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Medical Forum / General / Dentistry / October 2004Humiliation with Dentistry & Seeking help.
Well, since this is the first post, I think it's necessary for me to post information from the past, so here's all that I can say. This blog will be dedicated to me telling you guys about how my lack of dental hygeine has led to a bad case of depression, lack of confidence, and even a bitterness towards society for my own mistakes. Before I get started though, I want to say that i'm not blaming this on anybody but myself. Both of my parents have had severe dental problems, and I just inherited them. It all started when I was in 4th grade. My parents decided to get me braces for an overbite I had. It was rather significant, but at that point in my life it didn't bother me at all. I had to wear braces for three years, and then another year with rubber bands in to correct the jaw misalignment. Other than the overbite, there were no major problems with my teeth. I don't see why I had to wear them for 3 years prior, but whatever. I drank a LOT of soda & candy while I had braces, but no more than any other person in the respected grades. Doing so caused "calcium scars", where teeth turn a pale white, while other parts are a different shade of white. Again, this wasn't nearly as bad as some might make it sound, really. I was capable of living with that, but it was still rather shameful. I didn't take proper care of my teeth from the day I was born until today... Now, I have a tooth abscess. Yesterday, my face was just a little swollen. Nothing too bad, so at school (i'm not a senior, just for the record) I blamed it on me bumping my face in the middle of the night. Today, my face is so swollen that my left eye is half closed. I didn't sleep very much at all. I finally fell asleep at 11:00pm, and was awake at 12:00am (midnight) with a severe pain in my mouth. I came out to talk to my parents at 5:00am with a face that was violently swollen, and they had no clue what was wrong. Previously they had asked me how my teeth were, and since I wouldn't show them, they had no clue. I would just say "oh just my front tooth is chipped from my brother and I wrestling." How far from the truth is that. Currently, I have 9 teeth that are broken off half way up the tooth, 1 that is broken off at the gum (this is the one with the abscess), and a front tooth that is loose, and if I wiggle it too hard it will break off. Last night, I told my girlfriend about what was wrong. I described how self conscious I am of them and she actually started crying, telling me that she wishes she could help. It's incredibly humiliating to smile, which I don't do anymore. If at any point in time I have showed my teeth to someone, it was almost immediately followed by an excuse to get out of any social situations. When i'm talking to girls, if i'm smiling, I have to wait until I can go back to a straight face to talk again, just so my teeth don't show. When I look at them in the mirror, I get physically ill. I'm sure most of you readers are saying "why didn't you tell someone?" -- I ask myself that same question. If it were as easy as it sounds, it probably would have been done. However, something so simple as taking care of my own teeth is not a major problem. Matter of fact, contradictory what I previously said, I have brushed my teeth 3 times a day 7 days a week, used a pre-rinse, antiseptic, and fluoride for over a year now. The daily self-inflicted mental pain that I have had is something that nobody should ever have to go through. A couple years ago, I was interested in this girl who was a model. We clicked personality wise. She went to New York City for a modeling audition, and sent me a coupon for a free teeth whitening session. I stopped talking to her afterwards. I constantly cover my lips while talking, making me look like I have bird lips. So humiliating. Today (Friday), I have an appointment at my doctor's, and i'm hoping he'll give me some antibiotics to help get rid of the abscess. Monday, I go to a dentist. I'm honestly hoping he'll pull all of my teeth and give me dentures. For anybody who's reading this, please tel me a few things a) How long does it take for dentures to be made? b) How much do they cost c) How do YOU think I should approach going back to school? Should I just tell people that they put caps on my teeth, or what? I don't want to come straight out and say I have dentures, as that's humiliating to me, being that i'm 17. Please, give me feedback. Finally, if there are any actual dentists reading this, and you would be willing to help me, please give me an E-Mail As Soon As Possible. I live near Geneva, New York. My E-Mail is matt@pleaseeat.us First off, let me say: I am not a dentist! Take my advice with a grain of salt. Losing your teeth at such an early age seems like a tradegy to me. Do you know if you have any dental schools around where you live? I know some people on the internet who have gone to dental schools to get the work they needed done, and they got it done at a very reduced cost. As far as the creation of the dentures go, I understand that the process is that first the teeth are extracted then an immediate denture made. Then, after the gums have healed a bit, you go back in to make a more final version of the denture. I'm not sure about the timeline, but AFAIK at no time will you be without something that looks like teeth. Cost varies greatly. Some dentists get 10k for their dentures. I know there is a denture clinic around where I live that will do a set for about 500 bux. As far as other people -- why tell them anything about your teeth!? If you get them fixed, and they look good, it's not their business how you've had your teeth fixed! Why should it matter if you have a full upper and lower denture, or if you placed 28 implants with single crowns? What matters is how YOU feel about whatever has been done to restore the functionality and beauty of your teeth. Hope this helps, Adenosine >Well, since this is the first post, I think it's necessary for me to >post information from the past, so here's all that I can say. This blog [quoted text clipped - 79 lines] >E-Mail As Soon As Possible. I live near Geneva, New York. My E-Mail is >matt@pleaseeat.us Thank you very much, i've been anticipating a response for the past 20 minutes :P. It is a tragedy, but one that I brought on myself. Anyways, as far as dental clinics/schools go, I haven't looked for one, however i'm sure there's one within a few hours. The reason I ask about what I should tell people is because i'm still in highschool. It's unavoidable, considering I live in a smaller school as it is (~40 people in my class). Inevitably someone is going to say "Wow, what'd you do with your teeth?!". Thank you very much for reading & responding, I really appreciate it. >Thank you very much, i've been anticipating a response for the past 20 >minutes :P. It is a tragedy, but one that I brought on myself. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >it is (~40 people in my class). Inevitably someone is going to say >"Wow, what'd you do with your teeth?!". Answer: "I went to the dentist and got them fixed!" If they press the issue tell them to get on their knees and smile like a donut! >Thank you very much for reading & responding, I really appreciate it. No problem -- I almost feel your pain, as I have also neglected my teeth. Luckily they aren't in TOO bad of shape, due to my parents FORCING me to go to the dentist when I was 15/16. Now, at 21, due to my neglect a significant number of the restorations I got then need replaced already. School of hard knocks is the best teacher, I guess. Adenosine >Thank you very much, i've been anticipating a response for the past 20 >minutes :P. Around here, you may have to wait months and months for a reply. Just ask Dr. Steve how long he has waited for a reply from Jan Drew ..... > It is a tragedy, but one that I brought on myself. >Anyways, as far as dental clinics/schools go, I haven't looked for one, [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >Thank you very much for reading & responding, I really appreciate it. >First off, let me say: I am not a dentist! Take my advice with a grain >of salt. > >Losing your teeth at such an early age seems like a tradegy to me. We agree. I got to wait til I see the original because I only have the reply so far. Do >you know if you have any dental schools around where you live? I know >some people on the internet who have gone to dental schools to get the >work they needed done, and they got it done at a very reduced cost. I am not sure about that. Around here, the schools cost more than the regulars. >As far as the creation of the dentures go, I understand that the >process is that first the teeth are extracted then an immediate [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >there is a denture clinic around where I live that will do a set for >about 500 bux. Affordable Dentures start from $199 but that is bait-and-switch! Its a company ...... >As far as other people -- why tell them anything about your teeth!? If >you get them fixed, and they look good, it's not their business how >you've had your teeth fixed! Yup. After all they are YOUR teeth if you PAID for them! (Old Ann Landers joke) > Why should it matter if you have a full >upper and lower denture, or if you placed 28 implants with single [quoted text clipped - 87 lines] >>E-Mail As Soon As Possible. I live near Geneva, New York. My E-Mail is >>matt@pleaseeat.us >>First off, let me say: I am not a dentist! Take my advice with a grain >>of salt. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >We agree. I got to wait til I see the original because I only have the >reply so far. Despite the fact that the entire original is at the bottom of my post? Or is this a commentary that is the 'nice' way of saying 'YOU USENET N00B! Y DON'T U POST GOODER STYLE?' > Do >>you know if you have any dental schools around where you live? I know [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >I am not sure about that. Around here, the schools cost more than the >regulars. How do these places attract people? I wouldn't go to a learner dentist who's going to take 3 hours to do a crappy amalgam err.. not amaglam, composite, amalgam is deadly and will make you grow a third arm *wink*, if I could get it done by a pro for less! >>As far as the creation of the dentures go, I understand that the >>process is that first the teeth are extracted then an immediate [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >Affordable Dentures start from $199 but that is bait-and-switch! >Its a company ...... The specific place I refer to is 'Triple R Dentures'. They have a website! http://www.triplerdentures.com. They do have 'price levels', but who could make a GREAT denture for the price of their economy model? Nobody. >>As far as other people -- why tell them anything about your teeth!? If >>you get them fixed, and they look good, it's not their business how [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >(Old Ann Landers joke) Har. Adenosine. >> Why should it matter if you have a full >>upper and lower denture, or if you placed 28 implants with single [quoted text clipped - 87 lines] >>>E-Mail As Soon As Possible. I live near Geneva, New York. My E-Mail is >>>matt@pleaseeat.us Before I forget, is there anything that I should make sure that I ask my dentists/doctors about before they do anything? There isn't much choice, but I want to be as informed as possible. Ask for a full exam with x-ray images, a complete treatment plan and a separate visit to discuss what needs to be done.  Signature~+--~+--~+--~+--~+-- Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S. Troy, Michigan, USA .................................................... This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only. Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will affect your health. ...................... > Before I forget, is there anything that I should make sure that I ask my > dentists/doctors about before they do anything? There isn't much choice, > but I want to be as informed as possible. >Well, since this is the first post, I think it's necessary for me to >post information from the past, so here's all that I can say. This blog >will be dedicated to me telling you guys about how my lack of dental >hygeine has led to a bad case of depression, lack of confidence, and >even a bitterness towards society for my own mistakes. Interesting so far. > Before I get >started though, I want to say that i'm not blaming this on anybody but >myself. Both of my parents have had severe dental problems, and I just >inherited them. Ummmmmmm, not so. >It all started when I was in 4th grade. My parents decided to get me >braces for an overbite I had. It was rather significant, but at that [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >"calcium scars", where teeth turn a pale white, while other parts are a >different shade of white. Too bad, I can picture it. > Again, this wasn't nearly as bad as some >might make it sound, really. I was capable of living with that, but it >was still rather shameful. > >I didn't take proper care of my teeth from the day I was born until today... Turn over a new leaf .......... become a Born Again Dentite. >Now, I have a tooth abscess. Yesterday, my face was just a little >swollen. Get treatment. Its like your car needing repairs .... just do it! > Nothing too bad, so at school (i'm not a senior, just for the >record) I blamed it on me bumping my face in the middle of the night. >Today, my face is so swollen that my left eye is half closed. I didn't >sleep very much at all. Rx penicillin ...... > I finally fell asleep at 11:00pm, and was awake >at 12:00am (midnight) with a severe pain in my mouth. I came out to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >just say "oh just my front tooth is chipped from my brother and I >wrestling." How old are you now? > How far from the truth is that. Currently, I have 9 teeth >that are broken off half way up the tooth, Jeez, your brother is quite a wrastler. >1 that is broken off at the >gum (this is the one with the abscess), and a front tooth that is loose, [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >that she wishes she could help. It's incredibly humiliating to smile, >which I don't do anymore. Denture time ..... > If at any point in time I have showed my >teeth to someone, it was almost immediately followed by an excuse to get >out of any social situations. When i'm talking to girls, if i'm >smiling, I have to wait until I can go back to a straight face to talk >again, just so my teeth don't show. You a boy or a girl? > When I look at them in the mirror, >I get physically ill. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >day 7 days a week, used a pre-rinse, antiseptic, and fluoride for over a >year now. Too late for that now ...... >The daily self-inflicted mental pain that I have had is something that >nobody should ever have to go through. A couple years ago, I was >interested in this girl who was a model. A model what? > We clicked personality wise. >She went to New York City for a modeling audition, and sent me a coupon [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >I go to a dentist. I'm honestly hoping he'll pull all of my teeth and >give me dentures. Good plan. >For anybody who's reading this, please tel me a few things > >a) How long does it take for dentures to be made? Days to weeks .... >b) How much do they cost $199 and up ... to the thousands ... PLUS extractions. >c) How do YOU think I should approach going back to school? Bus or subway is just fine ...... > Should I >just tell people that they put caps on my teeth, or what? I don't want >to come straight out and say I have dentures, as that's humiliating to >me, being that i'm 17. Oh okay. Yeah tell them you got a new haircut. Most do not look that carefully. >Please, give me feedback. Finally, if there are any actual dentists >reading this, Nope, sorry, no dentists here AT ALL. >and you would be willing to help me, please give me an >E-Mail As Soon As Possible. okay ... joeleichen@yahoo.com I live near Geneva, New York. My E-Mail is >matt@pleaseeat.us Never mind ,,, Geneva eh? Wow, joel. Let me read over your post again so i can answer all the questions. First, I just got back from the doctors. They gave me some penicilin to take every 6 hours. 500mg, with 800mg motrin to help kill the pain. I'm 17 right now. Male A model, as in, fashion,clothes,etc. -- she did some magazine shoot not too long ago, but I forget the name of the magazine. " >c) How do YOU think I should approach going back to school? Bus or subway is just fine ......" LOL! I attempted to laugh at that, but then the airballoon of a cheek of mine kind of blocked the smile from coming out :P >Wow, joel. Let me read over your post again so i can answer all the >questions. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >LOL! I attempted to laugh at that, but then the airballoon of a cheek >of mine kind of blocked the smile from coming out :P More importantly, this is going to be costly. There is a program for kids of working parents that is very generous to help you. Its called CHIP program. If you need information, ask away. Joel Joel M. Eichen DDS Well, as far as the costs go, it's fairly under control as far as I know. Both of my parents have dental insurance, which will help out greatly-- one provided by the school, the other provided by a small local corporation. However, income isn't as great as i'd like to make it sound. I'd love to hear about this CHIP program? >Well, as far as the costs go, it's fairly under control as far as I >know. Both of my parents have dental insurance, which will help out >greatly-- one provided by the school, the other provided by a small >local corporation. However, income isn't as great as i'd like to make >it sound. I'd love to hear about this CHIP program? http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/ Your children may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance! You work hard to provide for your children and want to make sure they grow up strong, smart and healthy. But like many parents whose children don't have health insurance, you worry about taking care of them. Now, you may have one less thing to worry about. Your state, and every state in the nation, has a health insurance program for infants, children and teens. The insurance is available to children in working families, including families that include individuals with a variety of immigration status. (Materials are available that explain more about immigration and children's health insurance.) For little or no cost, this insurance pays for: doctor visits, prescription medicines, hospitalizations, and much more. Kids that do not currently have health insurance are likely to be eligible, even if you are working. The states have different eligibility rules, but in most states, uninsured children 18 years old and younger, whose families earn up to $34,100 a year (for a family of four) are eligible. To learn more, go to Your State's Program or make a free call to 1-877-KIDS-NOW for more information. [Your State's Program] [Questions & Answers] [About Insure Kids Now] [Help Us Spread The Word] [Immigration Concerns] [Contact Us] [En Español] > First, I just got back from the doctors. They gave me some penicilin to > take every 6 hours. 500mg, with 800mg motrin to help kill the pain. I have just this minute come back from the dentists with an Abcess, and I have been given 4 3gram sachets to take over the next 48 hours !!!!! > Now, I have a tooth abscess. Yesterday, my face was just a little > swollen. Nothing too bad, so at school (i'm not a senior, just for the > record) I blamed it on me bumping my face in the middle of the night. > Today, my face is so swollen that my left eye is half closed. I didn't > sleep very much at all. I finally fell asleep at 11:00pm, and was awake > at 12:00am (midnight) with a severe pain in my mouth. I know it sounds hopeless now, but once you have the pain and swelling under control (dentist must look, prescribe and perform preliminary treatments) you will probably find that ALL the teeth are not hopeless. It would be great, at your age, to be able to save some of them and place a partial instead of a complete denture. Think about it... HTH SP SignatureNot a real Addy, yet I'm sure you're right, as you've been with dentistry for longer than I have (none), however i'd want to disagree. The only thing I can say that would possibly be worth salvaging are a few of my bottom teeth and my wisdom teeth (which haven't given me any troubles at all, ironically. A little pain when they tore through the skin but they feel fine). At this point, I simply want to get rid of the whole deal. Have the dentist put me out and do his thing until I wake up. Speaking of which, I found out that there's a dentist in Ithaca, NY who will put you to sleep for anything, including filling a cavity. I guess he does it because there are so many people who are deathly afraid of those tools he hides in the cabinet (shrug). >I'm sure you're right, as you've been with dentistry for longer than I >have (none), however i'd want to disagree. The only thing I can say >that would possibly be worth salvaging are a few of my bottom teeth and >my wisdom teeth (which haven't given me any troubles at all, ironically. Pain and how bad off the teeth are aren't all that related, in my experience. I've had teeth that were decayed nearly to the pulp that never bothered me at all, and I have a tooth right now that's in just fine condition that kills me every time I drink a bit of cold water, due to one tiny square millimeter of exposed root surface. > A little pain when they tore through the skin but they feel fine). >At this point, I simply want to get rid of the whole deal. Have the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >because there are so many people who are deathly afraid of those tools >he hides in the cabinet (shrug). Oral Sedation? If you are worried about costs, I wouldn't do it. Even if you aren't I wouldn't do it. Dentistry is not that bad as a user experience. The hardest part for me is the shots, and that's not a dentistry only thing (I don't know what my blood type is, because I couldn't prick myself to get a blood sample!). It also gets easier with time, I used to beg my dentist to delay my appointment because I didn't want to get the anesthetic shot. Now I only wince a bit! Quite an improvement for both parties involved. More to your point, I think you will be glad later on if you keep your teeth now. I used to think nothing but bad things about my teeth because I didn't fully appreciate their usefulness. Denture users often feel that it is hard for them to eat, and getting a denture won't make your oral problems go away. Without load on the bone, it can atrophy leaving you with a sunken looking face, and ill-fitting dentures. Just the thoughts from the dentistry end-user, Adenosine >Pain and how bad off the teeth are aren't all that related, in my >experience. I've had teeth that were decayed nearly to the pulp that >never bothered me at all, and I have a tooth right now that's in just >fine condition that kills me every time I drink a bit of cold water, >due to one tiny square millimeter of exposed root surface. Easily treated. -- W_B wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Take out the G'RBAGE >>Pain and how bad off the teeth are aren't all that related, in my >>experience. I've had teeth that were decayed nearly to the pulp that [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Easily treated. Yeah, last visit we tried putting Simplicity over it, and it didn't work. Looks like next time we work down there he'll put some glass isomer on it. Hopefully that'll do the trick. Adenosine >>>Pain and how bad off the teeth are aren't all that related, in my >>>experience. I've had teeth that were decayed nearly to the pulp that [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > >Adenosine glass ionomer -- W_B wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Take out the G'RBAGE >Speaking of which, >I found out that there's a dentist in Ithaca, NY who will put you to >sleep for anything, including filling a cavity. Just make sure there is a female assistant in the room,,, we had some trouble with that kind of stuff around here ..... >>Speaking of which, >>I found out that there's a dentist in Ithaca, NY who will put you to >>sleep for anything, including filling a cavity. > >Just make sure there is a female assistant in