Teeth Issues!

[FlourShopGirl]

So I worked the nerve up to go to the dentist. The girls at the desk said he could give me an estimate for my teeth with the prior xrays yet when I was there he needed 14 of them which I couldn't pay for. I had a panarex (spelling?) and 2 xrays prior and I guess since they maybe knew my father was paying he would cover it. The dentist said he needed further ones so he could give me an estimate. I almost feel duped now. So at the end, with ALL the xrays, he couldnt even give me ballpark figure but apparently its' $4000 for an implant (I need 2-3) and $3,500 for a root canal which I need 3. Then take on 10 cavities and something he called scaling roots. From what I heard, I am guessing I need $35,000 worth of work. I left there upset. Of course mentioning that figure to my father he got angry and said "Is this guy flying in on an airline every day??".

My issue is, I HAVE to be knocked out for some of these. My teeth hurt and I couldn't imagine getting the root canals done minus twilight sleep. Then I have all those xrays which I doubt my father will pay for since he seems upset. My teeth are bad but not $35,000 bad. I have NO dental coverage which is where that figure comes from. My friend said "get them pulled and get dentures" but I am 31. I don't want removable dentures. :^(

[itchygirl]

If you have no dental insurance one option which worked out really well for me is to go to the nearest dental school (if there is one in your area) its lightyears cheaper and the students do great work. The ones I saw were very careful and considerate.

[ptkds]

You need to turn tale and RUN from that dentist! He is scamming you. Root canals only cost about $400-$800. If you have a dental school in your area (even if it is 2-3 hours away) it would be worth it to go there. The costs are about 1/3 of a normal dentist, and they usually have all the newest equipment.

Google the procedures you need with the word "cost" in there, and you will get an idea of what you should be paying.

FYI, I have told my DH that he needs to just get all his teeth pulled and to get dentures! His teeth are horrible, too.

[FlourShopGirl]

A few friends mentioned the dental school which will be fine for my husband however- I have to be knocked out for at least 4 of these teeth. I wish it was easier for me. I don't know if he's tacking on the cost due to me having sedation or what.

[home-based-mom]

A few friends mentioned the dental school which will be fine for my husband however- I have to be knocked out for at least 4 of these teeth. I wish it was easier for me. I don't know if he's tacking on the cost due to me having sedation or what.

Why would needing to be knocked out make dental school not work for you? Isn't that part of what they teach dental students to do? They gotta learn it somewhere! I think you should at least look into it. The worst they can tell you is "no" and if that's what happens then maybe they can offer recommendations.

[ptkds]

Let me stress again. You NEED to find a different dentist. You wouldn't accept the cost of one auto repair shop would you??? Just go to a different dentist and find out how much he would charge. You can get your old x-rays from your old dentist. They have to release those to you. You may have to return them, but you can still show the new dentist and not have to pay for new xrays. Sedation doesn't cost that much (That would mean that sedation would cost about $3000 for a root canal??) You don't need your mouth to be perfect. You just need to be out of pain.

And you don't "need" implants. If there is already a tooth there, you can just get a crown($800). If there isn't, you can get a spacer thing put into your gums to keep the space open, and get the implant later (or a partial denture) when you have insurance or more money. If it is a molar, you can do without. I am missing 2-3 molars, and I can eat just fine.

I agree w/ home based mom. Dental schools should be able to use sedation. You can at least ask. Maybe you can even be a great teaching case or something! It won't hurt a thing to ask.

At the very least, get a second opinion!!

[MaryJones2]

You definitely need to get a second (and third) opinion from a reputable dental surgeon and also a peridontist (gum specialist). It sounds like you have some serious issues that need addressing. The fact that you need root scaling suggests that you have some gum disease going on and may need implants because your roots are unstable. If that is the case putting a crown on is wasted money because you'll end up with an implant eventually. But you need an honest dentist to weigh the options with you and come up with a workable treatment plan.

[itchygirl]

A few friends mentioned the dental school which will be fine for my husband however- I have to be knocked out for at least 4 of these teeth. I wish it was easier for me. I don't know if he's tacking on the cost due to me having sedation or what.

The dental school gave me sedation.I had Nitrous and also conscious sedation, the works. They do everything at dental school they do at any dental practice.

[brendygirl]

For a small fee, you can take your X-RAYS with you (you could fib and say it would be too difficult to make it to the current location for all those visits or something) and GET A SECOND OPINION!