Dental care discussions and local services.
kevinreader
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RE: What actually happens when you need a bone graft for dental implants?
That numbness got me too - felt like my lip was asleep for weeks. The weird taste, I chalked up to the antibiotics and all the rinsing. Did you ever get that tingling when you’d yawn or laugh? Mine would buzz a little, a...
RE: GETTING THROUGH THE DENTIST CHAIR WITHOUT PANIC - ANYONE TRIED SEDATION?
It’s funny, I used to think it was just the drilling or the needles that made me anxious, but honestly, for me it’s always been the waiting and worrying beforehand that gets me the most. Once I’m actually in the chair, I...
RE: Brightening My Smile Without The Ouch - Is It Possible?
That “squeaky clean” feeling after a cleaning is almost addictive for me - like I want to run my tongue over my teeth all day. I always tell myself I’ll keep them that way, but then, like clockwork, I start craving a hot...
RE: Retainer glued in or popping one in and out?
That really hits home. I had my fixed retainer for nearly a decade, and let me tell you, the flossing saga was real - those threaders always seemed to vanish when I needed them most. Funny thing is, even after all those ...
RE: Saw a news piece about more adults getting braces - what’s it really like?
I can relate. When I first got braces in my late 50s, I was convinced every little click from the brush meant a bracket was about to go flying. Took a few weeks (and a couple panicked calls to my ortho) before I realized...
RE: braces vs clear aligners: which made you feel less self-conscious?
Funny you mention the speech thing - every time I switched to a new tray, I’d get this weird lisp for a couple days. My grandkids thought it was hilarious. With braces, I just had that classic “braces smile” and dealt wi...
RE: Saw a news piece about more adults getting braces - what’s it really like?
I remember the first time I tried to use a water flosser - felt like I needed to tarp the bathroom. You’re right about those interdental brushes, though. My dentist called them “game changers” for getting under the wire....
RE: Worried about 6 root canals
I get what you’re saying, but in my case, the x-rays actually caught a nasty infection I didn’t even feel yet. Sometimes the pictures do show stuff before it gets painful. Still, six at once sounds extreme unless they’ve...
RE: Feeling grateful I finally qualified for full arch implants - anyone else relieved after a long wait?
Man, your post took me right back. I spent YEARS with that “not yet” hanging over my head too. Every time I’d get my hopes up, my dentist would poke around, sigh, and say we had to wait and see if things improved. I star...
RE: Why is post-extraction care so confusing?
That hits the nail on the head. I’ve had more extractions than I care to admit, and every time, the “soft food” advice was just as vague. Once I got a list that included scrambled eggs and yogurt, but then another dentis...
RE: Coping With That Annoying Dry Socket Pain After Tooth Extraction
This is so true. I remember after my lower molar was pulled, I was convinced every odd sensation meant disaster. I’d read horror stories about dry socket and scared myself silly. Honestly, I think the mental side of it i...
RE: Chewing Gum That Actually Works For Gross Breath?
Funny you mention the strong mint flavors - I tried one of those “intense” peppermint gums a while back and it felt like I’d just gargled mouthwash straight from the bottle. My eyes watered, but I’ll admit, it did kill t...
RE: Finding the right dentist for dental implants: my step-by-step approach
Couldn’t agree more about the “eat what feels comfortable” advice - felt like a cop-out to me, too. I remember sitting there after my first implant, holding a spoonful of mashed potatoes and wondering if even that was pu...
RE: Finding silver linings during years in assisted living
Funny you mention the tea - mine’s black with a splash of milk, and I swear half the new folks think I’m joking when I say “no sugar.” It’s true though, sometimes the newer aides have clever tricks. One gal showed me how...
RE: WHEN TOOTHBRUSHES BECOME ENEMIES: DEALING WITH STIFF FINGERS
That made me laugh - I’d take two if they ever make those. Years ago, my occupational therapist wrapped foam tubing around my brush handle. Not pretty, but it’s still easier than anything I’ve bought off the shelf. I tri...