Hate it when life happens

jaybones · #1 05-13-2018, 10:41 PM

I had a root canal about 15 or so years ago, on my left side upper first molar that has gone bad. 6 months ago I had an abscess, went to the dentist and they said it needed to come out.

Get the tooth pulled and a bone graft (otherwise the teeth on either side fall out as the bone underneath collapses), then either do without (can't do that, its the side I chew on and can't really change since jaw problems TMJ prohibit the other side. Plus I don't like the idea of not having a tooth when I smile or talk), get a bridge installed (dentist and I don't like that idea either since the healthy teeth get whittled down and wear out over time, need to have the bridge adjusted and deeper grooves filled on the healthy teeth), or have an implant and false tooth fitted (crown or whatever they call it) to the end.

For the extraction and bone graft (sinus lift also) is going to cost $3000.

The implant and false tooth is another $3000.

Bridge would be another grand (or so), and I just so happen to have exactly $6000 in the bank. Funny how that always seems to happen, I get a little bit ahead only to have life set me back to square one again. It's like the old justice of the peace down south fining tourists on their way through their jurisdiction the exact amount of cash they had when they got pulled over.

The procedures will be spread out in threes. Extract nd bone graft are first step and will cost $1000. Stitches come out 2 weeks later.

2 months after that the bone graft will have healed enough for the implant to be put in- basically a big screw that goes into the bone that has a threaded shaft on the end for the end piece and the crown to attach to.

2 months later the implant has healed and the end will have the above the gum piece installed and the crown placed.

Guess that solid wood 12 string I was hoping to buy this summer will have to wait. As well as some other GAS that I was hoping to fund.

And before anyone asks, my insurance (which I pay for myself, self employed and partial disability Medicare supplement plan) won't pay anything. Asked specifically if any of it could be covered under my medical, but no.

ManyMartinMan · #2 05-13-2018, 11:23 PM

Sorry to hear that. A bummer indeed.

rokdog49 · #3 05-14-2018, 04:57 AM

It sucks but maybe be glad you don't have to borrow the money like a lot of folks would.

Mr. Jelly · #4 05-14-2018, 05:05 AM

Ouch and ouch! It seems there's always something.

djg · #5 05-14-2018, 05:58 AM

Bummer. Double bummer if the implant later needs to come out. There's a fairly low failure rate for these things if done right, but it's not minuscule. You don't need to ask me how I know -- easy enough to guess.

Sorry about the coverage thing. It can pay to shop around a little. Well regarded dentists (and oral surgeons) with good credentials don't all charge the same -- I don't know any secrets to saving money here, and it's not going to be cheap, but we switched about a year ago, partly for convenience and partly because we observed seen significant price differences within our generally pricey metro area.

KarenB · #6 05-14-2018, 06:03 AM

Ugh! Ugh Ugh!

WindChaser · #7 05-14-2018, 06:35 AM

Sorry to hear, but I’m glad for you that you have the money to pay for that procedure. Would have sucked if you just bought a 12 string for say $6,000, and then just found out about your dental needs. Then you may have had to sell it taking a significant loss to help pay for the procedure.

When my first daughter just got into kindergarten a few years ago, my wife and I were thankful for not having it pay for daycare anymore ($1,200/month), then a few months into kindergarten my daughter needed a $4,000 or so dental procedure to correct an underbite. We were then doubly thankful for having the extra money to pay for it!

So, instead of this being a set back, I think your situation worked out quite well.

RP · #8 05-14-2018, 07:05 AM

Sorry to hear about your dental woes. Despite having very good health coverage through Medicare and Anthem, my dental/periodontal issues are a whole other thing. I've been having the work done at the dental school at the Medical College of Virginia (now known as VCU). I know that having these procedures at a dental school conjures up images of kids who are barely old enough to shave working on my mouth with one eye on an open text book, but that is definitely not the case.

The practitioners who have worked on me, both in general dentistry and periodontal, have graduated from dental schools already and are earning graduate advanced degrees through advanced training. Attending dentists are very close at hand and monitor all procedures. I've been very pleased with the care I've received....

KevWind · #9 05-14-2018, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybones

I had a root canal about 15 or so years ago, on my left side upper first molar that has gone bad. 6 months ago I had an abscess, went to the dentist and they said it needed to come out.

Get the tooth pulled and a bone graft (otherwise the teeth on either side fall out as the bone underneath collapses), then either do without (can't do that, its the side I chew on and can't really change since jaw problems TMJ prohibit the other side. Plus I don't like the idea of not having a tooth when I smile or talk), get a bridge installed (dentist and I don't like that idea either since the healthy teeth get whittled down and wear out over time, need to have the bridge adjusted and deeper grooves filled on the healthy teeth), or have an implant and false tooth fitted (crown or whatever they call it) to the end.

For the extraction and bone graft (sinus lift also) is going to cost $3000.

The implant and false tooth is another $3000.

Bridge would be another grand (or so), and I just so happen to have exactly $6000 in the bank. Funny how that always seems to happen, I get a little bit ahead only to have life set me back to square one again. It's like the old justice of the peace down south fining tourists on their way through their jurisdiction the exact amount of cash they had when they got pulled over.

The procedures will be spread out in threes. Extract nd bone graft are first step and will cost $1000. Stitches come out 2 weeks later.

2 months after that the bone graft will have healed enough for the implant to be put in- basically a big screw that goes into the bone that has a threaded shaft on the end for the end piece and the crown to attach to.

2 months later the implant has healed and the end will have the above the gum piece installed and the crown placed.

Guess that solid wood 12 string I was hoping to buy this summer will have to wait. As well as some other GAS that I was hoping to fund.

And before anyone asks, my insurance (which I pay for myself, self employed and partial disability Medicare supplement plan) won't pay anything. Asked specifically if any of it could be covered under my medical, but no.

Boy oh boy I know first hand your pain (literally, except no prior root canal ) and if it makes you feel any better my bill for the voluntary torture (and exact same multi procedure) was $8k for one molar, also not covered by insurance .

Dwight · #10 05-14-2018, 07:14 AM

I've got a major dental reconstruction job going on too. I sold a couple of Collings to contribute to the cause and the other half is out of pocket. I feel your pain!

Bob Womack · #11 05-14-2018, 08:00 AM

I'm sorry about your dental problems. Been there - wasn't able to get an implant because the graft wouldn't take. But it is funny how these things happen: a new roof as soon as you get a bonus, a car needed after another, surgery needed after you get an inheritance. I've been through it. Perhaps it is better to think of these little bubbles of money as providence that arrives at just the right time. Yes, it is disappointing when we don't get to apply them to a dream, but our needs have been provided for.

Bob

JCook1 · #12 05-14-2018, 04:36 PM

Two years ago I had two dental implants put in to host a bridge encompassing three teeth. I was told by my medical insurance company that they wouldn't cover it because it wasn't a "medical" problem. Really? How is it that serious dental problems aren't medical? Especially something as invasive and involved as dental implants, which require bone grafts? I had to pay about $11,000 for this. It had to happen as the site was in the upper front of my mouth, encompassing the two front teeth and one other. It replaced a regular bridge that I had had since my 20s (in 60s now), that just failed and couldn't be replaced any other way. But who can afford this kind of thing? You do what you have to do, though, regardless.

Jack

jschmitz54 · #13 05-14-2018, 05:21 PM

Los Algodones Mexico. A tiny town fifteen minutes from Yuma Az. It’s purpose is Dentistry, eye glasses and prescription drugs. A Cerce Crown which is a state of the art crown cost $1200 in MN I got one in Los Algodones for $350. People go there by the bus load from Phoenix in the winter. Many Canadians go there specifically for dentistry. I think there are over 600 dentists in this town. Virtually no one lives there it is simply there to cater to Americans, Canadians and others. They do implants too. An implant in my uneducated dentistry opinion is the way to go. It’s just like your own tooth. Going Friday to get a checkup, X-rays and a cleaning, $35. Good luck!

jaybones · #14 05-14-2018, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Jelly

Ouch and ouch! It seems there's always something.

Well I'm sure they'll medicate me accordingly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by djg

...Sorry about the coverage thing. It can pay to shop around a little. Well regarded dentists (and oral surgeons) with good credentials don't all charge the same -- I don't know any secrets to saving money here, and it's not going to be cheap, but we switched about a year ago, partly for convenience and partly because we observed seen significant price differences within our generally pricey metro area.

There are several people in the area that I'm going to get second opinions from.

And the coverage thing, I get partial disability and have Medicare. Already asked if any of this could be covered under that surgical policy.

I have a Medicare supplement policy which was the best one when I got it.

guitar george · #15 05-14-2018, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybones

For the extraction and bone graft (sinus lift also) is going to cost $3000.

The implant and false tooth is another $3000.

Bridge would be another grand (or so), and I just so happen to have exactly $6000 in the bank. Funny how that always seems to happen, I get a little bit ahead only to have life set me back to square one again. It's like the old justice of the peace down south fining tourists on their way through their jurisdiction the exact amount of cash they had when they got pulled over.

A few years ago I went with a friend to get an estimate to repair a 'fender bender' on his old car. He boldly stated to the autobody estimator, "Can you give me an estimate to repair this car and if it's more than $2,000.00 I'm getting rid of it". The estimator gave it the appropriate amount of time and thought and came back with his estimate of $1,990.00 (No kidding). My friend accepted and had the car repaired. It looked more like a $1,000.00 repair to me. We kid him and laugh about this to this day.