if you do not get a crown, can you get a cavity in a the tooth where the root canal was performed?

I had a root canal done at the end of March of this year. That about killed my pockets at the tune of $1000 and of course, I needed a crown after that and just have not had enough extra money floating around to get one........I do not have dental insurance, as it is not provided at my place of employment. Is it possible to get a cavity where inside the tooth where the root canal was? I have a whole there, and it is plugged for the most part, but I am sure the plug will continue to wear over time. I am concerned, but still are in need of a few hudred dollars to finish the procedure. Any advice???? And don't send me links to dental plans............this would be a pre-existing condition they WOULD NOT cover. Thanks!!
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Yes, the tooth can still develop decay. But the most important reason to crown them is to prevent root fractures. Whereas teeth with a standard depth filling will sometimes crack off a corner ABOVE the gumline over time and can be easily fixed, an RCTd tooth will crack BELOW the gum and is usually unsalvageable. To prevent cracking whilst you save up the money for a crown, you might ask your dentist to put an orthodontic band around it as reinforcement, or cut off the top 2mm of the tooth so as to take it out of chewing function.
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I think I am developing periodontal disease. Can anyone help?

Ok, I have bad gingivitis. My gums are puffy and red and they bleed when I floss them. I use listeriene. I brush. I floss. The problem is still here. Over the last 3 years I have had a sucession of cavities develop. Since 2003 I have noticed a rapid decline in my dental health. I had my wisdom teeeth removed in 2004 because they were impacted. Then for two years I wore braces because I had an underbit that was wearing down my front teeth. Most of the cavities developed because of that. I also do not produce enough protective saliva in my mouth. I think I have developed gingival pockets where bacteria is growing. ( That's just a hunch, not a fact right now.) I see the dentist at ever 5 months. Last time he gave me a bad report and told me I have two cavities now and two areas to watch. He could not fix them at the time due to time constraint. The next time I can do anything is after this quarter at college ends for summer break and I can go home again. I don't have dental insurance!!!
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are you suffering from any systemic disease like diabetes, etc., You may need deep cleaning & filling up of decay teeth. Your method of flossing & brushing is not correct.
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I have Teeth problems, what to do?

I had my jaw broken in 2004, and couldn't brush my teeth for 6 weeks. After that I up and moved to Arkansas where they don't have dental insurance for adults through Medicaid. I had no dental for like 4 years and my teeth have gotten worse and worse. I finally made an appointment with a dentist, but won't get in until Nov. 4th. I broke my tooth down to the gum (while i was pregnant) and have an abscess in the roof of my mouth.and have tried to puncture a hole in it, but the skin is too strong and thick to puncture. So, my question is how do I get the abscess out without going to the hospital? I know I need antibiotics. I have some, from once before.
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Maybe you should call western dental, they offer all kinds of programs for people who cant afford dental insurance. Maybe there is one in your area. I wouldnt try anything to my mouth if I were you, you can cause lots of pain and damage and make things worse.
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Building a case that could save my daughter..?

