[seeker1950]

I'm going to the dentist for a problem. I see that, while I thought it was going to minor, it's turning into a major $ project. I'll handle it, but I'm expecting it to be around $2,000 (for just one tooth!) by the time all is said and done. This really worries me because, as I ponder retirement after this year, I wonder if I could handle such an emergency while on a fixed income.
My daughter thinks dentists are scam artists. I've never felt that way, and I don't now either. But one tooth!???

[kindachaotic]

I can relate. Spent more on one tooth last year. Then still had to have it pulled...
This week will be picking up a TMJ mouth piece, $500.00
No dental insurance. So... why can't we start a savings acct? hmm...

Really sorry this is costing you such a chunk.
Hopefully it will be a permanent fix!
Will be sending you positive thoughts.

[seeker1950]

Thanks, and, yes, it WILL be a permanent fix. And to think I was thinking of cosmetic dentistry before this!...like veneers! LOL!
Yes...no wonder there are no savings!

[Leed]

Oh how well I know. I'm fortunate in that I do have insurance, but I still have to pay 20%, and that can add up when you consider my teeth were in HORRIBLE condition. I was terrified of going to the dentist because I was molested by a dentist before, so i had to have my daughter go with me when I started with this dentist.

My whole mouth was a mess, and we're still not done. I started with him about 3 years ago, and we're working HARD at getting these things repaired. Seems like we work on one, and another goes bad in the interim. I wish I could have dentures, but i can't. I have a weird upper roof of the mouth -- it's not flat. It's rounded down towards the tongue, so I can't have dentures. I can't remember what that's called, --- the dentist said I could have it SHAVED DOWN, but are you KIDDING ME?? Shave the roof of my mouth down??? No, I don't think so.

Anyway, I guess I'll just have to gum all my food. LOL

[seeker1950]

Originally Posted by Leed

Oh how well I know. I'm fortunate in that I do have insurance, but I still have to pay 20%, and that can add up when you consider my teeth were in HORRIBLE condition. I was terrified of going to the dentist because I was molested by a dentist before, so i had to have my daughter go with me when I started with this dentist.

My whole mouth was a mess, and we're still not done. I started with him about 3 years ago, and we're working HARD at getting these things repaired. Seems like we work on one, and another goes bad in the interim. I wish I could have dentures, but i can't. I have a weird upper roof of the mouth -- it's not flat. It's rounded down towards the tongue, so I can't have dentures. I can't remember what that's called, --- the dentist said I could have it SHAVED DOWN, but are you KIDDING ME?? Shave the roof of my mouth down??? No, I don't think so.

Anyway, I guess I'll just have to gum all my food. LOL

Leed..I'm alteady in bed for the night, trying to type on phone.
I just eanted to say

[seeker1950]

Originally Posted by seeker1950

Leed..I'm alteady in bed for the night, trying to type on phone.
I just eanted to say

say how much i appreciate your response.

Teeth are one of the first good indicators of a person's general health and well-being. When somebody smiles with a nice row of teeth we know that they are in good order and they can take care of themselves.

[visitingPerson33]

I wanted to share a few pieces of advice. I also have unhealthy teeth and I hope these ideas help you out.

1. Get an annual cleaning even if your teeth feel fine. The dentist does x-ray and other preventive tasks to prevent major problems from forming. Many people get their car's oil changed, but only visit their dentist if they have a major problem.

2. You mentioned being on a fixed income and I assume that you don't have any dental insurance. A good option for people who don't have dental insurance is something called a "dental discount plan". With a dental discount plan, you pay a monthly premium, there is a network of dentists, and you pay a set amount for each procedure done by the dentist. With a dental discount plan, you get no benefit if you do not go to a network dentist, so be sure to check the network before joining one. There are generally no age restrictions and in my region plans cost about $100/year.

[seeker1950]

Originally Posted by Illegal Toilet

Teeth are one of the first good indicators of a person's general health and well-being. When somebody smiles with a nice row of teeth we know that they are in good order and they can take care of themselves.

Yes, our sweet janitor at our school has very bad teeth...I wish he could afford to do something about that.

[seeker1950]

Originally Posted by visitingPerson33

I wanted to share a few pieces of advice. I also have unhealthy teeth and I hope these ideas help you out.

1. Get an annual cleaning even if your teeth feel fine. The dentist does x-ray and other preventive tasks to prevent major problems from forming. Many people get their car's oil changed, but only visit their dentist if they have a major problem.

2. You mentioned being on a fixed income and I assume that you don't have any dental insurance. A good option for people who don't have dental insurance is something called a "dental discount plan". With a dental discount plan, you pay a monthly premium, there is a network of dentists, and you pay a set amount for each procedure done by the dentist. With a dental discount plan, you get no benefit if you do not go to a network dentist, so be sure to check the network before joining one. There are generally no age restrictions and in my region plans cost about $100/year.

Thanks, that is good advice. I actually do have dental and optical insurance with my job, but even with that, I will have to spend a lot of money, probably amounting to $2000. I'm hoping not. I'm still working, but it worries me as I ponder retirement and being on a restricted income how I'd manage such an emergency!