Dentist visit...

[Guest guest]

My new dentist appointment went about as well as it possibly could. He took

the ten minutes before coming in to read the three short papers I'd handed in

with my new patient form (along with my medi-alert info sheet), and he

obviously understood what they said and the implications. For the immediate

problems

of two cracked teeth and a third that will go if they go, he referred me to an

oral surgeon; sound reasoning -- he simply has no real backup if anything

should go awry, which the oral surgeon does. After that, he'll be my dentist. He

understood my few requirements (be able to shift and relax briefly every 10-15

minutes, and limit chair-time to no more than 45 minutes) and the question of

anesthesia (which works on me, just not as long or as well as normal). He gave

me an X-ray, an amoxicillin prescription (every dentist I've been to since

diagnosis has done prophylactic antibiotics; no one wants to risk anything, I

don't blame them) and sent me on my way with no charge. He clearly is a good

find.

The third tooth I thought was cracked isn't -- I forgot it had a crown, and

that's what broke on that one. The tooth that's been falling apart is cracked

up into the root. As to why I don't feel anything with its root being exposed

currently, because the deterioration has been gradual and internal as well as

external, the nerve had time to retreat; he couldn't see any evidence of a

nerve in it at all. He said I was lucky to have kept the teeth I have as long as

I

have -- between the osteoporosis/arthritis and basic structure of my

teeth/gums/sinuses, they were doomed to fail. They aren't falling apart because

of

lack of care, they've just reached the limit of their life...he thinks EDS is

also responsible and that I have many of the problems associated with the dental

form. Sigh.

Actually, the three is a domino problem. Once the one is gone, the crowned

molar behind it will be alone, and it's already very loose, so it would be going

quickly. And the other cracked molar is on the bottom, right under the one

that has to be pulled. I could go through a root canal and crown, but without

the upper tooth it's basically functionless, and the fix would probably not last

very long to begin with. So pulling all three is sound, in my thinking too.

We'll discuss bridges, etc. afterwards -- he sees no reason dentalwork should

be a problem.

So. I have an oral surgeon consult Monday afternoon. We'll see what HE

says....

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/23/2004 12:08:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

MTLamar@... writes:

So. I have an oral surgeon consult Monday afternoon. We'll see what HE

says....

Good find Mark!

Yahooooooooooooooooooooooo!

It is nice not to have to educate the " educated " isn't it?

Yea!

Happy for your new find of a dentist ... sorry about the teeth problem but

maybe the oral surgeon will be a good help and just as understanding and

knowledgeable!

Debbi