major dental problems interfering with school (vent)

iliel · Nov 16, 2003

As a dental assistant, I can tell you your problem is not that uncommon. If you've gone as long as you have without treatment I can see the need for bonegrafts, implants etc. It's amazing how many problems your teeth can have and you experience little to no pain.

My advice would be to go over to UCLA or USC. They both have dental schools, very good ones at that. The DDS I worked for out here went to UCLA and recommends the clinic. It may take a long time to get the treatment and the appointments may be long but you will be in good hands! See if you can get in there, even if it's just for cleanings and fillings, it will save you a ton of money.

And yes, a parent neglecting their childs teeth can be neglect, I've seen 5 yo's with rotting teeth and we've turned the parents into social services. Don't feel bad and don't be ashamed to admit you are nervous, everyone is:)

You only have one set of teeth and they need to last you your whole life. Do what you can, little by little, go to the schools....Loma Linda is another one that's good, it's a drive from LA, but worth it if it saves you money.

Good luck to you!

LilRedRN1973 · Nov 16, 2003

I can relate: I had perfect teeth until I was 17 years old. Dentists always told me growing up that I was incredibly lucky to have such strong and healthy teeth. All this without brushing my teeth regularly...my mother was another one who didn't really emphasize the importance of good dental hygience. Then, at age 17 1/2, I went to the dentist and had 8 cavities, all in the bottom front teeth. What changed, you might ask? I started drinking Coke...lots of it.

I had fillings put in but because my teeth were very tiny, the fillings fell out...several times. The last time they fell out, I didn't have the money to replace them and let it go. A few years later, age 20, I go to the dentist finally to have them filled again....but alas, they are now root canals with nice porcelain crowns to go along with it. So I pay the $3000 to fix them and forget about it. NOBODY tells me that I need to be careful to floss between the crowns because decay can occur and cause the crowns to come loose. Two years later, they did just that. I was eating a banana and several of them just fell off...it was at work, no less. I ended up going over a year missing two of my front teeth. I am by no means a vain woman, but something happens to your self esteem when you have a big gaping hole in the front of your mouth. And for an Italian girl who LOVES to talk, this was a problem!!

I finally get the crowns replaced, but a year later, am told that all the crowns are going to have to come off because they fit terrible and there is a ton of decay below them. This is around age 25. Of course, I don't have the $5000 it's going to cost, nor do I have dental insurance, which by the way, sucks! Most only cover up to $2000 a year, with 50% pay of crowns/root canals. So I decide to just wing it, paying careful attention to my chompers to prevent further problems.

I couldn't afford to go see the dentist for about 18 months, so when I finally do, I find out not only are the crowns in even worse condition, they have now affected the surrounding teeth. All four of my bottom incisors, both canines, and both premolars are in terrible shape. I have had root canals out the butt and crowns, crowns, crowns. Now I find out that there may not be enough tooth below the gums to save them and put crowns back on. My dentist is now discussing pulling them and putting implants and a possible bridge or two. The cost for all this? Minimum $11,000. And of course, my tooth fell out a few weeks ago and I missed clinicals because of it. They used some industrial strength temporary cement to keep it in place as long as they can (i.e. until I finish school, hopefully!!) but now the one next to it is loose as well. I'm so freaked out that it's going to fall out during clinicals or while talking with a patient. Or they will all just decide to fall out.

Most women will envy another woman because of her great ass or big boobs....LOL..not me!!! I see a great set of teeth and become green with jealousy. Once you ruin your teeth, you can't get them back. It's not like losing some extra weight or changing your hair color.

We don't let my stepkids drink soda for this very reason. I dont' want them to have teeth like mine when they get older. And my sister and brother in law are both in dental/periodontal school and informed me that they did a test in chem lab on Coca-cola and other sodas. The pH level of all these? Around 2.2....approximately the same as your stomach! Ugh..no wonder my teeth rotted out of my head. I even had several dentists I have been to ask if I was bulimic because only bulimics get the kind of frontal decay I have.

It is so frustrating to have these problems because it's so damn expensive to take care of and I have no money! I have even considered going to Mexico to get the dental work. I have a few friends who have a regular dentist there they are very happy with...but it's a bit nerve wracking to think of doing that.

