Pearly Whites.
The night before the last day of ninth grade, I was playing in the back yard with our dog, Taffy. We were roughhousing and having a good time, and getting a little rowdy. At one point, we crashed right into one another, her head and my mouth.
Suddenly, I had all this stuff in my mouth. I thought she had rocks in her fur or something, but they were all white. Then, my tongue touched empty space where tooth used to be. Actually, teeth. Both front ones. Not completely gone, just badly chipped.
Badly. Even if I hadn't been an self-conscious ninth grader, this was major. Very noticeable. Not good.
We were able to get them repaired, and I've sinced had the laminates (which are now just considered fillings) re-done several times over the years. I had them re-done in 1989....and again today. (I have had cleanings and exams in the mean time - no worries!)
Ten minutes into today's appointment I remembered why I'd been avoiding this for so long. The anesthetics don't work so well for me, especially right in front. The first dose left me numb from cheek to cheek, I couldn't feel my nose, and for the first time ever, my eyelids were actually numb (THAT is a really strange sensation). My teeth, however, were still awake and hurty.
The second round of injections (a different anesthetic) helped a little, but I was still getting sharp jolts of pain in one tooth.
Third time is a charm, so finally, about the time my appointment was supposed to be over, they were able to get going with new fillings. One hour later I think I finally relaxed a little...and two hours later, it was all done.
Both Dr. Harvey and the Assistant were really gentle, really patient with me and my anxiety, and my new teeth look great. They have a nicer shape than my old (probably partially worn) fillings had. The color is a great match too. They feel really different though...and they'll take some getting used to, I suppose.
When was the last time you saw your dentist? Do you go regularly, or do you put it off like me?
Suddenly, I had all this stuff in my mouth. I thought she had rocks in her fur or something, but they were all white. Then, my tongue touched empty space where tooth used to be. Actually, teeth. Both front ones. Not completely gone, just badly chipped.
Badly. Even if I hadn't been an self-conscious ninth grader, this was major. Very noticeable. Not good.
We were able to get them repaired, and I've sinced had the laminates (which are now just considered fillings) re-done several times over the years. I had them re-done in 1989....and again today. (I have had cleanings and exams in the mean time - no worries!)
Ten minutes into today's appointment I remembered why I'd been avoiding this for so long. The anesthetics don't work so well for me, especially right in front. The first dose left me numb from cheek to cheek, I couldn't feel my nose, and for the first time ever, my eyelids were actually numb (THAT is a really strange sensation). My teeth, however, were still awake and hurty.
The second round of injections (a different anesthetic) helped a little, but I was still getting sharp jolts of pain in one tooth.
Third time is a charm, so finally, about the time my appointment was supposed to be over, they were able to get going with new fillings. One hour later I think I finally relaxed a little...and two hours later, it was all done.
Both Dr. Harvey and the Assistant were really gentle, really patient with me and my anxiety, and my new teeth look great. They have a nicer shape than my old (probably partially worn) fillings had. The color is a great match too. They feel really different though...and they'll take some getting used to, I suppose.
When was the last time you saw your dentist? Do you go regularly, or do you put it off like me?
Comments
When I was a child, I needed top-front teeth work. After 3 shots of Novocaine I was numb to my hairline and my teeth still hurt! Had to bite the dentist to stop him. The next dentist put just one shot in the roof of my mouth, not in front over the teeth, and it worked just fine. Where are they giving you the shots?
I think I'm going to have to go back in because my bite seems a little off, but I'm going to wait a few days in case things are a little swollen. Sigh...
eeep!
Yep--I go. Matter of fact, I had my 6 month checkup scheduled for this week, but I needed to change it as we are going out of town this weekend and I need all the time I can get.
I had a root canal back in August and was diagnosed with milk periodontitis, and that was enough to convince me to get one of those mega-expensive toothbrushes and keep my dental appointments. No fun. No fun at all!
I don't know it it will work for you but its definately worth a try, kwim?