I take good care of my teeth; so much so that my dentist, Dr. Barbara Lynch (Cross River, N.Y.), said I get an A+. Despite all the flossing (with both floss and little brushes); brushing with an electric toothbrush (after most meals); rinsing with anticavity fluoride mouthwash, and occasionally, the Waterpik, I still lost a tooth. Disturbing, not just because I am now a tooth short, but it’s yet another sign of aging that can’t be ignored.
How it happened, I’m not sure, but I woke up in the night a couple months ago and my tooth was aching. I think that I was probably grinding my teeth. In any case, it turned out to be a cracked tooth. It had both silver filling and bonding, so it probably was weak to start.
I was upset, but because I have dental insurance, it was not about the money. I have mentioned this insurance to friends, and most either don’t have it or think it’s not worth it. So I thought, yes, good info to share here.
Dental work can be pricey: a simple extraction with Novocain without insurance is in the neighborhood of $600. Insurance is about $50 a month.
Dr. Lynch has been my dentist since the kids were little, so it’s a long time. In my opinion, she is the best (patient, gentle, kind and experienced), and she participates in my Delta Dental insurance plan. I made the appointment.
She confirmed it: something was up with the No. 2 tooth, the back molar in upper right quadrant. An X-ray didn’t reveal anything, so she referred me to Dr. Sarina Reddy, an endodontist in Valhalla, for further testing.
She also participates in my plan. At that point, I started using Sensodyne toothpaste every day, and believe it or not, the pain subsided almost completely.
My appointment with Dr. Reddy was a few weeks later, and by then the Sensodyne effect had worn off.
My consultation with her resulted in this recommendation:
The tooth was completely fractured and could not be saved. This was determined with the use of a dental microscope, a new one to me.
I had hoped it would be a root canal and cap (crown), but no, that was not an option. I will say that although Dr. Reddy did not perform any procedures aside from examination, I would not hesitate to see her again if I needed to. She was professional, patient (I was a ball of nerves) and prompt. Her staff made it easy to schedule, to check in and check out.
Following her instructions, I made an appointment with Dr. Steven Smullin in Ridgefield, Conn., who was recommended by Dr. Lynch and Dr. Reddy.
Dr. Smullin holds both a medical and dental degree. Qualified, easy manner, friendly, funny. What more can you ask for? At the time, he was participating in my plan, but since then, sadly, he is not.
There was no need for a consultation because Dr. Reddy had made the assessment. There was no need for more X-rays since Dr. Lynch had sent him the one she took.
The appointment was for 1:30 p.m. and the assistant settled me in right on time. Dr. Smullin came in at 1:40 and did his evaluation. (I was checking the clock.. anxiety!!). After a little chit chat, he started with the numbing; it was slow since he did it in stages, and I felt only the tiniest pinch at the very beginning. At 2, he started the extraction and by 2:10 it was done.
I was joyous! The actual extraction took about 10 minutes! I expected a long ordeal. I was blessedly happy.
“That was amazing! We’re done? It was nearly painless! How’d you do that so fast?” I said, my mouth packed full of gauze.
His answer with a smile: “Well, you know this isn’t the first time I’ve done this.”
I asked if it was easier because the tooth was cracked, and he replied that sometimes that could actually make it harder, but you can’t really tell ahead of time.
By 2:25 I was back in my car greatly relieved.
There were no complications.
We had discussed implants, and he agreed with Dr. Reddy that a wait-and-see period was fine. This was a back molar and not visible. Only if the teeth begin to shift would I need to do that. Fingers crossed.
So, aside from my recommendations on these dental professionals, this leads me to my experience with dental insurance. I believe it’s worth it.
I pay Delta Dental $53 a month, though it’s going up to $58 in October. That includes nearly complete payment for two cleanings a year, which alone is worth it.
The consultation with Dr. Reddy was covered.
My portion of Dr. Smullin’s bill came to $167.
Why would I not pay for dental insurance? The only thing I’m sad about is Dr. Smullin leaving the plan. But the assistants explained that they would still process claims, although the patient has to pay up front, and then be reimbursed after insurance pays.
Whatever the case, I’m hoping I won’t need any dental work soon, but I’d rather have insurance and not need it than not have it and pay full price.
Phew, Debra. dental insurance is a good investment.