Husband convinced to proceed with dental work

My consultation lasted a full hour or more.  I had x-rays taken which clearly displayed infection in 2 of my roots!  The longest, strongest root did not (yet) have infection.  A possibility could be to sever the 2 bad roots but then there is only one root remaining.  I was told that I just may not take to root canal work.  Root canals are otherwise very common and very successful, except for about 5% of the population.  I told Dr. Brown, I'm usually average.  ::sigh::

I was never told that the success rate of a SECOND root canal on the SAME tooth is only 50-60%.  I may not have gotten it done (considering I paid thousands of dollars for it for half a chance it'd work?).  So, my other (best) option is an implant!

After much discussion with Dr. Brown and an explanation from Jeanie as to how everything worked, she discussed pricing then I took it away with me.  Eight days later, I finally emailed to say that I had convinced my husband to go in for a consultation and because his work will be more extensive, I wanted for him to get a start on his dental work first.  I'm a little scared though considering the pricing for my ONE tooth.

Here's the break-down of the estimate for my dental work - none of which will be covered by Manulife insurance:

• Odontectomy, Surgical Flap $208
• Grafts, Osseous, Autograph (flap) $975
• Surgical Implant with Cover Screw $1500
• Expenses of Materials $500
• Porcelain / Metal Crown, Implant $1200
• Commercial Laboratory Procedure $600

Due to a "professional courtesy", I'm being discounted $800 on the final set of procedures so the total estimate cost is $4200.  The good thing is that the extraction and grafting come first ($1200) then I have to wait 4-6 months for the graft to heal.  Then I get the implant ($2000) then wait another 4-6 months (with a big hole in the side of my smile!).  Then I get the crown put on and pay only $1000.  So, not too bad considering it's over the course of a year.  But Lorne needs at minimum of 4 bridges. ::sigh::

That's why I fully plan to attend his appointment with him.  To help him absorb the shock of the cost. :)

Lorne's appointment is Monday, February 5, 2013 at 2:10 pm

Hello Jeanie!

I hope you are well.  Thank you very much for spending so much time with me Wednesday discussing the plans, procedures, fees and options.  It was very helpful as was the consultation with Dr. Brown.  So much so that I've convinced my husband to see him. :) 

There is good and bad news.  My husband needs a lot of work.  Good for you, bad for my pocket book.  I say that to say that I prefer my husband get started on some work prior to me proceeding with my work.  I would just like to get him started before I book a date for my extraction and grafts (unless I get to the point my tooth is too irritating!).

My husband has avoided implants due to cost however based on my summary of what Dr. Brown told me about the procedures, I think he's willing to move forward anyway.  I don't feel this is covered by my insurance provider but I do want my husband to get this done.  I would like to be at the appointment as well to help him absorb the shock of the cost and to discuss options :)

Lorne has a lot of missing teeth.  He has 2 obvious teeth out in top right on the side however all 4 "back" areas require bridges.  He is missing 2-3 teeth on top right-back, top left-back, bottom right-back and bottom left-back.  Based on your review of the bridge procedure, Lorne may require those 2 implants with the bridge tooth.... times four!  Of course we would need a consultation to confirm this but I think the permanent bridge (not the palate version) costs as much as the work quoted for the implant?  

At that time, I would like to know how much can be done at one time... but probably cost will determine what we will do.

Lorne has Mondays off so if something could be scheduled on a near-future Monday, that'd be great.  He is already missing the teeth so no extractions required but unfortunately he is forced to chew food using his front teeth so it's really important to replace his back teeth and therefore the implants/bridges will need to be done.  I believe this is the most expensive part of the process.

I hadn't asked since it was only my tooth we were discussing and I planned on paying upfront for the extraction then 4-6 months later pay for the $2000 for the implant later this year.  But now I feel I should hold off on the extraction until Lorne has his at least one or two sets of implants/bridges constructed.  Are there payment plans available through My Dental Home?  I could possibly use credit if the payments could be spaced over a few months, or if the work could be done over a few months.  Unless it's cheaper to do more in 1 appointment.  A consult will tell... :)

What do you think? :)  

I appreciate your time and help with this matter.  It was very nice to meet you and I look forward to our next correspondence.

Thank you and I hope your Friday is going well!

Roz