I can't afford an tooth implant or a bridge, what should I do?

I don't know what to do. HELP! My dentist has been on me for about 2 years now to get a bridge. He says it's going to be about $2300 per tooth %26amp; I need 2. My insurance pays half but that'll still run me about $2300 for both. Plus I heard that when you get a bridge it connects to the 2 teeth on each side of the space %26amp; it messes those teeth up in the long run. I have also heard that those teeth get filed down. I don't want to mess up 4 other healthy teeth. My husband %26amp; I are saving for a house right now %26amp; I don't know what to do...please help!

I can't afford an tooth implant or a bridge, what should I do?
I don't know where you live but in New York City, you can finance anything. The fact that your insurance company is paying half thats great for you. Get a second opinion on how getting the Bridge in your mouth could cause damage to your other healthy teeth. What he is doing is nothing but plastic surgery in your mouth. I am sure there are dentist out there that have different techniques and use different if not better equipment and materials. Do your homework and definitely look into financing.
Reply:DONT SMILE!!!! ;}
Reply:Go to Tijuana, and you will pay a LOT less
Reply:Be logical. Remember. Your health is important. It isn't a bargaining chip. Don't set unrealistic agendas for yourself. Then you'll make yourself some stress making more physical health problems for yourself and then, presto, you'll be opting to join the French Foreign Legion.
Reply:Ask your dentist to put you on a payment plan. Most dentists will do that.
Reply:well. you could get a loan if you have good enough credit and think you will be able to pay it back with interest over the next few yrs.
Reply:go to www.carecredit.com apply %26amp; hopefully you'll be approved %26amp; problem solved! :-)
Reply:Go to a dental college and see if they will do the work, they charge a small fee for supplies, about 1/3 rd.
Reply:Find out if your denist is part of the Capital One dental payment plan. If they are, then you can decide what amount you would like to pay per month until your dental work is paid off. I just started using it for my $4000 of dental work and it's great. There is no penalty for prepayment and they are really quite flexible.





Check it out... seriously it saved me from huge problems with both payment and my teeth!!!
Reply:I am so sorry this is happening to you. I will be in the same boat some time in the next few years. Implants are definitely better in the long run, but paying for them is horrible. Have you checked with anyone like CitiFinancial or Wells Fargo Financial to see if you can get the cost financed? I seriously wouldn't even consider the bridge and your teeth are very important. I would say that your mouth should take priority over your house.





It DOES suck though and I happen to know dentists are lobbying to get insurance companies to help pay for the cost of implants. It's not fair that they don't. People have the right to look normal and have good teeth.





Good luck to you.
Reply:GET A JOB AND SAVE
Reply:First of all -- stop "hearing" things. Start researching on your own. Next time you're at the dentist, ask him to explain the exact process to you of all the effects that would happen if you did get a bridge. Plus, also you might look into getting supplemental dental insurance through some company like Aflac or one of those type of supplemental insurance companies... Also, in the scheme of things, how long would it take to save $2300 vs. how long would it take to save for a house? If there's a way that in the time difference, you could maybe work a 2nd job even part time and make up that extra, it might be worth it. Good luck...
Reply:I'd get a second opinion. $2,300 per tooth is more costly than the similar work I had done last year ($1,600). Might have to do with the cost of living. I'm in New Orleans, Looweezeeanna, where they offer Chicklets instead of porcelain :) Seriously, try to get a second opinion from another dentist who honors your insurance. If not, is it possible to pay in installments?
Reply:A partial (a retainer with teeth) is one way to handle the spaces and would cost much less. They are not the best treatment but they do work. Implants are a great choice but probably your most expensive option. Bridges are also nice, but you are right the other teeth adjacent to the gap would need to be prepped (drilled) to hold onto the bridge. If done properly and id your oral hygeine is excellent they can last a lifetime.


If your state has a dental school, most of these schools offer rates half of the cost of private practice. They do excellent work but it tends to take twice as long.


Good Luck



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