Crown or Surgery?

Question

I've recently had major dental work done, scaling & root planing and a root canal. I'm under the care of a periodontist who recommends regeneration surgery at a cost of almost $6,000! On top of this, my dentist says I need two crowns with my portion after insurance at over $1,000. I've already forked over a hefty chunk for the previous work and don't think I can afford the surgery at this point and probably the crowns too. Do you think it's ok to put off the surgery and get the crowns done first or do the surgery first and wait on the crowns? My periodontist said that if I elect not to have the surgery now, I should come in for 3 month cleanings, which I am sure is a lot more financially managable. Also, anyone ever gone abroad and had dental work done? I may be out of the country for 3 months or more and I know it is much less expensive where I'll be going than here. Prices here are outrageous and I don't live in a high cost of living area either!!!

Answer 1

I can't diagnose via modem, so I don't know what kind of surgery you might need. I agree that a 3 month recall interval will go a long way towards minimizing future damage. When a patient just can't proceed with $urgery, this is what we do. By that, I mean, this is what we do about 70-80% of the time. The 3 month interval is supported in the literature.

Here's the rub, though. If you get crowns done now and then get the surgery later, it is very likely that the edges of the crowns (where they meet your natural tooth) will be exposed. If these are cosmetically strategic teeth, you will be rather upset about this result. If the teeth do not have root canal treatment, the newly exposed root surface could be very sensitive to temperature changes. It's not clear to me if the teeth that will be crowned are also the ones needing root canal. I would guess they are, but it's just not clear from your message. If they have both had root canal before you get the crowns, they would not be sensitive, but the appearance might become an issue. Also, if you have the crowns done first and then have the surgery done, the gum will heal in a different position as a result of your surgery. The crowns with their "high water line" might tend to trap more food between the edges of the crown and the top of the gums.

As far as getting the care outside of the USA, I am sure you can find excellent dentists anywhere in the world. The only thing is, will YOU be able to find the best dentist available during your 3-month stay? You'd need to find a dentist almost right away if you are going to allow time for the treatment to take place. If you have problems, are you going to go back to the dentist who would "make good" on his treatment or are you ready to pay a new fee in the States to get things corrected?

Just some thoughts to help you decide...

Answer 2

If you recently had root planing and scaling you should be fine with 3 month cleanings. Without seeing your mouth I cannot tell you how urgent the regeneration surgery is but if I were you I would get the crowns done first and go in for 3 month maintenance cleanings, and just wait on that surgery. I would also get a second opinion from a second periodontist on the necessity of that kind of surgery. It sounds like overkill to me. Good Luck.

Answer 3

My husband just finished having some extensive dental work done. We signed up for a supplemental dental plan (Carrington dental) that covered a portion of the costs (our insurance ran out very quickly!) and we put the rest on a credit card and tried to pay little by little... I would recommend having your crowns completed 1st and then the surgery- simply because the crowns cost less and are less invasive. I would also look into consulting another periodontist to see if you truly need the surgery- My husband went to one dentist who told him he needed 16 crowns then went to another who said he only needed 4 and that he could do fillings and work with the rest... Your periodontist may just be overly cautious- don't take my word as gospel, make sure you check with your dentist or another periodontist- Best Wishes!

Answer 4

I would like to recommend Thailand which is now is popular in medical and dental treatment with high standard and cost 1/3-4 price back to Western Countries. You may see the reference in CBS TV'60 Minuts and in Time Magazine. Many dentists in Thailand are graduated and well-trained from USA and many of them are American Board in their related field. The hospital and clinic are world class standard. The estimated price for dental work are such as scaling and Prophylaxis USD 30, Root Canal Treatment USD 105 - USD 310, Crown, Bridge USD 205 - USD 515 and etc. The hotel rate are varies which starts from USD 20 up to 3-5 stars. The airfare rate, for example Houston-Bangkok-Houston USD 1,035 (sep 06). If you need more information, please feel free to contact me at [e-mail], I've worked in this field for serveral years.

Answer 5

Get your full dental work and implant surgery in India.Dental Surgery is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges cosmetic/dental surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for international patients as all surgery is not covered by insurance or by the stinking NHS.

They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star .

My cousin got her full dental work and jaw surgery for the cross bite and the overbite problem done there and she is more than very happy with the results.sHe is all praise for this forerunners healthcare company.She paid just 30% of the cost what she was quoted in USA and it was like a wonderful vacation for her.hope this helps.I think she paid only 7000$ for the full dental surgery for which she was quoted 19000 $ in USA.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com

Someone recommended you thailand-i would not recommend that you.you can check out www.bumrungraddeath.com --this website shows the death of americans in thailand hospitals

Answer 6

Crown lengthening isn't making your gums longer, yet particularly exposing more beneficial teeth floor. The surgical treatment eliminates the uppermost area of the gums, making the teeth seem longer (therefore the "crown lengthening" call). I had the technique carried out many years back, and it became particularly no huge deal. My mouth turned right into a touch tender for some days, even if it became not something some ibuprofen couldn't shelter. solid success!!