I'm lucky myself Scott. I had to pay just $180 to have my crown glued back on.
Insurance pays for it (total time for him actually working is may be 5 mins since the hygienist still does majority of prep stuff). It comes off every few yrs on it's own.
Doesn't help that I grind my teeth big time and need to wear a night guard. :P
I started using Oral-B Triumph and best darn thing for my teeth: it works so well that I don't need to floss near as often, but oral hygiene is something worth doing because in the long run will save you a lot of pain and $.
Former neighbor of mine has implants top and bottom thanks to the US Navy. He was in so much pain in the time frame he lived next door to me.
I had never seen some one down so much ibuprofen in my life in the course of a day!
Infections in your mouth need to be addressed sooner than later. Too close to your brain so it can kill you that much faster! The pain is a sign that it needs attention pronto. Blowing it off just makes things worse in the long run.
I agree dentist make BIG $$$.