$37k in debt - need $2500 dental work!?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2004
$37k in debt - need $2500 dental work!?
3
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 3:12pm

So the title of my post says it all.

I just graduated university last June, am working at a really great job, but only making $42 000 a year (of which I take home 32 000) and I've been *just* getting by with bills and minimum payments (ie. I have no savings and even had to opt out of the pension plan at work because I really really need that extra $200/month.)

I saw a spot on my tooth last week so I scheduled a dental appointment which I haven't done for 2 years because I couldn't afford it. Basically I need a root canal and like 8 crowns for a minimum total of $2500. It goes without saying that I don't have any insurance.

I talked about it with my friend who is a 4th year dental student and she agrees with the dentist that I *absolutely* need this asap or I will lose my teeth.

My dentist has a financing plan, so I guess that's my only option. I'm just so upset about having to spend money on this, and especially to acquire more debt, but I don't really see another option.

Thanks in advance for your support.

L


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-07-1999
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 6:13pm

Hi,


You very well may need all that dental work done but you probably don't need it all at once. Did they give you a break down per tooth or just the total amount of all the teeth?


While I am lucky enough to have dental insurance, and I go for cleanings every six months, I had an implant put in to the tune of $4ooo of which I owed about $1000. I think most dentists act as if

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2004
Sat, 10-04-2008 - 8:50pm

What I would do is have the dentist do the worse tooth first, and get that straight. Don't avoid getting the work because it can be very painful if that tooth gets a abscess. My whole face swelled up because of that.


Also see if they have a card called "CareCredit", it is 0% interest over a certain dollar amount. I know you don't want another card, but this is a good card to have. Just beware that the interest will go through the roof once the interest free time is done. That is my highest card right now at 24.99% interest, and I had it for major dental drama.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-06-2008
Mon, 10-06-2008 - 5:39pm
There are also health discount cards that include dental and dental only cards where you can get a big discount. Is there a dental school near you where you can get the work done cheaper. $2500 for a root canal and 8 crowns is a fantastic price! See if the dentist will allow you to pay part down and then make monthly payments. Good luck to you.