Although modern dental technique is far better than the parent holding you down, telling you it will be over soon, I still get apprehensive when I know I have a bad tooth. When I was about to start the 7 weeks of radiation, I had to get all my dental work for the next year caught up, because they couldn't work on my mouth until I had completely recovered from the chemo and radiation (almost a year). Had a root canal , two crowns and misc. cavities fixed..took a while to get it all done...and then I got to start my chemo/rads.
That said, the largest tooth I have on my lower jaw on both sides (had all my molars pulled already) has been hurting a bit and was sensitive to cold air and water...One can only eat like a rabbit with the front four teeth for so long...so my lovely bride made me take the appt and I went in this morning.
The segue to gratitude is thus:
I had the obligatory x-rays (which I have been avoiding, as I have already been exposed to more radiation through treatment and ensuing CT/PET Scans than the survivors of Hiroshima).
The dentist came in and asked why I was there. I told him about the teeth, the discomfort, the sensitivity to cold, waiting for words like extraction, root canal, fillings, etc. to burst from his mouth. Instead I heard "Mr. Welton your teeth look fine, I can't find anything wrong that requires attention. You might want to consider having your crown replaced in 2013 or 2014. Your gums a a bit inflamed in a few spots, however. I recommend you rinse your mouth out with salt water regularly. See you in a couple of months."
I am thankful I lived long enough to have the PERFECT dental visit after requesting one for existing problems. If my saliva glands were working, I would have whistled.
rlw
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