I know this is long, but I feel the facts must be stated to fully understand. PLZ READ THRU & HELP! I sent my daughter for a scheduled summer vacation with dad in June, from CA to IL. He never returned her. I had permission to remove her from IL back in '06. I received no notice from him, but found out on my own that he filed for and gained temp custody claiming I am unlocatable. I have tons of proof that we were in communication (i.e. emails & phone logs for both my and my daughter's cell) and that I was stable. I was in the dark about a lot of the facts because I was in CA, he didn't give me any info because he had to back up his lies and make it appear as though I was in an undisclosed location. So I quit my job and went to IL to try to resolve this. This might've been the plan because now I'm not looking so stable. I still have my home in CA, but I'm unemployed and our health and dental insurance is gone. In the email I have from September, I am asking for copies of whatever he filed, he responds "there's nothing else to be said but an address." I respond giving my fax AND home/mailing address, but never received anything and upon reviewing our case file there's no proof of notice. Over the yrs my daughter has made statements to me, family and teachers that she is afraid of her dad and doesn't like visiting him. I have received written statements from teachers. I also have several police reports of domestic violence from our relationship, when my little girl was still a baby. My son, who is older recalls much more and has been bothered by this whole situation fearing for his sister's well-being. He wants to speak out in court. He confided in me some things she told him about being at her dads. She said he brings in "bricks" (her words) of marijuana and keeps it in a drawer, she was once forced to watch an adult video by her step sisters, and she gets hit by him, his wife, their kids, and his mother. What's difficult is she just blurts these things out to me and others at random times, months after they happen so I'm in shock and unsure how to handle the situations. But now I just want to put an end to all of this chaos and be able to raise my daughter without him for good. I know I can be poorly judged in here for all this, but I assure you I was trying everything in my power to be fair and not let his actions towards me interfere with their relationship. He really made no effort to spend time with her when I lived in IL, it caused a great deal of issues for her in the beginning. I am done with being nice and trying to do what's right when it's obviously only leading to wrong. EVERY summer she spends with him, something terrible happens. She nearly got her finger severed by a younger sibling holding a knife while her dad fell asleep instead of supervising them, he rushed her to the ER, charged my insurance but never told me. I found out when I picked her up and saw stitches on her finger. She's been struck by her dad with a toilet seat on the back of the head for peeing on herself, which has traumatized her. She STILL has issues with urinating, but I don't make it an issue because she gets stressed and then her eczema breaks out. We began working with a behavioral specialist just a month before she went with her dad. Right now it seems she's being turned against me, and she hardly gets to call me. Her cell phone was taken away, so she can't even call me for help. I want to press charges, I want his criminal history taken into consideration and shouldn't he be held in contempt for lying about this situation? I'm tired of the IL court system pretending to do what's best for the child when they're always doing everything BUT! They forced us into joint custody even after he begged the judge to revoke his rights, thinking he'd get out of his child support obligations. The judge ignored that! They told me if we can't come up with a visitation schedule together, then the judge would. I am here in IL trying to wrap all this up so I can go back home with my little girl and never have to deal with this again. How can I get CA to take jurisdiction of this case? I have NO lawyer, nor can I afford one and no pro bono lawyer would help me. I am getting free legal advice on how to do this on my own, but that is it. If anyone has ANY suggestions and/or advice that might be useful with my case, I would be most appreciative. I also need an attorney, but I'm sure that's a stretch.. but what do I have to lose! Right now I have to work on my notice of motion and petition to vacate his orders. I'd also like to make sure his parental rights are revoked, I do not care for child support at all. I just want to raise my little girl and keep her safe, like I was trying to do for yrs. Thank you all for your time and thoughts.
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Who has primary custody? If you do, then go to court and file contempt papers on him, that will get him into court in front of a judge. Be prepared to explain why it took 6 months to do it. Judges don't like to move kids around, so the longer she stays with him, the more likely the judge will have her stay there. Also, age of the child is a factor, you didn't state her age. EDIT: Generally, jurisdiction remains in the original state, unless BOTH parties move from the original state, then it can be transfered to the state where the kids reside. It sounds like you really need an attorney on this one.
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Does anyone know a dentist that offers payment plans in or nearby to pueblo colorado?

My husband (through no fault of his own) desperately needs to have four impacted teeth removed, however he has no dental insurance and he is a bleeder so the extraction must be performed by essentially a dental surgeon for safety reasons, which obviously is very expensive. Is anyone aware of a dentist that can do this and also offers a payment plan? Does anyone know how much the payments usually are on these types of plans for such a procedure in colorado anyway? Any help or advice, even if only loosely related, would be incredibly appreciated, I'm terrified that the infection will spread to his blood if the teeth are not removed soon, and I am at my wits end with how expensive such a procedure will be.
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I located a online list of Colorado dentists. http://www.findgooddentist.com/Colorado.… I'd try calling a few of them and see if they can assist you.
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I have a non-painful abcess...?

