Please let me know what I should be feeling right now . . .

[ggk]

I just went to the dentist today after 8 years of not going. I had a broken tooth that got infected, it's so bad now that I can hardly eat. I knew my teeth were in horrible shape - at first I stopped going because of money, then because I knew my teeth were in bad shape and I was embarrassed. I finally went today because the pain had gotten so bad. It was awful. My mouth is in horrible condition, I have 2 abscesses and gum disease and I'm going to lose at least 2 of my teeth in addition to the ones that have already gone.

They wouldn't do anything for the teeth that are hurting because of the infections - they told me they would call in an antibiotic to my pharmacy then call me back with a treatment plan and estimates. They did call in the antibiotic but never called me back about my treatment plan, or to schedule my next appointment.

I'm upset and angry at myself for letting it get so bad that it's likely going to cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix, and I'm utterly humiliated by how horrible my teeth have become. But I'm also wondering, because I don't know how long I have to wait to get the teeth that hurt fixed, and I'm wondering why they didn't at least give me anything for the pain or something. I know the last time I was in this situation and went to the dentist, he did something called a sedative filling that at least got rid of the gaping hole that I have right now. So am I right to be kind of upset to be waiting through the weekend and wondering "what next?" Or am I being impatient?

 

[carole]

to the forum.

I think you are angry with yourself more than the dentist, I also think that as you have made the move to get your teeth taken care of, you want it all to happen now. Which given the years you have suffered and built up the courage to make this visit, would seem reasonable. The only problem with that is that as you have infection the dentist must be sure that the nerves in the teeth have calmed right down for him to be able to do the work needed. When you have infection like the one you have if they don't calm the nerves down you will not be able to be properly numb. I think the dentist is wanting to make sure that he can make you as comfortable as possible and to get your mouth healthy again.

Do you have any pain meds that you could take, if not ring the dentist and ask if it would be possible for them to give you something. The antibiotics should start to give you some relief in the next two to three days. They will not clear the infection, the dentist is going to need to do this. Maybe they will ring in a few days time when the meds have had a chance to work. You will not have the worse teeth that they have seen, and they will be happy to help you, that is what they are there for.

I wish you good luck let us know how you get on

 

[ggk]

You're right, it's mostly misdirected anger. My husband reminded me the same thing happened to him when he had a abscess. I just want to get things over with, you know?

Thank you for your kind reply. It's good to know that I'm not the only person on earth who's dealing with this. It's also nice not to feel judged. I'm judging myself pretty harshly at this point, so I'm feeling pretty sensitive about it.

 

[carole]

I think we are our own worst critics. Try not to be too hard on yourself, you are getting treatment now. It is no good concentrating on the past, we cannot change it. We can only deal with today and hope that the future is good.

I am sure your future is going to be wonderful and pain free, because once you have finished your treatment you will feel much better in yourself. Not to be worried about teeth all the time is a bonus in itself.

I wish you good luck and I hope you are out of pain soon. Keep us posted on your progress.