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XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 12:31 PM Feb 2024

Input

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Input
In the end, only I can make this decision.
My TMJ was asymptomatic for yrs. About 8 mos ago, my left jaw popped. I went to a TMJ specialist. I'm not in pain. I paid $6700 for a day/night splints, which helped.

I asked for a treatment plan. Had an in-person consult. I thought phase 2 treatment would just be building up bottom back crowns. Now, after calling them to explain the plan, thetes talk of potential veneers, which cover my natural teeth and may involve grinding them. I am not only worried about the 32k proice, but don't want my teeth covered in veneers. I simply cannot just spend money like water.

I've just made an appointment for a 2nd opinion. I'm at a loss. I'm so stressed and depressed about this. I was on the fence about getting it. When I thought it was just back bottom crowns. This is not insured, either.

19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Input (Original Post) XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 OP
get a second opinion. WhiteTara Feb 2024 #1
I trust them XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #2
Maybe after you hear what doc number two has to say. WhiteTara Feb 2024 #3
Yes XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #4
Yikes!!! WhiteTara Feb 2024 #5
My jaw is out of joint XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #6
I could be wrong WhiteTara Feb 2024 #7
I'm starting to feel the 2nd opinion XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #8
a) it's common practice and b) WhiteTara Feb 2024 #9
Yes, I told them that I won't XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #10
you are in a tough position WhiteTara Feb 2024 #11
Thanks for understanding XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #12
it's your body and life WhiteTara Feb 2024 #13
Hug XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #14
Hi XanaDUer2! limbicnuminousity Feb 2024 #16
Forget that noise limbicnuminousity Feb 2024 #15
Thank you XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #17
Sorry limbicnuminousity Feb 2024 #18
Its a very fancy office XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #19

WhiteTara

(30,223 posts)
1. get a second opinion.
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 12:49 PM
Feb 2024

I wouldn't spend that amount of money with only that guy's word.

I have a drop foot and it only affects my big toe. The first doctor wanted to remove the joint at the big toe and tie the tendon. I went to a second doctor, who diagnosed the drop foot and said all that can be done is a brace. Big difference in life value and pain, etc. for a procedure was unnecessary.

XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
2. I trust them
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 12:53 PM
Feb 2024

But hearing possible veneers spiraled me. He said worst-case-scenario is 32k. May be 25k. Still.

Yes, I made an appointment. Not sure if I should bring the first treatment plan

XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
4. Yes
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 02:14 PM
Feb 2024

Its $300 for a consult, and it sounds like they'll want tests etc, so I feel like I'm wasting more money. Super depressed and feel trapped

WhiteTara

(30,223 posts)
5. Yikes!!!
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 02:41 PM
Feb 2024

Have you ever heard of dry needling? It works to unlock muscles and it is quite effective. If you have a dentist or doctor to refer you to a physical therapy clinic that offers that, you might want to try it. I only know it has really worked for me.

XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
6. My jaw is out of joint
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 02:44 PM
Feb 2024

It mechanically has to be placed back. Thus splints and restorative dental work. But finding out I may need veneers upset me. I just don't have the money. To make this worse, bad orthodonturr and mouth guards made this worse

WhiteTara

(30,223 posts)
7. I could be wrong
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 02:47 PM
Feb 2024

but the jaw is out of place because the muscles are so taut. Releasing the muscles that surround the jaw would be helpful? But you've got this.

XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
8. I'm starting to feel the 2nd opinion
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 02:49 PM
Feb 2024

Is just a waste of money. They want my current scan from the current dentist. I don't want them knowing I'm going for a 2nd opinion

XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
10. Yes, I told them that I won't
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 03:05 PM
Feb 2024

Be able to get the original scans.
Imagine if I spend all this money and still have issues?

XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
12. Thanks for understanding
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 03:59 PM
Feb 2024

My aggressive sister does not. Weve stopped speaking over this. She told me a pillow would cure my jaw. She's an asshole I'm no contact with. My cousin thinks I'm being ripped off. This makes me doubt my judgement. I already have issues with self esteem.

limbicnuminousity

(1,409 posts)
16. Hi XanaDUer2!
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 11:44 PM
Feb 2024

Consider asking the second office "Can you tell me if your office ever requires a patient to receive cosmetic dentistry?" Maybe they'll answer that perfectly reasonable question over the phone without you having to pay for a visit. Just a thought.

limbicnuminousity

(1,409 posts)
15. Forget that noise
Tue Feb 13, 2024, 11:38 PM
Feb 2024

That's a con. Report them: https://www.ftc.gov/

And look for a different specialist if you can. This may be horribly sexist but look for a woman. Too many male doctors, dentists, shrinks, and specialists still have god complexes. Mix greed in with that and they become avaricious parasites.

XanaDUer2

(14,602 posts)
17. Thank you
Wed Feb 14, 2024, 09:33 AM
Feb 2024

I'm searching that site. Is there something there specifically for dental scams? Ty for replying.

limbicnuminousity

(1,409 posts)
18. Sorry
Wed Feb 14, 2024, 11:51 AM
Feb 2024

Unfortunately I've never gone through the process. Just been very tempted. Medical practitioners pushing unnecessary procedures is like salt in the wound.

Is there any reason at all they have for suggesting the necessity of veneers?

My ex had dental work years ago and the dentist she preferred (the only one offering nitrous) kept pushing procedures to the point it ended up costing about $1,500 per tooth (out of pocket). Veneers was one of the things they insisted on. I eventually convinced her to try a different dentist and the price dropped to ~$200 a tooth for the exact same work minus the veneers. We were insured and that was ten years ago so the situation may not compare.

It's predatory and the people who capitalize off those in need of healthcare need to smoke a turd in purgatory.

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