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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deneb on April 29, 2006, at 1:57:42
I can't go to sleep because the pain intensifies when I try to sleep. Getting up and doing things seems to drastically reduce and even stop the pain.
:-(
I took 2 Advils and it didn't work. I took one of my Mom's Tylenol 3's.
I went to the dentist today and he couldn't do anything but give me antibiotics. He said I grind my teeth at night. He said I wore my teeth down. Why didn't he tell me I grind my teeth during my biyearly check-ups??? He should have told me so I could prevent the grinding!
The dentist said now there is nothing that can be done. Do I have to live with a toothache the rest of my life? :-(
This sucks. I can't go on like this. I can't just keep taking Tylenol 3's. I'll run out.
Whaaaaaaa! My tooth... :-(
The pain stopped for now. I don't know if it's because the Tylenol 3 kicked in (it hasn't been that long) or because I'm up instead of trying to fall asleep.
It's really weird how there is little or no pain during the day and lots of pain at night. What could cause this?
I'm a complainer. :-(
I can't handle the pain.
Toothache, please go away. Please never come back.
Deneb*
Posted by ClearSkies on April 30, 2006, at 7:50:37
In reply to My toothache :-(, posted by Deneb on April 29, 2006, at 1:57:42
Why doesn't your dentist make a nightguard for you to prevent further grinding down of your teeth? I've been wearing one for years (I have the same problem) and bring it to all my hygiene appointments. Relying on painkillers is not treating the grinding problem.
ClearSkies
Posted by Deneb on April 30, 2006, at 15:57:53
In reply to Re: My toothache :-(, posted by ClearSkies on April 30, 2006, at 7:50:37
I just found out about the night guard. My dentist only mentioned it in passing. I guess he didn't think I needed one?? Anyways, I want one. I'm going back to the dentist to have a night guard made for me.
He said I wore down my enamel and that is why I have the toothache. I have no cavities or abscesses. He said grinding was the only explanation. He showed me a normal tooth with sharp points, and then mine, which are a bit flattened out. I can't chew on my right side right now because it hurts when I do. It hurts at night even without chewing.
I'm wondering if grinding really is the problem. I'm thinking of getting a second opinion.
Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on May 1, 2006, at 17:05:11
In reply to Re: My toothache :-( » ClearSkies, posted by Deneb on April 30, 2006, at 15:57:53
The lower right quadrant of my mouth still hurts! It's a deep, sometimes throbbing, sometimes piercing on and off sort of pain!
I'm getting a second opinion from another dentist tomorrow.
I just want the pain to stop and go away forever! I feel bad for all the people with chronic pain. It's a horrible thing. I don't think I would be able to live with pain.
Something needs to be done! My dentist abandoned me with this pain. He just said, "Oh, you grind your teeth," end of story! He basically said there's nothing that can be done for me. I can't live with this pain!
I really hope this next dentist will be able to help me.
Sorry about complaining. :-( I guess I'm not one to suffer in silence...
Deneb*
Posted by ClearSkies on May 1, 2006, at 18:09:55
In reply to Re: Pain is evil!, posted by Deneb on May 1, 2006, at 17:05:11
For me, the only thing worse than dental pain is when my feet hurt. I hope you never have to go through the joy of having matching bunions :-)
Of course, there are treatments for teeth grinding. Nightguards protect your teeth and remaining enamel; one guard, called an NTI, is designed to retrain the muscles in your jaw so that your upper and lower jaws engage fully rather than slide around (the grinding). Your teeth can be micro-filed so that your bite is engaged more fully.
But dental pain is something to be treated, not lived with! Go for that second opinion, or ask your 1st dentist for that nightguard.
Also, I switched to a senstive-teeth toothpaste and that helps a lot (even if you aren't bothered by the hot/cold sensations on your teeth). It takes a week or so to feel the benefit of using a toothpaste like that. I think that a fluoride treatment might also help? Ask your dentist on that one.Good luck
CS
Posted by Deneb on May 1, 2006, at 18:37:22
In reply to Re: Pain is evil! » Deneb, posted by ClearSkies on May 1, 2006, at 18:09:55
> For me, the only thing worse than dental pain is when my feet hurt. I hope you never have to go through the joy of having matching bunions :-)
I've never had bunions before. Ouchie! Are your feet better now?
>
> Of course, there are treatments for teeth grinding. Nightguards protect your teeth and remaining enamel; one guard, called an NTI, is designed to retrain the muscles in your jaw so that your upper and lower jaws engage fully rather than slide around (the grinding).My dentist only mentioned a nightguard in passing. I'm definitely going to ask about that. I don't want my teeth to be damaged anymore.
Did you discover your grinding early? Or was there already enamel damage? I wish my dentist had told me earlier. I don't know why he never mentioned it during checkups. <angry face>
Thanks so much for all the information. I'm going to use the special toothpaste immediately. I'm going to ask about that fluoride treatment. My dentist doesn't tell me anything!
