Off to the dentist...

[Shine]

it's been a while. :scared:

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. It's a necessary part of your good health

Hope things go well for you there today! :hug:

BTW-in all your pics you show you have a beautiful smile :loveya:

[Shine]

2. You're so sweet. Thanks for the compliment, darlin'.

:hug: :loveya:

The appt went well, except the doc was really strong in her recommendation that I have my upper wisdom teeth pulled, to prevent further decay to the teeth next to them. Gigivitis, peridontal disease, blah, blah, blah...I apparently have the beginnings of a cavity in one of them, too. Great. They have never been a problem, in the past, so my attitude has always been to shrug off any past suggestions to have them pulled. I figure "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Well, the doc says, in her opinion, it's a "broke" situation and a "no-brainer" to have them pulled.

For some bizarre genetic reason, I was never born with lower wisdom teeth, just the upper ones and they have long been "erupted" from the gumline, which will actually make getting them out that much easier, so I've been told.

That said, however, I'm still pretty nervous even thinking about having them pulled, b/c I've always heard horror stories....

Have you ever had yours pulled? If so, were you a lot younger? My mom had to have all four of hers pulled when she was 19 and she said it was terrible. I'm 42 and the doc says it would be better to do it NOW, then further on down the line when the recoup time might be even longer. :scared:

Should I do it? :shrug:

[AirmensMom]

6. I know you didn't ask me ...

but I would do it. I had all four taken out when I was 18. My face was swollen for a few days and I got treated to milkshakes and ice cream. My ex-boyfriend even bought me a new clock-radio as a get-well gift. (Yeah, I thought that was a little strange, but it was a great clock-radio!)

Oh, and I'm a big baby when it comes to that stuff. Remember, it's broke. :hug:

[Shine]

7. Ice-cream and milkshakes, huh?

and here I thought I might actually lose weight! LOL. This time, I won't exactly have youth on my side, regarding caloric intake. :)

I've got a call into the oral surgeon's office to set up an initial eval. appt.

I can get an evaluation, without committing to the procedure itself....first things, first. :D

:hi: :hug:

[AirmensMom]

9. Um, well, you could have carrot juice instead.

But ice cream and milkshakes are more fun. :9

Yes, getting the evaluation is a good idea. :D

:hug: :hi:

[Shine]

13. Can't stand carrot juice, maybe I'll drink a bunch of yogurt drinks.

although ice cream sounds MUCH better, admittedly.

:hug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

16. Do you trust your dentist?

If you think your dentist really does have it on the ball regarding your dental health, then go have that eval done and then decide. Maybe you can go through one side then then other at another date.

Had a wisdom tooth pulled last November. I waited too long, having the same attitude basically as you. Had been told it was going bad and in my best health interest to have it removed. I put it off and then OOPS! It became infected! Horrible pain. Having it pulled was actually a relief.

I have gingivitis, but thanks to finding a dentist I trust, have reduced the gum pockets, and have a much happier mouth. I listen to my dentist..she's really good! And I trust her.

Hope this helps! :loveya:

[Road Scholar]

5. Yeah, but the anticipation is hell.

btw, I totally agree about the smile. A totally pretty lady.

[Shine]

8. xoxoxox!

:7 :hug:

you're totally right, regarding the anticipation.

Now I'm obsessing about it....I've got a call into the oral surgeon's office for a no-commitment eval. appt, and OF COURSE, they're closed today. :eyes:

Oh well. I just wanna make sure if I go down this path that I'm set up with lots of pain meds. :D LOTS.

I'm such a wimp.

[Road Scholar]

11. Every time, I mean EVERY time I went to the dentist,

I always said "that wasn't so bad" and got mad with myself for putting myself through what you are going through, imagining the worst. :crazy: You'll be fine. Let me know, so you can tell me I'm right.:pals:

[Shine]

12. OK, you're right.

I can say it right now b/c I know it's true. :D

Have you ever heard that FEAR is actually an acronym for

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

?

I LOVE that. :thumbsup: I know, in my heart of hearts, I'll be fine. I'm just getting caught up in my own mental bullshit about it. :crazy:

Thanks for your wise words. :hug: :pals:

[Road Scholar]

14. I've never seen that acronym before. Very good and very

true. Thank you for sharing. Ever heard this: I've seen the enemy and he is us'ns. Of course you have. Also very true. xoxox:hug:
You worry to much. You can stop now, I worry enough for everyone that I know. Let me know how it goes.

[Shine]

15. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted.

:D

:hi:

[djeseru]

3. Pulling wisdom teeth?

I only had three myself, two lowers and one upper - all had erupted and the lowers had ruined about $3000 dollars worth of orthodonture. So, at 26, the dentist pulled all three...it happened so fast, he was stuffing cotton into my mouth before I knew it was over. No stitches, no pain pills and they healed very cleanly. I spent a few days rinsing with warm salt-water, was careful about what I ate, but that was about the extent of it. I figure the crooked front lower teeth was my price to pay for such wisdom teeth luck! :)

I wish you just as easy of a path, Shine. We'll be thinking of you... :hug:

[Shine]

10. Were you knocked out or did you just receive a local shot?

they were telling me today if I wanted to, I could be completely knocked out for the procedure and it's even a bit easier for the oral surgeon. Not sure what I might choose, at this point, if anything.

I've got to set up a eval appt, which I'm also nervous about.

Thanks for your good wishes, friend. :hug: :hi:

[AirmensMom]

4. It'll be OK.

I didn't go for about 6 years when I was in my 20s and I didn't have anything wrong. I go every 6 months now, but I still hate going.

Now ... take a deep breath ...

:hug:

Edit Oops! I just read that you're already back. Now I'll go read the rest. :blush: