Unexpected costs - vent

vgmartinez

So I was laid off in May and haven't been able to find another job so far. I skipped my dentist appointment three months ago because I don't have insurance and because my dentist just plain sucks. I went to see a different dentist yesterday who was offering free exams. He ponited out that I have 6 cavities. Ok...less than a year ago at my last checkup, I didn't have any cavities. I asked to see the X-rays and the hygienist pointed out the spots for me. I hate to wait several more months to get my cavities filled but I'll be paying out of pocket...$1,000. Yikes, that can pay a lot of bills and not to mention Christmas is coming up and more wedding expenses. Just wanted to vent a little...thanks for listening!

SarieP

L J likes these kinds of posts.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt

Sounds like you have health concerns to make a priority, and maybe should cut back on some of the wedding expenses, at least until you are more secure financially.Have you looked into a dental school? My boss goes to one and gets her procedures for quite a bit less than she would from her regular doctor. Might be worth looking in to to save some money.

georgia_bride09

I know it's stupid and unhealthy, but this is exactly why I have avoided the dentist this year. I get tired of paying for crap.

bbyckes

This sucks, sorry about that.  I think dentists are scam artists sometimes.  It's not like you can see what's going on in your mouth most of the time and aren't there always dark spots on xrays? I hate my dentist - hate him and my insurance sucks, so maybe, just maybe I'm a little biased. Oh, you also reminded me to call in my son's Rx - thank you.

sugiepie

PP makes a good point, head to universities that dental programs, it may take multiple appointments but the cost is much less.  Also you can try colleges that offer restorative hygienists.  Fillings are really cheap through them. HTH!It is better to bite the bullet now then end up in extractions or root canals.

kkchisholm

I just went through the same thing! I had five. eeek! and I have never had a filling before but I dont have dental insurance so I never went to the dentist. I waited about 5 months before I got them filled (which was just last monday) and they got significantly worse. one went from small to almost a root canal:(. My teeth are healthy other than that so I decided to just go for it. I do have a job but only work 7 hours a week because I am a grad student and have a 30 hour a week payless intership. I actually have a health credit card called carecredit. and if you pay it off within a year its interest free. not all places accept it but its worth a look. you can look up your dentist on the website to see if they take it it, or see if there are any dentist in your area that take it. carecredit.com

sugiepie

Cacoffer if you hate your dentist go to a different one.  You shouldn't entrust your health to someone you don't have any faith in.

vgmartinez

You're welcome cacoffer!lol The thing abou the scam artists bugs me. The dental assistant was very nice and personable. When the dentist came in, different story. He just opened up my mouth and started rattling off with dentist vocabulary then said you hvae 6 cavities. This has happened to me before. When I was younger, one dentist told me I had 13 cavities...I'm like what! My mom took me to a new dentist who said I had like 3. This was a free exam they were offering which makes me think that they do this to attract those without insurance and then get them with this kind of stuff. I think I'll go somewhere else for a second opinion.

TheSaltyPeanut

I know some offices have a payment program... maybe you can look into that? I'm sorry, dentists suck

*BeachBride0410*

I feel ya on the unexpected costs.  I had some cavities that led to me needing a root canal and a crown.  I cant imagine not having health insurance, but my funds had run out and I had to pay for a lot of the work out of pocket.  I truly feel you need to make your health #1 priority.  Do not let the cavities get worse.

*BeachBride0410*

If you wait and not get it taken care of it will cost you more money down the road.

andyandhillary

I would highly suggest getting a second opinion.  Do you really know what you're looking at when you see those x-rays?  I sure don't.  Dentists, just like any other business, sometimes do scam people because they know that most people don't know enough to catch them.  Granted it another costly appt but it could potentially save you a lot of money and pain.Do you feel the cavities?  I've only had 1 1/2 (yeah...) and I knew it was there.  It hurt like a mofo.  I have one right now.  That is going to suck at my next dentist appt in 2 weeks.  If you do have to pay all of that, cut back on Christmas.  My family loves Christmas but we each get each other one gift.  We aren't poor by any means but we try to take the focus away from presents.  Maybe suggest that? 

bbyckes

Sugie, you're absolutely right.  But, in order to go to a new dentist, I have to get xrays.  Well, the insurance won't pay for xrays unless they are 2 years old or more - but I can pay for them out of pocket.  Also, if I want to switch dentists, I can have them send my xrays to the new dentist for a $75.00 fee.  This just seems wrong to me.  I'm trying to decide if I'm transferring my hate of the insurance companies onto my dentist.  I just think $75.00 is ridiculous.

