After arranging childcare for both kids, I FINALLY got to go to the dentist. A while ago I had my cleaning and xrays and they found a cavity (it has been years) and I also had them work on the TMJ. They made a new splint that I wear most nights.
After I arrived there and was in the dental seat I asked which tooth had a cavity and it was the tooth next to my big front one (you people married to dentist probably know the technical name...) and I was surprised. I said that for the last 3-4 months I have been have heat and cold sensitivity in one of my molars so I thought for sure that would be the cavity. They tested the tooth and found the one and said that they would have to remove the current filling. They injected the numbing agent and it didn't fully work so they had to put in another shot of it. My face was so numb and unusable I felt like I had had a stroke!
After doing that they put some kind of medicine on it and a temporary thing and sent me out to come back in 10 days for the filling. Unless there is pain in the next few days, then I must go in and have a root canal. I wasn't feeling very well that evening--I had a lot of pain but kept taking what I had to deaden it. I am doing better today, so I hope to avoid the root canal. It is not easy this week to do anything since Günter is is Chicago.
I have had my share of root canals too. My earliest dental memory was in grade school when I had to get a cap on my front tooth after chasing my brother around the car and falling. Later, when my family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where there is a good dental school, I had all kinds of work done--including having my wisdom teeth extracted my senior year.
Altogether I think I have 5 caps and 3 root canals and countless fillings. I have an overbite and have needed braces for that, but they are too expensive and I never did it. I have teeth whitening strips I have never used (it reminds me I want to try them) and I would like to have veneers on some. My Aunt had those done and her smile is stunning.
I have always been a bit jealous of people that have nice big straight teeth and a lovely smile. I hope in heaven I have the perfect mouth and teeth, in the mean time I will do my best to keep these working.
Posted by Krista at October 8, 2008 01:50 PMI have always had a love/hate relationship with my dentist. Had braces when I was 12. Smile like a vampire...maybe that accounts for the teenage obsession...
Uh, Krista...I've never looked at your smile and thought "That girl needs braces!" :] Love your smile!
Now you know next time I see you, I'm going to look...lol
Posted by: Angi at October 8, 2008 02:26 PMYikes!! I hate dentists, but they are a necessity. I hate shots, too! I freeze up and silently panick hoping I won't pass out. Sorry about all the dental crap going on with your teeth! Good luck on that one. And because we're twins in this life...I have a problem tooth too that I'm afraid will deserve a crown! I think it's cracked. Because I NEVER had braces, my bite rests too hard on my molars and the dentist said it will slowly crack most of my molars. Oh the joys...
Posted by: Jeni at October 8, 2008 06:49 PMOh, Krista, you've opened a bag of worms with this topic! We're in the throws of similar things since part of Scott's back molar broke off a couple weeks ago when he was in Las Vegas on a business trip. He had an emergency root canal done and is now in the process of getting a crown. I'm thankful for my healthy teeth. The dentist said if I keep doing what I'm doing I'll have me teeth until I'm 100. I credit growing up in Iowa with fluoridated water. I'm a firm advocate for the advantages that mineral has! I'm also grateful for the wonderful orthodontist in Homburg that straightened mine after 2 previous rounds of braces. I hope you get fixed up soon!
Posted by: Dana at October 8, 2008 09:53 PMI have never noticed you having bad teeth? I guess now I'll have to pay attention, huh?!! I think great teeth are so nice too.