The dr put me on a drug called fosamax?

for osteoporosis does anybody know why they recommend you to see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before taking the drug? I can't afford to go to the dentist, we don't have dental insurance, my teeth aren't the best but they dint bother me either...
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Precautions Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: disorders of the esophagus (e.g., esophageal stricture or achalasia), inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, low calcium levels, severe kidney disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: trouble swallowing, stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers). Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medication. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions which might have actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth or other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start alendronate. Make sure he/she knows your entire medical history, any cancer radiation treatments, and also all the medications you are using, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy, and alendronate. Consult your dentist for more details. This drug is not recommended for use in children. General Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). It belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates, and they decrease the activity of cells which break down bone. Maintaining strong bones by slowing bone loss helps to reduce the risk of fractures. Your risk of developing osteoporosis is greater as you age, after menopause due to the lack of natural estrogen hormones, and if you are taking corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods. How to use Fosamax Oral Follow these instructions very closely to maximize the amount of drug absorbed and reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. This medication is usually taken once per week unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule and take it on that day each week. Take this medication by mouth, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage or other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 ounces or 180-240 milliliters) of plain water. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it. Then stay fully upright (sitting, standing or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water. Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects. Other medications, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Side-Effects Stomach pain, constipation, gas, or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: jaw pain, swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet, an increase in muscle or bone pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This medication may infrequently cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, trouble or painful swallowing. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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I have a lot of cavities, what should i do?

i have about 4 cavities and i never been to a dentist before. i need to know what the doctor will do to fix it and how they will fix the cavity that is on the SIDE of my tooth. i know i have dental insurance but im not sure if it will still come out to be expensive for one or even for all 4 cavities. please help me understandd.
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If the cavities just need fillings, then most insurances cover 80% - you might owe $80 - $100 per cavity. If the cavities are bad and require a root canal and crown then it costs more. Most insurances cover 80% on a root canal and 50% on a crown. I normally owe about $170 on a root canal and about $350 on a crown (porcelain). Yes, I have crappy teeth :) - even though I brush and floss almost all of my teeth have been crowned. They will only get worse the longer you wait, so go ahead and schedule an appointment.
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I'm trying to get myself health insurance but girlfriend is pregnant. Do I just not tell them?

Ok, I am trying to setup my health insurance at work. I just found out the other day that my girlfriend is 8weeks pregnant. She has already gotten on medicaid so im not worried about having to cover her or the baby....just myself. Anyways, I called some big insurance provider and had everything setup. then I siad my girlfriend is pregnant will the baby be covered....and pretty much the siren sounded and I was told I cant get insurance. So should I just call a different place and not say anything about my girlfriend? I dont want to wait 9 months to get insurance, I really need some dental work. What do I do people?
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I don't know who you called or why, but if you're getting group health insurance through work for yourself, your girlfriend's pregnancy shouldn't matter as she is not covered anyway. When your baby is born, you can add the child (but not your girlfriend) to your policy.
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Do you have to pay to get a tooth capped....?

Do you have to pay to cap your tooth so it matches the rest of your tooth colour? I was thinking of whitening my teeth and was wondering if they do whiten, because I know caps do not whiten with them, would you have to pay because it has nothing to do with health? Or would dental insurance cover that?
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It depends on your insurance plan but it will most likely not be covered because it is considered a medically unnecessary cosmetic procedure.
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Chipped tooth, Want to have it repaired for cosmetic reasons.?

When I was young, I was playing with my dog and she jumped up and hit me in the mouth, chipping my right front tooth. As I've gotton older, it's been a little embarrassing. I don't have dental insurance, because I'm a college student, and it's not offered through my mother or father's job. I was wondering, What is a ballpark value for this procedure?
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That depends on how many 'surfaces' are involved.. ball park figure: anywhere from $129 and may be triple that.. that fee doesn't include the office visit and an xray... You may want to get a regular check up appointment and have a treatment plan with fees made up for you, then see what payment plans (if any) are available.. Best of luck to you~
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Changes to Insurance Plans?

I am currently enrolled in a dental plan at my job. My boyfriend, who qualifies as a domestic partner, has an employer who offers better dental plans. If I opt to go on his plan, does this cancel my current insurance with my employer? OR, do I have to wait until open enrollment? Please advise....
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You have to inform you company that you are moving to another plan and then give them a date and then apply with the new company and tell them when you will be starting.
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Do Deputy Sheriff Trainees get any benefits while in the academy?

