Burned out on dental work

[XanaDUer2]

The one useful thing the dr said was I don't need an implant for the removed molar. I'm completely burned out and emptying out my bank account to this dentist that injured me. I see them next week and I'm assuming ill b charged again. The removal was $1750.

My dental insurance is awful. I'm paying $50/month for glasses and dental insurance and I'm canceling the glasses insurance. I might as well just pocket the money and self pay. I feel like I'm bleeding money.

I want to go back to my old dentist. I'm supposed to get $2000 a yr in dental benefits yet i end up paying 10 dollars after a cleaning. I'm totally confused by their explanations. I'm calling the insurance Monday to cancel the glasses insurance. I think I'll be canceling the dental in april. I just feel everything in America is a fucking ripoff of average ppl like me. I'm so tired.

[Katinfl]

1. I feel your pain.

Dental work is so expensive these days. We have not had insurance and have been set paying for years. My husband’s three implants cost approximately $16,000. That is including removal of old crown, x-rays, extractions, etc. I have had about $10,000 of work done over the past 4 years. Right now I am waiting for a permanent bridge. Nothing out of the ordinary, but still outrageous cost. Hell, a routine cleaning cost without x-rays is well over $100. i should add that we are on Medicare Advantage and do not like the chain dental offices, i.e.Aspen, Coast Dental, Bright Smiles, etc. that is included with some plans. We are fortunate that we can pay the bills, but it still hurts. Why is dental work so expensive?

[oldtime dfl_er]

4. An honest dentist would tell you

it's expensive because that's what they can charge.

Of course, it's hard to find an honest dentist.

I've spent so much money at the dentist that I literally could have travelled around the world in luxury on that money. But I have been adamant that I don't want dentures, so every dollar I earn goes to my dental fund. I just paid $6000 for an implant, abutment and crown. You would not BELIEVE the hidden costs and justifications in those bills. Always ask if they have a discount for paying in full at the time (I got 10% off from the dentist on the crown. The periodontist would not give me even 5% off.)

I have also begun Dr. Ellie's dental care routine. It seems to have helped with my gums (gums and bone loss are my kryptonite), so if it's something you might want to research you can easily find her if you google.

I have had virtually every dental procedure known to humankind so if anyone wants to message me privately I might be able to answer some questions.

[Katinfl]

9. I agree with the part about they charge what they charge is because they can.

My husband and myself are in our late 70’s and I believe that between us, we have had every dental procedure also. We just moved out of state and I needed a dentist fast because of some discomfort. I got lucky and found someone we both like and trust. Not cheap by any means, but I am comfortable with him and the office. About the cost over the years…….I also believe we could have traveled around the world. Orthodontist, endodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon………seen them all. I have a procedure that I do every day and night, but I will check out Dr. Ellie.

[XanaDUer2]

5. I spent 32k for tmj treatment

W this yutz and he injured me. My dr sent me to a hospital based oral surgeon who didn't even examine me $275. 15 mins w an endodentist to tell me the crown couldn't be saved $450. I have pain now running under my ears and neck and ear pain from the fucking dentist shoving my jaw back 7 months ago. I emptied oout a bank account to be hurt and no one will help me medically. The big whoop a do dentist md tmj surgeon will back my dentist to the hilt. I can tell they know each other at the appmnt I had. My therapist said they'll all stick together

[Katinfl]

10. OMG

That is a horror story. I wish you the best.

[XanaDUer2]

11. It is a horror story

I've been told a long time I had tmj but it was asymptomatic. Then abt 18 months my left jaw pops. The other tmj dude i met with was just as expensive. I was going along great until the idiot dentist pushed my lower jaw back hard 7 months ago. I just had an abscess and crown/ root canal tooth pulled 10 days ago. On the left of course. I'm at my wits end.

[Katinfl]

12. I hope you are over the worst of it.

All of our procedures are nothing compared to what you have been through. Hope the extraction is the end for you. Hang in there.

[XanaDUer2]

13. You all are my lifeline

I'm not sure you all realize that

[Katinfl]

14. We are here for you whenever you need to vent.

I know that sometimes just writing it down helps. I sincerely hope you are on the mend and the worst is behind you. Keep us posted.

[FirstLight]

2. Oh honey, I'm so sorry...yeah, Insurance is never as good as it says it will be :(

I am on Medi-CAL which I'm not sure, but I think we voted to protect it in the state of CA from any hits from the Feds. Honestly, IDK what I'd do without it, cuz even though I see my dr's few and far between, at least I get my meds handled etc.
The dentist is all the way in Folsom, which is an 1/12 hr drive down Hwy 50 over the Sierras...no fun. But I've driven it for over 30 years so it's kinda like my backyard.

I hope you got some relief from the extraction? It sucks so bad when the pain is in your HEAD! literally cannot run from it...my sinus infection was like that last week and I wanted to remove my head completely! LOL

I'm here, and listening if you need to vent :hugs: hang in there hun. You're still here for a reason

[XanaDUer2]

3. Ty

[Wonder Why]

6. Consider checking out Dental Schools. I've never had to have such expensive work but

I hear Dental Schools are looking for people their advanced students can treat under the eye of their dental doctor instructor. And I hear the costs are very reasonable.

[OldBaldy1701E]

15. Yes, they are.

Just one little problem. They won't do anything unless you get a referral from your current dentist. The modern medical person does not like it when someone makes a grab for his money. SO, they are usually very reticent to refer one to such a place, as they want you to give them money, not someone else.

The day that we remove profit from the healthcare industry will be the greatest day in the history of the world. We will never see it, but it will be.

[Danascot]

7. I had three bridges done in Cuenca, Ecuador

Cost was under $2,400 for all three about 10 years ago. Very high quality work. PM me if you want the contact info for my dentist.

[XanaDUer2]

8. Ty

All this Hell started when my left jaw popped outta place abt 19 mos ago.