F
franky74
Member
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2009
- Messages
- 30
So here is my story:
As a kid, my parents always took me for regular dental checkups. And, I had horrible teeth. No matter how often I brushed or flossed, I could never make it through a visit without a cavity. The dentist told my parents that I had very "soft" teeth. He felt that I needed braces, but that my teeth were too soft, and would rot beneath the braces. Besides all of this, he was very rough and I was often not completely numb for his treatments. So basically, no good dental memories from my childhood!
As an adult,I never had dental insurance until 2 years ago. For many years, it was ok. I brush very frequently. But then pregnancy, and the tooth and gum issues that go along with it, and here I am at 35 with a mouth full of broken, decayed teeth.
So I just try to pretend it's not happening to me as my teeth are crumbling, I keep my mouth closed at all costs. But here's the thing: The PAIN. For a long time I am able to take it. That is, until I experienced my very first abscess tooth! I mean, so much pain that I could barely think. I called around and found the first dentist who would take me. My first dental visit in 17 years.
The worst part, for me, was the embarassment I felt. I was so ashamed, I didn't even want to open my mouth for him. I am fairly attractive, I have a professional job....this is just something that I try to hide at all costs, and I felt so exposed with this dentist and his assistant looking into my mouth.
The good news: the dentist was AWESOME! Imagine my delight when I pull in and see the sign "Gentle Dentistry". The bad news: My top teeth cannot be saved. He recommends extractions of my top teeth and an immediate denture placed. In addition, he wants a partial for my bottom teeth. He plans to leave 11 teeth on the bottom, I need 4 fillings but that's it.
The problem: I cant afford all of this at once. I have good insurance, but can afford very little out of pocket. And, with the oral surgeon, I am looking at probably $6000. My insurance will cover $4000, but I honestly don't know how to come up with the rest, and don't want to go into debt for it.
So I am planning to ask him if we can wait a bit on the bottom extractions and partial. My bottom teeth do not cause me any discomfort, all of my pain and embarrassment come from the top teeth. I am going to suggest to him that we do the top extractions and dentures, and do the cleaning and fillings on the bottom teeth that are to remain, but wait for the extractions and partial bottom until I have a fresh year of dental insurance to pay for it (January 2011).
Edited to add: The 11 remaining teeth on the bottom are my front teeth. So, as far as appearance, I don't feel that it would not be terrible noticeable if I wait for the bottom partial
Does this sound like a good plan? Anyone? I will greatly appreciate any comments or feedback! Thanks for reading!
As a kid, my parents always took me for regular dental checkups. And, I had horrible teeth. No matter how often I brushed or flossed, I could never make it through a visit without a cavity. The dentist told my parents that I had very "soft" teeth. He felt that I needed braces, but that my teeth were too soft, and would rot beneath the braces. Besides all of this, he was very rough and I was often not completely numb for his treatments. So basically, no good dental memories from my childhood!
As an adult,I never had dental insurance until 2 years ago. For many years, it was ok. I brush very frequently. But then pregnancy, and the tooth and gum issues that go along with it, and here I am at 35 with a mouth full of broken, decayed teeth.
So I just try to pretend it's not happening to me as my teeth are crumbling, I keep my mouth closed at all costs. But here's the thing: The PAIN. For a long time I am able to take it. That is, until I experienced my very first abscess tooth! I mean, so much pain that I could barely think. I called around and found the first dentist who would take me. My first dental visit in 17 years.
The worst part, for me, was the embarassment I felt. I was so ashamed, I didn't even want to open my mouth for him. I am fairly attractive, I have a professional job....this is just something that I try to hide at all costs, and I felt so exposed with this dentist and his assistant looking into my mouth.
The good news: the dentist was AWESOME! Imagine my delight when I pull in and see the sign "Gentle Dentistry". The bad news: My top teeth cannot be saved. He recommends extractions of my top teeth and an immediate denture placed. In addition, he wants a partial for my bottom teeth. He plans to leave 11 teeth on the bottom, I need 4 fillings but that's it.
The problem: I cant afford all of this at once. I have good insurance, but can afford very little out of pocket. And, with the oral surgeon, I am looking at probably $6000. My insurance will cover $4000, but I honestly don't know how to come up with the rest, and don't want to go into debt for it.
So I am planning to ask him if we can wait a bit on the bottom extractions and partial. My bottom teeth do not cause me any discomfort, all of my pain and embarrassment come from the top teeth. I am going to suggest to him that we do the top extractions and dentures, and do the cleaning and fillings on the bottom teeth that are to remain, but wait for the extractions and partial bottom until I have a fresh year of dental insurance to pay for it (January 2011).
Edited to add: The 11 remaining teeth on the bottom are my front teeth. So, as far as appearance, I don't feel that it would not be terrible noticeable if I wait for the bottom partial
Does this sound like a good plan? Anyone? I will greatly appreciate any comments or feedback! Thanks for reading!
Last edited: