Monday, March 10, 2014

I felt a little like Joseph today




since I had my dental appointment this morning.  Why do we always dread going to the dentist?  I think I hate being leaned back so far; makes all my insides feel like they're sliding up into my throat.  Then, I never know just what to do with my tongue, and I'm sure I'll strangle on some excess water.

I'm having trouble with my teeth; they've shifted enough that it's hard for me to eat some things.  I guess it all goes back to having a crooked tooth all through my childhood and into adulthood.  It was always there, an embarrassment of sorts, until I reached my mid forties and took the plunge to have them straightened.  I think I wore the braces for about three years and always thought it was one of the best decisions I ever made.  When the braces were removed I was fitted with retainers which I wore at night until the last few months.  After two jaw teeth broke off after eating hard peanut brittle, I left the retainers off for a while.  Suddenly, I can't chew well because my back teeth don't line up properly, and the top retainer won't even go over my teeth.  Isn't it strange, after at least 25 years, that the teeth would move?  They're still straight, just shifted.  I've also had TMJ and wonder if this could be the reason.

Today the dentist tried to adjust the retainer for me but it still wouldn't fit, so I have to make the decision: to have the two caps put on and a new retainer.  Since my teeth are strong I think I must do this for myself.

Have a good week,
Charlotte

 



15 comments:

  1. Yes, if your teeth are still good and strong, get the problem ones fixed.
    I like my dentist but dread going too, even though the visits always end up being reasonably pleasant. When I do have work done, our insurance is good about paying most of it. I always feel better after a cleaning.
    But I would rather do lots of other things instead of a dentist appointment,

    Hope you get your dental things done and your chewing improves, heaven knows I like to chew :)

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  2. I can sympathize Charlotte. I have a retainer too, and if I don't wear it for a couple of nights in a row it feels really tight the next time I put it on. It's amazing how quickly our teeth move.
    I hope it all works out for you.

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  3. I have to start the process to get a crown on the 12th. NOT looking forward to it. What do I not like? Nearly everything. Feeling like I'm going to strangle because the girl does not use the suction often enough. Having someone's hands in my mouth. Having my mouth open so wide that it hurts. Not to mention the shot. And the whirring of the machine. And that nasty cherry-flavored goo they put over the stump of the tooth to make the crown. Why must everything nasty be cherry flavored? Do they not know they are ruining that flavor for so many? And how floppy my mouth feels till the shot wears off.

    but, like you, it's not something I can choose not to do. Broken tooth. No pain, but sensitivity to hot and cold, and I'm sure the rest will follow if I don't get something done now.

    And then there's the cost. Dental work used to be reasonable, and then they started selling dental insurance. Wow, the cost is enough to make me faint dead away.

    I guess we should be grateful we live in a time when we're able to keep our own teeth, regardless of what has to be done.

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  4. I have a hard time with teeth too and have one cap next week being put on - I have the temp right now and later this year I need to schedule one more to be done - I'm getting them one at a time and before you know it my whole mouth will be full of crowns - I should ask about a retainer and see what he says - I have a horrible mouth of teeth and horrible jaw

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  5. I have had an intense fear of dentists since I was a kid. Back in the old days, the dentist just went ahead and did what he had to do no matter how much it hurt you and rarely did he use novacaine--and those old drills? Vibrated you brains!! I have a lovely dentist now, but I too hate how I have to lay back so far and have absolutely no control!!! I hold the suction tube in my hand and use it whenever I want to--during my cleaning, as my dentist now uses the ultra sonic cleaning tool that blasts off the tartar and uses enough water to drown a person, LOL. Yes--if your teeth are still good, do all you can to save them.

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  6. I keep forgetting to tell you how much I love the picture of the baby chicks!! My grandma had a poultry farm and hatchery. I spent so much of my younger years helping her "take off" the baby chicks (out of the incubator into the boxes). We farm girls sure had a good life and good memories.

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  7. Me again Charlotte. I wanted to let you know I have a new blog address:
    http://lindachontos.com
    I don't want to lose touch with you!

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  8. Whoops - did that wrong!
    http://www.lindachontos.com
    There. That's better.

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  9. Bless your heart. It's so disheartening to have problems with our teeth. I believe if you have good strong teeth you need to hang on to them. I hope your dental problems get resolved quickly and smoothly.


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  10. Awe, I feel the same way Charlotte. I'd rather be beat than have to go. I have the TMJ as well and it could be part of your problems. That stuff is bad news. Wishing you the best of luck and sending hugs and prayers.

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  11. Yes, you need to do that but I know kind of how you feel as had to have work done on mine. Why do our parts wear out! LOL Nancy

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  12. thinking of you and this subject.
    always perfect teeth
    but when Sjogrens and dry mouth came about 5 years ago
    I have to brush about 3 or 4 times daily and use constantly
    somekind of moisturizer.

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  13. I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble with your teeth. It is worth it to have them fixed, though, I think. I know what you mean about the dread of going there. I don't like being leaned way back either. I also don't like the bright light shining in my eyes. Hope you can get everything fixed soon. :)

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  14. Hi Charlotte,just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  15. Having sat in the dentists chair more times than I card to admit, I certainly feel for you. Yes, it is important to take good care of your teeth, pesky of a problem as it all seems. Hugs.

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