I have a somewhat unique situation. I am 45, female, and in generally good health. I do however, have a blood disorder that prevents my blood from binding either iron or calcium correctly, in addition to pituitary/thyroid related issues. I also have a hereditary lack of enamel. The combination of the above has caused my teeth to become opaque, weak, and eventually shatter over the years, regardless of care, or treatments. Before I was diagnosed 6 years ago, dentists always rather brusquely "informed" me that the only solution to impacted teeth that were cracking was root canals and crowns on teeth that were unstable, see through, and weak, despite my protests to the contrary. Consequently I have had 20 root canals over the years, NONE of which lasted longer than 8 months. All of the teeth that were RC'd eventually shattered above the gum line, leaving the very nice, and very expensive RC in place.

This is where I am right now. I have 5 remaining teeth on the upper jaw (4, 5, 7, 8, & 10), and 6 remaining teeth on the lower jaw (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, & 26,). NONE of them are usable or healthy enough to remain in place for a bridge or denture anchor. All are erupted, see through, and in the process of breaking/shattering - They will most likely shatter in the process of extracting them. In addition, the following teeth: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 19, 20, 27, 28, & 30 (I think) are all broken off at the gum line, were previous RC's, and all need to be extracted, surgically I suppose. I also have constant, ongoing, and somewhat devastating infections (for years) that simply roam from place to place within my jaw, upper and lower. Right this minute the entire left side of my face is swollen to the point that my eye is shut, and I am in massive pain. I am on Clindamyacin, Flagyl, and Vicodin until the infection/abcsess settles and my current dentist can remove the tooth.

I have researched overdentures, having known for several years that due to my condition I would end up with dentures. This is what I would prefer, by far, over regular dentures. I have a current quote, but would like to see if there is some variety in the quotes out there, as well as if other dentists have, honor, or offer any of the Dental plans (i.e. Liberty, etc.). I own my own business, and can afford a good deal of the work, but I also regularly compare costs and benefits in every aspect of my life, and this is no exception. Just because one dentist gives me a quote does not mean that his prices are the only prices. I have current panoramic x-rays and have been informed that I am an "excellent candidate" for overdentures, retaining an unusually healthy amount of bone despite losses extending back 15 years.

I am also scared to death of dentists, having undergone endless unnecessary root canals and other procedures over the years, leaving me in this exceptionally painful, embarrassing, and heart unhealthy state. Compassion, sedation, patience, and strait forwardness without judgement is everything to me.

Can I get some general ideas of what prices I "should" be looking at for upper (2 or 4 pin) and lower (2 pin) overdentures, along with the extractions outlined above, and extremely aggressive treatment to fully rid my system of this ongoing and very dangerous infection? Also, I would like to hear from anyone who DOES accept any given Dental Care plans, and the accompanying pricing, and those who may offer an in-house financing plan for the portion I cannot pay for at time of service. (Keeping in mind that I can probably pay outright for all of the extractions, and the lower overdenture outright, only needing to possibly finance the upper overdenture).

Thank you in advance for any help or answers...