I don't know if anyone remembers, but I posted last week about some issues I was having with my teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth. If anyone is interested in reading my original post, you can do so here: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=215081. Well, today I had the two infected teeth extracted. And, to be honest, it's been a difficult road to an even more trying day...
Since I'm Vicodin for pain this evening, this won't be long and drawn out. But, if you have some vibes you can spare, they would be greatly appreciated.
This afternoon, I had my upper left wisdom tooth extracted along with the molar directly beside it. The teeth needed to be removed due to my jaw not being large enough to accommodate my wisdom teeth and then their pushing against my molars, cracking them, and then infection setting in. Eventually, I will need my other three wisdom teeth extracted, but I had to have the infected teeth removed quickly as I am already dealing with a heart condition which may have been brought on by the infection. However, this wasn't an easy decision to come to since it was going to cost me close to $500.00 for the extractions -- and that came after spending $250.00 last week on the initial exam and x-rays. But, thanks to the fact that I had a decent-sized savings tucked away for emergencies (and Care Credit), I was able to come up with the money and made an immediate appointment to have the teeth extracted.
I've never had so much as a cavity before. The extent of my experience with dentists has been yearly x-rays and cleanings every 6 months. However, I've been lax in caring for my teeth over the last couple of years due to a health issue that made going to the dentist a shaming ordeal. But, that's neither here nor there. However, my lack of experience did make having my teeth extracted today that much more stressful. In short, I was terrified and had no idea what to expect. The dentist was excellent, though (he was much kinder and thorough this time around and I'm grateful I decided to give him another chance), and the hygienists and assistants were both supportive and knowledgeable. I needed to be numbed with the Novocaine twice and then almost needed to be sedated due to it not working, but we got it taken care of. I had an anxiety attack in the chair, but it wasn't terrible and the assistant was kind enough to sit with me while I calmed down. After that, it all went quickly. They removed the wisdom tooth first and that came out without a problem. However, the molar did crack under the pressure and they weren't able to remove a tiny piece of the tooth which was, most likely, fused to the bone in my jaw. But, the dentist felt it wouldn't be an issue and I was sent home with additional antibiotics, Vicodin, and a whole lot of gauze.
Since then, I've been pretty miserable. My mouth, jaw, and face is swollen and I'm in a lot of pain. I had a difficult time clotting and have had breakthrough bleeding all throughout the night. I did manage to eat something, but it was extremely uncomfortable. And, drinking is certainly no better. But, I know I have no choice but to do all that I can to take care of myself. Since I already had an infection, the risk for a more serious infection to take hold is greater. I'm still taking the 875mg of Amoxicillin 2x daily and am to start rinsing with warm salt and water starting tomorrow. I'm following all of the directions the dentist gave me, but I'm struggling with the bleeding, swelliong, and pain. In fact, I think I may try the bite gauze for another 45 minutes tonight followed by another Vicodin and then attempting to get some sleep.
I don't know what I want out of this post aside from some vibes. I feel like I don't deserve your support since I've not been around as much lately, but things have just been difficult. Health-wise, it's been one thing after the next and I am dealing with some emotional issues as well. But, things, I hope, are starting to look up and I'm planning on being more present here and in all aspects of my life. After all, I will be travelling to Albuquerque, NM next week and need to begin getting ready for that trip. But, nonetheless, I'm grateful for TCS and everyone here. I'm thankful that I can always come here for support -- no matter what. And, I am happy to be able to say that I'll be around more now that things are finally moving in the right direction again.
I have so much to be thankful for. But, sometimes, life just mucks itself up so it's difficult to see all the beauty and greatness that surrounds me. Thank goodness I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. And, I also know there's a silver lining waiting just for me (even if I'm swollen and bruised with two missing teeth
)...
Since I'm Vicodin for pain this evening, this won't be long and drawn out. But, if you have some vibes you can spare, they would be greatly appreciated.
This afternoon, I had my upper left wisdom tooth extracted along with the molar directly beside it. The teeth needed to be removed due to my jaw not being large enough to accommodate my wisdom teeth and then their pushing against my molars, cracking them, and then infection setting in. Eventually, I will need my other three wisdom teeth extracted, but I had to have the infected teeth removed quickly as I am already dealing with a heart condition which may have been brought on by the infection. However, this wasn't an easy decision to come to since it was going to cost me close to $500.00 for the extractions -- and that came after spending $250.00 last week on the initial exam and x-rays. But, thanks to the fact that I had a decent-sized savings tucked away for emergencies (and Care Credit), I was able to come up with the money and made an immediate appointment to have the teeth extracted.
I've never had so much as a cavity before. The extent of my experience with dentists has been yearly x-rays and cleanings every 6 months. However, I've been lax in caring for my teeth over the last couple of years due to a health issue that made going to the dentist a shaming ordeal. But, that's neither here nor there. However, my lack of experience did make having my teeth extracted today that much more stressful. In short, I was terrified and had no idea what to expect. The dentist was excellent, though (he was much kinder and thorough this time around and I'm grateful I decided to give him another chance), and the hygienists and assistants were both supportive and knowledgeable. I needed to be numbed with the Novocaine twice and then almost needed to be sedated due to it not working, but we got it taken care of. I had an anxiety attack in the chair, but it wasn't terrible and the assistant was kind enough to sit with me while I calmed down. After that, it all went quickly. They removed the wisdom tooth first and that came out without a problem. However, the molar did crack under the pressure and they weren't able to remove a tiny piece of the tooth which was, most likely, fused to the bone in my jaw. But, the dentist felt it wouldn't be an issue and I was sent home with additional antibiotics, Vicodin, and a whole lot of gauze.
Since then, I've been pretty miserable. My mouth, jaw, and face is swollen and I'm in a lot of pain. I had a difficult time clotting and have had breakthrough bleeding all throughout the night. I did manage to eat something, but it was extremely uncomfortable. And, drinking is certainly no better. But, I know I have no choice but to do all that I can to take care of myself. Since I already had an infection, the risk for a more serious infection to take hold is greater. I'm still taking the 875mg of Amoxicillin 2x daily and am to start rinsing with warm salt and water starting tomorrow. I'm following all of the directions the dentist gave me, but I'm struggling with the bleeding, swelliong, and pain. In fact, I think I may try the bite gauze for another 45 minutes tonight followed by another Vicodin and then attempting to get some sleep.
I don't know what I want out of this post aside from some vibes. I feel like I don't deserve your support since I've not been around as much lately, but things have just been difficult. Health-wise, it's been one thing after the next and I am dealing with some emotional issues as well. But, things, I hope, are starting to look up and I'm planning on being more present here and in all aspects of my life. After all, I will be travelling to Albuquerque, NM next week and need to begin getting ready for that trip. But, nonetheless, I'm grateful for TCS and everyone here. I'm thankful that I can always come here for support -- no matter what. And, I am happy to be able to say that I'll be around more now that things are finally moving in the right direction again.
I have so much to be thankful for. But, sometimes, life just mucks itself up so it's difficult to see all the beauty and greatness that surrounds me. Thank goodness I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. And, I also know there's a silver lining waiting just for me (even if I'm swollen and bruised with two missing teeth
