Back in 2011, my upper left molar lost a filling. Without insurance, the cost of replacing it was nearly $2000. Working for the Park Service at $15,000 a year, plus paying for graduate school, I couldn't afford the procedure. So I deferred - hoping I'd save enough money.
nebulous
Tarannus
Tarannus
In 2014, I went to see the dentist (for the first time since I was kicked off my parent's insurance in 2010). By that time, the decay had dropped into my jaw (although I didn't know it). Instead of getting the tooth fixed, I had to go in for surgery to remove a tumor on my left salivary gland. In retrospect, I firmly believe it was due to this tooth. That procedure cost me $20,000.
Tarannus
This morning, I started what will be a 4 month-long series of procedures. All seven of my remaining molars will need porcelain crowns due to cracking, and my broken tooth was removed. With insurance, it cost less than $300. It took the dentist 25 seconds to remove it. Here is what 10 years of uninsured life looks like:
PilotBland
you just make me wanna move out of the us