Tooth problems

LegacyUser

I'm not entirely sure what I'm expecting from this, if even just advice on what I should do.

I've always had problems with my teeth - I also have severe anxieties regarding going to the dentist, to the extent where I'll likely need to be sedated.

Recently I was informed by a dentist that I'll need two root canals and two crowns. Because of my almost-phobia, I've been recommended to visit a specialized clinic for this work, because I react very badly to even the slightest of work.

The dentist put in a temporary patch on a tooth I chipped and just a few minutes ago this came out. And it's now starting to hit me that I will likely now have to go through with that procedure, but the costs are starting to amount for it - I'll likely have to spend close to €4,000 on it and there's no way in hell I can afford that much.

I'm on a jobbridge scheme with no medical card.

I'm tempted to get the teeth removed, but I'm already missing two teeth because of the unbelievable cost associated with these treatments.

intheclouds

Generally you have to go to a specialised clinic for root canals because only special dentists called endodontists have the equipment to do root canals on molars. Your regular dentist can do the crowns. You dont get a root canal crowned for a year or so after the root canal so the expense will be broken up that way. Im currently getting a root canal crowned that I had done 4 years ago!

You dont say if you are experiencing any pain?

If not, then theres probably no mad rush on the root canals, get one done then a few months later get another done when you have the money for it?

Then by the time you need to get them crowned your circumstances will no doubt have changed.

Financially - you could contact the dental hospital and see will they do them?

Or you could see about getting the root canals done in a different country? Even in NI they might be cheaper?

On being nervous - I am too but I just tell the dentist to numb me into oblivion and she does.

Your regular dentist can also prescribe you some valium or similiar to relax you before the appointment.

Fakediamond

You could try CDC in Carlow. I know a couple of people who had extensive work done there and were very happy. They're Hungarian dentists, top qualifications and state of the art equipment. They keep prices down by getting the crowns etc made in Hungary more cheaply than can be done here. You agree a payment plan during consultation and pay as you go. There's a thread about them somewhere on boards, lots of happy customers, just don't be talked into more than you want cos they'll offer you the works!

BetsyEllen

I would recommend you look into some kind of dental insurance.

VHI offer it and so do DeCare Dental https://www.decaredental.ie/join
I had a quick look there, levels 3 and 4 cover for 60% of root canal treatment.
I'm not sure how long you'd need to be with them before you can claim for it, you'll need to look into this. Cover starts fro about €25 per month I think - I don't work for them by the way, was just something I was looking into myself a few months back!! I don't know if they're any good, so I'm not recommending, just giving an option that I know about.

Other than that the only thing you can do is start saving - dental work is sadly extremely expensive in Ireland - if you're not in pain this gives you time, but I would def start putting some money aside. If you look around you might find somewhere that offers a monthly payment option, I'm getting my braces done this way.

With regards to being nervous, there are many places that cater for same, ie sedation but it is very likely to cost you more.

FYI, I recently had a wisdom tooth extracted whilst awake, with just numbing to the area. It was absolutely fine, no pain whatsoever and definitely nothing to be scared of. I would be a very squeamish/nervous person (or so I thought) but I would honestly not be afraid of dental work going forward as I know the numbing of the area is so good that you can 100% feel no pain whatsoever.

Oh and just to add - someone above mentioned Hungarian dentists...in my personal experience, the foreign dentists are better! I would personally seek one out over as Irish practice and that's from experience.

Johnnyhpipe

I was in the same boat for a long time to be honest. I got dental insurance (around €20/month) and have everything sorted now! If you can afford it, go for it, and go to a recommended dentist.

Teyla Emmagan

You're not missing 2 teeth 'because of the unbelievable cost of these treatments'. You're missing them because you neglected your teeth and then put off treatment because you're afraid of the dentist. Just makes sure the buck stops here. You need to get on top of the situation and conquer your fear before your teeth get worse. They're much more expensive to fix then to keep healthy, as you're finding our. The dental insurance sounds like a great plan. Hope you find a solution.

intheclouds

Teyla Emmagan wrote: »

You're not missing 2 teeth 'because of the unbelievable cost of these treatments'. You're missing them because you neglected your teeth and then put off treatment because you're afraid of the dentist.

Is that really what you think?

Perhaps bad previous dental care, genetics, injury, disease, medications etc are a factor too? I know lots of people who have lost teeth because they can't afford an alternative.

LegacyUser

Teyla Emmagan wrote: »

You're not missing 2 teeth 'because of the unbelievable cost of these treatments'. You're missing them because you neglected your teeth and then put off treatment because you're afraid of the dentist. Just makes sure the buck stops here. You need to get on top of the situation and conquer your fear before your teeth get worse. They're much more expensive to fix then to keep healthy, as you're finding our. The dental insurance sounds like a great plan. Hope you find a solution.

I lost two teeth because the teeth shattered where I had fillings in, the fillings came out, and the decay continued into my roots and I could feel the pain in my jaw. I don't neglect my teeth - in fact, I brush thoroughly twice a day. Admittedly I could floss more. It was either get two root canals and two crowns, or get them taken out. And the extraction wasn't easy - I have quite long roots.

The only reason that I can think of for having bad teeth is that I was an athlete (competitive cyclist, swimmer, cross country runner) for most of my growing years and there have been multiple studies linking this to dental problems.

Milly33

Oh OP I feel for you, nothing scarier than the dentist. Has your dentist ever offered you a prescription for tablets?

I like you was terrified of the dentist and in the end, after going to two or three dentists the one I stayed with gave me the prescription. There was more or less sleeping tablets you take them an hour before going.. I started on three and was just about relaxed. Eventually got down to maybe just taking one and falling asleep on the chair they really do work... Of course these are prescription only but do ask about them and also make sure you are comfortable with your dentist. If you don't like them move to another..

Regarding the root canals, they are pricey alright and the crown is a killer.
You could ask again do you most defiantly need the crown now, if it is a back tooth you may not.
Could you just get the root canal done...
Or could you set up a payment plan with them...

Don't be afraid to ask.. I think keeping as many teeth as you can is a good idea, but also if they are back teeth and you wont miss them or see then! then up to you..