Sunday, April 20, 2014

False teeth, here I come

It's not every day that someone talks about desiring false teeth, but that is what it has come to, and after visiting my dentist last week, that is what is on my mind.

Of course in this day when euphemisms have replaced the real name for things, they are not called false teeth, but rather implants, bridges and dentures. But they are not real, so therefore they are false.

Because being on prednisone rules out getting implants, I have been waiting for the day that I can get a bridge. That day came on Thursday, six weeks after my 11th tooth was pulled. My dentist took an impression, went out and came back in and said, "Bad news." Having had a run-in with tongue cancer, those are words that I did not want to hear.

But he was talking about the coverage, or lack of coverage, on the dental insurance policy I purchased in January from AARP. It pays for regular work – up to a total of $1,500 a year – but it will only cover major work like bridges after a year, and even that might be minimal because part of the reimbursement will have been eaten up by regular visits.

He told me to go and decide whether I want to do it now and pay the approximately $3,000 fee or wait six months to get some coverage. Oh, and also, he said, I have three cavities. I asked how that could possibly be when I take very good care of my teeth.

"We've already been through that," he said.

Oh, yes, prednisone again.

"Look," he said. "They're only cavities. That's why I wanted to be a dentist and not a doctor. I don't have to tell anyone they have six months to live."

I shouldn't really complain about this, because I can find the money for the bridge while there are people who have to choose between medicine and rent, between medical care and food.

After I left, I only thought about it briefly. Of course I'm going to do it. I have to chew with my front teeth like a rabbit, and in addition to it being unseemly, this way of chewing can damage my front teeth, and losing them is something I don't even want to think about.


10 comments:

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear about your dental troubles. It must be tough having to choose between a rock and a hard place, but I trust that you made a good decision going for the bridge now. Hopefully, the cost would be worth it in the long run.

Kent Davis

Denturist said...

Oh feeling bad to hear that you had such dental issues. But you are a brave person, I am 100% sure that you will win through all of your troubles of life. God bless and happy winning in advance :)

Unknown said...

Dentures are so much more advanced than the term false teeth! I am amazed by the people who wear dentures that I didn't realize. I honestly can't tell a difference. Best of luck!
http://www.denturedoctor.com.au/services

Unknown said...

I'm sorry to hear about the cost, but you have the best attitude for it. In the end, false teeth can offer you a lot of relief. Best of luck to you and keep posting!

Jenn | http://www.naturaldentureclinic.com.au

shirlsw12 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
shirlsw12 said...

I think it's important that you have a knowledge of what you're getting. Dentures, implants, and all of it, really are false teeth. I think it's important to recognize that. At the same time, it's important to make sure that your dental health is being maintained. These methods are good ways to ensure that happens. I hope you'll be comfortable with whatever you end up doing.

http://www.hayesdentureclinic.com/dentures.html

Maricela Gauthier said...

Cavities can be caused by a lot of things, and can even happen to a person who meticulously takes care of their teeth. Anyway, getting implants may seem like a huge expense, but if you think that it’s worth the costs, then go for it. Good luck, and take care!

Maricela Gauthier @ Dentist-Newport-Beach.com

Eugen said...

Placidway offers very good access to doctors and prices to match anyone:
dental vacations

Unknown said...

Suffering from a long term disease and can't find a real solution for the disease by using pills or medicines just try some Home Remedies for that disease. Home remedies are the best way to get rid of any disease. Because home remedies have no side effects and you can take them regularly and treat the disease permanently.

Renee Yurovsky said...

Thanks for taking the time to share this information with us. I enjoyed stopping by your blog for these wonderful posts. Have a great rest of your weekend and keep up the posts.
Dentist Philadelphia