I got my permanent crowns on Tuesday.

Hi, guys.

I need to vent about the high cost of medical/dental procedures. I know the doctors need their money, but my goodness! I'd been so very depressed lately at trying to figure out how to have my surgery and to pay for it. It's not a good feeling at all.

I had a root canal today, and I need a second one that will be performed next month. Ugh!

I took some pain meds about an hour ago, so I'm not hurting quite as badly and felt up for a visit here. But, I'm starting to feel sleepy, so I won't hang out here too long.

Anyway... A couple of weeks before Christmas, I could feel with my tongue where the filling in a top side tooth had come apart, and I could feel little bits of it between my tooth and the remaining filling. Well, so I thought. I'd been having gum irritations in that area, and I was having these little yellowish bumps come up on my gum. I went to the dentist to find that it wasn't my filling that had come apart; it was my tooth that had chipped and gotten lodged into my gum, and the bumps were abcess (sp). X-Rays and examination showed that I had a really bad infection, and that part of the root had already died and the rest was on its way. Eeek! So, I needed antibiotics for two weeks to clear up infection before the surgery today.
When the dentist was finished with the root canal, I told him that I was glad it was over because I figured the infection was spreading to a bottom tooth because I'd seen a bump there a few days ago. He said that couldn't be it...that the infection wouldn't spread like that. He made an X-ray of that tooth and told me that it also has an abcess (sp) and that the root is very weak, and I need a root canal and crown for it. Gaaah! I'll have the second surgery next month and will have to get the crowns before two months of the surgery or else the teetth will be in danger of breaking apart anyway, in which my money will have been wasted. Before I knew I'd need two surgeries, I asked if I could have the tooth pulled, though I really didn't want to. I knew it'd be much, much cheaper. My general dentist told me that the particular tooth is very important as it's one of the main teeth that breaks down the food well enough to be digested. I already had tooth on the opposite side pulled years ago because I couldn't afford a crown. He said it wouldn't do to have another pulled on the opposite side. So, I had to have the surgery.

It's all so very, very expensive. Well, to me it is.

I need two of each...

Root Canal = $750.00 each
Crowns = $600.00 - $700.00 each


I don't have dental insurance, so you may be able to imagine how I feel. Thankfully, the endodontist who did the surgery accepts Care Credit. His receptionist told me about it two weeks or so ago, I applied and was approved. It's a credit card specifically for some medical treatment, including eye care. The percentage rate is a bit higher than some standard credit cards, but at least I can make monthly payments. If not, I'd be in a horrible mess. Some of you may be interested in checking it out. Just go to www.carecredit.com I was just approved for a credit card, and wished I'd had it before applying to Care Credit, but I was in bind and in a hurry. So, I'll transfer from Care Credit to my other card because I won't have to pay quite as much each month.

My general dentist would be the one to place the crowns, but he doesn't accept Care Credit or credit cards. Thankfully, the endodontist suggested his own personal dentist for me. He said he'll be glad to accept either one.

I'm hoping that 2009 will be a better year for me. So far, some things are looking up for me, but this money situation really has me going. Last year was pretty rough and that's why I wasn't hanging out here so much, then. I did miss you guys.

Okay, it's time to take a break. My pain meds have me slightly seeing double and my fingers feel a bit heavy on the keyboard. I should take a moment to rest on the sofa, I guess. I'm not quite ready for bed. I'm actually quite hungry and should try some soup before resting, I guess.

Thanks for listening to me vent.

It's no fun to have dental work done--especially if you don't have insurance. I know it's a lot of money, but I'm glad you are having the work done. I'm sure I'll be getting a crown or two in the next few years. They sure are expensive. I've always wondered why when you see commercials for a set of dentures for a lot less than the price of one crown.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dental woes, LM. :alright: When it rains it pours, doesn't it? :sad5: I know all about "care credit"...we applied a few months ago when my son needed chiropractic care that totalled over $1000, which is not covered by our insurance. Once that's paid for we'll probably use it for his braces as well. There's no interest whatsoever if you pay it off the first year...I doubt that's going to happen for us though, but actually it is a lower percentage rate than most cards. I've heard Care Credit is even accepted by most veternarians as well! It's really a God send in these tough times. Good luck with everything...I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Ouch, LM, that sounds awful. I'm sorry you're suffering like that. Did you investigate if your health insurance would cover any of the cost? Sometimes they do for certain situations, but I don't know what the parameters are.

I certainly hope you're feeling better soon.

