I know that you're sitting there wondering - so here's how it went.
1. One cavity cracked allowing decay into the tooth. Need to dig out old filling, decay, add new filling.
2. So much build-up I need to go again for a fine scaling (read: re-scraping) in 2 weeks. That I can suck up, both in annoyance and the out of pocket $100.
3. The pain is from my wisdom teeth. Some of which have some decay, one has a chip due to the pre-existing cavity filling that's weakened the tooth. Verdict: All 4 gotta go. We'll see what my DMO covers (please, please be more than 50% and cover anesthesia).
Fabulous.
this is a very sensitive topic for me as well (still have a hard time talking about it.) i recently needed two root canals, two crowns and a filling or two. unfortunately my insurance only covers $2000 for the year, fine for most normal people, my bill was over $5000 after one visit... omg: i just got really, really mad all over again! feel for you...
Posted by: Col | July 06, 2005 at 05:10 PM
last year's trauma was the root canal/crown which when all was said & done, was $1000 to me. Then there was teh 4 cavities I needed filled which when I think of it, I just saved myself from that because they would have just gotten yanked anyway. I have to hope that I have enough coverage not to get sacked too hard, otherwise, that's where my tax refund is going - and where's the joy in that???
Posted by: Once More | July 06, 2005 at 05:32 PM
Couldn't hurt checking out if your regular medical coverage does any cross over coverage, like it usually does when the wisdom teeth are unerrupted...maybe even just for the anesthesia.
Paying dentist bills with a tax refund is like buying underwear with your allowance.
Posted by: Teri | July 06, 2005 at 10:12 PM
You know what's weird - I am an UNDERWRITER by trade and I can't tell what I have for coverage!! One place says 60% for "major" (huh. I guess I would assume this is) another place says no co-pay if I stay in network (tho no pretty, pretty drugs included beyond novacaine). Oh, and ther is NOT ONE guy in Boston who is approved in network. The hell? How is that possible? A bazillion docs in boston and *none of them* are approved by Aetna DMO to pull a few lousy teeth??
Posted by: Once More | July 07, 2005 at 12:57 PM
You know what's funny? You guys are talking about the bill, and I'm sitting here sweating for you over the actual procedure and thinking about PAIN. I tend to get panic attacks when I even have to say the word "dentist" out loud.
Posted by: Megger | July 07, 2005 at 02:15 PM
hitting me in the wallet is a lot worse than hitting me in the face (so long as I know I can get drugs).
just learned the procedure is covered 100%, drugs beyond novicane 60% covered.
I have a feeling I'l be actign out the scene from What About Bob on the bus, "Hi, I'm Bob. Will you knock me out?"
Posted by: Once More | July 07, 2005 at 02:36 PM
teeth are f*cking killing me right now. have to wait til 7/19 for a consult.
Posted by: Once More | July 07, 2005 at 04:10 PM
i am in pain reading this! Good luck.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 07, 2005 at 04:49 PM