Dentistry, the sequel

[ravan]

Remember back in January, when I had to have the emergency work done on one of my teeth? Well, the dentist told me then that it was only temporary, and that eventually I'd need a root canal.

It's eventually. The toothache started Tuesday, and actually kept me awake last night. I saw the dentist this morning. Antibiotics and painkillers. Next week I have the root canal - Tuesday, $750, plus $200 for the post. Then back in a week or so for the crown, at $1250!!! Add a cleaning and full exam, and it comes to $2500!!

No, I don't have insurance, damnit. I haven't had for over two years. I'm just glad I'm working.

My other option is to just have him pull the tooth - $250. I'm getting very tempted.

Comments

[weofodthignen]

My dentist flat out refused to pull teeth :-(

Commiserations.

M

[dubhain.livejournal.com]

Personally, I'd advise the root canal, even though it's expensive and having the tooth pulled is tempting.

False teeth, even partials, are just...well...they're functional, but they don't feel like teeth, and you're going to be living with this decision for the rest of your life.

That said; it is, of course, your decision. Best of luck to you.

[ardaniel]

FWIW, I'm in the same situation, only I have just enough dental insurance (via PMI, it's about a hundred-odd bucks per year for an independent plan) to make it hurt a lot, instead of financially ruin me.

But I don't know who I think I'm kidding, a couple more months of daily living without employers bothering to contact me at all is going to ruin me, bad tooth or no bad tooth.

[dreamingcrow.livejournal.com]

Ugh. Sorry to hear that. :-/

[jemyl.livejournal.com]

Hmmmnnn, Root canal is expensive and you can still get decay on the edges of the tooth. It depends on the location. I had four of my molars pulled over a period of about ten to fifteen years. Didn't get a partial and still eat steak. They were back teeth and pulling a bottom one let my front teeth finally get straight and fit my mouth. Same with top one. Went to the dental school so the difference was $35 vs $1500 plus for a root canal. Was a no brainer as wasn't working the first time and couldn't afford the hours for the root canal the other times.

You have my sympathy. I am a wuss when it comes to tooth pain. It's lortabs all the way and put me out if you can.

How is the health of the rest of the tooth? Will it show? If so the canal and cap is your only option, unless you want to look like a snaggle tooth hag and you are too young for that! Love ya!

[law-witch.livejournal.com]

will they take payments, do you have a credit card, can they work something out so you can still live - and NOT on the streets??

AND what kind of guarantee is doctor darling giving you on all this work??? (yes, I love dentists, they make my blood boil!)


hugs, sorry, you DON'T need this.