Oh Sorry LM I had two theeth Pulled the 15 no Fun i was suppose to get one of them a Root Canel and a Crown but it was suppose to cost $1700.00 so i decided to get that one pulled i have a other one where i was suppose to get a Root Canel but i'm gonna put that one on hold and see if it will last till i have job and Hopefully dental insurance then i will get the Root Canel Done i have $1000 a Year now from my Dads Work Place But i already Use a little over $300

I Hope you feel Better soon

Ugh! That sounds horrible to go through.

We have dental insurance but we still end up paying quite a bit of money out of pocket for various dental procedures. I'd almost rather tell them to just pull the darn thing out too, just to save all of that money. It's unbelievalbe what it costs. Every time I would go to the dentist and see one of his two Cadillacs parked right outside the door, I'd think that we probably paid for a good portion of those vehicles.

I hope you heal soon!

Lori wrote:

It's no fun to have dental work done--especially if you don't have insurance. I know it's a lot of money, but I'm glad you are having the work done. I'm sure I'll be getting a crown or two in the next few years. They sure are expensive. I've always wondered why when you see commercials for a set of dentures for a lot less than the price of one crown.

Hi, Lori.

I hadn't thought of how much less expensive dentures are. I guess you'd come out cheaper by having all your teeth pulled and then getting dentures that will last for several years. :think: Hmm. Not sure.

I wish you good luck for when it's time for you to get your crowns.

Amy wrote:

I'm so sorry to hear about your dental woes, LM. :alright: When it rains it pours, doesn't it? :sad5: I know all about "care credit"...we applied a few months ago when my son needed chiropractic care that totalled over $1000, which is not covered by our insurance. Once that's paid for we'll probably use it for his braces as well. There's no interest whatsoever if you pay it off the first year...I doubt that's going to happen for us though, but actually it is a lower percentage rate than most cards. I've heard Care Credit is even accepted by most veternarians as well! It's really a God send in these tough times. Good luck with everything...I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Thanks, Amy.

I'd never heard of Care Credit until I asked the receptionist if they would accept what little I could manage each month. She said only if I go through Care Credit, and she explained it to me and gave me the site link. Like you, I'm glad to have found it. I have up to 18 months to pay w/o interest. It was orginally 12 months, but the doctor is working with me on that and I got the extension. I've found that my credit card has a lower interest rate for the first year, so I think I'll put the rest of my dental fees on that card.

I hope things are going well with your son. I hate that your insurance doesn't cover what he needs, but I'm glad you do have the Care Credit plan.

Thanks for wishing me luck. I wish you and yours the best of luck, too.

bethandmanly wrote:

Ouch, LM, that sounds awful. I'm sorry you're suffering like that. Did you investigate if your health insurance would cover any of the cost? Sometimes they do for certain situations, but I don't know what the parameters are.

I certainly hope you're feeling better soon.

Hi, Cheryl.

Yes, I checked, but I couldn't get any help for dental. I get coverage for my meds (w/ co-pays), hospital visits and several specialists, but nothing to do with dental. It's really a shame as so many of us have more problems with our teeth than anything else.

Thanks for the well-wishes.

JW wrote:

Oh Sorry LM I had two theeth Pulled the 15 no Fun i was suppose to get one of them a Root Canel and a Crown but it was suppose to cost $1700.00 so i decided to get that one pulled i have a other one where i was suppose to get a Root Canel but i'm gonna put that one on hold and see if it will last till i have job and Hopefully dental insurance then i will get the Root Canel Done i have $1000 a Year now from my Dads Work Place But i already Use a little over $300

I Hope you feel Better soon

Thanks, JW.

I really do understand why you had the one pulled. I had to do that several years ago. I had a root canal done, but couldn't afford the crown. The tooth eventually broke apart and had to be taken out. It really hurt my feelings that I had to lose the tooth after all that money, but I had no choice. I'm trying my best not to have that happen again; and this time it would be with two teeth. Not good.

I do hope you'll be able to save your tooth. Just one of your procedures (surgery and crown) will cost more than one of mine. Wow. That's too bad. Best of luck on getting all the money you need in getting that surgery done in time.

LM,
I am so sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. You will be in my prayers. Please keep us updated on how things are going. Dental work can be so expensive.

Savannah wrote:

LM, I'm sorry that you're going through all of that. I sure hope things brighten up for you. :alright:

Thank you, Savannah. I really appreciate you all giving me your support and words of kindness.

pamh36 wrote:

Ugh! That sounds horrible to go through.

