For two years, she had been having health problems, constantly diagnosed as 'sinus infections' by her doctor. Antibiotics were prescribed, but within a few weeks of finishing the prescription, she would be once more feeling ill. A few months ago she was experiencing arm and leg pains, burning, etcetera in her extremities, constant low grade fevers, swelling at the base of her skull and in the neck lymph node, causing neck pain.
She endured a series of medical tests, trying to discover what was wrong. No firm diagnosis, merely 'some infection', was stated as cause of her problems. Then, she realized her last upper jaw tooth, on the left seemed very loose, and the gumline from that tooth to past the next one was tight, funny feeling and looking, but no pain. When she mentioned this to her sister, she was asked is she'd been to the dentist lately, and she said no, not for almost five years.
She called her doctor, and asked him if maybe, her teeth could be causing her health problems. She was then asked when she had last seen a dentist, and once she answered five years, it was suggested she see one immediately.
She did, and discovered those two upper jaw teeth were completely, deeply infected, the roots, the gumline, and from x-rays, it was evident the infection was in her facial sinus cavities. Immediate extraction was necessary for both teeth, and she was referred to an oral surgeon. Out of pocket cost of the procedure was approximately $1,000.00. With the teeth extracted, and following a mega course of antibiotics to rid her body of the long-term infection she had been suffering, this woman is now free from the 'sick' symptoms she had experienced for so long.
One of the most frequently asked questions concerning Medicare:
Does Medicare pay for dental services?
'Medicare does not cover routine dental care or most dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings or tooth extractions or dentures. There are rare cases in which Medicare Part B will pay for certain dental services. In addition, there are some situations in which Medicare Part A will pay for certain dental services delivered on an inpatient basis. You should contact your local Carrier for more information.'
Frequently Asked Questions - Medicare
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Oral Health for Older Americans
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The below article is another one that gives an honest overview of the dental crisis for older Americans:
DENTAL CARE DILEMMA
'For a lot of seniors mouth problems become so pronounced that it makes more sense to simply have the teeth extracted and to get dentures.
"They find out how much it is going to cost to restore the teeth they've got, and it's too cost-prohibitive," said Dr. Scot Brewer, 46, of Champaign-Urbana Denture Services in an interview. "You could spend five to ten thousand dollars on your mouth without batting an eye, with crowns and root canals, and all that fancy stuff."
Brewer mentioned that because many seniors do not have dental insurance, they cannot afford most dentists' prices. The average cost of a denture at a regular dentist is $1,200 a plate, and $2,400 for the set.'--excerpt from Dental Care Dilemma by Kelly Retan
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While we loudly demand that something be done as to the rising cost of health insurance, while we shake our heads in dismay at the number of Americans, of all ages, who have no health care, let us not forget to voice our concerns about our American system of Dental care and coverage.
---Jeannine Schenewerk
In Touch With Jeannine
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