I desperately need help. Maybe someone out there will have an idea or know of someone that can help me. I have no insurance. I recently went in to have 3 crowns replaced. OF course they are my front teeth. I was in surgery for 4 hours. The total cost was 1969.00. (plus I had just had a gum infection treatment that cost 1000.00)That was my whole savings. When I came out of surgery they had put on temporaries.(They don't usually last more than a couple of months.)The dentist informed me that they will not be able to put on the crowns because the problem was worse than they thought. I now need dental implants(which are anywhere from 2400.00 to 3000.00 each) or a 9 tooth bridge(which will be 6719.00) So, my problem is I have absolutely no more money. I couldn't even afford to do Christmas after paying out all that money. I already work two full time jobs trying to make ends meet. I have gone to the dental school and they won't see me due to a tooth missing in the back and I have a "flipper". I attend church in Highland Village and sent my plea to them. They will not help me. I have been told of a dentist whom is not licensed but still does dental work. I am nervouse about that situation. Does anyone know of a dentist that maybe takes on a couple of cases a year at extremely reduced rates or would be willing to do one tooth? If I could find several of these maybe my church would be willing to help at that time??? Any ideas out there? Like I said I am desperate. I will be losing my teeth anytime now. I am only 40. I can't imagine being without teeth so young.
I used to work in credentialing. Please do all you can to use a licensed dentist and check into these great places that have been mentioned. They require licensing for a reason. That dentist could have had major things go wrong on patients and cannot be licensed as well as not keeping up with the dental education that comes about with time. Its just not safe. I wish you the best. Sorry I could not be of more help.
Well first of all let me tell you that I was a dental office manager and assistant for over 20 years and I can tell you that I hate it when I hear of stories like yours. My mom split a tooth while eating nuts this year and a dentist told her she needed to have it removed and have a implant. He never even told her she could have a partial which is much less expensive. Luckily she told him she wanted to talk to me because of my dental history and get back with him. He knew she didn't have insurance and no money as well. Not only in your case would it cost you a lot less money but it would also replace all the teeth that you have missing for the same fee. So it would also replace the flipper that you have at this time. Also in the future if you should have to remove any other teeth which I hope not you could have those teeth added to it. I hope this helps.
Contact Baylor Dental school in Dallas. My ex-husband attended there and they have a school where it's either VERY inexpensive for things or it's done free of charge -- you are, however, at their mercy as far as timing goes because it's done a little at a time, not all at once. I had a cousin with a severe gum disease and had to have ALL HER TEETH removed...she's only 20 something.... and had to have gum surgery and a set of teeth made.... it was completely devestating to her financially and emotionally... and they were so good with her... she had no insurance either and it was giong to be SO expensive elsewhere but she went through the college and got it done for next to nothing... so I'd definitely check there.
I am a dental hygienist and I'm sorry but I don't know of any dentists that would be able to help for free. I would strongly urge to get a second opinion. I do not understand why they cannot put the crowns on your front teeth. Are they worried they need to be extracted? DO NOT GO TO A DENTIST THAT IS NOT LICENSED!!!! Sorry I couldn't do more but I would definitly get to the bottom of the situation.
D.,
I agree, call Baylor Dental School in Dallas. Lots of top quality dentists teach there and volunteer to help those without insurance. I can understand why you have to have implants or partials as another poster suggested, because my husband had to have implants. Implants are much more attractive, but cost a ton. I think they are better for your gum bone too. If you have gum disease like my husband, you are really going to need good follow up care for life, so you don't get to the stage of replacing teeth all the time. No matter how well you brush, floss or how often you get a cleaning (and my husband goes every 3 months!) some people are just prone to gum disease. Good luck and call Baylor today. If you're in pain, mention that too, it might help you get in faster.
D.:
Here is my suggestion. I have never personallyused this place I am going to tell you about, but know people you have and are very pleased. I wish I had a name or number to tell you about but the TCJC, I am not sure it is that any more, Tarrant county Junior College, had a dental school. They take case on an as needed basis for their students and do excellent work as it is under the supervisor of the instructor. It cost is very minimal. I used to go the Baylor Dental school and they did the same thing. Please check out these two sources. Give them you story and maybe they can get you in as soon as possible. This is the route I would go. I need dental cleaning myself, but no time to go for it. I am a single parent also and work from home and have no time off, or hardly any.
Hope this helps a little,
J.
Oh D.! Wow, I feel for you. I, too, am 40 (well, actually 41 now!) and a single mother. (...in Flower Mound.) I wish I had an answer for you. Actually I might. I was compelled to reach out to you. I am always looking for single mom friends in the immediate area. I attend Valley Creek. Where do you go? I bet you could find a dentist that attends your church or another that would work with you. My former church, Irving Bible, has a single parents ministry and they have a dentist there that you can see periodically through the ministry. Maybe you can contact them, let them know of your situation. I don't think it's limited to church members. We're ALL the body of Christ! ;o) Contact Marsha Tribbett at ###-###-#### ext. 586 or ____@____.com her S. Havens sent you.
I'd love to meet you! If you'd like you can write me direct at ____@____.com
Merry Christmas & God bless you and your family,
S.
