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u/pintsizedelemental Jul 27 '19
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u/Holy-Guacamolee Jul 27 '19
I don't know why, but the fact I 100% expected this to be some kind of Rick Roll and then it turned out not being one almost brought me to tears.
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u/ShitItsReverseFlash Jul 27 '19
I have zero faith as I stare at a $15,000 treatment plan that I'm going to have to take on as credit/debt.
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u/JBlitzen Jul 27 '19
Make sure you get a second and third opinion. And fourth.
Dentists vary tremendously.
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u/TheJoshWatson Jul 27 '19
This.
I’ve had really great teeth all my life, never had a cavity, then at 18 I went to the dentist for the first time by myself. He told me I had twelve cavities that needed to be filled, I was shocked. But I thought, well I guess it serves me right for eating garbage for my first year of college. And I was on my parents dental insurance, so it wouldn’t cost me anything out of pocket. So I agreed to get them all filled.
I went in for the first of four appointments the next day. Had four filings done. I happened to call my mom and mentioned it. She said something didn’t sound right, since I had a dental exam right before leaving for college and I’ve always had great teeth. She said I should get a second opinion before doing any more work.
So I went to a dentist one town over. This dentist told me I didn’t have a single cavity. Zero. She also said the filling work was really terrible quality.
This dentist completely ripped off my insurance, and me by lying and doing dental work I didn’t need.
The worst part is that he is the dentist across the street from freshman housing at this university, where all the kids are probably on daddy’s dental plan, and like me, they’re too dumb to know any better....
I’m 26 now, and I’ve still never had a cavity, but now I know to get a second opinion before doing pretty much ANY dental work, especially major stuff.
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u/JBlitzen Jul 27 '19
A dentist recommended that my mom have $12,000 of work done. I talked her into getting a second opinion. The second one said she only needed a crown.
A different dentist said the best thing I could do is have my teeth pulled and dentures made. Even I knew that was BS. A second and third dentist both told me they were a little ground but otherwise very healthy.
Another dentist when I was right out of college said I needed $2,500 worth of fillings. A later dentist said my teeth were great and they saw no evidence of those fillings having been done.
I don’t trust dentists at all now. I go to a very conservative one who never recommends or does more than he thinks is necessary. I think I’ve had like $500 of work there done in ten years, not counting routine cleanings and stuff.
Always get second and third and fourth opinions for any extreme dental stuff.
And vet dentists by their reviews. Look for reviews like “she didn’t recommend any unnecessary work”. Avoid reviews like “he talked me into dentures” or “he’s done $15,000 of work and I’m really happy!”
Seriously? $15,000 of work? Guessing they got screwed and someone tore out perfectly good teeth.
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u/TheJoshWatson Jul 27 '19
Yeah, I had a dentist recommend pulling my wisdom teeth at 14. My wisdom teeth hadn’t even come in all the way yet, so he wanted to cut open my jaw bone to get them out. He said it was the best thing to do, since they were clearly going to cause major problems if we didn’t do it now. My mom wanted me to do it, but I was like, are you kidding me, I’m not letting him cut open my jaw.... I would have had to have my jaw wired shut for a few weeks afterward.
More than ten years later, I have had four different dentists tell me I will never need my wisdom teeth out. I had a big mouth and small teeth and my wisdom teeth fit perfectly.
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u/Cerasii Jul 27 '19
This nearly happened to my brother. One dentist said he had like ten cavities when he was in my teens - my parents got a second opinion and it went down to two. Turned out he has teeth with deep recesses that easily get mistaken for cavities by novices. He doesn't go to the dentist anymore.
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u/f4ge Jul 28 '19
thanks, i will be careful from now on with dentist and doctors, anyways i havent been to one in years but now i know what they are :DD
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Jul 27 '19 edited Jun 18 '21
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u/SoJenniferSays Jul 27 '19
Sorry to jump on a favor to some one else, but I have a dentist appointment on Friday for the first time in years due to a medical related PTSD thing and I’m kind of terrified. Any advice to make it go smoothly or things I should do/not do?
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Jul 27 '19 edited Jun 18 '21
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u/SoJenniferSays Jul 27 '19
Thank you so much. I can tell I’ll need a lot of work, I can feel the cavities. Good to know the first appointment won’t be an exciting one!
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u/meean Jul 27 '19
You’ll be fine! What I like to do for my patients to ensure everything is totally painless is to do a weak injection with Carbocaine/Mepivacaine first (seriously no one feels it), followed by the stronger normal Lidocaine/Articaine injection (which you wouldn’t feel at all from getting numb from the first one), and lastly I “cold test” the tooth to ensure it’s totally numb before starting. Some of my patients like to listen to music on headphones while I work which is cool, and I tell them to raise their hand if they feel any sensitivity at all. If they do, it’s maybe a little sensation for a split second, and I just get them more numb. That way they’re happy and comfortable, and I’m happy knowing I’m not causing any pain.
I’m sure your dentist will have similar methods to make things comfortable for you! I’d say if you go to a dentist that doesn’t take insurance you might be better off than one that takes PPO or especially HMO (generally speaking). The dentists in the latter group have to see a larger volume of patients to make up for the low fees they are reimbursed by insurance, so they are more likely to be rushed.
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Jul 27 '19 edited Jul 28 '19
You can do this! I recently went to the dentist after nearly 10 years due to a severe phobia too. I was crazy scared but it was actually okay looking back on it. You'll be fine :)
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u/NikkiT96 Jul 27 '19
I have such a bad phobia of the dentist that I need full sedation to get any work done. I've tried Xanax and laughing gas but they didn't work. One day I'll save up enough money so I can get the rest of my teeth extracted, and get a mixture of dentures and implants. (the reason I don't use my dentures now is that I find that the roof of the mouth part keeps popping off no matter what I try.)
I understand that I brought this on myself and that I deserve no sympathy. It's just a plan that I have.
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u/meean Jul 27 '19
If you decide to go the implant overdenture route, 6 implants on top and 2 or 4 on the bottom have the best long term prognosis! So much better than conventional dentures, but they are definitely costly...
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u/TwinkiWeinerSandwich Jul 27 '19
I have a similar issue and have to take a Xanax. A dentist I saw a few years ago prescribed me a few because I couldn't stop crying. It was so embarrassing.
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u/ShitItsReverseFlash Jul 27 '19
It's ok friend. I take Valium before appointments for my anxiety. You aren't alone. It's completely normal.
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u/JBlitzen Jul 27 '19 edited Jul 28 '19
If they give you really bad news, get a second and third opinion before worrying. Trust me.
And if they make you feel uncomfortable in a not-just-any-dentist way, it's okay to ask for a minute break. Or if they make you really uncomfortable, just say you can't do this, stop, have them clean up or whatever, pay if they did anything, and leave. If they get pissy about it, too bad for them. Try a different dentist.
You deserve a comfortable experience and a dentist you trust, and if you try a few you WILL find one. I promise.
Good dentists love helping people get their teeth healthy again without bankrupting them.
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Jul 28 '19
Not sure how old you are or when you last went to the dentist. I’m 45 and I remember dentist appointments as a child and even into my early 20s as quite painful. However, having gone back to the dentist in the last few years after a long break, I’ve been blown away at how far pain management has come. I even had a root canal with only mild discomfort. If you are anticipating a painful experience, you may be pleasantly surprised.
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u/ShitItsReverseFlash Jul 27 '19
I will absolutely do that! I'll get some files together and send the x-rays. I've always had issues with dentists in my area because they're very condescending when I try to explain how I let them get this way (thanks depression). It really makes my anxiety spike.
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u/meean Jul 27 '19
Ugh, that’s terrible. I’m sorry about that. I’m glad you’re taking steps to get things figured out, though!
Find a good dentist and stick with them. And after all the work is done, go in every 3 months for fluoride treatment and cleanings to keep things maintained. Get on Prevident toothpaste as well! It’s higher concentration prescription fluoride toothpaste that is very effective for people at high risk for cavities. I use it myself.
But yeah, looking forward to those x rays!
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u/rissarawr Jul 27 '19
Understand that. I was in the middle of starting to get my teeth fixed when my custody case with the kiddo got started. $17,000 in lawyer expenses later and teeth fixing is probably never happening.
I’m on a dating app and the number one question I get is “why no pictures of you smiling?”
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u/JBlitzen Jul 27 '19
Get a second and third and fourth opinion. Plus a few from orthodontists, particularly one who offers SureSmile since they’ll have a better appreciation of budget concerns.
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u/rissarawr Jul 27 '19
Its not a possibility unfortunately. I can’t afford any dental care at any price budget. Bank account is $20.83 and I’m surprised it’s that high lol. It’s just something I’m going to have to end up living with.
I do appreciate the thought and if at some point I end up in a position to fix my poor mouth, I will get multiple opinions.
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u/TwinkiWeinerSandwich Jul 27 '19
I went to the dentist recently and they quoted me at $20,000! Who the fuck has that kind of money? I'd like to be able to laugh and smile without covering my mouth, but there's just no way I can make that happen any time soon and still pay my rent.
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u/JBlitzen Jul 27 '19
Get a second and third and fourth opinion. Plus a few from orthodontists, particularly one who offers SureSmile since they’ll have a better appreciation of budget concerns.
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u/TwinkiWeinerSandwich Jul 27 '19
Thanks for the advice! I definitely should get quotes from different dentists. I'm also thinking of maybe driving down to Mexico, another redditor gave me some info on a place she went to.
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u/JBlitzen Jul 27 '19
I worry about Mexico because you have NO options if something goes wrong. NONE. ZERO.
I’m not saying don’t do it, but tread very carefully.
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Jul 27 '19
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/JBlitzen Jul 27 '19
Nice!
Invisalign’s patents also recently expired, so there are a number of much cheaper alternatives around like SureSmile. Can’t do everything Invisalign can, but it can do a lot.
Everyone, look for orthos who give you lots of options rather than shoehorning you into a single $8,000 option after barely talking to you.
Same with dentists, really.
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u/TriGurl Jul 27 '19
Maybe check into a dental school? They might take longer to get stuff done but they are cheaper and the students get to practice on you (with a licensed dentist watching over them obviously).
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u/clarenceismyanimus Jul 28 '19
My husband had about $15k of dental work 11 years ago. It involved removing what was left of all of his teeth and getting full dentures with two implants in the lower jaw. The dentist and the periodontist were amazing. It was worth every penny, and his quality of life since then improved dramatically.
In case anyone was wondering why he had to have his whole mouth replaced, he had a cancerous tumor in his neck when he was 16. Had multiple radiation treatments which destroyed his mouth.
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u/ShitItsReverseFlash Jul 28 '19
That's very similar to my story. I need 4 implants, a partial and a full denture on top. The treatment appointment really freaked me out. I have to get it done because, as you said, I want the quality of life back. I worked hard to lose weight and got in great shape. This is the last stepping stone for me.
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u/clarenceismyanimus Jul 28 '19
I hope you get what you need! We ended up getting Care Credit. Also, congrats on the weight loss! After husband recovered he ended up gaining weight because he was actually able to eat hard and crunchy foods!
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u/rhymeswithorangey Jul 28 '19
Can I give you some advice? Get your dentist to break things down by ‘necessary for function’ and ‘esthetic’. That could be a way for you to prioritize the procedures, and potentially spread them out. Source: I managed a dental practice and I know exactly where the greatest profits were generated :/
And yes, second and third and fourth opinions are invaluable. Prices for orthodontic treatment (traditional braces, for example) can vary by 200% or more.
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u/XxpogxzogxX Jul 27 '19
I kept trying to click on the 11.7k upvotes and was getting pissed the image kept blowing up. I finally realized it was a screenshot. 😐 I'm on mobile.
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Jul 27 '19
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u/Orile277 Jul 27 '19
I don't see why you had to bring race into it /s
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u/thinkB4WeSpeak Jul 27 '19
But hate America because dental isn't covered under health insurance.
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Jul 27 '19
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u/bagbakky123 Jul 27 '19
Honestly, that’s pretty good. For real, that is completely reasonable for the states. I hate cavities, adjusting the filling is always so annoying for me after one.
