First App for 6 months tomorrow and don't think it's going to go well...

[fairy_wings]

I have my check-up appointment tomorrow, first one in 6 months and am naturally terrified again.
Have had terrible toothache for the last 6 weeks too
Am wondering about my options...? Would dentists try and save a tooth if they could?
I really really really do not want to have any teeth out as im getting married in 6 months and desperately dont want to have a noticable gap (which it would be). I know I coud get something on to replace the tooth but i cant afford private dentist treatment and even the NHS for that are high.
The tooth was filled, but i dont think it was a big filling, approx 10 years ago and has always been a bit twingey but now hurts most of the time, so I know its not right.
What do you think the options are?

Any advice much appreciated, wish me luck xx

 

[brit]

Re: First App for 6 months tomorrow and don't think it's going to go well...

To save the tooth a root canal may be the only option. These are available on the UK NHS but the success rate will depend on the skill and experience of your dentist in doing them. Molar teeth are the hardest to do well. If you are talking 'noticeable gap' which you said you were, then it is maybe not a molar and is easier for a General dentist as it has fewer canals inside the tooth to clean out, shape and fill.

It is well worth giving it a go to save your tooth though and if done competently the experience shouldn't be a big deal. It is just a bit time consuming (molars take the longest).

There are also specialists called endodontists who do root canal treatments but tend to only be available privately.

Do you not like your dentist? What made you not go back sooner between check-ups given the pain experienced? (Fear I guess )

 

[fairy_wings]

Re: First App for 6 months tomorrow and don't think it's going to go well...

Fear!!!!! (and that I thought by the time I'd got an appointment that I could make and got time off work, I might as well just wait the 6 weeks for my next appointment anyway.)

I'm not bothered (well obviously not thrilled!) about root canal... I'll happily give anything a go, just very very very very paranoid about having any gaps and I desperately dont want to have any teeth out. I think it is a molar tooth, the first one.

I really hope they can fix it somehow

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Re: First App for 6 months tomorrow and don't think it's going to go well...

Hey
Your concerns are an important factor in the treatment plan, specially the fact that you are going to get married is the most important one (is that so).
So tell your considerations to your dentist, in a clear way, and together you can form a good treatment plan.
The truth is that there are some situations that it is impossible to treat the tooth and keep in the mouth. The good news that dentistry is involving all the time. In the past there were much less treatment possiblities, today the averaged dentist has many more options, not to mention the possibility of sending to the proper specialist.