Are they provided with medical, dental, or vision insurance? Or do they not have any benefits until they successfully complete the academy?
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If they're hired by the dept and put through at the dept's cost, they're generally paid at a reduced (trainee) level and provided benefits (medical, dental, etc...). Once they graduate and receive their POST Basic Academy certificate, their pay is boosted up to the first step for a deputy sheriff. They then proceed through the annual pay steps/increases. Calif Deputy
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A few questions about a frenulectomy?

this is my tongue-tie: http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/5391/… I didn't know what this was until my sister started nursing school...I just knew my tongue was different from everyone elses. But anyway, so I'm 20 years old and I want the surgery. I want to be able to stick my tongue out...to lick an ice cream cone...to sing a higher range because I'd be able to lift my tongue on higher notes. What kind of doctor would perform this surgery? Is it a dentist? Do you think insurance might cover it, health insurance or dental insurance? How much would it cost (my tongue-tie is the most extreme of types of cases)? And do you think I'd have to have speech therapy in learning to keep my tongue down while I talk so it doesn't all hang out? They've never had to use a tongue depressor on me lol... I've looked on websites and I know the technical information like what they do...but I'd really like to hear some personal experiences.
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well you need to get a frenectomysurgery done by a oral and maxillofacial surgeon , such kind of surgeries are orthognathic surgeries, in frenectomy they remove the tissue which is leading to tongue tie from its most anterior position and followed by sutures. well even though after surgey if you are not able to speak properly than you can go for speech therapy.
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Low Income: Dental/Eyeglasses question?

Are there any ways a low income Wisconsin resident can get free eyeglasses/dental services? I have no income or insurance.
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You might try the State dental school and at least get it cheaply. There are charity hospitals. You might try the Lions club eye glass program. It is free.
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im looking for a dental insurance not discount plan, that...?

has no limit on yearly cap on services, low monthly premium, and very minimum to pay on the dentist visits? Any such dental insurance out there?
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Sorry, but what you are looking for doesn't exist. You have five options with dental. 1. Go without insurance. If you have good teeth and just want the basics you probably don't need any plan. A yearly cleaning and exam and even an occasional filling will cost you less without insurance. However, it doesn't sound by your question that this is an option. 2. Visit a local dental school. You can get many procedures done for a reduced price if you're willing to let them practice on you. Ask around about the school you might be considering, many people report good results and many people will not ever go back to them again. Expect a 10% to 30% discount off of the average cost. 3. Insurance - Depending upon the policy: cost $30-$60 per month. You pay a $50 deductible first, they have an annual maximum that they'll pay per year of $750 - $1500, they have a waiting period up to 18 months for major work and then you're paying 50% of the charges. Example - average cost for a root canal in my area is $829. With insurance you pay $414 after paying 18 months of premium (around $800 or $900). Advantage - you can use any dentist with most plans. 4. Discount plans - Cost - $5-$12 per month. No deductible, no annual maximum and no waiting periods. Also, hardly any dentists will accept the plan and when they do you MIGHT get a 10% discount, which is about the same discount you can get by paying cash. Example - average cost for a root canal in my area is $829. With discount plans you pay around $746. Be very wary of these plans because most are scams. The people that sell these plans have little or no knowledge about health & dental insurance and do not need a license to sell them. The plans are not regulated by the state so you have no recourse when you have problems. Some states are starting to ban these plans from being sold. Here is an informative link http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/wes… concerning these plans. 5. Fee for Service discount plans - Cost $7-$15 per month. No deductible, no annual maximum and no waiting periods. Many dentist will accept the plan (check providers first before signing up with any plan). When you use the plan there is a set fee that the dentist will charge you. Example - average cost for a root canal in my area is $829. With fee for service plans you pay as little as $404. I'm an insurance agent and my personal plan is the fee for service plan. I got mine here http://www.dpbrokers.com/default.aspx?lo… specifically the Aetna Dental Access plan but which one you get depends upon your area and comparing the fee schedule to find the best for what you need covered.
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Checks from delta dental, do i just sign them over to the dentist?

