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I'm getting my teeth fixed!!

AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
edited May 2008 in All Encompassing Trip
Woo hoo.
I have had a broken tooth for TWO years. It's attached to a bridge in the bottom of my mouth so in order for it to be fixed, I needed a new bridge, which I did not have the money for. Two years ago they said it would cost $4200.
I didn't have insurance at that time
and then when I did get insurance it only covered 50 percent! :eek:

I've been eating on the right side of my mouth since then! double :eek:

so my credit is atrocious but mom's is good and when I told her they had a payment plan, she graciously agreed to help b/c she couldn't stand hearing that I couldn't eat right.

So I had all the x-rays re-done last week and when I went back today and they drew up a treatment plan
the original price was $12,000 :eek:
which I laughed out loud. I said that is college tuition type of money.
And I showed her how 2 yrs ago, it only cost $4200, how could the price triple?

So the girl that works in the office spoke to the dentist and called me tonight they knocked the price down to $4400. So I have an appt, they have to extract the broken tooth b/c it is infected
and then
I'm going to get to eat like a normal person!

Sorry to go on but I'm really super excited! Yay for me. And Yay for Mom (thanks Mom!)
"...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
"Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
6-01-06
6/25/08
Free Speedy
and Metsy!
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • westsidepiewestsidepie Posts: 627
    I had a tooth replaced with an implant. They extracted the old tooth, then did a bone graft. I had to wait six to eight months for new bone to grow. I actually had to have this done twice. Next, they put an implanted post in the new bone. I then had to wait six to eight months for bone to grow around the post. Finally, they made a tooth, and put it on the post. It took almost two years for the entire process, and it cost almost $6000.00. Insurance paid less than half. All in all, I am happier with the tooth, and think it was worth it in the end. Good luck, and I hope it takes less time than mine did.
    To pie I will reply
    But mr. justam
    is who I am

    "That's a repulsive combination of horrible information and bad breath."-Pickles

    "Remember, death is a natural part of the workplace. So, when you see a dead body at work, don't freak out, just ring your death bell." "ting"-Toki Wartooth
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    westsidepie wrote:
    I had a tooth replaced with an implant. They extracted the old tooth, then did a bone graft. I had to wait six to eight months for new bone to grow. I actually had to have this done twice. Next, the put an implanted post in the new bone. I then had to wait six to eight months for bone to grow around the post. Finally, they made a tooth, and put it on the post. It took almost two years for the entire process, and it cost almost $6000.00. Insurance paid less than half. All in all, I am happier with the tooth, and think it was worth it in the end. Good luck, and I hope it takes less time than mine did.

    Whoa! What a process!
    I'm glad you are happy with your new tooth!

    And thanks! They said it will take a minimum of 4 visits. I think the worst part will be having the broken tooth pulled. The tooth already had a root canal prior to this so I'm fortunately not in excruciating pain.
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • orig_long redorig_long red Posts: 2,029
    ah, dental coverage ... the greatest myth of them all.
    Jam out with your clam out.
  • spongersponger Posts: 3,159
    I spent most of the afternoon weighing the feasibility of buying a $3K mtn bike because it's sooo much better than the $1500 mtn. bike I have right now. I feel really shallow now.
    reigning champion

    http://forums.pearljam.com/showthread.php?t=272825
  • small town becksmall town beck Posts: 6,691
    I can only chew on the left side of my mouth because of my jaw issues but they SAY this does not make me a candidate for surgery :rolleyes:

    I think next time I go to the dentist I may tell them about how much my jaw hurts etc and how terrible it is to chew on one side see if I can maybe get my surgery done... now if they would only pay for my braces :o oh well they will still be worth it for me to get on your own.

