D
Deenie
Junior member
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2021
- Messages
- 4
- Location
- Alabama
I am in my mid fifties and have had the same Dentist since I was fifteen. He was a family friend, so I always trusted his diagnosis. I have always brushed my teeth, but probably didn’t floss as often as I should have. I admit I could have taken better care of my teeth over the years. My Dental cleanings became sporadic because they were always followed by needing fillings or crowns. Many of my teeth in the back, bottom and top are crowns, and I have many teeth with bonding. I always get compliments on my teeth/smile, but that is due to the dental procedures I have endured.
Recently my Dentist of 40 years retired and I was forced to find a New Dentist. I found the most caring Dentist through a recommendation from a Dental Prosthodontist.
I have a couple of questions that relate to my fears.
(1) I can’t remember ever having a completely pain free filling with my Dentist of forty years even having 2-3 shots of numbing meds. I think this is where the terror started. I always thought that Dental procedures just hurt regardless. My new Dentist gave me 1 shot for a deep cavity and I had NO discomfort at all! I was shocked and thrilled, but somewhat Confused at the completely different experience I was use to having.
(2) I have 2 crowns on my 2 lower back teeth that have been on for 21 years and have been watched by my old dentist for about 2 years. My new Dentist says X-rays show that apparently they have been leaking. One of them has a small opening that I am constantly brushing food out of. I am going in for crown-removal on both, cleaning up the deep decay, and a possible root canal if the nerve is involved. These 2 teeth don’t hurt at all, but are a little sore when flossing. They don’t bleed, I’m not experiencing any pus, swollen gums, or swollen jaw. I am terrified of the possibility of bad pain during the process, but as terrified of the diagnosis and prognosis. I’ve only had 1 procedure with this new Dentist and even though it was A+++ I still need a little reassurance and possibly some knowledge of what to expect.
This is very rambling, but I wanted to identify so much to get a good opinion from anyone who may have experienced these things.
Thank you so much in advance!
Recently my Dentist of 40 years retired and I was forced to find a New Dentist. I found the most caring Dentist through a recommendation from a Dental Prosthodontist.
I have a couple of questions that relate to my fears.
(1) I can’t remember ever having a completely pain free filling with my Dentist of forty years even having 2-3 shots of numbing meds. I think this is where the terror started. I always thought that Dental procedures just hurt regardless. My new Dentist gave me 1 shot for a deep cavity and I had NO discomfort at all! I was shocked and thrilled, but somewhat Confused at the completely different experience I was use to having.
(2) I have 2 crowns on my 2 lower back teeth that have been on for 21 years and have been watched by my old dentist for about 2 years. My new Dentist says X-rays show that apparently they have been leaking. One of them has a small opening that I am constantly brushing food out of. I am going in for crown-removal on both, cleaning up the deep decay, and a possible root canal if the nerve is involved. These 2 teeth don’t hurt at all, but are a little sore when flossing. They don’t bleed, I’m not experiencing any pus, swollen gums, or swollen jaw. I am terrified of the possibility of bad pain during the process, but as terrified of the diagnosis and prognosis. I’ve only had 1 procedure with this new Dentist and even though it was A+++ I still need a little reassurance and possibly some knowledge of what to expect.
This is very rambling, but I wanted to identify so much to get a good opinion from anyone who may have experienced these things.
Thank you so much in advance!