Medical Update
My teeth are going to cost me an arm and a leg this year. The estimated charges for the last surgery is $6K. But once it’s done, it’s done. There goes all my Medical FSA money, but that’s what this money was for anyway. It’s going to cost me about $3K at time of service, and another $1500 a month later on the payment plan. Then the last $1800 at the time of the permanent crowns getting installed. I will probably do them in two appointments and put in one at a time since it takes a lot of time to do them. I get tired and so does the dentist.
I’m lucky that the costs will be spread out over a few months. Again, I am tempted to liquidate my emergency fund for it and pay as much in cash as I can.
This week, a filling replacement with a fancy laser-milled ceramic. (The old mercury amalgam ones are passe, and possibly bad for your long-term neurological health. Perhaps this is why I am so ‘mercurial’ at work?) Next week, full-on surgery with anesthetic and then waiting and healing for a few months.
I am very relieved. It’s almost over.
For the anonymous reader out there with dental issues like me, you can do it. It’s better to take action now. Please don’t wait any longer and call a dentist.
For the rest of you, FLOSS FLOSS FLOSS!
sfmoneymusings wrote:
can you eat after the surgery? i remember you mentioning dental surgery … what procedure is it? it’s not a root canal is it? so why do you need permanent crowns?
i haven’t finished getting the root canal/crowns on my teeth yet and i’m not looking forward to it!
Posted on 20-Mar-07 at 4:13 pm | Permalink
mapgirl wrote:
I can eat a few hours after surgery. No, I’m not having a root canal done. If you want to know more, just email me and I will get more specific.
Posted on 21-Mar-07 at 8:29 am | Permalink
TF Miser wrote:
What kind of surgery is going to cost you 6K? That seems awfully high. I’m getting all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed and the charge is only going to be $830. That is without insurance.
Posted on 21-Mar-07 at 4:19 pm | Permalink
LivingAlmostLarge wrote:
At least you still have your teeth! They are priceless.
Posted on 21-Mar-07 at 10:04 pm | Permalink
Single Ma wrote:
Wow! I think I’d rather lose my teeth and wear dentures. LOL
Posted on 22-Mar-07 at 10:48 pm | Permalink
The Best Frugality Advice: The Cheapest Ways To Do Anything » Silicon Valley Blog About Money wrote:
[…] #2 Cut down on health costs. Avoid getting sick by washing your hands often. If I can avoid the crowds during the busiest times of the year where the highest amount of germs are circulated, I do that too! But then that means more dollars spent on driving my own car rather than risk it on a crowded bus or train. I guess there are tradeoffs for everything. As a reminder, get that annual flu shot. Now if you’re already sick with a sore throat, try an elixir made out of cayenne pepper powder. And floss daily to avoid painful and costly dental problems later. […]
Posted on 03-Apr-07 at 10:10 am | Permalink