Little help please *

[finalexplosion]

So, I scheduled a appointment for one last consult with my new orthodontist. I don't know how long the timeline is for getting a root canal therapy done. I was quoted about $800.00 as the cost but, they said they will take down a few hundred given I have been with them forever and I have no insurance. It is a nice sentiment but, this expense was definitely not expected. I just bought some ibuprofen which has helped me with the swollen jaw. I was warned that if this was not treated, this can cause damage at the bone of the mandible. Progression would lead to bone loss which is terrifying. Also, this is why teeth get loose or fall out so, I am on a antibiotic called metronzole. I take it for 10days just in time for the root canal therapy which I am told is pretty painful. I don't understand exactly how this happened. Just the other day, I was out with friends, we were having some fun in the city, and clubbing. Two days later, I have a sore jaw, and then, today, it was excruciating to he point of missing work.

I am extremely unhappy about this. I spend so much time on my health, fitness, exercise, and dieting. I don't eat chocolate, candy, drink pop or juice, no fast food or deep fried anything but, I am suffering. My teeth are worse then those that smoke or eat crappy foods. I do neither and I am suffering. It sort of feels futile.

One fear is to spend all this money and my teeth are bad even then. I read a response here from someone who said that everything would be on the up and up thereafter the extractions. I get the extractions done, my orthodontist disappears. I find another where it was sold and now, there is this tooth issue which is going to put me out even more money. Its pretty upsetting. I am trying to be positive but, I am really disheartened with it all.

[djspeece]

Wow, sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can make progress with that root canal -- I have had several over my many years -- and the decrease in pain and hopefully increase in your mood should be dramatic. Best of luck to you.

[finalexplosion]

Wow, sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can make progress with that root canal -- I have had several over my many years -- and the decrease in pain and hopefully increase in your mood should be dramatic. Best of luck to you.

Its really disheartening. It sucks because I had premolars removed. What the new orthodontist said is that, they would have had the same teeth pulled but, they begin braces IMMEDIATELY. They said, they want to control the teeth from moving. As I previously stated, I own a night guard and it wont fit any longer. I tried putting it on recently and it was excruciating pain. Not sure which route would have worked best. Probably, braces and teeth pulled since it would have been started already.

So, I initially wanted to drop a lump sum of cash on my braces but, I don't know what the process or the timeline for a root canal therapy. Do I need a crown thereafter? If that is the case, it will take more time and money which really sucks because these teeth are already pulled.

I am beyond frustrated at this point. If you seen pics of my physique, my diet, the fact that I don't eat junk foods or fast food, its highly upsetting. I sacrifice so much and yet, I am struggling here. Even with the GERD, I don't eat acidic foods, I don't drink beer or alcoholic beverages. With dental, I don't smoke or do drugs. Its highly disheartening.

[finalexplosion]

Update:

So, in a week or teens days, I am having my first ever root canal therapy done. I am terrified. Its $800.00 minus whatever deal they make for me that I was not planning on spending. I have a little student debt. I was hoping to have that clear before braces but, I am feeling like this is a nightmare of a situation. By removing teeth, if makes way for straight teeth but, I cannot grow those teeth back. Furthermore, with my orthodontist disappearing, teeth have shifted since they were extracted, and its not good. A few days ago, I was celebrating with friends and having fun. Suddenly, I feel weirdness in my jaw and teeth. I search online and I see terrifying content online. Now, I am preparing for this crap.

Any advice is appreciated guys. One fear is spending thousands for straight teeth and then, more bad sesame happens in between. I am superstitious so, I wont say what I think is bad but, none of this is good. Thanks in advance.

[djspeece]

You won't necessarily need a crown after a root canal. Although root canals are popularly construed as painful torture, in my experience they are fairly boring experiences. You won't feel pain, just have to sit there with your mouth open for what will seem to be an endless amount of time. There really is no recovery to speak of, and you go on your way afterwards. I don't think it will have any impact on your timeline, save for scheduling the root canal. Hang in there, take it one step at a time and try to keep your eye on the prize, which i know right now seems to be a thousand light-years away. You'll get through it. Think of it as a "character-building experience." That's how I used to describe challenging events and missions to my team while on active duty in the Navy.
Best of luck to you.

[finalexplosion]

You won't necessarily need a crown after a root canal. Although root canals are popularly construed as painful torture, in my experience they are fairly boring experiences. You won't feel pain, just have to sit there with your mouth open for what will seem to be an endless amount of time. There really is no recovery to speak of, and you go on your way afterwards. I don't think it will have any impact on your timeline, save for scheduling the root canal. Hang in there, take it one step at a time and try to keep your eye on the prize, which i know right now seems to be a thousand light-years away. You'll get through it. Think of it as a "character-building experience." That's how I used to describe challenging events and missions to my team while on active duty in the Navy.
Best of luck to you.

