Bit the bullet. Went to the dentist

[socialxanxiety]

So, after calling around for a couple of weeks and dealing with some rude dentists [Which only enhanced my fear] I found a place that emailed me saying that they'd only charge 99$ for a visit, cleaning and ex-rays, as well as a consult and plan.

So the day of, I was so flustered that I went to the wrong dentists office entirely because the name was similar. And ended up sitting there in a crappy office across from a strip club scared out of my mind, but then the place I have the appointment at called me and I squared that away.

..They were much better, the office was nicer, and everyone was friendly. When I had my ex rays and cleaning, the nurse was VERY nice. And when the dentist came in, he was polite and friendly. He explained to me that yes, I do have periodontal disease, but it was mild and still reversible [I've been DETERMINED that it's severe and horrible] Theres only a little bone loss that can be fixed. I DON'T need scaling or deep cleaning.

I do, however, need 8 teeth removed. 4 are my severely impacted wisdom teeth. 3 are the teeth beside them that have gotten infected, and one is my abcessed tooth. Then I can get a partial. All of my other teeth are salveagable. And after that, I'll just need mostly fillings, root canals, and some crowns. He said for the state my teeth were in, my gums are swollen but still a pretty healthy pink. So, while I'm not the best case scenario, I'm far from the worst.

I'm looking at 7-8 grand worth of work, though. =/

 

[carole]

Well done I'm glad you managed to find and attend a dentist appointment, and that you are on your way to a healthy mouth. Now all you need is a large pile of money to get it done, I hope you will be able to work out a way to pay at a rate you can afford with your dental practise.

GOOD LUCK with your treatment, you will feel so much better, I bet your walking on air just for going.

Funny we always think it's a lot worse than it actually is, really pleased for you.

 

[CMiller]

congratulations you did it!!! awesome!!

 

[socialxanxiety]

I'm actually kind of more scared than ever. 8 Teeth. I need 8 teeth extracted. I can't afford that.. I can't afford the anesthetic. I can't afford whatever extraordinary measures I need to take to make sure my teeth don't shift.. I can't afford being out for weeks at my job...

 

[Pippa]

I know the feeling ! I am having to pay a large amount as well.

It is very scary, but the alternative is awful teeth that get worse and worse. All the pain will come later as the teeth detiorate and then you will be off work quite often and probably have to have emergency treatments which are maybe even more expensive.
Look at it long term, and perhaps there is a way you can pay off in installments. Maybe there is some financial help available to you.

I hope you can find a way through.

 

[socialxanxiety]

Not to mention the whole. If I get these teeth pulled. My teeth may shift. My jawbone may shrink. My other teeth surrounding the extraction site may rot. I may get dry socket.. The abcess may remain beneath the gumline.

 

[carole]

I have had teeth out and the teeth surrounding the extraction site did not rot so don't worry about that, you may get dry socket but it can be dealt with easy enough, if the abscess did remain which I doubt because they either do rct on an abscessed tooth/gum which means it takes a little while to heal or they extract which is what you are having which is instant cure for the abscess. Yes gums shrink down but you face will not cave in, I know people that have had false teeth for years and no caving in of the face yet, my mother for one and she is 80, still has a full face, don't worry. I don't know how long it takes for teeth to move, but I think it is a while, I think if it was possible could you talk to your dentist or someone else at the practice and explain your worries about being able to afford it, and the other issues you have.

They maybe able to put your mind at rest and come up with a payment plan as suggested by Pippa. I hope you can resolve these issues, I wish you luck.