We have dental insurance but we still end up paying quite a bit of money out of pocket for various dental procedures. I'd almost rather tell them to just pull the darn thing out too, just to save all of that money. It's unbelievalbe what it costs. Every time I would go to the dentist and see one of his two Cadillacs parked right outside the door, I'd think that we probably paid for a good portion of those vehicles.

I hope you heal soon!

Yeah, Pam. It's pretty rough.

I know what you mean about seeing those nice cars. I'm sure it's great to be able to drive such cars, have huge homes, boats, etc., but it hurts my feelings to know that so many of us are struggling to keep our teeth while doctors want more and more money, you know? I have no ill feelings against doctors, and I appreciate the good ones, but I just wish they didn't have to charge so much.

Teresa wrote:

LM,
I am so sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. You will be in my prayers. Please keep us updated on how things are going. Dental work can be so expensive.

Hi, Teresa.

I really do appreciate your prayers. I will keep you guys updated as you asked.

Thank you!

I am so sorry to hear about your situation, LM. I have been there before and I totally understand how much it sucks!

I had basically the same problem. Two years ago I thought I had a cavity but I went to the dentist and he said the tooth was cracked. He also said I probably needed a root canal. They didn't do crowns or anything there so he ended up doing a filling in it.

A few months later I went to another dentist and she agreed with his prognosis. But with the cost of the procedures I knew I could not afford them. I was going to talk to the receptionist about payment plans but never did.

She said until I decided what to do, she recommend I don't eat on that side of my mouth to keep the other side from getting any worse.

Flash forward several months ago. Insurance is offered through David thru the school and he decided to get it.

So I was able to start going to the dentist to get my problem taken care of. The dentist sent me to a specialist in Austin and today was my appointment.

Everything went smoothly. They gave me some of the numbing gel and I didn't feel a thing! Now my tooth is packed with antibiotic and a temporary filling.

I need to take additional antibiotics for two weeks and then I go back to get it taken out. After that, I go for my crown. Then you all can call me "Queen Misti!" GreenSmile

Everyone at the doc's office was very nice and they explained everything. My tooth is cracked but not bad enough to where they couldn't save it. So, that is a relief.

For the exam, an x-ray and the root canal, through insurance I paid $195, which isn't bad at all.

I hope that you are able to get the work you need done underway, LM!!!

Hello, Misti.

Yep, it does sound like you know the situation. Sorry you've been through a rough time, too.
I'm glad you were able to get the insurance and pay as little as you did. That's still a lot of money if you don't have it, but it's better that being seven times as much. How are you feeling after your appt.?

I'm glad you mentioned antibiotics. I hadn't taken my second of three doses for the day. I'm on the third round...ten days this time. I asked the dentist about my being on them for so long, and he said it'll be okay...that I need them. I have Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome (a defective heart valve) and every little cut I get requires topical antibiotic and a close eye. So, when it comes to any type of surgical procedure, no matter how minor, I have to take antibiotics...always a dose before and after any dental visit for a cleaning. It's really hard for me to fight infections at times and it takes me ages to get over a cold or flu. So, the antibiotics help keep infection from getting into my blood stream as the MVPS causes my immune system to be a bit weak.

Well, future "Queen Misti", what shall my title be as I will have two crowns? LOL!

Best of luck and quick healing to you!

Yeah, it is a rough dental world out there, literally! It is just so expensive to have done and its horrible when you can't accomplish that.

I am just thankful every day that we have the insurance. Though $200 isn't chicken feed, the statement they gave me said that all the work was about $1000.

That's why when I get ready to have anything done I schedule it so that I can save up the money.

My mouth feels ok today, just really sore. I took a pain pill last night (that's all I had since I had no Motrin) and went to bed early. Not because I hurt, but it had been a long day.

I'm going to Wal-Mart today to get some aspirin and take some of those.

I hope everything works out for you, LM. The whole situation just is ridiculous!

LM, I know where you are coming from with having to take the antibiotics before any dental work can be done. My oldest son was born with a heart murmur because of a small hole in his heart. From that point on, any kind of dental work had to be done AFTER he took a load of antibiotics. They said if he were to get an infection, it would head straight for the heart, so we paid the extra for safety........The hole eventually sealed over, but he still takes meds before dental work, just to be on the safe side.

We have a dental clinic in the town where I used to work and 2 of the men that go to my church are dentists and they volunteer their time there once a week. Have you checked into anything like that in your area? It sure would save you in the wallet......

Misti wrote:

Yeah, it is a rough dental world out there, literally! It is just so expensive to have done and its horrible when you can't accomplish that.

I am just thankful every day that we have the insurance. Though $200 isn't chicken feed, the statement they gave me said that all the work was about $1000.

