the Price of Wisdom Teeth Removal

I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed (one was impacted) and periodontic surgery to reverse bone loss in my jaw. All of my teeth were loosening and normal dentists would not even clean my teeth. My teeth did not look bad or hurt, but my mother had lost all her teeth by the age of 40 and I am 29 so the urgency of the matter hit home for me.

I have dental insurance thourough my work, but it only covers about $1200-$1500. I was responsible for the remainder and could not afford it. I tried applying for CAREcredit and was denied. I was seriously in a panic.

That was until my DDS called me and offered to do the procedure for me and let me pay out the bill $100 per month with the stipulation that I deliver the payment in person each month with a baked good for the office. I thought they were kidding but they weren't. I accepted and had the surgery three days ago.

I have to say the entire staff of the office including my DDS was amazing. They did not treat me like a charity case, but they did make me feel welcome and genuinly cared about. I would say I felt more like a daughter than a patient.

The surgery itself went smooth. The DDS never got up to go check on other patients while he was working on me, and the procedure took about four hours. My anethesia wore off a couple of times and he administered more. At the end he gave me instructions for care, with his HOME phone number on them along with thte cell number of his assistant. Later that night I did get sick from the medicine and my boyfriend called him. Sure enough, he answered the phone and talked to him. The next morning he called ME to check on me and make sure I was feeling ok.

I have been to several dentists in my life and have had at least one other serious procedure done and I have NEVER recieved the level of care that I received at this DDS establishment. I wish I could say the name of the doctor because he deserves the credit.

I go back in a couple of weeks to have the stiches taken out. I can't wait to see them all again!

I guess I would tell people to talk to the doctors about their situation when they can't afford somthing they need to have done. These doctors (ususally) want to help and the prices are most likely out of their hands, but they are people too. If you are in a situation like mine-- don't let it get worse by ignoring it until you have an emergency situation on your hands just because you don't have the money up front.

I was not expecting this outcome and I would bet these results are not typical, but hey it is worth a shot.