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WWYD: Dental related question

When Ryan got the new job, we had a choice between two dental insurances and what we wanted to pay each month towards whichever one we chose. I looked at both and chose the lesser one because we haven't had too many major issues with our teeth and seemed to have decent coverage. Well, we come down here and now we need all this work. I apparently have three cavities (I can feel two) and a root canal. Ryan apparently needs two root canals. He had an idea of the one. We're not in pain with our root canals. Anyway, so with the shitty insurance we picked, just for mine alone is major bucks. We can't switched insurance till the end of the year. Would it be stupid if we both put off our root canals a year since we're not in pain. If we either of us needs it through the year with major pain, we'll get it then but I don't want to lose teeth either. I will get my cavities filled so I can avoid further root canals but has anyone held off root canals before for a long period?

Re: WWYD: Dental related question

  • What did your dentist say? I personally don't think I'd delay it. An infection can spread to the bone in your mouth. You could also lose the tooth, which is costly in the long run.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • I would not put it off, for risk of infection and pain it could cause down the road.

    A few years ago, I had put off going to the dentist, and becuase of this I had all sorts of problems. 

    My insurance didn't cover everything and the office talked to me about CareCredit. 

    Since it's not bothering you or your husband, could you perhaps get a second opinion? 

  • Ive never needed a root canal but I understand your quandry bc I know they can be expensive. Since its so far from the end of the year, I personally wouldnt put it off, but thats just my comfort level--I always get medical related issues taken care of ASAP to ease my mind. Have you studied up on your deductible situation? Maybe the cost of one root canal would be enough to meet your deductible so the other dental work would be much less expensive? Most dentists are willing to put you on a payment plan too just so the hit to your wallet is not so severe all at once. Also, do you have a job that offers dental? Maybe you can get on your own plan.
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  • Unfortunately, this is our second opinion. I remember with my first root canal, I was in major pain; this time, I am not. I think we'll have to do the care credit thing.
  • Also, do you have a medical FSA?  You can use those dollars to pay for the out-of-pocket costs on the dental work.

    I also agree with the pp, don't put it off. Small(ish) problem now = smaller bill. Bigger problem later = much bigger bill. 

  • If it was the fall, I'd say wait. But putting it off for a full year sounds crazy to me. Good luck!
  • I would not wait. Teeth freak me out and to let it go, you never know if it could lead to infection and all the other things the other girls said. You may want to ask Ryan if they have a grace period with open enrollment. I know my open enrollment was in November 2011 for 2012 but I just got an email the other day that if you have any changes to your elections, you have until the end of this week. Maybe check and see if you have a grace period and maybe try to play dumb and say you selected the wrong one by accident. Probably won't work but it won't hurt to maybe try.

    Either way though, I wouldn't wait. An entire year is a looooong time to deal with busted teeth. 

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  • In addition to seeing if you can make a change through DH's employer, check out companies who may write individual dental plans in your state, such as United Concordia, Delta Dental, etc.  Perhaps they cover more than DH's plan and are competively priced. If you go that route, make sure there are no waiting periods on pre-existing.
    BabyFruit Ticker
  • I don't know if this would be an option you would consider, but my old college roommate had MAJOR teeth issues which were very expensive. I was able to find thar UPenn, through their dentistry school, does free cleanings, root canals, replacement, etc. as part of their training. It is the students performing but are supervised by their professors. She was very happy with the results so I don't know if U of Miami has a program or that you are even interested but it maybe an option. Good luck. And no, I would not wait, the problem could get significantly worse.
  • I know it's bad, but I am putting off root canal till it actually hurts. With that said, had one out of the four fillings filled and I am in pain from that! I had cavities before and never had pain so now, I'm wondering if it was done wrong or now they will turn around and say this tooth needs a root canal. ugh! Oh, and Ryan's second opinion is that he doesn't need any root canals so that is good.
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