the room,,, we had some >trouble with that kind of stuff around here ..... With a 17 year old male? If it's a female dentist, you know what they say -- "can't rape the willing." Just the opinion of some guy who used to be a 17 y.o. male, back in the day. Adenosine >>>Speaking of which, >>>I found out that there's a dentist in Ithaca, NY who will put you to [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >With a 17 year old male? Oh sorry, my mistake ...... disregard that ,,, wait a minute ,,,,,, , lots of weird politicians around here, why not weird dentists ...??? >If it's a female dentist, you know what they say -- "can't rape the >willing." Well yes and no. I just finished Mary Kay Latourneau book , and that was rape! Joel >Just the opinion of some guy who used to be a 17 y.o. male, back in >the day. > >Adenosine >>If it's a female dentist, you know what they say -- "can't rape the >>willing." [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Joel Statutory. -- W_B wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Take out the G'RBAGE Ah, yeah, i'd request an assistant either way. Last time my dentist said "oops", he had to run outside to get his assistant who was taking a smoke break, but thanks for that bit of advice. >>Speaking of which, >>I found out that there's a dentist in Ithaca, NY who will put you to >>sleep for anything, including filling a cavity. > >Just make sure there is a female assistant in the room,,, we had some >trouble with that kind of stuff around here ..... That'd be for the male patients right ? -- W_B wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Take out the G'RBAGE > I found out that there's a dentist in Ithaca, NY who will put you to > sleep for anything, including filling a cavity. I guess he does it > because there are so many people who are deathly afraid of those tools > he hides in the cabinet (shrug). OK, but it's going to co$$$t you to be put to sleep for the procedure. I still say save any teeth that can be repaired reasonably wrt $$$ and possibility of use, and prognosis (will they still be around in a few years' time..). JMHO SP SignatureNot a real Addy, yet Well, like I said i'm fairly certain that insurance will cover most of it. We have 2 plans setup and it's a mandatory procedure. I'm only interested in being put to sleep for the stuff that'll take a while (an hour+). I just want to get this stuff over with. :( >Well, like I said i'm fairly certain that insurance will cover most of >it. We have 2 plans setup and it's a mandatory procedure. I'm only >interested in being put to sleep for the stuff that'll take a while (an >hour+). > >I just want to get this stuff over with. :( An hour or two can go quicker than you think. Ask your dentist if they have the Isolite system. I just used this for the first time last Thursday for a ~110 minute appointment, and I can say that it makes it a lot easier for me. You have a bite block so you don't have to hold your mouth open, and there is a thing to keep your tongue out of the way of the drill! The only bad part is it's loud as hell. What I've found works for me, is go in REALLY early in the morning, before you've had a chance to wake up. It's like an extra nap in the morning, almost. The dental end-user, Adenosine Well, as of right now, my appointment is at 10am on Monday. I'm rather excited because this abscess is starting to reduce in swollenness. Can anybody give me a rundown of what's more than likely to happen? My teeth are in dier (dire?) need of repair. One of my 2 front teeth is chipped half way off, the other is loose half way up (from where the braces were, i only have the one that's broken off at the gum, and believe it or not, that's where the braces were). I might need to have this abscess drained. Approximately how many visits/how long will it take to a) have an abscess drained, b) get my teeth diagnosed & c) get extractions/replacements made/whatever? I'd love to have more information :) >Well, as of right now, my appointment is at 10am on Monday. I'm rather >excited because this abscess is starting to reduce in swollenness. Can [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >extractions/replacements made/whatever? I'd love to have more >information :) It really depends on your specific situation. Any chance of posting pictures ? -- W_B wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Take out the G'RBAGE Well, I do have both a digital camera and a webcam at my disposal, however, I can't get my mouth open wide enough to get any real pictures (due to the abscess). Once it starts to go away i'll be more than happy to show you guys my oral mess. >>Well, like I said i'm fairly certain that insurance will cover most of >>it. We have 2 plans setup and it's a mandatory procedure. I'm only [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >The dental end-user, >Adenosine Interesting. SM is an avid advocate of that system. -- W_B wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Take out the G'RBAGE The Isolite is expensive to buy, but using it once or twice when your DA is off work (for what-ever reason), and not having to cancel a long appointment more than pays for itself. I can prep a CEREC, take IO camera images, powder, scan, bond and finish with the Isolite in place and never miss the DA, (except for having to reach further to get stuff, and the advantage of having another pair of eyes on the patient for when you turn your head). It is not as good as a great DA, but will replace an average one. Signature~+--~+--~+--~+--~+-- Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S. Troy, Michigan, USA .................................................... This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only. Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will affect your health. ...................... > >>>Well, like I said i'm fairly certain that insurance will cover most of [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com > Take out the G'RBAGE >Well, like I said i'm fairly certain that insurance will cover most of >it. We have 2 plans setup and it's a mandatory procedure. I'm only >interested in being put to sleep for the stuff that'll take a while (an >hour+). > >I just want to get this stuff over with. :( You should consider 'conscious sedation'. There are a variety of ways. -- W_B wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com Take out the G'RBAGE I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the modern technology he has in his office, it'd be just a matter of time & visits. He was very polite and told me exactly what was going on. First, he described what my current condition is: Decay on literally every tooth. Incomplete fractures on 3 teeth Total fractures/chipping off on 5 Single Abscess Then, they took x-ray... after x-ray... after x-ray of my teeth. Followed by digital pictures, and the examination was done. As far as costs go, both of my parents have insurance that covers 80%. One is Guardian insurance and the other is Blue Cross. So, here's my math if the total bill comes to $10,000: $10,000.00 Total Bill x .80 80% ___________ $8,000.00 Covered by FIRST insurance. $2,000.00 Bill after my dad's insurance... x .80 80% ___________ $1,600.00 Covered by mom's insurance... $2,000.00 Bill after dad's insurance... - $1,600.00 Amount covered... ___________ $400.00 Amount I will pay. Therein, money doesn't appear to be an issue as of yet. Does anybody know a range for what might need to be done? He said he won't put in dentures unless I request it, so he's repairing all of my teeth. When I ask for a range, i'm asking generally. Does $10,000 sound about right, more, or less than what it will cost? --matt P.S. My new dentist is Dr. Drexler DDS located in Seneca Falls, New York. > I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked > over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > > P.S. My new dentist is Dr. Drexler DDS located in Seneca Falls, New York. Please make sure your primary insurance has no yearly maximum. Allowing benefits of $8000 in one year is rather unusual in my experience (although such plans do exist). If the plans do in fact cover the fees at 80%, then they are statistically not too high. Steve SignatureMark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 Hmm... I will definatly look into that as soon as possible. 80% isn't the highest amount, that's why I assumed that there would be a generous yearly maximum, but now that I think about it... heh, it's possible. One is provided through a lumber company, and one is provided through a school. The plans should be adequate for what I need. I was saying $10,000 as my own number, and shooting it out there solely for the sake of the example. Factors of 10 are easy to work with :-P Most dental insurance plans limit the annual cost to the insurance carrier at $1000. Most plans will NOT pay more than that in one year. Some plans are better, but very few. When dental insurance was invented thirty some years ago, $1K was a tremendous number and virtually no one could spend it all. Today, we have thirty years of inflation, and the annual maximum has not changed. Insurance carriers will gladly raise the annual limit, but expect to raise the monthly premium to do so. Most employers do not have the extra cash to buy the phenomenally more expensive plan. After Kerry has his way, anything smaller than Ford MC, may not be able to buy any employee benefits, anyway. Signature~+--~+--~+--~+--~+-- Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S. Troy, Michigan, USA .................................................... This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only. Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will affect your health. ...................... > Hmm... I will definatly look into that as soon as possible. 80% isn't the > highest amount, that's why I assumed that there would be a generous yearly [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > own number, and shooting it out there solely for the sake of the example. > Factors of 10 are easy to work with :-P > Most dental insurance plans limit the annual cost to the insurance carrier > at $1000. Most plans will NOT pay more than that in one year. Some plans [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > his way, anything smaller than Ford MC, may not be able to buy any employee > benefits, anyway. Well, $1K per year is certainly not a uniform standard. I have just as many patients with yearly max. of $1.5K, $2K, or $2.5K. I don't have too many with limits that are higher than that. I do have some without a limit, but generally the benefits are so poor that they might just as well. Something I'm starting to see more often are plans with a lifetime limit. Those I've seen (I think they've all been from MetLife) are set at $10K. Steve SignatureMark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 Around here, the hourly automotive workers get $1.6K. We see 2-3 plans with $2K per year. A lot of plans at $750 or $800 a year. And,,,,,,, the junk plans with no annual maximum, but which pay on a schedule, and any procedure which might push the annual expenditure near $700 is just not allowed as a benefit. The plans with no limit generally never have to pay out more $500 in any year due to the exclusions. Most plans are $1K per year (around here) and pay at 70%, 75%, 80% or 90% of the actual fee, so the maximum is reached on one tooth (if RCT/crown is needed). Signature~+--~+--~+--~+--~+-- Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S. Troy, Michigan, USA .................................................... This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only. Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will affect your health. ...................... > >> Most dental insurance plans limit the annual cost to the insurance [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Steve >> Most dental insurance plans limit the annual cost to the insurance carrier >> at $1000. Most plans will NOT pay more than that in one year. Some plans [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >a limit, but generally the benefits are so poor that they might just as >well. The big insurers are generally limited to $1,500 annually. The ones who are more or where it is unlimited are generally municipal unions that know how to extract benefits out of their employers, the taxpayers. Ever see a garbage strike during summer? It ain't pretty in the city .... Joel > Something I'm starting to see more often are plans with a lifetime >limit. Those I've seen (I think they've all been from MetLife) are set >at $10K. > >Steve > >> Most dental insurance plans limit the annual cost to the insurance carrier > >> at $1000. Most plans will NOT pay more than that in one year. Some plans [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > The big insurers are generally limited to $1,500 annually. Deductables and co-payments? The ones > who are more or where it is unlimited are generally municipal unions > that know how to extract benefits out of their employers, the [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > > >Steve >Hmm... I will definatly look into that as soon as possible. 80% isn't >the highest amount, that's why I assumed that there would be a generous [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >$10,000 as my own number, and shooting it out there solely for the sake >of the example. Factors of 10 are easy to work with :-P Max dental benefit per year per person is usually $1,000 This has not changed in 20 years !!! Have seen a few plans that go to $1,500 and only one that was $5,000/yr. -- W_B Take out the G'RBAGE wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com I doubt if your insurance will cover what you say it will and recommend you go over this with the insurance broker who handles the policies. > > I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked > > over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] > > Steve >I doubt if your insurance will cover what you say it will and recommend you >go over this with the insurance broker who handles the policies. YUP either an insurance boker or an insurance BREAKER ........ what insurance broker has any idea what dental covers ....? FEW >> > I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked >> > over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the [quoted text clipped - 47 lines] >> >> Steve > >I doubt if your insurance will cover what you say it will and recommend you > >go over this with the insurance broker who handles the policies. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > FEW Someone who is a CPCU? Right Joel? > >> > I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked > >> > over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the [quoted text clipped - 47 lines] > >> > >> Steve >> >I doubt if your insurance will cover what you say it will and recommend >you [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >Someone who is a CPCU? Right Joel? Well the guys who sell to manufacturers and sell to industrial companies are not insurance brokers. They are reps of Blue Cross, etc. Joel >> >"Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS" <bornfeldmung@dentaltwins.com> wrote in >message [quoted text clipped - 54 lines] >> >> >> >> Steve > I doubt if your insurance will cover what you say it will and recommend you > go over this with the insurance broker who handles the policies.. Besides the low annual maximums noted earlier, most policies pay the percentage based on some vague "UCR" schedule, so the question becomes "80% of what?". For example; you pay $800.00 for some dental service; the insurance company looks that service up on their secreet list and find that the UCR is $500.00, they then pay 80% of $500.00 (not $800). The good news is that you can get a lot more dental work done before you reach your annual limit. Vaughn >> I doubt if your insurance will cover what you say it will and recommend >you [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > The good news is that you can get a lot more dental work done before >you reach your annual limit. Good one! Reminds me that we lose a little on each transaction, but we make it up in volume. >Vaughn Another point that I would make. Fixing all of these teeth is great. But if all anyone is worried about is fixing and getting paid for PAST problems, the FUTURE will eventually be a repeat performance. All of the expensive reconstruction will also develop decay. Remove decay and place intermediate restorations. Change diet and home care. Then work on definitive treatment. Having a mouthfull of crowns and onlays 'go bad' is no fun. Fawks > Please make sure your primary insurance has no yearly maximum. > Allowing benefits of $8000 in one year is rather unusual in my > experience (although such plans do exist). If the plans do in fact > cover the fees at 80%, then they are statistically not too high. > > Steve >I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked >over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >One is Guardian insurance and the other is Blue Cross. So, here's my >math if the total bill comes to $10,000: <snip math> >Does anybody know a range for what might need to be done? He said he >won't put in dentures unless I request it, so he's repairing all of my [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >P.S. My new dentist is Dr. Drexler DDS located in Seneca Falls, New York. Congradulations for taking control of your oral health! As others have expressed, I doubt that the dental insurance will pay out more than 1,000 or so. I know that the dental insurance my work is going to provide me with has that restriction, and it seems pretty common. Also, it is my understanding that most of the time major work (crowns, bridges) is covered at only 50% instead of the 80%. As far as costs go, it varies depending on what your dentist thinks you need and where you live. Hope that things go well for you! The dental end-user, Adenosine Besides the annual limit that others mention, check if everything is covered at 80%. Usually preventive and diagnostic are covered at 80 to 100%, restorative is covered at 70 to 80% and major restorative is covered at 50%. Also check if that is 80% of the dentist's regular fees or 80% of what the insurance company considers "reasonable". You may be surprised when the insurance company pays something like 20% of the bill. Good luck, Dr. Bonilla >I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked >over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >Then, they took x-ray... after x-ray... after x-ray of my teeth. >Followed by digital pictures, and the examination was done. You might do well to ask if the doc will post the x-ray and images so you can get a second opinion (here). For those just tuning in, "witheld" is seventeen years old (17). >As far as costs go, both of my parents have insurance that covers 80%. >One is Guardian insurance and the other is Blue Cross. So, here's my >math if the total bill comes to $10,000: Many insurances limit coverage to $1,500 per year. Better check. > $10,000.00 Total Bill >x .80 80% [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > >Therein, money doesn't appear to be an issue as of yet. See above. >Does anybody know a range for what might need to be done? He said he >won't put in dentures unless I request it, so he's repairing all of my [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >P.S. My new dentist is Dr. Drexler DDS located in Seneca Falls, New York. So he approves of women voting, correct? (Inside joke, who can guess what the connection is!) Joel > >I just got back from the first appointment with my dentist. He looked > >over my teeth, and say that dentures wouldn't be necesary. With the [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > For those just tuning in, "witheld" is seventeen years old (17). We assumed that. I've never seen a good dental insurance policy. They all have annual limits, deductables and co-insurance. So you can generally assume you'll get $1000-2000 per year out of the insurance company. You must read the policies and consult a broker if you don't understand them. I'll give you an example: suppose your policy covers 80% of a crown but they determine the cost of a crown at $500 which means they'll pay $400 after the deductable and within the annual limits of the policy. But a crown might actually cost $900-1000. If it cost $900 they will only pay $400 which means you have to pay the other $500. > >As far as costs go, both of my parents have insurance that covers 80%. > >One is Guardian insurance and the other is Blue Cross. So, here's my [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > > Joel Yeah i'm nagging my parents to get out the records now. I see what the deal is here. Even so, what is the general pricerange (just for example) of fully removing all teeth & getting dentures put in? Usually 70-80% for the extractions and 50% for the dentures. However, the fee would probably be near $6K. It would be smarter to get the hopeless teeth out now. Treat the worst (but restorable) teeth next, then attack the remainder as you can afford them. Simply have your treatment plan sequenced in order of severity. I do this all the time. Some patients get done in 3 weeks. Other patients get done in three years. Some of your teeth can probably be "temporized" for less money to get by for a few years. Signature~+--~+--~+--~+--~+-- Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S. Troy, Michigan, USA .................................................... This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only. Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will affect your health. ...................... > Yeah i'm nagging my parents to get out the records now. I see what the > deal is here. Even so, what is the general pricerange (just for example) > of fully removing all teeth & getting dentures put in? >Yeah i'm nagging my parents to get out the records now. I see what the >deal is here. Even so, what is the general pricerange (just for >example) of fully removing all teeth & getting dentures put in? Depends who where what and when. Some docs make dentures for $350 per plate, others charge $600-$900 per plate and one guy (Dr. Barotz) charges $9,000 per plate. Joel Joel, Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. Signature~+--~+--~+--~+--~+-- Stephen Mancuso, D.D.S. Troy, Michigan, USA .................................................... This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only. Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will affect your health. ...................... > >>Yeah i'm nagging my parents to get out the records now. I see what the [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Joel >Joel, > >Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. He's accurate when it comes to Dr Bartoz. Guy has drop dead expensive dentures. You'd think for that kind of $$ you'd get some implants too.... Adenosine > Joel, > > Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. That's why he retired. It go so bad that for the last five years he was paying his patients. And they still complained. carabelli >> Joel, >> [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >And they still complained. GOOD ONE! >carabelli > > Joel, > > > > Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. > > That's why he retired. It go so bad that for the last five years he was > paying his patients. Yeah it was so bad that he had to retire to Monte Carlo. Poor chap. boo hoo > And they still complained. > > carabelli > Joel, > > Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. That's why he retired. It go so bad that for the last five years he was paying his patients. And they still complained. carabelli >Joel, > >Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. TRUE! Ten or twenty! >> Some docs make dentures for $350 per plate, others charge $600-$900 >> per plate and one guy (Dr. Barotz) charges $9,000 per plate. >> >> Joel Nope, I think I got the years covered here ..... >Joel, > >Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. More like 20 yrs... -- W_B Take out the G'RBAGE wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com > >Joel, > > > >Virtually every fee you ever quote is ten years out of date. > > More like 20 yrs... Yes, I agree the fees are way too high. Joel is quoting the fees 20 years from now when inflation is 1000%! > -- > > W_B > > Take out the G'RBAGE > wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com |
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