<prompt> Human: Hi everybody! Finally made an account just ask for advice. I had a double root canal years ago and knew I needed to eventually get crowns. I moved recently and spent a lot of money on it but unfortunately I chipped my tooth the other week. Big one right up front. I decided to go to the dentist and see my options. Theyre are telling me the tooth is too chipped and decayed to do a crown. They are suggesting a bridge across my front teeth. Canine to the other side next to the other canine. 3 teeth bridge with crowns on each side. My insurance only covers up to 1500 dollars a year and what they are saying costs 6300 dollars in all. Theyre is a chance that they could do the crowns once they shave the tooth down but its not guaranteed. Wont know until then and then I would just have nubs.I looked into care credit but it seems unlikely Ill get approved for that amount and the interest rates seem absurd.Theres a payment plan option thru another company but they require 30 down and that is still too much. Is a payment plan with the dentist possible? I did see a sign that said they dont send to collections unless you fail to pay at least 10 dollars a month.Ive heard dental schools are an option but you have to be chosen and its not the best work. Not sure if it works with dental insurance as well.Kinda freaking out every time I think of it. Any avenues to explore would be helpful. Thanks!  <response>: Former dental assistant here in USA. Talk to the office manager in person. Ask them to go over your treatment plan and what options you have other than CareCredit. Payment plans are at some dentists and not others, and when I have seen them, they are automatic debit monthly.I have never assisted with a root canal done, without a crown placed within a couple weeks, for exactly this reason. The tooth, while in your gum, has no nerve, so it needs a crown for stability at minimum. If the tooth doesnt have enough base to it, then yes, other options have to come into play if it gets damaged, a bridge is one of the options Im not a dentist and havent seen you, cant speak for other treatment choices. Best advice, talk to them, they hear this weekly and understand the cost issues. You could also seek another dentist opinion. If you wait too long, the tooth can continue to give you trouble, possibly need extraction, and then youre looking at implant surgery, bigger cost. Edit: dental schools are students yes, they are monitored by licensed dentists and are not in their first year of learning. While the thought of going there scares many patients, for cost purposes, it may be your most reasonable option. I wouldnt discount them as a choice, you can also ask their opinion, you are not obligated to anything.Sorry if I wasnt much help, all the best to you 