Today I was faced with some hard decisions and some hard reality. After 4 ½ years I had to go to the dentist because of dental pain- I knew the outcome I would not like, but I was not prepared. Once arriving there I was told that both the teeth that were causing pain needed root canals (along with many other issues going on). I tried to fathom what I had done wrong… a root canal?? I can’t afford $1,200 per tooth- I don’t have insurance. So instead of trying to figure out how to fork out $2,400 on 2 teeth I decided to get those 2 teeth pulled and spend the other $2,000 saved on taking care of the rest of my mouth.
I’m in shock that I’m getting rid of teeth that I will never get back, but it makes me appreciate the value of my teeth a lot more. Something I should have listened to my mom about. She always used to tell me that I needed to take care of my teeth, but I never really cared that much because I just always assumed that teeth could just be replaced, although they can- it is way more expensive.
I have been hard on my kids about flossing daily, brushing at least once a day if not twice, and rinsing at least once a day if not twice- they always fight me on it, but I will continue to enforce it because if I start these habits today they will continue this for the rest of their life. We all love routines and if this is something they consider routine for them then hopefully I can save their teeth. I do not want my kids to be in the same predicament that I am finding myself in now because I will never get those teeth back. If I’m not careful and not smart then I could lose a lot more… taking time out for yourself is way more important. No one likes going to the dentist, but those are the kind of things you need to do for yourself. In the past 4 years if I would have paid $100 here and there to get a cleaning and check up maybe I could be saving my teeth and money in the long run. I always hate putting a large amount of money down now, but if it saves you in the long run then it really is worth it.
I wish I could get insurance and hopefully I will be able to get it soon, but only time will tell..
My mom usually was always the one that had been there for me. Every time I went to the dentist, every time I went to the doctor, when I was in the hospital, when I had my wisdom teeth out, when I had a miscarriage, when I had my D & C.. she was always the one that was there for me. She wasn’t there for me though this time because she wasn’t able to be. I was emotional because I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know if the right choice was getting rid of my teeth and trying to save the others or if I should have done a root canal. I was faced with so many things that all I wanted was someone there with me. Brian was taking care of Logan for me, otherwise I know he would have been there for me. I just wanted someone to tell me what to do, usually I don’t mind making decisions, but I’m always looking for approval- I always want someone to tell me that I’m doing the right thing. I think I need to start thinking about me and what is best for me. I still wanted my mom though.
(This was wrote a couple of weeks ago, not today! My teeth are doing much better thankfully!)
