More Bad News from the Dentist

Went in yesterday to repair a fractured back tooth and prepare it for a crown, once into the process the dentist realized that the tooth is probably not going to be viable. He's sending me to a root canal specialist to see if they can save it (but he didn't sound too optimistic). If RC won't work, I'm looking at another extraction and implant, at about 5K+ a pop. So, just for those who haven't been paying attention, I've already spent about 5K out of pocket so far this year for dental work, with another 5K to be spent in January for the implant I've already got scheduled. Now if I need this additional extraction/implant (and it sounds like I will) that is about 5K more. Bringing the grand-total spent on dental work in less than a year to about 15K, not including what insurance covered! And I'm not even going to mention what a horror show the actual extraction was last time, I'm freaking out about the thought of having to go through anything like that again any time soon.

I had really hoped to start saving more aggressively now, wanted to start an additional IRA as well as a non-retirment investment fund. I also wanted to move forward and do some more painting and other home improvements on my house (window treatments, re-surface some textured walls, replace some damaged windows, etc.) and now it looks like I'm not going to be able to do any of it. I feel sick.

On a good note, I wasn't charged for yesterdays appointment. I think the dentist felt sorry for me.