I just had dental work done last week, first time being an adult and having my own insurance so im not sure how this works. I Received 2 checks from delta dental, now of course i know its not "my" money, but do i cash them put then in my checking account and then pay the dentist, or just sign them over to the dentist, do i wait to get billed? sorry im new to this insurance thing and not sure how this works, i thought delta would pay the dentist directly of what they cover, and the dentist bills me the rest? lol sorry if i sound dumb i just dont know, thanks for your help
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It's best to endorse the checks over to the dentist and take them over ASAP. Return the courtesy given to you by paying your bill promptly and not waiting to be billed.
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Is irrigation necessary during a full mouth debridement?

Dental office wants to charge for it but insurance company says it's my option and not necessary. Who do I believe?
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I can't speak to the necessity of any treatment for you. It's impossible to diagnose over the internet. But this is a game insurance likes to play. They will say they are denying your claims and try to shift the blame to the dentist by saying: 1. The procedure is not necessary 2. The dentist is charging too much. The insurance company has no way to know if you need any specific treatment. You are just a name (or more likely a number) that costs them money if they actually have to pay out instead of just collecting your premiums every month. Has anyone from the insurance company come to look at your mouth and see what your needs are? I'm guessing not. LOL Be up front and ask your dentist if you have concerns. It may very well be optional in your case, but it could also be necessary and important. Your dentist will probably be happy to discuss his reasons for prescribing this treatment.
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How do you make important budgeting strategies if everything u want to do seems equally imporant?

So, I make a pretty good amount an hour, but have carnote, pay daycare for 2 kids, plus clothes, my half of all expenses from rent, utilities, cheap cell phone bill, blah blah blah........ I am getting child support so that makes it alot easier, but there are sooooo many things that seem high dollar that I need to get done.......I need to make a dental appt (which I know will be about $200), belts replaced on my car engine (up to $400), a new catalytic converter on my car (upwards of $1000 possibly more. Had to afro-engineer it last year to get thru marta), my car painted, get insurance on my car (down payment will hurt on that one - have a high insurable car) and pay off alot of other bills (not big amounts, just small) ...........I need it all done NOW, but I dont know what to concentrate on, I feel like if I do one, then another will bite me in the butt.......any suggestions?
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First off I want to say I'm sorry for what you are facing. That is a big load to carry and I tip my hat to you for all you need to do. Well I'm assuming you need your car to make money. If this is the case you need to focus on the mechanical issues first. Painting it should be last on the list. If you can then get it fixed, gt insurance. If you cannot get it fixed, let your insurance lapse and while using public transportation take the extra insurance money and save it to fix the car and get your teeth fixed. Then start making bigger payments on your other debts. The best thing you can do right now is not get overwhelmed, take things day-by-day, don't miss out on the wonder of being a mother by worrying about tomorrow. You can and will make it through this and you will be stronger as a result.
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Insurance question...?

Can I get divorced and then get remarried in a month so that I can elect to cover my spouse and children under my insurance plan? There is no open enrollment, only when you first get hired or for a major life event. I am married to a great guy with joint custody of his two kids. He is required to provide health insurance for the children. Last year, I took a new job that had union negotiated health care benefits with much better coverage for the whole family, including my step-kids. My premiums for the family were about $350/month and his are $500/month. His deductable is $1000 and total out of pocket is five thousand. My new insurance is $250 deductable and five hundrend total out of pocket. My co pays are $10 and his are $30 per doctor visit. And it is with the same major insurance company and list of providers - the same ppo. Here is the problem, his x wouldn't let him drop his old insurance without us agreeing to some ridiculous terms. There is a court order to provide insurance through his employer, so his employer wouldn't drop the coverage without a court order saying it was ok to cover the children with either insurance. We couldn't afford both monthly premiums, so we couldn't elect to get my new coverage for the family. I was able to get dental and vision though. Vision was free for family and the coverage that they provided for the children's braces was more than the dental premiums so that was a good financial decision. Now that the x is seeing how great the coverage is - the eye doctor told her he had never seen this good of coverage... they cover everything even transition lenses, bifocals, and designer frames 100% - she is starting to be more reasonable. It will save her tons of money too since we split the out of pockets and co-pays with her. Is that legal to do? and how hard would it be to do?
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I think there must be an easier way than getting a divorce. I am surprised there is not an annual open enrollment where you can add your family. If you are sure of this, then find out what a life changing event might consist of. Talk this through with your HR benefits rep. I am stunned that they would put a family in the position of getting a divorce. Their logic is to keep healthy people from refusing the insurance and then expecting to be added after they get sick not to keep a young healthy family out of the risk pool, in fact they should welcome that.
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How to REALLY know how much house I can afford!?