That's why when I get ready to have anything done I schedule it so that I can save up the money.

My mouth feels ok today, just really sore. I took a pain pill last night (that's all I had since I had no Motrin) and went to bed early. Not because I hurt, but it had been a long day.

I'm going to Wal-Mart today to get some aspirin and take some of those.

I hope everything works out for you, LM. The whole situation just is ridiculous!

Yeah, it really hurts my feelings to know that there are things I really need but have to put off. I try to remind myself that it could be much worse, though.

I'm glad you're feeling better. Maybe rinsing with some warm salt water will take a little more of the soreness away.

I still have that nasty taste in my mouth...the taste of the dental instruments, novacaine, or something. Yuck! I've rinsed with Listerine during my usual 2-3 times a day, but it doesn't seem to help. The salt water is helping with the soreness, but not the taste. I guess I should call the dentist and see if this is normal. It's been three days. :think:

Here's hoping that the aspirin will do it for you.


Take care.

Rhonda wrote:

LM, I know where you are coming from with having to take the antibiotics before any dental work can be done. My oldest son was born with a heart murmur because of a small hole in his heart. From that point on, any kind of dental work had to be done AFTER he took a load of antibiotics. They said if he were to get an infection, it would head straight for the heart, so we paid the extra for safety........The hole eventually sealed over, but he still takes meds before dental work, just to be on the safe side.

We have a dental clinic in the town where I used to work and 2 of the men that go to my church are dentists and they volunteer their time there once a week. Have you checked into anything like that in your area? It sure would save you in the wallet......

Hi, Rhonda.

I'm glad you all chose to continue to use antibiotics. I'm also glad the hole in your son's heart closed. That's great news! I've heard of very small ones closing not long after some babies are born, but you just never know.

My Mom was told that I had a heart murmur when I was a baby and would outgrow it. I never did, and then ended up with MVPS. Well, they say I was born with it, but it didn't really act up until I was 18. One night while watching TV, I had very sharp pains in my arm, chest and back and my heart was pounding and skipping beats. My Mom rushed me to the ER, thinking it was a heart attack. We quickly found out that it wasn't one (thank God), but they didn't know what it was exactly. So, I was admitted and stayed in for about four days...finding out I had MVPS.

Have you heard anything about the AMA saying that it's not necessary for many to be pre-medicated anymore? The Endodontist's nurse or receptionist told me over the phone before my visit. I told her that I hadn't heard, but would feel safer in doing so. She said it would be up to my doctor to decide. I called my doctor and the nurse left the phone to ask him. She came back and told me that he said I most definitely need antibiotics, before and after as always. So, I'm going to pass the word along as some people may be told by the dentist about the AMA's note, and they may end up in very dangerous situation with their health. Very scary. If I find the info online, I'll share the link.



I did check around for dental clinics (I used one years ago), but those within an hour drive will either just clean, add a filling or pull the tooth.

Rhonda wrote:

Mix up some baking soda and warm water and swish around in your mouth.......that should take care of the taste as well as the odor........Baking soda is known for neutralizing odors and bad tastes.......

I hadn't thought of soda.

Thanks!

Update:

Well, a slight bump on my road to recovery. The side of my tooth had been getting infected and big! It was swollen and red to where you could see how swollen it was looking at my face.

So I was planning on going back to the dentist on Monday to show them but David called them instead. He called the doctor who was listed on my prescription and turned out she wasn't the one that worked on me. And she seemed surprised that the doctor had prescribed the antibiotic that he had. Turned out the antibiotic they gave me wasn't very strong, its the normal amoxicillin, and it wasn't working.

So the doctor on the prescription bottle, after we described the one that worked on me, she called him, he called me and put me on a stronger antibiotic.

It is working because the infection has been leaking out and the big bump has has gone way, way down, which I'm very thankful for. This antibiotic is called "Clindamycin" and it has worked wonders.

So I've been in bed all weekend, I have my periods of time when I feel better than others, and I've been eating soup, jello & pudding for the last two days (side note to Pam...the boys won! They polished off my pizza! ) but I am feeling better.

Heading back to bed. I took my antibiotic & a pain pill, so it soon sends me to dream land. 'Night everyone!

Rhonda wrote:

Mix up some baking soda and warm water and swish around in your mouth.......that should take care of the taste as well as the odor........Baking soda is known for neutralizing odors and bad tastes.......

I Should of thought of that when i had my Two Theeth Pulled i had this terribel taste in my mouth cause of the Blood but now it is gone