| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 30 2012 : 9:10:10 PM
My husband just returned from the dentist where he was told that he was going to need about $27,000 in dental work. Ugh. We definitly don't have that much money, even though we both carry dental insurance- it caps at $2,000 leaving us more that 10x short the amount needed. It will be just $10,000 to get his front four teeth repaired, and then he needs extractions and implants or somthing for 2-6 molars. We are a bit in shock. Him more than me. I knew his teeth were really bad and have been begging him to go to a dentist for years. Now it is almost insurmountable. We have been trying to get out of debt and are this close to buying a house next year. Now we aren't sure what is going to happen. I would greatly appreciate any prayers and positive thoughts.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Farmer Judy |
Posted - May 25 2012 : 9:54:22 PM
I was told years ago that so many of my teeth need crowns and I should cap the front ones. Unfortunately I am unemployed right now and am on the state insurance. Suprise! They paid the whole bill for the 8 crowns I needed and the one tooth that needed to be extracted. My suggestion to you is to ask as your church if they know of a dentist that may be able to help, maybe he can do it for cost since you are from the same church or he may help you find your way around the university programs.
God bless,
Judy
Farmgirl #3666
Born a city girl but a farm girl at heart!
http://farmtimes.blogspot.com/ |
| Luzy |
Posted - May 15 2012 : 2:23:22 PM
Hi Alee, Sorry you guys are going through this. All at once my teeth are going crazee too! I just had one pulled 2 weeks ago and now another one has broken and will need to be pulled. My dentist said I needed 5K worth of work done! GULP!! He suggested I get "Care Credit", a credit card that is good for all sorts of stuff, even the vet! So, I'll get a couple of procedures done, pay that off and do some more. This will take more time, but at least I'm not racking up a huge bill!
Hope this helps, Sweetie! I'm thinking about ya!
Love and hugs, Lu
--
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
| AnnieinIdaho |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 07:03:34 AM
Hi Alee,
Try calling your Public Health and Services Dept in Billings to see if they offer any assistance or know of a dentist who helps in extreme cases. (I think that is where you live)if not whatever city you are in. Many DDS volunteer their time and work in extreme cases. I only think of it, because I had an acquaintance whose first few years as a dentist was working on patients through a program in the county. They may be able to direct you to someone. If it were me I would go with dentures. Implants etc need a healthy jaw bone. Crowns and bridges take away most of the other teeth material in order to anchor them and last maybe 15 years at best, so they would have to be replaced eventually again. If any gum disorders they will have to be treated also. There are new types of dentures now. Good luck. I will try to see if I can contact my old acquaintance to learn of the program she was participating in when she was in Virginia. Your area may have a similar option. I'll post if I find more info.
Best to you and your husband.
Annie |
| soapmommy60543 |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 05:43:56 AM
Alee - will certainly be praying for you in this situation.
Let me share the value of a second opinion with you. About 5 years ago, I had a dentist tell me all my fillings needed to be replaced because they were over 10 years old. Because they are "2nd time around" fillings, and because they are big and deep in the back, he insisted they need to be crowned. While he was doing the crown, I had a panic attack in the chair. It's a long story, but he referred me to a dentist who does sedated dentistry. Guess what that dentist told me? The problem I had with my ONE filling was just a small chip in the corner of the molar. He filed it down for free. Five years later, I have a new dentist (guess who!), and no new crowns or fillings. Oh, and by the way, Dentist #1 put the crown on the wrong tooth. Yeah.
This is the same dentist who decided my son needed 6 fillings as soon as we had dental insurance, even though 6 months earlier his teeth were perfect.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get a second opinion, and I'm with the other girls - get thee to a dental school! For the kind of money you are looking at, it would be worth the drive if there isn't one in Billings.
Wife of terrific hubby and mom to 2 teenagers, 2 bunnies, 2 geriatric goldfish, and the best dog in the world!
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| Alee |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 05:31:36 AM
Deb- I like that idea but I don't know any of the local dentist that well. We can always ask-but I have a feeling they will turn us down. And no- Doug is spectacularly unhandy. If anything gets fixed around the house it's because I did it! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| City Chick |
Posted - May 03 2012 : 04:05:55 AM
Is there anyway the dentist would so a barter type thing? Is your husband handy? Perhaps he could do odd jobs around the dentist office. My husband does this for our dentist (who is a friend of ours) It has really helped out with our out of pocket dental bills.
Doesn't hurt to ask.
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My new blog - http://citychickadventures.blogspot.com/ Come visit me!
Farm Girl #790
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| Bear5 |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 10:47:50 PM
I'm glad you'll keep us posted. I'm concerned, the most, about Doug's feelings. My hubby recently went through something like that. The amount wasn't that high, it was over $10 thousand. He was so upset. But to see his smile now, it was all worth it. Prayers will continue.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| ruthie218 |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 7:22:13 PM
Alee
Im praying for you guys.
Ruthie Ann
http://simpleindianagirl.blogspot.com/
Farmgirl sister#4072 |
| Alee |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 7:07:40 PM
Thanks ladies! Doug is pretty depressed- who wouldn't be? But I let him know that his teeth are a priority and I won't let him go without getting everything fixed and I think that meant alot to him. He's a pretty stoic sort so sometimes you can't tell what's going on inside which is funny because he is actually super sensitive. I'll let you know what the second dentist says.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| ptroupe |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 5:54:12 PM
Prayers being sent your way. I would surely get more opinions.
