20+ years of improper care

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#1 Post by **ironyengine** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:31 am

Howdy everyone... just another new reader checking in now that I too have joined the club.

I got my braces put on one week ago, right after my 30th birthday. Up until last year I hadn't even as much as seen a dentist for a cleaning since before I was 10 (I don't remember how long exactly). I always had some occasional pain back in the molars, but after brushing hard in the area it'd usually subside after a few days. And I knew my teeth were crooked and pressed closely together, but never thought of any of it as a problem. I brushed fairly regularly but flossing was difficult because as the teeth were so close together, pulling the floss down to get between them inevitably made my gums hurt or even begin bleeding slightly. I also learned a year or two ago from an ENT that my wisdom teeth were impacted, but as none of the above was causing me any pain, I didn't think about it.

Last year after starting a new job, I decided it was time to start taking full advantage of my dental benefits. I looked around for a dentist with a good reputation around here and made an appointment, started getting the cavities in my backmost teeth (4 in each quadrant) drilled and filled, and started seeing about having the wisdom teeth pulled out. All four were badly impacted, the bottom two being almost 90 degrees from where they should be oriented - I have xray pics around somewhere, they're great). The dentist said he was surprised at the minimal damage to my teeth after not being properly cleaned for so long, but shortly after I started having work done the pain started. It was like nerves all over my mouth were waking up after being asleep for 20 years or so, and suddenly everything hurt. I'd just get to the point of being able to chew again when another round of fillings would come along and start the pain all over. I was starting to have misgivings about getting into all this, to be honest.

Anyway after the wisdom teeth were pulled and the holes mostly healed, my dentist recommended I go in to see an orthodontist he'd gone to dental school with who also practiced in the area. One consultation later (I know, should've shopped around but the guy seemed competent and friendly) I had a plan for the next two years. The braces went on last tuesday and, a little bit of pain later, I'm back to eating beef stew and curry again at least. From what I'm told I have more extractions to loko forward to, but (hopefully) nothing as bad as having the four wisdom teeth out. Here's hoping it's all worth it in the end!

#2 Post by **ironyengine** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:55 am

Thanks KK & Linda, I know this forum's done a lot of good for other braces-wearers so I'm glad to be part of the fun. There definitely is a lot of useful info here.

Already one development in the saga today, so stay tuned! haha.