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Long Overdue Dental Visit
Nov. 4th, 2009 12:10 pmToday I went to the dentist for the first time in over 6 years. Ick. I've been fretting this for the past few years because I've become more and more concerned about the likelihood of needing a root canal. I went about 4 years without a dental visit starting in college until I got dental insurance from WTN/WSM. That first visit resulted in an appointment for a root canal. I was convinced that my current, longer span was going to certainly lead to another root canal.
Thankfully, a root canal is not in my foreseeable future.
Since I had a ton of fillings put in my head in the early 80's, I've been anticipating the need to replace those fillings. Two fillings will be replaced in a couple of weeks. I have one new cavity that will be filled the Monday after my weekend in Nashville. What was unexpected, through, is that I'm getting some periodontal treatment done for some plaque buildup below the gums. I'm now using an electric toothbrush with a tip to help clean below the gumline and a medicated mouthwash. I think I'm supposed to do the mouthwash over the next couple of weeks just before going to sleep. Over the few weeks, I'll go in to get half of my teeth cleaned (with emphasis on clearing out the hard plaque below the gums), another visit to do the other half the same way, and a third visit which will be basically the usual cleaning.
While not cheap, all of this comes to a cost that is a third of what we just spent on JD's mouth (which included a root canal).
Um...but there is one odd thing I'm concerned about. As I'm getting ready to leave, the hygienist said that she should warn me that some folks have complained about food at breakfast not tasting quite right the morning after they take the medicated mouthwash (chlorhexidine).
Thankfully, a root canal is not in my foreseeable future.
Since I had a ton of fillings put in my head in the early 80's, I've been anticipating the need to replace those fillings. Two fillings will be replaced in a couple of weeks. I have one new cavity that will be filled the Monday after my weekend in Nashville. What was unexpected, through, is that I'm getting some periodontal treatment done for some plaque buildup below the gums. I'm now using an electric toothbrush with a tip to help clean below the gumline and a medicated mouthwash. I think I'm supposed to do the mouthwash over the next couple of weeks just before going to sleep. Over the few weeks, I'll go in to get half of my teeth cleaned (with emphasis on clearing out the hard plaque below the gums), another visit to do the other half the same way, and a third visit which will be basically the usual cleaning.
While not cheap, all of this comes to a cost that is a third of what we just spent on JD's mouth (which included a root canal).
Um...but there is one odd thing I'm concerned about. As I'm getting ready to leave, the hygienist said that she should warn me that some folks have complained about food at breakfast not tasting quite right the morning after they take the medicated mouthwash (chlorhexidine).
