When I went for my routine dental cleaning nearly a year ago, my dentist gently suggested I was old. Well, he actually said that the fillings in my teeth were old. He tried to say it nicely. He said, "You know, those fillings have really held up for a LONG time. They don't usually last that long. They are usually only good for about 15-20 years."
Gee, thanks.
Considering that majority of the fillings in my mouth were originally placed around the time I was 5-12 years old, I suppose I can admit that they might be past their prime.
The dentist went on to explain how cavities will form around the old fillings. He also proudly shared the improvements in the dental technology since I was a kid.
What he didn't share was how much easier it was to get fillings as a kid. As an adult, I am finding the process to be rather painful when the numbing medicine wears off. My dentist is has a reputation for being gentle, and helping his clients to relax during their dental visits. I am impressed by the way he can apply the numbing medicine without causing any pain....not even a pinch. He is certainly good at his trade.
It is the recovery that I find to be so painful. I feel as though someone has jogged on my mouth. My jaw is sore. My gums are sore. And my body feels exhausted. I am not sure what is causing this degree of pain and discomfort.
We are addressing one quadrant of my mouth at a time. I've been twice now. Both times have been followed up with me taking Tylenol for the pain and a nap for the weakness. I just don't recall feeling that way when I had dental work as a kid.
Maybe the dentist is right. I might be getting old.
Gee, thanks.
Considering that majority of the fillings in my mouth were originally placed around the time I was 5-12 years old, I suppose I can admit that they might be past their prime.
The dentist went on to explain how cavities will form around the old fillings. He also proudly shared the improvements in the dental technology since I was a kid.
What he didn't share was how much easier it was to get fillings as a kid. As an adult, I am finding the process to be rather painful when the numbing medicine wears off. My dentist is has a reputation for being gentle, and helping his clients to relax during their dental visits. I am impressed by the way he can apply the numbing medicine without causing any pain....not even a pinch. He is certainly good at his trade.
It is the recovery that I find to be so painful. I feel as though someone has jogged on my mouth. My jaw is sore. My gums are sore. And my body feels exhausted. I am not sure what is causing this degree of pain and discomfort.
We are addressing one quadrant of my mouth at a time. I've been twice now. Both times have been followed up with me taking Tylenol for the pain and a nap for the weakness. I just don't recall feeling that way when I had dental work as a kid.
Maybe the dentist is right. I might be getting old.
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