Portia
Wishing for the country life! |
| Bear5 |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 2:32:25 PM
Alee: How is Doug doing through all of this? Please, let him know that I am praying for him.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| CanyonArtist |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 09:55:46 AM
Dear Alee:
Have your husband talk personally to your dentist to see if he can reduce the cost of certain procedures. Our dentist was able to minimize some of the costs, especially when he knew we had insurance. Your dentist will then let the accounts payable person at his office know. Remember to take all this is itty-bitty steps, no problem is insurmountable if taken one step at a time. I will be saying my prayers for your situation. Heather |
| Alee |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 09:53:24 AM
That's a good idea, Kathy! I will make sure that the crowns in the back are the gold or silver alloys. That could shave off several thousand. Thanks! :)
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| nut4fabric |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 07:47:44 AM
Alee another thought here.....I just had a root canal and crown on a molar and the dentist wanted to do a porcelin (white) crown on it at a very high price, I insisted on gold as it holds up better (a lifetime) on a back tooth, the price on a gold crown was HALF that of the porcelin. Saved about $600.00.
Kathy |
| nut4fabric |
Posted - May 02 2012 : 07:41:31 AM
Alee Please don't let him think of dentures at his age. After teeth are extracted the bone will slowly be absorbed and later in life there won't be any left to hold the denture in place, this happens expecially on the lower jaw. I saw this many many times while working in the dental field. Dentures should be a last resort. Sorry he's going through this but at least he's doing it.
Kathy |
| laurentany |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 8:45:08 PM
Oh Alee- I am sorry to hear of this expense. It just doesnt seem right. I hope that you can find a less expensive solution, such as a university nearby etc. I totally sympathize with Doug- I too LOATH the thought of a dentist. Unfortunately, I live by the "aint broke dont fix it" motto when it comes to my teeth, and unless something is bothering me I dont go. Not the smartest thing to do, but between the discomfort and the prohibative costs, who can blame us? LOL
Praying for some good news for Doug. One day at a time and you will come up with a plan and make it work for you!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| Alee |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 6:06:44 PM
Lora- I appreciate the idea- but at 32 he definitly doesn't want to lose all his teeth. It might sound vain but that would be pretty emasculating for him, and he already has a birthmark on half his body that makes people judge him before they know him- he doesn't need to set himself up for more issues. We do have a young guy at our work that did that and his dentures never fit and gave him horrible mouth ulcers so he goes around without teeth.
We are going to do it bit by bit as we can- but we have 0 savings and insurance (even "premium" what a joke) only pays 2K a year. So we are going do it every couple of months- charge up the care, pay it off and do the cycle all over again. Yuck. Then he'll have more insurance money first of the year and we hope we can get it all finished up in a year or two. yuck.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 4:30:09 PM
Alee,
I think Lora has a good suggestion here. Dentures today can sometimes be kept in the mouth all of the time and only removed for cleaning. They are so much nicer and more natural than they used to be. It cannot hurt to learn more about this option. The costs are outrageous for all of this dental work and something that will be a huge financial burden for a lot of years. I agree with all of the other farmgirls that you need to get another opinion, seek out a dental school and as many other leads as you find to get the best result for your investment. Good Luck!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl |
| FARMALLChick |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 11:16:51 AM
Alee,
When my mother had some problems a few years ago, they told her it was going to cost more than a small house. She said forget it and had them all pulled and got dentures. That might be an avenue to check out.
Lora
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" -John Wayne
www.CountryFriedAcres.etsy.com
www.farmallchick.blogspot.com
www.farmallchickphotos.blogspot.com |
| Bear5 |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 09:32:06 AM
Sorry, Alee. I just reread your posts. You were asking for positive thoughts. I was just angry looking at the cost of the work, and that got me so angry. I will keep your hubby in my prayers.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Bear5 |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 09:29:54 AM
Alee, that is such a shame. Pretty soon, no one will be going to the dentist. I will keep this situation in my prayers.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Ninibini |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 08:38:46 AM
Oh, Alee! Oh! That's so much money... My first two thoughts were exactly those that the others have expressed: find a dental school (maybe a local University has a program, too), and not everything always has to be done all at once. My hubby needs dental work like that, too. He avoids the dentist like the plague because he just doesn't want to hear the same news your hubby received. But your teeth and gums are so important. I'll be praying for you... Please let us know how everything works out! Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| edlund33 |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 07:41:58 AM
Definitely seek another opinion. Ask the dentists you visit for a plan showing the most urgent procedures first, with the others to follow as money allows. Ask them about financing options as well. My BF had a similar situation with lots of dental work needed, and he has been slowly but surely getting the work done as his insurance will cover the work. It has taken a few years to accomplish but didn't break the bank. A good dentist will understand this and try to work with you. Good luck!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
http://blueskyanddaisies.blogspot.com
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| Lessie Louise |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 07:29:07 AM
Good luck! Sometimes dental work can be done a little at a time, not all at once. Get a second opinion and thee dental colleges are great!
....it's what's inside a women, when she's up against the land.
Farmgirl #680!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lessielouise22 |
| Alee |
Posted - May 01 2012 : 07:19:42 AM
Thanks ladies- unfortunatly it is pretty much his whole mouth. Six extractions, five crowns and almost every other tooth needs a root canal or filling or something. :( He has really trashed his teeth. :(
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
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