...and have had it for about 8/9 months, on the outside gum one of my back teeth. It's always been about the same size, 3-4mm, and fills with puss which I've been draining every three or four days or so. It isn't spreading, nor do I ever get any pain, just a tiny bit of liquid each time I get it out. It's on the side of a crown (done 3-4 years ago the last time I went to the dentist), which can't be a co-incidence, but I'm really scared of dentistry etc. I've now got my dental insurance and have booked an appointment after the insurance kicks in, but am hoping that it's just a case of antibiotics. Is this likely or will it need drilling etc? Reason for my question is out of financial as well as scared reasons!
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Antibiotics are a must. Drilling or not will depend on what is causing the abscess. Sounds like there is something under the gum that is irritating, causing it. Removing what is causing the irritation would solve the problem. EDIT: Yes, you may have to have a root canal...if it's a periapical abscess, meaning the infection is at the tip of the root. If it's a periodontal abscess then no root canal, the infection is in a pocket between the gum and the tooth. If a root canal is necessary the it will take two or three visits on average, more if the infection takes longer to get rid of or if any of the canals (molar) are not straight. If the tooth is already crowned you will NOT have to have the crown removed. An opening will be made in the top of the crown, the root canal done, and the opening sealed. I've had two done this way.
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What salary should I ask for? Account Executive?

I am applying for an account executive job at this firm www.gcmicro.com We believe our team is our most valuable asset. We offer an exceptional sales training program and a very generous compensation plan that includes a base salary, very competitive commission structure and a bonus plan. Our incentive programs include monthly dinners and quarterly trips. We also offer paid medical insurance, dental insurance, paid vacations, holidays, and personal days. Basically they sell computer equipment to the government. They say they offer 36,000 - 60,000 as a base salary depending on experience. I have 3.5 years of sales experience, a degree, and 6 years total work experience, what salary do you think would be appropriate? I told the person on the telephone I wanted 50 - 60k and he asked me if I was flexible.
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I usually take whatever my last or current salary was and add about 2-5% as a raise when providing a desired salary range to a prospective employer. As someone who is responsible for hiring, I can say my company never hires someone in at the top of the salary range.
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Help...part time job? for a little?

I have around 8 cavities...and I'm 17 I blame myself..since i used to eat candy a lot...I barely eat anymore candy...maybe non on some weeks....the problem is my parents dont have dental insurance only health insurance....I'm looking to find a part time job around april and may only to work for 2 months get the money and quit? since i need to do better in school then. I can keep my grades up and still pass if i start failing... I dont know were to work I'm 17 and have to discuss it with my parents if they would let me... i need a part time for like 4 hours maybe from 4pm to 8pm... i dont wanna start working now since volleyball is coming! I am trying to make atleast $3000-$4000 dollars.. I was thinking of getting a job at one source? my mom works there on her spare time its $7 an hour i think? and she works there for 4 hours since she works in a hospital as a nurse..should i work at one source with my mom? she can pick me up after school or at home she comes home always at 4pm...and comes back 8pm would this be a good job to start off? and still do school.. since i really need the money but only work for 2 months and quit...and continue with school. onesource is a place were you clean offices...im not sure if they accept me if im 17 years old. how many days would i have to work? or weeks/months to earn $35000 to $4000 im going to try start march and work until end of april? how much money would I make? if i work for 2 months work 4 hours each day mon-friday and maybe saturday but not sunday... $7 an hour... i dont got much anything to do after school but girlfriend and volleyball coming up.. there is jackinbox...all kinds of restaurants by me but i don't like working in restaurants..
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Jobs are scarce. You'd be lucky to get a job at a fast food place right at the moment. And as far as working two months, four hours a day. you're probably not going to make your goal. Things come up. You'll need a day off. If you need a job badly enough, you'll sacrifice your dignity and take whatever you're offered.
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Why did thousands of uninsured workers line up at LA free clinic forum?

