I am going to start out by saying that I do understand that this really is a minor set back for us. I also know and are praying for several families that have much more serious health issues to face but at the same time this is huge for a 3-year-old and quite a bit for his parent to deal with at the same time. I could not even get this out yesterday but today I am feeling much less overwhelmed and more of God’s in control. Finally at the suggestion of the dentist, we are limiting the discussion regarding this around the younger gang, instead it is planned as a dentist visit for Zach at the hospital. Feel free to comment or call with question but also understand the need for us to keep this as low-key as possible around the 3 younger kids.
Zach at the coolest dentist office I have ever seen!
The very last day of January, we had 5 dentist appointments scheduled. This would be Zach’s first appointment as our dentist refused to see him prior to age 3. The hygenist took one look at him and spoke with the dentist who referred us to a Pediatric Dentist. So yesterday 2/21, Zach and I head to his new first dentist appointment. First, I am informed that he has “Enamel Hypoplasis” This is a condition were for either genetic or environmental reason the enamel does not form or only forms a little over teeth. Zach currently has 2 teeth that are severely decayed to the point that they may possibly not be able to be saved, 2 teeth are decayed and need immediate attention, 2 teeth that have cavities and 2 teeth that need silver caps to keep them working until he is 10-12 year old. After some discussion, it was decided that the best way to take care of this woudl be a 2 plus hour dental surgery as an outpatient at a hospital. The good news is that the surgery is schedule for Thursday March 28th, I will already be off work. Zach should be back to his normal self by Friday, in time for Easter!
After scheduling the surgery, pre-op appointments and post op appointments, the financial impact starts to take over. We had chosed to lower our dental insurance this year because of the significant decrease of cost and at the time the decision was made no thoughts of this type of situation entered my head. So after my dental insurance covers the dental aspect of the surgery, we are expected to pay $1900. I emptied my med flex saving account for the year and pulled the rest from our Emergency Fund. I am expected to also have to cover part of an anthesologist bill and the actual charge for the surgery room from the hosptial. The estimate I was given was $3000 out of pocket. We should be able to cover all ths with our Emergency Fund as well as moving money from our travel fund so at least, we can proceed with the scheduled surgery date.