do the filling and I don't know what I was thinking but in my mind I thought it was a simple cavity and was going to cost around $800.00.  Oh of course it was more!  I was annoyed to see that not only did I need the cavity filled but I needed a crown too....It cost over 2K!

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@haddon9 

That's quite a "surprise." Ugh. I hope if you get an implant you have good luck/results. I have heard mixed reviews from people I know who have implants. I swear the only people who have genetically great teeth become dentists! 

[SilleeMee]

I've had 8 implant put in in the last 3 years and all are doing just fine. I need one more implant put in but I need to stop my bone density drugs first so I have no idea when the implant can be done. Depends on my next Dexa scan. Fingers crossed.

[jubilant]

@Goldengate8361 

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@Goldengate8361 wrote:

Yikes! If there's no pain, I'd be tempted to not get it fixed....but that's me (assuming it doesn't show).

I admire your bravery...I really do. I guess my pain tolerance is low right now.  I have had a lot of painful things happen this past year and am trying yo avoid

all the pain I can theses days! 

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[jubilant]

I really appreciate all your input.  Have learned a lot and has given me a lot of "food for thought".

Thank you all!!