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Dental Dilemma III - Mo Money, Mo Problems
Posted by Dave on July 12th, 2007
For those readers who were with me back in March, you know I decided to get a much delayed dental implant this year, before I go for broke and spend my loot on a backpacking trip to 6 of the 7 continents. To catch up, simply read the first two posts of this series (listed below).
I had a follow-up appointment yesterday, at which point my dentist indicated I could proceed with the second stage of the implant. This step entails setting up the part of the implant to which the custom crown will be attached. I was in the dentist’s chair for about 2 hours. When I went to pay, I figured I’d have to cough up the remaining $1,500 for the crown which was being ordered. As it turns out, I believe the removal of a brace I had on an upper (opposing) molar tacked on another $1,400 in unexpected (to me) expenses. So when I was quoted $2,900 or so, on top of the $2,300 I paid after the first stage, I was not happy.
After a short discussion with the receptionist, who called over my dentist, we compromised at $4,500 total. My dentist of 15 years apologized for any previous miscommunication about the cost of the entire process, and accepted an $830 loss. Once again, I was kicking myself for not being conservative and paying for the better dental insurance this year, and not requesting a written estimate *before* getting a hole drilled in my jaw.
If there is a silver lining in this whole thing, it’s that I’m scheduled to get the crown August 8, which is several months ahead of my initial expectations (I was told the 3 stages can take 6-8 months). I updated my savings progress/goals, and once the anger subsides with a good night’s sleep, I hope to be back to my cheeky, cheery self.
Article Series - Dental Dilemma
- Dental Dilemma
- Dental Dilemma II - The Aftermath
- Dental Dilemma III - Mo Money, Mo Problems
- Dental Dilemma IV - A Crowning Achievement
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Dare Me to do something fun, weird, or challenging on the road!
Sorry to hear it, Dave. I guess nothing really ever goes exactly as planned. I’m sure in another month or two, you’ll have forgotten all about it.
I hate that feeling when you are presented with an unexpected expense, especially for something that isn’t any fun. I still think you will be glad you did it, though, and you probably would have made the same decision if you had gotten the written estimate beforehand. It’s being blindsided that hurts so much.
I’m glad you can see the silver lining, because getting the crown early is great news.
You’re right, it was definitely the blindsided part that bothered me the most. My gums felt fine today.
My dad is also getting an implant from our dentist, and I think I must’ve healed faster than him, because he got started before me, and I’m not set to finish ahead of him! We compared costs, though each of us has a different circumstance, and are in agreement that dental work can be ridiculously expensive!