Saturday, July 2, 2011

orthodontist appointment

It turns out, I missed my last orthodontist appointment! I was supposed to go in sometime in May for a splint and bite and teeth alignment check - totally slipped my mind. I will call next week to get in.

In other news, I need my teeth cleaned/checked out by a dentist soon. I'm still having residual teeth pain on my left side and it's gone on long enough now that I'm not sure it IS nerve damage, maybe it's a cavity or something? My teeth still feel very funny - sometimes they vibrate, sometimes they hurt suddenly and then stop, sometimes I can't really feel them when I chew (feels like chewing on wood).

The problem? Not insurance, as I'm lucky enough to have good dental insurance. It's dumb fear. I am so completely and totally afraid of the dentist that every time I pull their phone number up in speed dial I can't breathe. I'm not exactly sure what to do... I might just bite the bullet (ahaha!) and call and ask them what they think. Maybe they can knock me out for my cleaning? All I know is, it's been 15 months since I've had a cleaning, and that's just not okay.

20 comments:

holski said...

You can do it! :) You will feel so much better when it's over.

Lesley W. said...

I stumbled upon your blog while researching jaw surgery as I just had a very similar surgery done last week. It's really cool and interesting seeing someone else go through the same thing as me. The before and after photos also make me all the more happy that I got this surgery. Can't wait until I have a beautiful smile like you! Thanks for writing this.
-Lesley

Anonymous said...

The cleaning is nothing compare to what you've been through! You deserve it, go for it! :-)

Melinda Renee said...

Go see Dr. Lance Timmerman, and tell him I sent you!!! He's wonderful, they do paraffin wax-hand dips, aromatherapy, and have freshly baked cookies every day. They are FANTASTIC there, and he is why I LOVE going to the dentist!

And he's kinda up by my house, so you can see me too. *big cheesy grin*

Brent said...

Hi Stephanie -
Have you always had this fear of dentists, or is this new from the surgery?
You could always call for a consultation rather than an "appointment" to start a cleaning. Perhaps if you had the opportunity to talk to the dentist your fears it would help you????

My thoughts are with you!
Brent

stephanie said...

Lesley - glad I can be of service. Hopefully your recovery is much quicker than mine :) The worst part is over, if you've had the surgery already, now the patience part begins :)

Mel - I love my dentist, that's the hardest part. He's an amazing, amazing man with a passion for dentistry I have never seen - and his staff are very cognizant of my surgery and issues, so I want to continue going there. It's not his fault I'm afraid.

Brent - this crazy anxiety is new since surgery. That's a good idea, asking for a consultation. I think I will.

And I know there's nothing to be afraid of - and I WILL feel better once it's done... but oye! The irrational panic I feel.

-Steph

Anonymous said...

Hi... My name is Shannon and I broke my jaw back in march. It is now October and I still cannot open my mouth more than two fingers wide. And it hurts all the time. Any advice on exercises? Just getting frustrated:o(

Anonymous said...

Shannon - it's Steph, for some reason blogger won't let me sign in. So, for exercises you should talk to your doctor to approve but I used tongue depressors and stacked them to prop my jaw open - at first I could only get 8-9 in. Every time it'd get not-super-painful I'd add another stick.

Also, just stretching it with your hands, pushing it side to side... I had little squash balls that I was supposed to squish up and then let go between my back teeth.

Good luck! Ask your doctor before doing anything, though.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Nice article has been shared. It was fun visiting your this article. i did get lots of good points from here.thanks for sharing such article here. it would be great if you can put some information related to Dentist Chatswood here in this article. keep on posting such article here in future too.

Sid said...

I can understand .I had braces for an year ,all those tools of a dentist look scary.

Diana Dickert said...

Fear is all in the mind, dear. Would you rather have the pain fester you, or face your fear and be relieved of uneasiness? You can ask for anesthesia or think of happy thoughts. Happy thoughts like rainbows and unicorns! :)

Dr Glen Shanock said...

Today, orthodontic treatment is simple, convenient, and affordable for patients of all ages. And an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Orthodontic treatment results in correctly-aligned teeth that provide ideal jaw function and a great smile! Additionally, your teeth are easier to clean and more resistant to gum disease. Perhaps most importantly, orthodontic treatment almost always provides improved self confidence.

Orthodontist Atlantic Beach

Jenelia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jenelia said...

Really nice post........
I think i should go to my teeth cleaned and checked out by a dentist soon.

Accredited Online Degree Programs
Online Masters Degree Programs

Invisalign Long Beach NY said...

hello sir

its very informative post about orthodontist appointment.

Keep posting

Orthodontist Oceanside NY

Breast Implant said...

You can take guidance of appointment for orthodontist. It is useful infromation

skin tightening said...

is it that tough to get an ortho's appointment?

Chatswood Dentist said...

Chatswood Implant's most popular dental practices offering a Dentist Chatswood service. We use high tech equipment and techniques for pain-free procedures to create beautiful smiles. The best dental implant treatments and those want trouble-free tooth replacement with the most refined and affordable priced implant treatments available in Chatswood, Australia. For more detail call at (02) 94121303 and vite this site http://www.dentalimplantclinic.com.au

Dental Pub said...

Very good article for natural teeth alignment. Thanks for sharing this nice information with us.