As Frustrated As I am Scared

[haeshin]

Almost two weeks ago I had a filling done on my last (in the upper row) molar tooth. There was some tooth decay due to a wisdom tooth that used to be rubbing against the molar, but the dentist said it wasn't actually a big deal and I just needed a filling. So I got it done. The numbing shot was surprisingly not as painful as I thought it'd be, so I thought after that I was all good until my biannual cleaning appointment months from now.

Not.

Almost immediately after that filling my teeth on the RIGHT side began to feel sensitive and the upper molar in the very back throbbed a bit like the one that had the filling used to. The painless throbbing symptom is similar, as well as a bit of an ache in the corresponding tooth on the lower row, but other than that there is no similarity. No sensitivity to cold water, possibly sugar. No problems while eating. Also, the tooth that got the filling twinges a bit once in a while as if that filling was only partly successful. Other than that I feel totally fine on that side of my teeth.

Although my last couple of dentist appointments went well, I'm still scared to make an appointment but I'm hoping to get the nerve to do it this weekend. The ache on my right teeth, though painless, is still frickin' annoying! Or at least it was today. I suspect I might have been clenching my teeth at night, being aware of having to un-clench them in the morning on two occasions, but whatever the problem, I know it'll put my mind a little bit at rest to know what the problem is exactly should it be dental.

Please excuse me while I vent my frustrations at having to constantly go back to the dentist for more and more problems, but it's getting to the same level as my fears, which is saying something because the fear level is up there!

AAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!! Why can't it ever be OVER?!?!?!???? Why can't my teeth leave me in peace? AAARRRRGGHHHHH!!!!! Why can't I smash you all with a sledge hammer and be done with it? Is this the universe trying to get me to face my fears with exposure therapy? AARRRGGGHHHH!!!!

 

[sunflower32]

Man do I feel where you're coming from. I too have recently had the delight of thinking that I didn't need any more dental work done until my six month cleaning. But surprise, surprise, the unexpected comes up and now I'm looking at a drawn-out orthodontic process. I only found that out two days ago and I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the thought of it. It's hard when it takes me weeks just to get the nerve to set up an appointment...

So you're DEFINITELY not alone. I think many of us on here are going through this struggle in one way or the other, and so understand exactly where you're coming from. Just take it one step at a time (that's what I keep telling myself too), and vent all you want on here (it's much better than using that sledgehammer!).

I know all too well how hard it is to pick up the phone and make that appointment, but you will be so glad that you did! Just think of how relieved you'll be once the appointment is over and done with and the problem has been resolved! You can do it!!!

Good luck! And keep us posted on how you're doing.

 

[haeshin]

Well, I made an appointment, but the earliest I could get is a MONTH away because--guess what?--I'm not in any pain! I told them the pressure on my teeth was almost constant but for as long as I'm not being woken up in the night by pain or have trouble eating, I can wait. ARGH! I'm not sure if I'm exhausted, frustrated, and/or riddled with anxiety, but all I know is that I don't feel proud of myself for having been able to call. I just wish this could be over and done with NOW.

 

[sunflower32]

Good job making the appointment!

Can you call back and request to be put on the list of people they'll call if cancellations come up? I'm in a similar circumstance and this is what I did.

 

[haeshin]

They say I can call near closing time each day to see if there any openings the next day, or they'll call me if there's a cancellation. I'll see how things go day by day. *sigh* Whatever the reason, I'm just sick of having to see the dentist every two months so I have some time to relax. Every six months just for cleaning? Ha!