So I just got back from the dentist, and my estimate for all repairs to my teeth is $21,000. Including 4 root canals, 6 crowns, 2 bridges and 2 porcelin veneirs. Plus laser surgery on my gums because I have gum disease. I am 20 years old and have no way of paying for all this, even through the CareCredit program. I would like to find a dentist who would allow me to just pull them all and get dentures, but it's hard to do when you are only 20. Anyone have any advice, opinions?
2007-05-08 07:50:40 · 10 answers · asked by Just Me 7 in Health ➔ Dental
Bad teeth runs in my family, both sides. My mom got full dentures by the time she was 40 and my dad has top dentures, 8 teeth on bottom. (No, we're not hill billies lol.) It's eventually going to happen...
2007-05-08 07:51:43 · update #1
come to britain and seek asylum... you will have a house car and free nhs care before you even leave the airport!!!
2007-05-08 08:01:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
A second and third opinion are advisable! Keeping your natural teeth for as long as you can would be best but if it is determined that they cannot be saved then dentures would be a viable alternative. They are not the end of the world but could pose some significant social implications for a 20 year old.
Seek other advice and if there is a dental school near you, they may be able to help you at considerably less cost.
Good luck
2007-05-08 10:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by beechtree66 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend getting a second opinion. If the second opinion agrees that you need all this work then let the first dentist know that you are not able to pay all of this upfront even with the special program that you have. Let them know that you need to set up a payment plan and find out what is the minimum amount you can send in each month because of limited income, etc.
2007-05-09 22:56:40 · answer #3 · answered by sokokl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dentist cannot tell you not to get dentures. I am 26 years old, and I have the same issues as you. My parents also had horrible teeth, and yes, I do now too. I told my dentist that what he wanted to do was far out of my budget, adn I decided to just pull all the top teeth...my bottom teeth are fine.
So, if your dentist isn't willing to pull all your teeth per your request, you for sure need to find another dentist...
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU
2007-05-08 14:11:58 · answer #4 · answered by Tammy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might also want to get a second opinion from another dentist if the explanation behind the $21K treatment plan does not satisfy you.
I also second going to a dental school. Good care with reduced fees, but you have to be prepared to give up a lot of time-- 3 hours in the chair per session is typical.
Hope this helps.
2007-05-08 08:02:18 · answer #5 · answered by thddspc 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honeslty, MikeM doesnt have a bad idea. South America has some very good dentist and if you can afford to get down there, that would be a better option. I"m sure it would be half the price, if that. I would start looking into that option.
2007-05-08 09:07:50 · answer #6 · answered by Preciosa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dentists like to drive Mercedes.
find a college nearby with a School of Dentistry. Get a student to work on you, preferably an 'A' student.
or go to South America or Asia.
2007-05-08 07:56:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can get an affordable dental plan from here: http://www.mybenefitsplus.com/LMota It'll save you up to 80%.
2007-05-08 14:40:42 · answer #8 · answered by talisman2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alwayssssssssss take a second opinion.
A dentist made six fillings when I needed none.
2007-05-08 08:47:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a better dental plan, just for a month or so, and get it fixed.
2007-05-08 08:00:29 · answer #10 · answered by Jo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