I should really go to the dentist more often, but I just can't bring myself to do it as often as my insurance plan allows which is one a year. My dentist told me at my last visit two or was it three? years ago that one of my molars needs a crown. He told me he'd told me at my previous visit, but I had no recollection of that conversation. The receptionist had me sign a paper indicating that I had been told. I guess they heard one too many “You never told me that” retorts and decided to cover themselves from liability.
So the tooth in question seems to be showing the tiniest hint of maybe starting to hurt. One corner feels really rough, like the tooth is beginning to break down. Sigh. I guess it's time to gather up my nerve and make the appointment.
At least I trust this dentist to not recommend procedures that aren't necessary. I had a dentist tell me about 15 years ago that a different tooth needed a root canal, and when I asked him how soon I needed to have that done (since hello, I was on welfare and poorer than a church mouse at the time) and he said, “They're your teeth” as if to say I was being really stupid for asking, of course he thought it should be done right away. I went to a very good friend's husband and he said the tooth did have a deep filling, but certainly didn't require a root canal. Whew. And my current dentist agreed, stating the deep filling might last for the rest of my life, so there was no need to just go and do a root canal without a reason.
So, I trust that he's not just trying to make money off me. The co-pay for a root canal is $500. Or used to be 2 years ago. It's probably gone up since then.
Do you like going to the dentist? I guess I'd rather go to the dentist, than to my primary care physician. At least the dentist doesn't require me to step on a scale.
Horrors!
After a lifetime of trouble-free teeth, about eight years ago I had the pleasure of enjoying three root canals in one tooth. Ever since then, I’ve been wary of dentists.
I’m told I grind my teeth. Already have two crowns, need two more. Ugh.
Did discover this: if the broken tooth is near the back of your jaw (i.e., it doesn’t show much), spring for the extra cost of getting a gold tooth. Much, MUCH better than the white things. They don’t break or crumble away over time, and they’re easier for a dentist to fit correctly. They apparently will last for the rest of your life, unlike the white ones, which have to be replaced every few years.
The crown over the triple root canal hurt for years (I learned not to complain!), broke apart twice, till finally my dentist agreed that even though it showed, gold would solve the problems. And so it did.
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I don’t mind the dentist, in general I have pretty good dental health. I actually just went last week after not going for a number of years (for a number of stupid reasons). I got a good cleaning and found out my last really old filling will need to be replaced (it’s about 22 years old).
I agree with Funny about Money, spend the cash and get a gold overlay. They do last longer than the white ones.
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Mrs. Accountability Reply:
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I checked, the gold overlay is $150 more. Ouch! But you and Funny, and one other person have recommended to get the gold, instead of the “precious metals” overlay. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
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