See, that is pretty awesome. Navy, army, marine, etc. is all bad ass. I've been pretty anxious lately given a lot of the factors in my life, emotionally with death, anxiety, and then, all the physical stuff with teeth. I am not a victim. I am going to soldier on. Its just been frustrating. I will keep with my update. Maybe even upload a pic eventually if I am get out of this anxiety and find the courage to post a pic. Smiling has never been a strong suit since my teeth are crooked ever since my adult teeth came in. In short, I use to slam doors to take teeth out which I realize is stupid and likely caused trauma.

I will keep with updates. Any timeline for recovery and starting braces? I seen realself, reddit, and other forums on the topic. nothing concrete though. Despite the advice here and my orthodontist, I really want to whiten my teeth. I picked up a girl at a bar a few weeks ago and I am seeing her again. I am just not confident about my stained teeth and all this other crap. I notice how beautiful, straight, and white everyone's teeth is. I am envious.

[finalexplosion]

Update:

So, the antibiotics are taking. I have slightly mild discomfort. Some strange discomfort and feeling in my jaw but, the pain has subsided quite a bit. I suspect this is the antibiotics. If I didn't state exactly what I am taking, its called Metronidazole. I take 4 pills a day with or without food. I still have quite a few days but, it will blast the infection before the actual root canal therapy.

I also have this special tooth paste which is suppose to be good for teeth enamel. I forgot the name but, when I remember it, I will share. Apparently, you brush your teeth with it, you spit out the paste but, you don't rinse. You don't swallow for 30min. Then, you rinse. I have yet to notice any difference but, its especially good if you used crest white strips which I did several weeks ago. I still want to get my teeth whitened but more then anything, I really want to get the braces started.

I contacted my new orthodontist. They were happy to hear from me. I also informed briefly about the root canal therapy and then requesting another consult before beginning. I don't think they are impressed about another consult. My intention again is the use visa for a lump payment. I will need to contact my visa card company first to verify the transaction. I want to lower the monthly payments. Also, I was looking over the paperwork. There is a lot of crap I didn't notice. First they warn that the price could increase gradually over the span of treatment. Second, there is a warrant for different things I can get which I was not aware of. Any advice guys? Finally, I am suffering from receding gums a bit especially my lower canine teeth. Will braces help or worsen this?

[djspeece]

Congrats on meeting the girl! I think in general women are looking for more than just good looks and the perfect smile (thankfully for me ). Ask your ortho about anything in the contract that you don't understand. She may refer you to the business office. I'm not sure about the receding gums issue, so ask your ortho.I have some degree, fairly minor, and braces did not help nor hurt. Hang in there.

[finalexplosion]

Congrats on meeting the girl! I think in general women are looking for more than just good looks and the perfect smile (thankfully for me ). Ask your ortho about anything in the contract that you don't understand. She may refer you to the business office. I'm not sure about the receding gums issue, so ask your ortho.I have some degree, fairly minor, and braces did not help nor hurt. Hang in there.

Thanks man. I am feeling a bit better. Looking forward to the weekend and its only Monday. I saw some stuff in the paper work like, "fees naturally rise." That be like me saying, I might change bank accounts during this transaction. I want specific concrete figures, and want to start ASAP. I am also looking at putting down a lump sum to lower monthly transactions. I would rather pay it out flush but, I just got a newer car, mortgage, life, and i want to optimize my savings. Not deplete it. Still, its all relative. I appreciate the responses man.

[finalexplosion]

Update:

My jaw is still a bit sore. Not so much today. The combo of the antibiotics plus the ibuprofen has definitely made a difference. I have a root canal coming up. I will follow up with both my dentist and the orthodontist on the timeline from then on. I am hoping I don't need a crown but, it would not surprise me. They said, it is ideal to save the tooth but, I am interested in health and holistic nutrition. Keeping a dying or dead tooth doesn't sound very holistic. I saw a link online about reversing cavities but, there is no dentist doing this sort of treatment that I know of. Not to say, I would afford it lol Anyway, thanks everyone for listening and responding. I will follow up with my progress going forward.

[AlfredoS]

[quote="JCloNY"]Hi - Your receding gum line may be caused by your over brushing (which you have identified as the possible cause of your bleeding gums). If you have a regular dentist, have you consulted them on whether your teeth and gums are healthy enough for braces?

******************************************
Sorry - Just read your second post that you are seeing your dentist tomorrow. They should be able to give you guidance on the health of your gums and the viability of braces on them.[/quote]
Age as well plays a factor. Once you get over 50 it becomes a lot more common. Not much you can do.

