Mein Gott!

[pocketfightr]

Yesterday pretty much put me in freak out mode. I went to the dentist and he's really pushing to remove my wisdom teeth. Why? Not because they're doing anything right now, but because they might cause damage in the future (and "three people had to have root canals this past week because their wisdom teeth caused decay with the tooth in front of it

Comments

[videogirl42]

Kevin got his wisdom teeth removed because they had cavities in them already. You could always get a second opinion.

As far as having them taken out, Kevin was given the choice of going to an oral surgeon and being "knocked out" or just getting gased and novacained up at the dentist. He picked the gas/novacaine because it was way cheaper. He was awake for the whole thing, but didn't feel much.

Mine were removed in 8th grade. They didn't even have roots yet, so they had to cut into the gums and find them. I was definately knocked out for that, lol. I am kind of glad they were removed back then so I don't have to worry about them anymore!

[pocketfightr]

You were actually the specific one I was thinking of when I said I knew people who have had them removed. The dentist didn't even give other options, just handed me forms to sign to get whatever drug they're going to use. I'm supposed to be able to respond during the operation but my short term memory of the surgery would be erased. I won't be able to drive home or do much of anything the following day (whether that's due to the pain of having them removed or the drug, I don't know).

My parents are really pushing me to go to Creighton and get a second opinion... I just can't afford to go do that right this moment, since I just dished out like $175 for this appointment (AFLAC took care of $75... unfortunately I had to have 2 sets of x-rays which they don't cover). BLAH.

I think maybe having wisdom teeth removed back then might have been a bit of an advantage. At least you don't have to take a gamble on them causing harm once they were in.

[videogirl42]

You mentioned you had another dentist... could you go to him for a second opinion?

Kevin was able to drive home the next day. I think the reason they tell you not to go to work the next day is because you will be in pain (headache, jaw ache, socket ache), and they give super strong pain killers that can make you a little loopy.

Obviously, in the end, they can't make you do anything you don't want to. And it is going to be very expensive without insurance. I would say if they are not causing you pain and are not doing any damage (cavities, pushing teeth around, etc), then you could probably wait a bit. I can see what he is saying about it being preventative, though. Tricky...

[pocketfightr]

The thing about the dentists at this office... you don't get to pick who you see, it's just whomever is available. Crappy beyond belief. It didn't used to be that way but our dentist retired and then they started doing this shortly thereafter.

I do have AFLAC's dental plan. It would only cover $450 of the $1208 though. Still a huge chunk of change for me to pay.