Help! Need tooth impalant and insurance will not cover it!

[princessh]

Well, thanks for all the responses! I am going to get a second opinion! I figured there had to be a more realistic way to handle this. I am currently looking for a office that will finance, if I need it. My current dentist will not. They told me I could put $1500 down at time of service and then pay $750 for the next two months. I don't call that financing! Thanks so much for everyone's help!

 

[dmillerdmd]

1) an implant is usually your BEST option but so is an Audi or Mercedes. If you absolutely cannot aford this at this time (and I mean priorities straight- not that big screen TV you planned on) there are temp measures that can be done. That means however, something removable or a space maintainer to hold the back molar where it belongs. Once it moves forward, you have a whole 'Nother problem on your hands! Again ,this is a temporary fix only. I can tell you I do it all the time (esp in a rural area-but usually my patients decide later when they can do it and thats OK)
2) the implant or the fixed bridge is the final solution. That is, if you have a good solid tooth behind the space to anchor the bridge onto. (Yes, I LIKE to end my sentences with a preposition!!!) Otherwise, the implant and implant crown is the only option. Will you die without this tooth? NO! However, you will discover the domino effect- I mean a bunch of of other problems that are a direct result of losing that tooth!
3) as dentists, we are NUTSO CRAZY about saving teeth! I call it Herodontics! But after 20+ yrs of doing this shtick, I can honestly say if I give up on a tooth, you are wise to also. If a second opinion makes you feel better or if you just don't feel like you have been given all the options, find someone with a lot of experience or someone your kids go to school with. (there's that preposition again!) Unfortunately, I have a feeling they are going to tell you the same thing. Just don't be dragged into treatment (root
canal,crown that is not going to have a reasonable lifespan-i.e. how long until it fails?) just because you think it is cheaper, easier,etc,etc!
Good luck and DO NOT spend any money on useless dental insurance at this point!

 

[Alaska Catdog]

My employer offers me (and the rest of it's employees) the opportunity to use a flexible spending account for medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. Basically you elect how much money you want to contribute to the account and it is deducted from your paycheck PRETAX and deposited in the account. If you elect to place 3000 in a flexible spending account that money is available to you the day that plan year starts. Check with your (or your spouses) HR office to see if this is an option. Many employers' open enrollments are soon and you may be able to get the temporary fix until a new plan year starts and then use a flexible spending account to cover the cost of the implant. I put 1000 a year into my flexible spending account and it doesn't really reduce my paycheck by much because it is PRETAX money. So, it lowers my taxable income. Check it out. Good luck.