Several years ago, I had a molar that was badly decayed and had to have it extracted. Now, whenever I go to a dentist, they always want to talk to me about getting a partial bridge done. Even with insurance, the procedure would cost several hundred dollars out of pocket. Since the tooth (or lack thereof) has never bothered me, and since money (and lack thereof) is also an issue, I have never had this done.
Besides the fact that every time I go to the dentist they want to do an expensive procedure, another reason I hate going to the dentist is that I have had a few really bad experiences. Once, while getting a filling done, I didn't get enough Novocaine and the dentist started drilling before I was numb. Other times, I have had dentists lecture me on my dental sins rather than move forward to fix and prevent further issues. Even if you know you are wrong, you don't want to be lectured by anybody.
One of the things, at least in my past, has been poor communication from my past dentists in regards to the importance of dental health. I like to know all of my options. It doesn't help if I feel that the dentist is only trying to come up with ways to get more money rather than looking out for what is best for me and my dental health.
I recently came across the website of Dr. Mac Lee. He is a TMJ Dentist Richmond TX and has appeared on the Dr. Oz show. He is also the author of the book "I Hate Dentists!" His website is very informative about all sorts of different dental issues and explaining the consequences of not receiving treatment. One of the things I learned is that issues such as headaches and neck pain could be the result of a bad bite. Who knew?
As somebody who suffers from sleep apnea and has to use a CPAP machine, I also found out that there are dental alternatives to treat sleep apnea for those who have a hard time with the CPAP machine. Personally, I have adjusted to wearing the CPAP mask just fine, but it is good to know that there are other options out there if I needed them.
Unfortunately, I am probably going to have to bite the bullet (pun intended) and get to a dentist pretty soon. I have two wisdom teeth, one top and one bottom, in the very back of my mouth that are in need of attention. Both had a little piece break off of them and will either need to be repaired or extracted. I hope all they will need is a filling. I definitely can't afford root canals or crowns which is why I will wait until after I get my tax refund next spring.
My wife suffered at the hands of Army dentists when she was an Army brat growing up, and the experience left her terrified of dentists. I've had the same dentist for 25 years and I can honestly say he's never caused me any pain, and I've had everything done that a dentist can do. Modern dentistry has come a long way. If your dentist hurts you you're going to the wrong dentist.
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