You know how much I don’t like going to town. Today I had to go to the dentist. It was just for a cleaning and x-rays. My hygienist is my friend so we’re both talking the whole time she’s cleaning my teeth. She’s talking and the minute she takes her hands and tools out of my mouth, I’m talking. Then the dentist comes in and he’s hilarious. Today he said “Judy! I’ve been thinking about you a lot!” I said “Really? That’s kinda strange!” and we both laughed. He’s like an old hippie – long, gray hair . . like ponytail long. He is mystified by my tooth that’s had two root canals and still hurts. Several years ago, a different dentist put crowns on two teeth and I think he botched them both. I ended up switching dentists and the new one sent me to San Angelo to get root canals on both teeth. They kept hurting so the endodontist did both root canals again. One tooth did finally get pulled. At first, the new dentist didn’t want to pull the second tooth but now, he’s decided to take the crown off (he can see that it isn’t right), put on a temporary crown and see how the tooth does with that. If it still hurts, we’ll know the tooth has to be pulled. If the tooth doesn’t hurt with the temporary crown, then we’ll figure a permanent crown should solve my problems . . except we have no dental insurance since Vince retired. Ouch!
I left the dentist and was headed to Walmart for several things. When I passed by a restaurant owned by a friend, there were no customer cars so I stopped by and visited with her for a while, then I decided I wouldn’t go to Walmart. We have to go to town tomorrow anyway to drop off eggs. My car needs gas before I start to MO. I need a few things from Walmart so tomorrow Vince and I will run to town, do what we need to do, so there was no use in me going this afternoon.
Dinner has been served. The kitchen is cleaned so I’m going to sit and knit the rest of the night.
dezertsuz says
Ouch, no dental! That would be terrible for me, but mine isn’t even that great. I’m lucky my dentist takes it, and I occasionally make it up to him by paying extra when I think the insurance company has ripped him off – which I almost always feel.
Marilyn Smith says
We have no dental either. My dh has had two implants, each was 5 grand. Fortunately, not at the same time. He also has numerous crowns. He has had extensive oral care and we have had great dentists. He just has lousy teeth. His mom, dad and sister all had false teeth. I don;’t think they were taken to a dentist as kids. He just has terrible teeth. He brushes at least twice a day. We both brush after lunch as well.. He has had many root canals. I have had one. I have had 2 crowns. He has had many.
Our dentist retired and we have a great new one. He is expensive, but good. We know lots of people/friends that go to him. We have friends that go to cheaper dentists who seem to disappear off the planet at the drop of a hat. Our friends are having nothing but trouble now. We went to a dentist recommended by our hygienist who retired when her boss did. He is wonderful and love our new hygienist as well.
vivoaks says
I know what that feels like – not having dental. Hubby retired 3 years ago and he’s got dental with his Medicare, but I have none. I also have the worst teeth in the world!! First time I ever went to the dentist at age 3 I had 16 cavities. From then until I graduated high school I averaged 6 cavities every 6 month checkup. Now that I’m 64 I’ve lost count, but have had at least 21 root canals (2, twice) and have had crowns on about 17 teeth. That’s when they finally had to start pulling them. I have now lost 9 teeth and all I can think is – how much money did I spend on those teeth, only to have them pulled. It makes me sick to think of it. There’s no money for implants, and no matter how much I begged to have all my teeth pulled, for dentures, my dentist won’t do it. I’ve had so many antibiotics in my life because of bad teeth that I can’t take what most people do. I have to get the heavy-duty, powerful antibiotics because that’s all that will work. Then I got a MRSA infection, which just meant using the strongest antibiotics available, making it that much worse. Ended up with another bad tooth – more antibiotics – then C-Diff…. (Where the antibiotics destroy all the bacteria in your intestinal system.) Constant diarrhea, and what do they give you? Right!! More antibiotics!!! Vicious circle. I dread going to the dentist – have for most of my life. I suppose if it wasn’t for the availability of antibiotics though, I would have been dead at a young age….
cassews says
Have you tried Physican’s Mutual for Dental Insurance ? I see them advertised all the time and a friend has it -loves it …
Gloria says
I think I have the cost of an expensive car in my mouth but have tried to save my teeth. No insurance in retirement and my latest was a root amputation after two crowns and a root canal! Some of us just more prone to dental problems even with good dental habits and home care.
Twyla Starr says
Our dentists’ office offers a “deal” if you have no insurance and it has helped us out. $351.00 for both of us to get x-rays once per yr and two cleanings each per year. Plus 10% off any work to be done. Also, if you offer to pay cash sometimes a dr. or dentist office with give a discount. Good luck with the dental work.