I should have had my lower wisdom teeth taken out 12 years ago when I had the upper ones removed. Alas, too late. After being diagnosed with periodontitis three years ago, I began the process of corrective oral surgery, then lapsed for two years while off dental insurance. I resumed the remedial course toward the end of 2006, and today I completed the second phase of a three-part process that includes removal of eight teeth, placement of a (second) porcelain crown on a lower molar, and creation of a partial to replace my four front lower teeth (the final phase). Even with insurance, today’s visit to the oral surgeon cost me $575 out of pocket. Now, unfortunately, it looks like I am again losing my dental coverage, so the last chapter of this saga will most likely have to wait till 2008. At least I managed to get half the work done, and the wisdom teeth are now all gone.
