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Mending--How Much Do I Need?

Having my body battered in an accident has certainly taught me to be more cautious.  I also have to think that the yoga classes I have been taking are helping.  I really feel as though my balance has improved...and maybe not just in the physical sense.

My bruises have faded.  I can still feel a small lump over my left eye, another on my lip.  My face is tender just under the left cheek bone but it doesn't seem swollen.  My left knee is still my souvenir of the smash on the pavement.  It still needs time to heal.  I am really hoping it is not going to be one of those weather-predicting joints.  Nothing was torn or broken but the swelling is still evident and it really does not like dampness right now.

The folks at the ER had given me a name of a doctor to contact for follow-up.  I really didn't feel the need, but his office called and I decided to make an appointment just to establish myself as a patient with a doctor here in Florida.
I went the other day.  A nurse took my history and blood pressure.  The doctor came in and glanced over the history, listened to my heart, and said, "Why are you here?  You look perfectly healthy." Total time in the office was less than 15 minutes but the charge was over $250.  Thank God for insurance.  Even though I hate insurance as a concept.

I don't have dental insurance.  Usually, I pay in a year (for my two cleanings) what I would have to shell out per month to have dental insurance.  However, I did pop a cap off in December and then a large filling that sits on top of a broken front tooth like a cap but is really not.  Those two incidents upped my dental outlay by a good deal.  I did get a great deal on my dental x-rays at the dentist here in FL, but after my initial visit, they did call me in for a consult.

This is a sad story.  I have nine old fillings, still the silver stuff that they don't use anymore.  They should be replaced with resin because the old stuff can crack and allow decay to happen. $195 to $235 per tooth.

Then there are my crooked and ragged teeth.  They recommend Invisalign orthodontia and veneers on four front teeth.  Estimate of cost altogether: $8,565!

And beyond that, they would like to refer for a sleep study.  Imprints of teeth on the sides of my tongue are a sign of possible sleep apnea.  They have an appliance to fix that.

Have I thought about whitening?  Every one wants whiter teeth.  Not me.  I am never smiling again! And the office is offering a special on botox injections this month.

Yikes.  I have had an overbite for 65 years.  Do I really need to be worrying about it now?  And if I got rid of facial wrinkles my head would definitely look weird on my wrinkled body.

Get out!

Comments

  1. How sad, Olga. It seems everything costs money these days.

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  2. Those proposed dental bills are just outrageous! I can't help but think they are more in the best interest of the dentist than they are in your best interest!

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  3. I love your comment "if I got rid of facial wrinkles my head would definitely look weird on my wrinkled body". Too funny but true!

    Besides age brings character, veneers and teeth whitening don't!

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  4. Sounds as if your dentist needs a mask and gun, because what he wants to do must be highway robbery. I'll bet he makes out like a bandit, with all those retirees collecting Medicare.

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    Replies
    1. I like that! They were not pushy about it though. I did not feel that I was under one of those high pressure pitches where they try to sell you a time share. They seemed to accept "No, thanks" as an answer.

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  5. Oh my. Well, that dentist is a money grubbing.......... So I guess it is time to ask the mending question How to sort out the necessary from the cosmetic?

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    1. A quick filling in with eyebrow pencil and a slash of lip gloss is big time make-up for me. I won't be taking on any procedures solely for cosmetic reasons in this lifetime. I have made peace with my looks.

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  6. I'd say that dentist is not as concerned about your oral health as he is about adding to his bank account. The scoundrel.

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  7. Do the sleep study. I do have sleep apnea and sleep with a bi-pap machine named Tonto. (Since I am the Masked Stranger I call the machine Tonto. Ha, ha!) Anyway, my breathing was stopping 57 times in an hour on the average and is now only once an hour. Most are C-pap machines for nose breathers but I am a mouth breather and have to cover both nose and mouth with the mask. It doesn't hurt to do the study and find out if you have it. I kind of doubt that you do since you are in such good general health and are not overweight or have heart problems.

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  8. Just found your blog and I must say I really loved this post. I'm 66 so everything you wrote about relates. I loved the part about the face lift--hilarious, never thought of it that way. I had to cash in a CD to get a new bridge last year!! I hope you find a way to smile.
    Ann

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and welcome! I try to smile in spite of my overbite.

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  9. Oh I hate those initial dental evaluations. I usually tell them I have lost my ambitions to be a movie star, I just want to chew my food and smile when I feel like it. I often wonder if anyone ever falls for their spiel.
    Botox at the dentist?? Run Olga, run.

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  10. I'm sorry you're having such a long recuperation from that bike accident. I'm lucky, dentist-wise, he's a friend, and I always get discounts!

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  11. Sounds like my EX-dentist. All about how it looks. Do the things that will mean you get to keep your chompers. Forget the cosmetic stuff - they're teeth for Pete's sake!

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  12. I would love to have my teeth whitened, but sheesh! The cost! Also, I'm afraid that my teeth would become more sensitive. $250 for the doctor visit? YIKES! Thank goodness we go to the military hospital. I'm so glad you're healing well from your accident. This has been the year for accidents and other calamities for my blogging family.

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  13. Wow. No wonder Mike had to send you those teeth. He's still trying to save you money.

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  14. I so agree! Besides, whitening removes some of your enamel. It's bad!
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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