A Dental Crown Replacement

I am no stranger to the dentist. In fact, with any new dentist they actually say the same thing. Aside from having experimental TMJ surgery in 1982, I have had several fillings and crowns. And for someone who is extremely aware of their sensory environment it is oftentimes a painful experience. Because of the TMJ surgery it is difficult to open my mouth for sustained periods of time. I oftentimes take prophylactic aspirin to reduce the discomfort. Even with flossing, water pick and electric toothbrush regular and routine use, my last six months check revealed a cavity and the need for a crown replacement on the last tooth on the upper right side. It’s been over four years since I needed any extensive dental work, so it was due. I have also been babying that side for a few years and it’s been a source of food getting stuck between the teeth because of the gap. So between cataract surgeries I needed to have a poorly constructed crown removed and replaced. I’ll take whatever lidocaine they can give me. At least now there is also a rubber brace that is inserted to keep your mouth open while suctioning at the same time. Unfortunately the assistant was new and/or learning and a few more impressions were required than usual with the help of a senior member who walked her through the routine. I’m not a good patient to practice on - my husband is much better suited. I couldn’t wait for it to be over and the permanent crown is scheduled for the day before my second cataract surgery next week. In the end I’m happy to have it over with - even though it felt like a dump truck was running through my head with the drills. I’m just thankful that we can afford the work - even though we still pay a huge sum out of pocket in spite of two dental insurances. It’s been an expensive health care journey last month and this month. How do people afford these things? Among hearing aids from two years ago, cataract surgeries this and last month, and crowns it feels claustrophobic. These are small reminders to be thankful for all the good things going on in your life. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that my husband doesn’t need any more teeth implants. That’s another story. 

Dentist and Implants

We had dental appointments set up for February 2020. We always go every six months for routine cleaning and check ups. Since we moved from Capitol Hill to northern Virginia we had to find a new dentist. So we selected someone who is not even a block away. When my mom died in February the appointment was canceled. Then came the pandemic and it’s been over a year and a half since we last visited a dentist. That’s not a good thing. This month we finally got appointments set again only after we were vaccinated. My husband has a lot of work that needs to be done. So we are taking that one step at a time. I need to have an extensive gum cleaning after having a “power wash.” She also has designs on my old fillings, but I’m not in any hurry. After having had TMJ surgery almost forty years ago I can’t stand the dentist chair. So my husband ended up with one implant this week. They needed to first pull the wobbly tooth, do a bone graft, and insert the rod. Next week he needs stitches removed and the final implant part will be placed in 3-4 months. He has had a couple of implants before - one resulting in a broken bone. So now he is on an oral mouth rinse, and antibiotics, and an Advil/Tylenol combo for pain. Each day is a little better, but it’s not something to look forward to. 

A New Dentist

My dentist in the Midwest was very slow and in a single practice. When we moved to DC eleven years ago, we started going to Capitol Hill Dental Group. It's terribly convenient as it is one block from our house! And, it has three dentists, is very modern and up to date - and very busy. Our dentist is retiring this year and has been part time for at least the last year. So occasionally I have seen another dentist whenever I have needed "emergency" treatment, or something requiring little notice, like a crown replacement prior to going on vacation. What's interesting is that all three dentists in the practice are female. My husband has always said that female physicians are always better, so the same must go for female dentists. I think he is somewhat correct. And as a matter of fact I have preferred my female care givers more than the male counterparts. I guess it may depend on what the problem is, but in general, the ladies can associate with you more. So I had my first routine dental check with a very nice "younger than me" dentist yesterday. She was very professional and matter of fact, but still a good listener and cheerful at the same time. I have seen her before so she wasn't a complete stranger. It's just one of those things I don't need to worry about so much - a dentist a block away, easy to get to in this crazy town, with a modern and up to date facility. She knew I was no stranger to the dentist chair when she looked in my mouth! And having had TMJ surgery almost forty years ago puts a strain on my jaw. Luckily all went well and I left with my new toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. One of these days I need to get a new splint. I'll save that for the next time.