Visited the dentist 2 days ago for 6 month tooth-cleaning. Got bad news. I am healthy in general. But my family has a history of bad teeth. And among family, I may be the worst.
My dentist thinks I grind my teeth at night. I don't want to be indelicate, but I have had a few intimate relationships and asked my bed-partner if I grind my teeth (and do I talk at night)? The unanimous answer has been "no" (but I do toss and turn a lot). And one partner really did grind her teeth (to the point where I woke her up expecting to see pieces of broken teeth).
What actually happens is "earworms" in daytime. Some people tap their feet to the tune, some humm. I slide my lower jaw back and forth. That is not "tooth-friendly".
So my teeth are beat all hell now. The dentist said there is severe wear and "holes". He says that they are worn down so much that the only way to save me from full implants (which he does not do) is to place crowns on most of my teeth.
I have some crowns, so I know what one involves. I have had 3 teeth extracted because even a root canal wouldn't save them. I have a consultant visit scheduled in 2 weeks to have more examination and discussion. He wants to look at my teeth more carefully and discuss a timeline of appointments to crown teeth 3 or 4 at a visit.
I'm going to have to agree with his expectations. I know my teeth are bad and getting worse. But damn, it is going to be a miserable few months!
I always need a 2nd novocaine shot (I am somewhat drug-resistant and pain-sensitive). And I have a small jaw so it is difficult to keep it open enough for dental work. Heck, I can't even eat a thick sandwich!
My dentist doesn't push any "special treatments" on me, so when he says I need something, I have to trust him on that. So it looks like I'm in for a lot of unpleasant dental work this Summer...
