new dentist

[tielan]

So: I went an saw a new dentist today. It turns out he's a friend of a friend (one of the friends who referred me), and was actually not 'in' today - he dropped in to do a little work before lunch, and ended up taking me on.

So, the infection above the last molar (not the one I had the recent root canal on, but the older root canal) is definitely there and my options are a) get the last molar removed, and b) re-do the root canal.

The issue with a), is that if that last molar gets taken out, then I can't really afford to lose any more teeth, because of jaw stability issues.

The issue with b) is mostly cost and time. Plus, ugh, a redo is kind of what got me into this problem in the first place.

One way or the other, this is going to be a long-term set of issues, to be dealt with bit by bit. So I'm going to be managing symptoms for a while yet.

Still, he was good about describing the options, listening to my concerns, and answering my questions. It makes a difference - and while my (previous) dentist was okay at listening, she would tell me what she thought had to be done without really giving me options. And the guy replacing her when she goes away to have her baby doesn't come across as a listener at all.

I think the whole 'having the common friend' thing helped, too. And he's my age, so he's had at least 10 years experience in surgery, and has a few more yet to go.

So, pain management, body management, exhaustion management. It's going to be a long year.

Thanks so much for keeping up (if you are; I know it's not very encouraging).

Comments

[theladyscribe]

Aww man. This sucks. :(

[tielan]

It does, just a little. No easy answer, apparently.

[copracat]

Ugh, no. Stupid expensive teeth.

[tielan]

Cheaper with the extraction - money wise. I could manage the cost of one root canal in a year, but two? (And I've just embarked on some financial expanding, too, so...great nervousness!)

I'm thinking of doing a spreadsheet of just how much I've spent with all these health issues lately... I'm kind of scared TBH, although it would be much better to know, surely?

[copracat]

Better to know. It helps you be prepared for future budget blowouts.

Is that too practical?

[monanotlisa]

Sending hugs. I'm happy to "listen."

[tielan]

*smooches* Thank you. If you want to "talk" back anytime, I'm more than happy to listen to you, too!

[everbright]

YAY!!! FREAKING CONTEXT. Man, everything seems simpler when you actually get explanations and options.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[tielan]

Thanks! At this point, I am very definitely leaning towards the extraction. Money and time and simplicity, even if it could be problematic later, with a lack of structure to the jaw...

I think the hardest thing to consider is whether I'm just trying to make everything "go back to being what it was" which I now understand is never going to happen. I have to deal with me in the now and live on a different level of life...

[gaffsie]

I'm glad you've been given some options now, at least.

[tielan]

It's such a relief to be informed, instead of just told what the dentist thinks needs to be done next.

[jelazakazone]

<3

[tielan]

<3

[retsuko]

I'm glad you found a professional who treated you right, but I'm sorry to hear that there's no easy/cheap answer. :(

[tielan]

I think the kind of health professional I looked for 10-15 years ago, is not the kind that I want now. I'm older, and I'd like someone to tell me the truth and the odds, not just say "this will fix everything".

It's the cost in time/energy that worries me more than the price. Money is something I can manage in my present state; but the emotional/mental dealing is the harder part right now.

[geckoholic]

Ugh I'm sorry you have to deal with this. :(

[tielan]

Thanks. It's been really tiring, but I'm hoping that this can start to see the end...

[beatrice_otter]

Oh, ouch, those are some bad options. Still, at least there are options. Praying for you.

[thothmes]

I have been following along, and rooting *ahem* cheering for you. I've pretty much been silent though for two reasons, 1. Although I've had deep fillings done without anaesthesia, and extractions for braces, and the braces to follow, one of my Dad's nicer genetic legacies was strong, sturdy teeth with hardy enamel. I pray that lasts, but it leaves me with no real ability to share experiences. 2. I've been here infrequently, and would have been chiming in very much after the fact, which is maladroit.

Regardless, I do want to make it clear that, 1. I hear you, and I cheer you on, although 2. It sounds nagging, annoying, and disquieting to live with, because who can run away from their own mouth? and 3. keep up the excellent railing against the whole situation, because we are here for the bad and the good, and for the duration.

Wish I could help more, but I seem to have misplaced my magic wand somewhere, and my ignorance of dental issues is reasonably appalling.