My pain has stopped for now. I took some Advil, maybe that has helped, I don't know.
I'm going to be taking a lot of Advil...
Deneb*
Posted by ClearSkies on May 1, 2006, at 19:15:59
In reply to Re: Pain is evil! » ClearSkies, posted by Deneb on May 1, 2006, at 18:37:22
I had surgery on each foot to correct the bunions. The metatarsal bone of the big toe grows too long and the surgery trims that bone and pins it back into place. I have had happy feet ever since, and can easily pick up pencils with my toesies.
I would be wary of any dentist who does not tell you of all the possible treatment options.
Posted by Deneb on May 1, 2006, at 20:42:13
In reply to Re: Pain is evil! » Deneb, posted by ClearSkies on May 1, 2006, at 19:15:59
> I had surgery on each foot to correct the bunions. The metatarsal bone of the big toe grows too long and the surgery trims that bone and pins it back into place. I have had happy feet ever since, and can easily pick up pencils with my toesies.
That's great! :-)
My Mom's feet looks like it has bunions, but she isn't in any pain. Are bunions caused by ill-fitting shoes?
> I would be wary of any dentist who does not tell you of all the possible treatment options.
Me too. My Mom keeps telling me how great this dentist is because he has a lot of experience. I don't really like him much. We never discuss my teeth. He never talks about prevention or anything.
My Mom wants me to try some Chinese medicine for my toothache. She truly believes I have pain because I have too much "heat" right now. I need to drink "cooling" medicine and teas to counter the "heat". I don't really believe in this heat stuff...but I'll drink the medicine nonetheless.
Deneb*
Posted by ClearSkies on May 2, 2006, at 7:10:20
In reply to Re: Pain is evil! » ClearSkies, posted by Deneb on May 1, 2006, at 20:42:13
I'd also be willing to try the Chinese remedy, if it gave me relief from my symptoms. Alternative remedies have so many healing properties that we know nothing about.
CS
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 2, 2006, at 16:57:26
In reply to Re: Pain is evil! » ClearSkies, posted by Deneb on May 1, 2006, at 20:42:13
is heaven for tooth ache..
Its pretty cheap from a health food shop, and you put some on your finger, and rub it on the gum and tooth where it hurts..
It really is amazing stuff!
Nikki
Posted by Deneb on May 2, 2006, at 17:25:56
In reply to Clove Oil.., posted by NikkiT2 on May 2, 2006, at 16:57:26
> is heaven for tooth ache..
>
> Its pretty cheap from a health food shop, and you put some on your finger, and rub it on the gum and tooth where it hurts..
>
> It really is amazing stuff!
>
> NikkiThanks for the tip Nikki. I'm going to look for some after my dentist appointment today. (I'm getting a second opinion.)
Right now the pain is gone. I don't know if it's because of the Advil. The pain comes and goes and keeps me up at night. I'm willing to try anything.
I did some research and am beginning to suspect a cracked tooth. I'll see what the dentist says.
Deneb*
Posted by Deneb on May 2, 2006, at 21:48:39
In reply to Re: Clove Oil.. » NikkiT2, posted by Deneb on May 2, 2006, at 17:25:56
The dentist did some tests on my teeth...tapping them, having me bite on them, a cold sensitivity test, and some other tests.
He determined that my back tooth is dead. :-( The enamel has been totally worn away from teeth grinding, yet there was absolutely no pain or feeling from the cold test. He says it's dead because I cracked the tooth.
He referred me to an endodontist. It looks like I'm going to be having some pretty expensive dental work done.
He gave me a script for ibuprofen 600.
You know the forms they have you fill out for new patients? They were very extensive! One question was if I had psychiatric problems... I didn't know what to do...I'm a bit ashamed. I put down the meds I was on, so I figured they would probably guess yes, so I just checked the "yes" box. Then the dentist saw me and had me clarify *what* kind of psychiatric problems I had! I just said anxiety and depressions. I saw no need to mention the borderline stuff. I was a bit of a wreak the whole appointment...blushing like a mad person, avoiding eye contact, wandering in a confused daze after the appointment and almost forgetting to pay. I'm mortified. :-(
Now I'm wondering why he didn't give me Tylenol 3's...that's what my Mom got when she had a toothache...Now I'm wondering if it's because he's worried about me ODing on Tylenol 3's. Ibuprofen is a lot safer than acetaminophen. I'm mortified.
My dental nightmare has just begun. :-( I don't care if I have to pay more, give me freaking benzos for my appointments!
Anyhoo, I bought some clove oil at the health foods store. I tried some after dinner at McDonald's with my Mom, after my appointment. It seems to be working... I'll find out for sure when the pain starts up again.
Deneb*
This is the end of the thread.
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