    Good for you, Allie!!! And very sweet of your mum :)
  • BetterThanYouBetterThanYou Posts: 853
    fuck the dentist.

    that's cool that you're getting it fixed, though. i've got a couple broken teeth that i really want to fix, but they don't hurt so i'm gonna put it off a while.
    "Have you ever.........pooped a balloon?"
    ~D.K.S.
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    small town beck wrote:
    I can only chew on the left side of my mouth because of my jaw issues but they SAY this does not make me a candidate for surgery :rolleyes:

    I think next time I go to the dentist I may tell them about how much my jaw hurts etc and how terrible it is to chew on one side see if I can maybe get my surgery done... now if they would only pay for my braces :o oh well they will still be worth it for me to get on your own.

    Good for you, Allie!!! And very sweet of your mum :)
    STB! How's Canada?
    thanks!
    and I know Yay Mom! :) She was just here. She made me steak and potatoes!
    What jaw issue do you have? TMJ? I wear a night guard b/c I grind my teeth
    What kind of surgery do you need?
    I literally feel the pain of having to eat on one side :( It is terrible! I'm so sorry, I hope you can get it fixed
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    BetterThanYou wrote:
    f the dentist.

    that's cool that you're getting it fixed, though. i've got a couple broken teeth that i really want to fix, but they don't hurt so i'm gonna put it off a while.
    I know what you mean,
    I think it's all a scam to make as much money as possible
    BUT
    I feel like I can't walk around with an infection, that could be dangerous?

    and eating on one side of my mouth for the rest of my life. L
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • ardyardy Posts: 53
    congrats on the tooth fixing :)

    i loathe the dentist. i had a root canal done a year ago for $900...that's after insurance paid their part. about a month later, the root canaled tooth still hurt - which is confusing because i thought there would be no nerve in the root to hurt. my dentist checked it (for $150) and found nothing to be concerned about. another month goes by, the tooth still hurts. i call the dentist and they tell me "well, we can order another root canal done...." i said, "...and i assume since this is a redo, there's no fee involved?" they said, "oh no. you would have to assume another $900 of the bill." i told them that is unacceptable because i felt the root canal procedure was not done properly in the first place so why should i have to incur additional charges. i've had 2 other root canals done on other teeth, no problems at all.

    it still hurts, they still want me to pay for a redo - i can't justify it.
    i swear the mercury in the fillings in my other teeth is leaking, something the dentist told me was a myth. but....he'd be happy to replace all the silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings.....for $1,200.

    and to top it off - have you ever heard of root planing and gum scraping? google it....that's the *other* thing my dentist said i need....$600-700 for one side of my mouth then, when that side heals, they do the other side for another $600-700.

    so in pain i remain...*sigh*
    "Can I ask you a question?" (.....you just did.....)
  • small town becksmall town beck Posts: 6,691
    Allie wrote:
    STB! How's Canada?
    thanks!
    and I know Yay Mom! : ) She was just here. She made me steak and potatoes!
    What jaw issue do you have? TMJ? I wear a night guard b/c I grind my teeth
    What kind of surgery do you need?
    I literally feel the pain of having to eat on one side : ( It is terrible! I'm so sorry, I hope you can get it fixed


    Allie, what's up?? :D Will I get to see you next month? :)

    I do have TMJ and my jaw will pop in and out of place. It doesn't feel even if that makes sense?? :confused: I too have a mouth guard .... back home :o I am terrible at wearing it. I feel like I have a puck in my mouth even after I had it shaved down... but I digress. I am having my mouth guard sent out to me.

    Thanks I am hoping to get a new dentist here and get a bunch of stuff done..*fingers crossed*

    btw Canada is great, thanks :)
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    OMG, what a horrible story! :eek:
    I know what you mean. I have had 14 root canals in my life, a tooth pulled, two oral surgeries (apicoectomies), and all 4 of my wisdom teeth out

    I made the mistake of going to the NYU Dental school clinic when I was in grad school (where dental students work on you-supervised) :eek: and they started a root canal but didn't give me a follow up appt until 3 weeks later. I got an infection and needed surgery.

