Last Fall my dentist discovered a problem with my tooth.
I went to an Endodontist who looked at it a month later. He's been examining it every 6 months now and has been keeping a watchful eye. At my last appointment in April he said that this could very well last 20 years and that if I started having pain or facial swelling then that would be the sign to do something.
A few weeks ago I was chewing and I got one of those zingers on that side. I hoped it was just the way I was chewing. Then the zingers became more frequent and I actually prayed for a cavity in the tooth next to my problematic tooth. YES! I'd rather have to deal with a cavity. My dentist laughed today when I told him this. Apparently, not many people pray for cavities as the simple way out. But, alas....we know where this story is headed right?
It's THE tooth, it's time has come. It needs to come out. But, it's not just going to come out quietly is it? No, now I have to make decisions.
The tooth has got to come out now. But, it's close to the front and I for various reasons don't intend to be a toothless wonder or look like a carnival worker (no offense to carnival workers who may read my blog). I have two options. An implant or a bridge.
Of course, the cheaper option is the bridge. However, when a bridge is preformed they must grind down the two healthy teeth on each side of the effected tooth and crown those teeth. Rami says that this is my opportunity to get myself a fabulous Nelly style Grillz. However, there's one problem with that...even Nelly has recently discovered that fad and fashions wane and has replaced his grill with veneers.
For half the money involved I will have to loose 3 teeth and there's the possibility of further complications in those teeth later down the road. BUT, on the bright side...knowing my phobia regarding dental procedures, the bridge can be completely done in 1 day.
Now, if I want to spend twice as much (which really I don't, I'd rather go on vacation, buy a beach house, etc.) I will be outfitted with the top of the line dental implant that will look and feel exactly like a normal tooth. Considering that this is one of my front teeth I'm leaning toward the cosmetics here. BUT....the processes for this procedure are long and drawn out and won't be done until next Spring. I hate things that take as long to materialize as a baby to gestate. I am not a patient patient.
So, I now have until June 15th to make my decision about which direction I want to take. I'm considering the 3rd option of doing nothing and continuing to wait until I cannot wait any longer. Because if it's not this...it'll be something else I'm sure.
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