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Several opinions-collapsed arch, jaw, bite. Osteoporosis Implants
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Aug 5 1:50pm | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
I have an idea. It’s very unorthodox but I remember in the dental practice where I worked, we occasionally had patients who absolutely could not afford a full porcelain crown, but we needed to preserve their teeth.
So as a stop-gap measure, we’d make a temporary crown to help save a deteriorated tooth. We removed all the decay from from the tooth and basically prep it as though it was getting ready for a crown. But, we’d place a temporary plastic crown or construct a resin crown to go over the prepared tooth and used permanent adhesive. That was for front teeth. Molars, we used stainless steel crowns. Again, this was a temporary fix to buy time… As long as the patients didn’t open bottles, eat corn on the cob or chew taffy it lasted a really long time. Then when the money was available, we constructed the new, permanent crown.
So, I’m wondering if your dentist would consider this option for you! It’s not unreasonable to request this.
You need to save those two front teeth on the bottom but can’t afford to right now. See if he’d clean out the decay and place a more ‘permanent’ type of temporary cap on for you now. That way those teeth wouldn’t deteriorate any further. Then, keep up with regular cleanings so the rest of your teeth remain strong and stable
Hold out for your Medicare in November. Your health insurance rate should drop and often a dental supplemental policy can be added. Or with the difference in premium cost you may have more discretionary money available. It’s worth a try. Then you may be able to afford the new permanent crowns.
Since you’ll be eligible in November, I’d suggest calling or going to see a Medicare insurance agent in your area soon. Where I live, there are several of these insurance companies who help retirees get their Medicare set up. My husband and I used this service. The guy knew his stuff and there was absolutely NO charge for this service. That way you can find out what your benefits will be in the future and this can help give you a plan going forward. I don’t want to see you frightened for the future.
What do you think?
Replies to "I have an idea. It’s very unorthodox but I remember in the dental practice where I..."
@tmtm4 I have been talking to the insurance reps recently too, and there is no fee for this. You will pay the same amount for Medigap insurance plans as if you had called the companies yourself. An agent will get information about your health issues, prescriptions, and find plans and rates that would apply to you. One concern for me was that my Traditional Medicare and Medigap plans need to be portable and will work in another state. It is really confusing and the plans called "Medicare Advantage" are not traditional Medicare, and your choices will be limited to their networks of providers, and may not work in other states. Make sure to ask these questions when you speak with an agent. I am a Mayo Clinic patient and live in another state, so I wanted to make sure my insurance would work there after retirement if I need further care. I also will be getting a Delta Dental plan because my husband is retiring, so I will loose his employer's spouse provided benefits. The best plan for Delta Dental gives an annual benefit amount of $2500 and pays at 50% if your dentist is out of network with them. They pay at a higher rate if you use one of their in network dentists. Chose the best dentist for you in or out of network because you have a complex condition. If you go to the Delta dental website, so can view the plan details and they spell out specifically what is covered. They did have some coverage for implants, but there is also a waiting period of I think 6 months if major work is to be done. The agent recommended the best Delta Dental plan with the $2500 benefit. The agent can also tell you what your costs will be for payments and deductibles, and it will ease your mind. Lori makes a great recommendation!
You must be proactive in your personal oral care to mitigate further disease as well as more frequent checkups. I know I got myself in some trouble with dental decay because of my limited mobility with a broken ankle, and I didn't brush or floss as soon as I should have because I couldn't walk and was in pain and struggling to get around the house. Since I have just had a procedure to removed some diseased bone near an implant, I now look at myself as the fire department rushing to put out a fire. The sooner I get the brush, floss and water pic going, the sooner I put out that fire and keep it from spreading. If I wait until I'm too tired at the end of the day and have been snoozing on the couch, the more difficult it is to do the job. You will need to be your own volunteer fire department and put out the fire ASAP!
Go ahead and make the call about insurance. Knowledge is power. You also have a 6 month window around your 65th birthday to do this in order the receive the lowest rates for Medicare Part B and Part D (prescription drugs).
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Yes, I have an appt with the Prosthodontist July 28th. I have an appt with the surgeon beforehand on the 11th just to answer questions and see if he believes I can get a denture with no palate and his opinion on everything else.
These doctors and nurses have been extremely patient with me because of all the questions. You, as well. I am frightened but there is no easy solution. It is a matter of finding the best solution where there is no happy ending.
Take care and thank you again!