So basically, I went nineteen years with no cavities..and I go to a dentist, who says I have three bad cavities and four that are just beginning (but he won't drill them because I'm a nervous patient and he doesn't do nervous patients). I go to ANOTHER dentist who says I have ELEVEN cavities, and two of them need root canals. The problem is, my insurance runs out on Friday, I literally have no savings, and I can't get credit or a loan. The root canal teeth are the two right behind my left upper canine, so if I got them pulled, you would be able to see it. (My smile is something that's very important to me..I'm in shock as it is that I have ELEVEN cavities because I brush and floss twice a day.)
What other options do I have for these root canal teeth? I'm going in on Thursday to get as many fillings as I can in a 1.5 hour period (the dentist didn't really want to since this is my first time, but I kind of have to..). How long do I have until these root canal teeth start to rot? :/
2007-08-28 03:01:57 · 8 answers · asked by Kelly M 2 in Health ➔ Dental
And please, I'm very very scared right now, be gentle. :)
2007-08-28 03:02:28 · update #1
Okay - do your teeth ever hurt? If not, do you REALLY have cavities? I've heard of dentists lying about that. CANCEL THURS. APPT.!!! Sounds very suspect.
I think you're getting scammed. We usually know when we have cavities because you have a sharp pain when you bite down on food or when cold water hits the area. Go for a 3rd opinion and make sure it's from a dentist who is not associated with the 1st two. Go to a different town if necessary.
Look into a dental college. It's way cheaper and you get examined by graduating dentists who are supervised so nothing goes wrong. I think they would give you an honest, correct diagnosis. Also universities with medical schools usually have big clinics for the pubic that could have a dental clinic.
If you end up needing root canals, you have to go ahead & get them. Some dentists offer some sort of payment plan.
2007-08-28 03:12:04 · answer #1 · answered by suzanne g 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
My suggestion would be to go to a different dentist and see what exactly is going on. I doubt one person can find 4 then another 11. Thats way too far away as far as numbers are concerned.
Some colleges do have programs where you can get your teeth fixed by students in training. It'll cost less than a dentist, but its done by students who are learning how to do what a dentist does.
Otherwise, I'm not sure what you should do. Its possible to live with them. My dentist told me I may need a root canal in the future (I went 18 years without seeing a dentist only had 4 cavities. brushed my teeth twice a day everyday. I'm 20 now.) Some dentists also let you do monthly/weekly payments so you can get them fixed.
2007-08-28 03:14:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to a dentist that isn't using your insurance plan. Unfortunately, a dentist that gets paid with insurance only gets a portion of what a normal dentist charges so they tend to do a little "excess" treatment sometimes to make up those lost $$$. Find a doc in the yellow pages that doesn't have a large display ad.....actually, find one that only has a name listed and no ad. Usually, the larger the ad the worse the office as they rely on that to suck in patients rather than quality dentistry and patient referrals. YOU NEED ANOTHER OPINION so don't worry about your insurance which may be bad anyways.....good luck!
2007-08-28 04:49:42 · answer #3 · answered by docgobbler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go see a third dentist because something sounds funny. I would pick one that does sedation and see if you can work out a payment plan. Just tell him your dentist do sent want to do the work because your nervous. See how many cavities and root canals he comes up with.
It's great they put you to sleep, you wake up and have no idea anything has happened.
2007-08-28 03:14:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you get the work done prior to or started prior to the day your insurance runs out. The insurance company should pay for it. Work out a payment plan with you dentist. Most will offer you something. Offer to pay a little when you go in for your work and then ask to be billed for the remainder and pay a little each month. Most dentists offer some sort of financing plan. You probably qualify. If that does not work try to get assistance through medicare or something like that.
2007-08-28 03:13:16 · answer #5 · answered by JB 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask the dentist if you can work a payment plan. Do one root canal, pay for it, do the next, maybe? If you can demonstrate that you will pay for the treatment over time, some dentists will let you pay on credit.
Or ask if there is a local dental clinic that does work for free or at a reduced price.
2007-08-28 03:11:02 · answer #6 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
become a hockey player,, after the 1st game you won't have any teeth to worry about
2007-08-28 03:09:41 · answer #7 · answered by casey 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
get a loan, be strong and take care of it now before it gets worse!
2007-08-28 03:10:14 · answer #8 · answered by camaroredride 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