No Cavities!

[Aggie_Ama]

Wait a minute. I just showed my age.

Are you old enough to remember getting candy at the dentist?

I am only 27, almost 28 and got candy at the dentist as a kiddo. You aren't showing to be too old unless late 20's is old to you like my co-worker who flipped out about turning 25.

[Aggie_Ama]

I personally hate the dentist, I have too many uppity dentists. When I was in College Station I had the best dentist, went to one in Austin who claimed I needed $6k of dental work (much of it drilling out "ugly" silver fillings and fixing a root canal he didn't think was done right). I haven't been in two years. It is only 2 hours to College Station, I think I may just go back to that dentist.

[indysteel]

Both of my parents have gum disease, so I take I go to the dentist regularly myself because I don't want to go through what they went through. That's especially true now that I know that gum disease can cause heart disease. Plus, I'm in year number two of braces, so I'm currently getting cleanings every four months, rather than six. It would make little sense to get my teeth straightened and my bite fixed but neglect the actual health of my teeth and gums.

Luckily, I found a dentist about 13 years ago who is very sensitive to sensitive patients. She sat me down on my first appointment and talked about my anxieties and embarrassment (I was quite embarrassed about my crooked teeth). Both she and her employees couldn't be any nicer.

[Selkie]

I got over my fear of dentists by being very very upfront w/the dentist about my fear. That way, she knew to be gentle w/me. I was so afraid of novocaine shots when I was a teenager/young adult, I used to have cavities filled with NO novocaine.

If you already have a good dentist, take him to that person. If not, ask around for recommendations. My current dentist is just wonderful.

I've had a good bit of work done -- one root canal, four crowns, and several inlays (removed old fillings). The only thing that freaked me out was the shot in the roof of my mouth when I had the root canal.

With enough novocaine, he won't feel a thing.

[lunacycles]

Best of all---I didn't have to pay a cent. No copay. Nada.

Just like what would happen in most developed countries!! Sorry for the cynicism: I just watched "Sicko."

Congrats! I am in the same boat as the rest of the procrastinators, but am getting my rear in gear after watching my friend Nic who just spent thousands and thousands for laser gum surgery, then a root canal, after diligently brushing and flossing and having "perfect" teeth for 10 years but no dental visits!

[Selkie]

Just like what would happen in most developed countries!! Sorry for the cynicism: I just watched "Sicko."

I am lucky to now have the option of getting decent dental insurance. This is a supplemental plan, on top of my regular BC/BS and another plan for vision coverage (I pay three premiums every two weeks for this and it's not cheap because I opt for the plans that are designated "high" coverage).

For years, the Fed'l Govt did not offer decent dental plans to its employees - if at all, so I ended up paying for several crowns, inlays, and a root canal out of pocket.

[Zen]

My problem is gums..

Water-Pik has done wonders for me.

[Blueberry]

Water-Pik has done wonders for me.

My dentist says the electric toothbrushes help with gum health too. DH is a hard brusher, and the dentist says they help because they turn off when he hits too hard...

And yeah - I'm still rather scared. I have to have one of my fillings replaced at my next check up in March, and I'm already having nightmares about it

[OakLeaf]

like my co-worker who flipped out about turning 25.

well y'know, I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with 50 next year, but so far, 25 has been my toughest birthday. "A third of my life is over and what have I accomplished?" Thirty and 40 were a breeze, but I think I cried for days over 25.


....ok, way off topic

[crazycanuck]

I don't mind visiting the dentist.

I do mind being 36 though..AHGHGGHGHG..Ian's going to be 40 next year

I'm old

[sgtiger]

CC, you're not old. Not by a long shot. I'm 34 so I'm not that far behind you and I feel like I'm getting younger on the inside. I was too serious and jaded in my earlier years. Dh is 40 and has the spirit of a 12 y.o. and the curiosity of a 6 y.o.

[OakLeaf]

I'm old

Just wait til you get your first white pubic hair.

[badger]

god, I hate anything with the word "dent". It's been a money-pit for me. From 8 veneers to wisdom teeth to implants and crowns. Oh, and the beginning stages of periodontal disease where the dentist wants me to come in every 4 months for cleaning instead of 6.

I figured perio was easy to deal with, so I researched, and found that CoQ10 is very good for gum disease. I've been taking it for the past 3 months, and my gums don't bleed anymore when I floss or brush. I have an appointment in January, so I'll see what the dentist says.

I had extensive staining from being given tetracycline as a youngster, so the veneers were a must. I also had very small teeth. I paid $10K for the veneers but they were SOOOO worth it. I can smile now with my teeth showing, whereas before I smiled with my lips shut.