Carolanne · Nov 16, 2003

So glad you found an understanding and kind dentist to help get your smile back! Shame on the others you went to who scolded you and judged you. That is not their job. They are in the business to help, not judge. Anyway, I doubt that your current dentist runs across many people who can come up with $7,000 overnight. Can they set you up on some sort of a payment plan, especially if you explain to them that you are a nursing student and on a strict budget? Everyone has a different situation and professionals are usually willing to work out something. Perhaps if you give him a small deposit and then work out a payment plan, you won't have to relinquish all of your nursing school savings. Also, talk to your school about a loan and look into financial aid. In light of such a large expense on your part, sounds like you will be able to qualify for some kind of assistance. Best of luck with your repair work, and keep smilin'!!

TeresaRN2b · Nov 16, 2003

My teeth are bad, bad, bad. I had perfect teeth till I was 23. Not a cavity in my mouth ever. I have not the money to do nursing school and fix my teeth. I had 3 root canals in the past 2 years and need much more work. I know this is pitiful, but I think I am getting them all pulled when I am through school. They are so bad. I don't think I will have the money to fix them all so that is my plan for now. I have visible holes in my teeth right now and it is so embarassing, but there just isn't enough money for both. And the way I look at it getting through nursing school will give me the funds to take care of my dental problems. I just hope and pray that they will hold out till I am finished with school because I can't afford another root canal right now.

Teresa

FutureArmyNurse · Nov 16, 2003

Thanks everybody for your support and for making me feel not so alone...as for the finances, Carolanne, my dentist requires patients to apply for a credit card to finance expenses, otherwise everything has to be paid before the work is done. Since I have a high debt ratio I was turned down on the spot and had to plunk down $600 for two extractions and a bone graft to get rid of my pain...the good news now is at least my husband isn't mad at me anymore and is turning out to be very supportive, which helps a lot - except that he refuses to apply for the credit card because his credit is pretty good but like me he has high debt ratio and he doesn't want to make it worse

Mandylpn · Nov 21, 2003

Army Nurse: I know this may sound crazy as a suggestion, but a good friend of mine had bad teeth and she ended up just having all of them pulled and getting dentures (she was under 30) and it was a lot cheaper. They were beautiful and she was very happy with them. Just a suggestion, good luck, I have had plenty of dental problems myself.

iliel · Nov 21, 2003

Originally posted by luv2quilt:)
Army Nurse: I know this may sound crazy as a suggestion, but a good friend of mine had bad teeth and she ended up just having all of them pulled and getting dentures (she was under 30) and it was a lot cheaper. They were beautiful and she was very happy with them. Just a suggestion, good luck, I have had plenty of dental problems myself.

All the time I worked in dentistry I've never heard anyone say that. When you have your teeth pulled, you start to loose bone. Your dentures may fit well at 30, but buy the time you're 55, you've lost so much bone that your dentures have nothing to fit onto. You can't eat corn, steak, chicken, anything chewy. Everyone I've ever seen in my office has said they wished they kept their teeth. Dentures are the worst idea. Please, Please Please..try to keep your own teeth. Like I said, check out UCLA, USC and Loma Linda for their dental clinics...it's not worth it to get dentures.

LilRedRN1973 · Nov 21, 2003

iliel has a very good point. This is the reason I'm struggling to keep my own teeth. I am 30 and don't want to promote bone loss or have my gums sink in. Once you start pulling teeth, you really mess with a lot of things in your mouth and face. My dentist has been adamant against pulling my teeth and will only do that as a last resort. And if he does have to pull any, they will more than likely be replaced by implants. At least that will help stall any bone loss. If there is any way possible, save the teeth you have.

road runner2003 · Nov 21, 2003

None nearly as bad. I think my teeth probs arose d/t the sugary diet in my teen yrs - which Mum never objected to.

Apart from that, I'd bet some probs are a result of the grinding of my teeth when I sleep = chipped teeth and fillings. The grinding is loud according to my bf, wakes him up. Was fitted for a plate 2yrs ago when going for a check up and wisdom teeth shooting through with acute pericoronitis. Have neglected to wear the plate for 5 months now, and the plate will no longer fit - bf is harping at me to get another plate fitted, telling me I am going to 'grind them away'.

Best wishes to you FutureArmyNurse - Good luck!

Rapheal · Nov 21, 2003

I don't have any suggestions but want to offer my support. I think your first dentist was very uncaring, rude and unprofessional. Can you talk your husband into putting it on his credit? It is a matter of your health. Can you call the American Dental Association and ask them for advice or referels to a lower cost dentist or clinic? Whatever happens I wish you luck and good thoughts your way.

Mandylpn · Nov 21, 2003

Illiel: OMG, I had never heard that about your bone tissue, you know that makes sense, and I really thought my friend was nutz when she did it anyway. thanks for filling me in! :eek: :eek: