Tooth update -- 3 hours and $500 later

[jgraz]

and the thing still hurts like a motherfucker. It looks like my guess that I cracked it was right. The dentist sealed up the crack with some tooth composite, and we'll see if that fixes the problem. Otherwise, it's either a root canal or extraction. :scared:

Ah well, at least he refilled my vicodin script. I'll be in pain, but I'm gonna get high as a kite.

Thanks for all your concern...

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Yikes!

:hug:


And sorry about that nasty ass taste of clove oil :hide:

It may take a few days for the nerve to settle down and not cause you such pain. Meanwhile, you've got drugs, and you are entitled to any and all comfort and soft foods (personal fav during tooth pain: mac'n'cheese)

:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

7. I've had my share of tooth problems -- believe me. Luckily, I like the taste

of oil of cloves!

Please at least go through a check-in with an endodontist (doctor who does root canal therapy) to see if the tooth can be saved with proper treatment before you agree to have it extracted. I broke a molar tooth on a sunflower seed shell. Lost that tooth (due to poor dentistry with a local dentist) but was able to save the adjoining tooth. Unfortunately, my wisdom teeth were removed when I was a teenager due to impaction, and I didn't have enough teeth to support a crown or fixed bridgework. Ended up with a partial, removable denture which replaces two molar teeth.

All your teeth in your mouth are important. Don't think that you'll be OK if you take just one of them out. The remaining teeth can tip or drift... the one below (or above) it will "overgrow".

I once asked an oral surgeon how he decides whether to pull a tooth. He said, "If the person won't agree to treating it with root canal therapy and a crown or bridge, then we pull. It's a question of motivation and money. Some people just don't care about their teeth. They just want the pain to go away!"

[jgraz]

12. Ohhh -- mac -n- cheese!!! Great idea!

I can"t eat anything right now without extreme pain. I'll make some mac-n-cheese later tonight.

As way of thanks, here's my favorite Mac-n-cheese recipe, via Cook's Illustrated:

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

If you’re in a hurry or prefer to sprinkle the dish with crumbled common crackers (saltines aren’t bad either), you can skip the bread crumb step.

Serves 4 as a main course or 6 to 8 as a side dish

Toasted Bread Crumbs
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs from French or Italian bread
Pinch table salt
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
2 large eggs
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 teaspoons table salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard , dissolved in 1 teaspoon water
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , American cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese, grated (about 3 cups)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix bread crumb ingredients together in small baking pan. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes; set aside.


2. Meanwhile, mix eggs, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, pepper sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, pepper, and mustard mixture in small bowl; set aside.


3. Meanwhile, heat 2 quarts water to boil in large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and macaroni; cook until almost tender, but still a little firm to the bite. Drain and return to pan over low heat. Add butter; toss to melt.


4. Pour egg mixture over buttered noodles along with three-quarters of the cheese; stir until thoroughly combined and cheese starts to melt. Gradually add remaining milk and cheese, stirring constantly, until mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately topped with toasted bread crumbs.

[texanwitch]

2. A root canal is not that bad.

It is better to save the tooth if possible.

Hope your tooth feels better soon.

[Radio_Lady]

6. Absolutely right. Save the tooth if you possibly can. I don't know which one it is,

but they are ALL important for future mouth health. It can undergo root canal therapy and they might be able to put a post in it, so it can hold a crown. All these things are important.

If you HAVE to have it extracted, find out "why" from at least two oral surgeons. If you complain enough, they will pull it -- it's all a question of MONEY. Sorry to be the one to tell you this.

[Redstone]

3. Three hours for five Cs? Not bad in terms of dentistry bills.

Sorry it still hurts, though. Wash the Vikes down with some vodka, and you'll feel MUCH better.

Redstone

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. I'm so sorry you're still hurting...

Did the doctor give you an antibiotic?

You might find that sudafed will help...I do when my mouth is uncomfortable.

Get well soon! :hug:

[WindRavenX]

5. hooray for vicodin!

Sorry about the toothache-- that shit has to be the worst type of pain out there :hug:

Any idea how you cracked the tooth in the first place?

[hfojvt]

9. probably happened on Boxing Day

somebody shoulda told him/her that they are supposed to wear gloves. It's boxing, not hockey.

[WCGreen]

8. Why is it that dentists give you the best drugs....

[jgraz]

10. because they cause the most pain...

ouch :cry:

[Rosemary2205]

11. IMHO do not try to save a cracked tooth

at least not if it's a vertical crack. You'll spend a boatload of money, time and pain and lose the tooth anyway.

Just MHO based on unfortunate experience.

[bigwillq]

13. Hope you feel better.

:hug: