Confession Time:
I did something very UN-frugal today.
I bought a designer purse, brand new car, and a plasma TV.
Actually…
I got a ROOT CANAL!
This molar has been a thorn in my side for longer than I care to remember. The old useless filling broke while I was pregnant so it was replaced with a temporary. Last month, it finally cracked. I suffered with the mildly annoying pain until it became unbearable. Chewing was difficult, to say the least.
After avoiding the dentist as long as possible, I finally went in today. Much to my displeasure, I needed a root canal, my first ever.
This came as no surprise. I suspected after putting off this procedure as long as I possibly could that the worst was inevitable.
Although I have always been a diligent brusher, I simply dislike flossing. Terrible, I know. Embarrassing to say the least.
The cavities I have are all between my molars, precisely where floss is so effective. I have neglected this aspect of my dental hygiene {hanging my head in shame}.
Wanna know the damage?
A whopping $650! And that is after insurance. Perhaps I could have shopped around and found a better price. But I know and trust my dentist and was simply desperate for relief. Thankfully our emergency fund covered the unexpected expense.
So why am I telling you all this? Because I am positive that if I had taken better care of my teeth by flossing each night, I would not be $650 lighter in the bank account.
Good oral hygiene is not only essential, it is frugal. It is just as important as proper diet, enough sleep, and exercise.
Even the best insurance plans will not completely cover a root canal. The best way to save money on dental bills?
Floss. Enough said.
The good news? There are always coupons for dental products, including floss. No more excuses!
I totally agree on all accounts. It is the worst to pay for this kind of stuff! I have found those little floss pics (free with the coupon at Walmart) make flossing a little easier. I don’t like the gross long string of floss and this makes it really clean.
Poor thing- hope your teeth and pocketbook are feeling better soon!
Bless your heart. I know how much that hurts.
If you or your husband works at a job that has a “cafeteria” plan you can deduct the expense of the root canal and any other medical expenses you may have this year from your paycheck before tax. This works like a 401k and you have the option to deduct medical expenses before tax. Which could be a significant savings. This would be a great option if you are looking at buying braces or have surgery. Over the counter items are also deductible. There are some restrictions like you must use it or loose it and most employers have a sign up date deadlines. Just email me if you need more information or just Google “cafeteria” plan.
Thanks for your great posts. I really enjoy your site.
I have so been-there-done-that! I used to not floss. That was before spending hundreds of dollars on cavities BETWEEN my teeth. My teeth look perfect otherwise and I never got cavities any where else besides between my teeth. I have since then made flossing my 2nd religion. I floss every single night, no matter how tired or how bad I feel. When I was pregnant the last time, this was so hard. Everything made me gag and especially flossing for some reason. I just continued to floss and gag. I have not had any cavities since all the construction work on my teeth several years ago. Hope that trend continues, I have a dental appointment on Tuesday!
I, too, had a root canal right after my second child was born. Ouch! I agree flossing and VISITING your dentist is a frugal way to go.
I will pay attention and try to remember this nugget of advice and to pass it on to my daughter too. I floss when I remember to (once or twice a week, between you and me) and have so far escaped a root canal (hate the thought). Not wanting the pain comes into it more than the financial implications though – I’m in the UK and dental services are still available on the National Health Service at a much reduced rate or completely free, depending on you personal circumstances – but this is no excuse for complacency, is it?
I know someone already said this, but it bears repeating – Bless your heart!!! I’ve had one root canal, and it was so awful that it made me terrified of the dentist! I’m beginning to think that it was as much that particular dentist as it was the bad shape of my tooth.
I’m trying hard to get my 7-year-old to understand why he has to take care of his teeth!! My 2-year-old is in the “I love to brush!” stage, thankfully.
Thanks, Tonya. Actually, I have a wonderful dentist, and the pain during the procedure was very minimal! I am pretty sore today, but Tylenol is helping.
I take full responsibility for this root canal. I know I need to make my teeth a priority, but as Moms, we often put ourselves last. This was an expensive lesson learned!
Thanks for the reminder. I am also great at brushing, but I hate flossing. So far I’ve dodged the cavity bullets, but I’m sure it won’t last forever, so I’d better get back into it. My hubby flosses every night, so I just need to have him BUG me to do it–no matter how much I hate it. But you’re right, I don’t want cavities in between my teeth (where only floss reaches) or a root canal, heaven forbid!
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Unfortunately, my 3 yr old had to have a root canal and it wasn’t because a lack of tooth care. He fell into our tile floor and it chipped his tooth. Our options were to let his tooth fall out and be toothless until the adult tooth grew in (not an option in my book!) or get the root canal. Our insurance covered the procedure, but wouldn’t cover the pain medication, so we were out $500- definitely a lesson in making sure that we have some money set aside for emergencies.
I floss and rinse almost compulsively, but I definitely need a trip to the dentist. Sorry about the root canal and the lighter emergency fund. Thank goodness you had that fund – some of us aren’t so prepared.
Does anybody like to floss??? I’m waiting for them to invent some kind of machine that does it for me. $650… that’s painful.
Actually I DO like to floss. I am sure lots of people think I am weird but I HATE feeling like I have stuff in my teeth! I carry floss in my purse and would guess I probably floss 5 times a day. My dentist always says “Only floss the teeth you want to keep!”
Oh I forgot to say my husband is a floss hater and they told him to use a water pik and listerine or some other kind of mouthwash like that and swish it between his teeth.
I don’t know about that really. I’ll admit that I’m a horrible flosser and only floss when I see or feel that there is something between my teeth and I’ve never needed anything other than a standard cleaning and xrays at the dentist, not one cavity ever.
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Carrie, I think some people are just genetically blessed with good teeth. My teeth were perfect up until I started having kids. Something about pregnancy is really hard on my gums.
Most dentists will tell you that flossing is the best way to prevent cavities.
Ugh. I didn’t have a cavity until I went to college. I didn’t eat sweets and I still brushed.
My problem? I stopped flossing faithfully.
Now being a mom, I rarely floss, but I think I’m going to start again ASAP!
Fabulous post, friend! 🙂
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Just obtained my first cavity. Rather harmful. I desire a perfect teeth. Seeking more selections. Many thanks for the write-up
Helpful tips and guide that everyone can follow through for their kids dental care needs. Thanks for sharing.
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