OK I know this has been asked many times, but the main thing I want to know is why do they say X% of your GROSS pay should go to housing instead of X% of your NET pay? I live in an expensive area, and spending around 26% of my monthly GROSS pay on mortgage+insurance+taxes (no PMI) is the only way I can buy any kind of house. If I used the 30-40% of NET pay formula I wouldn't be able to afford a shack. So what is the story? I don't want to be house poor, but the amount leftover after tax/medical/dental/401k deductions is much different than the gross income!
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The reason they say gross pay instead of net pay. In theory that percentage already takes into consideration that taxes are coming out. They also assume that you can cancel insurance/401k contributions if you have to in order to make your bills, those are all voluntary. Non-voluntary deductions (garnishment, child support payments) are taken out of your income before they figure the ratio. As you've probably been told this is the number the lender will use to qualify you for the amount. Please only use this as a guideline. The main question is if you, personally, can budget the payment. If you don't want to cancel your voluntary deductions or change your lifestyle, the number you can really afford will probably be different. The real way to figure how much you can afford is to get your mortgage payment on a 30 year fixed loan, add in your taxes and insurance, and have all that add up to what you're able and willing to invest in a home. You can find a decent calculator here: http://www.easyonlinerefi.com/Calculator… That will figure out payments on the mortgage for you.
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Comfort Dental - anyone else have bad experience?

Ok, so I went 3 years without a cleaning which is not like me. For one though I had a couple of kids, and decided that since I was on my husband's dental plan I should use that, which unfortunately my Dentist that I have been going to since I was 5 was not on the list. So recently I decided I better get in, and also my son needs his first checkup. I came to realize that the only place I could go is Comfort Dental. The Dr. does a quick check of my teeth and tells me that since it's been 3 years I need a 'deep cleaning'. Come to find out as I was checking out that it will cost me (with my insurance) $320 ! And she said they don't do payment plans, and was snotty with me when I said that I didn't have that kind of money to put up front. I ended up calling my old dentist and the receptionist there said she was disturbed that I was told I needed a 'deep cleaning'. I have decided that I will actually save more by paying out of pocket going to my old dentist who I actually trust. Comfort Dental felt like they were just trying to get money out of me. Plus I was also displeased as I was sitting in the waiting room and I heard the receptionist on the phone (with an insurance company I presume), tell them a SSN# out loud. If I wanted to I could of written it down and used it! Where are the HIPPA laws on that? I guess I'm wondering if others are displeased with Comfort Dental, and if anyone knows who I could make a complaint to. Somehow I think complaining to them won't make much of a difference.
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Sounds like a mill....you have to be with someone you trust! Do payment plans, whatever....it is worth it!
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How to get rid of a huge toothache?

my husband has a horrible toothache, he dont have insurance and is laid off currently, so there for no money, what can we do for this? can we get free dental help somewhere and what can we give him for it to help the pain??
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Painkillers such as Tylenol work for the pain, and drinking something cold can also numb it. I'm not sure where you can find free dental help, though. Hope things get better!
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Does anyone have any suggestions for self extraction of a chipped tooth?

I have to pull this tooth it hurts more and more and I think it might get infected. I have no money or insurance so I don't know what else to do. I tried to use plyers but its in there so tight. Should I cut through the gum and what can I use to prevent infection besides peroxide. And is there anything that could tenderize the gums so it might loosen up. It feels like I could crush it with the plyers and that would bad. Is there anyone out there that is not quite a dentist and needs some one to practice on? It hurts so bad I am thinking of getting myself convicted cause I think they might do it Im not sure. Its hard to concentrate and think logically right now but I am going crazy and I need to do something. What did people do before dentistry? Please punch me in the face lower left side knock my tooth out. Mental Dental caveman tooth extraction. I'll borrow money from the mob. What should I do cut the gum should I get drunk first then I will slip and cut my whole mouth open.
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Do not pull it out yourself. It will get infected. Go and get some clove oil from the pharmacy. That will numb the tooth instantly then go to hospital. If you pull it out yourself you will prob faint with the pain and then you will be in a very sticky situation....
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Dental work while on maternity leave...?

