Miserable Today

[Nyboy]

After spending thousands tiring to save a tooth, I had to have it pulled last night. Nothing goes easy when it comes to my teeth, a root broke off while being pulled. My Dr had to dig the root out, my head and mouth feel Like I am repeatedly being hit in face with hammer. I have a long busy day at work. My father who is in his 90s, has only had 1 tooth pulled, it could have been saved, but was much cheaper to pull. Why did I get my moms teeth !!!!!!!!!!! To a long miserable today.

 

[so lucky]

Well, I hope you got a script for a few pain pills. I'm feeling your pain, Nyboy! I can empathize with you about getting fragile teeth. I don't know scientifically if it's true, but I always blame my cavity-prone teeth on the fact that my mom didn't have access to fresh milk when she was pregnant with me.
One of the best things I have done for myself is to quit drinking sodas. My teeth didn't appreciate being bathed in acid/sugar water all day.

 

[Beekissed]

I've got Mom's teeth too. Dad had the good teeth and Mom, not so good. Some of my sibs got Dad's teeth and didn't take care of them and STILL have great teeth, while I took care of mine and have weak, cavity prone teeth.

Just luck of the draw. I feel your pain, NY.

 

[Nyboy]

Funny grew up being able to have unlimited soda. Rarely drink it as a adult.

 

[thistlebloom]

Oh, I'm so sorry...I hope your day goes quickly.
Routine dental work is no fun, and much worse when it's a complicated procedure. My face hurts just thinking about yours!

My jaw dislocates if I open too wide for too long. First time it happened the dentist told me I could close my mouth now, as I sat there in a perpetual yawn... "Ihh hahhn" I said. It didn't make me feel very confident when he reacted with near panic! Fortunately he got it shut so I'm still able to chatter endlessly.

When Kid#1 was a teen he got a job at the local theme park, where they allowed the employees unlimited access to the soda fountain in the break room. Having been raised in a family where soda was a rarity he went a little wild, and nearly ruined his teeth.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I had that happen once, a wisdom tooth root needed to be dug out. Not pleasant at all then or the next day.

Mom was wearing dentures in her 30's, Dad kept practically all his teeth and had very few fillings. I got Mom's teeth. Most of mine have fillings or crowns and I have three implants. Two of those implants were from a game of touch football though. Three of us tried to touch the guy at the same time. Can't blame that on my bad teeth.

 

[bobm]

My Mom had horrible teeth, she had ALL of her teeth pulled and wore both upper and lower false teeth. My Dad had perfect teeth ... as for me, I got bad upper teeth and very good lower teeth .

 

[Smart Red]

I am sorry for your painful experience, Nyboy.

I never had serious problems, but I was told by one dental extraction specialist not to come back to him if my remaining wisdom tooth erupted.

Since you brought up the subject of teeth, extraction, and thousands of dollars. . . .

Because Mom and Dad don't make enough money to get along, I have taken responsibility for much of the Grand's needs -- dental, medical, back-to-school -- and wants like band instrument and extra-curricular activity costs.

Last week my granddaughter has a dental appointment. Her 12 year molars erupted WITH cavities and are not salvageable. She also has 7 additional cavities. I have since learned that both her maternal grandmother and great-grandmother had dentures before entering high school due to their weak teeth.

Because it sounds as if Gypsy has inherited their soft-tooth genes, I have been wondering how many thousands of dollars I should expend trying to keep her teeth if she is destined to lose them at an early age anyway. I would much rather be saving the money for implants should that time come.

The dentist, of course, is saying she can keep her teeth with a lot of attention to proper dental care. I am thinking he's being overly optimistic to expect a 12 YO to brush after every meal, snack, soda, etc. and rinse with prescription mouth wash (costing nearly $400 a year).

Her brother, Maverick, has good strong teeth and good dental habits, but will need work once his mouth is adult-sized. Two of his baby teeth have no replacements. I don't know if the baby canines will remain with no adult teeth to push them out, but even if they do those tiny things are going to look pretty strange in an adult mouth. While I am okay with fixing his teeth, that is another expense I need prepare for.

Anyone here with anecdotes or experiences to help us decide what to do with our girl?

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

Missing adult teeth is a heredity trait. My paternal grandfather was missing the two teeth on either side of the two upper front teeth. I got that from him. In high school in the early 70's I had braces to move all the upper teeth forward one spot to fill in for those two missing teeth. Worked great.

I have had 4 cavities in my life - from first grade. Mother says its cus of the heavily fluoridated water in Amarillo TX where we lived for a few years. Sister, now 58, has had two cavities. Baby bro who didn't go to a dentist for 15 years until recently still has no cavities.

Its the luck of the draw combined with good hygiene.

 

[ninnymary]

Oh Nyboy, I'm so sorry you are going through so much pain. I don't like going to the dentist but do because of large pockets. I have them cleaned 4 times a year. The insurance pays for 2 and I pay for the other 2. I had a loose molar that a periodontist wanted to immediately pull out. He didn't like the fact that I refused and said I would let it fall out on it's own. Four years later I still have it and my dentist says it's because of my good dental care. I've only had 1 small cavity. It is a pain to brush 3 times a day, floss, use a tiny brush between each tooth, and a plastic needle type threading between a crown. It has made a hugh difference though.

One of my 4yr. old's had 5 cavities! The parents had never brushed her teeth!

Mary