I thought Everyone is insured under the free market? One volunteer dentist who spoke to the local media said that conditions in Los Angeles were worse than in Brazil, where he has done equivalent charity work. "They have a nice system of public hospitals and clinics," he said, referring to Brazil. A volunteer doctor, when asked about the difference between Third World conditions and those in Los Angeles, responded, "Here the people speak English." According to local press accounts, among those seeking help at the clinic were: • A homeless man who camped outside in order to get glasses • An unemployed grocery clerk needing a root canal • A laid-off auto mechanic with back pain • A laid-off office worker uninsured for two years • A cancer patient who had exhausted her benefits under her HMO plan • A community college student with sinus problems and blurred vision • A laid-off security guard who needed glasses • An unemployed grocery clerk with a toothache • A woman whose children are covered under the state Medi-Cal plan but lacks insurance for herself • A county government worker whose dental insurance deductibles were too high to afford treatment for her husband and three-year-old daughter • A retired welder who lost his coverage while he was in the middle of getting dentures • A couple, both employed, who between them needed dentures, a general physical, a breast exam and a pap smear • A diabetic amputee who could not afford to buy needed drugs • A retiree needing an X-ray for a lung problem • A 70-year-old Vietnam vet who put off a root canal for two years because the VA hospital was overwhelmed with more urgent cases • A 63-year-old woman who received her first new pair of glasses in five years • A 46-year-old woman who had an abnormal pap smear last year but was unable to follow up because Medi-Cal denied her coverage.
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there were plenty that had jobs and insurance.
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HELP! What is the problem here? It's no longer working?

Back in June, I found out that my wisdom teeth needed to come out. I don't have any dental insurance, and pay for all my dental work, out of my own pocket. The estimate for having my four wisdom teeth removed (all are impacted), is a little over $3,000, and i'm saving up to get the money to get the work done. My problem is, i've been taking Motrin to help get rid of the pain because it's the only thing that helps. I know you're not supposed to take it for a prolonged period of time, but i've been taking it since the Summer, and now, i'm finding that it doesn't do anything for my toothaches anymore. What could be the problem? What medicine would I need to switch to? With the new semester beginning I cannot afford to be in pain all the time. Please advise!
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ask your doctor.
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Can anyone recomend a good dentist in the Smyrna/Vinings area of GA?

Affordabilty is ket too. I do not have dental insurance. If anyone can recommend a good dental plan, that would be helpful too.
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Try eHealthPlus. Make sure you have providers close by in your area- search by zip code.
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Toothache: Cavity or sinus infection?

How do I know the difference, as in how do I know if my toothache is something dental related, such as a cavity, or if it is a sinus infection causing the toothache? BTW it is on my right side, second to last molar on the top. PS. I have no medical or dental insurance and hardly any money, so I need to decide whether I should visit a dentist or a doctor first.
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When you are having the toothache, take a decongestant like Sudafed, and see if it doesn't help, if it makes the headache better then it's your sinuses. If it doesn't go away then its a tooth problem Don't take anything else while you are doing the test (like asprin)
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Tooth Ache- What gives?

For the past week or so I felt like I had something stuck between my back two bottom teeth. I flossed and such carefully to no avail. It's hurting all the way into my jaw quite a bit now. What is going on? I don't have dental insurance till Nov 1 so I was thinking of going to an emergent medical center to get pain meds till then? No odor, no blood, etc. I brush 2x a day, and use mouthwash, floss regularly but not daily and have regular dental care up to the last 3 months or so.
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There could easily be something wedged between your gum and tooth. Had it once. Got a magnifying mirror and a needle and gripped it w/the needle and slid it right out. Try it. That is probably what it is, could cause an infection. When you flossed so much, you could have shoved it below the gum line, therefore you wouldn't see it or be able to get it. Hope that is what it is. If you would get some oil of cloves at grocery or pharmacy and put that on that spot w/q tip....it will ease the pain. Good luck.
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I have a hole in my tooth!?