I'm currently on EI for illness (health troubles related to the pregnancy) and switching over to maternity leave within the next month. I'm going to need some dental work done soon but I don't have any kind of dental plan or coverage, and I'm wondering if there is some way that employment insurance will cover the cost of that? I've heard that ei covers dental work up to $500 yearly, but I don't actually know if this is true or how to set that up so that I can go to the dentist, as I don't have the money to pay for the work right now
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If you are in Canada....no. Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to you while you are unemployed (to those that qualify) but no other medical or dental on top of that.
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child support and insurance policies.?

I just wanted to know what information comes on an insurance policy? Also I wanted to know is it required to give my insurance policy to my sons mother? I have giving her all the insurance cards for health and dental, but now she wants the insurance policy. Does that sound right? I am from Texas and I really am not sure on what is okay and what is not. Any help would be great. Do not get me wrong I love taking care of my son. This is not the problem. I am just really scared she is trying to do something like get my wife and daughters information. Any help would be much appreciated.
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There's no reason for her to have the policy, but you might consider calling Texas Fathers For Equal Rights to check. http://www.tferfw.org/ To learn your rights, join Dads House in Yahoo Groups http://Dads-House.org/ Some useful links http://icanhaz.com/ChildSupportModifying http://icanhaz.com/ChildSupport-OutsideG… http://icanhaz.com/ChildSupportTrustFund http://icanhaz.com/ChildSupport-Contempt http://icanhaz.com/ChildSupport-EndsWhen http://icanhaz.com/ChildSupport-Taxes \\\\\\\\\\\\\
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Self-employed & need dental plan.?

Does anyone know how to sign-up for a dental plan? I am a contractor and insurance is not offered to me but I would like to join a program. I like Delta Dental but I did not see a way to sign up on their site. If anyone knows of a good program (not just a discount program) but an actual dental plan, that allows individiuals that would be helpful. Thanks!
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Well, they're out there, but I haven't seen one private dental policy which pays out more than it costs you. Go to the guy that does your health insurance, ask him for a private dental plan. But be sure to run the numbers before you buy - between waits, copays, and deductibles, and the monthly premium, you'll come out ahead of you self pay.
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Does anyone work or has worked for McKesson Corporation? If so, I need some help!!?

Just wanted to have an idea on the type of benefits the company provides, like tuition reimbursement plans, types of bonus incentives, vacation and sick day policies, cost of medical insurance and dental insurance etc. How is it working for the company?
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If you are interested in working for tis company why don't you submit a CV to their personnel office and ask about what employment benefits are provided by the company. It as always better to get the imformation you are seeking from the horses mouth!
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Cost of dental work in Canada???

Hi, I hav recently chipped one my front teeth, and do not have health insurance or benefits. I live in Windsor Ont, Canada and was wondering if anyone knew how much the dental costs were here. Also wondering the cost of extraction and filling. Thanks
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300 dollars for all of it.
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Dental health affects medical health strongly, so why is it not fully insured?

if you have ever gone to a dentist, you will often see that the "coverages" of your insurance does not cover "__" "___" and especially "___"...there are always extra charges and many people I know avoid the dentist because they cannot afford care. It has been known since the early 70's that poor gum and teeth health can cause arterioschlerosis and extreme toxicity that causes heart disease...many of the people who have had heart attacks are also people who could not or did not maintain their "oral health".... You can see a doctor for an agreeable fee and get taken care of at an affordable level, but honestly, get some dental work done and it can break you...why has not not ever changed?
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I'm not sure there has been a consensus about the link between dental health and overall health until pretty recently. Not too long ago, Congress passed a Mental Health Parity Act that provides some equal treatment of mental health and general health. Specifically, it says that, with some notable exceptions, health plans have to provide the same annual and lifetime coverage maximums for mental health as they do for general medical coverage. I think that as the evidence mounts regarding the importance of dental health, the same thing will happen with dental insurance. Already, some health plans are starting to include dental and vision without raising the price of insurance much at all. The two plans that come to mind are "Tonik" by Blue Cross Blue Shield and "Sound" from Unicare. I agree though that affordable access to health care is just not possible for most people in the US. Barnes@MostChoice http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insuran…
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