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.

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