I have had this hole in my tooth for a few years now. It is not a cavity. It's not black or deformed in any way but it is deffinitly huge and goes into the middle of it where the pink part is. The rest of my teeth are fine. I guess i chipped it some how. I just noticed it one day and never really thought about fixing it. Now I want to fix it because it is gradually getting bigger. Here is the issues though. 1. I have no dental insurance. I am on SSI and Disability with medicaid and medicare but neither pay for dental. And I dont have the cash to just walk in and get this fixed. 2. Last time I went and had my teeth cleaned was quite a few years ago and the scraped my teeth and she cut into my gums. There was blood everywhere and i hurt for a week. I don't think that was a normal cleaning but they said it was. Now i'm scared to go back cuz they might do it again. :(
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So what is the question? You need to get it fixed and what happened a few years ago with the cleaning is irrelevant. You will need to have this tooth repaired or it will get worse and you will lose it. You might have to have it crowned and this could be expensive. Perhaps a payment plan or care credit could be used to help you manage the payments. Good luck.
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Can a family doctor diaganose and treat gum problems?

Can you go to your family doctor for a problem related to your gums? I have had swelling on one small area of my gums between two molars for over a year. My dentist has seen this swelling two times now but hasn't been too concerned. Most recently he saw it in Nov. 2009 and now the swelling seems to be increased slightly. It doesn't hurt at all but I can see and feel with my tongue that it is swollen. Anyway, I don't have dental insurance but I do have health insurance. So will a family doctor be able to diagnose and treat whatever problem I have? I just don't want to spend 100's of dollars at the dentist for an exam, x-rays, etc. for him to say "keep an eye on it" again!
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Your MD will not be able to diagnose and treat this problem (if there is one). If you think your dentist is missing something, you should see another dentist for a second opinion. Good luck.
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Causes for bad/breaking teeth?

Okay so since I was little, I have always had bad teeth. I went to the dentist every six months, brushed, flossed got fluoride but I always had cavities. Since I have become an adult, I have had major problems particularly that my teeth keep breaking. And it isn't like I am gnawing on a bone or something; they have broken on things like a hamburger or chicken breast. This week I had the cap break in half on one of my teeth that had broken years earlier on cereal (CEREAL!!!). Now I have to have a new cap on it and a root canal. I have had many other root canals, an apicoectomy, two abscessed teeth where I had to have a second root canals...the list goes on and on! I read on one post here that there may be some kind of disease that causes weak teeth...anyone knows the name of this disease or any other suggestions as to my dental woes? As dental insurance SUCKS, it seems like I may have to take out a second loan on my house to pay for this so any info would help.
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The problems your having can be due to anyone of a number of issues or a combination of some. First, if your a Diabetic that could explain the problems your dealing with. Second, it could also be an issue of medication your mom took while carrying you. If she took any of the "Myicins" during that time frame it could explain your tooth issues. Some children after birth developed teeth without enamel due to Mom taking a Myicin type medication. Also, if you are chronically depleted of the proper amount of calcium in your body, that can be an issue. First, you need to see an MD and get a complete blood scan. You specifically want to check on blood sugar and calcium issues. Please do this ASAP....
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Wisdom teeth removal anesthesia costs?

So I might be having wisdom teeth out. I'm 21 and don't have dental insurance. I am having a consultation and can ask the dentist on tuesday but I was wondering if anyone knew what the cost difference is between local and general anesthesia. The idea of seeing what is going on is kinda sickening. I am borrowing money from someone to get this done, however, and I can't afford to have to pay back but so much. I'm in agony some days though. I can feel the outlines of the teeth under my gums. One point seems to be trying to peek through. I have no idea if they are impacted or not I just know I've been feeling constant pressure, ocasional horrid pain in my jaw and behind my ears. Let me know any comments u guys have. My main question is I need to figure out local or general anesthesia... costs associated (since I have no insurance) and whether dealing with the weirdness of seeing it is worth the cost difference.
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It's well worth the extra money for a general anaesthetic. When I had mine out it cost about $100 extra but it varies from office to office. Just ask him at the consultation.
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Please give me your advice, Thanks!!!?