    So I understand, I'm not a fan of the dentist either.
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    small town beck wrote:
    Allie, what's up?? :D Will I get to see you next month? :)

    I do have TMJ and my jaw will pop in and out of place. It doesn't feel even if that makes sense?? :confused: I too have a mouth guard .... back home :o I am terrible at wearing it. I feel like I have a puck in my mouth even after I had it shaved down... but I digress. I am having my mouth guard sent out to me.

    Thanks I am hoping to get a new dentist here and get a bunch of stuff done..*fingers crossed*

    btw Canada is great, thanks :)
    Oh God! TMJ is terrible. Yeah I can't sleep w/o my night guard. I got used to it.
    I'm glad you like Canada! I've always had a good time when I've been there-I've been to Montreal, Toronto and a few other places in Ontario.
    It would be great to see you but I can't go to the Tuesday pre party, I have to work. Maybe at the Wednesday one?
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • ByrnzieByrnzie Posts: 21,037
    Allie wrote:
    OMG, what a horrible story! :eek:
    I know what you mean. I have had 14 root canals in my life, a tooth pulled, two oral surgeries (apicoectomies), and all 4 of my wisdom teeth out

    I made the mistake of going to the NYU Dental school clinic when I was in grad school (where dental students work on you-supervised) :eek: and they started a root canal but didn't give me a follow up appt until 3 weeks later. I got an infection and needed surgery.

    So I understand, I'm not a fan of the dentist either.

    14 root canals? That's fucked! I had one done in Korea and didn't realize. I only found out that I'd had the first part of root canal done in Koreas when my Chinese dentist told me. I had the second part done last week.
    I also had all 4 wisdom teeth taken out. I was awake during the op too, as they just numbed my mouth. The following week was the worst week of my life - the mouth swelling up, and the constant pan and bleeding. I think that's why I didn't go back to the dentist for about 15 years after that.

    Edit: By the way, root canal here cost me the equivalent of about $100.
  • westsidepiewestsidepie Posts: 627
    Byrnzie wrote:
    14 root canals? That's fucked! I had one done in Korea and didn't realize. I only found out that I'd had the first part of root canal done in Koreas when my Chinese dentist told me. I had the second part done last week.
    I also had all 4 wisdom teeth taken out. I was awake during the op too, as they just number my mouth. The following week was the worst week of my life - the mouth swelling up, and the constant pan and bleeding. I think that's why I didn't go back to the dentist for about 15 years after that.

    Edit: By the way, root canal here cost me theivalent of about $100.

    I feel your pain. I had my wisdom taken out while I was awake too. In fact, the first one was impacted, and I will never forget the chisel and rubber mallet the dentist used to break part of my jaw to get the tooth out. Like you, the next week was horrible. I think it took about two months before I was completely pain free. It is any wonder dentist are the subject of parodies that depict them as sadistic.
    To pie I will reply
    But mr. justam
    is who I am

    "That's a repulsive combination of horrible information and bad breath."-Pickles

    "Remember, death is a natural part of the workplace. So, when you see a dead body at work, don't freak out, just ring your death bell." "ting"-Toki Wartooth
  • small town becksmall town beck Posts: 6,691
    Allie wrote:
    Oh God! TMJ is terrible. Yeah I can't sleep w/o my night guard. I got used to it.
    I'm glad you like Canada! I've always had a good time when I've been there-I've been to Montreal, Toronto and a few other places in Ontario.
    It would be great to see you but I can't go to the Tuesday pre party, I have to work. Maybe at the Wednesday one?


    Wednesday it is :)

    Yeah TMJ sucks.. last time I went and he was fixing up a tooth for me which took FOREVER I had tears in my eyes and he actually stopped so I could close my mouth for a few minutes :( the pain was awful!!
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    westsidepie wrote:
    I feel your pain. I had my wisdom taken out while I was awake too. In fact, the first one was impacted, and I will never forget the chisel and rubber mallet the dentist used to break part of my jaw to get the tooth out. Like you, the next week was horrible. I think it took about two months before I was completely pain free. It is any wonder dentist are the subject of parodies that depict them as sadistic.

    :eek:
    I was awake for every tooth pull. I never had swelling or any adverse effects, thank God. It just feels like your head is going to explode for one minute but then once it's over, it's over. I have a high pain tolerance.

    It wasn't as bad as the oral surgery I was awake for. They told me they had to cut out an infection. I will not have that done ever again, I don't care. Nor will I ever have another root canal.
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    small town beck wrote:
    Wednesday it is :)

    Yeah TMJ sucks.. last time I went and he was fixing up a tooth for me which took FOREVER I had tears in my eyes and he actually stopped so I could close my mouth for a few minutes :( the pain was awful!!
    Oh no :(
    I'm sorry. Mine is not that painful but I do get headaches every now and again from it
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    Byrnzie wrote:
    14 root canals? I had one done in Korea and didn't realize. I only found out that I'd had the first part of root canal done in Koreas when my Chinese dentist told me. I had the second part done last week.
    I also had all 4 wisdom teeth taken out. I was awake during the op too, as they just number my mouth. The following week was the worst week of my life - the mouth swelling up, and the constant pan and bleeding. I think that's why I didn't go back to the dentist for about 15 years after that.

    Edit: By the way, root canal here cost me theivalent of about $100.
    I know! I'll never have anotherone. I actually had a tooth pulled out instead of getting number 15 because I refused to go through it. It started when I was 15 and I broke my two front teeth falling off a bike and they had to do them. Then I just had a ton of cavities that 'went bad' and I had tooth aches and they said they had to be done.

    and $100! Geesh! My goodness! Why can't they do that here? I think the whole operation is a scam to make as much money as possible. My brother has been to a dentist and they told him he had 13 cavities but then he went to another one and they said he didn't have any.
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • small town becksmall town beck Posts: 6,691
    Allie wrote:
    Oh no :(
    I'm sorry. Mine is not that painful but I do get headaches every now and again from it


    It does suck but I am kind of used to it... I just don't like when it pops in and out.

    I had three wisdom teeth out and two were fine but one was horrific... the root had curved and was shaped like a J which evidently couldn't be seen on the x-ray so when he started pulling... :eek:
  • small town becksmall town beck Posts: 6,691
    Move along, folks :p


    Damn double post :o
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    small town beck wrote:
    It does suck but I am kind of used to it... I just don't like when it pops in and out.

    I had three wisdom teeth out and two were fine but one was horrific... the root had curved and was shaped like a J which evidently couldn't be seen on the x-ray so when he started pulling... :eek:

    :eek:
    Oh Gosh.

    I had all four out. I think they did 2 one day and 2 another day. They did them at the dental school also but I think they got the supervisor, an actual dentist to do it. Fortunately I didn't have complications.

    Yipes. Yeah I wouldn't even go to the dentist for this except that I can't eat and if I have an infection going on I don't want it to get worse.

    I hadn't had a cleaning in about 3 yrs and they got on my case about that.
    All the scraping and cleaning! Yipes. The girl that did the cleaning was fantastic though. She did a lot of work! And the rest of my teeth looked spiffy!
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • small town becksmall town beck Posts: 6,691
    Allie wrote:
    :eek:
    Oh Gosh.

    I had all four out. I think they did 2 one day and 2 another day. They did them at the dental school also but I think they got the supervisor, an actual dentist to do it. Fortunately I didn't have complications.

    Yipes. Yeah I wouldn't even go to the dentist for this except that I can't eat and if I have an infection going on I don't want it to get worse.

    I hadn't had a cleaning in about 3 yrs and they got on my case about that.
    All the scraping and cleaning! Yipes. The girl that did the cleaning was fantastic though. She did a lot of work! And the rest of my teeth looked spiffy!

    I love, LOVE getting my teeth cleaned and looking all spiffy :) I wish I could have it done like once a month... LOL
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    small town beck wrote:
    I love, LOVE getting my teeth cleaned and looking all spiffy :) I wish I could have it done like once a month... LOL
    hee hee
    I like the clean feeling afterwards
    but I am not a fan of the scraping! Blech!