[finalexplosion]

Hi - Your receding gum line may be caused by your over brushing (which you have identified as the possible cause of your bleeding gums). If you have a regular dentist, have you consulted them on whether your teeth and gums are healthy enough for braces?

******************************************

Thanks for your response. You are probably right.

In terms of genetic lottery, I am struggling in terms of health which is highly disheartening since I make it a priority by eating healthy, exercising, and doing martial arts. As a kid, I pulled my teeth out when loose in stupid ways (string and door knob). My parents had no money for braces so, I sort of just went with crooked teeth, I never smiled in pics, and I finally had enough of it. If crooked teeth are bad enough, the second I became a teen, my skin started breaking out, and if not for Accutane, my face would have scars from cystic acne (destroys the dermis). I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. I worry about my bad skin as a teen, I over wash my face which doesn't help because you strip the oils. I worry about bad teeth so, I brush and likely hurt my gums. I am trying to be more cautious now.

Sorry - Just read your second post that you are seeing your dentist tomorrow. They should be able to give you guidance on the health of your gums and the viability of braces on them.

Yeah. I saw them. Apparently, in 3months time, I should look at a crown. My fear is more cavities. I have a appointment in that span for a cleaning so, I will likely get a consult. This sesame is not cheap.

Age as well plays a factor. Once you get over 50 it becomes a lot more common. Not much you can do.

Due to ZERO insurance, I was not going to the dentist often but, I bought a oral b power tooth brush. I brush 3x a day. Sometimes, I would do more pending on the meal I ate. I don't eat candies. I don't eat sugary foods. I don't do chocolate or fast food and yet, I am suffering. The same with acne before Accutane. It was the biggest kick in the balls to look around as people would muck donuts, fast food, beers, and have perfect skin as well as teeth. I am eating salad with balsamic vinegar and fighting off bad skin with Accutane or cavities and root canals at 30.

I got good news this week. Will update. Thanks again.

[finalexplosion]

Update!

So, I placed myself on an appointment for cancelations. The long weekend is coming. Summer is almost over so, it was super busy. I got the call the other day and came in yesterday. I white knuckled it all the way to the appointment. I signed the wager. I was given a rough estimate without insurance.

Turns out, there was 4 canals meaning its $1000 I was not expecting. They did the work. I was in the chair for over an hour and a half. It went well. I am feeling better. The antibiotics helped. As for fixing the consequences of antibiotics, I am drinking kefir to get back the bacteria I just killed off the past week or ten days. My dentist was in a good mood and knocked down the cost a little bit. I am still out quite a bit of money and I want to get my savings up. I am still have a bit of student debt so, I want that clear before undertaking this braces venture. Otherwise, its like $250 per month. I prefer to drop down a few grand and be paying a smaller fee. Anyway, I got the consult afterwards. The dentist said it went well but, to be watching for 1) my bite 2) swelling or anything strange over the next week meaning possibly more antibiotics.

Finally, I can start braces soon. 3month timeline for a crown though, they said it would be better to acquire it first before starting. They said I could do either way. I may get another consult with my orthodontist. Unlike my original orthodontist, I get the feel the new guys want to get make a lot of money. The setting and feel is different.

[shortcircuit]

Been a long time since I've stopped in here, good to see you're still making progress toward getting your teeth fixed.

The "heal your cavities naturally" stuff is typically based on both a gross oversimplification of tooth anatomy, and misrepresenting new dentin formed in a pulp chamber in response to a cavity that has penetrated the enamel as a mechanism that fully repairs cavities and makes them completely disappear. Enamel is not a living substance, so once it has been completely penetrated by a cavity there is no way to "regrow" it, as many of those sources claim.

[finalexplosion]

Been a long time since I've stopped in here, good to see you're still making progress toward getting your teeth fixed.

The "heal your cavities naturally" stuff is typically based on both a gross oversimplification of tooth anatomy, and misrepresenting new dentin formed in a pulp chamber in response to a cavity that has penetrated the enamel as a mechanism that fully repairs cavities and makes them completely disappear. Enamel is not a living substance, so once it has been completely penetrated by a cavity there is no way to "regrow" it, as many of those sources claim.

See, I have seen links online but, from natural organic and holistic sources that contradict the dentristry world. Then again, I know of none that provide such treatment. Of course, the reversal of lost enamel would cost a ridiculous amount of money. I am curious as to where dentristry goes in the coming decade. I have some stains on teeth and I really want to clear it up. I know I cannot hold onto it forever and that, time comes for us all. I notice this with pro athletes too no matter how great, they all get old, and retire.

Thanks for listening. I am trying not to freakout as much anymore after a recent experience. Update to follow.