opera^gal's story

[opera^gal]

Hey Nikki..glad you liked the 'Ode'..you'll get to the point where you'll be able to eat anything again..really!!

[opera^gal]

Retainer check up went as planned: pliers applied, tweek tweek tweek, back in place only with a tighter fit..yawn . I'll be going back the week before the implant is exposed, to have them remove toothus fakimus from the lower essix and replace it with some tooth-colored paint stuff..so there will be room for the healing post thingamajig to fit after the exposure surgery.
I asked the ortho for her opinion on bonding vs veneers for my upper lateral spaces created from forward advancement, and she pulled in one of the tech gals to show me her bonding on the *same teeth*. I was impressed at how good it looked and the ortho said bonding would work the same as veneers, but at a lower cost for the same result aka retaining the space she created over 18 months of bracket/wire manipulation. I explained I was less than happy with my dentist and his less than stellar technique with bonding, so she walked me to her office, sat me down, and gave me the card of a dentist she personally uses for her family. Bonus: this dentist teaches bonding techniques at NYU, so I most certainly should get the result I require all the way around.
After reading some of the horror stories on this forum about ortho offices/staff being such nightmares, I am ever so grateful for the place/doc I chose for this journey

[opera^gal]

Called to schedule an appt with the new dentist and boy oh boy, am I already happy. Office staff, while incredibly busy, was super helpful getting things set up and asking/listening to what needed to be done. Instead of shoving me into the next available appt time, they asked when I would be able to come and what would work best for me..shocker . The lovely woman I spoke with, knew exactly how I was feeling from the previous maryland bridge screw-up, as she'd been through it as well, and was certain this new lady dentist could not only solve the issues, but do it painlessly . And and and...they take insurance..whoody frikken whoo! Will have to see how much can be applied, depending on what is considered 'cosmetic' and what is for 'retention post orthodontics'. Oh..they also can do the final toothus fakimus after the implant is uncovered..score! Crossed fingers that this all isn't just a dental dream, folks! Will see next Thurs evening . Consultation..ho!!!

[opera^gal]

New dentist is a small little lady, much like my ortho. Very detail oriented and quite honest. What I thought was a consultation, also included new impressions of top and bottom, a bite impression, photos, and a complete oral exam filled with poking and prodding. All looks good, she commented on my excellent oral hygiene, and basically said all my concerns could be taken care of easily, along with some I didn't even bring up. Plans include: repairing the lower bonding that remains after the maryland bridge screw up, and sealing it to reduce sensitivity...bonding the small gaps from moving the top arch forward...bonding on the ground down upper incisors, to protect the teeth and even out the level <which the old dentist refused to do, saying it wouldn't work>. If the bonding all holds up over a determined amount of time, I can switch to veneers if I wish, as they would last longer...when the implant is uncovered, will create the final toothus fakimus and put it in place. I feel pretty good with the overall plan, and based on her gentle hands, I highly doubt she will allow me to feel any pain whatsoever. I head back next week, to have the lower incisors worked on and sealed, then a wait of a couple weeks to see if it has taken well or if I require a second treatment. Bottom work has to be done before the implant is exposed, so probably won't get to the top for another month or so. Does look like my current top hawley can have the springs removed, so I can continue to use it after the bonding, thus saving a chunk of cashola..whoowhoo

[opera^gal]

Dentist called to see if I could come in today, instead of tomorrow..and with some juggling on both our schedules, I was able to go in this evening. Had complete digital x-rays taken and the good news there...zero decay anywhere . She then treated my lower incisors with a 'paint on' substance, that then got the magic blue light treatment to set it..all for sensitivity. Seems to be working, as I was able to tolerate the cold air blowing on it and the cool water as well. Will live with it a week or so, and report back...if it is ok..I don't go back until after the implant is exposed...if I'm still sensitive, she'll re-treat the area and then see me after implant exposure. At that time, she'll re-do the backs of those incisors either with bonding or porcelain, making sure all edges are seated and sealed well, so I don't have sensitivity after the implant crown goes on. Then the upper bonding will be done and we will discuss replacing the old metal fillings with porcelain or composite. She still believes I'll be able to use my same hawley retainer on top, but will need a new retainer on the bottom, once the implant crown is placed. All in all, I like the office, I like the staff, I like the dentist . Each appointment will be a new adventure, I'm sure .

[opera^gal]

Starting to get excited about the final leg of my implant journey. Little over a month until exposure, then 2 wks until impressions for the final crown <aka toothus stupendous finalis>, followed by impressions for new retainer(s). Hard to believe it has been almost a year since the tooth was extracted, and even harder to believe I've been out of braces for nearly a year...tempus fugit!

[opera^gal]

Positively swamp-like conditions on the east coast these days..makes me feel quite feral. Was soooo happy to see my ticker down to 'days' until implant exposure, instead of 'months'. It can't come soon enough for me..Grrrrrrr! Keep your hands and fingers away from the toothless wonder, folks..she bites!

[iBorg]

Hey good luck on the implant. I understand the anxious feeling of so many days...... I think you're truly on the downhill side of things.

By the way, still have your PT? Today was a good day for top down driving.

Mike

[opera^gal]

Yup Mike, still got the PT but was too dang swampy to put the roof down the last couple of days . Come on October, bring the snap in the air of less humidity and cool nights!!

[iBorg]

Mine was out of commission for several months. I ended up rebuilding the suspension which included full brakes, suspension bushings, and ball joints. It already had been lowered with coil overs. Needs a bit more suspension work. I have a problem when I hit bumps I have a pop sound. I thought it was ball joints, now I'm trying to figure out what else it could be. Normal drivers may not notice it.....I'm not normal. I keep on finding kids who want to play with me. They typically only do that once.

I'll agree I enjoy fall days or summer nights more for top down driving.

Mike

[opera^gal]

Hey Mike: Only thing I've noticed in mine, is a rattle in the dash on the driver's side. Probably a gremlin stuck in the vent. Otherwise, still running like a champ, if even for a 'normal' person like myself lol

[iBorg]

You normal?

Surely you jest.

as for driving and pushing the limits, let me ask you an important question. You take a curve with a hill rise too fast. Your front end if not the whole car gets airborne. What's the most important thing to do?

Answer forthcoming.....

[opera^gal]

That's easy...unfurl the wings and start singing the theme to 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'

[iBorg]

I don't want to pay your insurance.....

Although I'm pretty sure that anyone named OPERA gal can sick a lot better than I.

[iBorg]

Make that sing......