Dentistry

[ndrosen]

I went to the dentist today for a routine cleaning and examination. Tomorrow, I get to go back to have crowns put on two molars; if I understand what the dentist said correctly, the fillings from years ago are developing fissures, and the fillings are big enough that removing them to put in new fillings wouldn’t leave enough tooth. Therefore, crowns.

Comments

[filkferengi]

It's a big blow to the budget, for sure. A few years ago, I had to get a crown, too. Some of those 40+ year old fillings were falling apart [or even out].

[ndrosen]

It costs money, which, fortunately, I have, as well as an insurance policy which covers part of the cost.

[filkferengi]

Oh, good. How's your recovery progressing?

[ndrosen]

I’m fine; I just need to be careful flossing until I get the permanent crowns.

[cynthia_says_hello]

A few years before law school, a dentist back in the Boston area told me that he needed to drill and replace a metal filling with a ceramic (I think?) one because it was old, etc.

Fast forward to law school and because that dentist did a poor job, a small air gap was left when he put in the new filling. 😖😖😡😡🤬🤯

This led to an infection, a **LOT** of pain, an emergency root canal, and finally a root canal and crown. Tooth pain is the WORST. 🤯😳

To this day, I deeply regret not personally thanking one of the Deans of the Dental School at The University of Pittsburgh, who used his clout to make sure I received an emergency root canal at the front of the line, per se.

Side bar: emergency dental procedures, especially during weekend hours, are remarkably hard to find anywhere, even if you have the assistance of a Dean.

This is why I drive 45-55 minutes to see my dentist prior to when I moved; drive 1.15 hours to my current veterinarian office who I LOVE; and why I drive 1.25 hours to three other specialists. It’s worth it to find and keep reliable medical care. 😅