    I suppose the merlot I am sipping on is not helping though :/ But I am going to try to eat less candy!
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • Urban HikerUrban Hiker Posts: 1,312
    Good Luck, Allie!!!

    I finally took care of a broken tooth this year after waiting four years. It's been a few months and I'm still getting used to chewing on that side of my mouth. :p
    Walking can be a real trip
    ***********************
    "We've laid the groundwork. It's like planting the seeds. And next year, it's spring." - Nader
    ***********************
    Prepare for tending to your garden, America.
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    Urban Hiker wrote:
    Good Luck, Allie!!!

    I finally took care of a broken tooth this year after waiting four years. It's been a few months and I'm still getting used to chewing on that side of my mouth. :p
    OMG! Thanks!
    And congrats to you!
    Yea I imagine it will seem weird to eat 'regularly!'
    I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who's had that experience! Thanks for telling me!
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • drivingrldrivingrl Posts: 1,448
    Good luck, Allie. My best friend is in L.A. right now getting her teeth fixed, and I'm so happy for her. No more toothaches or migraines due to bad teeth. :)
    drivingrl: "Will I ever get to meet Gwen Stefani?"
    kevinbeetle: "Yes. When her career washes up and her and Gavin move to Galveston, you will meet her at Hot Topic shopping for a Japanese cheerleader outfit.

    Next!"
  • AllieAllie Posts: 2,908
    drivingrl wrote:
    Good luck, Allie. My best friend is in L.A. right now getting her teeth fixed, and I'm so happy for her. No more toothaches or migraines due to bad teeth. :)
    Thanks! I'm glad for your friend!
    "...like a word misplaced, nothing said, what a waste.."
    "Sometimes life should be consumed in measured doses"
    6-01-06
    6/25/08
    Free Speedy
    and Metsy!
  • quarterpastquarterpast Posts: 185
    I love teeth :) I'm sorry to everyone here who has had complications and trouble! I had 4 teeth pulled in 7th grade to get braces (my teeth were so crowded and tight, the baby teeth couldn't fall out!). In 10th grade I had 4 impacted wisdom teeth out (I opted to be asleep for that!!), and I still have big gaps in the back of my mouth where jaw is missing (food gets stuck constantly, it's totally gross). Other than that, I love going to the dentist! That just cleaned feeling! I get a rush! I'm a total dentist junkie nerd.

    ps. I was lucky to have dental coverage as a kid and a mom with many teeth problems who wanted to do everything she could to make sure I didn't have any trouble later in life.
    rock bands may come and rock bands may go...
    but rock n roll will live forever! - ray davies
  • LONGRDLONGRD Posts: 6,036
    Only one of my upper premolar is half broken from a bad cavity i had when I was a little kid. The dentist puts fillings in them for awhile but then it fell.

    So I got a big gape in that one tooth. Pretty nasty! I haven't visited a dentist in a long time.

    Is there a way they can just remove the whole tooth and just give me a fake one?
    PJ- 04/29/2003.06/24,25,27,28,30/2008.10/27,28,30,31/2009
    EV- 08/09,10/2008.06/08,09/2009
  • South of SeattleSouth of Seattle West Seattle Posts: 10,724
    LongRd. wrote:
    Only one of my upper premolar is half broken from a bad cavity i had when I was a little kid. The dentist puts fillings in them for awhile but then it fell.

    So I got a big gape in that one tooth. Pretty nasty! I haven't visited a dentist in a long time.

    Is there a way they can just remove the whole tooth and just give me a fake one?

    Root canal!

    I had a tooth break on me and it couldn't really be filled. So they just did a root canal and then they're putting a Permanent crown on in a few weeks. That was about $450 w/ insurance, plus a few hundred for the root canal and other BS. I'm around $1000 for this tooth. but it will be 100% in a few weeks.
    NERDS!
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