Aw hell, abcessed tooth->root canal-money=crap

[uppityperson]

I have a broken tooth that I'm putting off getting fixed because it is not into the pulp and it will cost $1000+ to fix. Just got a checkup and found the lump in my gum is not cancer (whew) or sinusitis, but a tooth abcess which means antibiotics and then a root canan ($1100) and then a cap ($?). No insurance. If I pull the tooth, the next one will probably break too, leading to no upper molars on 1 side on top. OK, now, lets say the same for the broken molar on the other side. How am I going to chew? Will I have to eat pureed food? No, let's just sell the car and put that $2000 into my tooth. ARGH!

I hate not having dental insurance or money. Being self employed sucks sometimes. Thanks for letting me argh.

[redwitch]

1. so sorry.

we don't have dental either. Son had all wisdom teeth out last month (1500 out of pocket) and hubby needs a crown (800). It does indeed suck to be self employed when it comes to health issues. (unless you are Donald Trump in which case life would suck ALL the time, you just wouldn't "get" it.) :-)

[merh]

2. Sorry, uppity!

:hug:

I will keep you in my prayers, that and sympathy and cyber hugs is all I have to offer. :hug:

:loveya:

[xmas74]

3. Do they have dental clinics in your area?

Google "free or sliding scale dental clinics" and see where it takes you.

Surprisingly, they have one only 40 minutes from me. The clinic near me will take all patients and work as a sliding scale, depending on what is needed.

Drawbacks: first come,first serve and not open every day.

[tjdee]

4. SO sorry, I feel your pain.

I really do. I have some toothy things that need to be taken care of, but not a root canal thing. Good luck to you, I know how it is with no dental insurance.

[hholli11]

5. I am not sure what area you're in...

but most cities have a dental school. (don't be scared). Before my aunt went blind during childbirth, (diabetes) she was in dental school. When her son son broke his tooth in a skateboarding fiasco, that's where he went, as has every member of my family in any emergency.

In college, when I had braces, my orthodontist's wife was in dental school and I went there a few times for rubber band changes, etc. (Light stuff, yanno?) because it was WAY closer than schlepping all the way out to his office. Anyhoo, when I told the grip who was lighting a show I was in, he went there and was SHOCKED because they took his insurance (and they'll take you if you don't have any) and a copay he was expecting to cost $400.00 only cost him $50.00. He was just going to have the regular dentist yank the tooth because he didn't think he could afford to keep it. So he figured he'd let the dental school pull it since that is a pretty easy procedure. Not only did they not pull it, but...(see above). He was thrilled and I was so happy they helped him.

Anyhoo, don't be afraid to check that out.

[uppityperson]

6. Thank you! I am setting up with UW dental school.

They even have a dept of endodontics to contact directly if yo have a dentist referral which I do. I hope it works out, will go to Seattle a couple times if it will save me $600. Thank you. I used to get my teeth cleaned at a dental hygenists school, yrs back also.