I have been working at a small company more than 3 months, but my employer haven't give me medical/dental insurance yet. I have asked many times but my employer comes up with different reasons any time I ask. My health isn't good but I don't have medical insurance to go to doctor. What should I do? If I am suddently sick or have to go to emergency, who would be responsible for my hopital' costs? My spouse has a job, but her income isn't even high enough to spend for our expenses. Please give me your advice to my questions. Thank you very much.
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Go talk to a lawyer. Usually, the 1st consultation is free. Your lawyer can tell you steps to take to insure you get your benefits. In the meantime, start saving up some cash, just in case you end up having to hire the lawyer.
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Abused by Dentist. Can I pick up my partial without seeing him?

A tooth on my existing partial broke off and I had asked my dentist to make me a new one. I stated that I again, wanted a Valplast partial. He took the imprint and sent it out. It came back a week or so ago and I went to the office to pick it up. It wasn't what I had expected. The teeth were small and discolored and it was set on a metal plate. I thought it was me so I had tried to live with it but the discomfort became unbearable. I developed sores on the inside of my mouth and the teeth looked awful. I tried to like them but friends and coworkers looked at me and their look spoke a thousand words- it looked awful. I called the office and went back. The dentist who was once so very kind was furious as I sat in the chair crying trying to explain why I didn't like the partial. I showed him the sores on the inside of my mouth and he stormed out of the room. He caused a big scene and fellow patients came to have a look. He kept saying he wanted to retire. I did nothing. I just said there, I couldn't believe this was happening. I wasn't hysterical when I came in so don't get the wrong impression. I cried in pain. I'm a Psychiatric Tech. and I know how to handle myself-- which I could say the same for others. He told me "Oh great! Now I have to pay for this!" He tried to force it into my mouth. He tried to force me into keeping it as a supposed "spare" but I said no. His dental hygienist was kind. She agreed the partial did not look right and said I had every right to voice my opinion. Another came in and tried to cheer me up. I left. He did the impression and I now I am waiting on my new partial... I am really very fearful of going back. I don't want to be subjected to his abuse. He already charged my dental insurance company and I will be making a payment arrangement to pay off the remainder. Can I request that I pick up the teeth without seeing him? What do I do?
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You can refuse to accept the denture and inform your insurance company so that you do not get charged. Then go see another dentist for a valplast denture.
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Oral swelling developed during pregnancy that has still not subsided.?

Hello, I had gum swelling during last trimester of my pregnancy that i believed would go away after delivery. It's three months past my delivery and i still have this. I believe it's called Pyogenic Granuloma. It's not hurting or bleeding but i would like to have it removed as i'm not able to brush the tooth that it covers properly, and i don't want other issues arising from it. With an infant at home and no dental insurance i'm worried how much this may cost. Can anyone, who has an idea regarding dental fees advice me on how much this may cost to have it surgically removed. Appreciate all your suggestions and feedback.
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See a dentist, it may need to be cut away
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Need a root canal ... :(?

Hey so I'm pretty sure I need a root canal. My one tooth now has been hurting for five continuous day. Just this constant ache that shoots right up to my head. Needless to say I've been taking advil throughout the day. I'm pretty sure it needs a root canal because it's been a while since I've been to the dentist and this tooth has had days in the past where it has hurt. (You know the cycle). I don't have dental insurance and I can't afford right now to pay out of pocket. Anyone have any short term remedies that can help with the pain? I know what some of you are going to say .. just go get it done. I'm really trying to hold out because I have several job apps out there and if I can get one of these jobs I would likely have insurance in a few months Thanks
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The prices at dental schools are way, way lower than at professional practices, and even if the nearest one is four hours away it's still worth the drive. You didn't say where you were, but Googling "dental school" and your area should put you on the right track. Their waiting lists tend to be very long, so in the meantime get to a regular dentist to get a professional opinion on the situation and how much time you can buy. A constant pain *might* indicate an infection, and if you can get some painkillers and antibiotics it will bring you some relief while you sort out the money situation. An emergency assessment usually only involves one or two x-rays of the affected area, some tapping and prodding, and then they let you go. Should only be $100 or $150 and take less than an hour. Then you'll know what's going on and what your next steps are. Good luck, both with the tooth and the job hunt. Both are killer when they go wrong.
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What do I do to fix my teeth? Pic?

I hate my teeth... my parents never really cared for my dental when I was younger.... I have a good job now just out of HS and getting my dental insurance in a little bit... Can my teeth really be fixed? My tooth next to my front tooth to the right is so small... can they build a tooth up kinda like if you chip your tooth rebuild it and then do braces? I am willing to pay for everything.. LOL I am just done with bad teeth, when I meet people i hate talking.... :( http://s329.photobucket.com/albums/l396/… thanks and do you guys have a price range to fix my teeth
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I am going to assume you are speaking of the spacing of your teeth when asking your question. If you are referring to something else, please revise your question to be more specific. That open space in between your maxillary central incisors (two front upper teeth) is called a diastema. To close this diastema (space) in between your two front teeth will more than likely require orthodontics. While you might have not been fortunate enough to see a dentist regularly when you were younger, you are fortunate to have options with orthodontics. Traditionally, braces (made of metal brackets and wires) would be used to close this space. However, you might be a candidate for invisalign (http://www.invisalign.com/) in order to close that space. Only your dentist/orthodontist can tell you what specific procedures can be performed in order to close your diastema. Keep in mind that your dentist will demand that you maintain a high level of oral hygiene while going through orthodontic treatment in order to have a favorable outcome. (So, in effect, brush your teeth! :) ) Also, other more urgent dental needs (such as cavities and gum disease) may have to be addressed first before closing that diastema. As far as cost goes, this can highly vary. I am not familiar with what type of dental insurance you have, nor its benefits, but traditional orthodontics can range from $2,000-$5,000+. The dentist you select should be able to provide you with further information regarding the procedures available for you.
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At a job interview I was asked what salary I was looking for before I knew what the benefits were.?

I told the interviewer a low end expectation and when I found out how weak the benefits were I need to re-state my salary expectation. I need a job. I need to know when and how to re-negotiate a higher salary due to the lack of benefits that I will need to buy on my own (i.e. life insurance, dental insurance, 401k (IRA), etc.). I don't want to shoot myself in the foot but I need to be honest and get it out there before we put too much more into the hiring/interviewing.
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This is a tough spot to be in. I would recommend in the future that you ask about benefits prior to stating a salary expectation. The best bet would be to either deal with it and go with what they may offer if you need a job that badly. Or tell them you thought the benefits package would be better and your salary expectations have changed after reviewing the package. The one thing that I have learned is this - tell them what you honestly want even if you think it may be higher than they will pay. If it is more than they want to pay - they will make a counter offer. Or they may meet your salary expectations.
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How much should I be saving per month?

I am a 20yr old living in an apartment with my partner. After taxes I make about $1400/month and was wondering how much I should be saving at this point in my life. I have calculated my monthly expenses (keeping in mind entertainment/and miscellaneous purchase) to be about $900. If it helps, please see my exact budget below: Rent: $300 Cable/Internet: $75 Cellphone: $30 Auto Gas: $80 Car Insurance $60 Car Payment: $100 Groceries: $100 Health/Dental Insurance: $80 Etc: $100
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I have always tried to save a minimum of 10%. 15% or 20% is best, but not always possible. How do you spend $100 a month on food? You eat three meals a day for less than $4 a day?!?!?!?!
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