OMG, DH just called from the dentist...

[SamaraGugler]

For him to get the work he needs it's going to cost $13,500. That's after BOTH of our insurances picked up another $8,000. OMG. Like I wasn't already bummed because we spent so much on the washing machine and dryer, now this??!??!??! OMG!!!!

[Shawna]

Oh my gosh Samara! What kind of dental work is he having done? I know orthodontics are usually pretty expensive (I had braces twice so my parents like to remind me how much that cost lol)! He must be having some major work done, you could buy a brand new car for that kind of $$ lol!

[Julie Billingsley]

oh my!! :blnk: what could cost that much? My son had braces and that cost $6000, I can't imagine 13,500 on dental work!

[meems]

:blink: what does he need done?

for that amt of $, maybe he should get a 2nd opinion? I've heard that dental work is very subjective.

[NettieB]

wow, Samara! yikes!

[Darcy Baldwin]

I'd do a 2nd opinion, too.

And remember, the work doesn't all have to be done at once. You can kind of section it off and do it in installments as you save up the $$ to have it finished.

[Jennilyn]

Holy crap Samara! My DH would just have to get them all yanked and go toothless...

[Paula]

OMGosh Samara! That is awful.

[SamaraGugler]

He's not home yet, so I really don't know the details.

[Joan]

HUGE ditto on getting a 2nd opinion! Unless they're building him a bionic mouth, it's hard to imagine what work could cost that much.

[crystalbella77]

Oh no! :( I am so sorry!!!! {{hugs}}

[nikkiARNGwife]

That is a lot but if he has to have a lot done I can see where it would be that expensive...my brother just went to the dentist for the first time in like 4 years...he had to have 2 root canals with crowns and basically had cavities in EVERY tooth..some had 2 each..including his FRONT teeth...the kid apparently never brushes his teeth (he's 23). Anyway, my point is his total for all that was going to be estimated at 11,000...but that did include having his wisdom teeth extracted which would include anesthesia. He doesnt' have insurance and he's having to do just a little at a time.

[Joan]

^ Again, I'd seriously get a 2nd opinion before he proceeded with all that work. Dental work can be extremely subjective. As someone whose childhood dentist did a lot of unnecessary work, I think it's important to get more than one opinion any time a dentist starts recommending a significant amount of work.

[joelsgirl]

Holy cow! For that amount of money, I'd say he can live w/o teeth!

[LibbysMommy]

OMG Samara, that is insane!!!!!!! I would definitely get a second opinion!!

[MelindaH]

Good luck. It could be that dentists charge higher where you live too ... lots of things could go into that. I work at a dental clinic and I've seen some pretty expensive treatment plans. Like someone else suggested, it usually includes root canals and crowns, or even more expensive ... bridges. Bridges are very expensive.

Good luck with your decisions on that ... I hope they offer some sort of payment plan/financing!

[SamaraGugler]

He's back. The issue is that he needs two bridges. I still can't understand how that comes to that kind of money WITH insurance. I told him to call and get an itemized list of the work and that we'd call BOTH insurance companies on Monday. Really, I'm just sick thinking about it.

[MelindaH]

That is a very good point. I am surprised it is that much after insurance pays. Typically bridges are covered under "Major" which is typically covered at 50% by insurance companies -- sometimes more, sometimes less, and sometimes not at all. I'd be happy to help if I can ... I work with dental insurance in my job.

Things that I've learned about bridges ... there are different kinds:
Maryland bridges
Monodont bridges... ask about what kind is best
(there are others ... these are the two I read about most often in our doctor's notes)

There are different types of crowns that can be done ... there are crowns with a high noble or just noble base metal, and that can change the final cost. Ask for an estimate that includes the different types of base metals so that you can see how much it changes the final cost. They (the dental office) should be able to provide you a complete estimate or list of the procedures for each option.

Hugs and good luck!
Melinda

[my3hens]

Oy thats nuts!! Get that second opinion girly! I would have a heart attack!

[Brooke W]

Defo get the second opinion. And talk with melinda too!

[cheltzey]

TOTALLY get a second opinion, or even a 3rd. When I did that, it wound up costing me half as much. It's not disloyal, just smart.

Also, if it's a location thing, is there any chance that you could get some of it done someplace that might be cheaper? For example, we've got family in Utah, so we often will compare things up there to see if there's a significant difference. It can sometimes be well worth the travel costs.

[pewtertm]

:blink: **choke** :blink:

For that, he should be getting a set of solid gold dentures! Seriously, I'm just finishing up some major dental work (1 tooth pulled, 1 bridge, 2 root canals, 4 crowns, and some other minor things)...it's nice to finally have insurance! But all of that has only amounted to about $6,000.

If they wanted to charge me that much $$ for dental, I'd definitely get a second opinion, and if the teeth are in that bad of shape, I'd look at getting dental implants. DH has dentures since getting smashed in the face with a tank hatch in his army days and having most of his teeth broken out, and that's what we'd love to get for him, but it's not in the budget right now.

[~Julie~]

Wow thats nuts!! I would have fell over!

[Voodoo_Bryn]

oh geez. I have a dentist appt on Monday (without insurance, just one of those "discount" cards from Aetna)
I was scared before... now I'm TERRIFIED.

I think I need a cap... I lost a filling when I was pregnant with Phin and my poor tooth has just completely deteriorated.

[lizzyfizzy]

holey moley!! i had a crown recently and that cost me $500 when it was all said and done and i was having a baby dino! i cannot imagine. crap, samara...crap crap crap!