5 hours of dental work later

Have I mentioned that I should be a science experiment? In the realm of medicine and dental care, there is no such thing as a straight line to success for me. There are always complications. This is part of what has driven my fear of going to the dentist, because I have trouble getting numb and I don't tolerate numbing agents that contain epinephrine very well. The epinephrine helps potentiate lidocaine or novacaine. (Read: gives it a longer half-life and generally produces better numbing results). I have TMJ, so keeping my mouth open for long periods of time can be an issue.

Although my treatment yesterday was painful and long, I have to say that it taught me a couple of things. One is that you do have a voice once you hit the chair. If you are in pain, the dentist will stop -- but you have to ask. I think this is one of the key issues in good dental treatment -- creating a relationship of trust and communication between you and your dentist.

As it turns out the nerve canal running along the tooth to be extracted and the tooth that needed a root canal was quite inflamed and not all of the work could be completed as a result. The bad news is that I have to go back next week and have the treatment finished. The good news is that we got one of the teeth out (although it took two dentist to perform the operation...) We exhausted the recommended amount of numbing agents, and simply had to stop.

I was prescribed an antibiotic to deal with the inflamation and Ultram and Naproxin Sodium for pain. Wouldn't you know I didn't sleep most of the night, not because of the pain, but as -- true to form, I am allergic to something and was itching like mad last night.

While I was filling the prescriptions at the pharmacy (conveniently located right across from the dentist) the dentist came over to check on me because of the complexity of the case. Later last evening she called and asked how I was.

I have to say, I have never seen a staff with more compassion and concern. I am so impressed with my new dentist. Check out their office here, and make sure you tell them Peppy sent ya.