I've never really given much thought to having a dental plan until this past week. Of course, I make sure the kids have their check-ups and routine dental care but I've put off having things done and now I'm paying for it (figuratively and literally).
Last week I started having some pains in my jaw. I dealt with it until the pain got so intense I could barely open my eyes. On Saturday, I had to go to the ER. I had a fever and was really scared of getting sepsis from an infection. They told me I had an abscess under my teeth, in the roots, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics and a painkiller, Tramadol (which doesn't work, by the way).
I won't be able to get this completely taken care of for about 10 days. I saw the dentist, they told me to keep taking the antibiotics and the infection should clear up. Today is the first time I've really felt any relief so obviously, the Amoxicillin has kicked in. Too bad it took about 98 hours. I can honestly say, the pain I was having rivaled labor and delivery.. and I've had seven kids so I know what I'm talking about.
Now, for the dental plan that I don't have... I know we need dental insurance. I'm looking into it. It seems pretty affordable for the most part. Any savings is welcome because dental visits can get pricey. Did you know for preventive care it only costs an average of $150 a year and that's without insurance? I just regret letting it get to the point where I need such extensive work.
If you have any suggestions for dental plans or ideas on how to save money on dental care, please feel free to share!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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Here is the sad part...I have a dental plan and I still don't see a dentist on a regular basis...sigh...I had several bad experiences with a dentist when I was younger, and that fear has carried over into adulthood...but I keep the insurance just in case...
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon...Hugs...
I had some pretty bad experiences at the dentist when I was small too. I once actually had a dentist numb one side then pull a tooth in a different area. I think I was in the third grade. This same dentist also slipped and cut the side of my gum! Needless to say, I didn't want to go back for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling a little better now, just tired and achy.. but that's normal for me ;)
I was a dentist avoider too. My excuse is life gets in the way and mom's needs get put on the back burner. I have recently starting going back because I finally found a great dentist who has put my fears to rest. We have dental insurance but still have to pay a portion. Without insurance the cost would be $1000.00 but our insurance is paying 50% of it so we still have to pay $500 of it. Not too bad but not great! Most dentists have payment plans that you can set up to make it a little more easier than having to pay all at once :o)
ReplyDeleteoops forgot to put in there that the $1000.00 is for a crown I am getting.
ReplyDelete50% off isn't bad at all. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has put off dental work. Life does always seem to get in the way, doesn't it;) Thanks for checking out my blog, by the way. Don't be a stranger =)
ReplyDelete