I hope I'm doing the right thing..

[ChrystalRae]

About 2 weeks ago I was getting a regular cleaning with the hygienist. She noticed that my bottom front teeth were a little wiggly. She said not to worry and it looks like it's from grinding my teeth. Her and the dentist gave me a referral to an orthodontist for clear braces. I have a pretty straight smile but she said correcting my bite would take pressure off my bottom teeth and help with the grinding. Then after I seen him she would make me a night guard.
I'm not able to be seen by the ortho until March 30th so I'm getting more and more anxious by the day. I'm always getting on Google even tho I know I shouldnt be. But I have found myself learning some new things.
I do have periodontal disease. I've had it since I was 19. I'm now almost 30. I'm curious if I'm doing the right thing by seeing the ortho. Maybe I should call my dentist Monday and ask if I should be seeing a periodontist instead? I've seen by looking up that teeth can wiggle both because of grinding and because of periodontal disease. I don't really notice the wiggling like my hygenist does so its probably not that bad. She did say this was for preveenitive care. But in my head I'm scared and worried that im seeing the wrong type of doctor. Worried that I'll go thru with getting braces and paying for it then in the long run, not even need it or make my periodontal disease worse.
Anybody else been thru this before or have some kind of light to shed on what they would do?

 

[Enarete]

Hi ChrystalRae,

diagnosing periodontal disease and taking care of it is a job of your hygienist and your dentist. If there was a need for you to get seen by a periodontist, they would give you one. From your post I am not sure whether the periodontal disease is something you thought you have after you googled or a condition that you have had from the beginning on, but again, if you needed a specialist, your dentist or hygienist would refer you. Checking gums is a routine and no way how they could overlook.
When it comes to braces, ortho is the right person to see and they will assess your overall suitability. If there are any issues with you gums that stand in a way to braces, then your ortho will tell you. Also, a consultation is exactly that: a consultation. You will have a lot of time to think of whether you agree with the proposed treatment.
It stood out to me that you are doubting the information given by your dental team and are looking for the right solutions on your own, even suspect they send you to a wrong specialist. I may be wrong, but it doesn’t look like you trust them. If that is the case, looking for a second opinion may be a good thing and give you some reassurance.

All the best wishes

 

[ChrystalRae]

Hi ChrystalRae,

diagnosing periodontal disease and taking care of it is a job of your hygienist and your dentist. If there was a need for you to get seen by a periodontist, they would give you one. From your post I am not sure whether the periodontal disease is something you thought you have after you googled or a condition that you have had from the beginning on, but again, if you needed a specialist, your dentist or hygienist would refer you. Checking gums is a routine and no way how they could overlook.
When it comes to braces, ortho is the right person to see and they will assess your overall suitability. If there are any issues with you gums that stand in a way to braces, then your ortho will tell you. Also, a consultation is exactly that: a consultation. You will have a lot of time to think of whether you agree with the proposed treatment.
It stood out to me that you are doubting the information given by your dental team and are looking for the right solutions on your own, even suspect they send you to a wrong specialist. I may be wrong, but it doesn’t look like you trust them. If that is the case, looking for a second opinion may be a good thing and give you some reassurance.

All the best wishes

I hate to sound like I'm doubting my dentist. Although I see how it comes off that way now. The team I'm seeing has been so patient and understanding with me of my dental fears. I probably need to see someone about my anxiety. I'll definitely have to stay off google and looking for my own solutions. It only triggers anxiety more for me.
I do have periodontal disease. I started to worry when I read something that said braces and periodontal disease simply dont work out. Then started wondering if I was seeing the wrong specialist and thinking I'd lose my teeth :/ I freak out too easily.
But you're right.
Thank you so much for your reply.