Dental Problems!

[judyfu]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum, I love how everyone tries to help each other. So, I am hoping you can try to do the same for me!
I have recently found out from my dentist that due to Sjogrens my teeth are at the point that they can no longer be saved. So, it's time for dentures. Because of my age, my dentist is recommending permanent dentures (which I would like as well), however, I am HIGHLY allergic to the resin based material that is used in the process of making them, (really?).
Bottom line is now I have to go with a Zircon denture that is way more expensive than that of the regular denture.
I do have dental insurance but that will only cover a small portion. I have spent thousands of dollars to try and save my teeth in the last couple of years and I can't afford to do this all at once. Does anyone know of any type of group or organization that helps in this situation?
I have letters from my rheumy, dentist, allergist etc. to submit to medical insurance to see if they will help because this is due to a medical issue.
Any additional information will be greatly appreciated, thanks so much for your help!
Judy
PS-Before I knew I had Sjogrens My DDS referred me to my medical Dr. for blood work. Due to sudden change in my dental history he thought I may have Sjogrens. If it weren't for him I still may not have been diagnosed!

[Joe S.]

First let me welcome You. Have you given any thought to Medical tourism? Sometimes insurance will cover it if it is recommended by your doctor and done in a hospital.

While I am glad that you found us, I do not like it that anyone else should have to deal with this health challenge. I am more frustrated when I see younger people with this illness understanding that there is so little that is being done to help us. I believe that the medical model for Auto Immune disease is wrong. I use alternative therapy because of bad reactions to Plaq and MTX.

Sjogrens: Dry eyes, dry sinuses, dry mouth, dry skin, and dry bum.

You may or may not be faced with other health challenges related to this disease that the doctors do not tell you about. Auto Immune (AI) diseases love to bring their friends. If you have one, eventually you will have more than one.

I like also suggest that people with AI diseases read Spoon Theory on the web. It helps to explain how our lives have changed and helps us understand how we can manage the changes to our lives.
http://butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf

1. Do not Panic: Anxiety can make your symptoms worse. I suggest that you read and practice the exercises in the book Feeling Good by David Burns. The book is on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). It has information on dealing with depression, grief and other mental health issues that you may face in living and managing this disease.

2. Breathe: For as long as you live always remember to breath. When we are in pain, our muscles go into a splinting action. I know that it is hard but we must remember to breathe through the pain.

3. Meditate: Meditation can help you deal with pain and symptoms. When you can do it for 15 minutes you will be at that stage. Here is a very easy meditation technique that will help you as it has helped me. Find a safe comfortable position and close your eyes. With your eyes closed, look to the top of your forehead. As you breathe in, think I am as you breathe out, think calm. Repeat as needed. Meditation can be as good as sleep.

With Sjogrens we tend to have a lot of infections so wear your polar fleece mumps scarf to bed. This will help your body to fight these infections. This link will help with the gland issues: http://www.chakraforce.com/Tonations.html#228.

Omega3, D3, C, Multivitamin, Probiotics seem to provide general support to our bodies when we are facing AI diseases. I like to add an 8oz glass of carrot juice every day to help my body generate endorphins.

I take what I call the Fabulous Five supplements and I wish I had known about them when I got my first AI disease. They are Alpha or R Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Biotin, PQQ, and Co-Q10. As with any drug or supplement, do your own research and consult with your healthcare professional.

Sip-Swish-Swallow are the three Ss of Sjogrens.

[lighthouse33]

I did some research on the Internet, here is what I came up with:

Dentures Financing

If you are considering dentures as a solution to missing teeth, the first step is to consult your dentist to determine the type of dentures you need and how much they will cost. Next, you may wish to ask your dentist what financing options he or she offers. In addition to offering financing plans specific to his or her office, your dentist may be affiliated with CareCredit?. CareCredit? operates much like a credit card. Once your application is approved, you may receive a credit line up to $25,000 to help pay for the cost of your dental treatment. A CareCredit? card offers you the freedom to select the type of dentures that suit your individual needs, and you don't have to feel restricted by what your insurance plan does and does not cover. Visit the CareCredit? website or your dentist's office to learn more about CareCredit? or to fill out an application.

docshop.com/education/dental/general-dentistry/dentures

Low-Income Assistance for Dentures

By Janett Niemi, eHow Contributor

1.   Government Assistance

o   The federal government provides assistance through clinics for eligible individuals. They also offer free grants to needy individuals to help pay for dentures. Medicaid or Medicare can help with dental costs, but may not provide denture coverage. For more information, check with your state office.
Local Resources

o   For those with the ability to pay over time, financing plans are available. Some local organizations, such as the Kiwanis, Women's Auxiliary and Rotary club may offer resources as well as informational help. The United Way has a directory of free to lower cost dental services in your area.

Alternative Methods

o   Check out dental schools or dental hygiene schools. Most offer some kind of financial assistance at a lower cost. A little know resource is the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). They often conduct free clinical trials and volunteers receive free or low-cost dental treatment in return.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7678520_lowincome-assistance-dentures.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120303130024AA4py7p

Friends of Man provides:

Friends of Man helps people of all ages with a large variety of needs:

?   Mobility Equipment: (prostheses, wheelchairs, van lifts, and modifications, ramps, home modifications)
?   Medical Equipment and Procedures
?   Hearing Aids, Dentures,Glasses
?   Basic Needs: Clothing for Children, Food
?   Short-term Daycare, Prescriptions, Cobra/Health Insurance
?   And More!!

friendsofman.org/HowWeHelp.php

[eye2dry]

Wow...that's a lot good info from Lighthouse.

I don't have anything to add .

I don't how or why but I still must produce enough

saliva on my own so that I don't have any real dental issues.

I just wanted to say hello and am sorry to hear about your dental problems.

Good work Lighthouse.


eye2dry