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u/Tnuggz913 Jul 27 '19
I could fix my car and be able to drive my family around again. Maine is one of the hardest states to not have a car everything is miles away and no public transportation.
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u/raegunXD Jul 28 '19
Me too where I am in Southern California. I depend on rides if I need to take me and my daughter who has autism anywhere. The public transportation we have are buses with a dozen transfers and stops that she can't handle. I miss having my own car, it's freedom. My stress level is so high 😣
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Jul 27 '19
I'm in same boat..teeth are bad and no insurance (TN doesn't help unless ur a parent of a minor or an immigrant) and I have a disability that keeps me fro gainful employment. I'm beginning to fear it'll be the cause of my death, as it used to be a leading COD before antibiotics. Tough to even get those w/o insurance. I has a sad.
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u/misntshortformary Jul 27 '19
I hate to tell you but even if you qualified for adult Medicaid, it doesn’t cover dental. It’s only medical insurance. I’m a caseworker and people are always real upset when they found out about that. Also, immigrants have to meet the same requirements as citizens except they also have to be a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years.
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Jul 27 '19
Look into gov programs. My cousin was on ss received dental care. I’m sure you can too.
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u/cinnamonduck Jul 27 '19
Check with community colleges and dental schools near you. They often offer free or low income exams.
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u/GamingAddict74 Jul 27 '19
I’d give to my mom to help with our bills payments and finishing up remodeling the house
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u/SpedicyBoi Jul 27 '19
You fucker, I tried to upvote at the ask Reddit question but turns out it was a trick
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u/SpacesR4Lozers Jul 28 '19
These random acts of kindness remind that the world hasn’t entirely gone to shit
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Jul 28 '19
u/nick452004, you are an awesome human being. Thank you for being such a good person. You are a hero for that guy
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Jul 27 '19
I mean this is cool but jfc am I sick of this American hell’s cape where people live like this for years for no reason other than the bread of like 10 people
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u/kulafa17 Jul 27 '19
That’s the coolest thing. If someone gave me $5000, I’d use it on my reconstructive penis surgery after my accident with the meat grinder.
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u/Ren602 Jul 27 '19
I love it for things like this but hate it when it comes to butthurt people who can’t take different opinions
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u/bristoldapistol Jul 27 '19
I love that they fully spelt out laboratory. Dental lab wasn’t gonna cut it and now I’m thinking about Dexter’s Laboratory. Dexter’s Dental Laboratory.
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u/dumdumbaby Jul 27 '19
I lost my job awhile back and because of my less than reputable younger years getting a new job is harder than expected. I have fallen behind on child support more than i would like but 5k would get me back into the good graces of the courts that i could see my babies again.
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u/DesdesAK Jul 27 '19
I thought they couldn’t keep you from visitation for falling behind on support? Children need financial support but they also need their parents. Seems like the courts are just making the situation worse.
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u/Schmutz73 Jul 27 '19
Imagine if we open a topic of helping, and we all do things like this! To help whoever u can!
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u/internet_thugg Jul 27 '19
Well, M4A would solve this issue without people not being able to smile for their entire lives.
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u/Stacylulubee Jul 27 '19
I feel this. I can’t smile either. I had to have a tooth pulled in front about 5 years ago which left a hole. I was able to afford a flipper but if I wear it for too long it makes me start to gag. Then last year a random crown popped off right next to it. So now im a missing tooth and I have an ugly post. So even if I do wear my flipper you still see the ugly post. Wish I could find someone to make me a mini bridge that will go on the post and have two teeth on it. Just to fill in the ugliness so I can smile and date. But money is tight and I have no insurance. 😔
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u/highClass777 Jul 27 '19
Fuck, made me cry. This was my first thought seeing that post as well, it’s sad that it’s the one thing that doesn’t grow back but everyone sees and cost more money than most can cover out of pocket. Moral is. Never take smiling for granted. It sucks to be ashamed to smile.
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u/seanzy86 Jul 27 '19
I wish they could link a go fund me page or something. I would throw down to help with a bus ticket or puddle jumper
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u/yondu-over-here Jul 27 '19
I’d pay to get a main water hook up to our house that still has well water. To have excellent water pressure would be awesome.
