THE TOOTH OF THE MATTER

I need to vent a little more about my tooth. I've already bugged everyone that even reads my blog about this but I guess I need to see it in print. So sit back, be ready to be bored!
So last August (not even a year ago yet!) I had to have a root canal on my bottom tooth. The tooth was so infected that a regular dentist could not do it (I wonder) so I HAD to see a endodontist. (Dr. Nally-Thornblade snob). So $940.00 later (after insurance mind you) my tooth can NOT be saved!!!! This all started back in June when we were in Ohio & my tooth really started hurting. I had been eating like an uncaged animal so I didn't think too much of it but on the last day of our trip in Columbus I wake up & my tooth was loose!! A week later I'm at the dentist & he told me the tooth has to be pulled: failed root canal. Ummmm.......do I get ANY money back??? Nah, ofcourse not. This dentist (Dr. Gray-super nice) had nothing to do with it, didn't see him last year. Now, this was the 26th of June. Jeff's insurance changed on June 30th. Bye Metlife, hello BAD insurance. And as my life would have it, Dr. Gray is not in our network.
Let me introduce you to Dr. Scott Rhoden: slim build, about 5'8, mid 40's, dentist with PERFECT teeth who likes to make middle aged women feel like CRAP.
The first thing he says to me is: "have you ever thought about wearing braces?" I stared at this _______ & realizing my eyebrows were also in need of a good waxing said "uh, wore them for 6 years!!!! Not to mention a retainer for another 2. I made it clear to him I was done with braces & a few gaps in my mouth do not bother me. If anyone will get braces it will be Haleigh & Jack. So I told him I was fine getting a partial (cheapest option when having a tooth pulled) & he said I would not be happy with it & if I like smiling & want a good quality of life I would get an implant. An implant: titanium rod is drilled into the gum, yet it is permanent & it looks like a real tooth. Partial: metal that sits in my mouth with a fake tooth but resembles a real tooth. Cost of an implant: $5000.00 (after insurance) Cost of partial: $800.00 (ditto). Now I should add that my father has a partial & DOES NOT WEAR IT! He hates it. Hurts his mouth, makes him talk funny, get the idea. So my options are just fantastic. I have a father who I admire because he can take just about any situation & he can't even stand wearing a partial!! So how bored are you???
I'd love any input on this ( I've gotten great advice from Sharon already) & i should add I feel guilty this eating away at me because I just made a meal for a mother of 2 who is in stage 4 of lymphona. I'm pitiful I know. Her name is Judy McCallion, her daughters are Lizzie & Erin (ages 10& 2). Her daughter was baptized the same day as Jack. She was a builder & she rode her bike 28 miles a day!!! She is from Maryland & she battling cancer when she should be anticipating preschool & preteen years with her daughters. My dad says maybe God gave her cancer so it will save her from going to hell. Sorry, not good enough for me. Tell that to her kids. I do try & remember that God has a plan & He does what is best, I believe that & try to respect that. Just don't tell that to her kids, they just want their Mom. Well, this was fun! Hopefully my next blog will be with pics from our digital camera. :)