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The dentist said...

January 24th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

Periodontal disease has set in, plus I need two crowns (one a replacement)and a filling.

For the periodontal disease I have to schedule two sessions of scale and root planing, $400 each. Then I have to go on an every-three-months cleaning schedule. This is the best-case scenario -- if it doesn't help, I have to have surgery.

The crowns will cost $1100 each, including crown buildup and pins. The filling will be $175.

I am so shocked, I don't know quite what to do with myself. I knew that at my age I was likely to begin having problems -- and I have felt some discomfort. I just didn't think it would be this bad.

What really makes me mad is that I have only myself to blame for not being more diligent about flossing. Floss, people! It really is important.

After I got back my sister called and asked if I wanted to go see Juno at the theater. Did I! I needed some comfort. It was a delightful movie.

I am continuing to try to conserve in little ways -- although right now it seems hopeless. I walked a letter to the mailbox rather than running it to the post office, thus saving a little gas. I fixed my Kitchenaid stand mixer by finding a solution on the internet, saving a repair fee. I walked from the doctor's office (where I had blood drawn) to the dentist's office, even though it was early, and waited there, saving more gas and getting a little exercise. I resisted the temptation to get breakfast at a restaurant after the blood draw. Since I had to fast for the draw, I didn't eat until I got home from the dentist at 11:00. I was hungry, but after the shocker at the dentist I was glad I hadn't wasted any money on eating out.

Spending today: $225 for x-rays, examination and cleaning at the dentist, $6.25 for the movie.

Now I'll just take my tin cup to the street corner....

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “The dentist said...”

  1. frugalhousewife Says:
    January 25th, 2008 at 12:56 am 1201222613
    1201222613

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My dad has this. It was very bad when he was first diagnosed, and he was expected to lose most of his teeth within five years of having the survery. That was about 25 years ago. He goes every three months for cleanings and has only lost a couple of his teeth.

    Sending you lots of good thoughts that you do not need surgery though!

  2. Ima saver Says:
    January 25th, 2008 at 01:25 pm 1201267554
    1201267554

    Hope things turn out ok!!

  3. Broken Arrow Says:
    January 25th, 2008 at 01:40 pm 1201268457
    1201268457

    Ok, seriously, you've convinced me to floss on a regular basis!

    As Ima mentioned, I hope things turn out well for you!

  4. clubneary Says:
    January 25th, 2008 at 02:31 pm 1201271460
    1201271460

    Please let me know how the root planing goes. I am only 36 and the dentist has been telling me for a while that I need to have that done. I am holding off partially because I hate the dentist and partially because I don't want to pay for it. I went to a gum specialist who was surprised that someone as young as me would have gum disease but I am not. I come from a family of soft teeth people and have had issues with my teeth all my life. I am at the point where I want a set I can take out and put in a glass at night but all the dentists I talk to don't want to do that!
    Anyways-let me know how painful the procedure is or isn't.
    Thanks and good luck to you!

  5. Carolina Bound Says:
    January 25th, 2008 at 09:31 pm 1201296701
    1201296701

    I'll be posting here after the procedure -- but the first session isn't until February 12.

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