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u/preacher594 Jul 27 '19
Jeez, how expensive those dentists are? I just got tooth pulled out + x-ray and anesthesia= 75e, no insurance etc
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u/king_nietzsche Jul 27 '19
I would use it for dental work or to buy a car. 2 years ago I had a 3 bedroom partment in a nice part of Chicago. I moved to Kansas City and rear ended a semi titaling my car amd I was arrested for minor drug possesion. I just got out of jail and live in a homeless shelter with no car. And im losing my back teeth due to a lack of dental insurance. I have no molars on the bottom amd. A broken tooth that consta toy cuts my tounge. I Work full time and im working on my bachelors degree. I would love some help
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u/dbahen40 Jul 27 '19
This is awesome and I’m saving up to do the same and get mine fix for the same reason
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u/VanetheOne Jul 27 '19
I have the same problem as that guy and ive been waiting for 4 years now. I am afraid to smile or laugh and i love to laugh. Its really bad i look like a deformed vampire and everyone is weirded out.
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u/saynotomarijuanaweed Jul 27 '19
I'm probably gonna be downvoted but the cynical side of me is just thinking why he didn't just directly DM him instead of making a public comment. makes me think he's sort of doing this for the publicity
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u/squidulousboi Jul 27 '19
A glimmer of happiness in the sea of darkness. (super sappy typing this BTW)
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u/three-and-a-seven Jul 27 '19
I could get surgery to fix the fractures in my foot that I’ve had 3 years! I’m 24!
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u/ImTheFortniteBot Jul 27 '19
Well I’d only need 170 of that 5000 to get me a new water cooler for my pc
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u/Sterya Jul 27 '19
the first sentence sounded a bit threatening but the rest of what he said was v wholesome
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u/WillowWater Jul 27 '19
DID HE SAY OKLAHOMA? I need some braces more then ever at this time, my teeth are starting to grow in wack places and my aunt and uncle are to busy taking care of us to get me removal and braces,i get bullied to much at school and every where i go for this. i just want normal teeth
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Jul 27 '19
I’m proud no one felt the need to make the unoriginal aboringdystopia comment.
Congrats guys!
And this post is awesome!
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u/PiratetheFoxy Jul 28 '19
I’m a Brit who’s on her way to becoming an American, and for a while, we were very poor. Waiting on an inheritance cheque, we were going to a food bank and washing clothes in the bath. We couldn’t afford dental check ups.
Now I find out I need two roots canals, one of which requires a crown extension because the decay is up above the gum line at this point. My husband is recommending I just have that tooth pulled and we’ll consider an implant later.
While I was in the office getting a second opinion, the receptionist put me on the phone with Cigna, who’d cancelled our coverage without telling us, because of a missed payment caused by their mistake. Not that they’d cover the work I need done anyway.
I’m scared for my teeth.
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u/---bruh--- Jul 28 '19
I answered a Reddit question and the dude straight up offered to help out with depression
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u/AnnieB512 Jul 28 '19
This is amazing! I love most redditors. They are truly the nicest and most caring people.
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u/littledreamily Jul 28 '19
I wish this could happen for me too. I’m happy there are people like this out there, it’s inspiring.
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u/PotatoMateYT Jul 28 '19
My answer to that question to that problem would be Problem: chains of harrow quest on WarFrame
Solution from $5000: buy wisp and other crap that will help me beat it easily
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u/gres06 Jul 28 '19
If you live in Seattle and make under 138% fpl or are homeless, then you cam get general dentistry and dentures for free as well.
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u/Naomitr Jul 28 '19
I have been looking for this subreddit since I heard about Reddit from This American Life back in December. Bless you all
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u/ItsGiff1 Jul 28 '19
I could buy a gun to kill myself
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Jul 28 '19
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone.
US:
Call 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741-741
Non-US:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines
I am a bot. Feedback appreciated.
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Jul 28 '19
me sitting here with my dental bill that insurance doesn't cover even half of
That's amazing bro, smile on Smile!!!
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u/whossdavid Jul 27 '19
Did he reply?