Today I woke up to a quiet and empty space. Christmas is gone, my roommate is gone and all that is left is me. As I walked through the apartment I caught whiff of the warm lavender and vanilla scents I’d scattered throughout the space just a few days before. It was then that it dawned on me that I have a whole lot to be thankful for as I reflected over the events of the past month.
It all started around Thanksgiving when I needed an emergency root canal. My dental insurance refused to cover the procedure and the Endodontist (root canal specialist) refused to offer me a payment plan. So, I used what meager savings I had and part of my rent to pay for the surgery. Two weeks and several calls later I convinced my dental insurance to investigate the obvious error on my policy. They did and as a result covered a portion of the cost of the procedure.
Post-surgery I was left with a weakened tooth that needed a temporary crown ASAP. I scheduled an appointment with my general dentist for the procedure but because I owed him $150 bucks the appointment was canceled and I was told “no money honey, no see the doctor.” I explained the need for the temporary crown, my financial dilemma and the fact that I was good for the money but would’t have it till the end of December. My calls were not returned and the week after my tooth cracked.
The tooth had broken horizontally below the gum line. Back at the Endodontist’s office he pulled the loose tooth out and stuck a bit of cement up over the hole and instructed I see a dentist immediately. The next day the cement fell out and I was left with only the front of the tooth still standing, the sides and back of tooth completely gone, and an endless gaping hole where a tooth used to live.
Tears in eyes and afraid of infection I called my general dentist office again to explain that I really needed help (a loyal patient I’ve always made good on a bill). I was told that when they received my check in the mail I would hear from their office, end of discussion. I still have the voicemail.
A dear woman familiar with my predicament called her dentist (bless her heart) and explained my situation. When I called this new dental office I was told they were expecting my call and I made an appointment. By now I was not very hopeful. I had decided that I was fine with this dentist sewing the hole up and I being without a tooth as an implant would run me close to $10k, bah humbug.
Instead, Dr. Kiamos was kind, gentle and upbeat. After assessing the situation, in a very nonchalant manner, he referred to the disaster as an easy to fix no-brainer. His assistant complemented me on my beautiful teeth and with a few shots of Novocain and lots of jokes and laughter, Dr. Kiamos shaved down my gum line to expose the remaining tooth and constructed a temporary crown, without any pain.
With my insurance charged, my linty pockets spared and no swelling to my face, lips or nose, Dr. Kiamos sent me on my way at 8:30 pm on a Monday night with a few Advil to stave off the pain until I could get home for more. My tooth was saved and I could pay my rent, I was humbled. A week later I fell down with the worse flu I’ve had in more than a year.
Yet, with no discretionary income, my gums in pain for the past two weeks where the surgery was done, my family in an entirely different state and sick as a dog for the past week, I woke up the day after Christmas thankful as a fat cat as I reflected on all that had passed.
The excruciating pain of the infected tooth was gone. My tooth was salvaged after the disastrous experience of being refused necessary care. My rent was paid and my apartment warm. My flu symptoms subsiding as I regained my sense of smell. Although sick, I whipped up a lovely dinner on Christmas Eve and a yummy breakfast on Christmas Day for me and my roommate, who actually stuck around and kept me company. I spoke to my family on Christmas Day and everyone was together and having a good time. I even received a thoughtful gift from my grumpy old roommate.
This Christmas didn’t turn out the way I had imagined or planned but life takes its own dips, turns and detours. The deciding factor is whether or not you are up for the challenge. Waking up the day after Christmas and smelling the warm scents of lavender and vanilla in the apartment made me remember just how lucky I am.
For a great dentist, call Dr. Kiamos at 23-13 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY (718) 777-7023. A friendly, professional, clean and affordable dental office, it’s worth the trip to Queens.
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