SoCal patient needs info on insurance, cost, recover, etc:long post - sorry

[Guest guest]

Ok now for my issues. My dental history is a colorul one. Mostly red.

Ive suffered gum disease and have had about half of the gum removed

from my mouth. 4 separate surgeries with wisdom teeth pulled at the

same time. Suffered some bone loss as well.

I lost my front tooth due to neglect and removing that was an ordeal

that is tough to live with at times. But Im slowly going to get over

it.

Now I have decided to get fixed. My periodontist suggested that I

consult the USC (University of Southern California) School of

Dentistry for help. I spoke with an Orthdontist and of course I need

braces. My upper teeth shifted. And I decided that I want to get my

jaw fixed and get rid of the open bite which has plagued me since

birth. The ortho stated that to look at me you couldnt tell that

much - he'd seen worse. Either way. I dreaded the prospect of any

surgery but I think 35[years old] is time. That and I have missed out

on some acting work because of a messed up grill.

My dental Insurance will cover the braces, I believe. Then he (Ortho)

stated that the surgery might be around $5-6k, but he couldnt quote

me a price for sure. After I made the appointment to see the Oral

Surgeon, I find out, from the receptionist, that they won't bill

through Kaiser Permanente, and that if I dont have any other

Insurance that it may cost me between $16,000-20,000 - both lower and

upper jaw.

Ok here is the cry for help:

1)Has anybody had dealings with USC School of Dentistry? I'd like to

know your experience.

2)Does anybody in Southern California have any info on insurance

companies ( in So Cal) that have paid for this surgery?

3)Any Kaiser Members out there that have had this done? Can you share

your story?

4)Are there any finance companies that deal specifically with

medical/dental loans? (see how desperate I am now)

5)Does anesthesia cause hair to turn white or fall out? ( weird

question huh)

6)Is there really a chance of permanent nerve/loss of feeeling in the

nose,lips and mouth?

7)Is 2 weeks a realistic recovery time?

8)My job requires to talk on the phone I would say 80% of the day?

How difficult is it to speak after recovery?

9) Can a Sothern Cal patient give a price on what they paid...please?

If anyone can give answers to these questions I would greatly

appreciate it.

Thanks

Mike