My Tarnished Crown
Today’s post is an update on my ongoing struggle, with a small dose of whine tossed in. Eleven months ago I snapped off my front tooth. I shared a bit about it here. I was told this process would take 5-6 months but it’s stretched to almost 12. There have been hiccups in the timeline because of delays in healing and I can’t wait for to be over.
Yesterday I spent 3 hours in the dental chair on the final leg of this unpleasant journey. As I sat with my mouth open and multiple appliances crammed into it, I started to panic. They’d removed the temporary to alter its shape and make the mold for the permanent crown. As time stretched and the tooth still wasn’t fitting properly I began to worry that I’d have to walk around without a front tooth for several weeks.
Rather than hyperventilate, I mumbled to ask his assistant for a mirror. She looked down at my panicked expression, smiled kindly and said: “no, that’s not a good idea”. I’ve been seeing the same dentist for almost 30 years and she’s been his sidekick the entire time so she knows me well.
This tooth has been an emotional experience for me and she’s seen me cry over it more than once. They finally got it in place but it left me with an aching jaw, raw gums, and a pounding headache that Tylenol won’t touch. Once I got home I realized that although I am sporting a tarnished crown in an unflattering color, I am lucky to have it.
Many of you have gone through the same process and know it’s often the best course to take when you lose a tooth. I just wish it was painless. Whine over:)
We’re heading up to visit our grandson tomorrow so if I don’t post on Wednesday, know that I am having a great time and not stressing about my tooth.
Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!
Don’t forget to floss:)
Oh, the whole thing sounds so miserable. So sorry. Enjoy your grandson.
Thanks Sanda!
Have you considered changing dentists?
I did after 30 years with the same dentist and expensive procedures.
Get a new one and you will be much happier and your teeth will match. Your dentist needs to retire.
This is his last shot! If they don’t match I will insist he keep trying until they do.
What a journey it has been for you!!! I hope the pain will subside soon!
Have the best time with your grandson!!!!
Thank Andrea. He is the best medicine. I hope you are well.
Oh dear!I hope you’re on the road to recovery from your ordeal and I think you need some massage on your neck and some Rescue Drops.I must say it is amazing what they can do now in dentistry but it’s like “no pain no gain”.
Enjoy your visit with your grandson and how’s little Lucy?
Little Lucy is thriving! Thanks for asking. A massage sounds heavenly. I need to treat myself. Thanks for the suggestion. xx
Oh, wow, Jennifer! I’m sorry! I can absolutely sympathize. I myself am going through the process of having an implant redone. I’ve been without a tooth for several months, but fortunately it’s near the back where it can’t be seen. As good a care as I take of my teeth, you wouldn’t believe the number of crowns and implants I’ve endured. I’ve even had a gum graft done on my lower gumline under the four front bottom teeth! But, unless I open wide and you’re looking into the back of my mouth, you’d never know it. I do have expert dental care. Take care, Jennifer. You will get through this.
Wow Kathy! You’ve been through the ringer! I may need a graft up front where I’ve lost nine and I’m dreading it. That’s the bizarre thing. I take excellent care of my teeth. So not fair! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jennifer, your teeth look very nice. Thanks for sharing your experience. I can relate to your frustration, pain and anxiety. Your posting is very timely. Yesterday afternoon, a piece of my front tooth (a 20 year crown) broke off. I immediately called my dentist (great dentist). I was able to see my dentist this morning. The decision was made to replace the old crown with a new one. I agreed to start the procedure immediately. I spent 2 1/2 hours in the dental chair with my mouth open, multiple appliances crammed into it and, like you, I started to panic (this was the first time I panicked like this at the dentist’s office). I had to sit up and take a few deep breaths. On top of that I had to sit for 4 minutes with a mouthful of paste to form a mold. 4 minutes is not long, but it seemed like it was taking forever. Back to the dentist, in two weeks, to replace the temporary crown with the permanent one (at least I hope it will be permanent).
I did those exact molds! It felt like it took forever! It was do hard not to gag. I hate those. I hope your crown goes smoothly.
So sorry to you had to go through that. I would have needed a major sedative to have survived that. Have fun with your grandson.
Thanks Yvonne! I wish I’d had the sedative;)
Oh dear…I do empathize. I have had quite a few crowns but they are not in the front.
Fortunatley we have a great dentist who is gentle and kind…it does put me at ease when he talks me through everything that he is doing…I hope you are feeling better now.
Thanks Leslie. Mine is very kind too but I’m more sensitive about this than any other dental issues I’ve had.
I feel your pain and you have my full sympathy. Similar happened to me while on holiday in France. I had 6 months without a front tooth as the dentist couldn’t replace the crown. Although the wait seemed endless the wait was eventually worth the end result. Enjoy your time with your grandchild.
Ouch Jill! That’s brutal. I am enjoying he immensely.
I understand dental visits perfectly. They’re awful. One time a few years ago I got so panicked I left the dental chair and went home.
I totally understand! I really wanted to leave.