I probably should begin this post with a trigger warning for all those who struggle going to the dentist or have had bad dental experiences…although this is not a graphic post about a bad dental experience. Maybe, it should be considered a PSA on the importance of good dental hygiene.
So, anyway, in April I had my bi-annual dental cleaning and while there my hygienist reminded me about a very small cavity that I should probably take care of, especially since we were going out of town. You really do not want dental problems far away from your dentist. So, I made the appointment for the following week.
Now throughout my life I have been fortunate to not have dental issues. I rarely had cavities, and aside from still having two baby teeth because I had no permanent teeth to push them out, my visits to the dentist were benign. Until my sixties. It started with needing a very deep cleaning due to the onset of periodontal disease…so I got that done. Then I needed not one but two crowns…one is done. I am reluctant to do the second because of a bad experience having the first one done. Let’s just say it was an awful and painful experience and leave it at that. Then I had to have one of those baby teeth pulled and now I have a very small cavity. Can I just say YUK to all of it?
Anyway, at the appointment, the dentist, who is new to the practice came in and relooked at my small cavity and said: “Beth, this is a very small cavity in a small tooth, and it is stable. I has not changed since it was discovered and because it is so small and in a small tooth, I would really prefer watching it…” BUT…before I could celebrate not having to have any dental work done, I hear my dentist say: “However…”
You never want your dentist to say “however.” Ever. Remember I mentioned needing to have a deep cleaning due to periodontal disease…which is all fine because of the deep cleaning BTW… but I do have some recession which has exposed the enamel on six teeth and because of the exposure there was cavity activity, not cavities, on those 6 teeth up by the gum line…So, instead of getting one cavity filled and taken care of….I had to get 6!!!!! Cavity activity still requires everything a cavity requires just not as much…
To say I was not happy would be an understatement. Even though my dental history is pretty mild compared to many, at least until recently…I still do not like to have dental work done. Fortunately, my current dentist is actually pretty good. She is, as I stated, new to the practice, and I think I will like her a lot better than the one who was there and who did my crown work. A story I will not share as that would be very triggering to most. My current dentist did a great job on the six fillings. Even more importantly I didn’t feel anything while she did the work…except from my pocketbook.
I think what I am coming to terms with as I get older…which I am not very fond of doing but it beats the alternative…is to expect the unexpected. In the meantime, I will continue to take care of my body since it is the only one I’ve got. I keep looking for a hidden spare but have yet to find it.
For all who struggle going to the dentist, I encourage you to go. It may be very stress-inducing and painful (although dentistry has come a long way in that arena) but your teeth are an important part of your overall health. Please take care of them.
Peace,
Beth
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