BecW2be

Dentists and car repairs. ICK. I have to get the hood latch fixed on DD's car before Sat. They told me yesterday it would be $150, and then today, OF COURSE, she needs a cable and a latch, so it's $250. Great.

maggyruth

I feel for you...would recommend a 2nd opinion if you don't trust the dentist you went to.I get to have 6 crowns done next year...$4000...fun!  But, I'm blessed to have a job, dental insurance and an FSA.  But still...

andyandhillary

Now I'm scared that I might have to have a root canal.  How long did you guys wait?  My cavity just started to bother me and I'm going in two weeks.  Is that ok?  Do I need a rush appt?

vgmartinez

I'm terrified of ever having to get a root canal. I was a big baby about having my wisdom teeth done, thank goodness I had insurance then.

*BeachBride0410*

Honestly I had my cavities filled and I was still feeling pain, very sensitive to cold and heat.  It was horrible.  1st time I have ever experienced it.  I actually did go to another dentist for a 2nd opinion because I thought the 1st one didn't do the fillings right.  Because I have had many fillings but never had pain after.  2nd dentist told me that the decay was so close to the pulp, so that is why I needed the root canal then the crown. 

*BeachBride0410*

*NOT all cavities lead to needing root canals...it really depends on how deep the decay is, that is the main factor.

Simply Fated

I wouldn't wait... I had a little cavity and had to wait about 3 to 4 weeks to get it filled. I ended up ok. But I have heard of others who didn't have as good of luck as I did and ended up needing a root canal.

BecW2be

Dangit! I wasn't done! I always post too early. I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion. I had an ungodly fear of dentists (almost cured with drugs and a GREAT dentist), and I didn't go for 17 years and only had 6 cavities when I finally broke down and went back.

maggyruth

Yeah...cavities =/= root canals...root canals are needed when the nerve dies for whatever reason.I've had 5 of them...and none of the teeth that needed them had cavities.  Unfortunately, they are why I need 6 crowns (they are all my front top teeth...the 6th one is so they match because they are all in my 'smile line'.)If I wasn't friends with my dentist, I would so totally hate this.

ivystar57

You know, I'm just going to tell you this because I had a horrible experience myself.  I went to a new dentist a year or so after my last appt.  The dentist told me I had EIGHT cavities.  I had only ever had 1 cavity in my life, but considering how long it had been since my last appt  I said ok and he drilled into four my top teeth.  The plan was for me to come back and get the other four done at a later time.My mom was concerned by the high number, so she paid out of pocket for me to visit my old dentist near her.  I had ZERO cavities. I highly HIGHLY recommend that you go get a second opinion.  Unnecessary dental work is a BIITCH.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

I waited about 3 years between dentist appointments (I know, I know) and I had about 8 cavities, after never having any, plus I needed a deep cleaning and I had an abscess behind my tooth that's had 2 root canals. It was really, really expensive, even with health insurance. I really wish I could have used that money for the wedding.

ExpatPumpkin

The whole free examination part makes me think the dentist might be exaggerating. What's the point of offering a free exam if not to drum up business? Like when a mechanic offers free tire rotation but then tell you that you really need new tires... Or you may have cavities I vote second opinion - at a dental school.

duckie1905

I had 7 cavities filled 4 months ago and because my dentist is out of network and I had no rollover left I had to cover the entire cost.  It was $500 and that included the novacaine and the exam. $1,000 sounds over to me but I'm not a dentist.Your teeth are important.  Not getting cavities filled can lead to all kinds of costly dental problems.  Cut back on wedding things and get your teeth fixed.  But, see if you can find someone to do it for less, that sounds like a lot to me.

ExpatPumpkin

I just thought of something... I don't know where you live, but if you're anywhere close to the Mexican border you could cross over and have the work done here for a fraction of the cost. The quality of care in Mexico is actually fantastic. Anyone who thinks they're practicing third world medicine here is ill informed. I've had my dental work done here for years - even when I lived in the States and could do it there - and I don't exactly slum it