[buckettgirl]

Ugh.... some of you may remember that I posted a little while back with questions about sedation dentistry... I hadn't been to a dentist in 10 years because it always hurt to have my teeth cleaned...
Well, I had an appointment today (actually they called yesterday to move it up b/c of a cancellation, was originally scheduled for October 4th).

Yeah.. well, the good news is that I have no cavities, and my teeth are in wonderful condition (thanks to my dad for passing along good genes).
The bad news is that I have mild-moderate periodontal disease - not only do I have it, but the reason I have it so young is also due to genetics... (thanks MOM! LOL)... I have a genetic susceptibility to gum disease, which my mom finally decided to tell me today after my appointment (and this is what the dentist had suggested as well)... would have been nice to know that 10 YEARS AGO! If mom would have told me WHY she bugged me to go to the dentist all the time instead of just saying "oh just because you ought to", I might have been there sooner than now.
Oh well...
At any rate, I'm glad for dental insurance, even though it doesn't cover much. The estimated cost for periodontal therapy is $3085, which includes 10 sessions of therapy, I think 3 maintanence visits (not sure), the antibiotic, and an Oral B professional toothbrush and waterpik. My out of pocket cost will be $1835. I think I'm going to try to find the toothbrush and waterpik at a cheaper cost online.
I couldn't believe they actually suggesting financing my dental work at 9.9% interest... I can't believe people actually do that! Just another scam to leech money from people... I told them I'll pay per visit, then I don't have to worry about how I'm going to pay for it.
Well, anyway, I survived my visit - I even let the gal clean my teeth (she gave me the option because it would just be above the gum line which could be done during my future sessions). CLEANING MY TEETH DIDN'T HURT. I don't need sedation for that. I think I just needed to find a better place and have a better experience. So overall, I found a dentist I am very comfortable with, and I'm gonna get my mouth healthy so I can stop worrying/wondering about losing my teeth.
-on edit: I even fit in the exam chair quite comfortably! YAY!

[DeafinlySmart]

ouch on the cost! I just got a cavity filled. I get more nervous about the shot in the mouth than anything else. My husband and my son both have gum problems and yellow plague problems (genetic, not from lack of cleaning). Mine are generally great but now yellowing a little bit from years of DIET COKE. I can't believe they charge you to finance!! That is unbelievable.

What's funny is I haven't had a dream about losing all my teeth in a long time but it used to be a prevalent theme in dreams of mine. I have no idea what that means!

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by DeafinlySmart

What's funny is I haven't had a dream about losing all my teeth in a long time but it used to be a prevalent theme in dreams of mine. I have no idea what that means!

I had these as well, and no longer have them. I looked it up once because dreaming about your teeth falling out seemed really weird, but apparently it is a very common dream and represents a person's discomfort with their appearance (not always literally their teeth). Who knew?

But, hey, we don't have them anymore! Yay high self-esteem!

ETA: Here's a website on the matter: Dreaming About Teeth

[almostheaven]

Originally Posted by buckettgirl

I couldn't believe they actually suggesting financing my dental work at 9.9% interest... I can't believe people actually do that!

I financed a large amount of dental work through CapitalOne interest free for one year. If you want to spread the payments over a year and not have the interest, you could try that. My dentist had the brochures on the counter, so not sure if it has to be a participating dentist or if they can work with a new dentist. Don't know the initial number to call, but one on my old statements is 800-785-2490.

[freiamaya]

OK, so the waterpick and the toothbrush can be bought just about anywheres. The REAL cost is for the perio treatments. They are well worth it, but keep in mind that you HAVE to maintain the result - if you don't, you will be right back where you started from. As there are 10 sessions, you are looking at about $184 per session. Since perio disease is chronic (in your case) and long-standing, you might be able to stretch out your treatment intervals a bit without incurring significant dental damage. And, your three maintenance visits will probably be 3-6 months apart anyways. If you have mild perio with isolated moderate spots, you could most likely do the maintenance visits every 6 months if you are IMMACULATE with your hygiene routine. That will defer some of the costs until much, much later. See if your insurance will cover the total cost of your medications (antibiotics) as a separate cost (but I'm sure you have already done that!). And, if you have an existing loan, see if you can combine this with a current loan to reduce your interest rates. NO credit cards (but you already know that ). Payments per visit are a great idea, too! You'll make it, and with a healthy set of choppers to boot!!!

[purplepansy912]

oh lord the dentist.. I shudder at the thought!!!!!!

[buckettgirl]

Originally Posted by almostheaven

I financed a large amount of dental work through CapitalOne interest free for one year. If you want to spread the payments over a year and not have the interest, you could try that. My dentist had the brochures on the counter, so not sure if it has to be a participating dentist or if they can work with a new dentist. Don't know the initial number to call, but one on my old statements is 800-785-2490.

Interest free or not, I have learned the hard way not to finance things.... actually, anyone with debt problems would do well to visit www.daveramsey.com
It might be expensive, but I can budget for paying per visit (about $80 every 2 weeks), and I'd rather do that than have debt hanging over me once again - especially since this doesn't "payoff" in the future - my payoff is that I get to keep my teeth... unlike my student loans, my payoff is that I get a better paying job.
For our budget, this falls under medical expenses... which we try to pay in full, and if we can't, we make payment arrangements. Of all the crap I have been in debt for, I have never financed our medical bills.
The irony is that when this is all done, my mouth will be worth more than my CAR!