TL/DR: Got top dentures when I was 19 (Now 24). It was an unnecessary treatment according to other medical advice. Received 4 separate professional opinions that concluded I need implants to preserve my bone and gum health, and will cost me between $20-30K. In great need of financial advice.
Edit: Thanks for all the advice. As for the full time job comments and telling me to get one, I have had full time jobs that would offer cheaper insurance but only covered the bare minimum. And to “fix” my income, I’m in the process of different teachings and trades to make that possible so I can increase my income. It’s not that easy to just tell someone to get a better job, and it’s not like I haven’t tried either, thanks for the comments I’m definitely working on that. And the issues I’m facing with insurance is that the procedures I need done (or supposedly from dental commenters) I’ve been told and have been on several phone calls with different insurance providers who call what I need cosmetic instead of medical. Now knowing that not having gas sedation is normal practice, I had no knowledge it wasn’t before the procedure was done, given all what was done in that room at 19 was my first hand experience of extractions given my lack of treatment from growing up poor, and that’s pretty terrifying. Going back I wish I had more guidance into knowing what to go through or expect, but now that I’m older I’m taking the best precautions that I can and gain some perspective. I do take care of myself, it’s the lack of proper treatments and genetics that got in the way. I appreciate all of your advice and kindly thank all of you for your inputs.
When I was 19 (Now 24), I needed dental work done and my family suggested I go to Affordable Dentures to get my teeth fixed. Some quick backstory, I grew up in a very low income household for the majority of my life (even taking care of myself, I still am making less than $20k a year) where my family could not afford medical care. Well, my parents could have applied for assistance but my father was "too proud" to ask for financial help even though there were 6 of us kids to take care of. (Thanks, guys.) For years I have not been able to seek proper medical treatments because of not having insurance. There was a dentistry that was across the street from my house that our dad would send us to because they took care of low income patients, but with how that office was run and how "treatments" were presented, this dentistry should have not been running as operational. I still get nightmares over how our dentist wouldn't wear gloves examining our mouths, nose hairs piercing through his nostrils, and consistent plaster fillings to temporarily fix cavities that needed attention, and how he would speak to me at times. Not once have I receive any proper preventative care from this dentist, and would place blame on me for not taking care of my mouth when he would never fix what I went in for, only temporary plaster. Most of my school pictures I would try not to smile because my teeth were so poorly managed, and have few pictures that actually show the proof.
So, that being said, I needed some work done on my teeth. My family suggested going to Affordable Dentures because they believed the cheapest way to fix the problem was to have all the top teeth removed and replaced with dentures, as what they did for themselves. Granted my teeth were pretty solid in strength, I thought I would just need root canals, crowns, and fillings. Though it would have been more financially expensive, I would still have my actual teeth. I didn't know any better since I was unfamiliar with medical treatments passed excessive Google searching, so I decided to go the route my family suggested. When I went to the clinic, they were very eager to rid of my teeth, and whole experience was horrible. It didn't seem like they cared for the well being of my actual health and kept pushing their "upgrade and premium" looks and designs rather than talking and discussing what was actually needed. I was not under any gas and only dependent on the numbing solution they injected in my gums, and blood was still gushing out of my mouth as the nurse quickly tried to scurry me out of the office so they can close up shop. My ride (friend) was furious at the establishment as well as I for rushing me out with blood all over my sweater sleeves. It was one of the traumatic experiences I've had with any medical treatment.
Flash forward, I went to different dentist to get cavity work done on a bottom tooth and when they asked about my history they have informed me that root canals and crowns could have fixed my problem, and was deeply saddened that this place removed my top teeth at such a young age without further medical guidance, which is now starting my journey on implants, which I have had 4 medical opinions stating it’s the most beneficial if I don’t want to lose bone and go into more surgeries. I am currently a patient at a School of Dentistry so I could receive more affordable work for low income patients. As we are discussing pricing, I would still have to pay a ballpark of $20K-$30K, and it needs to be done while I still have some good bone left without having to worry on further procedures to back it up. I am at a complete loss. I tried asking and compensating asking to be a part of a study to reduce costs since this is a medical school, and have yet to receive word. Since insurance claims this to be “cosmetic”, it won’t cover any of my dental costs even though this is far from that. With such a high amount, do I take out a personal loan? Apply for a credit card? (They do not take Care Credit) Can or should I start a GoFundMe? ...any dentists out here looking for a lab rat to poke at? I looked at going abroad for treatment but heard too many horror stories and am afraid it might not be ideal for what I need. I’ve spent the majority of my life with mouth pain, losing sleep over such, and would dream of a day where I could eat without having any issues. Any advice would be sufficient. Possibly would be cross posted for additional help. Thank you kindly.
Submitted August 09, 2018 at 12:23PM by jaseyblade https://ift.tt/2OiYwhK
